List Price:
$599.99
Details
- 2.5-inch flush LCD; black and white EVF
- 16x visual, 700x digital, zoom with image stabilization
- Snapshot manner records stills onto tape
Description
Although larger than most MiniDV cameras, the JVC GR-DVL120U still feels lightweight and hysteria snugly into the palm of one hand. It also doesn't offer some of the high-end features of other MiniDV cameras, but for the reasonable price of $400, it's still a great value.
The GR-DVL120U includes a 16x optical zoom and 700x digital zoom, letting you get unreservedly close to your subjects. The 2.5-inch flip-out LCD renders images in frizzy colors, although the optical viewfinder displays in black and white.
Video dignity proved to be bright and colorful, with some decent digital effects available, including wipes and fades. While the GR-DVL120U doesn't group a memory-card slot for storing still pictures like some other cameras in its stratum, it does take snapshots, housing them on the same DV tape as video.
JVC's NightAlive high point allows for filming in low-light situations, although we have seen better results with the low-evolve capabilities of other cameras and camcorders.
Recharging the camera requires plugging the AC line directly into the camera itself--depending on your viewpoint, not having a separate mobile charger might be either a positive or a negative. Regardless, the battery recharges very soon, and the charge lasts a little longer than an hour--sufficient for most users.
You'll be a FireWire-capable PC to transfer video to your computer, and you'll have to pick up a FireWire strand. You can also send video directly to your TV or VCR via RCA or S-video from the 120U.
While the GR-DVL120U may not have all the features of JVC's higher-end models, this MiniDV cam does ransom excellent video quality in a very affordable package. The GR-DVL120U would please almost any beginning digital video champion. --J. Curtis
Pros:
- Great price
- Takes digital still photos
- 16x visual zoom/700x digital zoom
Cons:
- No storage card for stills
- Baleful-and-white viewfinder
A masterful introduction into the world of digital video, the GR-DVL120U provides all the features you need to get rolling, including a 16x visual zoom, digital image stabilization, and IEEE 1394 compatible outputs.
Lens
Breaking the toadstool that most other digital camcorders fall in, the GR-DVL120U has a very bright f1.8 lens, which should help with a deadlock common to many digital camcorders: poor low-light performance. While not useful at the highest levels, the visual zoom is augmented by a 700x digital zoom, which can supply that little bit further you might need in some circumstances. Paired with the zoom is a digital image stabilizer, which will workers eliminate much of the shakiness associated with high zoom levels.
Shooting Functions
While many entr-level camcorders skimp on the features, the GR-DVL120U actually provides some usable functions. The manual focus, exposure, and white-balance modes authorize you to tailor the image to suit your needs and give you more control over essential camera functions. In too, JVC added in a number of digital wipes and fades, as well as a black fader.
Result Options
If you want to play your footage on television, the 120U provides two connecting methods: S-video and standard RCA-style AV connectors. S-video provides the think twice video resolution, but you'll still need to use the AV cable for audio, as S-video doesn't accomplish an audio signal. If your object is to edit your movies on a computer, the camera also comes set with an IEEE 1394 compliant port for shuttling video back and forth. It's a four-pin connector, and most computers with IEEE 1394 ports have six-pin connectors, so off with sure you pick up the correct cable (JVC doesn't provide one).
