JVC GR-DF430

This camcorder, by JVC is situated as the lowest priced model of three within the Ultra-Compact series of camcorders. This model retails for US$399.95, situating it just under US$400. This camera is equipped with a 1/6th inch 680K, 340K effective pixel CCD. Unlike the Compact series of camcorders, this, and the other two models being released at this time are equipped with the 3-D Noise Resolution which allowed for many of the positive testing results when in low light situations. This camera however does have a Night Alive feature for fuller color low light reproduction. This camera has an auto illumination on camera light, multiple In and Out ports, and digital to analog conversion available to its users.

Video Performance
This camera, the JVC GR-DF430 comes out of the same line of camcorders that received the accolades given by this publication in low light testing results. The JVC camcorders produced accurate and strong reproductions of color and other tests. Although it was impossible to test the cameras while at CES it is possible to propose that with the same technology as last years models, this years shouldn't suffer unduly. This camera comes equipped with 3-D Noise Reduction, Low Light Plus, and a Super High-Band Processor. The JVC GR-DF550 has more imaging opportunities available to users, however this model should perform with the same results as last year due to the identical 1/6th inch 680K CCD that transfers over from last years model. However, accurate testing was not possible during the CES show, although once released and tested in our office, an accurate rating will be possible for our readers.

The Front
The front of the JVC GR-DF430 features a F1.2 Super Bright Optical lens situated predominately on the left side of the camera body. The entire body of the camera is separated into two distinct sections, one being the left side, which is dedicated to the lens, LCD, and other controls, and the right side which is reserved for the tape cartridge and other features. Underneath the sizable lens, is the in camera stereo microphone for in camera audio options. To the right of the lens the body is a matte black finish and the Auto Illumination light, above which is the sensors for the camera. All of these features appear to be placed out of the way of ill placed fingers, and accidental muffling of audio, or masking of light appear to both be impossible, even on a camera of such small size.

The Right Side
For the right side of the JVC, the major feature has to be the top loading cassette deck. Thankfully top loading. This small camcorder can thus function on a tripod without making the user remove or otherwise disrupt lens angle just to replace tape. There are two slight sections of textured grip near where the palm of a users hand would reside, and there are a series of grooves intended for fingertips running along the edge of this face of the camcorder. A stronger, much sturdier strap runs across the horizontal plane of this camcorder, making the Compact series EZ Grip strap seem a bit weak. At the front of the right side, in the middle of the camera body, the user will also notice the presence of a mic port, cleverly hidden above the hand strap eyelet. When opened this port cover reveals a Mic In port directly beneath. The entire right side of the camcorder body, including the port cover, and grips, are a solid and clean matte black, an aesthetic choice which is appreciated when one considers some of the cartridge covers which appear on the market from time to time.

The Back
The back of the JVC GR-DF430 is broken up into three predominate sections. The upper right hand corner is dedicated to a port cover, under which the user will find the DC In, and the AV In/Out ports. This tab is easily opened and clean in design, and appears to be in place for the long term. To the left side of this same plane, the user will find another port cover that when opened exposes the USB Port on top, and the Firewire port on the bottom. These are both above a power dial that is centrally placed on the right half of the camera body. This dial allows the user, to slide a tab from mode to mode, allowing the user to choose between; Play, Off, Automatic, and Manual settings. Located in the center of the Power Dial, the user will find the record button which must be depressed to begin recording footage. Beneath the power dial is the Playback speaker for the JVC GR-DF430. To the left of both these features, the user will find the incredibly small and compact battery for the camcorder. The battery release is on the left side of the battery pack, a positioning to be considered during the left face section of the camera tour. Above the battery pack the user will note the viewfinder for the camera, an electronic color extendable viewfinder which although small, is comfortable, adjustable, and easily engaged.

