JVC GZ-MG555 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.7

JVC Everio GZ-MG555

GZ-MG555 30GB Hard Drive Camcorder (10x Opt, 300x Dig, 2.7 Review, by John Poultney May 18, 2007

Show More Show Less

0 Comments | 0 Topics | Print Only This Review

• Reviewed by: mitch5791

  Strengths: - Very light. - Very Small. - Easy to use. (You don't even need to read de manual, very intuitive) - Excellent still photos. - Good video. - Flash and light in camera.

  Weaknesses: - In dark places, blury video. - You need extra batteries. I recomend the 815 (lasts around 2.5 hrs., not to big), 808 (comes with camera, small but only lasts 1 hour), 823 (last more than 3.5 hrs.,

  Overall: Overall, If you are a practical person, that will appreciate portability and ease of use more than perfect image (although it's not bad at all), I really recomend this camera.

• Reviewed by: xddindin

  Strengths: compact, easy handle, professional look, hard drive storage, still photo

  Weaknesses: battery, focus speed, stabilizer, price

  Overall: I bought this camcorder one month ago at price of $469, and used it all the way during my CA trip. It worked pretty well. The 5 mega pixel sensor and a 10x zoom lens provide much better effects than the canon lower end camcorder I used before. The most impressive merits of this camcorder are: the black, compact professional look; easy handle design, personalized menu; no hassle hard drive storage; good video and image qualities.However, there are some aspects that still need to be improved. When the zoom in ratio is larger than 5X, the electronic stabilizer is almost useless; in dark condition, the focus speed is a kind slow; the 808 battery comes with the camcorder is a kind short life; the price is still high.Anyway, the JVC MG555 is a perfect camcorder that can meet almost all the need for the family use purpose, recommend if you don't care too much about the price.

• Reviewed by: rachellele

  Strengths: I bought this as a gift. I like its camera funtion, it has good picture effect. I alos like its manual funtions.

  Weaknesses: As a camcorder, I would say it is not the best.

  Overall: Overall, I like this camcorder. It is small and easy to hold. I like the black color. The best part I like is that I don't need to change tapes and buy tapes, do not need to transfer the video from the camcorder to my computer. And I don't need to take my camera with me on the trip.

• Reviewed by: dgburns

  Strengths: Video shot while on tripod.Still picture performance.

  Weaknesses: Image stabilization.Have to remove from tripod to get at SD card slot.

  Overall: I bought one of these from BuyDig. It was my first ever camcorder purchase. The video and stills were very nice, not having to fuss with mini DVD's or tapes was awesome. However, video taken with the electronic stabilization enabled was much "worse" quality when compared to that shot on a tripod. As I need a handheld what with a new baby on the way, tripod shooting to get good quality video just didn't make sense to me. I will note I was playing the video back on a high def 62" TV, maybe watching the "stabilized" video on a standard def TV might not be so bad, BUT I based my decision on 1:1 comparison of video shot in the same lighting and with same camera settings, on all the same playback equipment. Difference was too much for me.I've returned this unit (thank you to BuyDig for their return policy) and am now shopping for a unit with optical image stabilization (probably a Panasonic).