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202 of 208 people found the following review helpful:
JVC GZ-MG255 is the best camcorder for low light videos because it has the largest F1.2 lens, April 14, 2007
Length:: 0:11 Mins
Update May 2009: I have happily owned my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder since April 2007, and knowing it is the best for low light videos.
In 2007, I have compared the three camcorders side by side: JVC GZ-MG255, Sony DCR-SR82, and Sony DCR-SR80. I compared for the ability to videotape in low light or natural night light conditions, and without video lights, and in Automatic mode. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the winner and takes best low light videos because it has the largest F 1.2 lens, and largest 1/4 inch CCD. I still have the videos to prove this.
The bad news is that the JVC GZ-MG255 are no longer made any more due to high cost, and low profit margin, and are hard to find.
Sony DCR-SR80 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/5.5 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the low light videos were poor, and grainy, and I returned for refund in 2007.
Sony DCR-SR82 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/6 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the light videos were poor, and grainly, and I returned for refund in 2007.
JVC GZ-MG255 has largest F1.2 lens, and the CCD is the largest 1/4 inch, and 2.18 MP Gross Pixels, 1.23 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos are great, and low light videos are the best. I still enjoy using my JVC GZ-MG255 to record in low light (and in fact, I bought two JVC GZ-MG255 while prices were low, and since they are now out of stock).
This is a 11 second raw video clip from my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder that I took in April 2007 at a dimly lighted nightclub at closing time, and this is a great low light video. The camcorder setting is Full Automatic (I am not using the "Night Alive" nor any other Manual settings.) The back wall is a full width mirror and is reflecting and showing a small TV screen on left side, and the main entrance door. (Note: My original of this video actually looks better and is clear and sharp; however Amazon condensed this video to 1/10 the original size, and therefore the quality is lower.)
I rank my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder as #1 and the best because it takes great low light videos due to its largest F 1.2 lens, and large 1/4 inch CCD. Here below is a comparision of 20 other camcorders,
My Rank # 1: Best, Superior Low Light Performance.
-- JVC GZ-MG255: Zoom 10X. F1.2 lens; 1/4 inch CCD, Effective 1.23 MP = 1280x960, (Gross 2.18 MP).
Rank # 2:
-- Sony DCR-SR200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/3" CMOS, Effective 1.08 MP = 1200x900, (Gross 2.1 MP).
Rank # 3:
-- Panasonic SDR-H200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" Three-CCDs, Effective 0.64 MP X 3CCDs, (Gross 0.80 MP X 3CCD).
Rank # 4:
-- JVC GZ-MG155: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 690KP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR85: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6 inch CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR65: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR82: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR62: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR80: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR60: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
Rank # 5:
-- JVC GZ-MG365: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG360: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG335: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG330: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H18: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR45: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/8" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR42: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR40: Zoom 20X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
Rank # 6:
-- JVC GZ-MG130: Zoom 34X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H60: Zoom 50X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H40: Zoom 42X. F1.9 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).
My footnotes for these Technical Specifications Facts:
1) "Effective MP" is an industry "standard" used for comparision; and is the actual pixels through lens for recording.
2) For fair comparison, only listed "Effective MP" for 4:3 Aspect Ratio. ( And not 16:9 Aspect. )
3) "MP" = Mega Pixels = 1,000,000 pixels = 1,000 Kilo Pixels (KP).
4) "Gross MP" is total pixels on CCD sensor, but all used for lens recording, and should not be used for standard comparisons.
5) F1.2 lens is larger aperture hole than F1.8 lens. F1.2 lens captures two times the light than F1.8 lens.
6) Only comparing video recording in full "Automatic" mode; and not using any "Manual" or "low light" settings.
7) Only comparing mid-priced hard disk drive camcorders in "Standard Definition"; and not comparing "High Definition".
8) For equal comparisons, I am only listing "Optical" Zoom; and not "Digital" Zoom.
9) I researched these facts from the Internet and User Manuals, and I challenge anyone to find any errors.