The Left Side
The left side of the JVC GR-DF430 has the standard 2.5 inch 110K LCD screen. The LCD screen opens up from the back, and swivels outwards on a hinge located at the front of the camera body. Oddly, the placement of the battery pack tab is exactly where one expects to find a tab for the LCD screen, and accidental deployment of the battery pack rather than the opening of the LCD screen seems to be a potentially reoccurring habit. Beneath the LCD screen the user will find the controls for the JVC GR-DF430, an unfortunate design layout. Although perfectly accessible to the user when shooting with the LCD screen, the placement of the controls beneath the LCD screen basically stops the user from manipulating manual controls or other menu options when using the viewfinder. This design layout effectively relegates the Viewfinder to obscurity and impairs any user attempting to implement it when shooting. The controls contained within the LCD receptacle are, moving from the upper front corner, Menu/Battery Data button, Email/Index Button, Select/Store, and Info. Beneath the Menu button, and near the bottom front corner is a small four way controller which allows the user to navigate menu options as well as other settings. The following controls are possible with these buttons Up/Focus/Play-Pause, Right/Light/Fast Forward, Down/Backlight/Stop, Left/Review/Rewind. The center of the four-way controller features an enter or select button. Tucked into the bottom front corner, the user will find the Memory Card/Tape switch for the unit. To the back of the camera body, and along the bottom edge the user will find the S Video In/Out port for the camcorder, exposed without a port cover.

The Top
The top of the JVC GR-DF430 features a couple of controls for the user. Towards the front of the camera body, located on the right side is the Eject switch for the cassette cartridge. When slid forward, this switch allows the cassette cartridge to open from the top of the unit and open. Three scallops run along the top right edge to allow for a more comfortable grip to be experienced by the right hand. At the back of the body and remaining on the right side is the Zoom toggle, which when in playback, allows the user to control the level of volume. When in regular shooting mode it is capable of assigning Wide Angle and Telephoto ratings based on movement from left to right. Behind the Zoom Toggle is the Snapshot button, which when pressed initiates the shutter for digital still photographs. In the center of the left side, on the top of the lens barrel, the user will find the cold shoe, for accessory mic options, a great feature for the user looking for audio quality that is better than what can be attained through a frontally positioned in camera microphone.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control
With the JVC GR-DF430 the user is able to set the camera to Automatic mode by turning the user to the Automatic setting found on the power dial, located on the back of the camcorder body. Once placed into the automatic mode the user is able to basically freeze out the on screen menu, forcing the user to rely entirely upon the camcorder itself. However, for the point and shoot consumer worried by complicated controls or features, this setting will make sure that incorrect or unintended application of features does not occur, More experienced users however may find this setting limiting and only feasible when hurried or when specific video applications is not necessary. Other manufacturers such as Sony allow for user input in such areas as metering or lighting settings even when in auto mode a great option when lighting situations are complicated, but fully manual mode is unwanted by the user. There is a hybrid layout possible when in manual mode by using presets and other camcorder based settings. However, for the first time user, these options may still seem daunting.

Overall Manual Control
The user of the JVC GR-DF430 will find that there are a remarkable number of settings and manual controls available to them, even with a small hand sized camera body. There is zoom, focus, exposure, shutter speed, white balance, and gain, all available and controllable through external controls located beneath the LCD screen, and through in Menu control options. The menus are straightforward, clearly labeled, and logical, all appreciated, and the controls for the menus although a bit undersized for larger hands, at least feel as though intuition was used during their design. Also, the combination full and short cut menus make for fast changes to manual controls possible, without having to lose the image being shot in an attempt to fine tune scene changes. Manual options are strong, giving the user Shutter Speed is a great feature when compared to other camcorder manufacturers who are attempting to lessen the number of controls available to users in the budget markets (as well as higher end markets as well).

Zoom
The JVC GR-DF430 has both optical and digital zoom capability, however it should be noted that with digital zoom the overall picture quality and accuracy is greatly reduced as digital zoom is increasingly engaged. The GR-DF430 has an optical zoom of 15X and a digital zoom of 700X. The 15x optical zoom is a good setting, making it just barely edge the line between functional zoom level, and the need for the user to buy a tripod just to get a steady shot when engaging higher zoom levels. Also, these models have the F1.2 Aspherical Super Bright lens, which allows the user a much higher quality of image, making excessive zoom ratings unnecessary, since better image quality is always more important.

Focus
This camera is capable of manual focus by entering the focus setting through the Up arrow on the four way controller. Once entered, this immediate and very concise shift in focus control allows the user to immediately begin adjustment without exacerbation. The user must use the left and right arrows on the four way controller to adjust the focal quality of the picture. These controls are small though, and hurried focal changes aren't really possible, as there isn't a focal ring, and moving between focal settings is a bit slow.

