JVC GR-D350 Camcorder Review

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.5)
Pressing twice on the format button, located in the LCD cavity on the JVC GR-D350's left side, switches the 1/6 inch, 680K gross CCD between 16:9 and 4:3 formats. The 2.5 inch LCD is not widescreen format, which isn’t a huge surprise considering that the 16:9 and 4:3 formats have identical horizontal fields of view.

Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The JVC GR-D350 only records at a rate of 29.97 frames per second, the universal standard for fixed rate video cameras. Consumers who want variable frame rates of 24 or 30 fps should purchase a camcorder meant more for the professional or serious hobbyist.

Other Features (7.5)
AGC (Auto Gain Control) - This feature is one of 3 gain controls available within the Gain sub-menu of the Setting Menu. The AGC setting will increase the overall image brightness, though it will also increase noise levels. AGC, however, made it possible to shoot video at low light levels with this camcorder, an option which was distinctly not available when shooting in regular mode with gain off.

Auto A - The Auto A setting is another option within the Gain sub-menu. It will automatically adjust the shutter speed while also engaging the gain increase found with the AGC setting. Subject movements will be jerky with this setting,  and the image will also have high levels of noise. Once again, however,  Auto A gives users the ability to shoot in low light.

Digital Image Stabilization - Digital Image Stabilization does come with the JVC GR-D350: a wise inclusion, since the 32x optical zoom lens is bound to begin showing handshake at 10x. However, an optical image stabilization would have been far better able to handle this mega-zoom camcorder. Although not always feasible, the use of a tripod is really the only way to compensate for high zoom levels.

Wipe and Fader Effects - The JVC GR-D350 comes with 4 in-camcorder fader effects that can be applied to the beginning and end of video clips. These fader/wipe options are listed in the function menu and allow the user to move easily between off, white, black, slide right to left, and scroll bottom to top. While rudimentary in nature, these options can be amusing at times, and will come in handy if users don’t have an editing program for their post production application.

Video Effects - Users can also apply a handful of in-camcorder digital video effects during recording. The video effects for the JVC GR-D350 are listed within the function menu when the camcorder is in manual mode, and offer settings of Sepia, Monotone B/W, Classic, and Strobe. While certainly not anything new or unique, they are standards that work well for a bit of change and fun.