JVC Everio GZ-MS100 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The JVC Everio GZ-MS100 is a decent entry-level camcorder, but the two flashiest and most compelling features - the YouTube compatibility and the "Laser Touch" operation - are the very elements that weaken it. The YouTube upload process is not as simple, elegant, or effective as the Pure Digltal Flip Ultra or other Flips. It requires installing the software ahead of time (barring on-the-go uploading) and offers PC-only support.

The Laser Touch operation, JVC's new touch-sensitive controls, are not terrible, but they just don't work as well as they should. The responsiveness is sluggish and the layout is less than ideal. We miss the less cutting edge but more reliable joystick, which have smartly been left in place on the company's higher-end HD camcorders.

Those issues aside, the GZ-MS100 is compact and lightweight, making it a viable choice for occasional vacation shooting. Shooting exclusively to SD and SDHC memory cards, be sure you pack extra cards, or have a computer to dump files at the end of the day. The video performance is good for its price range. The low light performance, in particular, stands out as a strong contender. Clearly JVC did some worthwhile experimenting within the last year in regards to auto gain and noise reduction. It's already outperforming camcorders that cost more money.

Overall, the Everio GZ-MS100 is going to appeal to consumers looking for a bargain in the compact class. If finding the simplest solution to YouTube is your goal, look elsewhere. The Pure Digital Flip Ultra is probably your best bet, video quality notwithstanding.

Comparisons
Flip Ultra
It's popular, it's cute - there's no denying the presence of the Flip Ultra ($149.99 MSRP). It has a spring-loaded USB arm for an instant connection, a lightweight and highly compact design, and a vibrant array of color choices to choose from. Manual Controls are nonexistent and the built-in LCD screen is too small, but the Flip Ultra offers up some pretty decent video quality for its price. The Flip can hold either 30 or 60 minutes of video, depending on the model, stored on its internal Flash Memory. The software is built straight into the camcorder for upload, just plug it in and go. If your main goal in the video world is to point, shoot, and upload, the Flip is for you. Shooters who want more out of their YouTube cam will want to go for the GZ-MS100.

Sony NSC-GC1
Last summer Sony hopped a train that has been gaining steam by the month - the YouTube/Internet video integration. The NSC-GC1 Net Sharing Cam ($199 MSRP) marked Sony's first attempt in that market. The results are mixed. The NSC-GC1 features a highly compact, rectangular design, a 4x zoom, and almost no Manual Controls. This is Sony's version of the Flip Ultra. Although we didn't get a chance to test the NSC-GC1, we can safely say that the video quality is far from great, based on our time spent with it at the Sony press event.  Like the Flip Ultra, the Sony NSC-GC1 also has buit-in software for uploading, but it's PC only.  The GZ-MS100 will offer oodles more, including surprisingly decent video quality and a full plate of Manual Controls. If you have the extra $200 to spare, YouTube will look a lot better with the GZ-MS100.

Panasonic SDR-SW20
Panasonic's underwater flash cam, the SDR-SW20 ($399 MSRP) has been making some waves in the consumer market. It's submergable up to 5 feet, shock proof up to 4 feet, and dust proof. The SDR-SW20 has a basic 1/6-inch CCD that contributed to a decent image, though not as sharp as the GZ-MS100's. Manual Controls are about the same, although the SDR-SW20 adds manual gain control and independent shutter and aperture. The SDR-SW20 is a thinner and more rugged cam, and it's designed to take a beating. You don't have the luxury of direct YouTube uploading, but the SDR-SW20's files are easy to work with and export using almost any NLE. The choice between the SW20 and the JVC GZ-MS100 is based solely on the type of shooting you plan on doing -Carribean vacationers will flock to the SDR-SW20 while skateboard teens will gravitate toward the GZ-MS100. 

Canon FS100
We haven't tested the FS100 ($399 MSRP) yet, Canon's entry-level standard definition flash cam. We do have the FS11, though, which shares the same 1/6-inch CCD and 1,070,000 gross pixel count. The video from the FS100 and GZ-MS100 should be roughly similar, though JVC's new processing did very well in our testing lab. The FS100's Program AE modes are ample compared to the GZ-MS100's, and Canon's LCD Joystick is far superior to JVC's new laser touch panel. Handling in general will be another differentiation, as the FS100 is slightly larger than the GZ-MS100. Canon surely takes the cake in menu operation, relying on a joystick rather than JVC's new Laser Touch operation. Both cams are relatively matched, so this is a try before you buy.
 
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
YouTubers, unite - this is your cam. It's cheap, gets the job done, and lets you upload those feature-bound clips of cats doing the dishes.

Budget Consumers
$350 for a pocket-size cam with Manual Controls, a decent picture, and YouTube support is dandy. Just dandy.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
With a max resolution of 640 x 480 (VGA) and a grim set of still features, the GZ-MS100 is hardly a viable alternative to a cheap digital camera.

Gadget Freaks
That YouTube sticker will be the honey to catch the average flighty geek. Aside from that - standard definition? What's that?

Manual Control Freaks
For its price range, the GZ-MS100 is stoked with a worthy Manual Control set including Focus, Exposure, Shutter Speed, and White Balance.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Not a chance.