5 comments about JVC Everio GZ-MG360 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom.

1. This is the first camcorder I've ever owned, so unfortunately, I can't compare it to anything else. However, I've used it for about 3 weeks now, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. It is very easy to use, and its compact size allows me the opportunity to use it more than I probably would if it was bulkier.



2. What can I say? After trolling through pros and cons and tons of reviews, it came down to Panasonic, Sony and JVC. The Panasonic received too many negative reviews on their file format, and the only Sony option was Hard Drive since the flash camcorders used the very expensive and proprietary pro-duo memory cards. So Hard Drive camcorders it was. The 30 GB Sony was a tad more expensive, by about $[...], than the JVC. But it had 0 lux night vision. Awesome! The 30GB JVC Everio was cheaper and also had tons of great reviews. Then I checked the used camcorders. I picked up this 60GB version for a mere $[...] with an included JVC camera bag. So my choice was obvious, especially when I was able to score a 60GB for cheaper than the 30GB. It doesn't look used, only an open box item. Plus the Seller was great and got the camera to me sooner than expected. Awesome service from Offprice.
   
   Here's a list of programs I use. I convert into i-Pod, wmv and AVI for all my portable players and to send across the net. I convert into VOB and MPEGII for all my DVD recordings. Here's a list of all the programs I use, some free, some not. Nero Vision Express, Super encoder, TMPEG nc plus, TMPEG nc DVD Creator, and Archos media converter.
   
   Here's what I've done so far. I took the thing out and started recording at the best quality. Why not, it has 60GB of space. I also recorded an instructional video. After all my recording, I hooked the JVC up to the computer (external HD style), and simply drug the files directly into NERO Vision Express to create a DVD. I also created a DVD another way, by converting the files to .VOB and using TMPEG products to have total control over my DVD creation. Works like a charm, and quality is ok considering standard definition. On the 42 inch LCD HDTV, it looks ok. Not High Def, but I was only budgeting $[...], not $[...], so I wasn't expecting movie quality. But if you hook the player directly up to the TV, the quality is much better. So I'll tinker with it to find the best fit.
   I haven't tried the direct to DVD back-up yet from the camcorder, so I'll try that next.
   
   Now for the meat:
   Pros:
   It was the best deal I could find. $[...] for a 60GB 35x optical zoom is unbeatable. Speaking of the zoom, it gets a little fuzzy around 30x or so, but you can still make out a clear image. The optical stabilization works great when zooming in that close. I think the term for this type of zoom is "Stalker Zoom." The 60GB HD will allow many hours of the best quality recording (15 hours I think), and hooking it to the computer is a snap, like any other external HD. Working with the files is easy with the right programs, and many of them are free. I haven't installed the JVC stuff. Its small form factor (about the size of two packs of Marlboro 100s put together) is very compact and as the wife says, "cute." It's very good indoors, even better outdoors, and pretty good in low light situations. It's everything I expected it to be. I started recording as soon as I took it out of the box, so it's also very easy to use.
   
   Cons:
   The auto focus gets confused and sometimes takes a while under lowlight conditions. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the built in LED light; it seems to have a mind of its own and turns on and off by itself if it thinks the computer screen you're shooting is too dark (for an instructional video).
   It's not HD so expect standard definition quality on a large screen HDTV. That's all I can really think of other than the extra-life battery sticks out like a sore thumb, but at least it's out of the way during operation.
   
   Summary:
   I'll get a different point of view when the wife takes it out for our daughter's field day. As of yet, I call this the purchase of the year for me. I got what I wanted. Next, I'll look into HD camcorders, but that's going to be a long while from now. This JVC will suit our needs just fine and fit our budget perfectly. I highly recommend it.



3. The first impression of the JVC 60GB Camcorder was the compact size and light weight. The controls were very easy to figure out on day 1. The laser slider and touch controls are nice because the LCD screen won't get smudged.
   
   The camera takes pretty good pictures. The shot button is a 2-stage like many digital cameras. Press lightly and hold there for the camera to focus and adjust to the lighting; when you get the green indicator on the LCD screen, press down fully and take the picture.
   
   I think for most people, they will be pleasantly surprised with this camcorder. Form and function fit well with its size and weight.
   
   There are packages available on Amazon.com with this JVC, which include just about everything you'll need for most of us. I bought this camcorder as a package and saved a lot of money.
   
   The JVC 60GB Everio is a great buy, in my opinion.



4. I love this camcorder. It's light, small, and really easy to use. Good quality recording. It's first use was recording a 50th birthday party and it turned out great.



