JVC Everio GZ-MS100 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman
Published on May 27, 2008 2:07 PM

 
Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings
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Audio (3.0)
A Wind Cut setting is the extent of the audio control you have on the GZ-MS100. With no accessory shoe, no Mic or Headphone inputs, and no levels control, you should expect very minimal audio performance. For a $350 YouTube cam, this is to be expected. Sony's Net Sharing cam also lacks in the audio department, and the $400 Panasonic SDR-SW20 just has a Zoom mic. Make sure you're as close enough to the action as possible.

Playback (4.75)
In order to play back video clips or review still images on the GZ-MS100, press the Play/Rec button located in the LCD cavity. A screen appears, filled with individual thumbnails that represent recorded video clips or still images, depending on what mode you're in. Three buttons are located at the bottom: Search by Date, Search Event Files, and Delete. You can scroll through thumbnails using the laser touch panel and select them by pressing the OK button.

 
JVC GZ-MS100 Video playback mode in action   JVC GZ-MS100 playback menu

Once a video clip is selected, it begins playing within the entirety of the LCD screen. The three nondescript buttons at the bottom of the LCD panel act as playback controls--Play/Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, Slow Rewind, and Slow Fast Forward. The individual LED buttons on the laser touch panel control Next Clip, Previous Clip, and Stop. In Photo playback mode, the laser touch panel buttons rotate the image 90 degrees.

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.

Connectivity (4.0)
The GZ-MS100 has a total of four ports, all housed by flimsy rubberized enclosures that will snap off with a moderate yank. Ports are also scattered about the GZ-MS100. The USB terminal is located in front, underneath the lens, while the DC input is situated in back, above the battery. The AV jack is located on the right side, underneath the hand strap, and the SD/SDHC card slot is located on the bottom, tucked along the bottom ridge of the right side. The SD/SDHC card slot door features the only semi-burly port cover, and will stand the test of time.

   
The DC power port on the back   JVC GZ-MS100 AV jack on the right   JVC GZ-MS100 USB port on the front

 

 



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