JVC's Everio GZ-MG47 20GB camcorder announced, MG505 gets official

JVC just introduced their GZ-MG47 (pictured) disk-based camcorder to the Everio line-up while officially turning-out their GZ-MG505 -- bringing an end to her mysterious ways. The MG47 comes in at the low-end of the series with a 20GB hard drive capable of recording about 5-hours of MPEG-2 video quality (at highest quality settings) and features a single CCD for 1.3 megapixel snaps, and F1.2 lens capable of a 15x optical zoom. The MG505 is definitely the star though, as JVC's and apparently the industry's, first disk-based camcorder to feature a trio of CCDs. As such, the MG505 ushers in the promise of 30GB of HDD flexibility with the kind of 3CCD image quality previously limited to MiniDV recorders. No wonder it's already winning TIPA awards. Expect to see the MG505 hit for retail sometime in July for about $1300 with the MG47 dropping about the same time.

[daddycool @ May 9th 2006 8:22AM]

Any ideas on price? I've put off getting a camcorder for 10 years. Now that they ar using hard disks, I've got to get one. Unless they come out with HD camcorders with hard disks.

[Thomas Ricker @ May 9th 2006 8:59AM]

well, as reference, a Dutch site lists it for ? 1,249.00 or about $1500. That's likely an early adopter premium over expected MSRP... but who knows.

http://tinyurl.com/ryw3r

Thomas

[Terry Shea @ May 9th 2006 9:06AM]

From JVC U.S. PR Rep: JVC officially announced the Everio GZ-MG505 for the U.S. this morning. It will be available in July and sell for about $1,300. Details here:
http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=510&pageID=1

[Thomas Ricker @ May 9th 2006 9:14AM]

Terry, thx, I updated the post with pricing.

Thomas

[Tyler Lemke @ May 9th 2006 9:20AM]

I don't want to record in MPEG2. I want to record in DV (16gig/hour) format.

MPEG2 is already compressed too much. Yes DV is compressed, but not near as much.

[Dan @ May 9th 2006 9:20AM]

Not really been following camcorders, many years ago when I bought my 4G Ipod, I thought hmm wouldn't it be great if they put HD's in camcorders and I've been waiting ever since... Now all I want is GPS built in every camera and phone. Wonder how much

[Rob @ May 9th 2006 9:30AM]

I've always been told that MPEG-4 compression (in miniDV format) was much better quality than MPEG-2 (in DVD camcorders), and that's why miniDV was a much better choice if the footage was to be edited (thus recompressed before final viewing). Would this apply to the MPEG-2 in these devices too? Or are you able to set the compression to high enough quality that this isn't the case with these units? If I'm way off base, someone can feel free to school me.

[dave @ May 9th 2006 10:29AM]

if they ditch that .mod file format then it might be a good cam...I'm suffering with my jvc GZ-MC500...having to convert the .mod to something compatible for my MAC...I should've just bought a DV camcorder!!... the new sony one does look interesting...

[Nick @ May 9th 2006 2:50PM]

This camera seems pretty great for home videos.

-Single chip decent quality.
-Consumers aren't really going to notice the MPEG2 "DVD quality".
-Tapeless operation makes everyone's life easier.

However, this will not replace DV for enthusiasts/semi-pro work.

[Pete @ May 10th 2006 11:18AM]

If you're looking for a professional solution you could just hook up a decent quality camcorder to this:

http://www.bella-usa.com/Catapult.htm

so you can add as much USB 2.0 storage as your budget can stretch to and be able to simply swap drives, send one off for editing and keep shooting on the empty drive.

It's got some pretty advanced features as well, like time lapse and buffered motion triggered settings, but you would definitely want to rig up a rechargeable battery pack for it as the built in's aren't swappable and are only good for 3 hours. If they fix that then professional cameramen everywhere are laughing at nolonger having to juggle miles of tape and editors can just plug straight into mobile editing suites on laptops, without the need to play the tape back in camera or carry a bulky tape drive.

I know my production team are looking seriously at it, and for $300 it's not a bad investment.

[gary michael @ Jun 15th 2006 5:48PM]

My JVC 20 GB hard disk drive and software made for a really confusing combination....cost me $130.00 in tech support for something I purchased thinking it was the best money could buy......JVC needs a new software company, dump cyberlink, and an 800 number would be nice. Save your money and buy a sony.

[Dust @ Jun 16th 2006 6:58AM]

Rename da .mod file to .mpg !!!