JVC GRD30 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5 LCD and 16x Optical Zoom

User Reviews Send this to a friend
JVC GRD30 MiniDV Camcorder with 2.5" LCD and 16x Optical Zoom
 
Manufacturer: JVC
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $449.99
Sale Price: View Sale Price
Availibility: View Product Availability
Buy Now
 

Product Description

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.

Product Details

  • 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)

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

Customer Reviews

Great quality, especially for the price.
 
Review Date: February 21, 2003
Reviewer: JD, San Antonio, TX
..... I love it. The picture and sound quality are great, I dont think I could ask for more.

The battery it comes with is good for over an hour, which easily covers a 60 minute tape. Thats better than the default battery you get with a lot of other camcorders which are often in the 30-45 minute range. It lacks the remote control and USB/memory card you get with the 2 higher (and more expensive) models, but thats fine by me. It can still take stills, but its not a function I have any interest in. If I want good stills, I have a 2.2MP Kodak for that. Pretty much everyone knows by now that you dont get good stills off a camcorder, just as you dont get good video off a still cam. If its an included secondary feature, then fine, but dont expect the quality you get with a more dedicated device. I got this for the video, and its a wonderful thing.

It doesnt do too well in really low light, of course I wasnt really expecting otherwise. I have yet to ever see a digital camcorder that actually does great with inadequet light. It has a night mode, which does greatly increase the lighting, but it drops the frame rate terribly. It has another "backlight" function that can be handy for less than optimal lighting. But in reasonable-good lighting, you get wonderfull piture quality. It has a nice selection of transition effects built in, I still have yet to explore them all. The 16x optical zoom is cool. Its more than enough for me. The size of the unit is nice, not too big and not too small - similar in shape/size to the canon ZR series, only this thing is of higher quality than the canon counterparts, especially where audio is concerned.

Now, Im sure this isnt the ideal model for everyone in every situation, but for the price, you'd be hard pressed to get this kind of quality elsewhere. There are $$$$ models that cant compare to this, so Im happy with the buy. Its pretty easy to use. Not too much of a learning curve. Not so many buttons that you get lost. Manual/automatic choices. Yeah, its a nice piece of work and I was surprised at how affordable it was. I would recommend this to most people.

Can you call a camcorder sexy?
 
Review Date: April 16, 2003
Reviewer: Gadgester, Mother Earth
This is a standard-issue MiniDV digital camcorder in a very stylish body. While not one of the small pocket-size types -- incidentally those are often awkward to operate and susceptible to hand shakes -- the GRD30 is still small enough to be highly portable. All the standard features of a digital camcorder, from digital tape to fold-out LCD screen to IEEE 1394 "Firewire" connections, are there, and JVC also claims superb video image quality. The 16x optical zoom is higher than many other camcorders. (When choosing a camcorder or digital camera, pay ZERO attention to digital zoom claims, since digital zoom is entirely useless. Only optical zoom power counts.)

An attractive price, especially here on Amazon.com, makes this a top buy.

Make a great movie and let it bang around a bit.
 
Review Date: December 9, 2003
Reviewer: Harold E. Hill, Creswell, OR United States
I purchased this camcorder strictly for two reasons. One, the price was exceptional. At first, I thought quality might suffer, but what the {heck}, buy it anyway. The second reason was to get a camera that I could carry around with me all day. And if it got banged up, or run over by an eighteen wheeler, no great loss. Upon receiving the camera, I opened the package, loaded a cassette and started shooting. This is one great little unit. The picture quality and sound were amazing. People complimented me on such colorful and crisp footage. I now view this camcorder right up there with the more expensive Panasonics. In the creation of this camcorder, JVC performed a really wise concept. They left all those features that you and I never use OFF this camera. We're talkin' bare bones here, and that's just fine with me. Buy this one, make your movies, and let it bang around a bit. For this great price, you cannot lose.
GR-D30 it's a winner!
 
Review Date: October 6, 2003
Reviewer: PaleFace, Indianapolis, IN United States
I've not owned a camcorder for about 12yrs. I'm glad I waited until now to buy a MiniDV. I'm a Windows user and was not sure how XP Pro would like this JVC. It's was easier than I thought! No PC video software included unless you loaded the Demo software and buy it. I connected the FireWire to my PC. I already had an IEEE 1394 port on my SB Audigy2 sound card. Powered it on. XP Pro surprised me! It knew the device and the model. Then Windows Movie Maker app loaded with all the basic controls as the camcorder on screen for my enjoyment. Coolness + some basic tools to make .wmv's from clips I recorded of the video footage taken or insert .jpegs from our Digital Camera into the movie I was putting together.

JVC MiniDV GR-D30, got its first work out at the Indy 2003 USGP F1 race. Took some video & Digital Photo's of the race. We set up the GR-D30 with the Sport mode & Clouds. Race was overcast and at times did rain. Video came out very nice and the long life battery (5hrs)was a good decision for this 2hr event. I put together a highlight movie 4:23 min. 320x240 16bit @ 705kbps total file size 20.5mb.

I've always liked JVC it's been my choice in TV's & Home Theater Audio. I like the JVC MiniDV and ease of use with PC's.

I love it!!
 
Review Date: March 4, 2004
Reviewer: , san francisco, California United States
I did extensive researches before bought it, and I finally chose JVC GRD30. I'm very pleased with my choice. I had a chance to use Canon ZR65 and this one. I really prefer the JVC better. The indoor picture quality could be better, but it is better than I expected since all the camcorders in this price range are not that good under soft light condition. I love how small and light this thing is! I find the camcorder is easy to operate, and charges the battery in less than two hours~~ Video quality is great when using outdoor; acceptable indoor. Zooming on this thing is powerful. The only two tiny imperfections were a bit noisy on the background when recording silently (you can hear the tape running or something like that)£»and you kind have to back up when u try to get more stuff into your videos.
Overall, money well spent!!
Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.

Find the Best Verizon Cell Phone Deals Online | Thanks to Best Checking Rates, Highest CD Rates and UK Loan