JVC GRDVM55U MiniDV Digital Camcorder

The JVC GR-DVM55U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. A number of great features are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD captures the amazing 520 lines of resolution standard in digital video. A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVM55U. The special night shooting function enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color. There is also a built-in digital still camera that captures images in many modes--such as full screen, frame, pin-up, negative, or multipicture--onto a tape.

The GR-DVM55U 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, the serial terminal allows you to use the provided JLIP software to easily control image capture and linear editing from your computer. Serial terminals are compatible with practically any computer for greater connectivity.

Also included are an AC power adapter/charger, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, CD-ROM software for photo editing, shoulder strap, jack box, PC connection cable, JLIP cable, AV cable, and editing cable.

1 Room for Improvement
...First of all, and this is probably true of all camcorders, is that you can take the fold-out LCD screen and shove it. You can't use it in daylight, it is totally washed out and impossible to see anything whatsoever and, indoors, when you can see it, it is confusing to use and disorienting and makes for wobbly playbacks, the eyepiece viewfinder is the thing to use and the expense and battery consumption of these LCD screens is shameful and baffles me why manufacturers tout them so much. Second, there is no way that I can figure out how to monitor playback tape position (for porting to make tape copies) using the tape counter and NOT have the tape counter/time counter/frame counter digits appear on the finished copy. If you turn off the counter so it doesn't appear on the copied tape, how the heck can you monitor frame/tape location?? I wrote email to JVC service asking a work around to the problem, but they ignored any acknowledgement or reply. The battery life is very short, the upgraded 1-1/2 battery is almost as large as the camera itself and almost costs as much. The much touted "infinite life", "no memory" attributes of these new fangled battery chemistries is pure BS. The old NiCad camcorder battery from my 8-mm Minolta lasted longer and, the best, still is, lead acid batteries of all things! I've never replaced the lead acid backup battery in my home security alarm in fifteen-years! I paid a ton of money (to be first kid on my block with DVM) for this item, I wish I waited so as to get the latest "progressive scan" technology that improves image quality at the higher zoom levels. The digital zoom (>10x) is practically a joke in optical quality. And forget about low light recording, even at wedding receptions, low light graduation ceremonies, Bar Mitzvahs, Communion parties, this camera will just not record under those conditions (if for no other reason than the autofocus mechanism breaks-down in low light) and there is no provision for external light attachment. The camera's physical size is a JOY though, something this small you can take everywhere, every time, it does get used! In fact it is a bit too small in the button department, my fingers have trouble pressing the teensy-weensy buttons, very frustrating actually. I would not trade this sized camera for any amount of improved optical quality in a larger unit and in fact the larger units don't have better image quality, only more convenient finger dexterity/functionality. As far as the snapshot mode is concerned, uploading them to your PC really degrades the image quality if you use the JVC docking station. I tried using these images in ebay listings, but the image quality was just too poor. You will love the credit card sized remote control and the convenience of being able to operate the camcorder using the remote, certainly worth its weight in Pistachio nuts.

2 Good Performer
I have the JVC GR-DVX48 , which is exactly the same as the 55U, but the model number is different here in Australia.
I've had the camera for a few months now and have been quite impressed by the quality of picture and ease of use in the camera.
I've had no problems with reliability, and JVC in Australia are always at hand to answer any stupid questions I have.

There is one thing which I utterly HATE about this camera though. I believe it's rated at 0.5 lux, and am not sure how much different a 0 lux rating would effect night shooting - but the camera performs poorly in low light conditions. Low light conditions being night time shooting under street lights. The camera doesn't seem to hold focus very well when it is dark and seems to get confused, and keep switching between being in focus to out of focus.

I was hoping i'd be able to attach an external light for night use, but there aren't any available for this model. Many JVC cameras have a socket on them called Info shoe, which allows easy attachment of external lights and microphone - for some reason this model does not have that socket. There are some info shoe adapters which can be put on this kind of camera but the JVC website said they can only be used for the external microphones, and not to be used for external lights. Although I would much prefer if this camera had a bit better capabilities at night, as an external light would be a hassle and not give me the natural effect I want.

Adding to that, the Nightscope function is complete and utter... I guess it is ok if you stick it in a tripod and are shooting something which isn't moving. Nightscope drops the frame rate to 3fps, and even then it doesn't improve lighting that much at all.

Besides the lack of night shooting capabilities, it really is a great camera.
If I had a choice again, I would go for the Sony TRV-15, which is a 0-lux rated camera, and also the night vision works properly (although making the image appear green).

But consider the fact that I haven't seen how well the Sony performs at night - so maybe I am just asking for too much when it comes to shooting at night.

3 A step backward.
I've had the 50U for 3+ years and it has never disappointed me. It is compact, rugged and handsome. The 55U is an even more physically attractive update. The quality of the movies is excellent, and the quality of the still pictures is quite good (though not as good as any of the 3+ megapixel cameras available). The drawbacks, as I see them, are the relative expense of the mini DV film and more importantly, the loss of the MultiMediaCards for stills. Now all stills are recorded on the tape, making downloading images to your PC much more complex than with the older model. I think at that price, I'd opt for a camera with removeable media and perhaps image stabilization, such as the 80U.

