Digital Video Camera & Camcorder Review

This next generation 3-CCD digital video camera has a compact ergonomic design with the sense and feel of a single-lens reflex camera. A MiniDV camcorder with high quality 5-Megapixel digital still capability set this camera apart. A Dynamic Backlight 2.5’ LCD Monitor insures a super clear bright view.

CNET has a review on the JVC GR-X5 Camcorder and has a rating of 7 out of 10. They say: “In theory, three chips offer better image quality than one, as well as the potential for still images that are more competitive with those of dedicated digital still cameras. My own theory is that single-chip DV cameras have evolved to the point of diminishing returns. They are not likely to get much smaller or to offer much better quality, so the manufacturers have had to move to three chips to make significant improvements.

JVC bills the GR-X5 as a “cutting-edge digital media camera,” a sort of Swiss Army Knife that is supposed to satisfy all a consumer’s imaging needs, both video and still. With a $1,300 list price, this would be an expensive camcorder or still camera, but if it truly satisfies both needs, it’s not such a bad deal.

As is typical of JVC, it made the GR-X5 a distinctive camera–a hybrid that borrows features and design elements from both video and still cameras. While it isn’t the best video- or still-capture device, it may be a perfect fit for those looking for a jack-of-all-trades.”

CamcorderInfo has news on the JVC GR-X5 Camcorder and writes - “We are impressed. The GR-X5 outperformed or matched nearly all the best camcorders from this year and years past in its 3 CCD price category. We were expecting another “it looks cool on the outside, but the performance is horrible” camcorder, but the GR-X5 shoot beautiful video that is sharp and vivid. On top of this, the GR-X5 has the best still performance of any camcorder we’ve tested. The stills are colorful, very sharp, and the camcorder has all kinds of great still controls that allow you to really push the quality to the max. I can’t stress enough how amazing this camcorder’s quality is.”

PC Pro has a review on the JVC GR-X5 Camcorder and writes - “One of the most unusual things about the X5 is that it has no viewfinder. Instead, the 2.5in LCD panel flips out of the back into an upright position. Purists might decry this omission, but in reality most people now rely on a camcorder’s LCD almost exclusively. It does have one drawback, though: the panel will interfere with attaching a microphone to the accessory shoe unless you angle it sideways, which is hardly ideal. This is a shame, as the X5 is otherwise well specified for the hobbyist: tapes load from the front, so it’s tripod friendly, and it has mini-jacks for both microphone and headphones”

Further JVC specs here

JVC, GR, X5, GR-X5, camcorders, camcorder, review, reviews