Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 JVC GZ-MG255 is the best camcorder for Low Light Performance because it has largest F1.2 lens April 14, 2007
c681
195 out of 201 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3807VA2C1Z2ON I have rated this JVC GZ-MG255 as Five Stars since April 14, 2007.
I disagree with Amazon saying that the JVC GZ-MG255's "newer" model is the "JVC GZ-MG335". The JVC GZ-MG255 does not have newer 2008 model. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the best, and is in a special class of its own due to its largest F1.2 lens, and Superior Low Light Performance. (I tried to contact Amazon using the "Update" form below, but my suggestion was "rejected", so I give up.)
Update March 2008: I received my new JVC GZ-MG255 last year in April 2007, and I immediately took videos to test its Low Light Performance, and here is a 11 second video clip that I took in April 2007 at a dimly lighted nightclub at closing time. This video is the raw 11 second ".MOD" video clip straight from my JVC GZ-MG255 and without any editing, and it looks good, and has very good Low Light Performance, as you can see. The camcorder setting is Full "Auto" mode, in 4:3 Aspect, 30 frames/sec. (Again this is Full "Auto", and I am not using its JVC special low light aperture/shutter enhancing feature in "Manual Mode" called "Night Alive".) The back wall is a full width mirror and is reflecting and showing a small TV screen on left side, and the main entrance door. This video looks good, and is an example that my JVC GZ-MG255 has the best Low Light Performance, in the mid-price range. (My formerly owned Sony DCR-SR80 and Sony DCR-SR82 hard disk drive camcorders, which I previously both first purchased in March 2007 and then both returned for refund, would not have been able to take a nice low light video like this good low light JVC GZ-MG255 video.) (Note: This 11 second video was originally 6,200 KB when I uploaded and was very clear and sharp, but after upload Amazon condensed this video 1/10 its original size to 560 KB to "FLV" Flash, RealPlayer video format, and so the viewable quality is reduced, but again my original video was clear and sharp, and this video is exactly how the dark nightclub looked.) Also, I have NO problem with the JVC "MOD" video files, which are also the same file format as the Panasonic hard disk drive camcorder's ".MOD" files. The "MOD" video files are actually MPG standards, and are standard MPEG-PS "Program Stream" files, and some of the older software may not have incorporated this MPG standard into their software, however, the newer software will recognize "MOD" files; and also another quick solution is to just rename and replace the ".MOD" extension with ".MPG" extension.
I am still very happy with my great JVC GZ-MG255 F1.2 lens, 1/4 inch, 2.18 MP CCD camcorder that I purchased in April 2007. I am very satisfied to know that my JVC GZ-MG255 is the best medium-price camcorder with the best Low Light Performance because it has the more expensive, more complex, and largest F1.2 lens of all other camcorders.
(Note: "F1.2" lens is a larger aperture hole size that captures two times the amount of light than a smaller F1.8 lens, and therefore records better in low light.)
(P.S. January 2008: I just looked at the JVC website and the new 2008 model JVC hard drive camcorders, and the new 2008 models are all mostly smaller F1.8 lens (and apparently no more F1.2 lens) and the highest model GZ-MG730 had a smaller F3.5 lens. So the JVC GZ-MG255 is the only one with the largest F1.2 lens.)
All name brand camcorders usually record videos good in regular bright outdoor light, and therefore has received high ratings for recording in bright light. However, the deciding factor is a camcorder's ability to record video in low light situations such as home indoors, night time, low light concerts, or dark dimly lit dance performances or night clubs, etc, and the JVC GZ-MG255 is the best.
In February 2007, I purchased a new Sony DCR-SR80 F1.8 lens, 1/5.5 inch 1 MP CCD hard disk drive camcorder. For a week at home, I tested and took many videos in bright light and in low light. The bright light videos were okay, but the low light videos were very poor and grainy and very disappointing, and therefore I returned the Sony DCR-SR80 for a refund (and decided to buy the "just released" newer Sony DCR-SR82 below).
