Cameras: JVC Everio GZ-MG330 HDD Camcorder – 71

With the top models in JVC’s Everio product line benefiting from some pretty innovative technology, the company has obviously felt the need to give a little love to the everyday consumer models. The new entry-level Everio is the GZ-MG330, a super-compact camcorder that records standard definition (SD) images to its internal hard disk. This of course means no need for tapes or DVDs, and although the HDD is only a modest 30GB, this still allows for the recording of seven hours of video on the highest quality setting.

The Everio GZ-MG330 is being touted as the world’s smallest HDD-based camcorder. Its palm-sized dimensions and minimal weight are definitely selling points and will endear it to those users who want an easily stash-able point-and-shoot option that won’t strain any tendons with prolonged use.

As with earlier Everio models, the control layout is pretty common sense. Only essential controls are accessible by the user’s right hand (power/mode, zoom, record, snapshot), with the remainder positioned on or near the foldout 2.7-inch LCD viewfinder. A new design feature is the Laser Touch Operation scroll bar, which allows smooth navigation through the cam’s menus without the smudging associated with Sony’s touchscreen technology. This works well and offers a serious – and possibly superior – alternative to Sony’s interface.

JVC is perhaps still smarting from criticism of earlier Everios’ image performance. Last year’s models benefited from more processing punch, and this initiative has been continued with the MG330. To complement the 40mm, 800,000 pixel CCD, JVC has thrown in a Konica Minolta lens featuring a 35x optical zoom that should more than cater for the requirements of the camcorder’s target market. Stills can be stored on either the HDD or a microSD card and are of a decent quality given the Everio’s specs. The same goes for the video performance – at the end of the day this is a single CCD camera shooting SD images, so colours and low-light performance aren’t going to be off the Richter scale, even with the help of the onboard LED light. But in natural light situations the image performance was pretty good, aided by responsive auto-focus and iris. The MG330 does feature manual functions such as manual focus and white balance, so shooters can exert some control over their visual symphonies.

The Everio MG330′s combination of price, size, weight, tidy looks and decent image quality make it a compelling choice for the video hobbyist who doesn’t want to be stung for excess baggage while on the go. Potential owners just need to make sure the specific qualities of an HDD camera are what they’re after.

JUSTIN REDDING

What they said

“Everio has really hit the pace with a striking entry-level model that offers hours of smart-looking footage in a smart-looking body.” – www.techradar.com

Chop it out, back it up

As always, the flipside of the convenience offered by HDD-based cameras is the workflow associated with getting the footage into a half-decent editing platform. Although it is possible to convert the media files created by the MG330 into an editable format, MiniDV still presents an easier route in this department. If your editing needs are simple then the Everio’s basic in-camera editing functions paired with a DVD recorder may be all you need. Archiving clips is still a breeze, and involves simply connecting the cam to a PC or optional DVD burner and pushing a single button.

Specifications

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Display Size: 2.7 inches

Exposure Modes: Automatic, manual

Focus Adjustments: Auto, manual

HDD Capacity: 30GB

Optical Zoom: 35x

CCD: 1

Effective pixels: 800k

Microphone: Stereo

Media: HDD/microSD

Battery: Lithium-ion rechargeable.

Dimensions: 54 x 68 x 119mm

Weight: 360g (with battery)

Pros

• Very compact and light
• Considerably cheaper than HD cams
• No need for disposable media
• Innovative menu interface
• Convenient archiving

Cons

• Image quality limited by single CCD and SD resolution

• Editing support not as good as MiniDV

Verdict

Its combo of price, size and decent quality make this a winner

This review is from Tone issue #71.