JVC GRD770 MiniDV Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom

I have had multiple issues with this camcorder. It was used a total of less than 60 minutes & then put away 4 several months (inside the air-conditioned house). Now the screen no longer works; it won't record videos; & the DV connector 2 transfer what little footage I have doesn't recognize the camera. I bought a replacement camcorder 2 get the footage off the film & it transferred easily -- so it isn't an issue with the computer or software.

I will not purchase another JVC camcorder as they want more 2 repair this one than it costs 2 purchase a new one.

I've only had the JVC GR-D771(U) 4 about 3 hours & I'm already sold that this is the model 4 my family! There's still plenty of time 2 discover the quirks of this device, but at this present time I only have positives 2 say. First off, the A/C adapter is dual voltage. That's an absolute must if your traveling (or stationed) overseas. The camcorder comes with a USB cord in the box, BUT also has a firewire port that can be utilized 2 transfer video 2 a computer or recording device. It's extremely easy 2 use (which in most cases means limited capabilities)EXCEPT in this case...
*it's got wind noise cancellation,
*a stability feature (called DIS, but I don't know what it stands for)which comes in handy when your using 900X digital zoom
*16:9/4:3 formating
*270 degree rotating LCD so you can see what you look like while recording
*2 or 4 channel stereo sound recording
*a blinding LED 2 illuminate subjects in the dark (there's also a night recording option but I haven't tested that yet)
*you also have the sweet ability of dubbing images from the miniDV tape 2 the SD/MMC in playback mode
*There's B/W, sepia, strobe, & mirror options as well as fade in/out effects
* You can also use this as a webcam with at least windows messenger, I haven't tried yahoo or aim...sorry

I'd say the only bad thing about the JVC GR-D771(U) camcorder is that there isn't enough time in the day 2 play with it!

I bought this camera as my first intro into recording videos 4 my family, since I've just had my firstborn son.

The first problem with this camera its is buggy Firewire performance, when I try 2 upload videos 2 my computer I can see the video & FF or RW the tape but play & stop don't work from the computer so I have 2 manually control the camera 2 capture video. Mind you I have tried it with two different firewire card/cable combination.

The worst part is that the Menu button stopped working after two months, I have recorded only 30 minutes of footage with the camera & the menu button does not work. As another reviewer stated, if you remove the battery 4 some time, 2 days in my case, the menu button works again 4 about 5 minutes & then dies again.

JVC support is nonexistent, if you email them they replay that they will contact you in 5 days, which it didn't happen, there is no firmware/software updates 4 the camera, & if you think you'll find much information on the net about it, think again. And as I don't live in the US, I'm stuck with the faulty camera since there is no place I can take it here.

My advice, don't buy this camera, it will save you all the trouble, & you know JVC won't be getting my money again, should have gone with a Panasonic or a Sony one, lesson learned.

Although this camcorder is relatively inexpensive, it does have enough features 2 make it a perfect video camera 4 anyone. No one will know you only paid a little over $200.00! Very small footprint, fits in the palm of your hand. I have another camcorder that I paid about 3 times as much 4 & unless you are a professional, there really is no difference!

I do not think this is a good camcorder. The still shots are garbage & I am going 2 assume the video is average at best. Although I have not tested video.(Found another brand) I just want those who are looking 4 a camcorder 4 the first time 2 know that there are better than this. Look at other companies. Some say this is a good starter/budget camera. It may be, everyone has different needs.

I also want 2 point out something regarding Windows Vista! For one, the JVC software stinks. It wont work. Also, at first USB wont seem 2 work either. Windows will not be able 2 install the driver automatically. You have 2 let it try 2 find the drivers on its own. When it fails you must use the advanced option & point 2 this folder "C:Windows\System32\DriverStore & click OK. Vista will then find the driver needed & USB will work. You may have 2 point Vista 2 the folder a few times before it says everything is ready 2 use & install. You should now be able 2 get your pictures from the SD memory card. I will assume that firewire is the only practical way of getting the video from the camcorder. When trying 2 do this, use the built in Windows Movie Maker.

With a streamlined compact design & new 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor, JVC GR-D770US provides advanced features, easy portability, & exceptional value. A 34x optical zoom lens plus up 2 800x digital-zoom enhancement provide unprecedented shooting flexibility. For ease of use, a new stick controller mounted on the LCD monitor makes it easy 2 set menu & manual settings & control playback. Recording time is enhanced through the use of a new battery combined with new circuitry that consumes less power. Enjoy JVC's Auto Illumi light 4 shooting in low light situations. Need stills as well as video? JVC GR-D770US allows the choice 2 shoot digital still images while recording video. JVC's popular data battery feature that at the push of a button displays battery strength & remaining recording time - with & without using the LCD monitor. Power-Linked Operation Auto button 135-minute Data Battery SD / MMC Card Slot 4 adding an optional memory-card 2 store still pictures at VGA resolution Menu has 7 Language Settings 4 choice access 2 features Has USB Compatibility 4 transferring images 2 a computer Photo Navigation Software