JVC Everio GZ-MG670 Camcorder Review

Playback & Connectivity Summary
• Instant playback is a convenient way to view a clip you've just recorded • Dedicated playback mode is intuitive and well-designed. • The HDMI port is a nice bonus for upconverting for your HD television • No microphone or headphone jacks; no accessory shoe.
	Handling & Use	(Page 10 of 17)	Audio & Other Features

Playback (6.25)

The highlight of the JVC GZ-MG670's playback features is the quick playback, which allows you to view a clip immediately after it's been recorded. For the more fully featured playback, you can press the Play/Rec button inside the LCD cavity to enter Playback mode. You'll see individual thumbnails representing each video clip, which you can select using the Laser Touch slider. To review still images, you'll have to switch to Photo mode, then enter the playback interface.

Once you're in video playback, there are three buttons located at the bottom of the LCD: Search by Date, Search Event Files, and Delete. Thank goodness you can just delete a clip from within the thumbnail interface. We're tired of having to delete during playback or enter the menu in order to access the delete "option." JVC is saving us a lot of headaches here.

During actual playback, the three nondescript buttons at the bottom of the LCD panel become your playback controls: Play/Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, Slow Rewind, and Slow Fast Forward. On the left, the Laser Touch slider can now be tapped like individual buttons, each area on the slider representing a different function: Next Clip, Previous Clip, and Stop. In Photo playback mode, the laser touch buttons can rotate the image 90 degrees.

The thumbnail view of Playback mode.		The Administrative menu during Playback mode.

The Video Playback menu can be accessed by pressing the Menu button and contains the following options: Delete, Protect/Cancel, Playback Playlist, Playback MPG File, Edited Copy, Change Event Reg., Edit Playlist, Effect, Wipe/Fader, and Basic Settings. You can also press the Title button within the LCD cavity in order to add a number of decorative title screens to each clip or event.

Connectivity (4.00)

The JVC GZ-MG670 comes with the standard array of essential ports, plus an HDMI output for utilizing the camcorder's HD upconversion feature. There's also a mini-USB port and a standard AV output. (The AV port can function as an input as well.) You'll find no accessory shoe, headphone output, or microphone input. Just the bare essentials.

The HDMI terminal allows you to connect to a high definition monitor for using the camcorder's HD upconversion feature.		The USB port is used for transferring files to a computer.

Most of the port covers are the typical filmsy rubber affairs you see on a lot of consumer camcorders. They're usually sufficient for keeping out dirt and dust, but you'll need to be careful, as too much wear and tear can yank the port coverings out.

The standard-sizes AV port		The DC power port can be used to charge the battery during use or operate the camcorder without the battery.

The MG670 also includes a MicroSD slot.