JVC Everio GZ-MS100 Camcorder Reviewby Michael PerlmanPublished on May 27, 2008 2:07 PM
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The JVC Everio GZ-MS100 ($349 MSRP) is the latest attempt by a camcorder manufacturer to hitch their wagon to the YouTube star. It's obvious that the future of video is online, as people across the generational and economic divide are accessing news, gossip, and family videos from YouTube, which is far and away the most popular online video host. The GZ-MS100 is not necessarily the simplest camcorder to facilitate videos bound for YouTube - the Flip camcorder and Sony's NSC-CG1 have already beaten JVC to the punch. In fact, our testing showed the GZ-MS100's YouTube prowess to be overrated. However, the MS100 is definitely the best stand-alone camcorder. The question is, if there are easier and cheaper plug-and-play YouTube camcorders, does the Everio GZ-MS100 justify itself as the best balance of performance, price, and compatibility?This is certainly the best performer of that category, and performance ranks higher with us than any other quality. But it may not be your top priority. If you want a camcorder that can take a beating and be replaced cheaply, you may very well opt for the Sony or Flip. Also, we didn't like the handling much on the JVC GZ-MS100, so if you want a great all-purpose camcorder, there are better options. If you're a technophobe and are hoping this is the simplest all-in-one YouTube camcorder, jump ahead to our Editing section to find out what the upload process is actually like.
The Front (5.25)
JVC's pint-sized YouTube avenger is significantly naked up front. This pocket cam features a scaled-down 35x Optical Zoom lens with a focal length of 2.2mm - 77.0mm and an aperture range of f/1.8 - f/4.0. The GZ-MS100 is equipped with a minute 30.5mm filter that can accommodate lens attachments such as a fish-eye or telephoto.
Below the lens you'll find the GZ-MS100's built-in stereo microphone, strategically placed to avoid any interference with the right grip hand. An LED video light is embedded to the left of the microphone. The video light emits a weak, bluish stream that offers a Martian-like hue to your recorded video clips.
The USB terminal is located below the video light and is secured by a thin, rubberized port cover. As with most cheap camcorders, the GZ-MS100's port covers are reasonably feeble and will snap off with a swift tug.
JVC GZ-MS100 front
The Right Side (4.5)
The right side of the GZ-MS100 showcases its concave, ergonomic architecture. This portable player is comfortable to hold, despite its small-fry stature. The hand strap is strikingly comfortable and neatly constructed. All in all, handling this $350 YouTube cam is a lot of fun, though the touch controls on the LCD panel are less than ideal. The AV terminal is located toward the back end, sheltered by another flimsy rubberized port cover. You'll also find the SD card slot located along the bottom of the camcorder here, shrouded by a thick plastic hinge. This placement is disadvantageous, and JVC could have tossed the SD card slot in the LCD cavity.
JVC GZ-MS100 right side
The Back (4.0)
In back, the GZ-MS100 is all battery - and a small one at that. Don't expect colossal stamina from this pack. The battery can be removed via a sliding tab located on the bottom. There's no viewfinder on the GZ-MS100, so you won't have to worry about upgrading to a higher capacity battery pack. Atop the battery is the DC input, housed by a thin rubberized port cover. The Record Start/Stop button is located along the right side and marked with a red oval.
JVC GZ-MS100 back
The Left Side (4.0)
The GZ-MS100's YouTube sticker is the most enticing factor on the left side until you open the 2.7-inch LCD screen. In the LCD cavity you'll find a cluster of rounded buttons: Power, Direct DVD/Info, Upload, Select/Play/Record, and Auto/Manual. With all the extra real estate, stabilization and video light buttons would have been nice. The Video/Photo switch is tiny and far less classy than a nice Mode Dial.
The GZ-MS100 features the new "Laser Touch" operation, designed to navigate up and down through the camcorder's menu system. While the four blue LED lights certainly look cool, it's another story trying to get a grasp on the interface - this is far from intuitive. A horizontal row of buttons spans across the bottom of the LCD panel: OK/Display, three unmarked buttons, and Menu. The unmarked buttons are contextual and can represent a host of commands, depending on what part of the menu you're in. The buttons utilize touch technology as well.
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| JVC GZ-MS100 left side | JVC GZ-MS100 the LCD cavity |
The Top (4.5)
The only things you'll find up top, aside from tumbleweeds, is the Zoom toggle and Photo button. The Zoom toggle shifts smoothly, but could use some more bulk.
JVC GZ-MS100 top