JVC GR-D230 Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Jul 23, 2004 12:00 PM



With an MSRP of US $799.95, the JVC GR-D230 is equipped with 10x optical zoom and 500x digital zoom with a 1/4” CCD and a 2.5-inch diagonally measured LCD screen. This camcorder performs decently in low light situations, especially considering its consumer status. Its body is sleek and contoured, designed to fit comfortably in one hand, and is considerate with the placement of its well-sized and clearly labeled buttons.

The left side features detailing highly comparable to a DVD camera, with its circular raised section which houses both LCD screen, menu controllers, and ports for the camera itself. A metallic blue detail runs along the top of this portion, while the rest of the body is a matte silver metallic surface with polished silver details. The camera is equipped with Memory Card slots and a bottom loading cassette cartridge. LED lights and Night Alive features promise that low or no light situations can still be captured with this camera. This hybrid camera can capture both still images and regular DV formatted video. It weighs 1.3 pounds with battery, lens cap, and memory card installed, making it still a largely portable and movable unit for the consumer.

Video Performance (7.0)
The JVC GR-D230 enters the fray with a 1/4” inch CCD, 10x optical zoom, and 500x digital zoom. It offers decent manual control and excellent automatic control to a nice zoom for a matchbook camcorder. At 3000 lux, and other bright light equivalents, the D230 has a grayscale with step separation clean and even throughout; however, the black is a dark gray, and the grayscale overall probably comes short two or three stages from a good clean black. Overall, the color bars are desaturated, forcing many of the colors to appear dull and lifeless. The red for these tests came out more as a mauve, with the integrity of the green portion of the scale being compromised by blue.

The Front (8.0)
On the front side of the JVC GR-D230, the user will discover the 10x optical zoom at the top of the camera, just above the LED light for low- and no-light shooting. If an optical conversion lens is engaged when using this camera, the user should be aware that it might potentially mask the LED lights, rendering them useless. Under the LED lights are the stereo microphones for audio recording. Finally, tucked at the base of the camera are the remote sensor, the camera sensor, and the tally lamp.

The Right Side (6.5)
The right side of the JVC GR-D230 is predominantly engaged in its role as a cassette cover. The JVC GR-D230 is a bottom-loading cassette cartridge model, and is opened by pressing the open/eject slide located on the bottom of the camera on the right side. Just forward of this feature, the memory card slot for the JVC GR-D230 is opened by flipping a darker gray tab downward, exposing the hidden card slot. On the front of the right side is the port cover for the microphone and the S-A/V ports. This port cover opens using the tab located towards the lower section of the cover, and flips back and out from the camera body. Backward from the port cover for the JVC GR-D230 is the stereo output for the camera. Located at the back of the camera’s right side, and towards the top of the body, the user will find the Power switch, which also sets whether the camera will be in Playback, Off, Automatic, or Manual mode, and is switched by depressing the lock button located in the center. Below the Power switch is the Power/Charge light, indicating when the camera is in use or being charged by the user. An adjustable grip strap is diagonally positioned across the entire right side of the camera body, and is fixed with Velcro.

The Back (7.0)
The back of the JVC GR-D230 is primarily occupied by a battery pack, which juts out from the lower three-quarters of the camera body. Above the battery pack, the user will find the viewfinder. To engage the viewfinder, the user must close the LCD screen, and then pull the viewfinder away from the body of the camera. The viewfinder can be adjusted from this position to a 45-degree angle from the camera body. On the right side of the exposed viewfinder barrel, the user may use the Diopter Adjustment Control to adjust the focus of the on-screen indicators within the viewfinder itself. Located to the right of the battery pack, where the thumb should naturally rest, is the record button for the JVC GR-D230. By pressing this button, the user has engaged the Record mode for the camera, which will remain engaged until pressed again; it is not necessary to hold this button while recording. On the lower left side of the back is a shoulder strap eyelet for another optional strap.

The Left Side (6.0)
The JVC GR-D230’s left side is highly reminiscent of the currently and woefully popular DVD cameras available on the market. The raised circular section gives the appearance of a DVD camera on first glance. Perhaps this is an attempt on the manufacturer’s part to allow users to engage in fake electronic oneupmanship. The top of the circular section is a pleasant metallic blue. This section has four buttons, each with a playback function: Stop, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Fast Forward. In regular mode, these buttons control Backlight, Focus, Exposure, and Night modes.

