JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)
by JVC
Our Price: $1,999.00
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: JVCRelease Date: 2007-02-15
Model: GZ-MG255
Product features:
- Shoot up to 37 hours of video with a built-in 30GB hard disk drive; No tape or disc required
- Gigabrid engine for high-quality video and stills
- Features hybrid HDD/SD card dual storage; SDHC memory card is also supported
- High quality MPEG-2 data compression for ability to record DVD-movie quality video
- Utilize data battery to check the remaining battery power by percent and remaining recording time
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- Corel Photo & Video Pro X3 Bundle [Old Version]
- Adobe Premiere Elements 9 [Old Version]
- AmazonBasics 3RCA Component Video Cable (6 Feet)
- AmazonBasics IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (6 Feet/1.8 Meters)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)
Customer Review: Excellent camera with just a few flaws
Summary: 4 Stars
Let's start off with the good.
GOOD
----
1) Easy to use. The learning curve for the menus and actual operation is pretty shallow. 15-20 minutes tops.
2) Solid AV quality.
3) Compact and sturdy construction.
4) Joystick-based menu controller. None of the fears of LCD breaking that's associated with touch screens.
5) Easy to download any video files to your PC, with or without the software
6) Included Dock
7) Still camera flash
8) MOD video files are simply renamed MPGs, which makes editing easy as pie.
9) Lots of space to record
10) Built-in USB
11) No recorded noise (that I could detect) coming from either the HDD or the zoom.
12) 16:9 widescreen recording. Great feature to have access to even if its not hi-def.
An now for the bad...
BAD
---
1) Included battery only lasts 1hr 15min. You'll definitely need to shell out $150-$200 more for a longer lasting battery and a separate charger.
2) Flash for stills, but no persistent light for video.
3) Low light shooting enhancements come at a price, mainly aperture speed.
4) No viewfinder.
5) MOD files have a small bug that improperly sets the 16:9 flag. The widescreen tag can be easily fixed by a free 3rd party tool though.
6) Placement of the power knob makes turning the unit on or off awkward. The problem stems from an inset push button lock in the knob. Simultaneously pushing the lock and turning the knob is usually best done with your free hand. It's just easier that way.
7) Somewhat flimsy feeling to the AC adapter.
8) Digital zoom is pretty much a waste of time. Compared to the optical, why bother? Way too grainy and over-processed. Then again, what would you expect from digital zoom?
9) Image stabilization for handheld shooting could be better. The jumping becomes more noticeable as you zoom in. A good tripod or monopod is a must.
10) 10x optical zoom is nice, but some people might wish for more - without investing in a telephoto lense.
11) It's small. REALLY small. Almost toy-like in size actually. Imagine stacking 3 or 4 iPods. =) Some newbies might be scared of breaking it, even if it is quite sturdy feeling.
12) Only 1 CCD.
With as many drawbacks as I mentioned, you'd think I'd rate the camera lower. Nah. It's a good product. The drawbacks are relatively small and easily forgiven in the grand scheme.
As far as price is concerned, for what you do get, the GZMG255 is actually worth the full list price of $700. So, at the sub-$550 price that many resellers are charging, the GZMG255 is a steal.
Not a pro camera, but definitely not a budget camera either. Spec-wise, it performs nicely in the mid-range. If this is your first camcorder then you could do far worse than the GZMG255.
One particular online review (cnet) was harsh on this camera (6.4/10). I firmly disagree. The GZMG255 is not meant to be a pro-level camera and shouldn't be judged by those standards. Based on a simple price to feature ratio, I'd give it a solid 4/5 (8/10 on their scale.) I might even give it a 4.5/5 or 8.5/10 based solely on practical use.
The GZMG255 offers a high degree of bang for the buck, more so at the recently discounted prices. Not an average cam.
More JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) reviews:
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1 2 3 4 5
Description of JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)
The GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all the stuff that makes life more fun. Whether you're recording the family football game or your child's first play, the 1/3.9-inch 2.1 MegaPixel CCD gets every part of the action. The 10x optical & 300x Digital Hyper Zoom lets you record every event, and the 2.7-inch LCD monitor lets you preview while you record. The built-in 30GB hard drive lets you record everything without having to carry tapes or memory cards> You can then transfer directly to a computer through the USB port, at an incredible 12x transfer rate. Share the highlights of your life more easily with the GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder. 30GB hard drive 540 lines of resolution 16 - 9 video mode (high-quality) Digital still capture (1600x1200) Built-in DVD control (share station) SD card slot USB 2.0 12x transfer rate Auto illumination light Power-linked operation Includes remote control Built-in flash PictBridge compatible Data battery (VF714) Multi-language controls (4 languages) Stick controller button MPEG editing, Cyberlink & Photo Navigator software includedCamcorders
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