JVC GR-DF450 Camcorder Reviewby Nick HyacinthePublished on Aug 19, 2005 12:00 PM |
|
|
Compact camcorders are often gimmick devices intended to tap into the impulsive shopper’s need for something cool. However. the JVC GR-DF series seems to dispel that theory by providing a wealth of features and ports into a relatively small machine. The GR-DF450 is the middle child of JVC’s 2005 line of Ultra-Compact Series of camcorders. This camcorder ships with a 15x optical zoom lens situated behind the standard 1/6” CCD with 340K effective pixels. The camcorder’s more intriguing features are its automatic gain controls and 3D Noise Reduction (inherited from last year’s models). These features ought to make the camcorder competitive beyond its $300-400 market.
Video Performance (5.5)
In bright light conditions, comparable to a sunny day, the JVC GR-DF450 had a relatively good performance. The camcorder produced a relatively sharp image with adequate color representation, though the colors were washed and lacking in potency. This model, with its 1/6” CCD and 680K gross pixels, performed similar to the pricier and better equipped JVC GR-DF550, armed with a 1/4.5” CCD and 1.3 MP. Both camcorders produce crisp images, but faltered in vibrancy. This model had crisper images, but less potent colors than its sibling. The Panasonic PV-GS35 (Review, Specs, $359.95) (Review, Specs, $283.25), a camcorder that is comparable in value and imager specs, displays richer and more potent colors. JVC’s own, less expensive GR-D270 (Review, Specs, $379.99) produced better color representation, but was lacking in sharpness.
Video Resolution (7.5)
Video of a standard resolution chart was taken with the JVC GR-DF450 in both its 4:3 and squeezed modes. Stills from the video were exported to Imatest Imaging Software in order to calibrate the camcorder's true video resolution. In 4:3 mode, this model produced approximately 264.5 lines of vertical resolution at its best, with approximately 284.9 lines of horizontal resolution, yielding a true resolution of 75356.05 (0.075 MP). In Squeezed mode (16:9 aspect ratio), the camcorder gave us approximately 166 lines of vertical resolution at its best, and 237.5 lines of horizontal resolution.
The Front (9.0)
The front of the camcorder is where the two most significant components clash, aesthetically speaking. The camcorder is relatively small; the devices of the camcorder’s body seem compressed. In the left corner is the protruding lens barrel, adorned in metallic silver, with the built-in microphone resting underneath. In the right corner is the fairly bulky and gray MiniDV mechanism, with the LED light embed in its front. Each component seems to be fighting for a piece of scarce real estate, creating a Frankenstein effect, where the slick and compact lens barrel and the towering MiniDV mechanism awkwardly try to coexist.
The Right Side (9.5)
The entire right side of the GR-DF450 is the not-so-compact MiniDV mechanism, enclosed beneath a sturdy hand strap at the bottom, with ports embedded. Port covers, cloaked in dark gray finish, shelter an A/V port. A DC input port is found towards the rear of the mechanism, while a microphone input port rests in the front. Everything is shrunken on this camcorder except the MiniDV mechanism, which is reflection of the unfortunate but inescapable nature of the medium.
The Back (7.0)
When gazing at the back of the GR-DF450, attention is automatically drawn to the battery slot that dominates most of the real estate on the camcorder's rear. Since the battery slot is not entrenched deep within the frame, the battery bulges out over an inch. The girth of the battery, coupled with the practically immobile 0.16” viewfinder above it, creates a handling problem. The viewfinder extends only about an inch towards the user, and cannot be tilted up. Want to conserve battery life by not using the LCD? Due to the viewfinder’s lack of mobility the user must press their face against a fairly warm battery, making the camcorder difficult and uncomfortable to handle during extended use. To the right of the petite viewfinder is a port cover, accommodating the FireWire and USB ports. A metallic silver mode dial sits at the right edge of the rear.
The Left Side (9.0)
The GR-DF450’s most significant features are found here, sheltered by its 2.5” LCD. An abundance of features are huddled in a small space. Most prominent is the “Four Way Navigational Key Pad,” the primary navigation and manual control device. Also found here are the Video/Memory mode switch, an S-Video port, the Menu/battery button, the Email button (which formats video for email), Sel (Select), and Info buttons. The info button allows one to view specific file information during playback of stills. Pressing the Sel button selects either the video clips or memory card images. This cluster of features squeezed into such a small space will be a handling issue for anyone with big fingers.
