JVC GRDVL320U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD

JVC GRDVL320U MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD
Manufacturer: JVC
Product Type: Photography

Editorial Review:
Product Description
The GR-DVL320U combines outstanding performance with a sleek, compact design. The GR-DVL320U boasts a 680, 000-Pixel CCD Super High Band Processor for 520 lines of horizontal resolution. The maximum user friendliness is achieved with Night Alive (for low-light recording), built-in Auto Light, high resolution 2.5" Amorphous Silicon LCD Color Monitor, 700X Super Digital Zoom with Spline Interpolation, Picture Stabilizer and Long Time Recording Capability. It also features a digital still picture output, which allows this camcorder to also function as a digital still camera. The camera comes with a serial cable and CD ROM software for Windows and Macintosh.
Amazon.com Product Description
A perfect introduction into the world of digital video, the GR-DVL320U provides all the features you need to get rolling, including a 16x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, and IEEE 1394 compatible outputs.

Lens
Breaking the mold that most other digital camcorders fall in, the GR-DVL320U has a very bright f1.8 lens, which should help with a dilemma common to many digital camcorders: poor low-light performance. While not useful at the highest levels, the optical zoom is augmented by a 700x digital zoom, which can supply that little bit extra you might need in some circumstances. Paired with the zoom is a digital image stabilizer, which will help eliminate much of the shakiness associated with high zoom levels.

Shooting Functions
The GR-DVL320U provides some camera functions, which can be quite useful if you spend the time to learn to use them. The camera gives you manual control over focus, exposure, and white balance, all of which affect the way your image is recorded. The manual focus and white balance modes are perhaps the most exciting, as you can use them to create depth-of-field effects, and the white balance will allow you to light a room without investing in expensive lighting gear. In addition, JVC added in a number of digital wipes and fades, as well as a black fader.

Output Options
If you want to play your footage on television, the 320U provides two connection methods: S-video and standard RCA-style AV connectors. S-video provides the better video resolution, but you'll still need to use the AV cable for audio, as S-video doesn't carry an audio signal. If your object is to edit your movies on a computer, the camera also comes equipped 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 make sure you pick up the correct cable (JVC doesn't provide one).

Digital Still Mode
Like many digital camcorders, the GR-DVL320U provides a digital still mode, and stores the resulting images onto the MiniDV tape. While not the optimal solution, it works quite well. The images aren't very high resolution and are generally fit only for posting on the Web, or e-mailing to friends. To get the photos to your computer, the 320U has both a serial port and necessary cable, as well as PC-compatible software.

Average customer rating: 4.5 USE IT, LOVE IT hard to read the screen Why I still like this PDA, continued Why I still like this PDA Do whatever you could need... Similar Items: HP/Compaq CQP101 HP Trifold Case for the iPAQ Pocket PC - Black Listmania: Memory for Compaq iPAQ 3135 Monochrome Pocket PC Flash Memory for Compaq iPAQ 3135 Monochrome Pocket PC Simpletech Flash Memory for Compaq iPAQ 3135 I can dream right?

Compaq iPAQ 3135 Monochrome Pocket PC Bundle (with Compact Flash Jacket) Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Product Group: CE Binding: Electronics ASIN: B00005AAKP

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Utilizing Windows CE 3.0, the latest and much improved Pocket PC operating system from Microsoft, along with a 206 MHz StrongARM processor, this is both a powerful and flexible device. The unit comes supplied with an AC adapter, USB cable, case, and software for syncing with your PC, along with a full desktop copy of Outlook 2000.

Getting the unit up and running is straightforward, and managing the synchronization with your PC is simple with the aid of ActiveSync. The usual array of applications, such as Pocket versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, are at your disposal. It also comes with some exciting additions, such as MediaPlayer, enabling you to use your iPAQ as an MP3 player. However, with only 16 MB of built-in RAM available, be prepared to buy additional memory if this is an intended use.

The design, as well as looking good, is thoughtfully laid out. The buttons are well placed and usefully assigned. In addition, the iPAQ 3135 can be easily expanded with the included CompactFlash Expansion Jacket, which slides onto the unit, allowing you to increase memory and add modules (such as a bar code scanner) using CF cards.

If you're looking for Pocket PC functionality but need to be budget conscious, the iPAQ 3135 is a great deal. <I>--J. Weston</I>

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