JVC Everio GZ-MG20 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom

by JVC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.7 x 2.8 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000A13YDY
• Item model number: GZMG20
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,846 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 14, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer The revolutionary JVC Everio G series hard-disk camcorders offer unprecedented storage capacity, eliminating the need to carry tapes, discs, or any media at all--yet can record up to seven hours of DVD movie-quality video. They also record more than 10.5 hours at a quality level comparable to a DVD camcorder’s 30-minute mode. Recording-time capabilities for all four models in the Everio G series are impressive: The GZ-MG20 and GZ-MG40 offer 4 hours and 50 minutes of recording time at DVD quality and 25 hours at lower-resolution Internet quality; the GZ-MG30, GZ-MG50, and GZ-MG70 record for 7 hours and 10 minutes at DVD quality and 37 hours at Internet quality.

The GZ-MG20 fits in the palm of your hand.

The GZ-MG20 has a 20 GB hard disk, is truly palm-sized, and weighs less than 14 ounces with the battery attached. Its design is similar to a MiniDV camcorder’s, which means that it’s comfortable to hold and operate, and includes a large, 2.5-inch flip-out LCD monitor for easy recording.

Playback is easy, too, with multiple connections allowing convenient TV playback, dubbing to a VCR or DVD recorder, transfer to a PC or Apple Macintosh for DVD creation, editing, or posting on the Internet, or even burned directly without a PC to a full-length movie DVD disc using an optional DVD burner.

MPEG-2 Video Recording for DVD-Movie Quality Footage
The GZ-MG20 offers an impressive 4.5 hours storage at 9 Mbps, and over 7 hours at 6 Mbps. The high-quality MPEG-2 recordings are in the same format used in DVD, so there's no quality loss when burning them to DVD, and no time- and quality-wasting conversion.

The JVC GZ-MG20's 3D NR technology reduces video noise by 30 percent, even in low light.

3D Noise-Reduction Technology
Conventional noise reduction offers limited accuracy since it compares field A and field B that make up a frame with different sets of odd and even scanning lines to compensate for noise. JVC’s 3D noise-reduction technology compares field A to field A, and field B to field B across two frames so that the scanning lines are identical and noise can be reduced more accurately. As a result, signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 2 dB and noise is reduced by about 30 percent. Flicker is eliminated and color reproduction is improved, enhancing overall picture quality.

25x Optical Zoom with 800x Digital Zoom
With the powerful 25x zoom, an image is enlarged 25 times without jagged edges. Images can be further enlarged up to 800x when combined with the digital zoom.

Get close to the action with optical and digital zoom options.

Random Access to Recordings
The benefits of recording video to a hard disk are the same benefits that have made hard disk-based audio players so popular--random access to quickly locate desired material, and the ability to effortlessly delete unwanted material and easily rearrange the playback sequence. What’s more, there’s no danger of mistakenly recording over something that’s to be saved.

Browse recorded scenes easily with the thumbnail image index.

Scene selection is made easy thanks to on-screen index images, so the large amount recorded won't become a hindrance to quick accessibility. And with remote control operation, it is possible to connect the Everio G camcorder to a TV and operate it from a distance, just like a DVD deck. Playlist operation allows recording of desired clips directly to DVD with the optional DVD burner, or directly to VHS or other analog input devices with the S-Video or Composite video output for perfect copies every time.

Hard-Disk Protection and Stability
A challenge in designing and building a hard-disk camcorder is protecting the disk from shocks and vibrations. One way this is done in the Everio G camcorders is through a unique floating suspension system that effectively dampens vibrations through advanced polymer shock absorbers. Another security measure familiar to notebook PC users is its gravity-like force sensor system that automatically senses sudden acceleration such as in a free fall situation, and turns off the power to defend the hard disk so that a head crash can be avoided in many cases even when the unit is dropped.

Confirm remaining disk capacity and other details with the GZ-MG20's intuitive graphical display.

