JVC GZ-MG155EK Hard Disk Camcorder
JVC GZ-MG155EK Hard Disk Camcorder
The JVC GZ-MG155 features shooting sensitivity equal or better than previous models. For enhanced convenience the JVC MG155 offers a range of new features including: One-touch direct DVD burning a touch of the Direct DVD button is all thats need to burn footage from the camcorder to a DVD.
Customer Review: JVC Everio GZ-MG155
Ok this is my first ever review so bear with me.
First impressions of the camcorder, amazing very small maybe not pocket size but pretty small never the less definitely palm size. The buttons and switches are all ergonomically placed so that basic/auto functions can all be done easily with one hand. My only gripe is that it has a plastic feel. I’d prefer a heavier metallic finish but I know many of you prefer the lightness of plastic to heavy metal, and let’s face it who needs a titanium camcorder at a wedding or birthday party. It comes with a battery, a docking station, basic leads and all the paper work/CD.
Filming, I have only ever had mini DV camcorders before so this is a first time on a HDD camcorder and boy was I impressed! Against all my fathers lectures I never really read the manuals before use and just jump into the deep end. So I charged up the battery and gave it a go… Really easy I’m talking about as easy as turning it (which takes approx 6 seconds) after I recorded a few minutes (x32 zoom before the quality deteriorated) it was pretty easy to see what was recorded through the user-friendly menu system, see how much was left on the HDD and the % of battery used. Connected it straight to the TV with the docking station tuned to the AV channel and there was the recording! Later I played with the manual features (which I don’t know much about) so it was only a real basic trail e,g filming in b/w and sepia which worked well the thing I liked about the manual mode is that you can use it as SEMI-AUTO for instance have focus auto but have the manual shutter speed etc.. But I rather just use full-auto mode…
Getting the DVD, to be honest I’ve read some people say they had problem with the software etc… my answer was simple I didn’t install it I just used my regular film editing software (MAGIX on windows XP) which I highly recommend and it found the camera faultlessly (I used fire wire connection) and from then on it was the same capture procedure as if it was a mini DV.
Quality, ok so I got the DVD (filmed on the highest quality setting) put it in the player and watched… ok the quality isn’t Hollywood standard in fact not as good as DV standard but good enough! however you can tell it is filmed to a HDD and when you make a fast sweep with the camera the reproductions looks slightly pixelly with slight micro or even nano second slow downs… but having said that no one else that was watching noticed I think I was really looking for faults. The Colour capture was spot on and sound real good. Although I filmed my test movie on a bright sunny day I have also filmed in house “bulb” light conditions with good results.
Things you should know, Night/Very low light video recording is absolutely rubbish no night vision and just a silly little built in lamp that tries to reproduce the sun (that isn’t going to happen) so if you want night vision go for a Sony as this camera doesn’t do it! The battery that comes with the camera is small and has about 1 hour recording time however I found it adequate for what I use the camcorder for to be honest, although every one else hates it. The lack of a viewfinder does mean you have to have the little display open all the time which sucks energy out of the battery so you should really think about an extra battery… I did buy one a generic BN-VF815 which gives hours of recording; however you have to connect it to the camcorder with a little wire (going from the battery to the DC camcorder connection) which I don’t like at all!!! Not sure if the official battery just slots into the battery space. This cable also gets in the way when using the docking station therefore can’t be used at the same time as the docking station.
Another grip is that the recording seems to be a little shaky I know its not the cameras fault its mine.. But I don’t really have shaky hands so I’m guessing its over sensitive to movement this shakyness continues even with the anti-shake ON… but really its not to bad, I just have the bad habit of looking for faults and a more steady image would have be welcomed by me.
Although I haven’t even tested it yet and don’t think I ever will it does have a stills camera incorporated which records to a SD card, but from experience camcorder still cameras are real bad no matter the make or model, and prefer to use my digital camera for photos, Camcorders take bad photos as digital cameras take bad films.
Final thoughts, I liked the camera I really liked the camera and thus I will be using it from now on and leaving my faithful DV in the closet gathering dust… I recommend it, and if you are looking for a HDD camcorder (that doesn’t cost an enormous amount) you should think seriously about this one! I’m not sure how superior the Hi-Def version is or in fact how good the competitors are but for my uses this camcorder is great! I can see my self perhaps upgrading for a newer model in 3/4 years to give you some impression of longevity of the unit only as I like new technology, otherwise I can’t see why I’d change it. In short I’m happy I bought it!
Well thanks for reading I hope it wasn’t too long
Happy Recording
Customer Review: I CANT BELIEVE THIS….
Having looked for ages at HD camcorders i finally went for the JVC 155 (knowing that i could return it if it didnt do what it said on the box.)
All I can say is ….JVC IS NEVER GETTING THIS BACK.
Its fantastic. Even my 8yr old daughter operates it and she didnt even read the instructions (which i had to). Colour, sound, zoom, functions, software, ease of use, watching on TV, transfer to PC and DVD is all soooooo easy. Anyone who has a problem with this piece of kit is clearly a person to avoid in all ways. Right…enough said….its movie time…again and again and again……
-
Amazon Price: ?199.99
Continue …
Customer Review: Great little bag
This was the cheapest camcorder bag I could find, not that it shows. The build quality is top notch. The bag feels robust and hard-wearing and has enough padding to protect the contents from minor knocks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is just the right size to accommodate not only my MV930 camcorder, but my Ixus 550 too, meaning I only need to take one bag with me on a day out. There’s still room for a couple of mini DV tapes inside the bag and everything fits snugly with no rattling around. The pouch on the front offers ample room for other essential items - a couple of spare batteries, compact flash cards, mini-tripod, lens brush and a video cable. Suits my needs perfectly. Highly recommended.
Continue …
You will receive one Power Rechargeable Battery. This Rechargeable Battery 100% fits and is properly matching !
Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (originally packaged factory-new merchandise)
This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the original rechargeable battery included in delivery of the unit. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.
Features of this rechargeable battery:
- safety due to heat and overcharge protection
- real lithium-ion rechargeable battery, more power than the original rechargeable battery
- no memory effect recharge your battery whenever you like
- excellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessory
- the standard battery charger can still be used
Untitled Document Sony s flagship camcorder with a range of advanced features for professionals. 3CCD imaging system Exposure dial Powered zoom ring 25 Precision Colour LCD Memory Stick Slot Intelligent Accessory Shoe STAMINA 9h (with optional battery) 2 Lux Minimum Illumination 58 mm Lens 12x Optical Zoom / 48x Digital Zoom Optical Super SteadyShot 530 TV lines camera resolution Precision Colour Viewfinder iLINK (DV in/out) Analogue in/out
Amazon Price: ?1,448.48
Continue …
