5 comments about JVC GRDF550U 1.33 MP MiniDv Camcorder w/ 15x Optical Zoom.

1. I have owned this camcorder for about 2 months and recorded about 4 hours worth of video on it. The picture and audio quality is pretty good along with the color quality, especially indoors. I've had no problems with firewire connectivity on my PC when making DVDs with the camcorder. DV navigation is the best special feature on the camcorder. It uses the memory card to store thumbnail images of recorded video scenes to assist in video playback. It works like a chapter listing on a DVD movie. You pick the scene displayed and the camcorder will fast forward or rewind to that scene and begin playback. The downside to the camcorder is the MP4 video recording. It is pretty choppy. The other downside is battery life. During normal recording, I normally got about 45 minutes of battery life.



2. This camera has a design flaw. The integrated microphone does NOT shut off when you use an auxilary microphone. It says in the manual that it is supposed to. I sent it back to JVC many times, and the service personal compensated me by disconnecting the internal microphone permanently.
   If you want flexability in your audio, and you're an intermediate user, keep on looking. It's a shame cause in every other category, this is a great camera for the price.



3. I researched and compared over a dozen minidv camcorders, and based on function and picture and price, this item was the far winner. And if JVC ever fixes it, I'll give another review; I've had it for four months, and I haven't been able to use it yet. It was broken from day 1, and I had to send it to their service center. They changed some parts and sent it back but must not have tested it because it had the same problem. I sent it to the service center again with an even more detailed note about the problem, and I got it back again today and it still has the original problem. I'm convinced that JVC doesn't QA the repairs that they perform.



4. I have had this machine for 2 years and it has always been very dependable and produces excellent results for a 1 CCD recorder. The machine provides lots of flexibility and I regularly receive positive comments about the quality of the image. The camcorder is generally used for some light travel and recording lots of sporting events. The machine also allows conversion of analog to digital tapes. This means you can record from a VCR to this machine (digital). It is also easy to transfer files to a DVD recorder. I am sure there are better machines out there by now but this has been well worth it. The camera stills are a bit small to be useful at this time (1.2 mp-seems small now but was pretty good when this was first released)



5. I bought this camera for inflight videos. It is one of the few cameras that has a mic input, a remote control, accepts the tape from the top, and has an appreciable optical zoom all in one package.
   
   It works for recording videos from the cockpit as well as recording radio communications between the pilot and air traffic control. Makes a perfect accessory to pilots who want to learn from their experiences.
   
   The downside is poor battery life, and LOUD hissing when using the onboard mic. If you want to use this for home video, use a separate mic.

5 comments about JVC GRDX77 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom.

1. I was happy with this one until it showed this problem. It automatically zooms in to the maximum. So now basically I can't use it any more. I initially thought maybe it's due to my operation somehow although I'm sure I'm gentle on it. However, after I searched online, I found that I'm not the only lucky one. Some poor dude said if he wants to use it, he has to put one finger on the "zoom out" button all the time in order to cancel out the automatic zoom in. I called JVC, and they said this is not a recognized defect for them, and they will charge me just for an "evaluation". I'd rather just throw away this junk.



2. I bought this about an year ago. It worked fine till about a month ago. The first thing that I noticed is that the camera would zoom in all by itself. I had to have my finger firmly holding the zoom out button so that it would not zoom in. Reading about it now, I find out that this is a common problem with this particular camcorder. Wish I had read reviews from people who had been using this for a while. Most of the reviews (when I bought it) were from people who were happy with it and had it for less than couple of weeks.
   
   It was good while it lasted. But I would never buy JVC again.



3. I have exactly the same problem as you guys are having. After a year of ownership hardly using the thing it starts zooming out of control. Contacted jvc and got the same response denying a problem. My friend has the dx97ek and it has exactly the same problem. "Trash" and "can" are words that spring to mind.



4. I am experiencing the same zooming trouble as everyone else. When I called JVC they denied the problem. Judging from the reviews here on Amazon.com, there seems to be a very real problem. I bought the camera because it was simple, afforadable, and I'm not much of a techno person. I used it well for over a year when the zoom problem started. Being in the military, you don't get much pay, so I was hoping this camera would serve me for a long time- I was wrong. I will not buy JVC products again! Anyone for a class action lawsuit?



