JVC GRD-Z7U 2MP MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

by JVC

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002J14ZY
• Item model number: GRDZ7U
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,828 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 29, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer High quality optics and digital technology combine to push the limits of MiniDV, making the GR-DZ7 a super-advanced, palm-sized wonder. The camera’s 1/3.6" CCD with a total of 2.12 million pixels (effective: 1.23 million for moving pictures, 2 million for still pictures) comprises a superior image sensor with the high resolution capabilities needed for high-end videography.

11-element lens
The 9-group 11-element lens structure features a high-precision glass-molded aspherical lens to maximize performance while minimizing overall lens size. Made specifically to meet the highresolution demands of the 2.1 Megapixel CCD, this 10x optical zoom lens delivers superior resolution and contrast to assure high fundamental quality for video and still shooting.

Megabrid Engine for optimal video and still quality
Applies separate, optimized processing to moving and still images, providing high sensitivity and a high signal-to-noise ratio for videos even in low-light conditions, as well as clear, high resolution still images that deliver beautiful quality prints. RGB based processing assures more rich and realistic color reproduction.

3-Dimension Noise Reduction (3D NR)
This frame-based noise reduction provides more accurate noise reduction based on twice the visual information of conventional field-based types. Reduces video noise by 30% in low light for a 2dB improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. So even in low-light situations, it’s able to minimize noise while maintaining high picture quality.

Conventional 3D NR

Conventional 3D NR is fieldbased, comparing fields A and B that make up a frame and thus offering limited accuracy since it compares odd and even scanning lines.

New 3D NR

JVC’s new 3D NR compares field A to field A, and field B to field B, across two frames, so it detects noise components in the same lines between the two frames.

World’s First Camcorder offering USB Video Class and USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer
You can send the DV signal from the video camera’s USB port directly to a PC’s USB2.0 port, with no need for i.LInK (IEEE1394) connection. This USB2.0 compliant interface supports USB Video Class for highspeed industry-standard video streaming and data transfer.

DVD Creation with Provided ImageMixer2.0
With the provided ImageMixer2.0 (Windows) software, you can stream your DV footage to a PC via USB2.0 interface, edit and author it to a DVD-R or CD-R at the touch of a button, making it incredibly easy to create original DVDs and Video CDs.

• DV Input/Output (i.LInK, IEEE1394 compliant) for lossless digital DV signal transfer to a computer, as well as dubbing from/to another DV unit.
• Analog Input lets you hook-up to an analog camcorder or VCR and copy your old recordings over to digital.
• Web-Camera function with video streaming via i.LInK (IEEE 1394) to Windows XP.

MPEG-4 Email Video Clip Function:
Separate from MPEG video capture, this built-in function shoots MPEG-4 video clips with audio for as long as there is capacity on the memory card. 8MB SD Card Provided
HG Digital Stills and native MPEG-4 video clips can be recorded onto the provided 8MB SD Memory Card and easily transferred to a PC (may require optional adapter). Supports DPOF for easy printing.

Other Features:

• 2.5" Clear LCD Monitor for reduced glare when viewing outdoors
• HG Digital Stills with 4 selectable image size settings
• DV navigation for easy access to recorded scenes
• nightAlive for bright images in low-light situations
• Digital Special Effects and Scene Transitions
• Super High-Band Processor for video recordings with 540 lines of horizontal resolution
• Color Viewfinder
• Power-Linked Operation
• Interval Snapshot
• Built-in Auto Flash

Provided Accessories

• AC Power Adapter
• Rechargeable Battery
• Full-Function Remote Control
• 8MB SD Memory Card
• Software CD-ROM:
  • ImageMixer2.0
  • PhotoNavigator
  • USB Video Class Driver/
  • G.726 Decoder (for Windows)
• USB Cable
• S/AV/Editing Cable
• Shoulder Strap
• Lens Cap

Product Description

Box includes: JVC-Z7 Camera, shoulder strap, AC Adapter, Image Mixer for Windows/Mac Software and AV output cables JVC offers its new GR-DZ7US GR-DZ7US for professionals and skilled amateurs. The F1.8 Aspherical Super Bright lens gives your photos incredible illumination. Its 2.5" High Resolution Monitor to reduce glare and reflections from the LCD screen. 3-D Noise Reduction eliminates noise in low-light situations. A Megabrid Engine provides sharper separate processing for video and digital stills. Choose your size settings for still photos from 1600x1200 to 640x480. It's been ergonomically designed to fit in your hand and keep the controls right by your fingertips, so you've always got the tools you need at your disposal. Interval Snapshot mode Wide mode Iris Lock Manual focus, Exposure, and White Balance modes High Density Image Recording, Mini DV NTSC Digital wipes and fades Black fader Audio Dubbing PCM Digital Stereo Audio USB 2.0 High-Speed & USB Video Class Transfer USB PC Link for Video CD creation, MPEG-4 streaming, MPEG-1 capture, Webcam functions and still capture MMC/SD Card Slot (8M SD card provided) Built-in Auto Flash Horizontal Resolution - 540 lines with Super High-Band Processor Inputs - i.Link/IEEE 1394, DV, S-Video and Analog Outputs - i.Link/IEEE 1394, DV, S-Video BN-V408U rechargeable High Capacity 800 mAh Lithium-ion battery pack RM-V720U Full Function Remote Control Dimensions - 3.9 x 4.5 x 2.4 Weight - 1.2 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best in both world (video & still) for the price, December 16, 2005

By 

C. Kian Kok "Gadget Guy" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC GRD-Z7U 2MP MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

For USD399, you get good quality video and digital stills. PC Magazine review this as one of the highest resolution camcorder [...]. DVSpot also give this camcorder good review. Included battery life is short. But you can look in Amazon for JVC VUA228KIT Camcorder Starter Kit for GRD33US/72US/93US/200US/230US & GRDV500 which has 4 hour battery, MiniDV tape, and case and it only cost you USD30 (after huge discount).

What I would like but not exist in this camcorder:
a) video light
b) cold/hot shoe
c) F1.2 lens
d) 30x zoom
e) optical image stabilizer

But I did not regret because this is my first camcorder and it should be low price. After few years then only I'll upgrade to 3CCD with a lot of manual function. Something like Panasonic GS400.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Video, Very Decent Snaps, December 16, 2005

By 

S. N. Reddy (LA, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC GRD-Z7U 2MP MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This is probably the best time to buy this camcorder for an unbelievable price of 399.00, its well worth it! Video quality is great and photos at 1600*1200 res. aint bad for a camcorder!! If you are planning the get it, think about buying another battery (gets drained fast) and a SD card (the 8mb card provided wont do).

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unreliable, April 14, 2006

By 

Ian Wallis (CA Bay Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JVC GRD-Z7U 2MP MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Don't waste your time on this junk. Mine blew up just out of warranty with a tape loading problem. Repairing is almost as expensive as purchasing a new model.

I've checked other JVC problems on the net; broken CCDs, reset problems, etc. Stay away from JVC; I wish I did.

By the way, JVC is terrible in low light compared to my 10 year old Sony 8mm.