4 Compact camcorder for a decent price
Though there are now more compact camcorders, I selected JVC because of its price. You will not get a small one for this price. If price is not a serious consideration, you should go for Canon Elura 20MC - it's smaller and handles better. But, hey for me price was important. I got a Firewire port installed in my PC and use Pinnacle's DV Studio to produce movies. It's cool. Make sure you get an additional battery pack. Battery pack product id BN-V514 is 2hrs and BN-V507 is 60 min. Get the additional battery pack or you will regret!

5 ...
...I've had the camera for three months and it's rugged and reliable. I've made several iMovies with it and it works perfectly with my Apple G4. A wonderful camera.

There is no analog input to transfer analog tapes into digital format on this camera, but besides that, it's got great controls, the video quality is excellent. For the size it's got a big impact when creating movies to edit - such as with iMovie.

I recommend this or any of the other JVC models of digital camcorders.

6 Beware
After puchasing the JVC GR-DVM50U 2 years ago, it is now in the shop for the 4th time. Every time we want to do somthing special with this camera it malfunctions. This time they are telling us that it will cost $546 to fix it and send it back to us. We have sent letters to the company and explained our situation and get no response. This camera has spent 5 months in the repair shop in the 2 years that we have owned it. I strongly recomend using extreme caution when purchasing any JVC product.

7 A Very Good Mid Range Digital Video Camera
This Camera is a great starter digital video camera for those looking for a camera with good picture quality, ease of use and features you'll actually use.

The "55" model has some features that the less expensive JVC models don't, (models such as the "70U" and the "80U") such as additional video options like monochrome, sepia and classic film mode, as well as a widescreen option and a night-alive option for shooting in low light. (Not to be confused with "night vision", this camera can't see in the dark....)

And it lacks options found in he better JVC models like: No memory stick - you can still shoot still photos like a regular digital camera, but they're stored on the tape, not in memory or on a removable memory stick. Less advanced digital audio features. There is no light on the front of the camera. Fewer video 'tricks' and scene transitions, though you're probably buying a digital camera to edit on your MAC or PC, so these options can be created digitally with video editing software such as iMovie.

The camera feels good in your hand. The controls are easy to use. The zoom toggle is right at your thumb. Switching between AUTO and MANUAL mode is easy. (Auto for simple everyday shooting, manual if you want to take advantage of features such as better quality when filming indoors, towards a spotlight / stage, with monochrome mode, sports events mode, etc.)

The battery lasts for about half a 60 minute tape. I know that's not an exact amount of time, but it should give you an idea of how often you'll need to recharge the battery. Which is easy to recharge - no need to take the battery out and put it in a re-charger - just turn the camera off and plug in the AC adapter.

As for image quality - it's very good. We have a Sony Vega flatscreen and the output from the camera is very clear. Much better than our previous Sharp ViewCam (which is not digital of course, but a fair comparison if you've seen typical home movies before). It may be fair to say the quality is good enough for low budget documentary style filming. Better than cable access. About as good as "The Blair Witch Project".

The image stabilization does a fair job. Looks good if you're walking around, but don't expect to jog with it.

Zoom is 10X optical & 200X digital. Which means the lens can adjust to 10X naturally, the rest of the 'zoom' is created digitally within the camera. Zoom in any more than say 40X and the image gets pixely (is that a word?!) and shaky.

Overall - I'm very pleased with the camera. We were filming within minutes of opening the box. Navigating the cameras internal OS when using it's added features is a breeze. And the remote seemed like a silly accessory - until we played back our videos on our TV and could forward & rewind without touching the camera.

A note to MAC users: You'll need a 4pin to 6pin Firewire cable (not included) to connect to an iMac or G4. And the included software is all Windows. Also note, one of the more expensive models features USB connections and Mac software. Read carefully: The USB feature and software is only for downloading still pictures from the memory stick, not for digital video editing.

[SIXTEEN MONTHS LATER]

Hey, Amazon lets you update product reviews - cool...

We've had the camera now for sixteen months and we've had no significant trouble with the camera. We have to clean the heads regularly, the camera will stop working and prompt the user with a "Please clean the heads..." alert on the screen. This seems to happen more when we don't use the camer for a while. Maybe once a month. Annoyng when you're trying to shoot a spontaneous moment - but I don't think this is a bad thing. At least we're keeping the heads clean!

We've filled approximately 20 one-hour digital video tapes and made a few movies with iMovie ([web address]). We've played back our video tapes probably hundreds of times since we bought the camera. It has always worked perfectly. The original batteries we bought with the camera still seem to give just as much juice as the day we bought them.

My only recommendation would be to always put the camera in its protective case. Ours looks a bit worn - some parts which look like metal are actually painted plastic and the paint has worn off.

I'm still giving this camera five stars. We're very happy with our purchase.