JVC Everio GZ-MG30 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First the good:this camera is small and very convenient in MANY ways and you don't have the cost of tapes or mini CD's.And if you are a little computer savvy, the file format issue that people are always complaining about really isn't that big of a deal.I have Pinnacle Studio Plus 9.x (ie, with all the latest online updates to that version) and it handles the files just fine once you rename the file extension from .mod to .mpg.I've seen a lot of reviews here and elsewhere on the Internet that Adobe Elements Premiere 2.0 also handles the files just fine.I think ULead and a few others might as well.If you aren't that computer savvy (and don't necessarily want to be), then you may want to consider another camera just for this reason alone (unless perhaps you buy JVC's external DVD burner drive and are happy with mostly unedited clips).

However, I have learned my lesson by putting too much trust in Amazon's online reviews and discounting what is said in official reviews too much sometimes.I don't think any of the reviews here mention this camera's poor indoor (low-med light) picture quality... so I figured the official reviews of it I found elsewhere online were just being too picky.PC Magazine does a good job of describing the poor (especially low to medium light) picture quality in their Oct 17, 2005 review of this camera (you can find it by searching PCMag.com - search on "GZ-MG30").I'm sure there are many other reviews noting the picture quality issue as well.

I am giving this a 2 rating (really s/b about 2.5, no option for that) because I feel the low to medium light picture quality issue is enough to sink this camera for many people... especially at this price (I paid $550).If it was only $400, then I would have given it 3 stars (for overall price/value).If you will be using it almost exclusively outdoors, then I could probably give it a begrudging 4 stars.

For my all-around purposes, I am dissatisfied with this camera and wish I could return it.If you don't have good video quality, then nothing else really matters, does it? For some people, this camera might be just fine, but for the rest, I hope this review saves you from a costly mistake.

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Product Description:
No Tapes and No Discs. This JVC GZ-MG30 has a built-in 30GB hard-drive that is capable of recording up to 37 hours of video in a palm-sized, lightweight (14 ounce) digital-camcorder. You don't need to use replaceable tapes or discs. Instead, you can transfer images to other A/V devices at home through composite and S-Video ports or to your computer through the rapid USB 2.0 high-speed interface. There's a large 2.5" LCD screen for convenient viewing of images as being recorded or played. An astounding 25x optical and up to 800x digital-zoom brings distant objects super close for extremely flexible and creative photography. So on your next trip away from home, don't pack any tapes into your suitcase, just get yourself this Everio G from JVC.
The benefits of recording video to a hard disk are the same benefits that have made hard disk-based audio players so popular random access to quickly locate desired material, the ability to effortlessly delete unwanted material, and easily rearrange the playback sequence. What's more, there's no danger of mistakenly recording over something that's to be saved. Scene selection is made easy thanks to on-screen index images, so the large amount recorded won't become a hindrance to quick accessibility. And with remote control operation, it is possible to connect the Everio G camcorder to a TV and operate it from a distance.Auto LED Light, Power Linked OperationUSB 2.0 high speed interface 3-D Noise Reduction for clear pictureMPEG-2 Video Recording for DVD-Movie Quality FootageImage Stabilization -Floating Suspension System; Gravity-like Force Sensor System 640 x 480 VGA digital stillsSD Memory Card slot DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) - DCF, PIM 3 and Exif 2.2 for optimized print quality Make Full-length DVDs Easily Convenient TV playback Easy dubbing to a VCR or DVD recorder Simple transfer to a PC or Apple Macintosh for

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JVC Everio GZMC500 5MP 3CCD 4GB Microdrive Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Had this digicam for about 24 hours and here are my first impressions:
I own a Panasonic SV AV100 which saves mpeg2 video and mpg4 to a SD card.It did it well and I was pleased with it, but the low resolution digital camera function was surpassed by some wireless phones.I wanted a device that took high resolution photos and digital mpeg2 video saved to a memory card that could be immediately loaded to PC and burnt to DVD.The JVC GZ-MC100 and MC200 took 2mp pictures and saved mpeg2 video to a 4 gb microdrive or SD card, but had poor low light performance - worse than my little Panasonic. So, it was with some anxiety that I shelled out $1595 for the GZ-MC500.

I bought it hoping that the new 3CCD video chip would not only give better color video and good 5mp jpeg pictures, but that JVC would have taken the time to improve low light performance... and they did.

In bright light the automatic videocam performance of the camera is really good. Indoors without any light on and bright sunlight coming in the window, the video remained sharp with pretty good color saturation and no graininess to my eye when played back on TV directly from camera.The MC500seems to really be working much, much better in low light conditions than the MC100/200s before it.At night with room lights on, I took more videos and although there was some dimming of the picture, the video was still bright and not grainy.Color still looked good though there was some loss of color saturation in those conditions.In a completely dark room, forget about it since there is no infrared function.But I did not care about that.Much better in low light than my Panasonic SV-AV100 overall.Microphone picked up voices/sounds in stereo very well.