In March 2007, I purchased a new, just released 2007 model, Sony DCR-SR82 F1.8 lens, 1/6 inch 1 MP CCD hard disk drive camcorder. For a week at home, I tested and took many videos in bright light and in low light. The bright light videos were okay, but the low light videos were very poor and grainly and very disappointing, and therefore, I returned the Sony DCR-SR82 for a refund. I was especially looking for a camcorder to record videos in low light like indoors, dim light ballrooms, etc. Specific reason, was that the Sony DCR-SR82, during a dim light ballroom, and when I switched from the Sony "Night Shot Plus" to the infrared "Super Night Shot Plus", that my my previously focused dim light people, then became very blurry and unfocused, due to lost of Autofocus. I made more tests at an outside street at nightime with some lighted night street lamps, and the same disappointing "loss of focus" happened, and everything became blurry and unfocused when I switched from "Night Shot Plus" to the infrared "Super Night Shot Plus". I was very unhappy with this Sony DVR-SR82 "loss of focus", and so I returned it.
In April 2007, I purchased my JVC GZ-MG255 F1.2 lens, 1/4 inch 2.18 MP CCD camcorder due to JVC's advertisement that the JVC GZ-MG255 has "Superior Low Light Performance" because of its largest "F1.2" lens. I made many home test videos with my JVC GZ-MG255 in bright light and in low light. My JVC GZ-MG255 bright light videos were, and still are, very great in color and look absolutely very beautiful. And the JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos were, and still are, comparatively very good, and much better than my two returned Sony DCR-SR82 and SR80 camcorders.
As proof of my better JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos, I still have the poor low light videos from the returned Sony DCR-SR82 and SR80 camcorders to compare.
My JVC GZ-MG255 F1.2 lens, 1/4 inch, Gross 2.18 MP, Effective 1.23 MP CCD camcorder records very beautiful colors in bright light, and also, when compared to the following below other camcorders, records very good in low light.
The following below 20 other camcorders all may record videos okay in bright light, however for low light recording, I would not buy these other below camcorders because of many Customer Review complaints about poor low light recordings, and because they have smaller F1.8 lens. I have researched the official Technical Specifications facts from the official company websites and official camcorder User Manuals, and so the true Technical facts can be compared.
(Sorry for being so "Technical". People who have experience with cameras and camcorders will understand these Technical Facts. But back in Feb 2007 I did not understand the definition and significance of these Technical Facts, and I bought the poor and refunded video camcorders in early 2007 based on their glowing advertising hype. If anyone should buy these other below camcorders, and then, afterwards, are disappointed with the low light video quality, then these true Technical Facts will explain why. Also, I am only presenting the true Technical facts so that anyone can make their own decisions. I will not say anything bad about these other camcorders because I do not want any "cease and desist" letters from the company lawyers.)
Rank #1: 10X Zoom. Best Low Light Performance.
BEST -- JVC GZ-MG255: Zoom 10X. F1.2 lens; 1/4 inch CCD, Gross 2.18 MP, Effective 1.23 MP = 1280x960.
Rank #2: 10X Zoom.
-- Sony DCR-SR200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/3" CMOS, Gross 2.1 MP, Effective 1.08 MP = 1200x900.
Rank #3: In my opinion, these "Effective" 640K videos may be okay, but not good.
-- Panasonic SDR-H200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" 3-CCD, Gross 0.80 MP X3, Effective 0.64 MP X3.
Rank #4: In my opinion, these "Effective" 690K videos may be okay, but not good.
-- JVC GZ-MG155: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR85 (New 2008): Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6 inch CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR65 (New 2008): Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR82: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR62: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR80: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
-- Sony DCR-SR60: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Gross 1.07 MP, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720.
Rank #5: In my opinion, these "Effective" 340K videos will be poorer than above.
-- JVC GZ-MG365 (New 2008): Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- JVC GZ-MG360 (New 2008): Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- JVC GZ-MG335 (New 2008): Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- JVC GZ-MG330 (New 2008): Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- Panasonic SDR-H18: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- Sony DCR-SR45 (New 2008): Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/8" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- Sony DCR-SR42: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- Sony DCR-SR40: Zoom 20X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
Rank #6: In my opinion, these "Effective" 340K, 400K videos will be poorer than above.
-- JVC GZ-MG130: Zoom 34X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.68 MP, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480.
-- Panasonic SDR-H60 (New 2008): Zoom 50X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.80 MP, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480.
-- Panasonic SDR-H40 (New 2008): Zoom 42X. F1.9 lens; 1/6" CCD, Gross 0.80 MP, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480.
My footnotes for these True Technical Specifications Facts:
1) I have researched these facts on the Internet and User Manuals. I challenge anyone to find any fact to be not correct.
