Customer Reviews

JVC Everio GZ-MG630 60GB Standard Def Camcorder (Red)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I had read nothing but positive user reviews on another website and then read the negative ones on Amazon regarding the bundled software only working on systems with Vista. The camera itself had had such great reviews, and it was a great price, so I decided to buy it last week so I could film my son's school performance. The camera did an awesome job in a darkened auditorium -- the video was nice and clear, there was minimal distortion when zooming in, and the audio was clear and at a good level as well. Afterwards, I installed the software on my Windows XP computer, hooked up the camera via USB, and was able to easily transfer the video to my computer. Playback was extremely clear! While I did have trouble with upload fails trying to get it to YouTube using the MediaBrowser software, I was able to upload from YouTube without a problem. I just fell compelled to write and let other readers know that the camera and software DO work with XP -- no problem at all. I'm very happy with this camera!

Unless you want a High Definition camcorder, I highly recommend this camcorder to anybody who wants a camcorder that is small, light, and easy to operate, has a hard disk drive, gives high quality videos, and is still reasonably priced.

I got this camcorder about a month ago, learned how to use it in a few minutes, and shot quite a few videos with it including four test videos which you can see at Shoban Sen's YouTube channel.

I especially like the cameras zooming capabilities, strong built-in microphone, and the image stabilization feature (it automatically and effectively neutralizes camera shake to a great extent though the manufacturer does not advertise this feature much). The microphone is so strong that it picks up the noise made by blowing wind during outdoor shootings - you have to turn on the "Windcut" feature from the camera's menu to stop this noise. The low-light shooting capability is also reasonably good, although the camera's built-in light is nothing but a gimmick (and the camera does not have a shoe to attach external video light). The laser touch scroll bar of the camera eliminates the need to touch the LCD monitor to select desired functions, and I love it. No more finger prints on the LCD monitor. The little remote control that comes with the camcorder is very handy - almost addictive! I have not tried the Core Filter yet. I did notice some annoying background noise (sounds like rumble of thunder) in some of the scenes that I downloaded in my computer. The manufacturer says, "The core filter reduces interference caused when connected to other devices." I think when downloading videos to my computer, if I use the provided Core Filter on the USB cable, this noise will go away or will be reduced to a great extent.

THE SOFTWARE THAT COMES WITH THE CAMCORDER WORKS FINE WITH WINDOWS XP (BOTH HOME AND PROFESSIONAL EDITION WITH SP2/SP3). BUT DO CHECK THE CPU AND RAM REQUIREMENTS. THE MANUFACTURER CLEARLY TALKS ABOUT THE OPERATING SYSTEMS ON PAGE 29 OF THE ENGLISH MANUAL THAT COMES WITH THE CAMCORDER. THE SOFTWARE WORKS WITH WINDOWS VISTA AND WINDOWS XP. Only the Direct Upload to YouTube failed when I tried it once. But I won't say, it is the fault of the software - I may have made some mistakes myself. I tried it only once. I do not use that feature anyway.

I have one negative point to talk about. The first Everio camcorder I received had a faulty rubber cap or cover on the USB port on the front side of the camcorder. It didn't close after I opened it for the first time. But thanks to Amazon.com's excellent Return Policy. They immediately shipped a replacement camcorder to me, even before they received my return!

A word of caution: do not swing or jerk the camcorder while carrying it. Its Drop Detection mechanism is very sensitive. The camcorder shuts itself off if you unknowingly swing the camera a bit while carrying it.

In conclusion, TWO THUMBS UP to this product. You cannot buy a better camcorder at this price.

I'm very happy with this device. It does everything I wanted it to do. I don't do broadcast, but I do post video to iTunes for use on my college campus. The good video quality and the included software make file conversion and uploading to iTunes very painless. I really like the hard drive; I doubt that I could ever go back to tape storage. It seems to have good picture stability when zooming. If I could change anything about it, I would consider two things. First, I would make the documentation a bit more understandable. I have a PhD and it still took me quite a while to understand the conversion and uploading process. There are two sets of documentation, one print and one on the CD, and both continually refer you to the other. I eventually got where I needed to get by trial and error. The other thing I would change is that I think it would be nice to have an input for an external microphone. In general, I am pleased with this product.

I purchased this camera a week ago, used it for the first time yesterday, filming a concert, and it worked flawlessly....I was very pleased with it, especially since the light was very dark in the club where the band was playing...I downloaded the video to my computer using their software, and after I figure it all out, I think it will work fine, seems to be simple to use...the picture quality is very good, the sound could be improved, but, all in all, not bad for a built in mic..I was concered by the negative review I saw here, but since having the camera, Im pleased with my purchase....the only thing it needs, is a longer life battery, I will have to buy the bigger battery for filming a concert or a trip, the one provided is only 90 minutes or so..bottom line is, Im happy with it, and would recommend it to anyone

This is an outstanding camera. Out of the box it was easy to use and performed flawlessly. Took it to NHRA drag races and captured all the action without a hitch. Sound quality is outstanding, picture quality is almost as good as HD. Software included makes backing up the video a snap. Great lowlight enhancement also.

