Why did I buy this JVC Camcorder? Well, because of all the great reviews I read. The first review that got my attention on JVC Digital Video Cameras was from TechTV (on the DVL505 model). With all the positive remarks about the JVC Digital Video Cameras from different sources, I knew this camera would not let me down.

What do you get with the JVC Digital Video Camera GR-DVL510U? This camera is both a full motion MiniDV camcorder and digital still camera (DSC). It uses the MiniDV cassettes (for full motion video) and memory cards marked "SD" or "MultiMediaCard" (for still shots) exclusively. The camera comes with a 8 MB MultiMediaCard and USB cable to transfer those still shots to your computer, and an audio/video (AV) cable (mini-plug to RCA plug) to transfer the video to your TV or VCR. You can also transfer your video to your computer with a Digital Video Connector using i.link, although you have to open the LCD monitor to plug in the i.link. The other connection plug-in areas (S-video, USB, edit connector, and AV cable) are located to the left of the lens for easy access.

Other provided accessories with this camera include: AC Adapter, Basic Remote Control Unit (w/ 2 batteries), Battery Pack with about 1 hour of recording time (there's an optional battery pack -BN-V856U- that has about 7 hours using the LCD monitor), Lens Cap, Shoulder Strap, and two CD-ROMs: USB Driver/Mr. Photo Gold (programs for Windows and Mac) and a JVC Interactive powered by Popcast, FxAlive and Mugshots Games.

The 2.5" Color LCD Monitor rotates 270 degrees (90 degrees down and 180 degrees up to give different shooting angles so you can shoot overhead, or even shoot yourself (somehow the monitor knows when you flip it so the image is not upside down). The black and white viewfinder is clear and good to use when you want to get the most time out of your battery.

I mentioned earlier that when you want to plug in your i.link you had to open the LCD Monitor, well the same goes for switching the operation mode from video to DSC (digital still camera) and for the video light, which can be switched off, on, or auto (video light stays on for "shutter" or "sports" mode and off for "Twilight" or "Night-Alive" mode).

For basic recording, using Full Auto is ideal. You can't use the special effects or manual adjustments in this mode, but in certain instances-why bother? I do recommend checking out the factory presets for both auto and manual recording in the instruction booklet before shooting your video. In the auto mode, sound mode is preset at 12 bit, zoom at 40x, and gain up is preset at AGC. Depending on your situation, you may want to change these presets to optimize your video and audio.

Power Zoom is easily achieved with a tweek of a lever on top of the camcorder with a maximum zoom of 400x or 10x when switched to optical zoom. If you want to get really close to your subject you "macroshoot" to about 2 inches from your subject.

Manual recording lets you get your creative juices going. Night Alive uses a slow shutter speed to capture images in the dark, which can also make the image seem jerky, but you can get some cool effects when cars drive by. In the menu, you can use Program AE with Special Effects to accomplish varying shutter speeds: Shutter (1/60 or 1/100 to reduce fluttering from TV screen or fluorescent lights), Sports (variable speed 1/250-1/4000 for action slow-motion playback), Slow Shutter 4x and 10x (raises light sensitivity in dark environments); Snow and Spotlight compensates for subjects that look too bright or dark because of their surroundings; Twilight that makes evening scenes look more natural; Sepia, B/W Monotone & Classic Film (makes video look like an old-time movie); Strobe (snapshot effect); and Video Echo (dreamy effect).

Also, in manual mode there are various fades and wipes, snapshot recording, auto focus or manual focus, exposure control, iris lock, white balance adjustment and manual white balance operation.

There are factory presets for manual mode that you may want to change, depending on the shooting environment. The stabilizer is preset to off, so if your hand gets a bit shaky shooting video you may want to change the setting. Also, the wind cut feature is preset to off, so if you are filming outside on a windy day you may want to turn this on to cut down on the wind noise against the microphone.

I enjoy using this digital video camera mostly because it is light-weight (1.3 pounds), compact, and the main controls are right at my fingertips. Some accessories that I needed to get after purchasing my JVC Digital Video Camera were: a camcorder bag (I wanted the cables and other accessories together with the camera so I wouldn't lose them), MiniDV cassettes, a sturdy tripod (so I wouldn't miss out on the action while taping--if you get one, make sure it is sturdy so it won't tip over accidently and break the lightweight camera), and an extra battery pack. Also, if you plan to use this a lot as a digital still camera, too, get extra MultiMedia cards with more memory.

I was so used to borrowing other people's heavy camcorders that when I began using this one, it seemed so light that I thought I would drop it. The hand grip does keep it secure around my hand so I don't feel so apt to drop it. I also keep the shoulder strap around my arm, just in case.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 568