| JVC Everio GZ-MG50 1.33 MP 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom | 
 enlarge
| Brand: JVC
Category: Photography
List Price: $899.99
Buy New: $539.00
You Save: $360.99 (40%)
Avg. Customer Rating:   (14 reviews)
Sales Rank: 28708
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Special Features: Digital video recorder
Optical Zoom: 15
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 45
Minimum Focal Length: 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 4.3 x 2.7 x 2.8
MPN: GZMG50
Model: GZMG50
UPC: 046838021800
EAN: 0046838021800
ASIN: B000A140H8
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Features:
| • | 1/4.5-inch CCD imager with 1.33-megapixel resolution | | • | Microdrive format lets you shoot up to 7 hours of high-quality MPEG-2 video | | • | 15x optical zoom | | • | 2.5-inch clear LCD monitor, power linked operation | | • | Three-dimensional noise reduction for clear picture in low light |
|
| Editorial Reviews:
From the Manufacturer
The revolutionary JVC Everio G series hard-disk camcorders offer unprecedented storage capacity, eliminating the need to carry tapes, discs, or any media at all--yet can record up to seven hours of DVD movie-quality video. They also record more than 10.5 hours at a quality level comparable to a DVD camcorder's 30-minute mode. Recording-time capabilities for all four models in the Everio G series are impressive: The GZ-MG20 and GZ-MG40 offer 4 hours and 50 minutes of recording time at DVD quality and 25 hours at lower-resolution Internet quality; the GZ-MG30, GZ-MG50, and GZ-MG70 record for 7 hours and 10 minutes at DVD quality and 37 hours at Internet quality.  | | The GZ-MG50 fits in the palm of your hand. |
The GZ-MG50 has a 30 GB hard disk, is truly palm-sized, and weighs less than 14 ounces with the battery attached. Its design is similar to a MiniDV camcorder's, which means that it's comfortable to hold and operate, and includes a large, 2.5-inch flip-out LCD monitor for easy recording. Playback is easy, too, with multiple connections allowing convenient TV playback, dubbing to a VCR or DVD recorder, transfer to a PC or Apple Macintosh for DVD creation, editing, or posting on the Internet, or even burned directly without a PC to a full-length movie DVD disc using an optional DVD burner. MPEG-2 Video Recording for DVD-Movie Quality Footage
The GZ-MG40 offers an impressive 7 hours storage at 9 Mbps, and over 10 hours at 6 Mbps. The high-quality MPEG-2 recordings are in the same format used in DVD, so there's no quality loss when burning them to DVD, and no time- and quality-wasting conversion.  | | The JVC GZ-MG50's 3D NR technology reduces video noise by 30 percent, even in low light. |
3D Noise-Reduction Technology
Conventional noise reduction offers limited accuracy since it compares field A and field B that make up a frame with different sets of odd and even scanning lines to compensate for noise. JVC's 3D noise-reduction technology compares field A to field A, and field B to field B across two frames so that the scanning lines are identical and noise can be reduced more accurately. As a result, signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 2 dB and noise is reduced by about 30 percent. Flicker is eliminated and color reproduction is improved, enhancing overall picture quality. Megapixel Digital Stills with Megabrid Engine
The GZ-MG50 is equipped with a 1.33-megapixel CCD image sensor that enables capture of high quality video and stills. And for the best possible video and still image quality, JVC's Megabrid Engine separately processes video and still signals, providing optimal processing for each and assuring high sensitivity and a high signal-to-noise ratio for moving pictures, as well as clear, high resolution still images. Random Access to Recordings
The benefits of recording video to a hard disk are the same benefits that have made hard disk-based audio players so popular--random access to quickly locate desired material, and the ability to effortlessly delete unwanted material and easily rearrange the playback sequence. What's more, there's no danger of mistakenly recording over something that's to be saved.  | | Browse recorded scenes easily with the thumbnail image index. |
Scene selection is made easy thanks to on-screen index images, so the large amount recorded won't become a hindrance to quick accessibility. And with remote control operation, it is possible to connect the Everio G camcorder to a TV and operate it from a distance, just like a DVD deck. Playlist operation allows recording of desired clips directly to DVD with the optional DVD burner, or directly to VHS or other analog input devices with the S-Video or Composite video output for perfect copies every time. Hard-Disk Protection and Stability
A challenge in designing and building a hard-disk camcorder is protecting the disk from shocks and vibrations. One way this is done in the Everio G camcorders is through a unique floating suspension system that effectively dampens vibrations through advanced polymer shock absorbers. Another security measure familiar to notebook PC users is its gravity-like force sensor system that automatically senses sudden acceleration such as in a free fall situation, and turns off the power to defend the hard disk so that a head crash can be avoided in many cases even when the unit is dropped.  | | Confirm remaining disk capacity and other details with the GZ-MG50's intuitive graphical display. |
Make Full-length DVDs Easily, With or Without a Computer
In a unique collaboration with Apacer Technology Inc., JVC and Apacer developed a new DVD video burner that connects directly from the Everio G. Just select the playlist or file, or simply copy it all--one touch creates a full length video DVD to watch on a DVD player, with no need for a personal computer. For those who want to edit with a computer, JVC includes software for use with both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. Provided Pixela Capty MPEG Edit EX and optional Capty DVD for making DVD Video software provide seamless integration into the Apple Macintosh computer world. Of course Everio G is compatible with iPhoto for still pictures. For Windows PCs, the CyberLink DVD Solution bundled with Everio G models comprises three applications that make it easy to make full-length DVD movies. A standard 4.7 GB single-layer DVD-R/RW disc holds over one hour of an Ultra mode movie, and over 90 minutes of a Fine mode movie. - PowerProducer offers easy saving and authoring of video clips in any order to DVD, even directly from a USB-connected camera, so users can share original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player. The software makes it easy to locate and transfer video files residing on the camera's hard drive. Saving to DVD requires only a PC with 256 MB RAM, 700 MHz or above Pentium III, USB 2.0 terminal, and a DVD burner.