The Top (8.0)
A bird’s eye view of the GR-DF450 reveals more of the unflattering but practical design of this model. The MiniDV mechanism towers about an inch above the lens barrel to its left. The mechanism is bulky and has fairly rigid lines while the lens barrel displays a relatively smooth and sleek appearance. The gray mechanism’s protrusion isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but serves as a great handgrip; the GR-DF450 is more functional than chic. A gray Open switch rests at the front of the camcorder's top, while the silver zoom toggle and button are situated in the back. The cold accessory shoe is on top of the lens barrel.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (7.0)
The GR-DF450 offers its users several automatic controls. In full auto mode, the camcorder assesses and performs all quality control decisions. Auto mode is engaged via the silver mode dial located in the rear of the camcorder. Point-and-shooters will find some comfort in this camcorder’s automatic control functions. Auto mode has jurisdiction over Focus, Exposure, Shutter Speed, Gain, and White balance. The camcorder offers two additional gain modes, AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and Automatic Candle Gain (Auto A). AGC increases the signal, producing a brighter image. The drawback to AGC is the increase in noise (graininess). Auto A shutter is the AGC with a slower shutter speed adjustment, which increases the exposure. The slow shutter speed will create a murky and blurry effect. These features will not necessarily rid the camcorder’s image of noise, but brighten the overall shot. Both features will have some distortion.
The camcorder offers a Spot Metering function and a group of Programmed AE (auto exposure) features. With Spot Metering, the user can select one of three designated areas on the LCD screen, and adjust the exposure setting. This is a less high-tech version of Sony’s Spot Metering, which allows the user to touch any point on the LCD screen for more precise exposure adjustments to the selected area. AE settings for specific shooting conditions include: Sport, Snow, Spotlight, and Twilight. These modes have predetermined parameters for shutter speed and aperture. Often AE settings are too restrictive because the user will work in unpredictable lighting conditions. Use manual control when they fail.
The performances of the automatic controls were reasonable. Automatic white balance and exposure adjustments occurred swiftly and seamlessly, while focal adjustments were delayed and at times seemed non-responsive. When the camcorder is nearing the full 15x optical zoom capacity the focal adjustments noticeably stall for a few seconds. Unfortunately, in low light the camcorder has trouble focusing. Focus works best at a wide angle in bright light conditions. Sony has cornered the market on point-and-shoot camcorders with their quick and smooth automatic control adjustments. The similarly priced DCR-HC32 (Review, Specs, $490.7) has great automatic controls but is lacking in manual control options.
Overall Manual Control (6.0)
JVC offers a wealth of manual control options with the GR-DF450. Manual adjustments can be made for exposure, focus, shutter speed, and white balance, all within the menu system. Because this menu system is extensive, accessing and adjusting these control options can be a bit of challenge. One must rifle through the menu with a very small four-way directional key pad. Users will undoubtedly fumble and hit the wrong keys. As if scavenging through this tedious menu system isn’t bad enough, exiting the menu options once they’ve been set is tiresome as well. Although JVC offers more control options than most, accessing and executing them is a bit frustrating. All of the camcorders in JVC’s GR-DF series have a similar design and unfortunately there are parallel problems accessing their features.
Zoom (7.5)
The GR-DF450 is outfitted with a 15x optical zoom lens and 700x digital zoom. Digital zoom can be accessed through the extensive and tedious menu process. The camcorder offers varying digital zoom capacities: 15x, 60x, 700x. I would recommend that digital zoom be used in only dire circumstances, because it will distort the image. The PV-GS35 offers the largest optical zoom (30x) this year. While a raised zoom toggle is preferred for its optimum control over varying zoom speeds, this mode’s sliding zoom toggle can be operated with relative ease. It is conveniently located underneath the index finger of the user, allowing for quick and easy access. Sony’s raised zoom toggles often provide more control and smooth execution, but one can acclimate to the GR-DF450’s toggle in a short amount of time.
Focus (4.0)
Most consumer camcorders like the GR-DF450 do not provide adequate numerical measurements for manual focus adjustments. Consumers make focal adjustment based on pictograms of a torso (portrait) and mountain (landscape) with the miniature directional pad buried under the LCD. Using these small buttons to adjust focus and most of the other manual controls features is a cumbersome process. A focus ring would have been ideal, but that is usually reserved for higher-end camcorders.
