JVC Everio GZMG255 2MP 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

JVC GZ-MG255 has largest F1.2 lens, and the CCD is the largest 1/4 inch, and2.18 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.

This is a short 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.

Zoom:Do not get fooled by the manufacturer's current optical zoom "game" or "contest".The better, more expensive, camcorders will have 10X zoom (and that is fine with me).

JVC GZ-MG255 GOOD THINGS:

-- 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 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 "Mod" files are no problem."Mod" files are actually newer, but are still standard MPEG format, but which some older software may not recognize.

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).

-- 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).

-- 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).

-- 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:
-- "Effective MP" is an industry "standard" used for comparision; and is the actual pixels through lens for recording.
-- For fair comparison, only listed "Effective MP" for 4:3 Aspect Ratio. ( And not 16:9 Aspect. )
-- "MP" = Mega Pixels = 1,000,000 pixels = 1,000 Kilo Pixels (KP).
-- "Gross MP" is total pixels on CCD sensor, but all used for lens recording, and should not be used for standard comparisons.
-- F1.2 lens is larger aperture hole than F1.8 lens.F1.2 lens captures two times the light than F1.8 lens.
-- Only comparing video recording in full "Automatic" mode; and not using any "Manual" or "low light" settings.
-- Only comparing mid-priced hard disk drive camcorders in "Standard Definition"; and not comparing "High Definition".
-- For equal comparisons, I am only listing "Optical" Zoom; and not "Digital" Zoom.

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Product Description:
The GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all the stuff that makes life more fun. Whether you're recording the family football game or your child's first play, the 1/3.9-inch 2.1 MegaPixel CCD gets every part of the action. The 10x optical & 300x Digital Hyper Zoom lets you record every event, and the 2.7-inch LCD monitor lets you preview while you record. The built-in 30GB hard drive lets you record everything without having to carry tapes or memory cards> You can then transfer directly to a computer through the USB port, at an incredible 12x transfer rate. Share the highlights of your life more easily with the GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder.30GB hard drive 540 lines of resolution 16 - 9 video mode (high-quality) Digital still capture (1600x1200) Built-in DVD control (share station) SD card slot USB 2.0 12x transfer rate Auto illumination light Power-linked operation Includes remote control Built-in flash PictBridge compatible Data battery (VF714) Multi-language controls (4 languages) Stick controller button MPEG editing, Cyberlink & Photo Navigator software included

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