Typical price: £550
What is it: A small hard-disk-based camcorder with 30GB hard drive and 10x optical zoom
What we think: There's a long way to go before this format is ready to compete with MiniDV, but if a compact size matters above all things, this might be worth a look
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 19 May 2006
Tags: JVC, JVC Everio GZ-MG77, autoexposure, joystick, accessories
We like:
Small scale; easy operation
We don't like:
Sluggish response during autofocus and autoexposure; poor quality footage
You might also need:
A tripod will give your shots added stability
CNET UK judgement:
Although hard disk is inevitably the future for camcorders, the MG77 fails to delight. Casual enthusiasts who can put aside the problems with image quality and have little interest in editing might find that the small chassis is enough to convince. Most of us, however, will find this a disappointing experience
Full review:
The JVC Everio GZ-MG77EK offers the convenience of shooting as much as 37 hours of footage without having to swap a tape or DVD. By storing videos on its 30GB hard disk, JVC has created a camcorder that's extremely lightweight and compact, but unfortunately, the video quality simply doesn't stack up against that of most MiniDV or DVD camcorders. (Note that GZ-MG77EK is the UK name for the GZ-MG77, which is the model we reviewed -- it's exactly the same except for outputting in PAL rather than the US NTSC standard.) Continue Reading...
JVC Everio GZ-MG77 History
22 Aug 2006 in Reviews
JVC's hard-disk-based GZ-MG77 has sacrificed some of its features for affordability -- it only has a single CCD, as opposed to its more expensive 3CCD sibling, the MG505, and the zoom comes nowhere near tape-based models. If you're a casual user, however, who wants to record straight to hard disk, it might just suffice
Latest user reviews
February 8, 2007
Posted by: Andy Ogden
"Does what it says on the box"
September 7, 2006
Posted by: Andrew Kerr
"Canny camera"
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