Zoom: Do not get fooled by the manufacturer's current optical zoom "game" or "contest". Manufacturers are now making new camcorders with the highest optical zoom. For Low Light Performance, a zoom "bigger" is NOT "better". A lower zoom 10X means better Low Light Performance, and more complex lens, and more expensive lens. The higher zoom 25X, 34X, 40X means poorer Low Light Performance, less complex lens, and less expensive lens. Probably a rule of thumb, is that the higher the zoom, then the lower lens complexity, and the poorer Low Light Performance. Also, "zoom" is not a same "standard" for all camcorders; zoom is the ratio of the lowest focal length ("wide" setting) and the highest focal length (at highest zoom), and is like comparing "apple" and "oranges" for different camcorders models. The better, more expensive, camcorders will have 10X zoom (and that is fine with me).
JVC GZ-MG255 GOOD THINGS ( Pluses + ):
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has the largest F1.2 lens which captures two times more light than the other smaller F1.8 camcorders, and larger 1/4 inch, 2.1 MP CCD for great low light video recordings.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a Remote Control (size 3 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches) can: 1) Turn Record On and Off; 2) Zoom Video; 3) Snap Still photos; 4) Video Play, Pause, Forward, Reverse.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 videos tracks and audio tracks are exactly synchronized.
+ I like my JVC GZ-MG255 "Stick Control" better than the Sony DCR-SR80 / DCR-SR82 "Touch Screen".
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a USB jack built into the front of the camcorder, and that is always 100% accessible, and also a USB jack on the docking station. (The Panasonic SDR-H18/H200 USB jack is hidden under its battery, and its battery must be removed to connect USB.) (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 do not have a USB jack on the camcorder, but is only on the docking station.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in manual internal sliding lens cover. Also, I purchased and use an extra external snap-in lens cover, as extra protection.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 takes good 2 MP still pictures. (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 takes lower resolution 1 MP still pictures.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in great very bright white light Flash for taking still pictures. And with a 10 second Flash self-timer. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have a built-in Flash for still pictures.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 also can use SD/SDHC 4 GB memory cards to record BOTH videos AND still pictures. (Sony DCR-SR82 can use a Memory Stick Duo card to record still pictures, but CAN NOT record videos. The Sony DCR-SR80 can not use any memory card.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Quick Re-Start" which turns on camcorder in one second when the LCD is re-opened.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has great low light manual feature setting called "Night Alive" which increases brightness of low light videos. Note: This GZ-MG255 review is based on using the full "Auto" mode for low light recording which turns "Night Alive" off; I do not use "Night Alive" for low light recording since the "Auto" mode is good enough for low light video recording, and is more "natural".
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a convenient neck strap, to help minimize accidental dropping. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not come with a neck strap.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has Firewire (aka, i-Link, IE-1394) jack on the JVC Docking station. (Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have Firewire jack.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Analog Input", which can input and record your old VHS tapes into the camcorder, and turn them into digital format files.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 10X optical zoom. And 40X and 300X digital zoom, and I am satisfied with my JVC optical and digital zoom quality. The Sony 12X DCR-SR80 and 25X SR82 has higher optical zooms. However, I like my JVC GZ-MG255 better due to its better low light video recordings.
+ Why the lower JVC 10X versus the higher Sony 12X/25X optical zoom? Answer: the JVC has larger F1.2 lens which only permits 10X optical zoom; and the Sony has smaller F1.8 lens which permits 25X optical zoom.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 records videos in Standard Definition (SD), which is fine with me. I am satisfied with Standard Definition. I do not want High Definition (HD) because it requires two to three times more bytes per second space on the hard drive. HD may cause people to be unhappy because HD shows every facial flaw and body imperfections. SD smooths out and hides any facial flaws.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 30 GB hard drive, and is fine for me. The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 have larger 60 GB hard drives. However, I prefer my JVC GZ-MG255 because of its superior low light video recordings.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a "70 minute" JVC BN-VF808 Data Battery. I purchased four more larger "150 minute" JVC BN-VF815 batteries (which are twice the capacity of the VF808) for recording long events like weddings.
