JVC GR-D850 Mini DV Camcorder; The Move To A Low End Digital

I recall writing a review of the Sony Handycam CCD-TRV68 Hi-8 Analog Camcorder long ago here at Epinions.com. in '02. The question left in the comment section asked why I didn't state why I didn't go digital at the time. At the time digital was still quite foreign to me. This year however, a Digital Video camera did enter our household for Christmas. It was a Samsung SC-DX103 DVD Camcorder. Unfortunately it worked for about a minute and then fizzled out. It happened to be in mini DVD format. To tell the truth I still have difficulty mastering a DVD. I just can't get things set up where I want with ease.

As a second option after that camera was immediately returned we picked up the JVC GR-D850 Digital Video Camera. This happens to have the mini DV format. A small tape type system that I can understand. Fast forward, reverse, stop, play and pause all make logical sense to me.

Box Top Facts

The box information that caught my eye states this camera has a 35X optical zoom, and 800x Digital zoom. It's multi language and has an led screen and a light for illumination. The Mini DV format is also noted. Upon opening the box it is reassuring to see a letter to us, the customer thanking us fr purchasing their product and giving a toll free telephone number along with a www connection for help. The unit has a 1 yr. warranty on the parts and 90 days service. There's also a lot of small print.

The camera is small and easily fits in the palm of my hand. It's dimentions are about 3" W x 5" deep x 3"H. It weighs less than a pound. It has an adjustable grip that opens easily to my fat hands. The record button is naturally at my thumb tip. There is no viewfinder. The LED screen flips out to the left opening a screen that is a 2.7 in. size that is bright enough, even in outside snow conditions with much natural outside light. The screen is in a wide screen layout.

tiny controls

There is a tiny joystick type button on the inside edge of the screen that controls a number of functions including Focus, Light and Quick Review. It's too small for this guys fingers. What were they kiddin?! My daughter who uses the camera to film my grand kids doesn't have the same problem with it that I do. I suppose her small hand can handle that small control (no bigger than the back tip of a ball point pen but much shorter)

The LED screen does flip and angle. That I like. That means filming can be done when holding the camera over the head of down at pops belly level. I love the zoom on this camera. It brings the subject matter in very close and more important, keeps it in sharp focus.

I happen to like the small DV format that uses small cartriges that can be stacked when finished. I also like the ease of a forward/reverse rather than a DVD disc that many cameras this size now come with.

I don't like the fact that when direct wiring to the TV to playback the film using the camera, I have to flip open the LED screen to plug in. That's not convenient and also opens the screen up to more possible scratches.

OK Images Inside, Great Images Outdoors!

The first images we that were taken with this JVC GR-D850 Digital Video Camera were on New Years Eve. Using just natural light the pictures were a bit dark but clear enough to view pleasantly. When turning on the built-in light the faces became quite blue. Tell the truth I did not white balance so that may clear that problem up. I will update.

In outside daylight the image is excellent. My daughter took images of our grand children in our back yard. The colours are rich and the picture sharp and focused. The zoom was excellent too!

I have to say I really like the "Snap Shot" option. I never had this in a movie camera before. While filming a shutter button can be pressed and a still image is captured. It's really a cool option!

A lens cap comes with the camera along with an additional carrying strap that is adjustable. The camera has a battery that seems to last an hour or so and then must be recharged. The camera can be used by direct plug into an outlet too. That option is for playback too.

pops Last Thoughts

Aside from a smaller size, that doesn't show excess movement in the images, this cameras images are much like the non-digital camera I had. The outdoor shots are better and the zoom is superior. I do like the small compact size of the camera that can actually fit in my coat pocket easily. I haven't dropped the camera or abused it in any way, yet. I will update as I get more of the feel of the camera and how well it stands up. Right now it is excellent.

The camera is faily simple to use except for the mini-joystick that is too small for my hands. 

I have had many JVC products over the past fifteen years. They have served me well enough. This one, the JVC GR-D850 Digital Video Camera,that my daughter purchased for $199, is capturing many fine memories, including the clean-up of silly string that we bombarded the grand children with at the strike of midnight on New Years.