A True Trendsetter!
Written: Dec 28 '00 (Updated Mar 07 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The Movie Quality Is Perfect!, Fun To Use...Tiny Camera - Huge Results!
Cons: None!
The Bottom Line: If you are seeking an easy to use digital video camera with many features, this is the one for you.
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| grygomaca's Full Review: JVC GR-DVL300 Mini DV Camcorder |
This is a trendsetter's product. If you want to have movies of digital/DVD quality, this is the camera for you! And if you want to upload your movie onto your PC for editing, e-mailing or posting on a webpage... this camera and software will do it all!
WHY I BOUGHT IT:
I bought my JVC in November, 2000. After weeks of in depth research on Sony and JVC digital camcorders, I concluded that the GR-DVL300U was the digital camcorder for me. So, I found one priced to sell on some website that I was hesitant to buy from. One day, I was in the mall and I stopped at Sears to look at their selection with no intention of buying. I asked the salesman out of curiosity if he would match online store prices and he said he would! But Sears didn't have the 300U, they only had the GR-DVL305U, which I got for the very low price I saw online!
The difference between the 300U and 305U is that the latter has a color viewfinder, as the 300U does not. My 305U did not come with any PC editing software, so I purchased Dazzler software separately.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This digital camcorder uses mini DV tapes, weighs 1.3lbs, has a 2.5" LCD monitor that rotates 270 degrees, is IEEE 1394 compliant, has a built-in light, built-in speaker and built-in microphone, has both auto and manual focus, 10:1 power lens, it functions as a digital camera (still pictures), comes with a remote control, a 60 minute battery and charger.
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
The JVC 300U and 305U both have some really cool special effects such as black and white, video echo - a ghost-like effect, sepia - the old photo look, and a few more, but my favorite special effect is classic film - this effect makes yours look like a professional movie. You can really get creative with your movies with this camera. All your movies can have a different, distinct look.
One other effect worth mentioning is the wide-screen mode. You see wide-screen movies in the theatre and now you can have it on your own personal movies. It really adds a professionally made look to any movie. I really use this mode often.
FADER/WIPE EFFECTS:
These are also really fun to play around with. There's a dissolve fade, one that fades into black and white, and more, but my favorite is the mosaic fade. However, you do not have to use any fade at all if you choose not to.
MY EXPERIENCE:
I have had this camera for a month and I have already filled 5 mini DV tapes. It is really fun to use. I especially like how you can just set it up on a tripod, flip the LCD around and record you and your family opening gifts on Christmas for example. As opposed to the old way of having one person record movies, never being in any of them. The remote control makes this process extremely simple and convenient.
Also beneficial, you can re-play your movies without connecting it to a TV. The LCD is the monitor, sound plays from the built-in speaker and if you aren't satisfied...just re-record it right away without wasting unnecessary time. Another feature I appreciate is the ability to have 2 sound channels. For example, you can film a friend's wedding, also recording all voices and sounds at that time. Bring the camera home and record their wedding song over the film. This is a real bonus.
I have loved this digital video camera since the day I first used it. It looks neat, is lightweight and takes excellent movies! I can be as different and creative as I want. It is just such a wonderful thing to have.
To capture people just the way they are, so you can remember that special moment in outstanding quality - that is priceless to me.
RECOMMENDATION:
I would recommend getting a wide-angle lens for any digital camcorder. I bought a Sony lens because it was all the store had and it really makes a big difference. I would also recommend buying a battery with longer life. The 60 minute battery is really 45 minutes when you use the LCD and light. Although, the camera does come with an AC adapter, so if you are indoors, you don't even need a battery.
I am ecstatic about this digital camcorder. It has captured priceless memories of my family this past Thanksgiving and Christmas. Memories that are crisp and perfect in quality. When I watch these movies from my JVC digital camcorder, I really re-live the moment all over again. I hope you will be able to as well.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
grygomaca
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Location: Chicago
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 22 members
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