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JVC GRDVL805U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

JVC GRDVL805U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

List Price: $999.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Doesn't work with NT!
Review: 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.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent Camera at a reasonable price
Review: 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.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Cleaning Tape Message
Review: 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.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Head Cleaning Disclaimer out of the box.
Review: Within a few minutes of use I began getting a flashing message on the screen that the heads on unit needed cleaned.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A pretty good deal...
Review: 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.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: This camera is a very crude toy
Review: 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.


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