JVC Announces MiniDV Camcorder Line with 32x Optical Zooms

by Robin Liss

Published on Jan 5, 2006 7:00 AM
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Las Vegas, CES, January 5, 2005 - JVC today announced an update to its MiniDV line, releasing five new models, each with a 32x optical zoom lens, the largest optical zoom in a consumer camcorder on the market today. Like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic, JVC's announcements today focused more on their non-MiniDV models, indicating the shift in the marketplace.

"JVC’s new MiniDV camcorders are easier to use than ever thanks to a new Auto button – just press the button to switch between manual and automatic operation. And all models feature a new on-screen menu system that sorts menu layers by category, making operation easier," stated the JVC press release.

The entry level GR-D350 replaces last year's GR-D230 (Review, Specs, $569.94). The GR-D350 includes a 1/6-in. 680K pixel CCD, with a 2.5-in. LCD screen. JVC is continuing their data battery feature which allows the user to check the remaining battery life without powering up the camcorder. The GR-D350 includes a FireWire port, a color viewfinder, JVC's night mode NightAlive, as well as an auto button for increased ease of use. The GR-D350 also includes a widescreen mode.

The step-up model GR-D370 replaces last year's GR-D250 (Review, Specs, ) (Review, Specs, $299). Over the GR-D350 it adds a "higher quality" widescreen mode although JVC has not explained the difference between the widescreen mode on the GR-D350 and the GR-D370. The GR-D370 also features a built-in camera light, and an SD slot for recording stills. The new GR-D395 (Review, Specs, $351.49) is effectively the same as the GR-D370 but with a longer battery and an included remote. JVC is also making a GR-D396 model available which is basically the GR-D370 but with two batteries.

The last MiniDV model which JVC introduced today is the GR-D650. The GR-D650 has a smaller zoom than the other camcorders at 15x optical. However, the GR-D650 does feature an upgraded CCD at 1.33 megapixels, allowing stills of 1280 x 960 pixel resolution. In addition, the GR-D650 features JVC's own Low Light Plus which utilizes an f/1.2 lens and their 3D Noise Reduction to improve shooting in low light conditions.

The GR-D350 and GR-D370 will be available in February for $300 and $330. The GR-D395 and GR-D396 will be available in March for $370 and $380. The GR-D650 will be available in February for $450.