+ "Mod" files are no problem. "Mod" files are actually newer, but are still standard MPEG format, but which some older software may not recognize. Just rename and add ".MPG" to the Mod filename to use. I have made hundreds of DVD+R's from my JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos "Mod" files. To make DVD's, I purchased and use Nero 8. I also purchased and own Premiere Elements 3.0; VideoStudio 9 and 11; ShowBiz DVD2; DVD Movie Factory 2; AutoProducer 5; DivX Author 1.5, AVS Bundle including AVS Video Editor. I use the free "SDCopy.exe" by "Sektionschef" to set the 16:9 Flag (it does not "convert" the video file format).
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has four video "Quality" setting choices:
-- 1) Ultra Fine . (DVD Movie) .. 720x480, 8.5 Mbps, 7 hours.
-- 2) Fine ........ (DVD) .......... 720x480, 5.5 Mbps, 10 hours. (Factory Setting is "Fine")
-- 3) Normal ..... (TV) ........... 720x480, 4.2 Mbps, 14 hours. (I use "Normal")
-- 4) Economy .. (Internet) .... 352x240, 1.5 Mbps, 37 hours.
(I just use "Normal" because I can not visually tell the difference between "Fine" and "Ultra Fine" modes, and the higher modes will use up more computer hard drive space. The higher modes are probably better, but the "Normal" is good enough for me, and uses less hard drive space bytes per second.)
December 2007 Update: Yes, I have seen the two "professional" reviews:
1) I disagree with the May 21, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Will Greenwald on CNET, in which he said the JVC GZ-MG255 was "terrible for low-light shooting", and "fares horribly in low light". I disagree with Greenwald, and I say he is wrong, because he did not review and did not compare the other 20 camcorders on my list of 21 camcorders, and he only reviewed JVC GZ-MG255 and the higher model JVC GZ-MG555. I bet that if he reviewed all the 21 camcorders on my list, that he would have ranked the JVC GZ-MG255 at the top of the list for better Low Light Performance.
2) I agree with the Aug. 16, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Michael Perlman at CamcorderInfoDOTcom, in which he says "The GZ-MG255 will grace you with improved handling and superior low light performance". Perlman's Review is more positive of the JVC GZ-MG255. Also, CamcorderInfoDOTcom has better, more objective standards of comparisons using video charts.
Update January 2008: I just looked at the JVC website and the new 2008 model JVC hard drive camcorders, and the new 2008 models are all mostly smaller F1.8 lens (and apparently no more F1.2 lens) and the highest model GZ-MG730 had a smaller F3.5 lens. So the JVC GZ-MG255 is the only one with the largest F1.2 lens.)
Update February 2008: I disagree with Amazon suggesting that the JVC GZ-MG "255" has a "newer" model of the JVC GZ-MG "335". The JVC GZ-MG255 does not have newer 2008 model. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the best, and is in a special class of its own due to its largest F1.2 lens, and Superior Low Light Performance. (I tried to contact Amazon using the "Update" form below, but my suggestion was "rejected", so I give up.)
Update May 2009: I am still glad that I purchased this JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder because it has best Superior Low Light Performance. The JVC GZ-MG255 is not manufactured anymore, so Supply and Demand will determine price and availability. Comparatively, I like the simplicity of making Standard Definition DVDs (and I am not interested in High Definition complexities such as 2 to 3 times storage space and software problems). I have seen the latest hard drive and flash memory camcorders and I would still buy the JVC GZ-MG255; and I would not buy the 20 camcorders on my comparison list, nor 1) all High Definition camcorders, 2) JVC GZ-MG555, 3) JVC GZ-MG730, nor any 3-CCD, nor others. Also, I never use the enclosed free software; In 2007 I bought and use Nero 8 to make DVD's (Note: I looked at and did not like the new Nero 9 which required 3 steps to make each DVD chapter (instead of 2 steps for Nero 8), so Nero 9 doubles the time to make 99 chapters per DVD title. So I just use Nero 8.)
