JVC GR-DVL120U Digital CyberCam Video Camera- Putting the Icing on the Cake
Written: Aug 09 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spectacular Features, Price, Video (and sound) Quality, and 16x Optical Zoom...
Cons: Bottom Tape Loading
The Bottom Line: An excellent buy - Loaded and Cheap
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| roosthui's Full Review: JVC Cybercam GR-DVL120 Battery |
Before purchasing another camera I urge you to at least ponder the GR-DVL120U, reffered to in the future simply as "CyberCam". If you choose to waive this right then you quite posssibly might have missed the buy of the year! Never before has any company packed so many features into a camera and then decided to give it away like this. JVC's CyberCam offers us a glimpse of what home theatre should be.
The LCD and Viewfinder
The CyberCam features a fairly standard 2.5" Color display. It easily pops out of the side of the camera with a flick of the finger. The LCD ends-up getting quite a bit of use because the viewfinder is in black and white (which is boring). This is a negative effect because it ends up putting a rather large drain on the battery. Fortunately the LCD is comfortable to view even at odd angles. It is capable of swiveling up to 270 degrees.
The CyberCam was obviously not desinged for common usage of the viewfinder, because I find it annoying and uncomfortable. It's black and white; need I say more? Small and the zoom can be a little overpowering and causes you to become disoriented.
Video and Sound Quality
What can I say? Excellent? With 520 lines of resolution and and standard MiniDV tape this model certainly stands up for its modest price tag. The CyberCam offers a single Interlace CCD, providing 680,000 pixels of resolution (more than you can see!) with improved color saturation and reproduction which translates to better video quality for us!
Feautures and Effects
The JVC CyberCam offers one of the best zoom possibilities I have ever seen. 16x Optical and 700x Digital Zoom; Now thats called Close-up! I have found that even across a small field you can see the other side quite clearly with the just the LCD screen.
The CyberCam is not exactly compact; but neither is it obtrusive. Possibly one feature that saves you money. It employs an angular body and can be easily held in one hand. Unfortunately lefties this baby was designed for right-hand people. Not to worry it is relatively lightweight and balances excellent in one hand.
The SnapShot is truley valuable. No longer do you need to bring your video camera and digital camera on family vacations. All you need is your CyberCam! Located next to the zoom button is the quick shot button that lets you take still pictures on your video camera, and transfer them to your computer later using Firewire (instead of a USB cable). Built into the camera is your very own digital editing studio. TONS of effects, including the clasic fade in case you ever might need that ;).
Battery and Durability
The battery is definitely not award winning, but it gets the job done. It lasts for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. That's plenty for any home-video user. Honestly how often are you really going to use it that much, but for companies or functions it could pose a problem if it was needed all day. I've found that the battery life is significantly improved if you opt to record through the viewfinder rather than the LCD screen. Your choice. In my books: A minor detail.
Durability is decent. I would expect it to survive all the regular wear and tear, even the occasional droppage. If you are considering this as a potential problem don't loose any sleep over it! Here are the products official specifications...Good luck...
Specifications List
680,000 Pixel, 1/4" Interlace CCD
F1.8 Bright lens
Digital CyberCam Video Camera
110,000-pixel 2.5" High Resolution, 270-degree rotating LCD color monitor
700X Digital Hyper Zoom with Spline Interpolation
16X Optical Hyper Zoom
Digital Image Stabilizer
Black/White Viewfinder
16x9 Squeeze Mode
PCM Digital Stereo Audio
Snap Shot Modes: Full screen, Frame, Pin-up, Negative, Multi-Picture, 4-Frame / 9-Frame, Digital Still Output
Iris Lock
Wide Mode
Manual focus, Exposure, and White Balance modes
Black Fader
Digital Wipes and Fades
Variable-speed Shutter (1/500,1/250, 1/100, 1/60 sec.)
High Density Image Recording, Mini DV NTSC (SD specifications)
BN-V408U 800 mAh Lithium-ion, High Capacity, rechargeable battery pack
Built-in AC Power Adapter/battery charger
i.Link Digital Input/Output (IEEE 1394 compliant) DV in/out
S-Video Output
Shoulder strap, AC Adapter and AV output cables
Audio Dubbing
1 year parts, 90 days labor warranty
1.39lbs (630g)
3.7" (94mm)
3.27" (83mm)
8.78" (223mm)
Conclusion...
Possibly the buy of the year. The CyberCam is packed with features, but without the inflated price to reflect its power. Good luck!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
roosthui
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Location: Aurora, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Hey, my dream is to go to medical school, and I appreciate everyone's help.
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