To open the LCD screen, the user must depress the tab located at the back of the circular section, and then pull the screen out. The screen rotates 180 degrees when spun upwards, and 90 degrees when spun downward. The LCD screen measures 2.5 inches diagonally, and has an adjustable brightness feature. Located underneath the LCD screen are most of the manual control settings and onscreen controllers for the JVC GR-D230. The buttons are all labeled clearly with large text. They are devoid of the arcane symbols and abbreviations often found on camcorders, which often leads only to confusion and consternation among users.

Located at the top of the recessed portion of the LCD screen is the switch that controls whether the user will be shooting onto the Memory card or DV tape. Starting at the front of the buttons, the user will find the Select button above the Store button. To the right of these is the Index controller for memory and DV Navigation. The Email Info and Menu buttons are next, followed by the up and down controls for both the brightness of the LCD screen and, when Menu is engaged, the onscreen controls for the camera itself. Behind these buttons is the Light controller for the LED, and the Set button for establishing new control settings.

Located beneath the LCD screen, and only really accessible when the screen is open, is the port cover for the USB and DV ports. This port cover, like the one located on the right side of the camera body, flips out and is attached with a flimsy piece of rubber. When open, this port cover can get in the way of the LCD screen, and is poorly constructed and rather sharp on the edges. Towards the back of the camera body from this port cover is the cover for the DC in port, located underneath a circular tab that flips up.

The Top (6.0)
The top of the JVC GR-D230 has a dual feature slide for the Zoom Toggle for wide angle and telephoto shots, and the control for the camera's volume. Behind this toggle is a snap shot button for individual still images.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (8.5)
The automatic controls for the JVC GR-D230 are engaged by sliding the Power switch to the green square with a capital “A” in the center. The automatic settings are available in both Manual and Automatic Mode. However, onscreen menu options are only available if the camera is in Manual mode. The Automatic settings control will not let the user enter the menu. The automatic features allow for limited control of the LED lights, the zoom toggle, and whether or not to record. All other choices, such as Focus, White Balance, Wipes, Shutter Speeds, Record Mode, Sound Mode, Gain levels, and Navigation are not available for adjustment.

Overall Manual Control (4.0)
Overall manual control for the JVC GR-D230 is entered through the onscreen menu once the Power Switch has been adjusted to the black box with the capital “M.” In manual mode, the user can choose from among all the menu options, including automatic presets and controls. The manual mode allows for control over Wipes and Fades, Shutter Speeds and Program AE modes, White Balance, Automatic Mode, Wide Mode, Wind Cut, Tele/Macro, Self Timer, Dis Mode (controls stabilization of camera shot), five-second recording bursts, Camera Displays, and Image Settings. The menu is simple to navigate, enter, and exit, with no complications from overly elaborate or complex layouts to confuse the user. Once a choice has been altered in the menu, the user can continue through the menu, altering features as needed by pressing the Set button. When finished, one need only press the Menu button to leave.

Zoom (7.5)
The zoom settings for the JVC GR-D230 are controlled via the zoom toggle positioned on the top of the camera body. The user can choose between Wide Angle and Telephoto by pressing the toggle to the right or the left. It is equipped with a 10x optical/500x digital zoom; however, it is important to note that digital zoom compromises the quality of the image. To control zoom settings for the JVC GR-D230, the user must enter the Menu and scroll down to the Automatic symbol. Then, press set and select among 10x, 40x, and 500x, with 40x being the automatic preset for the camera. This feature is only available when the Video/Memory switch is placed on the Video setting. While in the 500x setting, if the zoom is adjusted back towards 1x, the camera only begins at around 150x, making a smooth transition between these settings impossible and unattainable. If in Auto focus mode, the camera may… now remember, may… zoom back out. Not always. Just possibly, making it a hit-or-miss procedure. It is possible to engage the Zoom mode during Playback by using the Play button, and then using the zoom toggle as desired for telephoto or wide angle settings.

Focus (3.0)
Focus for the JVC GR-D230 is managed via the controls in the blue portion of the left side of the camera body. The focus button serves as the Rewind button when the camera is in Playback mode. Once depressed, a human bust and a mountain range will appear in the lower central portion of the LCD screen. The user can control the focus range by using the brightness control buttons for the LCD screen. Pressing the Up button will move the focus towards the mountain range, and pressing the Down button will move the focus towards the bust, each indicated by an arrow on the LCD screen. This feature, while functional, isn’t the best. The speed of the focus is determined by the camera itself, which lags a bit, making quick adjustments impossible. Repeatedly pressing the button in an attempt to hurry the process along will only jar the camera and compromise the image being recorded, leaving the user with few choices but to use automatic focus, an inferior setting compared to manual control.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
To control Exposure partially on the JVC GR-D230, set the Power Switch to M, and press the backlight button twice until the Spot Control symbol appears onscreen. At this point, the frame for spot control metering will appear in the center of the screen. By pressing the up and down buttons within the recessed portion of the LCD screen, the user can select the desired area for the Spot Control, then press the Set button. The Spot Control is now engaged, and the meter reading will be adjusted in regard to the brightness of that selected area. To cancel, press the Backlight button once more.

