Whether you're recording your vacation, your children, or any event, the ultracompact JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam offers a wide range of features to help you take the best shots. Not only does it act as a regular camcorder, but it also can function as a digital still camera. The still images are stored on the included memory card and can be downloaded onto your PC via the provided serial cable. The included software provides a short editing process to make your images Web ready or e-mail compliant.
This JVC digital cybercam offers a high level of picture and sound quality. A 680,000-pixel CCD delivers outstanding resolution, and with the large swiveling color LCD monitor, the camcorder can be operated from any angle. For important close-up shots, the 250x digital zoom provides fast zooming at variable speeds by finger pressure.
This camcorder offers a large selection of digital effects and scene transitions. Exercise your creativity with effects like classic film, strobe, slow shutter, black and white, and many more. A random assemble editing feature provides an eight-scene memory for favorite scenes as well as the ability to add special effects. The JVC GR-DVL805U digital cybercam also includes playback zoom for enhanced viewing.
The JVC GR-DVL805U is fully compatible with your PC computer. It includes a serial cable and digital output link. Other accessories include a handgrip strap, audio-video output cable, editing cable, DC adapter, AC adapter/battery charger, and remote control.
1 Upgrade available for Picture Navigator for Windows XP
I recently purchase a new PC with Window XP Professional. I was having trouble downloading images to my PC, like many of the other reviews have stated. I found a download which fixed my problem.
http://www.jvc.ca/en/consumer/service/s_downloads/default.asp
(I selected: Picture Navigator Windows¨ 2000 Professional and XP Update)
Good luck!
2 troubles transferring still images from serial port
I was quite impressed when I first used this camera, but after a few months, it's turning out to be a problem. I'm having the worst luck trying to download the still images on to my PC. Apparently, the enclosed software Multimedia Navigator(1 disc: JLIP VideoCapture | JLIP VideoProducer | PictureNavigator) does not work on the Windows 98 as it said, neither in W2K and Windows XP.
I'm still haven't been able to download my pictures because my PC doesn't recognize the camera. Apparently, many people are experiencing similar problems with downloading their images. There is no drivers for this camera and JVC support doesn't know about this issue.
3 Don't buy this
I bought this in a few years ago and it worked fine for a while.
But then it started giving the dreaded error regarding
the "Cleaning Tape" error and the cost of fixing this is $250!!
JVC's customer support is non-existent.
Moral of the story - pay more and get better quality.
4 A+ Very Good Camera
I love this camera. It's dirt cheap for all of its features.
5 Don't buy
I bought this camera Dec 2001. I have returned it twice due to malfunctioning. It broke right before Christmas 2002 and I took it to a local repair shop to fix. It worked for Chistmas day and then malfunctioned again. There was an error and the tape door would not shut. I took it back to the repair shop and he did not know what the problem was. He called JVC and they told him the part he needed was no longer being manufactured. The only thing they would do is prorate the cost of buying a new camera. This camera was a big waste of money! I will never buy a JVC again. I am going with Sony.
6 Cleaning Tape Message
While on vacation in Mexico(high humidity), camera started to malfunction. Door would not close and head cleaning message appeared. It was really the worst time possible. I am still in process of trying to figure out where to get cleaning tape. JVC.com website is no help.
7 It's a good little starter camcorder.
However, you will quickly out grow this cam. after a short while. The camera lacks mic inputs and headphone jack and some other necessary items for really good recording. That said if you want a reliable, inexpensive little camcorder this is a pretty good deal, but if I had it to do over I would look for the above features I mention in another model or brand. Do the research and find out what is important, so you can grow into your purchase and not out of it like I did. Just keeping it real. Good luck and keep the video rolling!
8 This camera is a very crude toy
You 'can't increase memory cuz there's no memory stick or flash card whatsoever. It doesn't even have a twain driver cuz it has its own propriotory software for communicating with the camera. There are no twain drivers for this camera. JVC must have been thinking of conquering the universe. either that or they were sure in a hurry to bring it out in the market. its really more of a toy. This I believe is the "pinhole camera" of the Digital Video Camera market.