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 JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) B000MAFTWM
JVC
JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)
Camera & Photo
JVC GZ-MG255 is the best camcorder for low light videos because it has the largest F1.2 lens
See video on Amazon.com Update May 2009: I have happily owned my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder since April 2007, and knowing it is the best for low light videos.
In 2007, I have compared the three camcorders side by side: JVC GZ-MG255, Sony DCR-SR82, and Sony DCR-SR80. I compared for the ability to videotape in low light or natural night light conditions, and without video lights, and in Automatic mode. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the winner and takes best low light videos because it has the largest F 1.2 lens, and largest 1/4 inch CCD. I still have the videos to prove this.
The bad news is that the JVC GZ-MG255 are no longer made any more due to high cost, and low profit margin, and are hard to find.
Sony DCR-SR80 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/5.5 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the low light videos were poor, and grainy, and I returned for refund in 2007.
Sony DCR-SR82 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/6 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the light videos were poor, and grainly, and I returned for refund in 2007.
JVC GZ-MG255 has largest F1.2 lens, and the CCD is the largest 1/4 inch, and 2.18 MP Gross Pixels, 1.23 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos are great, and low light videos are the best. I still enjoy using my JVC GZ-MG255 to record in low light (and in fact, I bought two JVC GZ-MG255 while prices were low, and since they are now out of stock).
This is a 11 second raw video clip from my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder that I took in April 2007 at a dimly lighted nightclub at closing time, and this is a great low light video. The camcorder setting is Full Automatic (I am not using the "Night Alive" nor any other Manual settings.) The back wall is a full width mirror and is reflecting and showing a small TV screen on left side, and the main entrance door. (Note: My original of this video actually looks better and is clear and sharp; however Amazon condensed this video to 1/10 the original size, and therefore the quality is lower.)
I rank my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder as #1 and the best because it takes great low light videos due to its largest F 1.2 lens, and large 1/4 inch CCD. Here below is a comparision of 20 other camcorders,
My Rank # 1: Best, Superior Low Light Performance.
-- JVC GZ-MG255: Zoom 10X. F1.2 lens; 1/4 inch CCD, Effective 1.23 MP = 1280x960, (Gross 2.18 MP).
Rank # 2:
-- Sony DCR-SR200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/3" CMOS, Effective 1.08 MP = 1200x900, (Gross 2.1 MP).
Rank # 3:
-- Panasonic SDR-H200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" Three-CCDs, Effective 0.64 MP X 3CCDs, (Gross 0.80 MP X 3CCD).
Rank # 4:
-- JVC GZ-MG155: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 690KP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR85: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6 inch CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR65: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR82: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR62: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR80: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR60: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
Rank # 5:
-- JVC GZ-MG365: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG360: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG335: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG330: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H18: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR45: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/8" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR42: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR40: Zoom 20X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
Rank # 6:
-- JVC GZ-MG130: Zoom 34X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H60: Zoom 50X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H40: Zoom 42X. F1.9 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).
My footnotes for these Technical Specifications Facts:
1) "Effective MP" is an industry "standard" used for comparision; and is the actual pixels through lens for recording.
2) For fair comparison, only listed "Effective MP" for 4:3 Aspect Ratio. ( And not 16:9 Aspect. )
3) "MP" = Mega Pixels = 1,000,000 pixels = 1,000 Kilo Pixels (KP).
4) "Gross MP" is total pixels on CCD sensor, but all used for lens recording, and should not be used for standard comparisons.
5) F1.2 lens is larger aperture hole than F1.8 lens. F1.2 lens captures two times the light than F1.8 lens.
6) Only comparing video recording in full "Automatic" mode; and not using any "Manual" or "low light" settings.
7) Only comparing mid-priced hard disk drive camcorders in "Standard Definition"; and not comparing "High Definition".
8) For equal comparisons, I am only listing "Optical" Zoom; and not "Digital" Zoom.
9) I researched these facts from the Internet and User Manuals, and I challenge anyone to find any errors.
