Hi there, I have just purchased a new JVC GZHD7 camcorder and i have two main questions to ask as i am new to camcorders and i want to look after it and get the most as possible out of it


1 - In regards to spare/ higher capacity batteries i have looked at the aftermarket ones but it seems they all have this cord attatched to the to make them work via the dc input jack?.. is there an aftermarket one available that does not use this and do you guys recomend aftermarket or genuine.. whats are the pros and cons please?


2 - Should i buy a uv filter/ lens guard type thing to protect the lens?.. on my good cannon slr camera i use filters to protect lens from uv and scratches, can i get simular for this jvc camcorder and is it recomended ?

What other accesories should i require to look after this unit please?


Regards


Dave

A good sturdy tripod.

Thats allready on the list.. thing is i cant decide what one to get?.. i want a smooth turning head thou!!

manfrotto seem to be the go but are very dear

Any recomendations?


Dave

Hi And welcome!

I would go with the JVC battery, But I would get a extra charger that plugs into the wall. I just got mine from BHphoto. Also I'm still up in the air about a UV filter. I know I need one, but no one has one that will work with the shade install Yet are not that I can find !! Get the best Tripod you can afford. I like Velbon, Slik, Gittios, and there are many others. I'm sure you will fine the one with the right features. Just take your time. I have a DSLR also so I got one for both. I'm glad I did. I think there is a battery that will work with out the patch cable. But the price is like JVC so I would go JVC. Hope this helped. and have fun shot lots of video !!!!

Len

JVC use what they call a "Data Battery" this means there is a chip inside the JVC battery that talks to the camera and relays the battery life so that you can press the battery info button (top on on the LCD screen) and see how long your battery has left in minutes.
3rd party manufactures can't replicate this technology, so they bypass it by plugging the battery in to the DC plug, this is not a good idea, as the camera thinks it's getting a direct feed from constant power [rather than prom a battery] so you have no idea how long the battery will last.
Get the genuine JVC BN-VF823, you should get a shade over 2 hours using the LCD screen, a bit longer using the viewfinder.

Cheers.

I wonder if this model HD7 comes too with the strap for shoulder... how thick or small that is yet to fine out. Tell us Rush since you brought the camcorder does it come with a good shoulder strap for the camera?

i bought an extra battery (similar in size to the VF823U) off ebay for just under 30$ (incl shipping). The battery has the patch cord to attach to the DC jack... Battery works great... yes, the lack of the "Data" feature is annoying but there is an LED on the back of the battery to indicate how much charge there is. Batt life is in the 3-3.5 hr range for normal shooting.

All things equal it's very much worth the money... i already have the stock battery with the HD7 (which is fine for 90% of my shooting) and the cheap "china battery" is great to have as a spare...

it even came with a wall charger and 12v DC adapter for the car.

I found no reason to spend all that money for something i use as a backup.

I'm very much a beginner so baby steps... but getting there.

Here's a sample of me (vid shot by my buddy) kitesurfing in ontario canada. Apologies for the lack of tripod... i've since invested in a good Velbon and a spare monopod...

This forum has been a great resource.... thanks everyone.

Should be able to see the snow on the ski hills in the background and the iceburgs just downwind of me!
http://vimeo.com/898689

-=c

When you brought the JVC HD7 model it would come with JVC BNVF815 BATTEY this will give you around 2 hours. Viewing what your filming using LCD will be around 1hour and something. Viewing when filming with the view finder instead would last you 2 hours just about.

The second thicker battery is JVC BNVF823 will give you 5 HOURS of recording time. Only 5 hours if filming and viewing it with the view finder only.. I believe it would last you about 3 hours something if filming by viewing it with the LCD open.