JVC's new Everio camcorders feature HDD and microSDHC recording, YouTube
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted Dec 11th 2008 1:13PM
posted Dec 11th 2008 1:13PM
It looks like JVC has added a pair of dual hard drive / microSDHC cameras to its Everio lineup. Currently available in Japan, both the GZ-MG840 (60GB) and GZ-MG860 (120GB) count among their features 720 x 480 wide format image capture, 42x optical zoom, image stabilization and the seemingly ubiquitous YouTube mode. Shooting at DVD quality, the 120GB model can hold over 28 hours of MPEG-2 footage, or just shy of 2 hours on an 8GB microSDHC card. Available in blue, red, or silver, the cameras are not yet slated for Stateside release, but the GZ-MG880 has been seen going for ¥75,000 ($816), while the GZ-MG840 can be yours for about ¥70,000 ($761).
[Via Electronista]
Read - GZ-MG840
Read - GZ-MG880
[Via Electronista]
Read - GZ-MG840
Read - GZ-MG880
Isn't "Youtube mode" now 1280x720?
Do all camcorders really need a YouTube mode? If you don't know how to convert your video to various formats and resolutions you probably shouldn't be making videos.
yes, youtube is truly a techie haven and should be reserved for the elite only
IMO, i like the cameras with ONLY the removable flash card to store your videos. this way, if your HDD fails on you one day, you don't have to replace the whole camera. also, i bought the Samsung SC-MX20 Camcorder at Fry's on black friday for 177 bucks! the YouTube mode is nice, but that's not really a selling point. maybe one day soon, the good quality HD cameras will come down to the 200-300 price range...
Does microSD really make sense on something like this? It's not like fitting an SD slot would increase the size of the camera. The only thing I can think of is that microSD is so common in Japan that it made sense to put that slot instead of SD. Anybody know?
Would a camera such as this produce video of better quality than the video from a good digital camera? Why or why not? Thanks
As far as I know, John, there are a couple of things that would make this better than a point and shoot camera.
1. The camera stabilization system is designed for video, so it should be less shaky.
2. The zoom ought to be smoother, since it designed for video, and the focus is probably optimized for video, too. Although, I've never had a problem with this with a point and shoot.
3. There are other things, like the shutter speed or white balance that may also be optimized for video, and dynamically able to change in changing conditions.
4. The Mpeg2 compression uses less space than other compression techniques used by digicams.
5. But, the biggest thing is probably a better-quality microphone. You could forgive crappy video if you've got clear sound, in some situations.
There is probably more.
It will produce much much better picture quality than any current P&S cameras. Other than the points already mentioned, I am going to guess that, unlike the P&S cameras with 8MP or more all crammed onto a small CMOS censor, this thing will have a much lower density of pixels as it is only capturing 720x480. What this means is that low light performance will be much better, and low light performance is one of the key aspects of video quality in many situations.
I remember looking at a test of standard definition cameras and it was pretty clear that the JVC products were the best. Though personally, I would not bother with a stand-alone camera for standard definition. The detail level is just not good enough to worry about picture quality in my opinion. Most people would be better off focusing on portability (eg a phone or small P&S camera) or getting a high-def video camera.
I would rather a well-rated Canon Vixia HG20 for less money and, among other things, shooting at 1920 x 1080. I can convert my own videos for YouTube when necessary.
The first mention of the "860" should be "880".
Not sure why this is huge news; they have had them in the States for a while. I have a GZ-360B which is a JVC Everio hybrid camera (SDHC+HDD) which I bought it at Costco in July. Does 720x480 WS quite nicely.
OK, I meant GZ-MG360. 60GB HDD + capability for 4GB SDHC.
I have the JVC GZ MG-360 too. But my quality on youtube is bad. What is the best size and format, etc. for Youtube?
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$800 for 720 x 480 and MPEG2 ??? Is this an accidental repost from 2002?