Zoom: Do not get fooled by the manufacturer's current optical zoom "game" or "contest". Manufacturers are now making new camcorders with the highest optical zoom. For Low Light Performance, a zoom "bigger" is NOT "better". A lower zoom 10X means better Low Light Performance, and more complex lens, and more expensive lens. The higher zoom 25X, 34X, 40X means poorer Low Light Performance, less complex lens, and less expensive lens. Probably a rule of thumb, is that the higher the zoom, then the lower lens complexity, and the poorer Low Light Performance. Also, "zoom" is not a same "standard" for all camcorders; zoom is the ratio of the lowest focal length ("wide" setting) and the highest focal length (at highest zoom), and is like comparing "apple" and "oranges" for different camcorders models. The better, more expensive, camcorders will have 10X zoom (and that is fine with me).
JVC GZ-MG255 GOOD THINGS ( Pluses + ):
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has the largest F1.2 lens which captures two times more light than the other smaller F1.8 camcorders, and larger 1/4 inch, 2.1 MP CCD for great low light video recordings.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a Remote Control (size 3 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches) can: 1) Turn Record On and Off; 2) Zoom Video; 3) Snap Still photos; 4) Video Play, Pause, Forward, Reverse.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 videos tracks and audio tracks are exactly synchronized.
+ I like my JVC GZ-MG255 "Stick Control" better than the Sony DCR-SR80 / DCR-SR82 "Touch Screen".
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a USB jack built into the front of the camcorder, and that is always 100% accessible, and also a USB jack on the docking station. (The Panasonic SDR-H18/H200 USB jack is hidden under its battery, and its battery must be removed to connect USB.) (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 do not have a USB jack on the camcorder, but is only on the docking station.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in manual internal sliding lens cover. Also, I purchased and use an extra external snap-in lens cover, as extra protection.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 takes good 2 MP still pictures. (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 takes lower resolution 1 MP still pictures.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in great very bright white light Flash for taking still pictures. And with a 10 second Flash self-timer. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have a built-in Flash for still pictures.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 also can use SD/SDHC 4 GB memory cards to record BOTH videos AND still pictures. (Sony DCR-SR82 can use a Memory Stick Duo card to record still pictures, but CAN NOT record videos. The Sony DCR-SR80 can not use any memory card.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Quick Re-Start" which turns on camcorder in one second when the LCD is re-opened.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has great low light manual feature setting called "Night Alive" which increases brightness of low light videos. Note: This GZ-MG255 review is based on using the full "Auto" mode for low light recording which turns "Night Alive" off; I do not use "Night Alive" for low light recording since the "Auto" mode is good enough for low light video recording, and is more "natural".
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a convenient neck strap, to help minimize accidental dropping. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not come with a neck strap.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has Firewire (aka, i-Link, IE-1394) jack on the JVC Docking station. (Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have Firewire jack.)
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Analog Input", which can input and record your old VHS tapes into the camcorder, and turn them into digital format files.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 10X optical zoom. And 40X and 300X digital zoom, and I am satisfied with my JVC optical and digital zoom quality. The Sony 12X DCR-SR80 and 25X SR82 has higher optical zooms. However, I like my JVC GZ-MG255 better due to its better low light video recordings.
+ Why the lower JVC 10X versus the higher Sony 12X/25X optical zoom? Answer: the JVC has larger F1.2 lens which only permits 10X optical zoom; and the Sony has smaller F1.8 lens which permits 25X optical zoom.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 records videos in Standard Definition (SD), which is fine with me. I am satisfied with Standard Definition. I do not want High Definition (HD) because it requires two to three times more bytes per second space on the hard drive. HD may cause people to be unhappy because HD shows every facial flaw and body imperfections. SD smooths out and hides any facial flaws.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 30 GB hard drive, and is fine for me. The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 have larger 60 GB hard drives. However, I prefer my JVC GZ-MG255 because of its superior low light video recordings.
+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a "70 minute" JVC BN-VF808 Data Battery. I purchased four more larger "150 minute" JVC BN-VF815 batteries (which are twice the capacity of the VF808) for recording long events like weddings.