The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate for me.

The camera bottom heats up while recording to microdrive and I never recorded more than 5 minutes of video but the heat build up was quite noticeable.Unlike my Panasonic, there is no remote control which is quite disappointing in a $1600 digicam that is begging for immediate video playback to TV directly from camera.

In summary, I am both relieved at the camera's good low light performance and very happy with the camera's mpeg2 video quality and very happy with the 5mp jpeg picture performance.I would give this camera 4.5 stars out of five taking off 1/2 point for lack of remote control.

Go to this site and use translate option on google toolbar to read text or just download the duck video and jpegs to see this camera's quality. Rename video .mod extension to .mpg to view in WMP. Remember this is 720 x 480 mpg2

(...)

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Product Description:
Still images or video--capture either 60 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-2 movies or thousands of super-high resolution UXGA-size JPEG pictures with the Everio--the first camera to use Microdrive technology. The included 4GB Microdrive card, though it is the same size as Compact Flash card, has such unprecedented capacity because it is has its own built-in HDD (hard disk drive).
The completely tapeless Microdrive format lets you choose higher video quality or longer shooting times. Store more photos than you ever thought possible on the included 4GB Microdrive card.
Until now, tapeless formats have been severely limited in the length and quality of video capacity, but the Everio's Microdrive lets you shoot up to 60 minutes of high quality MPEG-2 video--and even more in lower resolution modes. A selection of recording modes lets you choose more quality or more shooting time. The highest quality Ultra mode records at a constant bit rate of 8.88 Mbps with AC 3 audio--comparable to the DVD data rate (average 4 Mbps video/9.8 Mbps maximum). Essentially what you get is DVD quality, with the same video and audio format as a movie DVD. And the number of still photos that will fit on the Microdrive card is nothing less than awe-inspiring: More than 5,000 of the highest resolution images (1600 x 1200 fine).
Three 1/4.5-inch 1.33 Megapixel CCDs for High-Quality Image Capture
The image sensor in the Everio GZMC500 features three 1/4.5-inch CCDs offer the high-resolution capabilities needed for high quality digital videography and photography. The Everio features a total of 5 Megapixel-Class Digital Still recording up to 2560 x 1920 pixels (JPEG), and High-Quality MPEG-2 Video Recording (up to 720 x 480/60i in ULTRA mode) with Dolby Digital Audio (MOD file). And the Megabrid Engine applies separate, optimized processing to moving and still images, for videos with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high-resolution still pictures.
Versatile, Lossless Data
Store what you've shot on the provided Microdrive card, optional CompactFlash or SD Memory Cards. size as a CompactFlash card, but with many Gigabytes of capacity. You can eject the Microdrive card, just as you would a CompactFlash or SD Memory Card, and load data into your PC via optional card adapter. Or simply connect the camera via its USB2.0 interface for quick downloading to a PC. All transfer is digital-to-digital, so you won't lose any quality in the process.
DVD Creation and Sharing
Three advanced applications are provided:

Power Producer offers easy saving (authoring) of your video clips in any order to DVD, even right from a USB-connected camera, so you can share your original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player.
Power Director offers feature-rich non-linear editing so you can flex your creative muscle with titles, effects, and even mix still with videos.
Power DVD for easy video clip and DVD playback with AC 3 audio.

Multi-Format Support
In addition to making it easy to create DVDs, the supplied software converts to a variety of file formats for distribution via the Web or by e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video and RealVideo that can be streamed over the Internet.

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Motorola TalkAbout SX900R 18-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I search for a product to be used in my farm and I saw 18 miles range I bought it, but unfortunately didn't work as expected at the low end of 1 mile but with a decline of 300 ft.
Disappointed

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Product Description:
The Motorola Talkabout SX900 is the must-have communication tool for each and every outdoor enthusiast. With a powerful range of up to 18 miles, this radio is perfect for family and friends to stay in tough whether youâ--re tackling a back country trail, or trying to brave a crowded shopping mall. The SX900 doesnâ--t stop at just exceptional range. This lightweight unit comes packed full of essential features such as NOAA weather channels. Tune into one of the 7 NOAA channels (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on your SX900 for continuous local and regional weather broadcasting. And when you are out having fun, weather alerts will provide you with warnings of incoming weather to protect you from the danger of sudden storms. Worried about talking on the same channel as someone else? The SX900 has full 22-channel frequency capacity with 121 privacy codes to reduce interruptions, and the Motorola QT (Quiet Talk) functionality allows the radios to be set so they can communicate with other compatible Motorola products.