Make Full-length DVDs Easily, With or Without a Computer
In a unique collaboration with Apacer Technology Inc., JVC and Apacer developed a new DVD video burner that connects directly from the Everio G. Just select the playlist or file, or simply copy it all--one touch creates a full length video DVD to watch on a DVD player, with no need for a personal computer. For those who want to edit with a computer, JVC includes software for use with both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. Provided Pixela Capty MPEG Edit EX and optional Capty DVD for making DVD Video software provide seamless integration into the Apple Macintosh computer world. Of course Everio G is compatible with iPhoto for still pictures.

For Windows PCs, the CyberLink DVD Solution bundled with Everio G models comprises three applications that make it easy to make full-length DVD movies. A standard 4.7 GB single-layer DVD-R/RW disc holds over one hour of an Ultra mode movie, and over 90 minutes of a Fine mode movie.

• PowerProducer offers easy saving and authoring of video clips in any order to DVD, even directly from a USB-connected camera, so users can share original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player. The software makes it easy to locate and transfer video files residing on the camera’s hard drive. Saving to DVD requires only a PC with 256 MB RAM, 700 MHz or above Pentium III, USB 2.0 terminal, and a DVD burner.
• PowerDirector Express offers feature-rich, non-linear editing so users can flex their creative muscle with titles and even mix stills with videos. PowerDirector Express also converts movies to a variety of file formats to send via the Web or e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video and RealVideo that can be streamed uploaded or streamed over the Internet.
• PowerDVD conveniently plays back video clips and DVDs with Dolby Digital audio.

What's in the Box
Everio GZ-MG20, AC power adapter/battery charger, rechargeable battery, AV cable, USB cable, remote control, shoulder strap, grip belt, lens cap, software CD-ROM (USB driver, Digital Photo Navigator: Windows, CyberLink DVD Solution: Windows, PIXELA Capty MPEG Edit EX: Mac)

Product Description

JVC Everio GZ-MG20US - Camcorder - 680 Kpix - optical zoom: 25 x - HDD : 20 GB Don't tape it. Don't worry about reloading discs either, because the palm sized GZ-MG20 records over 24 hours of video on its high-capacity 20 GB hard disk drive. So when you are on the go, vacationing or at a family event, pack your lightweight Everio and go. There are four recording modes allows you to record the way you want. The ULTRA mode will record over 4.5 hours of almost DVD movie quality. The FINE mode will record at DVD camcorder quality for over 7 hours. Either way, the high quality MPEG-2 recordings are the same format used as a DVD. There will be no quality loss when burning to DVD. Plus, no cassettes or discs to lose. Every Everio camcorder is designed to simplify your life. The built-in hard disk drive allows you to easily delete unwanted scenes and rearrange your footage even on the go. This Everio's multi-connectivity allows you to get connected and share all your memories. Your own portable video scrapbook - from JVC. Long recording time and easy to use features in a palm sized hard disk drive solution.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Convenient, easy to use, great camera, November 14, 2005

By 

S. Wah (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-MG20 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I bought this camera before going on a recent cruise with the intention of documenting my trip through video. This is a great camcorder for making home videos. I took video during some of the shows that I went to on the cruise and the audio quality was fantastic. Playing it back at home on my home theatre system, it sounded like I was there at the show. The fact that it records directly onto a hard drive is a big plus and it makes viewing and editing very easy. You can easily review clips on the camcorder LCD itself, as a menu pops up that you can scroll through and play whatever clip you want. It also means you can easily just delete clips that you don't care to keep. For editing, you basically hook up the included USB cord to your computer, and your computer automatically recognizes the camera as an external hard drive. No additional software required for this! You then just copy or move the files onto your hard drive. Note that the files are stored as .MOD files. The only software I have found that recognizes .MOD extensions is the included Cyberlink software, however, all you have to do is change the file extension to .MPG and every other video editing and playback software will recognize it. The included Cyberlink software is very limited. I ended up downloading a free trial of their PowerDirector software to edit my video. I found this software suite to be an easy and powerful interface for editing my footage and I managed to make a great souvenir video of my trip, with background music, DVD titles, scene transitions etc. I plan to buy the software suite when my free trial is up.

