Customer Reviews

JVC GR-DVL300U Digital Camcorder

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this camera and loved almost everything about it. The biggest problem is the fact that there is no external mic input jack and no headphone jack. The quality of sound you get from the onboard mic on almost any camcorder is not very good at best. And you should never underestimate the effect good sound has on the quality of your video projects. If you plan to do anything needing good on location sound you will want to find a model with the ext. mic jack and use either a shotgun mic or some lavalier mics. I would say buy a camera that gives you this option because down the road you may need/want it. It would stink to [buy] a camera and then find out that it didn't do everything you needed it to do. I took the camera back an bought a better one that had all of the connections I wanted. (the panasonic pv-dv400, it's a little more expensive but very much worth it to have the sound quality, not to metion the 18x optical zoom.)

After doing a week of comparisions between JVC and Sony, I finally decided to purchase the DVL-300U. All electronics in my household are Sony but after comparison shopping I thought I would give JVC a shot.

The size of the camera and easy operation were second to none. But then the trouble started. After the intial set-up I was excited to get the chance to start recording. After recording about 10 minutes worth of video& 5 still pictures we thought we were in business. I hooked the camera up to the TV to watch our video. After 2 minutes of playing, a prompt came on screen telling us that we needed to clean the head. This was a brand new camcorder! The prompt would come onto the screen ever minute or so. Then after 4 minutes of tape, the video became very distorted. I thought I was purchasing a digital quality camcorder? (GUESS NOT) I was very disatisfied with this and instead of going through the headache of trying to have JVC repair/replace it, I decided to get a refund and purchase a Sony TRV320. The Sony 320 is great. Comparable in size and ease of operation and not mention the fact that it is less expensive. I would suggest for a new camcorder owner to purchase the Sony over the JVC. I understand that you may pay more for upgrades in batteries but to me the name says it all, what you pay for is what you get!

I just bought this camera ....

I've had no problems importing still images or video to my PC, though the still image quality is nowhere near that of a true digital still camera. The LCD screen is a bit small, but again its just fine for the price. Also, don't believe everything you read about the mic. I tested it and it picked up whispering at ~1 meter and normal conversation at ~5 meters. It even has a feature to reduce wind noise on windy days. Very nice touches make this a good camera.

The users' manuals are very detailed yet very easy to follow. The power cord stretches over 3 meters and the battery seems to last a while as well and only takes 90 minutes for its first charge.

Does not come with any tape, though, so be sure to order some too.

This camera is small, nice looking, has good pictures, and cheap ($399 including freight). I was very happy. However, like some of the other users, it broke down after about 30 minutes of use. It keeps prompting for heading cleaning and I know the head is dirty because blocks of noise appear during playback. It happens especially bad during LP mode. Why???

Needless to say, I am disappointed. I have also thrown away some of the package (manual in French, registration card, etc.) If the seller won't give me full credit because of this, I can only have JVC repair it. But according to my past experience, once they open up a camcorder, only more troubles to follow.

Even though this camcorder has many great functions, I was disappointed that I had a dirty head warning after the first 60 minutes of use. Not what I expect after spending 650+. The recorder was new (sealed box). Trying to get the recording on a VCR is also giving me problems. It may be my TV and VCR are Multi-system units but I don't think that's the problem. I am fair with the cable connections and expected immediate success. Things should not be so tough. I have been able to watch the movies connecting directly to the TV though and like the quality of the picture. I'm sure I will get it going and hope head cleaning is not required every 60 minutes of use.

Picture quality is good but the image stabilization is very bad. I purchased this camera a week ago and decided to return it and get Canon Optura Pi, since Optura Pi has the optical stabilizer.

Hi:

I have had the same experience as the other two reviewers that had the "Clean Heads" warning appear after only a few minutes of use. After which the camera then died.

Fortunately I was able to return it for a full refund but that is not satisfactory, as JVC should be ashamed of themselves for subjecting their customers with a problem that is obviously running rampant in this Model.

That is almost 30% of this small sample that have had this experience.

It would appear that either you become a victum or luck out and get one that is ok and it should not be a game of russian roulette when you are making this kind of purchase.

Come on JVC lets show some initiative and concern here and rectify the situation.

Do the right thing!

My 300u has the same problem with the clean head message too. After approx. 30 min of recording and playing, "clean head warning" appears and blocks of noise appear during playback. This happened just last Sunday with a brand new unit. But came Monday everything seems to be normal again. Strange!! I am using TDK tapes (not Sony some users complain of messing up the video head), but according to their link, you may be damaging your camcorder by using anything other than JVC tape!!

This camera is a good one but the programs that is included with it should have been burned to dust. There are alot of problems importing files to the p.c. If you have a adobe 5.0 premere you have to get diffrent drivers to make the fire wire compatible. If you use the camera for fun its great, but dont count on making hollywood productions.

This is my first camcorder, and I'm having a ball with it! It's so easy to use, and I love the snapshot feature that allows me to take a snapshot image in the midst of recording, and it even throws in a little shutter click sound for effect! Maybe I'm easy to please, as I have no prior camcorder experience, and therefore no preconceived notions as to performance. But the picture looks great, and the sound is decent. I'm basically just using this for family purposes, and it serves me well!