JVC GRD30 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and 16x Optical Zoom
Details
- Availability:
- No longer available through SilverGelatin.net
- List Price:
- $449.99
- Average Customer Rating:
- 2.5 out of 5
- Manufacturer:
- JVC
Features
- MiniDV camcorder with 16x optical zoom, 700x digital zoom, image stabilization
- 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder
- Night and low-light shooting
- Special effects for recording and playback
- Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394)
Description
This newly styled JVC camcorder is designed for those who are searching for a fun and slimline camcorder while maintaining a full feature package within. The GR-DV30US boasts a 680, 000-Pixel CCD Super High Band Processor for 520 lines of horizontal resolution. The maximum user friendliness is achieved with Power-Linked Operation (always ready to record), Night Alive (for low-light recording), High Resolution 2.5" Amorphous Silicon LCD Color Monitor, 700X Super Digital Zoom with Spline Interpolation, Digital Picture Stabilizer and Long Time Recording Capability.
The compact JVC GR-D30 is a stylish, go-anywhere digital video camcorder that incorporates all of JVC's key camcorder technologies. This entry-level MiniDV camcorder is 50 percent smaller than models from 2002 (the GR-DVL120) and features a 16x optical zoom, picture stabilization, and JVC's Night Alive feature.
Optics & Audio
The GR-D30 offers a 680,000 CCD with 520 lines of horizontal resolution. Combined with JVC's super hi-band processor, you'll be assured of capturing crisp, clear video. Equipped with a 16x optical zoom, the GR-D30 also features a 700x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in for incredible close-ups.
The GR-D30 also features PCM digital stereo sound in either 12-bit or 16-bit options. The 16-bit mode offers one set of stereo tracks and achieves the same quality as CD, while the 12-bit mode creates two sets of stereo tracks. Audio dub is possible when recorded in 12-bit mode.
More Features
- JVC's Night Alive feature boosts light sensitivity for a bright picture, even in situations with minimal illumination.
- A 2.5-inch tilting LCD screen for high-angle overhead shooting, low-angle shots, or even self portraits.
- The Picture Stabilizer system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth and stable pictures.
- Record still images onto the video cassette with a "shutter" sound effect in full frame or pin-up mode.
- The Power Linked Operation feature prepares the camera to record simply by opening the LCD or pulling out the viewfinder.
- The IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connections provides fast, loss-less digital transfer to a computer, or dubbing from or to another DV unit.
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.
Contents
This package includes the GR-D30 camcorder, AC adapter (AP-V13U), battery pack (BN-V408U), shoulder strap, AV cable (mini-3 RCA), and lens cap.
Spotlight customer reviews
Condensation lock
[ Posted: 2008-02-17 ]
Had the same problem after approximately four years with the camcorder locking up in a pause mode with "condensation, operation paused" flashing on the screen. It eventually came out of it but then it happened again and again. I tried to clean the sensor in the tape bay but this did not correct the problem. I think I'l just dump the damn thing and never buy from JVC again. It looks from all I read on the net that they don't even suggest a solution.
Too bad for a brand like this
Condensation Solution Works!
[ Posted: 2006-11-06 ]
I've had this camera for 3 years, it's been pretty lightly used. No problems whatsoever until today, when I got the dreaded "condensation error" message. After reading the doom and gloom in other reviews of this product, I was ready to throw it (and the $300 I paid for it) in the trash, until I saw the "fix" below for the condensation problem. IT WORKS! I had to do it a couple of times, but everything is working A-OK. If you get the error message, don't despair - just get out a couple of Q-Tips and you'll be back in business in 5 minutes! THANKS!!!!
Don't buy this camcorder!!!!! Sensor problems!!!!
[ Posted: 2006-10-31 ]
There's nothing worse that getting a seemingly random computer message--on a desktop, a laptop, a digital camcorder or a tv--and quickly realizing that your Father's Day gift or Christmas present has instantly become a paper weight. Well, I take that back, there is something worse: doing a quick Google search on the words "condensation operation paused" and realizing that there are scores and scores of people out there who are cursing under their breath just like you.
I have the JVC camcorder--it was a gift from my wife on the birth of my daughter. It worked fine for a year. Then one day I got the dreaded condensation message and that's all she wrote. And believe me, I live in a house so dry and devoid of condensation that I know the message is bogus. (We have forced air heat and anyone will tell you that some nights you wake up gasping for air and moisture!)
Seeing how many people have posted messages regarding this is depressing. What's more depressing though is the universal response from JVC: this is not a known problem and there's no recall or warranty. perhaps the folks at JVC might want to Google their own products once in a while.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!
Matt
Another "Condensation" Loser
[ Posted: 2006-10-27 ]
My Model GR-D30U also has the "Condensation, Operation Paused" problem with less than about 50-75 hours of use. What a Lemon!
I should have checked more closely before buying. Consumer Reports shows that JVC camcorders have a poor reliability rating.
JVC Does Not Stand Behind Their Products - JVC Lemoncorder
[ Posted: 2006-05-13 ]
I agree with the many other users who have experienced the "Condensation, Operation Paused" defect on their JVC GR-90DU. Despite numerous others reporting this problem, JVC says its not a recognized problem. I would disagree - it is a recognized problem, but its your problem, not theirs.
If you are like me and didnt know to research JVC customer support before you bought, and now are stuck with a JVC Lemoncorder model GR-D90U that has this problem, I would encourage you to call the JVC customer support (non-support) phone number 1-800-858-6442 and report your glee at being one of the lucky. I would also encourage you to post your satisfaction on-line.
Its especially nice that the local camera repair shop charged 90 dollars to take a shot at fixing it, only to have it go away after the repair shop's warranty period.
Do Not Buy JVC camcorders!