JVC GR-D850 MiniDV Camcorder with 35x Optical Zoom

The JVC GR-D850 MiniDV Camcorder is our 3rd JVC camcorder. It was purchased primarily 4 quick capture of family events & we didn't expect the final video 2 be as high a quality as our previous JVC GR-DV800U which cost almost 3 times as much. So, when we powered up the camcorder & took our first video we weren't too disappointed. That being said, this camcorder is small enough 2 tote around just about anywhere & comes in handy when hiking in the woods or around family gatherings. The final video produced isn't too bad although the color balance is just OK.

For the price this is a good buy.

I bought this one 4 my mom & dad. It seems just as easy 2 use as the one I purchased a few years back. It's lightweight & mom seems 2 understand how 2 use it after about ten minutes of showing her how 2 do things.

The only thing I would not like is that it lacks a viewfinder (like on a film camera) -- all it has is the large LCD display. If you prefer a viewfinder, you may want 2 look at other camcorders.

The sound & video quality is amazing! I am very impressed by the quality of the image & sound even at night. There is no blurring when panning around either, but at night its performance slightly suffers. Sometimes it takes a few seconds 2 focus correctly at night from switching from close 2 distant objects, but it is crystal clear. The sound is GREAT. Its easy 2 use, easy 2 hold.

In order 2 place taped videos 2 the PC, you need a Fire Wire port on your computer, a 6pin 2 4pin fire wire cable, & a lot of hard drive space. One hour is about 14 gigs when transfered 100% uncompressed. After editing & compression though the file size is very manageable.

**For every minute you record it takes one minute 2 transfer 2 the PC**

If I had payed 350 dollars 4 this, I would still be amazed. Its the steal of the year, so cheap yet so good...! I bought the camera, firewire cable, three Fuji Film MiniDV's with tax didnt break 300 dollars!

This is the first camera I've ever owned.

The GR-D850 comes with a 2.7" 16:9 Widescreen clear LCD monitor that gives you a more realistic visual due 2 the extended field of vision, that is common in today's flat panel displays. The Clear LCD feature reduces reflections & glare 2 maintain a clear, visible & bright viewing during outside recording. Zoom right into the action with this powerful 35x optical zoom. The image is magnified optically 2 eliminate jagged edges. Images can be further enlarged up 2 800x when combined with the digital zoom. Or boost light sensitivity 4 a bright picture even in environments with minimal illumination, always giving you full color, without any distance limitations with the NightAlive feature that also works in both still & video modes. Finally this camcorder has 3-Dimension Noise Reduction (3D NR) that automatically provides a more accurate noise reduction. The video noise is reduced by 30% in low light 4 a 2dB improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. End result, you get a brighter picture with less noise, even in low light. Lens - F 2.0-4.1, f=2.3-69mm Uses Mini DV tapes 2.7 Wide Clear LCD monitor 16 - 9 Wide Screen Mode 680 x 340 Digital Still Size Stick Control Dual Recording Capabilities - Allows you 2 record stills & videos both at the same time Data Button - By simply touching this button, remaining battery & recording time can be easily viewed, even when the power is turned off Auto Button - Allows you 2 conveniently & quickly switch between Auto & manual mode with a simple push NightAlive Web-Camera Function via IEEE 1394 Auto illumination light 7 languages 4 menu settings (Eng./Spa./Fre./Kor./Jap./Por./Chi.) Interfaces on Camera - DV Input/Output, DC in Approximate Unit Dimensions - 2.79(W) x 3.03(H) x 4.60(L) Approximate Unit Weight - 0.85lbs (without battery)