Exposure (4.5)
Accessing manual exposure is a tricky process. The user has to first enter the menu system, rummage through the menu, employ manual exposure, hit the exposure button, and then set the exposure with the miniature navigational key pad. After that exhausting exercise, the user has twelve exposure settings, from +6 to -6, from which to choose. The Sony DCR-HC32 and its siblings do not provide numerical measurements for manual exposure adjustments. Instead, +/- icons are given and the user has to eyeball the screen and make a guess at the proper adjustments. The GR-DF450 does not provide true F-stop measurements, but at least some numerical reference is given, helping the user make an educated guess. F-stop measurements are typically found on higher-end camcorders.
Shutter Speed (6.0)
A staple of most JVC camcorders are the manual shutter speed options. Few camcorder manufacturers offer such a necessary tool in their low-end camcorders. The Panasonic PV-GS series is one of the few other low-end camcorder series to provide shutter speed options. The GR-DF450’s manual shutter speed options are: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, and 1/4000 of a second. They are accessed through the menu system.
White Balance (7.0)
The GR-DF450 offers several white balance features: Halogen, Fine, Cloud, Auto, and Manual. Halogen represents indoor lighting conditions, while Cloud and Fine represent outdoor settings. These options are buried within the camcorder’s extensive menu system. Unlike the other manual control adjustments, manual white balance is a task usually performed prior to shooting; therefore the time consuming and cumbersome process of navigating through the menu will not be as bothersome.
Manual Gain (0.0)
This camcorder does not offer any manual gain options, but two excellent automatic gain features (AGC, and Auto A on) are accessible through the menu system.
Other Manual Control (0.0)
The GR-DF450 does not offer any other manual control options.
Ease of Use (5.0)
JVC has made this camcorder fairly easy to use in automatic mode, but that same courtesy does not seem to be extended beyond using this camcorder on auto pilot. Accessing and executing the GR-DF450’s manual control adjustments can be a tricky process. All of the camcorder’s manual control buttons and navigational system are hidden underneath the LCD. This model is certainly not the first to do this, but because of its compressed design the buttons are right on top of each other. The user has to fumble through these clusters to find the desired feature. The menu system is difficult to navigate through. First and foremost the menu options seem endless, and exiting the menu is a wearisome process. The user must scrounge through the menu options before being offered an exit. The user will not be able to continuously record and make smooth and seamless adjustments to improve the quality of the image. With time the user can acclimate to the small design of the camcorder.
Still Features (6.0)
The GR-DF450 can capture stills on an SD card at 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 resolutions. Stills can only be captured to tape at the 640 x 480 resolution with the snapshot feature. The wide modes (Squeezed and Cinema) and Image Stabilization are not available options in memory mode. The GR-DF550, a bigger and more costly sibling, offers higher resolutions: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480. These models offer an interval shooting option where photographs are taken in specific timed intervals: 60 min., 30 min., 10 min., 5 min., 2 min., 1 min., 30 sec., and 15 sec.. Both camcorders share a similar flaw in design: the SD card slots are entombed underneath the body. Whether the camcorder is handheld or on a tripod, the user has to juggle the camcorder to access it. To be fair, space is scarce on camcorders such as these, but perhaps some features ought to have been omitted to allow for a more feasible placement of such a significant feature.
Still Resolution (1.5)
The JVC GR-DF450 is able to capture stills onto an SD card at the standard resolution of 640 x 480 and also 1024 x 768. We took stills of a standard resolution chart with this model, then exported them to Imatest Imaging Software to determine the GR-DF450’s best still resolution. At its best, the camcorder generated a still resolution of 150192.1875 (0.1 MP)
Still Performance (4.0)
The still performance of the GR-DF450 was mixed. The camcorder produced sharp, crisp images that suffered from washed, under-saturated colors and slight noise. In this, the still performance echoes some of the issues found in the video performance. Compared to other 1/6” CCD camcorders, this model produced crisper images; however, camcorders such as the Panasonic PV-GS35 displayed much more potent colors with slightly less noise. Even the more affordable JVC, which shares similar imaging specs and still features, had fairly more vibrant colors. The GR-D270's still images are not as sharp as the ones from this model. This absence of life in the color representation plagues the more expensive JVC compact camcorders as well. The GR-DF550 has washed colors but displays less grain.