2) F1.2 lens is larger aperture than F1.8 lens. F1.2 lens is more expensive, and captures twice the light than smaller F1.8 lens.
3) "MP" = Mega Pixels = 1,000,000 pixels.
4) "Gross" MP is the total pixels on CCD sensor, but not all total pixels are used for actual video recording through lens.
5) "Effective" MP is an industry camcorder comparison standard, and is the actual pixels through the lens for recording.
6) For fair comparison, only listed "Effective" MP for 4:3 Aspect. ( And not comparing 16:9 Aspect. )
7) Only comparing video recording in full "Automatic" mode. ( And not "Manual" low light aperture or shutter settings. )
8) Only comparing mid-priced hard disk drive camcorders in "Standard Definition". ( And not "High Definition". )
9) " ? " will be used for those official facts that I can not find on the Internet yet.
10) I have owned the JVC GZ-MG255 since April 2007, and it has the best Low Light Performance due to its larger F1.2 lens, and larger 1/4 inch, 2.18 MP CCD.
11) Camcorders with better Low Light Performance will also give you better "bright light" video recording.
12) For equal comparisons, I am only listing "Optical" Zoom (and not "Digital" Zoom).
13) Do not get fooled by the manufacturer's current optical zoom "game" or "contest". Manufacturers are now making new 2008 camcorders with the highest optical zoom. For Low Light Performance, a zoom "bigger" is NOT "better". The lower zoom (e.g. 10X) means better Low Light Performance, and more complex lens, and more expensive lens. The higher zoom (e.g. 25X, 34X, 40X) means poorer Low Light Performance, less complex lens, and less expensive lens. Probably a rule of thumb, is that the higher the zoom, then the lower lens complexity, and the poorer Low Light Performance. Also, "zoom" is not a same "standard" for all camcorders; zoom is the ratio of the lowest focal length ("wide" setting) and the highest focal length (at highest zoom), and is like comparing "apple" and "oranges" for different camcorders models. The better, more expensive, camcorders will have 10X zoom (and that is fine with me).
GOOD THINGS THAT I LIKE ABOUT MY JVC GZ-MG255:
- JVC GZ-MG255 has the largest F1.2 lens which captures two times more light than the other smaller F1.8 camcorders, and larger 1/4 inch, 2.1 MP CCD for great low light video recordings.
- JVC GZ-MG255 comes with an excellent Remote Control (size 3 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches), and which is very convenient when using a tripod. Remote Control can:
-- Turn Video Record On and Off (Video Record "Start" and "Stop");
-- Zoom Video Record Wide and Telescopic;
-- Snap Still photos;
-- Video Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Reverse.
- JVC GZ-MG255 videos tracks and audio tracks are exactly synchronized, i.e., person visual talking lips matches exactly the audio talking.
- I like my JVC GZ-MG255 "Stick Control" better than the Sony DCR-SR80 / DCR-SR82 "Touch Screen".
- JVC GZ-MG255 has a USB jack built into the front of the camcorder, and that is always 100% accessible, and also a USB jack on the docking station. (The Panasonic SDR-H18/H200 USB jack is hidden under its battery, and its battery must be removed to connect USB.) (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 do not have a USB jack on the camcorder, but is only on the docking station.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in manual internal sliding lens cover. Also, I purchased and use an extra external snap-in lens cover, as extra protection when transporting in my camera bag.
- JVC GZ-MG255 takes good 2 MP still pictures. (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 takes lower resolution 1 MP still pictures.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in fantastic very bright white light Flash for taking still pictures. And with a 10 second Flash self-timer, and I was very happy to have gotten myself into many memorable still pictures with friends. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have a built-in Flash for still pictures.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 also can use SD/SDHC 4 GB memory cards to record BOTH videos AND still pictures. (Sony DCR-SR82 can use a Memory Stick Duo card to record still pictures, but CAN NOT record videos. The Sony DCR-SR80 does not use any memory card.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 has "Quick Re-Start" which turns on camcorder in one second when the LCD is re-opened.
- JVC GZ-MG255 has great low light manual feature setting called "Night Alive" which increases brightness of low light videos. Note: This GZ-MG255 review is based on using the full "Auto" mode for low light recording which turns "Night Alive" off; I do not use "Night Alive" for low light recording since the "Auto" mode is good enough for low light video recording, and is more "natural".
- JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a convenient neck strap, to help minimize accidental dropping. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not come with a neck strap.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 has Firewire (aka, i-Link, IE-1394) jack on the JVC Docking station. (Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have Firewire jack.)
- JVC GZ-MG255 has "Analog Input", which can input and record your old VHS tapes into the camcorder, and turn them into digital format files.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- JVC GZ-MG255 Instruction Book is available free at the JVC website.
- JVC GZ-MG255 has 10X optical zoom, and 40X/300X digital zoom, and I am satisfied with my JVC optical and digital zoom quality. The Sony DCR-SR80(12X) and SR82(25X) has higher optical zooms. However, I like my JVC GZ-MG255 better due to its better low light video recordings.
- Why the lower JVC 10X versus the higher Sony 12X/25X optical zoom? Answer: the JVC has larger F1.2 lens which only permits 10X optical zoom; and the Sony has smaller F1.8 lens which permits 25X optical zoom.
- JVC GZ-MG255 records videos in Standard Definition (SD), which is fine with me. I am satisfied with Standard Definition. I do not want High Definition (HD) because it requires more bytes per second space on the hard drive. HD may cause people to be unhappy because HD shows every facial flaw and body imperfections. SD smooths out and hides any facial flaws.
- JVC GZ-MG255 has 30 GB hard drive, and is fine for me. The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 have larger 60 GB hard drives. However, I prefer my JVC GZ-MG255 because of its superior low light video recordings.
- JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a "70 minute" JVC BN-VF808 Data Battery. I purchased four more larger "150 minute" JVC BN-VF815 batteries (which are twice the capacity of the VF808) for recording long events like weddings.
- I have made hundreds of beautiful DVD+R's from my JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos. To make DVD's, I purchased and use the following DVD burning software: Nero 8; DivX Author 1.5. I also purchased and own Premiere Elements 3.0; VideoStudio 9 and 11; ShowBiz DVD2; DVD Movie Factory 2; AutoProducer 5; and the AVS 5-Title Bundle including AVS Video Editor. I use the free "SDCopy.exe" by "Sektionschef", which can very quickly rename files to year-month-date-time format, and set the 16:9 flag.
- JVC GZ-MG255 has four video "Quality" setting choices:
-- 1) Ultra Fine . (DVD Movie) .. 720x480, 8.5 Mbps, 7 hours.
-- 2) Fine ........ (DVD) .......... 720x480, 5.5 Mbps, 10 hours. (Factory Setting is "Fine")
-- 3) Normal ..... (TV) ........... 720x480, 4.2 Mbps, 14 hours. (I use "Normal")
-- 4) Economy .. (Internet) .... 352x240, 1.5 Mbps, 37 hours.
(I just use "Normal" because I can not visually tell the difference between "Fine" and "Ultra Fine" modes, and the higher modes will use up more computer hard drive space. The higher modes are probably better, but the "Normal" is good enough for me, and uses less hard drive space bytes per second.)
This JVC GZMG255 will soon be out of stock due simple economics because it is relatively expensive to make with the complex larger F1.2 optics. And JVC is joining the other makers in the "highest zoom" game to try to lure buyers. And it is cheaper to make the higher zoom camcorders at/in (you know where) and sell it for a higher profit margin.
Update April 2008: See the Feb 27, 2008 Amazon Customer Review by M. Koch of the JVC GZ-MG330. He purchased three JVC hard disk drive camcorders: JVC GZ-MG-730, JVC GZ-MG-330, and JVC GZ-MG-255. After side-by-side comparison and tests, he said the JVC GZ-MG-255 was the best of the three. (And the JVC GZ-MG-330 being #2, and the JVC GZ-MG-730 being #3 of 3.)
Update April 2008: As I predicted this JVC GZ-MG255 is rapidly selling out. A few months ago, a friend found this JVC GZ-MG255 on the Internet for a "bargain" price of $293 from Broadway Photo, and he ordered it and paid with his credit card. Later he received an urgent email to call them, and he was told that his order was an "International" or Japanese model, but he could pay $200 or so more for a "United States" model, but with a few weeks waiting period; He promptly cancelled. Be sure that you are buying a "United States" model; I have a "U.S." model, and my box says "JVC GZ-MG255u" ("u" stands for U.S.) and "JVC GZ-MG255USM". I like to buy from trusted places like Amazon (and Amazon sponsored Sellers), J&R Electronics, Walmart, etc.
