Lights! Camera! Action!
Written: Feb 15 '02 (Updated Feb 15 '02)
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Pros: Remote Control, LCD View Finder, Sound
Cons: Zoom at 400x isn't that clear
The Bottom Line: This is a great camera to captures those unforgettable moments on.
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| katopasna's Full Review: JVC GR-SXM527 S-VHS-C Analog Camcorder |
I bought the "JVC GR-SXM527 Camcorder Compact VHS" before my daughter was born because my last one was 10 years old and about dead. I figured a new camera was what we needed to film our new baby. It is amazing at how much technology has grown in a matter of 10 years. My last camera was also a compact one but it was much heavier and didn't have the LCD screen or volume control on it.
This camera is easy to use, some of its features are:
400X Variable Speed Digital Hyper Zoom
3" high resolution 270 degree rotating LCD Color monitor
Black and white viewfinder
Pro-cision 5 Video Head VHS-C and Super VHS ET recording system
Digital Image Stabilizer
Full-function Remote Control
Program AE with 7 Special effects and Digital Special Effects
Auto and Pro-Style recording modes
Wide Mode
Tele-Macro
Manual focus, Exposure, and White Balance modes
Animation and Time Lapse
Quick review and retake function
8 Instant titles
Black fader
Digital Wipes and Fades
5-Sec Record mode
Digital Auto Tracking
Endurance Shooting - lower power consumption for longer battery life.
Multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/battery charger with built-in battery refresher
Insert Editing / Audio Dubbing
J-Terminal
Shoulder Strap, Compact VHS cassette playpak
Integrated Auto Video Light
AV output (monoral audio)
3-way power. 6V DC
Self Timer, Date/time display with Auto date, HQ (High Quality) System
So far, I have had no problems with it. It is simple to use. I have not lost or broke the lens cover yet since it is built in on this camera. Just a quick twist and it opens and closes easy. I also have not misplaced the light since it is also built into it. There is a switch for the light so that is "on, off or auto".
I have played with many of the features on this camera and love them. The " Special effects that come with it are fun to use. They can help make an even better home video. These include:
Black Fade
Mosaic Fade
Shutter (Wipe)
Slide (Wipe)
Door (Wipe)
Corner (Wipe)
Window (Wipe)
You can also film a movie in a Sephia effect which will give that reddish brown tint to make it look like an older movie. You also have high speed shutter for filming sporting events. And the classic "fog" look to soften a subject and give it a fantasy look.
I think my favorite thing about this camera is the playback function. Because of the color LCD viewfinder you can watch what you recorded on the camera itself and the best part is you can actually "hear" the sound. It does come with a volume control so no headsets are needed. When you are done you can hit the RETAKE button and it will automatically rewind you to where your recording left off.
The remote control that comes with this is a full function remote. You can play, record, rewind, forward, zoom, stop, pause, dub, insert, and even has time lapse capability on it. The remote comes in handy for when you do hook the camera up to a TV to watch the video. It gives you the convenience to sit back and watch and rewind in comfort.
Now the one thing I noticed was that the zooming at the 400x isn't the clearest. I am not sure if it was just what I was trying to record or not. I was filming the USS Carl Vinson getting ready for West Pac and all the sailors were "Manning the Rails".. I decided to zoom in on them to get facial expressions. ( I was pier side so not a far distance from them). I was able to get close enough to see them but all their features came out blurry. I tried again later on at a farther distance when the ship was already on its way and still didn't have much luck with that.
When you are recording with the JVC GR-SXM527 all features and effects that you have picked show up on the view finder in an easy to read fashion. It can take some time getting used to what each setting means and does. But then eventually you will find one setting you like a just leave it there.
I bought this camera from the HSN network and it came with a carrying bag, battery, charger, video adapter and strap.
The remote takes 2AAA which came included. I am not sure if they come standard or if that was part of the package I bought.
This camera is comfortable to carry, you can adjust the hand strap so you can get a nice snug fit. It is lightweight and small enough that it doesn't become a nuisance.
Overall, I would say this camera was worth what I paid for it. It is easy to use and has a lot of great features built into it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 399.00
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Epinions.com ID:
katopasna
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Location: The Coast of Oregon
Reviews written: 289
Trusted by: 77 members
About Me:
My son just graduated from the AFB Boot Camp!!
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