Sorry, i really am way out dissapointed.
9 Warning: "cleaning tape message"
I thought this camera was great until I started getting the message indicated by several other customers "cleaning head tape required". Unfortunately, I cannot find this tape anywhere -- including Blacks, Henry's, Future Shop, Radio Shack -- and I was told in one place that the tape is no longer made. I hope this is not the case, but I have not yet been able to find out otherwise. Of course the camera cannot be used while this message continues to exist.
10 JVC Digital Camera
This is a great camera for the price. I looked around at several cameras before buying this one. This was my first digital camcorder and I found it pretty easy to use. The built in light, stereo microphone, still photo ability, remote control, and large monitor are great features in this price range. My only complaint was the instruction book that comes with the unit could be a lot better, and there is little help on the JVC web site. That is the only thing keeping this from a 5 star rating.
11 Not as good as I thought
We were very excited to get this camcorder, it took good video, but when we went to play it back on the television, you can hear the whirring sound of the camcorder thru the speakers, it really takes away from the sound you want to hear, for a $500 camcorder, i really expected better!!!
12 told me to clean head and replace tape
The picture quality is good, but some thing wrong with
playback, it keeps reminding you to clean the head and
use new tape (even it's new), and the picture is shaking. It happens from time to time, but not always.
Software is no use at all for windows2000. A litle problem with the tape door.
13 Very low warranty period
Beware of low warranty (only 3 months) on this product. I have a JVC camcorder and got problem with its DV cassette door. It started malfunctioning and the cassette door does not close fully. I took it to JVC service center and they say it will cost (a lot) to repair it !. I will advice others to think twice before buying camcorder from JVC.
14 Excellent Camera
I bought this camera in December '01. Took a lot of time to research digital camcorders and this was the best deal going ...Camera is easy to operate and has many great features.
Video is excellent. Even in low light the video is good and there is an integrated light for darker shots.
I agonized over whether to purchase this camera with 2MB of integrated memory or one with an 8MB memory stick. The 2 MB memory holds 30+ stills which is more than I'll ever take at one time, the extra MB would have been unnecessary.
Included battery lasts about an hour, less if you use the light or the LCD monitor...but the battery charges relatively quickly.
Camera came with everything you'd need except a camera case and digital video cassette.
The only drawback is that the digital still photos are not great. However, they are sufficient for e-mail or web site posting instead of printing. Transfer of photos from camera to computer is simple. Included editing software was easy to install and use.
I think this is a great camera for family videos and digital photo emails to friends and family.
15 Head Cleaning Disclaimer out of the box.
Within a few minutes of use I began getting a flashing message on the screen that the heads on unit needed cleaned.
16 very good miniDv Digital Video Camcorder
very good miniDv Digital Video Camcorder in that price range (...). The unit is very light 1.3lb. Outdoor video is pretty good, but indoor isn't. Included battery is only for 30 minutes recoeding with LCD on. Remote control in very ugly, AC adaptor/charger and other accessaries are very rough, not Japan-made, the unit is just fine. Not 0 Lux, so video is terrible in weak light, the build-in light is useless at all in this case. I did not try still image mode, 640x480 VGA is not good enough for printing. Include software is for Win95/98 only, not for NT/2000. The indoor recording video is "red", you need to calabriate to write-balance to reduce this ugly effect. Summary: it is good enough for home use, but video and audio quality is just fair.
17 Great Value.
I bought this camera ... 6 months later, I'm STILL trying to figure out all of the special effects! Great video and sound quality. Only drawback: little or no digital stabilizer on the zoom. Buy a tripod for tight zoom shots.
18 JLIP software problems with NT OS
Chad had mentioned having problems with JLIP/NT compatibility issues.