Low Light Performance (3.5)
This camcorder and its JVC GR-DF siblings have an intricate check and balance system for low light shooting. Perspective is essential to understanding the low light performance results of the GR-DF450. This model offers automatic gain options (AGC, Auto A ) designed to help digitally boost the brightness of an image in low lighting conditions. Most 1 chip camcorders at this price do not offer such a setup. Gain will brighten an image but cause some noise distortion in the process. The camcorder has 3D noise reduction feature (inherited from last year's models), which ought to improve the signal to noise ratio and image quality information in low light settings.
The JVC GR-DF450 was tested in varying low light settings that are comparable to conditions that users will no doubt encounter. This model was tested in 60 lux and 15 lux. 60 lux represents an after dark bedroom illuminated by two bulbs, while 15 lux is the equivalent to a bedroom lit by a one bulb lamp in the dead of night.
The video captured in full auto mode had pedestrian low light results; however, with the implementation of the gain features the quality of the image improved. At 60 lux, the camcorder produced a dark image with poor color representation. At 15 lux, the image was significantly dark with nearly no color representation. It was difficult to decipher the contents of the picture.
Auto Mode (60 lux)
Auto Mode (15 lux)
Implementing the gain features helped to some extent with the murky, gloomy images. The automatic gain options boosted brightness levels considerably, rivaling most one chip camcorders with similar imager specs at brighter conditions. This model’s images were not as sharp as its bright light results, but the colors were more compelling. The 3D Noise Reduction really helped with eliminating some of the noise that usually plagues automatic gain functions. The drawback to these functions is that the images are not crisp, especially the Automatic A on function. Surprisingly, the camcorder’s images were relatively sharper than the more expansive and better equipped GR-DF550 (1/4.5” CCD with 1.33 MP).
Manual Mode (60 lux AGC on)
Manual Mode (15 lux AGC on)
Manual Mode (60 lux Auto A on)
Manual Mode (15 lux Auto A on)
Zoom Power Ratio (15.0)
The GR-DF450 has a 15x optical zoom lens.
Wide Angle (8.0)
Wide angle measurements of the JVC GR-DF450 were taken in all three of its wide modes: the standard 4:3, Cinema, and Squeezed mode. All three modes produced identical wide angle measurements of 40 degrees. The more costly GR-DF550 offers a D Wide (Digital Wide) mode, which digitally widens the field of view.
4:3 aspect ratio
Cinema Mode (Black bars on top and bottom)
Squeezed mode ( widescreen)
The JVC GR-DF450 has provided on-camcorder playback in both Video and Still recording modes. The user is offered several playback options, all of which can be accessed by switching to playback mode with the silver mode dial and initiated within the menu. These playback functions will help the user examine and monitor the quality of the image. The Blank Search feature aids one in finding a blank spot in the middle of the tape in order to avoid breaking up the time code. Playback zoom is helpful to the user as far as examining the full contents of the captured image. The user can even magnify the image up to 47x in playback mode. I would advise one not to magnify to full capacity because the image will be distorted. One can also play back the video in slow motion, or frame by frame with the aid of the GR-DF450’s remote.
The camcorder also includes some playback effects in an attempt to satiate the user's potential artistic needs. Within the menu system one will find Classic Film, Monotone, Sepia, and Strobe. These features are fun to play with, but are only appropriate depending on the nature and intent of the video.
One can also play back their captured image on a TV, VCR, tape deck, or PC. The GR-DF450 provides numerous ports, which can connect to any number of viewing and recording devices. The camcorder even offers an S-Video port, which is uncommon amongst most camcorders in its price range. These ports will allow the user to dub and do some rudimentary analog editing.
LCD / Viewfinder (7.5)
JVC has outfitted its compact camcorder, the GR-DF450, with a 2.5” LCD screen, and a 0.16" color viewfinder. Although the camcorder’s physical features seemed compressed, it does provide its users with a standard screen, comparable to most camcorders on the market such as the adequately proportioned JVC GR-D270. The mobile LCD can swivel 270 degrees, but it solarizes when viewed at an angle. This hinders the user from making fluid transitions between high and low angled shots.