Shutter Speed (3.5)
Shutter Speeds for the JVC GR-D230 are accessible through the onscreen Menu by scrolling down to the Program AE section. Within this subsection, the following choices are available: Off, 1/60, 1/100,1/250,1/500,1/1000,1/2000, and 1/4000. Besides these settings, there are also the Program AE settings for Sports, Snow, Spotlight, Twilight, Sepia, Monotone, Classic Film, Strobe, and Mirror. The presets are meant for the general situation they denote, with some attempting to replicate a quality otherwise unavailable to camcorders. Many of these features come across as tacky and cheap.

White Balance (7.0)
The JVC GR-D230 does have Automatic white balance, along with preset settings of Fine, Cloud, and Halogen. Manual white balance control is also available. These controls are accessible through the onscreen menu under the White Balance section.

Gain (0.0)
The Gain settings are controlled in the onscreen LCD menu by pressing the Menu button, and scrolling down and highlighting the Automatic settings section of the Menu. Once highlighted, press the Set button once to enter the subsections, scrolling down until the Gain UP is highlighted. Once highlighted, press the Set button again, and choose between Off, AGC, and Auto. To exit the Menu and save the new settings, press the Set button three times.

Still Performance (6.5)
Still performance for the JVC GR-D230 is engaged when the user switches to the memory card option by using the Video/Memory switch located in the recessed portion of the LCD screen. Then, switch the camera to manual mode using the power switch, and press Snapshot. To view how the image will look prior to taking the picture, depress the Snapshot button partially, and the image will appear as it will in its final incarnation. To complete the image press the button completely down. The possible image sizes are 640 x 480, 1024 x 768, 1280 x 960, and 1600 x 1200.

VCR Mode (5.0)
VCR mode, or Playback mode, can be entered by moving the Power Switch to the Play setting on the right side of the camera body. Once in Playback mode, it is possible to view previously captured video through the controls located on the exterior of the left side of the camera body. Stop, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Fast Forward are represented in this section. To zoom within Playback mode, adjust the zoom toggle during playback to the T. To exit zoom, press to the W until you return to the original image format settings. To control the slow setting for the camera, the user must use the slow forward and back buttons located on the included remote control. In Playback mode, it is also possible to control the effects processed onto the image, which are Classic Film, B/W Monotone, Sepia, and Strobe, on the remote control.

Low Light Performance (4.8)
JVC's reputation for low light performance has been a good one this year and the GR-D230 is no exception. When compared to its performance at 3000 lux, the JVC GR-D230 surprisingly maintained the integrity of the yellow color bar at 60 lux, although the magenta and blue sections began to bleed together and transpose onto one another. At this point there is a fair amount of noise and gain being experienced by the camera, and although far from being dark enough, the even tonal changes within the grayscale have been maintained.

At 15 lux, the warm colors in the color chart appear to have an easier time maintaining their saturation and quality, with the blues and greens continuing to bleed together, with worsening noise blurring the image as a whole. Also, the grayscale appears to be colored by neighboring sections of the color chart, giving it slightly brown overtones.

LCD/Viewfinder (5.0)
The color monitor LCD measures 2.5 inches diagonally, and is flipped outwards from the camera body by engaging the tab located towards the rear of the camera. The Electronic Viewfinder is a 0.3-inch color LCD, and is activated by closing the LCD screen and pulling the viewfinder from the camera body. It’s adjustable up to a 45-degree angle. Unfortunately, solarization occurs when the LCD is viewed at an angle.

Audio (5.0)
The JVC GR-D230 is equipped with in-camera stereo microphones located on the front of the camera beneath the lens, and is capable of accepting an accessory mic in the right side port, although this mic would have to be handheld since no accessory shoe is featured on the camera body. The speaker for the camera is a monaural speaker, which makes it necessary to hear the audio through another source if quality control issues are a concern. It is possible to record in either 12 or 16 bit modes.

