JVC GR-DVL815U Digital Camcorder

The JVC GR-DVL815U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. All the features usually found in higher-end electronics are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD of the GR-DVL815U also captures digital stills that are recorded onto either tape or the included 16 MB MMC card. The GR-DVL815U is compatible with both MultiMedia or SD memory cards.

The GR-DVL815U also comes with a variety of multimedia interfacing capabilities, making transferring DV recordings or digital photos to a computer fast and simple. In addition to the standard IEEE 1394 DV interface, there is also a direct PC connection (RS232C) and a USB port for quick transfers to PC. With the included software and cable you can easily bring your photos into your computer for editing or e-mailing.

A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVL815U. In addition to the integrated auto light there is also a special night shooting function that enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color.

Also included are an AC power adapter/charger, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, CD-ROM software for photo editing, shoulder strap, and RS232C PC/AT compatible cables.

1 A good camcorder for the money
I bought this model after I have done quite sometime researching for this range of camcorders. This one was picked because it provides the most of the features for the money. Also, because I don't care much for the still picture quality since digital camera is what you should get if you are in for still pictures. In term of video quality, this one offers the same par with a much higher cost models. I have used it for over 9 months now, and over all, I'm very happy with it. Here some not quite good features that I observed:
1) Like other reviewers, still pictures are not that good. In good light condition, they are ok but it seems to be a little too white and not have very good details. In lower light condition, it is just too dull. However, again, if you are for still pictures, go for the digital camera. Otherwise, it's ok for the web but it could be better.
2) It does not automatically position itself to where you were left off the last time you video so you have to manually do that yourself everytime. Sometimes it takes the spontanuity out of you.
3) The light is not enough if you video someone 6-7 feet out. But then don't all the built in lights are like that!

Again, overall, I'm a satisfied customer...

2 Great camcorder for the money
My husband and I bought this camcorder to make short films for competition and we were very happy with it. The picture quality is excellent both indoors and out. The sound is good but it tends to pick up a lot of echo in large indoor spaces. It doesn't eat up battery power (which was a concern) and is very easy to use. The night-alive feature was a disappointment though... as the others have said it makes your subjects blurry and appear in slow motion. Overall, we love this camera and are very pleased with its performance.

3 not all it's said to be..
I bought this camcorder and I took it home and tested it before I wrapped it. ... ..
Why I was unhappy:

1st.. The night alive feature is a total scam.. There is such a strobe effect due to the slow shutter speed.. Your targets have to be totally still or it is so distored.. And it does not work in total darkness.. (like said)

2nd.. the video interface S-Video had pixel distortion when veiwed throw TV..

3rd.. Don't be fooled by the still picture.. The resolution is down right crummy.. And will not capture movement well..

finally.. Digital zoom is nothing more than a sales pitch..
Optical zoom is were it is at for quality..
With Digital.. All it is doing is blowing up the pixels..
Very much like viewing a pdf file (Adobe) What happens when you magnify a picture?? It looks [bad].. So, stick to a quality optical zoom and don't be fooled by a hugh digital zoom..

I forgot the digital EIS is [bad] too.. Optical EIS is much more stable..

On the good side.. very nice design.. And great optical close ups.. ...

4 What an Amazing Machine!
I bought my JVC GR-DVL815U two months ago and it is definitely one of the smartest investments I have ever made. Its video quality and versatility really makes digital camcorders stand out from the Hi8 or VHS versions.

The 520 line resolution is dvd quality and it can be achieved during the day without using the additional features. Given enough light the images will be crystal clear. In darker situations the probe light is usually sufficient - I have used it in a bar and the video still comes out great. However, the "night alive" feature makes capturing images slower and hence fuzzier. Antishock is excellent in the 815 - especially for people like me who tend to shake a lot when filming.

16-bit sound is as good as it gets for non-professional camcorders. Such quality is better than CD audio and very clear. Unfortunately it does not have surround sound effects.

I love the wide range of options that comes with this camcorder. The video-camera combination is a boon as there are times when taking picutres are better than filming. Although the still picture quality is merely 0.5M and takes 2 seconds to gather enough light, it can still produce very decent images (not printable)

The DV, USB, Firewire, and AV ports provide endless possibilities - whether to transfer files to the computer, copy onto a regular video tape, or editing. I have not tried out the software to edit my movie yet but will come back when I do.

In sum, the GR-DVL815U might not be the top-of-the line video gadget on the market, it still packs a pretty hefty punch and will satisfy any amateur or semi-professional needs for resolution and versatility.

5 Excellent camcorder, great picture, many features.
I just returned from my vacation in Puerto Rico and Florida where I used the JVC GR-DVL815U Digital Camcorder I purchased two weeks ago. The video quality is awesome. I couldn't believe my eyes when I watched the tapes in my TV.

Under direct sunlight the recorded video is excellent, without any action of my part, no effects or special settings. The colors are so real.

The zoom is also great. The LCD screen is large enough to see everything clear. The night-alive feature is great too.

I setup my PC to download still images in 2 seconds (Win 2000). The quality is good enough for the web, but not for print. It comes with a 16MB multimedia card to hold up to 200 images in fine quality.

Believe me, buy this camcorder, you'll never regret it.