Yes, I have seen the two "professional" reviews (and I still think the JVC GZ-MG255 is the best with Superior Low Light Performance):
1) I disagree with the May 21, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Will Greenwald on CNET, in which he said the JVC GZ-MG255 was "terrible for low-light shooting", and "fares horribly in low light". I disagree with Greenwald, and I say he is wrong, because he did not review and did not compare the other 20 camcorders on my list of 21 camcorders, and he only reviewed JVC GZ-MG255 and the higher model JVC GZ-MG555. I bet that if he reviewed all the 21 camcorders on my list, that he would have ranked the JVC GZ-MG255 at the top of the list for better Low Light Performance.
2) I agree with the Aug. 16, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Michael Perlman at CamcorderInfoDOTcom, in which he says "The GZ-MG255 will grace you with improved handling and superior low light performance". Perlman's Review is more positive of the JVC GZ-MG255. Also, CamcorderInfoDOTcom has better, more objective standards of comparisons using video charts.
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Update Nov 2008:
* I am still glad that I purchased the JVC GZ-MG255 (I now own two new GZ-MG255: one to use, and the other as a backup, since these are almost not for sale anymore, and prices are up due to Supply and Demand.)
* I like the JVC GZ-MG255 Standard Definition (SD) format. I disagree with others who say that money should have been spent for a High Definition (HD) camcorder. With SD format, and using Nero 8, I can easily and relatively quickly make a DVD. An HD video is about 2 or 3 times the size of an SD video, and a HD video is more difficult to make a DVD, and takes 2 or 3 times the time.
* The GZ-MG255 F1.2 lens is the largest and the best (I would not buy the other JVC and other brands because they do not have the larger F1.2 lens -- I would not buy the JVC GZ-MG555 nor JVC GZ-MG730, etc.)
* I have no problems with the MOD files. MOD files are actually a newer MPG format, which is why some older software do not recognize. To use Windows Media Player, I just rename the FILENAME.MOD TO FILENAME.MOD.MPG. The MOD 16:9 flag exists in the MOD file structure, but may not be recognized in some software, so I do not convert the MOD to another format; instead I just use the free software SDCOPY.EXE which inserts the 16:9 flag in each frame, but does not change nor "convert" the original MOD file. (P.S. I own many video editing software, including the bargain $69 AVS bundle which includes a software to convert any video format (e.g. MOD, etc) to any video format (eg. AVI, WMV, etc), but I never have to spend any more time to "convert" the MOD files, instead I just use the original MOD file, plus SDCOPY to add 16:9 flags if videotaped in 16:9 format.)
* Overall I am very happy that I made the right decision to return the poorer Sony DCR-SR80 and Sony DCR-SR82, and do all this research. And I am glad that I own the JVC GZ-MG255, which has best Superior Low Light Performance.
 Excellent camera with just a few flaws May 25, 2007
Robert Santa (Bronx, NY USA)
82 out of 84 found this review helpful
Let's start off with the good.
GOOD
----
1) Easy to use. The learning curve for the menus and actual operation is pretty shallow. 15-20 minutes tops.
2) Solid AV quality.
3) Compact and sturdy construction.
4) Joystick-based menu controller. None of the fears of LCD breaking that's associated with touch screens.
5) Easy to download any video files to your PC, with or without the software
6) Included Dock
7) Still camera flash
8) MOD video files are simply renamed MPGs, which makes editing easy as pie.
9) Lots of space to record
10) Built-in USB
11) No recorded noise (that I could detect) coming from either the HDD or the zoom.
12) 16:9 widescreen recording. Great feature to have access to even if its not hi-def.
An now for the bad...
BAD
---
1) Included battery only lasts 1hr 15min. You'll definitely need to shell out $150-$200 more for a longer lasting battery and a separate charger.
2) Flash for stills, but no persistent light for video.
3) Low light shooting enhancements come at a price, mainly aperture speed.
4) No viewfinder.
5) MOD files have a small bug that improperly sets the 16:9 flag. The widescreen tag can be easily fixed by a free 3rd party tool though.
6) Placement of the power knob makes turning the unit on or off awkward. The problem stems from an inset push button lock in the knob. Simultaneously pushing the lock and turning the knob is usually best done with your free hand. It's just easier that way.