5. I purchased a JVC GR-DX77us last july and to be fair, its video-taping capabilities are good, and the resolution is good. However, I have not been able to get the video capture feature to work on the camcorder. I tried both the USB and the 1394 firewire, and they both kept losing contact with various computers--turns out the problem was the plug board is pretty loose and either the plugs or the board loses contact regularly, playing havoc with your computer. I was not able to download one minute of footage.
   Dont expect any great help from JVC customer support either, every inquiry or request to them turned into an escalation to buy something else, 4 out of 5 times it was for accessories that were supposed to have been included in the camera kit.
   stay away from this model, and JVCs in general.

5 comments about JVC GRD93 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

1. I purchased a GR-D70 2 years ago. Last week it quit for no reason at all. I've probably used it 10 times. It looks like brand new, well taken care of, never dropped or abused. Since I paid over $400 for it, and it's had such little use, I thought JVC would stand behind their product. WRONG! Their recommendation is to have you ship it to a service center, pay an unreal amount for repair, and hope it lasts another 2 years. I have never paid so much for a new camera and have it totally fail in 2 years. After much research I find quite a number of people with similiar and other failures on a multitude of JVC Digital cameras. My recommendation is to not buy ANY JVC products! Thank you.



2. If I had read the previous reviews I would not have purchased this camera. That would have been a mistake. I have used this camera for over a year without any problems. I have a professional JVC GY-DV5000 that costs thousands of dollars and this little camera will come close to the same picture quality when shooting outside. Shooting inside and low light conditions is where you realize what you paid for. The 93 will not produce good color if you don't have enough light but I don't think that many consumer models from any other manufacturer will either. Especially at this price point.



3. I've owned a model GR-D30U for less than two years. Yesterday the camcorder just quit powering on. The DC will not work, the battery will not charge. It simply will not turn on at all. Worse, I have a tape in there that I cannot remove without a hammer. The store I bought it from wants $100 just for "diagnosis." Just another case of expensive disposable electronics. My choice next time will not be JVC, a brand I used to trust.



4. I bought the JVC GRD93 Dec 21, 2004. After a day of charging the battery, I opened the camera and replaced the tape in it with a new one and headed off to the soccer match. When I got there it would not come on. I returned home, tried another battery, plugged it back into the charger and nothing. No power, tape will not eject. Similar to problem reported elsewhere by others. Pretty pathetic to have a $500 camera not even last two years.



5. This Mini DV is a great low priced camcorder. I got it refurbished for under $150. The still photo feature has a much higher resolution than even some of the newer camcorders in the same category (1600x1200 instead of 640k). It handles well and the 10x optical zoom, though vastly inferior for todays standards, is more than adequate for our purposes. The battery lasts pretty good, but doesn't give much of a warning before it loses power completely. Other than that, we are very satisfied with it.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV33 MiniDV 1megapixel Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Color Viewfinder & Memory Stick capabilities.

1. 8 months after I bought this camera it lost the ability record video. In fact the screen is black. I can still use the menus and watch old videos but somehow I am looking for a camera than can take pictures. Most camera should be expected to break the 8 month mark with out breaking especially with out outside help.



2. My TRV33 lasted 18 months. While it worked the camera was absolutely excellent.
   
   However, I went to use it this morning and the record screen was totally blank.
   
   I haven't contact Sony myself, but by the sounds of this forum, I think I would be wasting my time if I did. If the reports in this forum are correct, Sony don't seem to care that this is happening.
   
   I won't buy a Sony again.



3. I have had the same problem with my DCR TRV33. I've called Sony previously and they said send it to the repair center but I had to pay for S&H and repair. I thought I was SOL. I keep on checking though, hoping that Sony would see the error in their ways. And maybe from all the unhappy consumers or class action lawsuit, they responded FINALLY! I'm sending it in tomorrow. Wish me luck.
   
   [...]



4. I got EXACTLY the same problem as many of other victims had experienced. All of sudden, after very scarce and gentle use, the camera only showed verticle lines and went completely blind.
   
   What is the good of a camcord if it can't even last more than 1.5 years with less than 10 hours of recording?
   
   I would say that SONY is KNOWINGLY selling defective products to consumers and all of us who had problems should file class-action law suit against SONY for damages.
   
   Any lawyers who are reading this should seriously consider this. You may reap big dollars while helping us to vent some anger.



5. I like the Sony DCR-TRV33 Camcorder Very much. One thing that I like about this camcorder is that I can put video clips on my computer files two different ways. I can input video files to my computer with the AV cable any files that I put on my memory stick. I also can input video files to the computer using my Firewire cable. Some Camcorders do not have the firewire connecter and some do not have a memory stick that allows you to do a video file over one minute in length. The Sony DCR-TRV33 can do both and does a very fine job doing it. I highly recommend this Camcorder and feel it is quality plus.

5 comments about Sony DCR-PC55 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom (Black).

