JVC GR-D270 First Impressions Review

by James Murray
Published on Feb 4, 2005 12:00 PM



The GR-D270 is the middle camcorder of the three to be released within this line by JVC. It retails for US$449.95. Interestingly, this is one-hundred dollars less than the previous year's model, the JVC GR-D72. All of this camera’s CCD specs are identical to those of last year's model, providing the user with a 1/6th-inch 680K CCD with 340K effective resolution. One difference between this and last year’s model that will be noticeable at first glance is the 30% decrease in size. This camera’s sleek and smooth body has a refined gloss finish and its overall style is cleaner and more pared-down. The body is primarily silver, with gray highlights. Last years JVCs performed remarkably well in low light conditions, an attribute partially due to their 3-D Noise Reduction technology. This year's JVC GR-D270 unfortunately does not have this feature, forcing the user to rely on Night Alive and other settings to compensate for this subtraction. This camera comes equipped with Live Slow (a slow motion feature), an Auto Illumination on-camera lighting system, and a 25x optical zoom. It has an optional SD memory card slot, and the ability to record in 1024x768 still resolution.

Video Performance
Last year's models offered strong low-light test results on a budget camcorder, but this year's Compact series has done away with the 3-D Noise Reduction technology. Even with the Super High-Band Processor and Night Alive, the results garnered last year are not assured with this year's model; however the lighting situation at CES did not allow for proper testing. Real evaluations on lighting and video performance will be offered when this model enters our testing labs.

The Front
The front side of the JVC-GRD270 features the camcorder’s lens placed atop the camcorder body, with the width of the camcorder mirroring the size of the lens. Beneath the lens, the user will find the Auto Illumination light, the control for which is located beneath the LCD screen. At the bottom of the camcorder body are the left and right sides of the in-camera microphone, the only audio recording option available to the user without purchasing accessories.

The Right Side
The right side of the JVC GR-D270 features a new EZ Grip strap that runs the length of the camcorder body. This strap is slender and thin and feels a bit flimsy over long shooting periods. Beneath this strap is the tape deck for the camcorder, opened by sliding the eject lever located at the camcorder’s bottom. The cover for the cartridge deck has a matte gray finish, contrasting with the rest of the camcorder's design. A tab located on the front of the cover must be pulled forward to release the tape from the cartridge. The strap has a tendency to get in the way, so the user may want to adjust it prior to engaging the deck. Above the tape deck, the user will find the playback speaker, indicated by a series of perforations in the shape of a circle. Located behind, and on a slight rise from the rest of the camcorder body, is the Power Switch, which allows the user to set the camcorder in Off, Automatic, Manual, or Playback Modes. There are a series of grooves running along the top of the camcorder body that are intended to help the right hand grip the body. This is actually helpful considering the camcorder’s small size of the camcorder.

The Back
The back of the JVC GR-D270 features an electronic color viewfinder, which is engaged when the LCD is closed and turns off again when the LCD is reopened or the power is turned off. The viewfinder is on a moveable arm and may be pulled out of a recessed position. The new, smaller battery is neatly tucked beneath the viewfinder. At the bottom of the camcorder body is a port cover which, when opened, allows the user access to the Analog Out port, FireWire, and USB ports. These are all running out of the same small area, but should be fine as long as multiple ports are not engaged simultaneously. Some may find that the battery blocks the port to a degree that prevents quick use.

The Left Side
The left side of the JVC GR-D270 features the 2.5-inch LCD screen, which is opened through a small tab located on the back edge of the camcorder body. Above the LCD screen are the VCR controls, which also double as Menu controls and quick access buttons. Moving from front to back, the user will find the Stop button, which doubles as a backlight control; Play, which is also the Focus button; the Rewind button, which doubles as a return button; the Menu/Data button located beneath; and the Fast Forward/Night Alive button. These buttons are all concisely laid out, with clear labels allowing simple navigation. There is more than ample room for the user's hands. Beneath the LCD screen the user will find the Auto Illuminate button and the Memory Stick/Tape slider. Underneath a port cover located beside the back edge of the LCD screen, the user will find the memory card slot, labeled with text on the body of the camcorder beneath the screen itself.