Handling (5.5)
The overall handling of the JVC GR-D230 is quite nice. The JVC GR-D230 has a lighter weight than many camcorders, making it easily transportable and better for longer-term shooting situations. The body of the camera is large enough and laid out in such a manner so as not to force the user’s hands onto the microphones, the lens, or any of the other features which could compromise recording quality. Buttons with clear labels are spaced well for larger fingers. The port covers are a bit flimsy and of a lower quality, and can get in the way of the LCD screen. However, it is completely possible to use the electronic viewfinder, even with the large battery pack, because the user can pull the viewfinder from the body of the camera and adjust to a 45-degree angle. The buttons are considerately placed, although the Manual Focus control is awkward to use. It should be noted that the controls for this camera are geared towards Automatic Mode, making some Manual controls problematic. The bottom-loading cassette cartridge makes it impossible to switch tapes when the camcorder is locked on a tripod.

Ports (8.0)
Ports for the JVC GR-D230 are located on the left and right sides of the camera, and are hidden by poorly constructed and oddly composed port covers. On the right side of the camera, towards the front, are the microphone and S-A/V ports, with the memory card slot located at the bottom of this same side. On the left side of the camera body, located at the base of the camera and accessible only when the LCD screen is open, are the USB and DV Ports, with the DC port located to the back under its own separate tab.

Other Features (6.0)
Wind Cut
This setting is available through the Manual section in the onscreen Menu, and will help cut the wind noise. It will compromise the quality of the audio recording, although it may be essential in extreme situations with high winds.

Iris Lock
Located in the Manual controls subsection of the Menu, this feature replicates the iris of the human eye, allowing the lens to simulate contraction and dilation to compensate for over lit or under lit situations. This feature will work when shooting moving objects, reflective objects, zooming, spotlights, or when focus distance changes drastically.

Backlight Compensation
This feature, also accessible in the menu controls, is accessed through the Backlight button, which doubles as the Stop button during Playback. This feature can be used when the subject is being shot with a large amount of light cast from behind, making the subject otherwise appear dark or barely recognizable.

Audio Dubbing
If the video was shot in 12 bit or SP mode, it is possible to enter new audio over previously captured audio during playback through the controls on the remote control. While holding ADUB on the remote, the user then presses play, and can re-record audio over the video track being played onscreen. To end, press pause, then stop.

Interval Mode
During still image capture, the user can choose to set the JVC GR-D230 to interval shooting mode, allowing for images to be captured at a specific timed rate, by entering the DSC subsection in the LCD screen Menu. Once there, the user must press the Set button and scroll down to the INT SHOT settings, and press the Set button again. The interval time is adjusted by entering the INT TIME setting, and adjusting to the appropriate amount of time between shots. Press the Set button until the Menu has been exited. Next, press the Snapshot button once, and the image will be recorded. After this, the camera will record an image each time the specific amount of time has been reached. To disengage, the user must turn the INT SHOT setting to Off.

Navigation Function:
The Navigation Function for the JVC GR-D230 has a Manual setting for Thumbnail images to be made manually, and provides 5SEC / 15SEC / 30SEC / 60SEC settings. However, this mode will consume a large portion of memory, even though it only records short bursts of video images. It is possible to add thumbnails to the memory card during video playback by pressing the Store button.

Widescreen Mode
The Widescreen Mode for the JVC GR-D230 is accessible through the Manual settings section of the onscreen Manual category in the Menu. Off setting has no image change; Cinema mode inserts a black bar at the top and bottom of the screen; Squeeze Mode will play back on a TV with 16:9 image format; and the D.WIDE setting will alter the image to extend optical zoom range on the wide angle to simulate a 0.7X wide conversion lens, making zooming possible from 0.7x-10x.

MPEG
With USB and FireWire ports located on the bottom of the left side, it is possible for the JVC GR-D230 to handle MPEG potentiality.

Analog to Digital Pass-Through
The S-A/V connector is capable of running Audio/Video Input/Output, allowing for Analog and Digital Pass-Through to exist for the JVC GR-D230.

Comparisons
There are several camcorders comparable to the JVC GR-D230. They include the Canon Optura 400, the Panasonic PV-GS200, the Sony DCR-PC109 (Review, Specs, $599.99), and the Sony DCR-TRV11.

Canon Optura 400
The Canon Optura 400’s physical design varies greatly from the JVC GR-D230. It features a swivel grip and palm pad design intended more for two hands than the feasibly mono-handed format of the JVC GR-D230. With an LCD that also measures 2.5 inches, and weighing in at approximately a pound, this camera is remarkably similar in both weight and carrying capacity. It’s got 10x optical zoom and 200x digital zoom; however, this lessened digital zoom doesn’t really matter, due to the degraded image quality provided when digital zoom is engaged. Its CCD measures 0.294 inches and offers 2.2 MP, which will permit it to garner better image quality than the JVC GR-D230.