+ "Mod" files are no problem. "Mod" files are actually newer, but are still standard MPEG format, but which some older software may not recognize. Just rename and add ".MPG" to the Mod filename to use. I have made hundreds of DVD+R's from my JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos "Mod" files. To make DVD's, I purchased and use Nero 8. I also purchased and own Premiere Elements 3.0; VideoStudio 9 and 11; ShowBiz DVD2; DVD Movie Factory 2; AutoProducer 5; DivX Author 1.5, AVS Bundle including AVS Video Editor. I use the free "SDCopy.exe" by "Sektionschef" to set the 16:9 Flag (it does not "convert" the video file format).
+ JVC GZ-MG255 has four video "Quality" setting choices:
-- 1) Ultra Fine . (DVD Movie) .. 720x480, 8.5 Mbps, 7 hours.
-- 2) Fine ........ (DVD) .......... 720x480, 5.5 Mbps, 10 hours. (Factory Setting is "Fine")
-- 3) Normal ..... (TV) ........... 720x480, 4.2 Mbps, 14 hours. (I use "Normal")
-- 4) Economy .. (Internet) .... 352x240, 1.5 Mbps, 37 hours.
(I just use "Normal" because I can not visually tell the difference between "Fine" and "Ultra Fine" modes, and the higher modes will use up more computer hard drive space. The higher modes are probably better, but the "Normal" is good enough for me, and uses less hard drive space bytes per second.)
December 2007 Update: Yes, I have seen the two "professional" reviews:
1) I disagree with the May 21, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Will Greenwald on CNET, in which he said the JVC GZ-MG255 was "terrible for low-light shooting", and "fares horribly in low light". I disagree with Greenwald, and I say he is wrong, because he did not review and did not compare the other 20 camcorders on my list of 21 camcorders, and he only reviewed JVC GZ-MG255 and the higher model JVC GZ-MG555. I bet that if he reviewed all the 21 camcorders on my list, that he would have ranked the JVC GZ-MG255 at the top of the list for better Low Light Performance.
2) I agree with the Aug. 16, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Michael Perlman at CamcorderInfoDOTcom, in which he says "The GZ-MG255 will grace you with improved handling and superior low light performance". Perlman's Review is more positive of the JVC GZ-MG255. Also, CamcorderInfoDOTcom has better, more objective standards of comparisons using video charts.
Update January 2008: I just looked at the JVC website and the new 2008 model JVC hard drive camcorders, and the new 2008 models are all mostly smaller F1.8 lens (and apparently no more F1.2 lens) and the highest model GZ-MG730 had a smaller F3.5 lens. So the JVC GZ-MG255 is the only one with the largest F1.2 lens.)
Update February 2008: I disagree with Amazon suggesting that the JVC GZ-MG "255" has a "newer" model of the JVC GZ-MG "335". The JVC GZ-MG255 does not have newer 2008 model. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the best, and is in a special class of its own due to its largest F1.2 lens, and Superior Low Light Performance. (I tried to contact Amazon using the "Update" form below, but my suggestion was "rejected", so I give up.)
Update May 2009: I am still glad that I purchased this JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder because it has best Superior Low Light Performance. The JVC GZ-MG255 is not manufactured anymore, so Supply and Demand will determine price and availability. Comparatively, I like the simplicity of making Standard Definition DVDs (and I am not interested in High Definition complexities such as 2 to 3 times storage space and software problems). I have seen the latest hard drive and flash memory camcorders and I would still buy the JVC GZ-MG255; and I would not buy the 20 camcorders on my comparison list, nor 1) all High Definition camcorders, 2) JVC GZ-MG555, 3) JVC GZ-MG730, nor any 3-CCD, nor others. Also, I never use the enclosed free software; In 2007 I bought and use Nero 8 to make DVD's (Note: I looked at and did not like the new Nero 9 which required 3 steps to make each DVD chapter (instead of 2 steps for Nero 8), so Nero 9 doubles the time to make 99 chapters per DVD title. So I just use Nero 8.)
c681
April 14, 2007
- Overall: 5
- Overall: 5
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New Reviewer Rank: 12,905
Classic Reviewer Rank: 23,217
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