1. If you want to capture every precious moments, this is the right camcorder for you. It's easy to operate and the video is crisp and clear. The sound is pretty good as well. You can also take still picture and video at the same time (thanks to the memory stick).
   
   Don't burn your video using your computer, it took me time to download to a CD or DVD. Instead burn them as you watch them. It's quicker that way.
   
   You will love it the first time you use it.



2. I have own this camcorder for 6 month
   it's a good camcorder, esay to use, easy to bring
   As it's design purpose, PC-55 is enough for home use
   Only one thing I want to mention here, before I buy this camcorder, I thought that I can record video on MS duo in mepg format, and it's easy for post-edit on PC, you know, tansfer a MiniDV tape to computer may need a huge space to save.
   However, when I replay the video which stored on MS, the sreen was full of mosaic
   fortunately, when use DV type to record, this situation never happens. good quality.
   The one press photo button also becomes useless because the bad quality.



3. The camera is one of the best considering the price and the size of it. The only problem I found is that it has not a light, so you will need to buy the external one, if not all the shots that you do at night will be very dark.



4. When you buy a product that is designed and meant to fulfill certain needs, just expect the best performance out of those features.
   
   The PC55 is a camera for the everyday home shooter, easy to use and made with the best SONY quality for one of the smallest MINI DV camera ever created.
   
   If you are thinking about buying this camera don't hesitate one minute, this camcorder is one of the kind, it gives you pretty much the flexibility and video quality of a regular camcorder but with the amazing bring-it-in-the-pocket size and all the coolness and attention that it brings along (let it be your best Ice breaker, believe me it works like heaven!). I work for a camera store and let me tell you: we haven't received one return of this model during the time I've worked there (8 months), which proves the high quality SONY has built into this model. I have been using mine for a few months now and all I can say is that "the product is great... period!".
   
   Let's get real, the 500 bucks you are paying for it is not for the film quality kind of movie you get in the picture (for that you need to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars) but the portability and worriless of no need of the big luggage a camcorder used to be in the past" (some times people don't realize a motorcycle couldn't be compared with a truck or vise versa).
   
   About the picture shooting option, well let's see! A camcorder is for videos and a digital camera is for photos, if you want to have them both in one package, that brings excellent quality, you'd have to spend a lot of more money than if you bought them separately, let me explain you in a few words, the average photo quality for a MINI DV camcorder is 1.3mp or lower (the same quality you get out of your cell phone camera) to be honest with you, the manufacturers add this option just to give it an extra feature and at the same time take more money out of your pocket, with tape less digital cameras it happens the same way, the video and sound quality are very poor; so why bother paying more for a camera with both functions being excellent (there are quite a few out in the market now, starting around $1200 for models of similar size) instead buy two little cameras, one for each use, for half of the price.
   
   If you are looking for a cool, high quality & durability MINI DV camcorder with the smallest size available in its kind, The SONY DCR-PC55 is your BEST option.
   
   To finish, I just want to wish you all enjoy, more than the product, the unmemorable moments you will live with your loved ones because of this little fellow.



5. Ordered product expidited and after a week it was never received. I finally received notice from Amazon that the order was cancelled (by the vendor). My guess is they never had the product to begin with. I'll NEVER use them again. I don't understand why it took over a week to discover the product was not available. I would not recommend.

5 comments about JVC GR-DVF31 Digital Camcorder with 3" TFT LCD Display.

1. Before I bought this camera I did a lot of research and found this one to have the most features for the price. The camera itself works really well and met my expectations. The once big drawback is the software that comes with it. JVC calls this camera a "cybercam" which implies compatibility with your computer. In its promotional material, JVC indicates that the camera comes with "sophisticated software." One of the reasons I bought the camera was to download and edit video clips on my computer. When I received the camera, I found that you can only download still pictures with the software JVC provides and cannot download streaming video.

   The JVC website recommends a $99 software package from Pinnacle systems to download video clips. I ordered this software, but discovered that in order for it to work, you need to add a different PCI chip to your computer. This was dismaying since I was forced to take the back off of my computer to add the chip and because the chip was a downgrade from the new PCI chip that came with my computer. After much work, I still have not been able to capture and edit videos on my computer - Kind of a bummer for a product taht calls itself a "cybercam."




2. I read a couple of reviews where the JVC camera was not mac compatible, but i have had no trouble using it . I purchased a Evergreen tech. pci firewire (works for mac, apple 2.5 firewire drivers installed,system9.0.4) card for my powertowerpro 200 w/g3 and am using imovie2. the camera works great so far.