The Top
The top of the camcorder body has a few controls, all located towards its back, within reach of the right hand when gripping the camcorder. The front control is the Zoom control which allows the user to dictate the Wide Angle and Telephoto aspects of the Zoom lens. Directly behind this feature are the Live, Slow and Shutter buttons for digital still shots. These controls are within easy reach, clearly labeled, and engaged and disengaged simply. They are set into a scalloped section on the top, and are separated from the rest of the camcorder body by their darker gray surroundings.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control
When the JVC GR-D270 is switched into automatic mode, the user will discover that the menu functions and features are no longer accessible. Instead, the user is almost entirely forced to rely on the camcorder’s dictates. However, the user can initiate such features as Live Slow, Auto Illumination Light, and Zoom, even when in auto mode. It is possible to leave settings in manual mode on the automatic preset, changing only those features that are in need of adjustment--a more hybrid manual/automatic- user-friendly option. The layouts available on other manufacturer's models being released at CES this year allow for similar, partial control in automatic mode. Sony and others have options available to control light metering or other options to the more savvy user.

Overall Manual Control
The user of the JVC GR-D270 is able to control many features manually through the menu feature, which may be entered by pressing the Menu/Track button located on the left side of the camcorder body, above the LCD screen. The user must also put the camcorder into Manual mode by switching the camcorder’s power switch on the right side of the body. Users of the GR-D270 can control zoom, focus, exposure, gain, white balance and shutter speed during the capturing of video or still images. These controls are clearly labeled and navigate through the menu with relative ease. The user may also control manual settings when not in the main menu screen, by scrolling through the symbols located on the left side of the LCD screen during capture or when in stand-by mode.

These controls are great for the users who are just beginning to become more familiar with options outside of the fully automatic settings of the JVC line. The menus themselves aren't confusing; however, the control lay-out is frustrating and would remain so even if the controls were finally moved from beneath the LCD screen. Constant misapplication and inadvertent choices make learning the Compact series a slow-going endeavor.

Zoom
Last year’s GR-D72 of pales in comparison to the JVC GR-D270 in zoom category, one which continues to increase dramatically in lower-end camcorders. The JVC GR-D270 comes equipped with a 25X optical zoom, and an 800X digital zoom. When viewing zoom specs, it is important to remember to examine the optical zoom level, rather than the digital zoom, as digital zoom greatly compromises image quality as increasingly high levels are engaged. It is also worth noting that the GR-DF series, which JVC is releasing simultaneously with the GRS, has lower zoom capability; a shortcoming compensated for by more control options and added features (at a higher monetary cost).

Although it wasn't possible to truly rate the 25X possibilities of the optical zoom on the JVC GR-D270, due to the size of the convention space, it is important to note a few concerns that arise with a zoom of such a high level. A 25X optical zoom will need a constant EIS, and even then, higher rating levels may need a tripod to attain a steady, shake-free shot. It would have been nice to see JVC consider lens quality rather than investing in higher zoom levels. The Ultra Compact line is more suited to the consumer seeking a better image shot.

Focus
There is manual focus control available to the user of the JVC GR-D270, the control for which for is the play button on the VCR control located above the LCD screen. This button serves as a Focus initiator as well. Once pressed, the user can move between Full Landscape, and Full Portrait, on a shifting scale through the implementation of the rewind and forward controls located beside the focus button. The focus transitioned smoothly between settings and was simple to operate, although it would be nice to be able to control focal options with the same hand that supports the camcorder body.

Exposure (Aperture)
The exposure for the JVC GR-D270 is also controllable manually as well as automatically, and allows the user to set exposure level throughout thirteen steps of exposure control. The exposure setting is chosen through the of manual control menu. Once engaged in manual mode, the user must return to the normal LCD display to adjust the setting further. Having returned, the user can select the exposure control setting located on the left side of the LCD screen. The settings for exposure are in steps of one, from -6 to +6, including 0.

