Featuring a compact, vertically aligned body to go along with its potent 10x optical zoom, the GR-DVM96U is a great buy for those in need of portability, but who don't want to sacrifice quality.
Lens and CCD
The two central components of any video camera (or digital still camera) are the lens and CCD (the image sensor). This JVC model builds around a 10x optical zoom, which is paired with image stabilization to cut down on the shakes and jitters common to most amateur video footage. The CCD sports a pixel count of 1.02 megapixels--great for video--that translates the image into the digital video standard of 520 lines of resolution.
Digital Still Mode
Most digital camcorders these days come with some sort of digital still mode. The resolution is usually fine for posting on the Web, e-mailing to friends and family, and making small, snapshot-sized prints. The DVM96U is no exception. It snaps stills at the 1,280 x 960 level, and records them onto an included 8 MB MultiMediaCard (also compatible with SD memory cards). For those interested in sharing small movie clips via e-mail or the Web, the camcorder also comes with an MPEG-4 movie mode, which also records onto the memory card.
Cables and Connectors
The DVM96U comes with what JVC calls a Jack Box, which exists simply to provide the ports most people want to use when connecting their camcorder to various video display devices. This is a nice approach, as it cuts down on the amount of space needed for this type of thing on the camcorder itself. The Jack Box features a USB port, which is used to transfer digital stills; AV ports (these are the traditional RCA-style connectors used by many VCRs and televisions); and an S-video port, which is a video-only port, but transfers video at a higher level of quality than traditional RCA-style connectors. On the camcorder itself is an IEEE 1394 port, which is also known as FireWire or iLink. FireWire enables lossless transfer of footage to a computer for editing purposes.
Included with the DVM96U is an AC power adapter, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, 8 MB MultiMediaCard, Software(CD ROM), Jack Box, USB cable, and an AV cable.
1 Modest camera with flaws..
Pros: Small Format - That's it
Cons: Battery life, Low light video Quality, Ergonomics, Software
Recommended: No
It took me about 1 hour (!!!) to figure out how to hold this thing. The ergonomics are unacceptable. Either one finger is on the microphone or on the autofocus. 2.The battery life is about 1/2hour, I bought an additional battery (1 1/2hours) for [$$$] which boosts the price. But this new battery sticks out of the camera... 3. The Still camera (1 Megapixel) doesn't meet current Quality standards => you will need a additional digital Camera. 4. MPEG4 format, is so low in quality, that you can barely recognize anything. 5. You can't plug in a microphone, which limits the use of this camera. 6. Software that came with it is worthless=>get XP Moviemaker (free download at Microsoft) or Video Explosion (CNET Editors Choice). 7. If you shoot at night, the picture is grainy and low quality. Indoors you need a bright room to get good quality. 9. Camera has a lot of features that you don't really need (i.e. Transition features like fading). It's better to use Video Editing software 10. Viewfinder is black and white and too small to see anything. However you will probably never use it since the Color LCD does a great job. 11. Camcorder only comes with a 8MB Smartmedia card, upgrade to at least 32MB necessary => boots price 12.Summary: Buy this camera if you are a beginner or don't use the camcorder too often. Don't buy it if you have high quality standards. And don't think about using this camera for still printouts.
2 This is great !
I bought mine from a different website, but since I have been a long time customer and user of of Amazon.com website, I thought of giving this review to aid other customers old and new. I have this mini cam for about a month now and I used it when I vacationed in California just last month. I never regret buying it. My family and friends have a great time watching our pictures on TV everytime we return from one of our siteseeing trips. I just give it a four star for now because I still have not use all it's features yet. There's just too many to read and install in order for me to fully utilize it. Overall, I think I got my money's worth. It's convenient and easy to use (the still and video cam only). It can get great pictures, and you can use the auto flash if the lighting is not good. The LCD monitor is not so clear on a bright day, but who's complaining, just delete your not so good shots and just keep the best. I haven't used the viewfinder that much since even in 35mm camera I find the viewfinder too small, I used the LCD most of the time. You just need to buy additional battery, which I did. I bought the BNV840 before but it weighs just the same as the camera itself, so I end up exchanging it with BNV312. Plus the former one needs a different charger which I have to buy separately. I will definitely recomend this with anyone. Also I bought a 128mb SD memory card in addition to the 8md that is included in the video package, though I haven't used up my 8mb yet.