7) Somewhat flimsy feeling to the AC adapter.
8) Digital zoom is pretty much a waste of time. Compared to the optical, why bother? Way too grainy and over-processed. Then again, what would you expect from digital zoom?
9) Image stabilization for handheld shooting could be better. The jumping becomes more noticeable as you zoom in. A good tripod or monopod is a must.
10) 10x optical zoom is nice, but some people might wish for more - without investing in a telephoto lense.
11) It's small. REALLY small. Almost toy-like in size actually. Imagine stacking 3 or 4 iPods. =) Some newbies might be scared of breaking it, even if it is quite sturdy feeling.
12) Only 1 CCD.
With as many drawbacks as I mentioned, you'd think I'd rate the camera lower. Nah. It's a good product. The drawbacks are relatively small and easily forgiven in the grand scheme.
As far as price is concerned, for what you do get, the GZMG255 is actually worth the full list price of $700. So, at the sub-$550 price that many resellers are charging, the GZMG255 is a steal.
Not a pro camera, but definitely not a budget camera either. Spec-wise, it performs nicely in the mid-range. If this is your first camcorder then you could do far worse than the GZMG255.
One particular online review (cnet) was harsh on this camera (6.4/10). I firmly disagree. The GZMG255 is not meant to be a pro-level camera and shouldn't be judged by those standards. Based on a simple price to feature ratio, I'd give it a solid 4/5 (8/10 on their scale.) I might even give it a 4.5/5 or 8.5/10 based solely on practical use.
The GZMG255 offers a high degree of bang for the buck, more so at the recently discounted prices. Not an average cam.
Mac Users Rejoice June 3, 2007
W. Nilsson (Maryland)
38 out of 42 found this review helpful
Although missing from the product description, this camera (via the included dock) has Firewire. So I got a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable, hooked up to my Mac, and iMovie instantly recognized the camera and imported the clips. No conversion or intermediate steps required. This capability also comes standard with the GZMG155, but the 255 has superior resolution and a flash instead of the light. I started with the GZMG130, but the still camera was worthless. The 255 has great capability for video and stills. The USB port is still available for file transfer, and iPhoto opens right up when you connect.
Great Recording! - Poor Battery Life! June 17, 2007
JoeO (New Jersey, USA)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
The JVC GZMG255 is a great little video recorder packed with features. Its small and light weight, and fun to use. Easy to get the video off the unit via USB and burn to DVD. The only downfall is JVC includes the BN-VF808 battery which only gives about 1 hour of run time. If you want to upgrade to the next battery BN-VF815 it will cost you an additional $70.00 for 2 1/2 more hours of run-time. Overall would give the unit 5 stars for ease of use and video quality, however -1 star for JVC cheaping' out on battery life!!!
Super small, meets my needs well. October 14, 2007
Patrick A. Schommer (Fun Prairie, WI USA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
I use this camera for recording my daughters' gymnastics and basketball/volleyball events. Works great and I can just throw it in my digital camera bag. As stated in other reviews, the still camera feature is OK, but not great. Fine in a pinch.
Unfortunately, the thing that makes it so sweet (compact size) also works against it, if only slightly. For any man with man-sized hands, this camera will be slightly difficult to operate. When your right hand is holding the camera through the grip, your fingers and thumb will extend past the button positions. You'll have to bend your fingers to work the controls. Because of this, starting and stopping the recording feature is sure to introduce a little shake into the video. Use your other hand to steady the camera or use a monopod. Very much a keeper as far as I'm concerned.
Because each recording creates a different file on the enclosed HDD, be sure to stop and start the recording more than you might on other tape-driven cameras.
Windows Media Player will play the .MOD files created with this camera. Windows Movie Maker (included with Vista) will also read these files and allow you to easily add text and transitions. A utility mentioned in another review, SDCopy Beta available from Sektionschef, is a must if you record at 16x9. It's the only way I've been able to set the 16x9 flag on the files and have them play back in the proper format.
Windows Movie Maker will also rotate the video if you take it vertically instead of horizontally.
Using the dock to transfer files to my PC is a snap. It also charges the battery (but not at the same time as the file transfer). Camera must be switched ON for file transfer, OFF for battery charge.
VERY happy with this purchase.
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