Shutter Speed
There are seven Shutter Speed steps accessible and controllable by the user. The maximum shutter speed rating is 1/4000th of a second and the minimum speed is 1/60th of a second. The following settings are included: 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, and 1/2000. This should be an ample number of shutter speeds, as long as conditions are not too extreme. Shutter speeds longer than 1/60th of a second are not possible, so extreme low light situations will force the user to rely upon the Night Alive and Auto Illumination light in hopes of achieving a readable image. It is also possible to engage the camcorder in a series of standard presets: Sports, Snow, Spotlight, Twilight, Sepia, Monotone, Classic Film, Strobe, and Mirror. This camcorder is also equipped with the Live Slow feature, allowing the user to drop the video speed into slow motion during recording. This feature, geared toward spectators of sporting events, records audio in real time. Using Specific audio sync with this feature will be problematic in some cases. Overall, manual shutter speed is a great step up for JVC camcorders. Making it available to budget consumers is a particularly strong move in a market where manufacturers like Sony have chosen to restrict this feature.

White Balance
Manual White Balance is controllable either via both automatic and manual controls. White balance is accessed through the on-screen menu, and allows the user to select white balance options while still within the menu. The following settings are available to the user: Manual White Balance, Fine, Cloud, and Halogen. When not in manual mode, there are absolutely no white balance options available to the user, not even the presets.

Gain
With gain, the user is also able to choose between manual or automatic settings with three gain steps accessible. These steps and controls are located in the LCD menu and allow the user to select between AGC, Auto, and Off.

Still Performance
With this model, unlike the lower priced GR-D250, the user has more hybrid opportunities within their control, and more options in regards to resolution and printing. Unlike the D250, the GR-D270 is equipped with an SD memory card slot on the exterior of the camcorder body, allowing the user to store still images directly to the memory card, rather than to tape (the only option available on the less expensive GR-D250). The highest resolution image attainable to the user is 1024x768, optional memory card not included. This camcorder is also equipped with a progressive shutter which selects still images from a single frame, rather than composing the shot from a series of frames, the process that causes that aggravating blur so common to hybrid camcorders. Further, Night Alive, JVC's low light technology, is available when shooting still images to tape, -- an added bonus.

VCR Mode
The user enters the VCR Mode by sliding the power switch all the way forward into the playback position .VCR mode is controlled via the external VCR controls located above the LCD screen. These controls allow the user to select between, Track, Fast Forward, Rewind, Play, and Stop. When in playback mode, it is possible to engage the Live Slow feature, allowing footage to be viewed in slow motion. There is also a VCR specific LCD menu, which is straightforward and clearly labeled.

Low Light Performance
The low light performance available on the GR-D270, and, in fact, on all of the camcorders in this series, is likely to turn out to be worse than the highly touted performance attained by last year’s model. JVC has decided with these lower priced camcorders to remove the 3-D Noise Reduction technology which had helped in so greatly reducing noise and other disturbances during low light shooting. However, this camcorder is equipped with two other features that may help out in these problematic lighting situations. There is Night Alive mode, which, JVC argues, gives strong accuracy in overall image color while avoiding the green tinge oft associated with night vision functions on other models. Further, the camcorder is outfitted with an Auto-Illumination light, although quality of color and scene may be altered or even destroyed through its quasi-spotlight character.

It is impossible to accurately gauge low light performance without testing the camcorder in our lab testing was not an option at CES.

LCD/ Viewfinder
The JVC-GR-D270 features a standard 2.5 inch 110 K LCD screen with additional electronic color viewfinder. The camcorder’s LCD screen is equipped with glare reduction, an attempt to compensate for both internal light dispersal, and bright light reflected of off obscuring images during shooting. With glare-reduction, neither strong back lighting nor bright sun should keep the user from successfully viewing footage on the LCD screen.

Audio
Unfortunately, in this series of camcorders audio quality remains somewhat slighted, perhaps an indication of the interests of the consumer market. There is no external mic port available, no accessory shoe, and no headphone port. The user is unable to monitor the quality of audio during the recording process, forcing a reliance on other ports or playback speakers.

This lack of audio control reflects a disappointing trend amongst camcorder manufacturers an unfortunate decision, even if the camcorder sells in the under US$500 market. Users of lower-priced camcorders are still capable of controlling external mics, and are still intelligent enough to want that option.