3. This was our first video camera, and it does a great job. Light, easy to use and to handle, good pictures, good zoom. The only flaw is that, to put it on AC power (e.g., if you want to watch movies on it), you have to remove the battery to get access to the outlet. Aside from that, a darned good camera, and I'd recommend it to friends.



4. I love this camera and am thrilled that I bought it. There may be newer and sweeter gadgets out there nowadays since I bought mine back in 7/2000, but this still more than gets it done. Based on the ... ticket price on this site (as of 7/2002), it leads me to believe that this is still a very respected camera (can be found less expensive elsewhere, by the way).

   If there is one knock against it, it's the fact that the software package doesn't allow you to make mpeg movies straight from camera to PC. I believe there are 3rd party software titles that you can buy ... and get this accomplished.

   All in all: great video and great sound. I tape my school's basketball games on this camera, and I have wowed the coaching staff on more than one occasion with the clarity of the pictures. And, trust me - when you are trying to stat a game, clarity is priority one. You will love it!




5. Mr.
   I bought a Camera two years ago JVC DVF31 that I have used so far without problem. One month ago it began to have a problem that doesn't already allow me neither to reproduce a tape. When putting a tape in the videocamera it leaves me a legend: "different formated type! ". At the beginning this problem began to make it intermittently and it was solved taking out and putting again the same tape into the camera.
   Now already it makes it permanently and it doesn't allow me to use it.
   In the JVC official service of Argentina they answered me almost without to revise it that the problem is the motherboard and an the cost of repair [was a lot of money]!!!!!
   This legend that appears in the finder "different formated type! " it cannot be for another cause? Help me.
   I don't want to leave this camera like old museum piece and to think that it was a very bad purchase.
   Excuse my not well written English.

No comments about JVC GR-DX106 PAL MiniDV Camcorder.

5 comments about Sony DCRTRV250 Digital8 Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, USB Streaming and Remote.

1. Sony camcorders have a factory defect that the ccd screen goes black when in record mode after a few tapes of use. I was asked to pay $270 to fix it. Beware.. there are thousands of such reported problems on this and other camcorder review sites. I would suggest that you read them before buying a Sony product.



2. EXPERIENCE THE INCREDIBLE FEATURES OF THE SONY DIGITAL8® CAMCORDER!
   PLAYS THRU YOUR COMPUTER AND RECORDS TO A DVD...THIS IS A NICE UNIT, EASY TO USE..!
   The Sony® DCR-TRV250 camcorder delivers all the benefits of Digital8 recording quality in a smaller chassis.
   The TRV250 features a 2.5-inch color LCD display and you can make your own digital-quality movies!
   In addition to its crisp, clear digital video and stereo audio, the Sony TRV250 can also stream live and recorded moving video to a PC via USB.
   Transfer video to your PC via iLink interface (also known as FireWire) to edit your masterpiece with the included software.
   Sony's SteadyShot picture stabilization smoothes and steadies your images without degrading picture quality. Sony does it with motion sensors--a more accurate system than those used by many other camcorders on the market.
   Now you can capture video even in total darkness.
   Sony's NightShot system uses infrared light to capture images invisible to the human eye.
   You can shoot subjects such as a sleeping baby up to 10 feet away in total darkness.
   Sony's Stamina power management system and InfoLithium battery give the TRV250 incredible operating time.
   To keep tabs on battery life, Sony's AccuPower meter displays the number of minutes remaining--right in the viewfinder!
   The Sony TRV250 measures 3.63 by 4.00 by 7.88 inches.
   FEATURES INCLUDE:
   **) 20X Optical/700X Digital Zoom
   **) 2.5" SwivelScreen LCD Display
   **) SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
   **) NightShot Infrared 0 Lux System
   **) Photo Mode
   **) Digital8 System
   **) 1/6" CCD 460K Pixels
   **) USB Streaming Feature
   **) i.LINK DV Interface
   **) Built-In Light (3 Watt)
   **) On screen Battery Information
   **) InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
   **) Digital Program Editing
   **) Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
   **) Picture Effects Mode
   This package includes the TRV250 camcorder, power adaptor/in-camera charger InfoLithium rechargeable battery, wireless remote, AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, two AA batteries, and CD-ROM with PIXELA ImageMixer Version 1.5 software and USB driver software.
   
   Model No: DCR-TRV250 (R)
   Weight: 5.5 Lbs.



3. I have not had any problems with my camera, but I have two family members who have the same camera and have had the really common LCD screen going blank. Someone has sued Sony and Sony is going to repair these cameras or reimburse you if you already had it fixed. Go to this link (http://www.sony.com/ccdservice) My faith is somewhat restored in Sony, but it is pretty bad it took a lawsuit for Sony to pony up the dough and correct their mistake.