5. I searched high and low for a good HD camcorder that wouldn't break my bank and I finally found the JVC Everio GZ-MG360 for a decent price. I took it with me on a trip the day after I got it and have just now been able to see the finished product. Here's my eval of it:
   
   Pros:
   -VERY easy to use... if you're the least bit tech savy then you can figure out how to use everything by just simply clicking through the buttons.
   -Nice, functional design - lightweight, small, and very stylish!
   -Even on the highest 'ultra fine' setting I got 8 hrs of video.
   -Transfer between the camcorder and PC is a piece of cake... when you plug it in... it takes over!
   
   Cons:
   -Even though they do not lie about it... the battery life is only around 1hr or so... I would recommend buying a second battery... I had access to an outlet so no biggie.
   -I wish there was an automatic lens opener on it because I kept forgetting to open and close the lens... it does remind you however!
   -Not that this is a big deal but WMP does not recognize the 16:9 aspect ratio so you will need to use DIVX or RP to play the vid files with the correct aspect ratio.
   
   Summary: Overall I am VERY pleased with this camcorder and would highly recommend this for anyone wanting a low end price memory snapper! :)

5 comments about JVC GR-D850 MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom.

1. It is easy to use. But I realize there is no installation CD included in the box. Other than that, so far so good. I only had it for 3 weeks.



2. I recently had a bad experience purchasing another (quality name brand, begins with p) Mini-DV camcorder. It was around the same price as this one. I was really disappointed at the extremely poor quality, and distorted image. I didn't expect a lot, but having owned other camcorders, I expected something a little better.
   
   This one caught my eye for several reasons: Konica lens, no viewfinder, firewire link, extended battery time (1.5 hours versus most at 1 hour) and the price was right. At this price range, I didn't expect much, but what I got was AMAZING, and exceeded my expectations. I record in mostly low light, and some times those video can come out very grainy, or the lighting is green or yellow and goes in and out of focus. The picture from this camcorder in low light was very clear, not grainy at all that I could tell on a 32" Vizio, after using the auto light feature to record. Colors were very nice, no yellow or greenish tint at all, could see details very well. The zoom was very smooth and it kept in focus very well zooming. The sound is very nice as well.
   
   Another amazing feature was the image stabilization. I had the camcorder on a tripod, on a table. People kept bumping the table, at times for an extended time. It's virtually undetectable in the video. At the very worst bumps, you may see a very slight jump, but only if you are really looking for it.
   
   The camcorder is very easy to use. Menu is easy to navigate, and understand. Some nice features like black and white and sepia. My only complaint is turning the camcorder on and off is a little difficult, the button seems stiff. My video uploaded seamlessly into my 06 iMac, using iMovie HD, ideal for Mac users.
   
   I truly love this camcorder! This is the third MiniDV camcorder I've owned in the past 3 years, the most affordable, and by far the best. I highly recommend this product.



3. I bought this camera for an elderly woman who wanted to videotape sessions at church. She seems pretty happy with the camera, from the standpoint of never having owned a videocamera, The camcorder is very easy to use. Menu is easy to navigate, and understand.
   
   I highly recommend this product.



4. Well I haven't had lot of camcorders per say but I'm in to movie making and the fire wire part of it is a little a annoying but man It's not even an hd camera and it has amazing quality. I would definitely recommend this camera to anybody.



5. For the price of this product it works very well. There is no view finder so that can be frustrating and the manual focus doesn't work very well but the picture quality is alright.

4 comments about JVC BN-VF707U 1.5 Hour Data Camcorder Battery for GR Models.

1. I received the product on time next day for my vacation. It worked out very good for me.
   
   Thank You
   Julie



2. This is a great product for your digital camcorder product back up and especially a great price.



3. Battery is same as wat shipped with original camera. Battery delivers slightly less than 90 mins...tapes are 60. A second battery is almost a necessity for a good days shooting. Quality and reliability are excellent. Have put the original through sme hard use without any drop off in storage capacity



4. JVC 1.5 Hour Data Camcorder Battery works good but it was promied me to be delivered friday 7-10-09 when I ordered it, and I needed it on the 11th and it didnt come in the time promised.

5 comments about JVC AA-VF8US Battery Charger for BN-VF8 Batteries.

1. I bought the midsize JVC BN-VF815US battery for my JVC Everio MS-100 since I knew that my heavy-duty recording habits would require more than just the one small battery that came with the camcorder. I don't particularly care for the charging method where the camcorder is used as part of the charger since this is the case with the JVC MS-100, so I decided to purchase a seperate charger. Some of the third party chargers out there seem really cheap and low quality, so I opted for the JVC brand.
   
   The charger has worked splendedly thus far. Charge time is fast, even for the larger battery. The charging unit feels sturdy and well built. The extension cable gives a nice amount of length. I take one star away because a Sony charger I bought nearly five years ago for an older MiniDV is so much more compact, has no cables, and plugs directly into a wall socket which means it takes up less room than this product. Otherwise this charger works like a dream and is a necessity for those who have multiple batteries.