Exposure (Aperture)
The exposure settings for this camcorder model are based on a thirteen step scale between -6 to +6 with 0 included, and at intervals of 1. This setting is turned on within the main menu, but must be completed by then entering the menu shortcut displayed on the left side of the LCD screen when in regular shooting mode. This design choice allows the user to view the affects of exposure alterations during shooting, rather than having to hypothesize.

Shutter Speed
The Shutter Speed settings are accessed through the Menu button, and are located under the Program AE settings, allowing the user to select between 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 and 1/4000. Also within this section are the Night Alive setting as well as Sports, Snow, Spotlight, Twilight, Sepia, Monotone, Classic Film, Strobe and Mirror. The placement of the Night Alive option within this menu was a really good choice for JVC, placing a much used option in a menu category that perhaps might not be accessed by the regular user becoming familiar with manual control options. With presets available the user can become more comfortable with shutter options, and finally, with manual Shutter Speed, the user is actually able to control this feature specifically, a great improvement over other camcorder manufacturers.

White Balance (0.0)
White Balance for the JVC GR-DF430 is controlled through the Main on-screen LCD Menu as well, and allows the user to select not only Manual White Balance, but also Fine, Halogen, and Cloud. Each is marked with a symbol on the regular shooting screen, and within the menu with the same symbol as well as a full text label. This lack of presets may make this option seem incomprehensible to some users, forcing them to rely on the fully automatic setting, a setback for those users looking for manual control. There are only these three presets, however, fully manual white balance is possible for users more familiar with these terms.

Gain
The gain is found in a submenu within the on screen menu, and allows the user to select between ACG, Gain, and Automatic modes.

Still Performance
Although it is possible to capture still images with the JVC GR-DF430, it is not possible to record these images to anything besides MiniDV tape. The GR-DF450 and GR-DF550 are capable of capturing still images to memory card, however there is no memory card port in place on the GR-DF430. There is also no flash available with this camcorder. The fstop range on this camera begins at f1.2 minimum and has a maximum of f2.8.

VCR Mode
The VCR mode is entered by turning the power dial on the back of the JVC GR-DF430. After the user has entered playback mode, it is possible for the user to review previously captured footage, and edit tape while still in the camcorder. The controls are beneath the LCD screen, making it essential that the user engage the LCD screen during playback, a setback if the user would want to use the electronic color viewfinder. The four way controller also controls the playback controls, with the following control assignments moving clockwise from twelve o'clock, Play/Pause, Fast Forward, Stop, and Rewind, with Set situated in the center of the controls.

Low Light Performance
Unlike other manufacturers, JVC promises to deliver high quality low light images to their users without the green tinge often found on other camcorders. Last year, one of JVCs strongest features was the quality of image captured, and this year they are again touting the full color possibilities available to users through their Night Alive/Low Light Plus mode. The 3D Noise Reduction feature is also partially responsible for the improved low light shooting allowing for cleaner images to be captured. Also, the user will find that this camera shoots using a F1.2 ASpherical Super Bright Lens, allowing for brightness 2.3 times that of a F1.8 lens and 1.8 times that of a F1.6 lens to be attainable. However, it was not possible to test low light performance at the CES display, and further testing will occur at a later date within our own lab setup, allowing for accurate testing results be possible.

LCD/ Viewfinder
The JVC GR-DF430 comes equipped with a 2.5 inch clean-view LCD viewfinder, with a pixel count of 110 K total. The LCD is equipped with JVC's Clear View LCD system, which supposedly reduces the diffusion of the internal LCD light, concentrating the clarity and color of the image, producing higher quality playback. Also, this Clear View system supposedly will also reduce the glare and obscuring of image often encountered when shooting in bright light or back lit situations, such as those occurring on bright sunny days. The electronic viewfinder on the GR-DF430 is full color and extendable from the camera body. However, it is impossible to alter manual controls, or enter the menu when using the viewfinder since the LCD screen must be open for the users to control menu functions and other settings.