Panasonic MultiCam PV-GS200
Also equipped with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, the 2.3 MP 1/6-inch CCD once again makes this product more capable of garnering higher image quality than the JVC GR-D230. It’s got 10x optical zoom and a 700x digital zoom, both comparable to the JVC GR-D230. This camera can capture to MultiMedia Card, SD Memory Card, and MiniDV. Its simple handling and ease of use indicate lessened manual control capacity, although this may be a better choice for the consumer looking for good image quality and more automatic presets.

Sony DCR-PC109
The Sony camera is equipped with a 1.07 MP CCD, which is practically the same size as the JVC GR-D230, so image quality should be comparable. It has the same size LCD and optical zoom, with a far smaller digital zoom, and the capacity for manual focus, which is a great advantage for those looking for more image control overall. Its dimensions register as being approximately equivalent to those of the JVC GR-D230; however, it is slightly lighter in overall weight, making it a more travel-ready camera for the consumer. This camera records to Memory Stick format, along with MiniDV.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (7.0)
The point-and-shoot consumer may find this camera a little too much at first. The menu controls are not intuitive, and the manual is essential for altering controls at the start. But the buttons are extremely well labeled, many with full-word descriptions rather than the arcane symbols that so often clutter lower-end camcorders in an attempt to simulate higher-end camcorders. If you run this camera in all auto modes, it’s a good solid choice with great visuals.

Budget Consumers (7.0)
Well, it’s got the image quality to validate the price, and is capable of being a hybrid camera without compromising the overall consistency of either media too much, but the controls are a bit cumbersome, and the price is high overall for what you get. Perhaps if a hybrid camera is necessary, this choice is great, but if you’re really only looking for a camcorder, there are better options for a smaller or similar price without the downfalls.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (6.0)
It has a multi-up playback, single frame review, four digital still settings, playback zoom, and the ability to take stills from reviewed footage. This video camera competently displays its dual functionality. Switching between modes was simple and didn’t require a large amount of reeducation.

Gadget Freaks (4.0)
Its casing design is based off of a DVD camera, so, depending on whether or not you need to fake having a DVD camera for whatever reason, it may be a great choice. For the price, though, you should probably look beyond merely the physical styling of the camcorder. Overall, this camcorder is geared more towards those users wanting better image quality without added features to complicate things.

Manual Control Freaks (5.0)
For the manual control freak, the controls for the JVC GR-D230 are there, and the options are available. However, the menu is at times a bit circuitous, making quick format changes complicated. If you’re looking for a camera with added features and lots of bonuses, it’s not necessarily the camera for you. The multi-function buttons and recessed LCD screen controls make it so that it isn’t really a camera capable of immediate changes without fiddling.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists (3.0) In this price range, the pro or serious hobbyist is more than likely to find that, although it has a confident interface between its hybrid capabilities which actually interrelate to each other, perhaps there are better choices in regards to physical controls, menu options, and overall glamor. Its design already feels outdated, perhaps due to its yearning to be a DVD camera.

Conclusion
The JVC GR-D230 is a camera most suited in general for the casual hobbyist, looking for a camera that won’t confuse them, and if necessary, will do all the work beyond turning itself on and moving. However, the overall physical design already appears dated, an attempt to be reminiscent of the DVD cameras now on the market. Its port covers are poorly designed, and questionable in their durability. The overall handling makes it a good camcorder for those users with larger hands; the buttons are clearly marked and widely spaced so that I spent a very minimal amount of time fixing mistakes that occurred due to physical constriction of my hands. Its price of MSRP US $799.99 makes me glad that it includes the manual controls it does, though they are difficult to find due to layered and interwoven menus. This forces the user to make their changes prior to shooting, meaning that the JVC GR-D230 is not really a camera for on-the-fly control changes.

The camera did fairly well in the lighting tests, although the colors never really truly reached the saturation points that are possible, and the blacks never quite achieved true blackness. And in lower light situations, besides the added noise and gain, the grayscale took on brown tones. But the color bars stayed consistently even throughout the tests, a surprising and positive result for the camera. Overall, the JVC GR-D230 is perhaps best for those users who want a camera with some manual control, decent digital still possibilities, and the choice to ignore all these features to shoot in fully automatic mode when they can’t be bothered with the menus and options found within.