Handling
Although the camcorder experienced a large reduction in overall size, it appears that JVC has not compromised button and control size on the external body of the camcorder, a gesture that will be appreciated by large-fingered users. Most of the control options are located on the right side of the camcorder, and are clearly and logically labeled for quick and simple access. The bottom loading tape cartridge may give those users with tripods aggravation, as they will have to remove the camcorder from the tripod to change tape, thus potentially ruining long running shots. However, the body is small, and fits neatly into the hand without cumbersome add-ons that can be caught on clothing. This is an extremely quick and portable camcorder. The more cubic nature of this camcorder’s layout is partially due to the decrease in height. Overall, improvements in design on this model are considerable, although more thoughtful consideration of menu control is necessary.

Ports
The JVC GR-D270 has several ports including Composite Out, USB 2.0, and Firewire. While it is not surprising that there is no XLR port or S Video port, it is unfortunate that there is not an exclusive headphone port, or mic in port available on this camcorder line.

Other Features
Live Slow
The Live Slow feature allows the user to either run playback in slow motion with real time audio, or more interestingly, to record live footage in slow motion, ideal for sporting events. This feature allows for video once too fast to be discerned, to be easily viewed during recording and playback.

Auto Illumination
The GR-D270’s auto illumination light, which is unavailable on the GR-250, allows the user in extreme low light situations to illuminate the space directly in the foreground. The image quality and saturation of overall color will be diminished due to the brilliant white spotlight quality that comes with these lighting scenarios.

Data-Battery Button
The data battery button allows the user to immediately monitor and access viable battery life through the engagement of a button located on the exterior of the camcorder body. This feature allows the user to monitor projected battery life if used only for recording, and projected battery life if placed on stand-by. Finally JVC has caught up with other manufacturers in offering this option.

Progressive Shutter
The progressive shutter feature on the JVC GR-D270 is perhaps one of the most advantageous additions for the hybrid user, allowing for more crisp and accurate digital stills. Unlike prior camcorders this model selects an individual frame, rather than compiling several frames, in an attempt to avoid the blur so commonly attained when using still technology on camcorders.

Web Camera
The web camera feature on the JVC GR-D270 allows for higher resolution and better audio to when using this camcorder for live feed to the internet, and allows for additional functionality of the camcorder beyond traditional video capture.

Navigation Function:
The menu, while straight-forward in layout, did take a bit of adjustment, specifically, the task of using the rewind and forward buttons to select separate settings and to enter sub-menus The main menu is entered through the Menu button, which is also the Track button. It is located beneath the rewind and forward buttons on the VCR controls on the left side of the camcorder body. Overall, though using the menu seemed tedious at first, it became, overtime, more intuitive, and accessible, the only major problem arising in moving through the many submenus.

Widescreen Mode
The widescreen mode that is available to the user of the JVC GR-D270 is not a real widescreen mode, but rather an effect in which a black bar is placed at the top and bottom of the image frame.

MPEG
There are no MPEG format options available to the user of the JVC-GRD270, another setback for users looking for multi-purpose functionality.

Analog to Digital Pass Through
Due to the lack of analog In ports, the JVC GR-D270, along with the GR-D295 and the GR-D250, is not capable of engaging in analog to digital pass through.

Conclusion
Many of the specs on this middle camcorder of the Compact line, are identical to those of the JVC GR-D250 and the GR-D295. They have, in fact, identical body structures. This version retails for US$449.95, and comes with several port options, although no analog-to-digital pass-through is possible. This camcorder comes with a 1/6th inch 680K CCD, with a Super High-Band Processor, Data Battery Function, 2.5 inch Color LCD, Color Viewfinder, Auto Illuminate Light, and Live Slow feature.

The major differences between the 270 and the 250 are the Live Slow, the Light, and the addition of an SD memory card slot, making this camcorder more feasible for the hybrid budget camcorder market. Further differences include the 270’s Progressive Shutter, and 30% reduction in body size. This camcorder handles well, and apart for some issues with menu navigation, is well-designed. It does, unfortunately, lack 3-D Noise Reduction, the feature that helped JVC attain the strong low light ratings of last year. The placement of controls outside of the LCD screen is a positive design step, but the button functionality within the Menu and the menu’s overall structure still both need work. All in all, this camcorder is definitely a strong contender in the budget camcorder market where hybridity is desired.