Audio
This camcorder comes with the possibility for an accessory microphone in, with a cold shoe. However, and unfortunately, there is no headphone out available to the user of the JVC GR-DF430, a minor, but at times, problematic set-back. However, the placement of the microphone shoe is on the left side on the top of the lens barrel, while the Mic In is located on the right side, near the front of the camera. The placement of these two features allows the user to attach microphones without needing to worry about cables or other objects obscuring either the LCD, Viewfinder, or Lens of the camera. The decision by JVC to have a Mic In port and an accessory shoe are a great improvement over other manufacturers, which makes it more desirable to users seeking the control that should be afforded to them. Especially when audio control is becoming more and more compromised in the camcorder market, where an overall dumbing down of control is occurring.

Handling
The JVC GR-D430 fits neatly into the users hand, comfortably held, and supported with the hand strap which is both nicely padded and thick enough to feel sturdy and safe. The accessory shoe is placed appropriately for audio recording, and the port for the Mic In on the right side is situated to no obscure either the LCD or the actual lens of the camera itself. The decision to move and separate the ports between two separate sections on the back of the camera, as well as the front right, and the back left, makes it so that multi In and Out functions are possible without having to worry about tangled cables, or accidental unplugging when recording. The buttons underneath the LCD screen would be greatly improved if moved to the external body of the camcorder, and while all of the controls are spaced with enough room between for access, the four way control was a bit small to control manual settings when moving quickly during handling. However, this camera feels really smooth in the users hands, and it's light weight, and small compact size make it extremely portable and travel friendly. The small size, and feel make this camera feel as though it is entirely portable, as well as useable even in situations where complicated shots or positions are demanded. Traveling with this camera would b e comparable to a larger digital camera, making it one of the more feasible designs showcased at CES in 2005.

Ports
The JVC GR-DF430 comes equipped with S-Video In/Out ports, Composite In/Out, accessory Mic In and Firewire. Unfortunately, there is no headphone out available, and not too surprisingly considering the low price and intended market, no XLR In port either. Also, unlike the DF450 or the DF 550, there is no USB available on the 430.

Other Features
Data Battery Life
This feature now found on the JVC GR-DF430 allows for the battery to communicate the remaining time left on the battery, while alerting the user via the LCD screen.

Web Camera

The JVC GR-DF430 is set-up for web camera functionality, and allows the user to directly connect the camcorder to personal camera for simple in home use without complications.

3D Noise Reduction
This feature, although discussed in the low light paragraph, should be emphasized for its role in drastically improving the overall image quality of the JVC camcorders last year, and the manufacturer has continued to engage this technology in the 430, 450 and 550. However other lower priced models are not being released with this feature available, making this low priced model at US $499.95 the lowest price available for users seeking this technology.

Low Light Plus
This feature allows for the user of GR-DF430 to shoot using an F1.2 Aspherical Super Bright lens, which allows the user to shoot with an F1.2 lens which has a brightness that is 2.3 times that of a F1.8 lens and 1.8 times that of a F1.6 lens.

Ultra Compact Model Design
After basing their camcorder bodies off of the vertical matchbook format, the designers at JVC have instead chosen to use a design more cube based in general structure. However in a market which demands a constant downgrading in overall size, the GR-DF430 is thirty percent smaller than the previous years model.

Super High Band Processor
The Super High Band Processor allows for the JVC GR-DF430 to restore high band aspects of the luminance signal in an attempt to garner cleaner, more noise free video. This camera, is equipped with a 1/6 inch 680K CCD with 520 lines of resolution. The GR-DF550 comes with a larger CCD of 1.33 MP, and 540 lines of resolution.

Navigation Function:
The navigation on the Ultra Compact series is much more intuitive and satisfying when compared to the controls used on the Compact series. The menus have the same identical lay out, but the user of the four way controller makes scanning faster and more immediate, and the selection of proper control options more feasible and accurate. The other buttons and controls on the camera are accordingly spaced and are comfortably engaged without strain or fumbling. The only real problem was with the focus being controlled by the right and left arrows on the four way controller. These buttons being as small as they are, care and a bit too much delicacy and re-checking was needed when using this feature.

