Customer Reviews

JVC GR-DVF10 Digital Camcorder

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This camera will cause more headaches than it's worth. Overall the camera's great and that's part of the problem. The picture qualities pretty good (except in dark areas where it's horrible.) The problem is the lack of digital output. If you start learning about video editing and the benefits of the MiniDV format, you'll become excited only to realize that your camcorder doesn't support it. It's the most disheartening thing in the world. What's the point of a digital camera, without the digital output. Did I mention that it's useless in low light situations?

First, the positives. This is a solid, stable machine. The optics are decent; it seems to have the right amount of 'bells and whistles' while not being overly cluttered with features that are beyond the need of the average user. It does, however, have one glaring problem...the camcorder's output is analog, not digital. The only place JVC makes note of this fact is in the front of the instruction manual, where they state that while the camera records digitally, the output of the machine is, in fact, analog. I called JVC and was told that only the DVM5 and similar high-end machines would offer digital output. Even with S-video to my Mac, I'm still editing analog video...and I might as well have stuck with VHS-C!

Older model came out just prior to 1394 standard. Lots of features, many of dubious value. RCA-style jacks are the only way to get video (analog only) to your computer for editing, limiting its usefulness as a digital camera. Included accessories are just gizmos that don't help the editing process. If you need digital AND want to edit with your computer, buy a camera that has 1394 capability. Otherwise, spend your money on Hi8 with more available features.

The latest and most costly JVC entries in the digital video market are remarkebly small. In my view, the relative bulk of the GR-DVF10 is no drawback. Also not a negative consideration for me, is the lack of numerous "bells and whistles". Consumers have also wanted lots of these, but for the serious amateur videographer or the novice just looking for high quality results, the GR-DVF10 has more than enough features to satisfy. In it's automatic mode, the camera is easy to handle and the user quickly adapts to it's basic functions as second nature. (The on/off button, however, is a bit odd, and requires 2 hands to execute correctly) Manual exposure functions, such as locking iris and shutter speed control may not be used that often, but it is very nice to know they're available if the situation calls for it. When I went shopping for a camcorder, I never expected I could afford a digital version. Pausing, while in playback mode displays a "rock solid" image with none of the wavering lines associated with standard video tape. This and the higher resolution are among the reasons to buy this model. It is worth mentioning here that the mini-DV format cassettes (also used for Panasonics digital video cameras) are at present costly and somewhat hard to find. However, when it's a choice between VHS, VHS-c, 8mm or digital and the costs are comparable, the decision for me was an easy one.

Overall the camcorder was easy to learn to use. The quality of the tape was good. The biggest problem was (and still is)in tranfering the still pictures into computer and printing them, because the necessary accessories were not available in stores. The company was not very heplful when contacted. I wish the accessories would be included with the product.

We were highly disappointed at this camcorder's inability to present digital output on our TV. Turns out this product is not even MADE to. In fact, since it does not produce digital output, you can't connect it to your PC either. What you're left with is a virtual analog camcorder whose digital output is only viewable on a miniscule LCD screen. In other words, it's nothing but a trumped-up VHS-C camcorder with an price tag that runs $200-$300 more. Noteworthy: this camcorder is a discontinued JVC model. What's disappointing is JVC's lack of mention about the analog output. It's only written in small print deep within the owner's manual. Other things: the light is useless (about as strong as a match), the Power On/Off switch is difficult to use with only your thumb, and it doesn't come with the cable necessary to connect to your TV (per the manual, JVC considers it to be an "optional" item!). Bottom line: we sent it back for a refund.

The JVC GR-DVF10 lets you take still photographs in a number of formats, from simple snapshots to borders and even multiple thumbnails. If you want to download and edit your digital still images and video on a computer, however, you have to purchase a separate video capture card first.

I've had my jvc model grdvf10 camcorder for over two years and have used it a lot and like it a lot. I do have a complaint though. Recently I decided to figure out how to hook it up to my computer which the salesman assured me I can do and which the instruction book indicates is doable. Well they're both right but neither of them told me it takes an accessory costing [more money] to make the hookup. That the salesman didn't tell me this and that the instruction booklet doesn't indicate it is avery misleading and I am not at all happy about it.

I've got this from somewhere else. But Amazon's price is cheaper than what I have paid. Overall features are great. However a Firewire connection to the PC will make it perfect in case you do a lot of digital imaging stuffs. Also, would take a little time to know how to use it.

I have bee looking for a camera like this at this price for a while now. I must say I have really enjoyed it. It produces sharp pictures with ease. I would recomend this camera to anyone looking for a good digital camera. A great camera and low price you cannot go wrong.