Compact, but No Substitute for Full-Size SVHS
Written: Nov 08 '01 (Updated Jul 26 '02)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Battery Life: |
|
|
| Movie Quality: |
|
|
|
Pros: Compact, 3" LCD, color viewfinder, good digital stills, SVHS, SVHS-EP, VHS.
Cons: Ergonomically clumsy, no a/v-in jacks, no external mike jack, poorly written manual.
The Bottom Line: For someone looking for an economical, quality, feature-loaded unit that is simple to use in auto mode, this is a must buy. Strongly recommended.
|
|
|
| glock21's Full Review: JVC GR-SXM930 S-VHS-C Analog Camcorder |
Some good reviews have been written about this camcorder and its almost identical twin under the GR-SXM920U heading, so I won't repeat those findings here. However, contrary to one statement made, the unit will not record in the LP speed- just SP and EP.
I would disagree with just about everything written in the preceding review under this section, where this unit is "not recommended."
I transitioned directly from a full-size SVHS (RCA CC560) to this compact SVHS-C unit, so the change is more dramatic for me than it will be for those already using compact units. While this unit is certainly smaller and lighter, it is far more difficult to achieve steady shots without a tripod, even with the digital stabilization feature "on".
Carrying the unit with it recording while walking is not nearly so convenient as is a full-size unit, most having a carrying handle on top. I like to walk in the woods, mountains, beaches etc. with the camcorder running, and having a handle to carry it at your side is useful.
Battery life with the provided battery is good after 3 or 4 complete discharge and charge cycles. On the initial charge, the battery only lasted about 20 minutes. I purchased 2 extra Lenmar 2700 mah batteries and home and auto chargers to provide longer recording sessions with battery power.
The DC-in terminal is located on the right side of the camera beneath the A/V-out jacks, not under the battery as stated by another reviewer. Also,the battery affixes to the rear of the unit, not "where you would normally hold" the unit (or at least, not where I would normally hold one).
I have found tape playback of the VHS-C tapes with the provided cassette adapter to be as good as a full size VHS tape; no problems.
Video quality is good, as is the quality of the still digital shots. I've had no problems downloading the stills to my computer, editing them with other photo software programs, and printing them. The key to downloading has been to use the provided JVC Picture Navigator software and serial cable, and correctly setting the com port assignment in the software. Once downloaded, the files can be imported into, or copied to, virtually any other paint program on your computer. I continue to be amazed at the number of people bugging JVC about a "driver" to download the images.
Insert editing works well, but you are limited to video input from the camera lens or digital stills stored in the camera, and audio input from the built-in microphone (not real sensitive). The unit has neither a/v-in jacks, nor an external microphone jack.
The built-in titler with its 8 canned titles is a drastic change from the RCA with its 40-page titler and full alphabet/numerals and font editing. If one of the provided titles doesn't fit the occasion, you'll have to edit elsewhere, or use a sheet of paper.
The operator's manual is poor, compared to manuals of yesteryear. It provides a very cursory overview of most features, and will leave you scratching your head about others. In one place it tells you to never store the battery in an uncharged condition, and in another it says storing it in a charged condition will degrade the battery. It tells you that while the battery is being charged, the camcorder cannot be operated. Then it tells you that moving the switch from "off" to one of the "on" positions will interupt charging (it does, and the unit runs from the adapter power). I suppose something was "lost" there in the translation.
There is no provision for storing the lens cap while shooting, so you just have to let it dangle, or improvise. I attached a piece of velcro to it and another piece to the bottom of the camera. Works fine. I hate swinging lens caps!
I find picking the camera up to be quite awkward. The tendency is to grasp it on both sides with one hand, your thumb on one side and four fingers on the other. However, doing so puts pressure on the LCD display (if it's closed) and that is not recommended. So, it's best to use both hands when picking it up.
In addition to the Super Lux feature, which really brightens dark scenes, the "Night Alive" feature can light up a night scene like a Starlight scope; although shutter speed is drastically slowed, and focusing can be difficult.
Overall, while this little camcorder doesn't have the rugged durability and utilitarian features of my old full-size unit, it does have numerous advanced digital features, is much lighter to carry with a shoulder strap, AND it didn't cost me $1695. I paid $367 at Beach Camera. I love it!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 367.00
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
glock21
|
|
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Retired from public service. Small business owner.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.