The GR-DF450’s 0.16” viewfinder is petite and immobile. The viewfinder only extends about an inch outward, and does not fully clear the battery, forcing the user to press their cheeks against a warm battery. The viewfinder does not swivel up, further impeding on the user’s flexibility with shot composition.
Audio (6.5)
This model records 12 and 16 bit audio with the built-in microphone located underneath the protruding lens. A microphone port rests on the edge of the GR-DF450’s right side, providing an alternate option to recording audio. Unfortunately the cold accessory shoe will not provide power for any external microphone; the user has to access an alternative power source. Audio dubbing can only occur when recording 12 bit audio, with the use of the remote.
Handling (8.0)
For a compact camcorder, the JVC GR-DF450 can be handled and operated with relative comfort; however, the user will need some time to acclimate to the cumbersome button placement and navigational system. Most compact and matchbook camcorders are hard to grip, but the GR-DF450 has shrunken everything except the MiniDV mechanism that towers above the top of the lens barrel, providing a secure and comfortable grip. This grip rivals that on most full size camcorders. The zoom toggle and photo buttons are placed directly underneath the user’s thumb and index finger, making it easy to access and execute those functions.
All of the GR-DF450’s features are hidden underneath the LCD screen. The buttons are huddled closely together, making it difficult to engage them without pressing the wrong key. This is to be expected on a compact camcorder; with time one can compensate for this problem.
The battery placement is another design faux pas on this camcorder. Extended, the viewfinder barely clears the battery, forcing the user to press his cheek against the battery that warms up with extended use. The entire camcorder heats up during long use, which might be bit uncomfortable.
Portability (8.5)
The JVC GR-DF450 is a very portable camcorder and relatively easy to travel with. Even though this camcorder is not as trim and compact as the JVC Everio series, or the Sony DCR-PC55 (Specs, $549.99), it still provides a wealth of features and function (most notably the ports) throughout its small frame. It would be unfair to compare this camcorder’s dimensions to the miniature and chic Everio. JVC’s Everio uses a different medium (the Microdrive), which allows for its petite frame.
Battery Life (6.7)
With the LCD open and without utilizing the zoom, this camcorder’s battery recorded for 1 hour 7 minutes and 45 seconds. This is an average performance for this type of camcorder.
Compression (8.0)
JVC’s GR-DF450 utilizes the standard DV compression to MiniDV tape.
Media (8.0)
This model can capture video in both LP and SP modes. LP allows for 120 minutes of recording, while SP is 60 minutes of high quality video. Digital stills can be captured on both tape and SD / MultiMedia Card.
Editing (8.0)
With the GR-DF450, JVC includes the Digital Photo Navigator, a photo and video editing software package for viewing and editing stills. Most manufacturers provide software that can perform some elementary editing functions for both video and stills, hoping to suit the basic needs of the consumer or at the least justify the price of their product. These elementary software applications such as Sony’s Picture Package will not quench one's artistic thirst but can be an introduction to editing for most users, and a convenience to those who do not own a copy of Avid or Final Cut Pro.
The GR-DF450 provides its users with a wealth of rudimentary, on-board transitions: Fader-White, Fader black Wipe-Corner, Wipe-Scroll, etc. These transitions can be accessed and engaged within the menu system. These transitions are executed within the end and beginning of consecutive shots.
Widescreen / 16:9 Mode (6.5)
Most JVC camcorders, including the GR-DF450, offer two wide modes, Cinema and Squeezed mode. The cinema mode simply letterboxes the image by placing black bars on the top and bottom. Squeezed mode recording is intended for playback on a 16:9 (widescreen) television. During recording and playback on a 4:3 aspect ratio monitor, the image will appear vertically stretched. Some camcorders in this price range, like the Sony DCR-HC32 and the PV-GS35, only offer a letterboxed image as their widescreen mode. The Canon Elura 80 (Specs, $299.95), comparable in price to this model, offers a high resolution widescreen mode. The Elura offers a broader field of view than its standard 4:3 mode without the aid of a widescreen TV.
