I purchased my GC-X1 a couple of months ago and have been using it constantly ever since. Not so much for snapping arty photographs, more so to try and understand how it works! It's just a little bit complicated, which is great as it's complicated because it's loaded with features you would normally find on an SLR camera.
I was attracted to the JVC as it featured much more than similar cameras in the price range. Things like rechargeable battery, USB link (more of this later!), TV out, motion video capture, large LCD viewer, macro, 3x optical zoom and a menu bigger than a Happy Eater. You can either use the camera as an automatic or manual, manual allowing you to adjust practically everything from shutter speed to the iris setting.
Images can be captured in three sizes up to 2032 x 1536 with three quality modes: standard, fine and no compression. Be warned though that for no compression you're going to need to invest in a minimum 32mb Smartmedia card. The camera ships with an 8mb card, and has no internal memory.
It's more complicated than your usual digital camera, but for those who truly understand photography (and that excludes me!) it's a great little machine. It comes in a brushed aluminium casing, which makes a nice change from the black plastic casing that many camera's adorn. It can also be used with a tripod and has a self-time, which I haven't seen on many digitals to date.
It's not all good though. The biggest problem I've encountered is the USB driver software that ships with the camera isn't compatible with Windows Me. I e-mailed JVC's technical people and they advised it should work with Windows 98, but rather than downgrade I would suggest a USB Smartmedia reader from Jessops at only £29.99.
The motion video capture isn't up to much either, recording in JVC's own format which seems to be incompatible with everything I've tried and doesn't feature sound recording. So if you're after short video capture this probably isn't the camera for you.
All in all though a great 3.3 megapix camera at a good price. Ships with a slightly confused manual so I'd advise you to invest in a good digital photography book to help you get the most out of it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Ultra-compact dimensions, fun automatic tools, good performance for the asking price (-) Cluttered menu layout, camera buttons are scarce, specs are almost identical to the Samsung ES15
When Trampus says an experienced Ciaoer she is not kidding. See the charts for where she is in the members most trusted, most reads, best performer in the Premium Fund, etc. Her advice is to be taken seriously. Slow down and start reading how to increase reads and earnings as no need to tell you how to write as you do that well enough already. I have written less opinions than you, yet have over 1000 reads, and am still in the best performer in the Premium Fund (only just though). You should do a lot better and become a CMW if you want to, quite quickly. Best of luck.
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