4. I have read the other reviews about the lawsuit, unfortunately, the blank screen is not my problem. After very little use I found that the battery supplied with the camera lasts considerably less than one tape. So, I thought, "it's new, it's worth it" I bought 2 large batteries, for about $100/battery. The batteries are no longer the problem, after a little more time(less than 6 total hours recorded)the camera dings and flashes what I would only consider to be an error code. Online support was no help, and said send it in. Unfortunately once again, this is a "Flat Rate" fix, and on this camera it is $211, I don't know if I'm going to pay a flat rate to get it fixed, or play with a hammer and have $211 worth of therapy with it. 2 other family members own this camera, one has never been able to watch their videos and Sony said it is a software problem, but not their problem, and the other family member bought a different product less than 30 days of owning it.



5. Great Sony Video Camera for the price. I can use this camera and convert my video to CD-Videos and DVD using the USB and Firewire connections.

5 comments about Sony DCRPC120BT MiniDV Camcorder w/ 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick, MPEG, Mega Pixel Video/ Still & Network Capability.

1. I really like this videocam. It integrates seamlessly into my computer system.

   The video comes out really clear and sharp, so much so that when I view it later, I was so amazed that everything looked so sharp and clear. The sky was so blue and the resolution is also great. You can easily see falling flower petals in the background several feet away.

   There are lots of other video editing features on this camera, but I only use the basic features, so I can't comment on those. But I dont think those features are very useful anyways, because there are much better editing programs you can use on computers.

   In digital camera mode, it has two resolutions. The 1.5 megapixel resolution is comparable to most dedicated digital cameras. Both resolutions come out fine when uploaded into my computer. On a 256meg memory stick, I can stick over 600 pictures on it. It also comes with a flash, can take pictures at night.

   I use it to load video and jpegs on my Apple MacIntosh, and everything is plug and play. No need to fiddle with the drivers and controls.

   The only negative thing I can say about it is that it is not as small and compact as the other videocams out there, but for the features it has, the compromise on weight is acceptable.




2. I really like this videocam. It integrates seamlessly into my computer system.

   The video comes out really clear and sharp, so much so that when I view it later, I was so amazed that everything looked so sharp and clear. The sky was so blue and the resolution is also great. You can easily see falling flower petals in the background several feet away.

   Focusing was fast and accurate.

   There are lots of video editing features on this camera, but I only use the basic features, so I can't comment on those. But I dont think those features are very useful anyways, because there are much better editing programs you can use on computers.

   In digital camera mode, it has two resolutions. The 1.4 megapixel resolution is comparable to most dedicated digital cameras. Both resolutions come out fine when uploaded into my computer. On a 128 meg memory stick, I can stick over 600 pictures on it. It also comes with a flash, can take pictures at night.

   I use it to load video and jpegs on my Apple MacIntosh computer, and everything is plug and play. No need to fiddle with the drivers and controls.

   The only negative thing I can say about it is that it is not as small and compact as the other videocams out there, but for the features it has, the compromise on weight is acceptable.




3. four stars off this one. I got a C:31:23 error message when I insert a tape. It beeps and ask to eject the tape. When I eject the tape, it left the tape out all wrinkled up. The manual is no help to decipher the code. Why does it even display it if no one knows? Error code starts with "C" is self-servicable according to the manual. But it does not list all the codes obviously. The worst of all, after been put on hold for more than two hours, no one at their customer service takes the call and I finally gave up. I own many Sony products, this was the first time I tried to contact their customer service. It is just unbelievable. They dwarf the worst customer service experience you ever had. Why do they even have a phone number if no one answers it? Sony's customer service kills one's will to live. Take my advice, don't go there.



4. I've owned video cameras since my first Hitachi VHS in the 80's. This is the sharpest camera yet. I will be selling my Canon Optura DV, JVC GR-DVP3U and Sony Digital 8 to use this exclusively. The video picture quality is astounding, as is the low light performance. I added the wide angle lens and video light for an overall nice package. The digital still capability is useless compared to a real digital camera even in the same 1.5 megapixel rating. Still pictures look 'TV like', but the video sharpness just has me keeping the camera. I'm sure the 330 is even a better improvement, but I'd still be suspicious of the still picture performance.



5. I own one DCR-PC120BT since more than 9 months now. And last week I had the chance to test the new 330. Forget it! After several days of practicing with both cameras the DCR-PC120BT is the clear winner!