- PowerDirector Express offers feature-rich, non-linear editing so users can flex their creative muscle with titles and even mix stills with videos. PowerDirector Express also converts movies to a variety of file formats to send via the Web or e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video and RealVideo that can be streamed uploaded or streamed over the Internet.
- PowerDVD conveniently plays back video clips and DVDs with Dolby Digital audio.
What's in the Box
Everio GZ-MG50, AC power adapter/battery charger, two rechargeable battery packs (BN-VF707, 700mAh), AV cable, USB cable, remote control, shoulder strap, grip belt, lens cap, software CD-ROM (USB driver, Digital Photo Navigator: Windows, CyberLink DVD Solution: Windows, PIXELA Capty MPEG Edit EX: Mac)
Product Description
Which format of Digital Camcorder should I choose? Tapes or DVD? How about no tapes or DVD's at all! That's the concept of the JVC Everio G Digital Camcorder. The state of the future is solid and you can get it right now. The benefits of recording video to a hard disk are the same benefits that have made hard disk-based audio players so popular A? random access to quickly locate desired material, the ability to effortlessly delete unwanted material, and easily rearrange the playback sequence. What's more, there's no danger of mistakenly recording over something that's to be saved. Scene selection is made easy thanks to on-screen index images, so the large amount recorded won't become a hindrance to quick accessibility. And with remote control operation, it is possible to connect the Everio G camcorder to a TV and operate it from a distance, just like a DVD deck. Playlist operation allows recording of desired clips directly to DVD with the optional DVD burner, or directly to VHS or other analog input devices with the S-Video or Composite video output for perfect copies every time. Zoom - 15x Optical/700x Digital Zoom High-quality MPEG-2 Recording 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder F1.2 Lens, 1.33 Megapixel CCD 2.5 Clear LCD Monitor Auto LED Light, Power Linked Operation USB 2.0 high speed interface for rapid memory transfer 3-D Noise Reduction for clear picture DVD-Movie Quality Footage Image Stabilization - Floating Suspension System; Gravity-like Force Sensor System Resolution - 1152 x 864, 1024 x 768, or 640 x 480 digital stills SD Memory Card slot for storing still images DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) DCF, PIM 3 and Exif 2.2 for optimized print quality Make Full-length DVDs Easily - Easy dubbing to a VCR or DVD recorder or DVD Drive connected with Windows PC or Macintosh computer Play video directly onto TV CyberLink DVD Video Creation software for
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 Not Mac i Movie ready, November 26, 2006
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
While the Everio will work on a Mac, it is with JVC's movie program. It is not iMovie ready. There is a very strange "work around" involving DVDrop that will make it work. Not very pleased with what I feel is misleading information about compatibility with Mac.
 JVC Does Not Stand Behind Their Products - JVC Lemoncorder August 16, 2006
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I agree with the many other users who have experienced the "Condensation, Operation Paused" defect on their JVC GR-xxxx. Despite numerous others reporting this problem, JVC says its not a recognized problem. I would disagree - it is a recognized problem, but its your problem, not theirs.
An average camera with an infinite recording time August 13, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought this to replace my broken Digital8 Sony camcorder and the same sales guy who sold me the Sony 6 years ago advised me to buy this JVC, on one single criterion: the near-infinite hard disk drive storage. This was almost the only claim that was actually fulfilled.
Summary: infinite recording time, disappointing image quality and control for the price, painful editing. Not for the average iMovie user.