I bought this camera after comparing many customer reviews of this and competing products. The reviews of this camera were consistently high, and I must say that mine is no different. I am really enjoying using this camera so far. I have had it for only a month, and everything is working as advertised. Even the included software loaded onto my Vista operating system (Gateway laptop) without a problem and appears to be working perfectly. The video is pretty crisp for a non-HD machine and I am happy with the sound. The best thing about these hard drive-equipped machines is that there is no card to change and the 60 gig drive on mine seems to be plenty big, even for long vacations. At "ultra" quality, I get almost 15 hours of recording time! I have taken a lot of video footage so far, and still have plenty of space left for more. I would highly recommend this camera.

I just purchased the JVC Everio GV-MG630 and i must say it has not disappointed me. It's a great buy and the price isn't too bad either. I've never had a camcorder before but this has been pretty easy to figure out. It takes really nice video...even in dark places it's light enough to see well....but of course that would naturally depend on "just how dark" is dark. Has nice sound and the video quality is very good also.
As for those who say it doesn't work with WinXP...i'm sorry. Don't know what to say other than mine works with WinXP and haven't had any really big problems other than just not knowing how to use the software. But, as i learn...no problems....and i'm still learning.
I like the compact size and features it offers....the 60gb hdd and even has a slot of a sd card. So, over all it's a very nice camcorder. I would recommend it to others for a fun time.

I purchased this camera the first day it was released and eagerly anticipated it's arrival. I had recently saw an older version in a store and was simply mesmerized by it's size and clarity. Initially I was gonna go with the 330 but when I saw the negative reviews about file playback and how confusing it can be I decided against it.

I then checked out JVC's site and saw that they were releasing these and decided to give this one a try. It's unfortunate you have to have Vista in order for this cam to work properly but fortunately I just purchased a new computer with Vista on it and the installation, playback, all features work flawlessly. I absolutely love it and I carry huge bags which this camera fits quite nicely in due to it's small stature.

So overall, I would definately recommend if you have proper system. It's extremely easy to use, the video is nice and clear, and it's small size makes it even easier to tote around for spur of the moment action.

The best thing abot this camera has been the image stabilization. I compared it to similar makes by Sony and Panasonic in Best Buy. They both had better zoom but their image stabilization were not up to par. For someone who plans to have the camera in their hands and not on a tripod this is going to work better for you. But if you plan on having it on a tripod and would rather have the Huge zoom, go with the Sony or Panasonic.

I read a lot of reviews about the JVC, Panasonic and Sony cameras and read positive and negative reviews about each. The biggest problem I read about the JVC was how it performed in low-light situations. I'm not sure if people expect night-vision but I used it in my living room one evening with incandescent bulbs and the picture was clear and maybe a little brighter than it actually had been in the room.

I've had NO problems with this camera thus far and I hope it continues. It is very easy to use and produces good video and images.

I was extremely excited when I ordered this camera. I had been wanting to get a HDD camcorder for a long time as I am tired of buying tapes for my old miniDV. I went with JVC because of the fact that they have been making HDD camcorders for a long time and I have owned several JVC items in the past, plus the price was right on.
Positives: records to either HDD or microSD, lightweight, internal lens cover, video light, 60GB hard disk
Negagives: only ONE...PLAN ON USING A DIFFERENT SOFTWARE. worked twice on my spouses VISTA x64 laptop. Upon third attempt, showed files were corrupt and automatically deleted them. Called JVC and they said its a software problem not a camera problem so I called Pixela. After chatting with them, found out the software is incompatible with x64 operating systems. Learning that I went to XP Professional desktop and tried again. This time the program wouldn't even run, it would open but freeze immediately. Called back and tried to get more help and was told that since i was running an AMD processor and not an Intel they couldn't guarantee it would work since they only recommend Intel based systems. Needless to say I was greatly disappointed.
Please don't get me wrong, the camera itself is awesome, I don't fault JVC at all and would recommend this product to anyone looking for a budget HDD based camera. Just be prepared to look into different software options. I purchased AVS media converter to change from MOD to AVI/MPEG4, works flawlessly.
NOTE: Pixela mentioned it is compatible with IMovie '09 for Mac users. I own a Macbook pro with IMovieHD and I couldn't figure it out.