Consensus on JVC cameras?

Reading back through past postings, it seems that people don't like 'em, and have had trouble with them over time.

I'm on a fairly tight budget, but would like to start some filming. I think I can get a GR-DVL120U, or a GR-DVL520u for around $200. But I don't want to buy one if it's just going to have problems and or break.

Any comments, suggestions, or info would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to spend in the $200 dollar range at this point. Probably getting a much nicer camera at the end of the summer, or this time next year.

Thanks,

 

I've had one for about a year and haven't had any problems with it. I love it. There are things I wish it had, like exchangable lenses and an external mic hookup, but for the money I paid for a miniDV it's great.

 

Ive been kicking around the idea of picking up a JVC 3CCD camera myself. Ive done some research and have talked with a parent of a student (who works for JVC). My research has found good things and of course the guy who works for JVC talks them up.

From what Ive seen, there arent too many negative points about JVC. Check out the charts found in VideoMaker on cameras. Its usually a helpful source for shopping for a camcorder.

 

I have a Jvc DVL300. It was 700bucks when it first came out. Not even a week after buying it it dropped a hundred bucks, then another. I was very unhappy about that and even more so when i figured out why.

This camera is crap. Its ment for grandma filming her grandkids, not kids that like to make movies.

The image quality sucks eggs. You need almost perfect lighting in order to not get alot of noise on the image. If you dont have some good light setup... expect tons of grain/noise. Also Theres no external mic input, doh! Why'd i buy this!?! Did i mention the internal mic picks up more camera hum then any other camera i've used.

Also the battery it comes with is crap, . its one of those batterys that if you charge wrong it'll screw them up... i forgot what the good ones are called... as well as the bad ones... but you get the point.

and Is it just me or does the electronic stores configure something to make the camera look alot better then it is? cause i swore when i bought it and tryed it in the store it look crystal clear.

Eitherway, my suggestion is try cameras out. You seen those bestbuy commercials, where they say you can play with the stuff in the store. Well do it!

Ultimately, you can only decide if you like it or not.

 

I have a 120U (The longer one0 and its the best quality video you can get on a mini dv camera in the price range. I suggest you compair the ccd's. The JVC's have 680k pixel ccd's and the sony's and most others only have 420k or 460k. That usualy translates into a good quality boost. My biggest problem is that there is NO EXTERNAL MIC IMPUT. Luckily the sound is good but I would really like an external mic. Its amazing how few brands include this feature though. How hard is it to include a 25 cent part?





SWmaster