Typical price: £800
What is it: A small hard-disk-based camcorder
What we think: Its predecessor was smaller, but improved hard-disk capacity and refined optics make this the better choice
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 11 August 2006
Tags: JVC, JVC Everio GZ-MG505, LCD screen, manual mode, image stabilisation
We like:
Compact design; easy operation
We don't like:
Proprietary video codec makes using third-party editing tools problematic
You might also need:
A tripod will help to stabilise tricky shots
CNET UK judgement:
Although the hard-disk format has yet to come of age, there's plenty to recommend here. The MG505 is a solid and impressively specced camcorder that pushes the format that little bit closer to superseding tape
Full review:
No one could accuse JVC of being over-cautious in its transition to hard-drive-based camcorders. The innovative predecessor to the Everio GZ-MG505 was the GZ-MC500. This was an early entry into the hard-disk-based scene and it remains an extremely impressive camcorder, even by today's standards. Though the MG505 adds a larger hard disk and improved optics, the chassis is substantially bigger, so the MC500 still reigns as the smallest 3CCD camcorder we've ever tested. Continue Reading...
Latest user reviews
January 31, 2007
Posted by: rmjeffri
"Small and compact , good battery life."
September 4, 2006
Posted by: Jim Beam
"Brilliant - captured a once in a life time holiday perfectly."
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