JVC GR-DVM5U

Suddenly, without warning, my JVC GR-DVM5U no longer works correctly. It was never dropped. It was never abused. The internal circuitry has simply gone bad. The focus no longer works at all; it refuses to be adjusted. The zoom no longer responds to switch adjustments. Playback circuitry has also given up the ghost, yielding a jittery, useless playback to a standard TV monitor. I do not recommend this camcorder.

Small size

Longevity

None

I chose this camcorder due to its small size and light weight - perfect attributes for recording my backpacking trips into the high mountains of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. From a typical "video viewer" standpoint, the image quality is really quite good and there are loads of internal features. From a professional standpoint - no - you would definitely be better off with a camcorder with 3CCDs such as the Sony DCR-VX2000 for the finest image quality. Even so, having worked professionally in local TV news, I can state for a fact that only 15 years ago, we were using 3/4 inch professional Hitachi news cameras that didn't grab images as pretty as the ones recorded by my little GR-DVM5U. Even a consumer with reasonably powerful editing software - such as Ulead MediaStudio Pro - could produce some slick programs with nothing more than a small DV camcorder like this. Of course, the 460K pixel resolution of the GR-DVM5U has long since been surpassed by newer models now on the market.

Small size, light weight.

1 CCD, 460k pixel resolution not as good as newer camcorders.

Sony DCR-VX1000

Good.

I really do love this camcorder, but many things to bug me about it. One is the motor noise, it really does get picked up on the mic, and the zoom makes a noticeable noise that is picked up on playback. Another is the battery. It does not last long at all, and i'm having a problem with it holding a charge for very long, but the pic quality is nice and the size helps.

pic quality, size

noise.

none

This product stands out as one of the best of JVC's cybercam range - for a home/holiday camcorder it excels. It includes a huge range of features which is topped off by a basic editing base station combined with easy to use ergonomics and small size. The unit itself is not the most comfortable to hold even with the included palm strap but the biggest annoyance is the motor whine which is picked up by the mic's. Picture quality is excellent, even more so when outputing to S-Video and the include package of leads and connectors etc is comprehesive

Size Performance/Price Features Looks

Motor Whine Uncomforable to Hold

Panasonic VHS-C Range

Not Needed

I wouldn't have purchased this camcorder, except for the fact that it was an Openbox special for $600.00 It's a great camcorder.

Small, Easy to use. Firewire, Stills, Great functions, Sturdy

only 400Lines of resolution. Limited Camcorder control from Firewire software.

Canon Alura (Excellent)

I had to buy a new charger, and it took three tries before they got it right.