Positive points:
- the storage capacity: a dream. I thought that 7 hours of high-quality video would barely last two weeks of vacation. Actually it took me months to fill them. Mostly because, as with digital cameras, you can throw away all the bad takes at will. I decided I'd keep all my previous good takes until I really would need the space, well... I still have my best clips from 5 months ago in the camcorder, which means that I can always show them at friends and family on location, even if I don't have my computer or DVD copies on me.
- the size, weight and shape: perfect. You can take this camcorder anywhere without facing hard packing decisions. It's small, feels rather rugged. I added a wide-angle lens and the bigger optional battery, which makes the camera 50% bulkier but still manageable. The shape is great, at least for my hand size. I can really grab the camera properly in various situations of verticality and bumpiness... The microphones are not that well placed though, and I often cover them with my fingers.
- image stabilization: very good. By chance I shot a clip with my wide-angle lens in the way, which gave me a good fixed reference to see how the beast is fast and smooth at correcting unwanted shakiness.
- ease of connection: the USB2 link is OK. I'd have preferred firewire, but here we are not dealing with video streams but video files. BTW, this allows faster-than-real-time transfer. A firewire link with the camcorder acting as a hard disk would have been great...
OK points: user interface, reaction time (even if it takes a long time to get ready), optics, battery life (with the 3 hour batt. - actually a 1.5 hours).
Negative points :
- Image quality: considering the price, image quality is disappointing. Frankly. The viewfinder is flattering but color saturation is in fact low, and clips shot on sunny days seem sadder than they are as I found out after shooting for a whole week in Yucatan. Clips shot on my digital camera (Canon IXUS 60) look better. There is also a lack of control on image quality.
- Digital camera: simply forget it. My phone takes better pictures. I'd advise you to buy a 2Mpix+ cellphone and enjoy the benefit of sending your pics and videos immediately to far-away family and pals.
- File transfer and editing: pretty horrible with the originally supplied software. In marketing copy, MPEG2 files might seem nice as a target format, but we always have to edit our videos, and this is quite painful, whatever power-users might tell you. You are in for hours of conversion, except if you burn your raw takes, at the risk of boring your audience.
I was going to write "don't buy this if you are a Mac user". This is NOT iMovie ready. I have both PCs and Macs, it's equally painful and disappointing, except if you buy yourself a real video editing suite.
Still, if you have a Mac and an Everio get yourself the wonderful MPEG Streamclip free utility from Squared 5. It allows batch conversion of the Everio .MOD files into useable formats. You'll have to buy the MPEG2 component from Apple first and change the .MOD extensions to .MPG prior to conversions. Time- and disk-space-consuming but worth it, as the image quality is superior to the one generated by the JVC-supplied software.
Neat thing: leave your computer at home
Though you can't use the camcorder as an external hard disk (it is write-protected) you can copy the photographs from the SD card to the hard-disk, which means that with the Everio, you wont need to bring your computer on a trip just to store the pictures from your digital camera.
Conclusion: given the choice, I won't buy this camcorder, mainly for the below-par image quality, as I'm ready to cope with the complications of conversion and editing. But I'd seriously miss the storage capacity.
 Uber Convienant Video Camera March 26, 2006
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
You know what I hate about video tapes in camcorders? You never really know where the record heads are:
"If I hit record now, am I taping over something else? Now let's see, the last time I played back the tape, I think I fast forwarded back to the current record mark... or did I? Ooops, I missed my chance at a great clip... again."
With a hard drive, there is no chance of recording over older clips. The camera is always ready to record, if the battery is still charged. Yes, the battery it comes with lasts about an hour. I have never ever in my entire life of video camera using/owning needed to record more than one hour at a time. When I am not using this camera, it sits in the camera bag charging off the AC adapter. This isnt a hard thing to do, so I dont know why so many people complain about the battery life.
The still camera capabilities are not too bad really. Sure, the still pics are at the same resolution as the first digital camera I ever owned, but I still got some good images at ~1.3MP. Changing into still camera mode is ver easy and done with the switch, vs. through the GUI.
I did not know about the CF slot when I bought the camera, so that was a very nice bonus to me, as all of our digital cameras use CF as well.
Having the 30 gigs of space is nice, but in hind sight, the better glass on the lens is what this model is all about when compaired to its siblings.
I leave the video quality on the highest resolution, and occasionaly copy the videos to my external HDD for editing, backups, etc.
I got this model video camera because we have a new baby, and I was tired of putting energy into making sure I wasnt taping over priceless moments.
With this video camera, that fear is gone, and I am able to get on with capturing our memories.
 2nd Camcorder Ive owned February 19, 2006
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is the second camcorder that I have owned, and I love it. Its smple and easy to use, and the picture quality is a whole lot better than my old higher end samsung mini dv, very easy to transfer and work with your videos, Very compact, very good camera would suggest to any friend.
|
|
|
