Quick Camcorder Reviews: JVC GZ-MG505 Camcorder

The JVC GZ-MG505 is the best of the Everio hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders, a welcome relief to a product line marred by overpriced and underperforming camcorders. However, much like its predecessor, the GZ-MC500, this top-of-the-line model managed to break away and become a solid performer in its own right.

 

The GZ-MG505 features three 1/4.5” CCDs. A three chip configuration often results in superior color performance when compared to single-chip designs. In this case, the color performance in bright light was very strong. Professionals would likely criticize the image as being oversaturated, but consumers often associate bold colors with good colors. We can’t fault JVC for meeting consumer expectations. In our opinion, we see so many camcorders with overly weak colors that the MG505 could prove to have an advantage in certain types of shooting – especially outdoor shooting against blue sky backgrounds. Of course, it comes at the cost of color accuracy, so be sure to try this camcorder out at your local camera shop before you buy it. Two final notes on performance in bright light, the picture was probably the sharpest we’ve seen from an Everio thus far. Conversely, the saturation created a tendency to blow out white areas of the image.

 

In low light, the saturation clearly worked to the camcorder’s advantage. Again, these are not the most accurate colors, but once the light dims to a certain point, we’re generally happy to see any color. JVC advertises a 3D Noise Reduction feature that did seem to keep noise down to a tolerable level. Overall, the low light performance was far superior to every other Everio camcorder this year.

 

HDD camcorders are, by design, simple to operate. To boot, JVC has steadily improved their interface over the last few years, and the GZ-MG505 is the best so far. A joystick positioned on the far end of the LCD panel is the primary navigation tool for traversing the menu, which is clear and logical with a pleasant layout. The GZ-MG505 is a bit larger than the other Everios, which works to its advantage for handling. Ultra-compacts can sometimes get lost in your hand and be impossible to operate efficiently.

 

A clearly marked Auto button in the LCD cavity will be a beacon to point-and-shooters. The automatic controls are generally good. The response is not as fast as comparably-priced Sony models, but JVC showed one clear distinction. While the Sony HDR-SR1 and HDR-UX1 auto controls wavered in low light, the GZ-MG505 pushed on – an invaluable factor for many users. Auto white balance was less accurate than we like, though, so users may want to familiarize themselves with the manual white balance procedure.

 

 

On the whole, JVC presents a good range of manual controls. The manual control menu offers quick access to exposure, white balance, aperture and shutter priority modes, and Program AE modes. Each option is spelled out in text, rather than the confusing set of icons that some manufacturers reply upon.

 

The GZ-MG505’s still features will likely be a draw for many users, it can take photos up to 5MP. The performance was among the best we’ve seen from a camcorder this year, with exceptional sharpness and as in video performance, stills have very bold colors. A word of caution, though, camcorders are simply not designed to perform both video and still production with equal proficiency. A dedicated still camera is still the preferred tool in its arena.

 

The GZ-MG505 records video in the MPEG-2 format to a 30GB HDD, which holds approximately 7 hours of the highest quality footage. MPEG-2 has been around for some time, and users should not have a difficult time finding editing solutions.

 

With such a positive review, we are almost reluctant to report that the GZ-MG505 is not the smartest buy. Whereas once JVC was the sole competitor in HDD camcorders, it took Sony less than a year to squeeze in and dominate the marketplace. First, the standard definition DCR-SR100 was introduced, which topped all the Everios in image quality. Then mid-year, Sony released the HDR-SR1, the first high definition HDD camcorder. Priced only $200 more than the GZ-MG505, JVC has been all but edged out of the market. Those with JVC brand loyalty may still consider the MG505, but from where we stand, the choice is pretty clear.