The standard 4:3 aspect ratio
Cinema Mode (Letterboxed 4:3 image)
Squeezed Mode (16:9 aspect squeezed on LCD and 4:3 monitor)
One of the purposes of 16:9 (widescreen) is an attempt to emulate one’s peripheral vision, therefore providing wider, broader field of view. Earlier, in the wide angle test, the GR-DF450 had identical measurements for its standard 4:3 and both its wide modes, which is puzzling. The manual claims that when viewed on a widescreen TV, the image will expand to fit the screen, "expand to fit" being the operative words. If one had access to such a TV, it isn’t feasible that it would be with them in all recording conditions, therefore hindering them from assessing the true composition of the image being recorded. I called JVC technical support to inquire about this Squeezed feature but they were as perplexed as I was. The technician simply read the manual to me over and over again. After that extensive inquiry, my humble advice is that the user be very careful with shot composition when shooting 16:9 (Squeezed) with this camcorder.
Scan Rates / 24P (0.0)
The JVC GR-DF450 is not capable of recording in any progressive scan rate (24P, 30P). As expected for a camcorder in this price range, this model can only capture video at the industry standard 60i (interlaced frames per second).
Ports (8.5)
Although this camcorder is compact, small clusters of ports are huddled throughout the GR-DF450’s compact frame. In the rear of this model are two port covers sheltering a FireWire, USB, DC in, and A/V input/output ports. The S-Video port cover can be found buried underneath the LCD, while the SD card slot is concealed underneath the camcorder. On the front end of the right of the camcorder, under a small port cover camouflaged in dark gray, is the microphone in port. A cold accessory shoe rests at the top of the DR-DF450. The inclusion of the S-Video port is a nice touch; it allows the user with yet another option for viewing and transferring data. It is quite a wonder that JVC has fit all these ports within such a frame. Most camcorders of average size do not even provide the user with this many choices.
Other Features (7.5)
Image Stabilization
The GR-DF450 provides electronic image stabilization, which can be employed through the menu system.
Wind Cut
Wind cut reduces the wind noise from the JVC built-in microphone.
Video Light
This camcorder has a built-in video light. With the navigational key pad the users can select three options; Auto, On, Off. The first two modes are self-explanatory, but with Auto mode the camcorder activates the light when it deems it necessary.
Back Light
Indicated by the sun icon, the back light feature slightly brightens a silhouetted image. This feature is engaged by pressing the navigational key pad.
Live Slow
With the Live slow functions, users can playback and record their images in slow motion.
NightAlive
JVC’s NightAlive function reduces the shutter speed to brighten the image in low light settings. This feature can be initiated in the menu system.
Iris Locked
The iris can be locked at a precise aperture setting.
Wipe or Fader Effects
The GR-DF series provides its user with several rudimentary transition options: Fade-White, Fader-Black, Fader-B/W, Wipe-Corner, Wipe-Window, Wipe Slide, Wipe Door, Wipe-Scroll, and Wipe-Shutter. These elementary wipes and fades are available in the camcorder's menu system.
Playback and Picture Effects
The GR-DF450 offers several picture and playback effects in an attempt to appeal to one's artistic sensibilities. They include Classic Film, Sepia Print, Black and White, Monotone, and Strobe. Strobe makes the footage seems as if it were shot under a strobe light. These effects are found buried in the camcorder's extensive menu system.
5S
In 5S mode, the camcorder only records at 5 second intervals, capturing a few frames at a time. The camcorder also provides an Amin options which captures one frame at a time. This function can be used to record stop motion animation.
Tele Macro
This feature allows one to capture objects, such as flowers, from a very short distance. Once Tele Macro is engaged in the menu, the camcorder is zoomed to its highest telephoto setting.
Email
The GR-DF450 allows the user to store real-time images or captured footage onto the memory card as MPEG1 files which can be sent by email.
Comparisons
JVC GR-DF550
For only $20 more (currently street price), users can invest in the GR-DF550, which offers more options. The most significant hike in specs is the 1/4.5” CCD with 1.33 MP gross pixels. The larger imager, surprisingly, did not out perform its less-equipped sibling. It displayed more vibrant colors, but the GR-DF450 was sharper in bright and low light conditions. The GR-DF550 provides higher resolution still options, and produced marginally better still images. This camcorder has a D wide (Digital wide) mode, which provides a wider field of view. The bigger sibling is the better buy, because it possesses the the same features as the GR-DF450 with a better imager and performance results. The imager alone is worth much more than the extra $20.