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JVC Everio GZHD7 3CCD 60GB Hard Disk Drive High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are more than a casual video user or if you have bought a video camera more than twice in the last 10 years I would say that you probably need a high end HD camera to satisfy you. For me, someone who has only owned 1 other video camera in the last 10 years I find this camera to be amazing. I do not shoot professionally and if i did there are many great HD solutions in the 3-6 grand range. Since this is not my business and I do not have money to burn this was the camera that satisfied all my needs. Those needs were: no tapes, large hard drive, HD quality or something far, far better than my old mini DV camera. I also needed to be able to archive the files on my mac which is a dual 800mhz G4 and possibly edit on the mac in imovie. This camera does all of that, and quite easily I might add.

I had no problems installing the codec that came with the camera for quicktime. Once I opened a clip in quicktime it did not play properly, however once I imported it into imovie it worked fine. I edited simple edits, added new audio and was satisfied for what I need. After all, all I will be doing with this is shooting the wife and kids.

JVC recommends A 1.25 Gigahertz G4 or higher, so do not complain about the camera not working smoothly on your mac unless you meet those requirements. They are stated on the GZHD7 box. I suggest the newest mac with 2 gigs of ram at least. In my experience, more RAM makes all the difference in the world. Eventually I plan to get a new mac to be able to handle the footage.

I have a 1080i sony plasma TV. The picture looked great. There was some banding of subtle gradients I shot. It was acceptable to me. Also the banding was not apparent on my mac in imovie. I think because my TV is already 2 years old it is not up to the same standards as the GZHD7 camera and my mac. Bottom line is the camera was producing better images on my mac than on my TV. Now all this is nonsense because I will be using this to mostly shoot video of my family and friends for recreational use. Compared to what my dad shot of us when we were kids and then the sandy grainy video we used in the 90s this camera is AMAZING. The quality is good enough for me and I would also add that any film student on a zero budget could easily get by with this. Like I said earlier, if you have the means and require perfect HD video, spend the few extra grand and go for the gold.

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Product Description:

The JVC Everio GZ-HD7 is a hard-drive based high definition camcorder with a variety of unique features destined to the wet the palette of professionals and enthusiasts alike. The 60GB internal hard drive is capable of recording up to 420 minutes of standard definition footage, as well as being able to shoot up to 1080i.

Equipped with a plethora of controls, the GZ-HD7 performs much like a compact prosumer camera while still being incredibly affordable. The most notable feature on the camera is its ability to shoot ultra-high bandwidth MPEG-2 video for increased quality over traditional HDV.FEATURES

30 Mbps Recording
HDV's variant of MPEG-2 compression has a bit rate of 25 Mbps. The GZ-HD7 records in the same widely popular MPEG-2 format but the similarities end there. The camera increases the video's overall bandwidth to 30 Mbps, which results in less compression and higher image quality.

GigaBrid Engine Advantage
The provided 1/5" CCDs are ideal for both low light and high definition applications. The camera's sophisticated pixel-shifting technology adds fidelity while maintaining higher sensitivity found when using less dense sensors.

60 GB Internal Drive
The 60 GB drive provides extended record times in both standard and high definition formats. Record a staggering 420 minutes of standard definition footage without having to change a tape or pop in a new DVD; simply hit record and you're in business!

Professional-Grade Controls
What truly distances the GZ-HD7 from its competition is the professional feeling of its controls. The camera is designed to give users a maximum amount of manual control without being overly intimidating. Whether it's the manual focus ring of convenient shoe mount, the GZ-HD7 will perform like

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JVC Everio GZ-HD30 80 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this camcorder a few months back and have used it extensively to shoot under various lighting scenarios.

I was so flabbergasted to see how good the camera performed even indoors (where lighting is limited to just a few lit bulbs inside a room). Those of you who are aware of the relationship between video noise (graininess) and low light will find that this camera does an excellent good job indoors.

All my friends who have visited us have been equally shocked seeing such high quality video from a non-professional video recorder. Trust me.... sometimes the videos look even better than some selected shots in movies I've seen on BluRay discs. Having said that please don't expect this tiny camcorder to surpass those gigantic professional video recording equipment -- but the fact it comes so close is commendable.

The color saturation is maybe very slightly higher than neutral, but I frankly find that to be an advantage since the videos really stand out.
The video quality looks outstanding when I play the videos on my 42" HDTV through the HDMI out.

A reviewer complained about the 19 minutes per file limit. I never found that to be a practical issue since you can join multiple files to have a continuous video of what ever length you desire using the PC software provided with the camcorder.

Battery life is average (about 70-80 minutes on a fully charged battery) and so I got myself a backup non-JVC battery for a fraction of the cost of the original JVC battery and it actually performs better than the JVC battery (about 90 minutes).

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this purchase. Although initially I was a bit hesitant spending $600 on a camcorder, but I soon realized that this is money very well spent.

