Quick Review Camcorders : JVC GR-DF550

The GR-DF550 performed wonderfully in bright light conditions that are equivalent to a bright sunny day. This model produced bright crisp images, which would rival that of low-end 3 CCD camcorders. However, the images lack potency throughout the color spectrum. Less expansive and less equipped camcorders like the JVC GR-D270 produce more accurate and appealing color representation.

One of the more celebrated features found on the GR-DF550 is the Auto Gain Control. The AGC allows the user to boost the signal and brighten the image. Unfortunately the amount of noise increases with gain options. In a low light setting this model produced bright images with good color representation, outperforming most one chip MiniDV camcorders this year. However, without the AGC, this camcorder produced horrid images that were dark and nearly unusable. Our recommendation - leave it on auto.

The GR-DF550 offers several manual control options in both video and Still mode: exposure, shutter speed, manual white balance, and manual focus. Manual shutter speed is rarely offered on compact or matchbook camcorders in both modes. Unfortunately, accessing and initializing these manual controls can be cumbersome, due to the exhausting menu system. Getting in and out of subcategories can be an arduous process.

This model's awkward design makes it a bit tricky to handle. While the protruding right half of the body allows the user to firmly and securely grip it, all the control function buttons are huddled together underneath the small LCD, way over on the left. The user has to juggle the camcorder in order to initiate any of the camcorder's features.

One of the GR-DF550's major upgrades from its smaller siblings is the still capabilities. The camcorder is capable of capturing stills on an SD card at multiple resolutions: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480; more still resolutions than the GR-DF430 or the DF450. JVC has offered interval shooting options with all their ultra compact camcorders. Photographs can be taken in timed intervals of 60 min, 30 min, 10 min, 5 min, 2 min, 30 sec, or 15 sec.

There are also some fun and unusual features that may interest only a small subset of the camcorder population, but they sure will enjoy them. In addition to time-lapse stills, the camcorder allows for video recording at timed intervals. Video can be captured at 5 second intervals, recording only a few frames at a time. The GR-DF550 also has an Animation feature which records stop motion animation. Outside of JVC, features like these are scarce in digital camcorders at this price range.

The GR-DF550 provides its user with a plethora of options. This camcorder's small frame encases features and control functions that are rarely offered by camcorders twice its size. However, that small size makes it a bit cumbersome to handle. Knowledgeable users that have patience to deal with the awkward button placement and extensive menu system will enjoy the manual control set. And good luck to you future stop motion directors out there. Your first camcorder has just arrived.

JVC GR-DF550 Compared to the...

JVC GR-DF450 Rating:179.65	Panasonic PV-GS35 Rating:189.07	Sony DCR-HC42 Rating: 170.74	Canon Elura 85 Rating: 204.35	Canon Optura 60 Rating: 209.25
Better	Better	Better	Better	Better
-Affordability	-Optical Zoom Specs  -Manual Controls -Wide Angle -Navigational System -Video Resolution -LCD	-LCD -Optical Zoom - Automatic Control -Ease of Use -Wide Screen	-Video Performance -Flash -Optical Zoom -Audio Dubbing -Imager Specs -Still capability -Audio	-Imager Specs -Digital Still Capability -LCD/Viewfinder -Video Performance -Ports -Manual Audio Modes -Manual Control -VCR Mode -Audio
Equal	Equal	Equal	Equal	Equal
-Optical Zoom Specs -Ports -Automatic Controls -Manual Controls -Ease of Use -Still Performance -Optical Zoom Specs -LCD -Audio -Handling -Portability -Ports	-Video Performance -Still Media -Low Light Performance  -Ports -Audio -Handling	-MPEG -Webcam	Accessory Shoe -Image Stabilization -MPEG -Image Stabilization -Manual Control -Handling	-Video Light -Accessory Shoe -Manual Control -Low Light Performance -Handling
Worse	Worse	Worse	Worse	Worse
-Imager Specs -Video Performance -Low Light Performance -Digital Still Capability -Wide Angle	-Portability -Automatic Control -Ease of Use -Widescreen -Accessory Shoe -Still Capability -Ports	-Video Performance -Low Light Performance -Ports -Wide Angle -VCR Mode -Manual Control -Handling -Audio -Still Capability	-Ports -Portability -Low Light Performance -Automatic Control -VCR Mode -Wide Angle -LCD	-Optical Zoom Specs -Portability -Automatic Control -Wide Angle -LCD -Ports