Widescreen Mode
There is a Wide screen setting available to the user of the JVC GR-DF430, however, this option merely cuts the bottom and top off of the image with black bars, only appearing to be wide-screen.

MPEG
The JVC GR-DF430 is capable of recording in MPEG mode in the MPEG-4 email video clip format as well as MPEG 1 format, allowing the user to send photos via email directly from the camera itself.

Analog to Digital Pass Through
With both S-Video and Analog ports available to the user the JVC GR-DF430 finally allows the user to engage in digital to analog pass through on a low priced product.

Comparisons
GR-DF450 This camera is the camcorder which is found one step up in the model line for the Ultra-Compact series of camcorders. Retailing at US$549.95 means that the user is paying only fifty dollars more for this camera, allowing for the user to consider another model which is still reasonably priced. This camera is equipped with a USB port, and a memory card slot, and the ability to record digital stills at either 640x480 or 1024x768.

JVC GR-DF550 The JVC GR-DF550 is the top tier of the three camcorders being released at this time by JVC within the Ultra Compact series of camcorders. Like the 450 and the 430, the 550 has an identical body design and layout with minimal changes for added features. The most notable change between this camcorder and the DF450 is the addition of two more still image resolution settings, allowing the user to choose between 1600x1200, 1280x960, 1024x768, and 640x480. The other major upgrade is the Megabrid engine, which effectively separates the still and video footage processing, allowing each to have a more specific and media intrinsic structure. And finally, this camera has the largest CCD of those camcorders being released by JVC at this time, measuring 1/4.5 inch 1.33 MP CCD.

JVC GR-DX77 This camera was JVC's prior model to the GR-DF430 and features the same CCD size, with a smaller zoom rating of only 12X optical zoom. The camera, although 30% bigger, and based on the matchbook design style, still had only a 2.5 inch LCD. There is a mic in, and comparable In and Out ports available, as well as a memory card slot available.

Who it’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The point and shoot user looking for a small camera with compact features and a clean design will find this camera, although the number of port options and other features don't really make sense for this market level.

Budget Consumers
This camera still manages to fall under US$500 and provides the user with a stylish and portable alternative in the budget market. And there are plenty of manual control options and other image quality controls on this camera to make it an even better deal.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
There is no memory card on this model within the Ultra Compact series, making it a less feasible option for the hybrid user, most users will want to look at either the 450 or 550, which are equipped not only with memory cards, but also multiple resolution settings.

Gadget Freaks
The gadget freak will be compelled to look here, the new sleek design, with its multiple planes, and watery black and silver body layout looks and feels great. Add the small, hand held size now replacing the matchbox style, and features such as Live Slow, and this model, if not the Ultra Compact series, will be desirable.

Manual Control Freaks
Manual control freaks will be satisfied with the full line up of manual controls that are available on the JVC GR-DF430, however the focus controls may frustrate some users looking for larger or more immediate control options.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists
Although these cameras are extremely small, and attractive, and have previously had strong low light shooting quality, there wouldn't really be a reason for a pro or serious hobbyist to invest in a under US$500 camera.

Conclusion
This model put out by JVC manages to retail for only US$399.95, and with its clean, sleek design that is 30% smaller than last years model, there is no reason for this camera to usurp the popularity of the previous years model. Unlike the Compact series, this camera, and the two higher priced models all come with the 3-D Noise Reduction technology that helped garner the strong low light testing results. The camera is also equipped with a 1/6th inch 680K CCD, F1.2 ASpherical Lens, Mic In Port, Analog to Digital capability, 2.5 inch 110K LCD, manual and automatic controls, Low Light Plus, Super High-Band Processor, Data battery Info, and a Clean view LCD. The controls are located underneath the LCD still, forcing the user to ignore the fully functional electronic color viewfinder when using manual controls or VCR playback. Also, some of the controls, such as the four way key pad are undersized for such features as focus control. However, the menu and four way controller are both formatted in a more functional and user friendly format when compared to the slightly less expensive compact models. This camera would be a strong candidate for the user looking for an optically strong camera, with manual controls, full functions, and the small compact and sleek design that allows for easy portability.

***Images in this review are not necessarily of the GR-DF430, but of an extremely similar (cosmetically) camcorder. For exact images, please stay tuned for the full review.