The battery life is advertised to be only an hour. This may seem short, but for making home videos, shooting an hour of footage in one go is quite a lot. I never ran out of battery on the cruise, but then whenever I wasn't shooting, I had my camera plugged in and the battery re-charging in my cabin.

My only complaint with this camera is the image stabilization. Its fine up to about 12X zoom, but once you get past this, the images become very shaky and virtually unusable. You would need a tripod to get zoom past 12X. This is annoying considering that this camcorder is advertised as a 25X optical zoom. Its basically useless past 12X.

All is all I definitely would recommend this camcorder for its ease of use and the fact that you no longer have to worry about tape.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really like it. But important to read the instructions., March 20, 2006

By 

E. T. Foster - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-MG20 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Just got this camera recently. I'd read a number of reviews suggesting the image quality wasn't too hot, but thought I'd give it a try as I'm really tired of trying to keep track of all the little tapes I've accumulated over the years. Out of the box, I shot some video of the family in the house using only overhead lighting. Then I converted it to DVD (included software is very easy to use, but I wanted to use Nero. The file extensions are .mod, but Nero recognized it just fine). Yep. It was grainy and the color was lackluster. THEN I read the manual. As it turns out, the camera comes from the factory with the GAIN setting turned on. This really boosts the signal in low light conditions, but can result in a slightly grainy image. So I turned it off. That helped alot. Then, realizing that none of the walls in my house are white, I manually set the white balance (very easy to do with this camera) and WOW. Big difference. Colors are just right. I even filmed my daughter in her pink room and it came out right. I'm liking this camera more and more everyday. Just be sure to read the manual and don't be afraid to tweak the settings to your situation.

So far, only two downsides: the VF707U battery it comes with is a wimp (about 50min record time) and the camera doesn't have a standard view-finder. However, this last point is mitigated somewhat by the fact that the camera is so small, it is a pleasure to carry it just about everywhere.

I recommend this camera if you don't mind a little learning curve, plan on buying another battery, and are tired of trying to keep track of little pieces of recording media. For me, It's making taking video fun again.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tiny camcorder... Big HDD... Easy functions... = 5 Stars!, February 4, 2006

By 

johnb|aze (MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-MG20 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/25x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Ok, I bought this for a Christmas present for my wife and she loves it. The first thing you notice is how small it is... I mean it's tiny!

When I first heard about these I checked for reviews on them and the two sites I found reviews on both had mediocre scores. Much of the fuss on thse sites had to do with the video quality of the still images.

I think many felt mislead b/c in the description it says you can select from image sizes of 1152x864. 1024x768, and 640x480. What we've found out is that even though you can select the 1152x864, 1024x768, and 640x480 the digital stills are only 640x480 because the two higher sizes make the images look bad but the 640x480 size looks super.

Honestly, I didn't buy it for it's digital camera capabilities (we love our Fugi e510) although it's super convenient to have this available albeit only at 640x480 b/c you can switch back and forth between stills and video very easily.

I can't comment on the Mac capabilities other than it seems a little harsh to give the unit 2 stars b/c "you" didn't read the packaging correctly.

I really don't know what all the fuss is about where the video quality is concerned. We haven't owned a camcorder since our last vsh-c which we were happy with as well. The videos at the highest setting looks great with very rich and true colors. The camera is eXtremely easy to setup and use from the time you take it out of the box until your first transfer over the very fast USB 2.0 connection.

Another great feature of this very small camera is the internal SD Card slot and the camera's ability to record both stills and video to this excellent removable media. It's very fast, super cheap (compared to others like memory stick and xD cards), and they already come in capacities up to 4gb.

I thought the SD Card would be soley for stills but was hoping the HDD would be removable, so this was a very nice surprise b/c like most PCs now-a-days our computers have the internal memory card readers so you can just pull the SD Card and pop it in your PC for editing, emails, burn to dvd, etc.

As far as dislikes go the only issue I had, which is really nitpicking, is that the buttons on the LCD are a bit small for my liking. I'm a pretty big guy though so this may not even be an issue for many of you.

I'm totally happy with this purchase!