Sony DCR-HC32
Both camcorders have awkward menu and navigational systems; the GR-DF450’s small four-way navigational key pad coupled with an extensive menu is frustrating, while the DCR-HC32’s touch screen menu system is cumbersome. Users of either camcorder will need time to acclimate themselves with these menu system, but Sony’s users will have an easier time making adjustments. While the Sony has better automatic controls and a superior LCD, the GR-DF450 provides more ports, still features, and manual control options. Point-and-shooters and beginners will revel in the Sony, while patient manual control enthusiasts will invest in the JVC. JVC offers a wealth more options and is better suited for those who want to indulge their artistic sensibilities for reasonable price.
Panasonic PV-GS35
The Panasonic PV-GS35 is equivalent in price and imager specs with the GR-DF450. They both share a 1/6” CCD with 340K effective still and gross pixels. The PV-GS35 is armed with this year’s largest optical zoom capability (30x, twice as large as the JVC compact series). The manual controls on the Panasonic are easier to access and execute. The menu system is a bit confusing but not as tiresome as the GR-DF450. Unlike JVC, Panasonic shunned away from the troublesome four-way navigational key pad and adopted a joystick navigation system, which is easier to operate. This camcorder produced better and richer colors in both bright and low light, but with the AGC activated on the GR-DF450, the JVC produced wonderfully bright and potent images, with some unfortunate grain. The PV-GS35 will suit users who desire to control the quality of their image with relative ease, and the GR-DF450 main attractions are its ports and automatic gain control options.
Canon Elura 80
Although the Elura 80 possesses a monetary value similar to the GR-DF450, it is outfitted with a far better imager, rivaling that of JVC’s more expansive GR-DF550. The Elura 80 has in its arsenal a 1/4.5” CCD with 640K gross pixels. The Elura had better bright and low light performances. The camcorder produced rich and saturated colors, but its low light suffered from noticeable grain. The GR-DF450 had a more ghastly low light performance until its automatic gain options are introduced. Once automatic gain control options have been engaged, this JVC outperforms most camcorders in its price range. However, it is easier to gain entry and navigate through the menu of the Elura 80.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (4.0)
This camcorder is not for point-and-shooters, considering the lag time in its automatic control adjustments.
Budget Consumers (8.0)
This is a relatively inexpensive camcorder, with a wealth of ports and features that are not found in most camcorders in its price range. Budget minded consumers would find this camcorder appealing.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
Although this camcorder has good still performance results, it only offers two still resolution options. Photography enthusiasts should invest in the moderately expansive GR-DF550, which offers higher still resolutions with more sharp and vibrant images.
Gadget Freaks (6.5)
This camcorder’s size coupled with its numerous ports and features will make it appealing to gadget freaks.
Manual Control Freaks (7.0)
The GR-DF450 offers a great assortment of manual control options that will help its users achieve optimum quality control over the captured image. Manual control freaks may salivate over the shear number of options hidden under this model’s small frame, but they might get frustrated with the difficult means of accessing and engaging those controls.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
This camcorder could not satisfy the needs of such advanced users.
Conclusion
Surprising strengths and unfortunate weaknesses are interwoven into the GR-DF450’s small frame. The camcorder’s awkward design, vast number of ports, and complex performance results will surely incite, yet stymie self-expression. This is advertised as an ultra compact camcorder but it is compact in parts and bulky in others, creating a Frankenstein effect. Although the camcorder isn’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing, its design is practical in allowing the user to securely and comfortably hold the frame. Accessing and initiating the model’s extensive features can be tricky due to its small size, but with time the user will learn how to navigate through its features.
As with everything else, this camcorder’s results were not cut and dry. In bright light the camcorder displayed sharp images but had under-saturated colors. In low light the GR-DF450 produced dark and unusable images. Once its automatic gain options were introduced, the camcorder had wonderfully bright images with potent colors. The images were far brighter and richer than most images from other camcorders reviewed this year.
Although the GR-DF450 is a perplexing piece of machinery, at its core it provides its users with a wealth of options for a very reasonable price. This model has also managed to fit more ports, features, and manual controls than most camcorders in its price range. This camcorder is master of none but adequate in all. Users that are patient and in need of sovereignty over the quality of their image will find solace in this a device. I cannot recommend this camcorder, because if one choose to update with the GR-DF550, one receives the same features, better performance, higher still resolutions and a much bigger imager for around $20 more. The GR-DF550 is a much more reasonable buy.