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Product Description:
JVC designed the GZ-HD30 to meet the needs of a broad segment of people who shoot video, including family users. More compact than the GZ-HD40, it offers all of the performance and nearly all of the features of that model, except it has a slim 80GB internal hard disk for a maximum 33 hours of Full HD recording, and does not come with a docking station. Includes: Everio GZHD30 Camcorder, AC Adapter, Battery Pack, Shoulder Strap, AV Cable, USB Cable, Component Video Cable, Remote Control, Software CD-Rom

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Uniden MH120 VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although, this radio was listed as refurbished you wouldn't know it except for the photocopied operations manual. After putting in the batteries, I found the radio to have a great receiver with excellent audio quality.

The transmit range is satisfactory and what is expected for a portable. In order add an external antenna you have to find an SMA connector with a small profile because the connector is slightly recessed.

The 3-channel scan feature is really handy. The weather radio is also quite good. Overall this is a nice marine portable for a bargain price.

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Product Description:
1W/5W BLACK COMPACT VHF HANDHELD WITH BACKLIT LCD & KEYPAD MEMORY CHANNEL SCAN WEATHER ALERT 16/9/TRIPLE WATCH JIS4 WATERPROOF LEVEL INCLUDES BELT CLIP & HANDSTRAP REQUIRES 6 AA ALKALINE BATTERIES 3-YEAR WARRANTY

Get 3% OFF

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JVC Everio GZMG77 2.0MP CCD 30GB HDD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well friends, if you have been searching for a bevy of great features, simplicity of use, great video and audio quality all in a micro-sized package, this unit may be the end of your search.

I had spent a great deal of time and effort comparing the various camcorders on the market before I made the move to the JVC Everio GZMG77 2.0MP CCD 30GB HDD Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom several weeks ago. I was looking for a full featured product that would travel well, provide long operational time, give me plenty of built in functionality yet one that didn't bust my budget.

This unit has proven itself worthy across the board. The "77" is so small that I find myself forgetting that I am carrying it around in the palm of my hand. When things happen that I want to capture I just flip open the view screen and within a few seconds the "auto on" feature has my camera in hot stand-by ready for action as it unfolds. The (30GB) hard drive has proven sufficient to record a wedding, HS graduation, two trips to the beach, a weekend to Disneyland and stuff around the house with over three hours to spare (all in the ultrafine mode)!

Downloading and producing DVD's is a snap and the quality is superb even on my DLPLCD 16:9 format Display at home.

If your considering this unit I have a couple of (must have) recommendations for maximum usability with minimum of fuss:

First off get additional batteries. The one hour is small and light weight and last me around 45-50 minutes. I purchased two additional batteries. One is rated at 3 hours and the other at 5 hours (a little large on size but great run time)! This gives me more then enough "pocket power".

The second recommendation would be to purchase one of the many stand alone battery charges on the market. I ordered a battery and charger package on Amazon (ESPOW - Equivalent JVC BN-VF714, BN-VF714U Battery and AC/DC Charger Set. [ 1400mAh ] ) This charger allows you to charge a battery without having to use the Camcorder itself. This particular model even provides AC or DC charging options.

Bottom line... I am very pleased with the JVC "77" and believe you will be too.

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Product Description:
The days of digital tape are over. Don't worry about reloading mini DVD discs either, because the age of hard drive recording is finally here. The JVC GZ-MG77 Everio camcorder features a 30 GB hard drive for recording seven hours of DVD movie-quality video. Now when you're on the go, all you have to bring is the camera--leave the tapes at home. The GZ-MG77 also offers premium features like a 1/3.9-inch CCD, an integrated 2.2 megapixel still camera, and advanced low light performance. The GZ-MG77 records in high-quality MPEG-2, the same format used for DVD movies. And because the camcorder employs a tapeless format, you can easily delete unwanted scenes, or instantaneously skip to the exact segment of footage you want to view. The hard drive also makes it easy to edit your footage right on the camera. Just click on a thumbnail image displayed on the GZ-MG77's 2.7-inch widescreen color LCD monitor and watch your memories come to life. Choose the footage you want and quickly and easily rearrange it the way you want it. And, unlike tapes, there's no need to worry about accidentally recording over your most prized moments. Technology for keeping your footage safe and sound is also built into the GZ-MG77. To protect the hard disk drive from shocks and vibrations, Everio camcorders have a protective floating suspension system that effectively dampens vibrations through advanced polymer shock absorbers. There's also a motion sensor that automatically senses sudden acceleration and turns off the power to protect the hard disk drive even if the camera is dropped. With a 30 GB hard drive, you can record to your heart's content. The camera features four different recording modes that let you choose the best balance between quality and recording time. In the highest quality mode, "Ultra," you'll get seven hours of recording time at full DVD image quality (720 x 480/60i) and with full Dolby Digital audio

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