2. Great accessory, allows you to charge a backup battery or your original so you are never without power for your video camera. You can't use your camera if it's charging up the battery - this is the solution. Buy an extra battery and keep one on the charger and you're always ready to shoot a favorite video on the fly. Buy the extended battery and you'll be set for a long time before the next charge. Great if you are going on a trip and need more shooting time before recharges. Would definitely recommend this is you plan on doing a lot of video recording.JVC AA-VF8US Battery Charger for BN-VF8 Batteries



3. I searched the web for this battery charger for my new JVC Everio Camcorder and found it costing more than $175. Glad I looked at Amazon.com because I saved a lot of CASH. The batteries for the JVC Everio Camcorder do not last long...so this charger is a MUST. Buy it at Amazon!



4. There's not much to say about a battery charger. It charges batteries, and this one does its job just fine. The only problem is that it came without any instruction manual to explain what the different colored lights mean.



5. The charger works great and doesn't get hot like my old one. Amazon shipped it out quickly and I'm really happy with the product. Would highly recommend as the best choice for charging up those batteries.

5 comments about JVC GR-DA30US MiniDV Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this to be used on my ATV trips. I mounted a Ball Head on the front rack of my ATV and mounted the camera on that. Does a great job. Picture quality is better than expected. My JVC with a hard drive cuts off apparently caused by the magnetic field from the ATV engine. This camera suffers no problems due to that field. For my purpose, it is excellent.



2. A great camera for the money. It does what you might expect from a more expensive model. Strongly recommend!



3. Very nice product indeed, no complaints at all except for some "minor details" i'm about to point. First, video quality is average, don't even think to ask for HD-like video because it ain't happening, but it's okay, if i wanted an HD camcorder i would've bought one. Second, there is no hot-shoe to attach lightning devices on it, it's amazing the lack of such essential issue in a camera that has no lights!!!, so in my particular case i had to buy an adapter which attaches on the tripod mount. Terrible design flaw there, what where JVC's engineers thinking of????. Third, ah my dear JVC friends, a Firewire cable would be a VERY NICE touch from you, and the cost of such device is ridiculous so you can't argue "cost reductions for competitive sell prices"... but nope, no Firewire cable included.
   Despite all of the above i'm quite satisfied with the product.
   And last but no least, Amazon's service: Flawless, as usual. I appreciate that.



4. I love the product. The picture quality is second to none. I love that the camera is compact and that I can point and shoot. I also like the fact that if I am holding the camera and videoing, the picture is really steady. The only thing I would like to see if the ability to plug into my computer and download.



5. Although lightweight and handy this camera isn't that good... No night vision or light, very sensitive to humidity and won't turn on... zoom isn't that great... I would recommend to spend a little more on something better...

5 comments about JVC MDV60ME10P Mini DV Tape (10 Pack).

1. I use these tapes in my JVC HD110 with a DTE Focus enhancement drive recording 720p HDV. The tapes are a backup and are for archive. In the situations where it was too hot for the DTE drive these tapes where my only source that would record in 115'f+ days. I would find maybe 1 drop out every two tapes, audio and video seemed on par with the digital data I would get from the DTE drive. So for most purposes I'm sold on these tapes. If you were you shooting your own project or a higher paying gig I would move up to the ProHD JVC tapes for $9 a piece, but for general use and lowering paying gigs, these tapes are perfectly fine.
   
   I also would NOT mix Sony and JVC tapes. It still seems to be true the lubricants in the tapes between brands do no like each and react with each other on your recording heads and you will get a "Dirty head, use clean tape" message in any camcorder if you mix brands a lot. With these tapes, I clean my heads perhaps every 100+ tapes. If I mix Sony and JVC, I have to clean after maybe 20 tapes or less. So stick with 1 brand if you can, and definatly ALWAYS have a newer tape cleaner tape in your bag for just in case situations.



2. This is the third time I've ordered a ten pack of JVC MiniDV tapes, and they've always worked great for me. The packaging is always a bit unique, as once I actually got a 10 pack, once 10 individually wrapped tapes, and this time I got three 3 packs and a single, but it still works! This is also a great deal versus buying them individually at retail.



3. I have had no trouble with these tapes in my JVC camcorder and I'll order more in the future.



4. 
   
   I bought these tapes to use filming interviews for the oral history project of
   Indialantic, Florida, a small coastal town on the Space Coast. They are reliable
   and the quality is good.



5. Great deal on these tapes and I received them a couple of days after ordering.

5 comments about Jvc Mdv60Du10 Mini Digital Video Cassette (10-Pk).

1. I have just used the first one. It is of good quality. pictures are crisp. My Sony camcoder is compatible with this. One issue is that it came in a pck of 3+3+3+1(I ordered ten). I was expecting it to come in one box. but otherwise no complain about the product. I have used it earlier as well and the video always turn out to be very good



2. Bought a new DVC video camera and needed tapes to use it. Looked around and found this 10-pack on Amazon for a great price. Started using them soon after they arrived and haven't had a single problem using them since. Will eventually order another 10-pack when these are gone.