From experience I can tell you that the JLIP drivers (or most software drivers for that matter) written for 95/98 won't work with NT. Windows 2000 however is a different beast and the driver may work in win2k. Ditto for Windows ME
That aside, the camera in question has nothing but Kudos going for it. I've got relatives in Asia and here in the US using versions of this camera (or slight variations in the model) and for the money this one simply can't be beat.
19 small but powerful
I bought JVC instead of Sony because of the size. The Sony cams are too large and heavy. The video quality is very good both indoor and outdoors. The audio is not so great but it is acceptable. The auto focus is good and zoom is nice but it could be better. Controls are well placed and the camcorder is very easy to use. Digital photo is very bad. The photos are not acceptable. It would have been better to not have it at all and the price to be a little smaller. Overall impression: very good. I am satisfied with it and it does exactly what I need.
20 Excellent Camera at a reasonable price
When shopping for an affordable digital video camera, the JVC GRDVL805U I have not been disappointed with the quality of the images, although most of my use has been limited to online video. I recommend this camera highly as an affordable, easy to use, cybercam.
21 EXCELLENT!!!!!!
I just bought the camera and it is excellent in quality and features, it plays crystal clear and is a great value. This is my first camera I purchased, and it is better than I expected, I have rented and borrowed the other brands sharp sony panasonic . and this is by far the best and easiest to use,
22 Doesn't work with NT!
Well, I was quite impressed when I first received it as a gift, but after a few months of use, it's turning out to be a problem. I'm having the worst luck trying to download the still images on to my PC. Apparently, the enclosed software (1 disc: JLIP VideoCapture | JLIP VideoProducer | PictureNavigator) does not work on the NT platform - something the manual didn't day (or I still haven't seen it!).
It does say for 95/98, but I assumed that would cover NT. Even after trying it on a 95/98 machine, the software is conflicting with a scanner. Apparently, many people are experiencing similar problems with downloading their images.
Unfortunately, it holds only 30 still images (I think) and because it has a built-in memory card, once it is full (which it now is), the card must be emptied by downloading before taking more pictures. As it happens, the stills quality isnt't that great, but it's a pain being unable to take anymore.
Having said all that, for the price bracket it's in, it's fun to use and easy viewing the footage back on the TV. The features are nice (wipe | dissolve | classic film look, etc.) Could use a better battery life and better software.
23 Entryt Level - Good Value
If you are not looking for a top of the line digital camera, this is a good value. It doesn't have as many features as a sony, no end search, no titles, no night shot, but the truth, I never really used those features. The quality of the image when plug to the TV is very good, and is very nice to be able to plug your camera to the pc and email a video to your family. The still camera doesn't have a good quality, but it's nice to have this feature. The battety last just 30 min. You'll need to buy an extra one....Nice step up from a Hi 8.
24 Buy the Sony TRV11 Instead
I first bought the JVC 805U because I was enticed by the cheaper price tag, which I convinced myself was the only difference. It isn't. Don't be fooled by price -- pay the extra money and get what you pay for.
I returned this model and bought the Sony TRV11. The video quality on the JVC is noticeably worse. This could be because of the lack of the Carl Zeiss lens or the lack of low lux recording (both found on the Sony).
The battery that came with the JVC only lasted about 30 minutes (compared to about 1 hour with Sony) and the image stabilization was shoddy at best. Also, the LCD screen quality on the JVC is just so-so.
While the JVC does have a built in light, it is really useless for night shooting.
Overall, the JVC has average quality and features. If you are willing to settle for average and want to buy a camera in the "average" price range, consider this one or close competitor Panasonic. If you want a much better camera for a few hundred bucks more, buy the Sony TRV11.
