JVC GRDV500 MiniDV 1.33 MP Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 10x Optical Zoom, and 8MB MMC Card

The compact JVC GR-DV500 is a stylish digital video camcorder that offers advanced features, such as digital still-photo capability and the ability to create high-quality MPEG-4 video clips. The GR-DV500 features a 1.33-megapixel CCD, 10x optical zoom, and 2.5-inch color LCD. It comes with Presto! ImageFolio and Presto! Mr. Photo 3 digital video editing software and an 8 MB MMC memory card.

Optics & Audio
The GR-DV500 offers a 1.33-megapixel CCD with 540 lines of horizontal resolution. Combined with JVC's super-hi-band processor, you'll be assured of capturing crisp, clear video. Equipped with a 10x optical zoom, the GR-DV500 also features a 300x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in for incredible close-ups.

The GR-DV500 also features PCM digital stereo sound in either 12-bit or 16-bit options. The 16-bit mode offers one set of stereo tracks and achieves the same quality as a CD, while the 12-bit mode creates two sets of stereo tracks. Audio dub is possible when recorded in 12-bit mode.

Digital Stills
The still mode is capable of capturing crystal-clear still images of up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels. The images are stored onto the included 8 MB MMC memory card; the GR-DV500 is also compatible with Secure Digital memory cards. You can also record still images onto the video cassette with a "shutter" sound effect in full frame or pin-up mode.

More Features
The GR-DV500 offers the capability to create high-quality MPEG-4 video clips from recorded video footage, or in real-time using the camcorder as a Webcam. This allows for computer-based editing, e-mailing video clips, or uploading to Web sites. The camcorder will also double as a Webcam when connected via USB to your PC.

Other features include:

2.5-inch tiltable LCD screen
JVC's Night Alive feature boosts light sensitivity for a bright picture, even in situations with minimal illumination
The picture-stabilizer system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth and stable pictures
The Power Linked Operation feature prepares the camera to record simply by opening the LCD or pulling out the viewfinder
The IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connections provides fast loss-less digital transfer to a computer, or dubbing from or to another DV unit
Built-in analog-to-digital converter that converts analog audio-video signal to a digital signal, and can be recorded to a DV tape
Remote control features include playback with special effects, zoom, slow motion, and audio dubbing/insert editing

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Contents
This package includes the GR-DV500 camcorder, 8 MB MMC memory card, AC adapter, battery pack, shoulder strap, AV cable (mini-3 RCA), USB cable, wireless remote control, lens cap, and CD-ROM with Presto! ImageFolio and Presto! Mr. Photo 3 software.

1 A very cost effective camcorder
If you're lookin for a crisp clear image, a powerfull ccd, a lightweight camera with photo capacity for a low price, from a trustble company, this is your choice. Despite some reviews that report bad quality images on low light, I've got nice movies under that circustances. Of corse you should know that you'd better use a tripod and as with any cam a bright light is prefereable. But once you watch your footage on TV it's better than you thoght. For this price you cannot get any better. Now I moved for a GR-DV4000, much expensive, including britgher lens and some other upgrades on the same body. If you're looking for daylly use camera, stop searching. You found it.

2 Great camcorder
I bought this camcorder last Christmas and I've loved it since. I was looking for a reasonably priced Mini DV camcorder and came across this one at a local Sears. It felt nice and sturdy in my hands unlike the smaller ones offered by Sony and Panasonic. I checked some reviews on it, found them to be good and bought it at J&R over in NYC. The video quality is nothing short of outstanding in good lighting thanks to the 1.33 megapixel CCD (a godsend in this price range).

As for faults, the only real Achilles heel this camcorder has is the worthless "Night Alive" mode. Sony's nightvision trumps the JVC in this respect because the picture becomes nothing but a bright, blurry mess in Night Alive mode. I will invest in a video light to remedy this problem and I suggest that those considering this camcorder do likewise. Overall this is still a terrific camcorder thanks to the 1.33 megapixel CCD not usually found in this price range.

3 Nice Change of Pace!
When I got this camera my first thought was that it just would not deliver, very skeptical. HOWEVER this is the coolest camera in my collection of photo and video gear. Before I get excited let me tell you a few of the bad things first:

1. Not to sporty on Windows 98, have problems from time to time on my old computer running Win 98 getting this to be recognized.

2. The tape loads underneath which means if you are on a tripod that camera must be taken off in order to change tapes.

3. USB and Firewire ports are underneath the view screen which means the camera must be opened in order to use them.

With that said let me say that the camera performs well on my two other computers using Win XP. I enjoy Windows Movie Maker and this camera, they make a perfect match and good outcome.

If you have Win XP or newer this is the camera for you. PLEASE don't forget to get the Flash and Light accessories which really make this a wonderful camera. It is a lightweight and very easy to use camera. I put a 256SD card in this and have not been able to come close to filling it.

I like being able to video and also digital image at the same time, before I had to use two cameras. This camera puts your digial images on the SD Card and also adds the snapshot effect right on the tape. I use this camera daily and have not been let down yet.

4 Great camcorder for moviemaking
I purchased this camcorder to make a low budget movie. I was impressed with how many features (like 540 lines of horiz. resolution) were available on this camcorder that were hard to find on anything but the best quality professional mini-dv camcorders.

The image quality was great when adequate lighting was used, and there was no picture distortion, even on a larger (close to 50") television. I recently had trouble with the tape loading mechanism, but that could just be my fault.

Pros:
-1.33 Megapixel CCD hard to find on less expensive camcorders
-Sharp LCD screen
-Viewfinder has diopter (so you can take off your glasses)
-Accepts many lens attachments (I use a wide angle and telephoto lens from Sony)
-Body feels strong, not cheap and light like many Sonys or Panasonics
-Some of the picture effects are useful (like shutter speeds)
-Digital Wide Angle setting (allows you to reach <1x zoom with built in lens)
-Great battery life for included battery
-High quality mic preamp built in
-Amazing picture quality for price when used in good lighting

Cons:
-Bottom loading tape (can't open with tripod attached, but few cameras don't have this now)
-No focus ring (you have to use the tiny scroll wheel, but focus rings are only available on camcorders that cost $1000+. Just use a telephoto lens if you need to pull focus)
-Remote sensor can only be used in front of camcorder
-Poor low light shots (just use good lighting)

All in all, this is a great camcorder for making low budget movies, as long as you have decent lighting. Many options are available in manual mode, allowing you to have more control over picture. Automatic mode works great too.

5 Very Nice
So far, the only thing keeping me from giving this camera 5 stars would be that the night vision is choppy. I'm sure its a side effect of the slower shutter speed required for night viewing, but it made all movement look blurry but the color was great. It's light weight, and easy to use right out of the box. The software that comes with it is usable. It would be better if they would just use a standard windows look and feel though. I could not get XP's movie maker to recognize the camera, but after reading one of the other reviews, I'm sure it's my problem and not the camera's. (8 USB devices and 4 cameras hooked to the same computer may have something to do with it.) All and all, a great package.

6 GR-DV500
Its simply amazing what you can do with this piece of equipment!
Very user friendy and if you are operating on Windows XP,then you are in another entertainment world.
With its compact nature and numerous facilities,it is a must buy.
I love it.

7 I love this thing
easy to use. Easy to understand manual. great clear digital stills as well as video. If you have windows xp, not even a need to load the software or drivers. XP friendly. very easy to take pictures and video from camera to your computer.
Dont hesitate to buy this one. Would recomend the very good investment of the video or picture light you can order for that model at JVC.com if indoor shots are going to be taken with low light.