JVC Home JVC Everio MS130 16GB Dual Flash Camcorder (Black)

Early experience good video format needs conversion

I've just begun testing this camcorder and it seems to work very well. Be aware of two limitations: (1) maximum file size is 4 GB so the manual says it will create a new file at that point if you are continuously recording. (2) the MOD file format is indeed MPG and can be copied from the camcorder and renamed as .mpg and edited. However even when acquired in 16:9 the file has internal tags that tell all Windows software that it is 4:3 so it appears "squeezed" on screen. The solution is to shoot in 4:3 only or to use DVDPATCHER to change all tags to 16:9 (be sure to keep the other parameters unchanged). Ultrafine has 9100k and Fine has 8400k data rate. The software provided for conversion only converts to WMF at low data rates so is not useful. Oh and JVC was completely unhelpful in this regard. They referred me to Pixela technical support even though the software was not the problem. (I would quote the rather dismissive email but that would be illegal according to JVC.)

I do not have an assessment of battery life yet. Menus I would assess to be a bit cumbersome with scrolling and selection buttons far apart from each other. Overall though a good camera -- very narrow in body and light in weight.More detail ...

JVC Everio GZ-MG670 80GB HDD Camcorder (Black)

Fine camera--BUT BEWARE...

This is a decent camera for the money. Large HD and easy to use laser-touch controls make using the camera a breeze. BUT--the camera records the video files in a file format called .MOD. This is different from the standard .mwv/.avi/.mov files which are supported by most media players and video editing programs. JVC provides a very sub-par program which allows users to download/manage/edit/convert the files but because this camera records in this MOD format users are stuck forced to use the JVC-provided software. This software is fine for very simple home use--uploading to YouTube or converting to iPod but if you want to do anymore than that (like use the files in Windows Movie Maker) forget it. They won't work. To get these MOD files into a usable format there are a few MOD file converters out there but be prepared to try each to find the one that works for your needs and then shell out additional $ for the software.



My taking the time to discover all this was more of an inconvenience than anything else but buyers need to be aware of what they are getting with the Everio BEFORE they buy.More detail ...

JVC Everio GZ-MG630 60GB Standard Def Camcorder (Blue)

Love This Camcorder!

I had read nothing but positive user reviews on another website and then read the negative ones on Amazon regarding the bundled software only working on systems with Vista. The camera itself had had such great reviews and it was a great price so I decided to buy it last week so I could film my son's school performance. The camera did an awesome job in a darkened auditorium -- the video was nice and clear there was minimal distortion when zooming in and the audio was clear and at a good level as well. Afterwards I installed the software on my Windows XP computer hooked up the camera via USB and was able to easily transfer the video to my computer. Playback was extremely clear! While I did have trouble with upload fails trying to get it to YouTube using the MediaBrowser software I was able to upload from YouTube without a problem. I just fell compelled to write and let other readers know that the camera and software DO work with XP -- no problem at all. I'm very happy with this camera!More detail ...

JVC GR-DA30US MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom

great buy for a great price

If you're looking for a good camcorder but BUDGET is keyword...look no further. This is one of the lower priced cameras out there and it doesn't lack in design or quality. The ability to tape in 16:9 is a plus too. I love the rear facing LCD screen...just a neat design that sets this camera apart from the others. The only thing I would suggest to JVS about this product is for them to have made a cover for the viewing screen while not in use.More detail ...