3. This is the second time I have purchased tapes from DB Roth thru Amazon. Best prices and quick delivery.



4. A good package of price and quality. Though I am yet to exhaust the set of 10 cassettes, but I have used 3 out of them, and found no problem to complain.
   A recommended set of mini-dv cassettes for people who shoot a lot and prefer to keep the original tapes for future as well as archive.



5. I purchased a pack of tapes for my video camera and got a great deal from this purchase! I know the tapes work great and I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and another baby on the way so we're recording all the time. I was looking for the most tapes for my $ and I got it!

5 comments about JVC BN-VF808US 730-mAh Rechargeable Data Battery for JVC MiniDV and Everio Camcorders.

1. I ORDERED A BATTERY CHARGER ON LINE, I RECEIVED IT PROMPTLY AND IT WORKS
   GREAT.



2. Completely agree with Tieum: do not buy this battery. I bought a JVC Everio camera, which comes with this battery, right before my trip and was very disappointed: the battery lasted for less than 1 hour. If you are mostly taping outdoors, like I did, you are basically screwed.



3. The JVC BN-VF808 battery is the same type that shipped with my JVC Everio GZ-HM200 Dual SD High-Def Camcorder (Black). This battery is rated for about 1.5 hours of use, but has lasted for just over 1 hour for me.
   
   The battery fully charged in about 2 hours the first time.
   
   If size isn't important, you may want to consider JVC BN-VF815US 1460-mAh Rechargeable Data Battery for JVC MiniDV and Everio Camcorders, which lasts for about 2.5 hours. The BN-VF815 is about 1/2" larger and I have posted pictures showing the difference between these two batteries.
   
   Recommended as a spare or replacement battery.



4. Had it for over a year with limited use. Holds a charge as it did when new and is a great addition for camera.



5. delivery was fast. the battery work just fine. just don't know how long it'll hold "charge." i may order more items from amazon... if the price is right.
   
   thanks, lorelex2

5 comments about JVC BN-VF815U 1460-mAh Rechargeable Data Battery for JVC MiniDV and Everio Camcorders.

1. I have had this battery for my Everio camcorder for over a year.I never take it off the camcorder ,its perfect.jvc has the better battery because it holds for me about 4 hours of continious video and a whole day or more of worry free usefullness .two days at disney with no outlets,trip to rainforest,first time child speaks,even placed my camcorder to on for recording for security and needed a long lasting battery.Jvc has a data feature where the camcorder reads the battery and tells you how much charge the battery has left.A real life saver.The battery charges while connected to camcorder,very nice.



2. I bought this battery to go with our JVC HD camcorder after the original battery had such a poor length of charge. I read several reviews and decided that this 'mid' level battery would work best and it did. Easily lasted 2 hours on a charge and with the on and off scene footage I was usually recording the length worked great. Record all day and charge up at night. I'd agree with the reviews that for the cost this is the size to get.



3. WHO: Bought this for my 39 year old gadget driven husband
   
   PROS:
   Cheaper than any other place I found.
   
   CONS:
   Never found out if there were any cons as I had to return the item as the actual camera stopped working



4. This battery is a little big but it isn't in the way at all and it seems to last forever. I've had mine for going on 2 years now and it still works perfect. Holds a great charge and still lasts forever.



5. I looked at several different compatable batteries, but am glad I went with the JVC, not only was it the same name brand as my video camera but between the one that came with the camera and this additional that I bought I was able to take all the video I needed and was never without power.

5 comments about JVC BN-VF823U 2190-mAh Rechargeable Data Battery for JVC MiniDV and Everio Camcorders.

1. Using this with an JVC Everio GZ-HD300RU. Works great. I get about 4-5 hours with this fully charged. Slightly bulky but expected as it holds more than the low profile battery that has a 1 hour charge.



2. This battery is larger and heavier than the standard, but this battery lasts for hours, providing plenty of recording time without the worry of recharging. This battery was much cheaper at Amazon than a local retailer and Amazon shipped right away. Very pleased.



3. Adds some mass and length to the camera - but its not all that noticeable when in use. Battery has a truly amazingly long lifetime when charged. I am currently using the camera to record wrestling matches and have been able to record and entire day's matches at a tournament for 6 wrestlers without the battery losing one bar.



4. With the purchase of my new JVC camcorder, I also bought the larger than life battery for it. It more than doubles the recording and playback time over the origional battery. I recommend this product.



5. This is good replacement battery whcih last long ( 3x) than one shipped with my camcorder
   Only concern is size is bigger and looks slightly awkward when attached, though it doesn't impact any operations.
   
   JVC : develop same powerful battery in smaller size :)