Camcorder Geek » JVC

Jan 30, 2008

New JVC Mini Dv Camcorder Line Offers 35x Optical Zoom & User-friendly Functions In New Compact Design

A new JVC MiniDV camcorder line offers portability and shooting flexibility, with two new compact and feature-laden models.

The compact design of the new JVC GR-D870 and GR-D850 belies a rich set of powerful features, such as a KONICA MINOLTA LENS with 35x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch 16:9 widescreen LCD monitor with automatic backlight control for easy viewing, even on a bright, sunny day. For low-light shooting there is also the built-in Auto Illumi-Light LED.

JVC GR-D870 Open

JVC GR-D870 Open

The GR-D870 provides a new level of versatility with Dual Recording and Live Slow features. With Dual Recording, users don’t have to choose between shooting still images or video: still pictures can be taken while shooting video. Meanwhile, Live Slow – a feature unique to JVC – combines slow-motion video with live audio, a feature that is perfect for sports and other fast-moving action.

Both models come with an array of features to enhance ease-of-use and ensure top quality footage. The Stick Control on the LCD makes navigating menus and settings a one-finger operation, while the Data Battery lets the user know how much recording time remains. Other standard features include Multi-Language On-Screen to switch the on-screen display language, a dedicated Auto Button to instantly switch between auto and manual modes, and Power-Linked Operation, which switches the camcorder on as soon as the LCD monitor is opened.

Original JVC technologies such as the Super High-Band Processor, 3D NR (3-Dimension Noise Reduction) and NightAlive combine to assure maximum video quality in all kinds of shooting environments.

The high-quality KONICA MINOLTA LENS used in the GR-D870/GR-D850 provides the precision and detail expected from a leading camera lens specialist, delivering bright images and a broad zoom ratio. A powerful 35x optical zoom and 800x digital zoom provide great detail without sacrificing quality. Jagged edges and other undesirable noise are eliminated in images, even when magnified up to 35 times. The picture can be further enlarged up to 800 times with the digital zoom so even at a distance the user can frame the shot.

The 2.7-inch 16:9 widescreen LCD monitor provides a clear view of what’s being recorded with an extended field of vision, as well as an expansive wide mode that maintains high picture quality.

Specially designed for outdoor shooting, the new Auto LCD Backlight Control guarantees easy viewing in bright situations. The LCD backlight is adjusted automatically for a clear picture on the LCD monitor, even on a sunny day.

With the popular and convenient Power-Linked Operation, the camera automatically turns on when the LCD monitor is opened so users can start shooting immediately, and automatically turns off when the LCD is closed to conserve battery power.

The GR-D870 offers Dual Recording Capability (video recording + digital still function), allowing both moving and still pictures to be recorded at the same time. Additionally, with the digital still function, shooting and storing of images (up to 640 x 480-pixels) is possible.

Live Slow, also featured in the GR-D870, allows the recording of slow motion images and playback with real-time sound. With the speed slowed down to a quarter of normal playback speed, precious or hard-to-see moments can be played back with a clear, professional-quality slow-motion effect. This unique effect is also available with footage shot at normal speed, providing a new range of possibilities in home video recordings.

Finally, brilliant full-color pictures are possible every time with the Auto Illumi. Light, which brightens the subject in low-light situations. To reduce battery drain, the camera will automatically turn off the light in bright environments.

A multitude of functions are accessible with the convenient Stick Control on the LCD, a four-way one-finger control on the LCD door. Simply press the four “compass points” on the circular control to navigate menu items and manual feature settings during recording and playback.

The slim 120-min. (with continuous shooting) Data Battery allows important occasions to be shot with peace of mind. Remaining battery and recording time are easily viewed simply by touching the Data button, even when the power is turned off. This allows remaining battery power and recording time to be checked before recording, and so avoid the risk that the battery runs out during shooting.

With the Multi-Language On-Screen function, the user can choose the operation language, making menu setting and camera operation easier and more intuitive. It offers seven languages: English, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese (traditional).

The detailed icons on the new on-screen display provide even more user-friendly operation, resulting in menus that are accessible and easy-to-navigate.

With the popular and convenient Power-Linked Operation, the camera automatically turns on when the LCD monitor is opened so users can start shooting immediately, and automatically turns off when the LCD is closed to conserve battery power.

The Auto Button toggles the camera between manual and automatic operation with just one touch. This convenient feature allows the user to shoot, for example, in the carefree automatic mode and quickly switch to manual mode in order to control specific functions, such as exposure.

JVC’s 3D NR (3-Dimension Noise Reduction) compares field A to field A, and field B to field B across two frames so that the scanning lines are identical and noise can be reduced more accurately. As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 2 dB and noise is reduced by about 30 percent. This eliminates flicker and improves color reproduction, enhancing overall picture quality.

Pricing and availability:

Model National Ad Value Available
GR-D850 $229.95 January
GR-D870 $249.95 January

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