I have just brought the JVC MG142E and wanted to let you all know what a great little camcorder it is!
First I should probably give you the technical stuff!!
40GB Inbuilt Hard Drive 34 x Optical Zoom 800 x Digital Zoom 2.7" Widescreen LCD Screen Memory Card slot for SD card Includes Image Stabiliser Night Vision
Now, I am not exactly what you call an expert in technology but I found this little machine so great to get started with, after charging the battery for the first time, which takes about 1 1/2 hours, it is very easy to get to a point where you are recording.
The first time you switch it on it starts up in Auto mode, meaning the focus, screen brightness etc is correctly selected for you. You can easily switch to manual mode but I have not been brave enough yet!! It prompts you to enter the date/time setting using the "joystick" type controller on the LCD screen and that is it, you can start recording.
The controls are very simple to get the hang of. At the front of the camera is a built in lens cover, with a slide up and down switch for opening and closing. There is also an LED light and the camera sensor. And at the bottom is the USB connector.
If you point the camera away from you the "Power/Mode" switch is on the right and the "Record Start/Stop" button next to that. The "Zoom Lever" (which is also the volume control in playback mode) is on the top, easily reached during filming.
There are some controls on the LCD screen. An index button, which among other things shows you remaining space available and how much battery life is left. A Function button, for when changing options in manual mode. This is also where the "joystick type" button is, used for selecting playback images, fastforwarding/rewinding etc.
On the inside of the camera, underneath the LCD screen you will find the play/record button for switching between recording and playback, a menu button, for navigating around options and files and buttons for copying to DVD etc.
If you want to record to SD card at any point, the slot is on the underneath of the camera.
I was very impressed with the playback function, it stores each video clip as a seperate file and shows a snapshot of each on the LCD screen when you want to view anything back, meaning you can scroll through the clips and easily find the one you want. These slips can be sorted in a number of ways, including by date taken.
I brought this last week from Currys, for £250, and also got a case and spare battery for £30 (although the battery they supplied is the smallest one you can get - cheapskates!!). Which I think is a very reasonable price for a 40GB camera.
I have yet to use the snapshot mode (as I have a digital camera for such things!!) and I have not yet transferred data on to my computer, but as soon as I have I will update this review.
So far, so good - Very light and easily fits in your hand and a very quick start up, meaning you won't miss any classic moments messing around with getting it all turned on and ready to go!! I would recommend this camera.
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Feb 3rd, 2008
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