25 A disappointment
I previously owned a Sony 8mm and wish now that I had either stayed with that or gone to a Hi8. Some complaints. The smaller, lighter camera is more difficult to hold steady. The stabilization feature makes no difference that I can detect. The digital format simply does not handle contrast well: if the background is at all bright it will be completely washed out so the sky, for example, usually appears to be flat white. The digital zoom requires a tripod. The camera has an excellent range of fade and wipe effects but it is necessary to move the main switch from "manual" to "automatic" while filming and that is not easy to do. The camera light is not bright enough to make any practical difference. The lens cup is hard and flat and does not effectively block the light from the viewfinder, especially if you shoot while wearing glasses. They do not sell a more effective cup as an accessory. Compared to my six-year old 8mm Sony, the image in the viewfinder is very poor -- small and grainy. Bright images are likely to appear white. The manufacturer advises that the remote control is not likely to function in bright light so you cannot, for example, film on the beach with the camera on a tripod, operated by remote. Is there anything good to be said? The Digital Still Camera feature is very good and so is the sound. The easy playback (with sound) on the LCD screen is a neat feature. I have not fully explored the camera's editing capabilities but the manual makes them sound difficult and complex. I am no computer guru and I have found the instruction booklets for computer editing almost incomprehensible.
26 Very nice cybercam.
Preface: I am a quality engineer in a printing company
I own a JVC GR-DVL805u. I think it is a very nice digital video camera.
I like the built in 640x480 digital still camera. You can save and load the stills off of your miniDV tape - so you don't need a memory stick. The advanced features on the camera are very nice. Combined with the highest density CCD in the price range you can expect to get some nice results.
Out of the box, I was not completely thrilled with the default white balace of the camera. The image was a little too red. You can re-calibrate the white balance in a few simple steps detailed in the manual. Perhaps the auto light mode doesn't work well under mixed lighting conditions (halogen & sun.)
The camera does not support Hi8. It is a miniDV format. The camera resolution is 640x480 for still photos (in the fine mode.)
I'm kind of glad JVC didn't include a package for firewire [aka i.Link or IEEE 1394]. The camera would cost at least $100 more and I'm not sure I would want the interface board they would give me. I'm not if the software with the system support Macintosh.
The interface that you get with the camera is just what you need if you have a vcr and you want to edit your tape into a movie. Or if you don't have a bleeding edge computer with firewire. Firewire is next on my list, with that I can make movies of the baby to mail to my family.
Nit-picky points: The logo plates pick up finger prints, and look hard to clean. The glowing logo on the side of my 805u doesn't read the same as the demo units I've looked at. The unit is packaged with the lense cap hidden deep in the box--not on the lense. (The lense was clean -- but it took a while to find the cap.) The ac power cable goes into the same area as the battery & the cable does not have an ideal fit. That is, JVC documents to have the coiled end of the cable near the camera, and the only direction the power cord fits without kinking is up - so over the long term the wire is more likely to break. ... please remember I'm a quality engineer.
I think this camera is an excellent buy. If the price is a bit high - look at the 505u, which as far as I can tell differs only by .5" on the LCD and has a b&w viewfinder.
27 A pretty good deal...
Wy wife and I had been considering a Hi8 replacement since our daughter was born. Several factors guided our decision: digital format, ease of use, portability, and ease of image capture. I wanted to comment on some of the stronger features of this model.
First of all, the video works pretty well. I'm not super-impressed with the image stabilization, but the auto focus and lighting are pretty "smart". The color LCD is good inside, but I enjoyed the color viewfinder when filming outside.
The unit also serves as a digital still camera. The built-in 2MB memory allows for ~30 images to be stored at a time. I'm not sure how to capture at a size other than 320x240 just yet, but they look sharp at that resolution.
Unlike other models, the JVC also includes video capture software straight out of the box. I was discouraged, however, that the capture process relied on composite video and not IEEE 1394. Why offer the port & software if you can't use them together? I ended up purchasing MGI VideoWave to use IEEE 1394.
I'm somewhat of a Sony devotee, but I didn't find many models that had Memory Stick storage AND MiniDV format. If you're looking for a good alternative to that brand, consider this JVC.
