JVC GR-DF550 Camcorder Reviewby Matt CullerPublished on Apr 5, 2005 12:00 PM 
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The JVC GR-DF550 is the king of the hill in JVC’s new Ultra Compact Series this year. Announced at the Consumer Electronic Showcase this January and available since March, this camcorder includes a new, more Everio-like design (unlike JVC’s Compact Series) and the best imager of any of JVC’s one-chip camcorders this year. Like all of the other Ultra-Compact camcorders it only has a 15x optical zoom, but it should have better video and low light performance because of its imager. In actuality, the GR-DF550 performs strangely in the low light category. Good or bad? You decide.
Video Performance (6.0)
The JVC GR-DF550 features a 1/4.5 inch CCD with 1.33 MP. This is substantially better than the 1/6 inch (680K) CCD found on nearly every other one of JVC’s one-chip camcorders this year. On top of that, the JVC GR-DF550 (and every other Ultra-Compact camcorder) features the 3D Noise reduction technology of last year’s one-chip camcorders. All of this goes into making the GR-DF550 probably the best of JVC’s one-chip camcorders this year.
We tested the GR-DF550 in optimal conditions of 3000 lux, the equivalent of bright sunlight, to study the camcorder at its best. The GR-DF550 performed very well, producing an extremely crisp image, ranking in with some 3 CCD camcorders in this category. Its vibrancy of colors is definitely not at the 3 CCD level. Indeed, many less advanced one-chip camcorders produce more vibrant colors, such as the GR-D270 (Review, Specs, $379.99), Canon’s ZR300 (Review, Specs, $449), and Panasonic’s PV-GS35 (Review, Specs, $359.95) (Review, Specs, $283.25). Some camcorders have comparable crispness, such as Sony’s DCR-HC42, but by and large the GR-DF550 with its 1.33 megapixel CCD does well.
Video Resolution (9.0)
Using the GR-DF550, we took some footage of a standard resolution chart at both 4:3 and 16:9 (cinema mode) and imported stills from this video into Imatest Imaging Software. In 4:3 mode, the GR-DF550 gave us approximately 336.3 lines of horizontal resolution and 269.9 lines of vertical resolution, producing a real resolution of 90767.37 (0.09 MP). In Squeeze mode, the GR-DF550 gave us approximately 378.9 lines of horizontal resolution and 205 lines of vertical resolution, yielding a real resolution of 78015.51.
The Front (9.0)
Before starting the “tour” of the camcorder’s external components, I’d like to say that the JVC GR-DF550 is very small. The camcorder packs in lots of ports and features, maintains a handy top-loading mechanism, and stays under 4.5” long. Pretty amazing.
That said, everything on the GR-DF550 looks as if the engineers at JVC took a regular-sized horizontal camcorder and pushed everything in towards the center. The front of the camcorder features the lens (F 1.2, f 3-45mm), auto illumination light, and stereo microphone.
The Right Side (9.5)
The right side of the GR-DF550 is the side which the user grips. It features the camcorder’s strap which runs along its bottom; it also folds open to reveal the tape mechanism and allows for tape swapping. And almost out of reach (and sight) there is a small port cover located on the far right side, which covers the camcorder’s microphone input port. The microphone port is oddly placed on the opposite side from the accessory shoe. Also, the port is located towards the front of the camcorder while the shoe is towards the middle. Then again, everything is so compact on this camcorder that it might not matter too much.
The Left Side (9.0)
The left side of the GR-DF550 is home to the camcorder’s 2.5” LCD screen. This is traditional setup; the LCD folds out to reveal a number of buttons including a four-way navigational button. There are no touch screen menus, jog dials, or anything like that. While this is only a one-chip camcorder, and therefore isn’t designed for fiddling around with lots of settings, it would help JVC to improve their navigational system.
Underneath the LCD screen are a series of buttons: Menu/ Battery Data (access to the menu system), E-mail (convenient email-formatted video clip mode), Sel and Info buttons (used in memory mode playback), a four-way navigational button (navigation through the record and playback menu systems), and a switch to toggle between video and memory modes. Next to these buttons JVC has shoved in an S-Video port, a nice addition.
The Back (7.0)
The back of the JVC GR-DF550 is as compact and efficient as the rest of the camcorder’s surface, and displays the camcorder’s only real button/feature placement problem. The camcorder’s viewfinder is relatively immobile (it only pulls straight back), but it’s pretty good because it extends at a slight angle. The only problem, aside from its flimsiness, is that it barely clears the battery at full extension, leaving little to no room for those of us with gigantic schnozes. Next to the viewfinder is a handsome black port cover which reveals the camcorder’s FireWire and Video Class USB ports. Immediately to its left is another black port cover which hugs the corner between the camcorder’s back and right side. This cover reveals the camcorder’s AV input/output and DC input ports. Below both of these port covers is the camcorder’s record button which is ringed with its mode selector. Available modes are Playback, Off, Auto, and Manual.
The Top (8.0)
The top of the JVC GR-DF550 features the camcorder’s cold accessory shoe (no power) on its left side. The right side of the top is elevated about a quarter inch above the left side and features the camcorder’s zoom toggle, photo button, and open switch. It’s really nice to have a top-loading tape mechanism on a camcorder this small. Most manufactures assume that those who use camcorders this small won’t be using tripods and thus won’t mind bottom-loading tape mechanisms, but JVC has said, “Hey--if we’re giving them a tripod mount on the bottom of the camcorder, maybe we shouldn’t give it a bottom-loading mechanism so they don’t have to unscrew the camcorder from the tripod head to switch tapes.” Or something along those lines.
Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (7.0)
The GR-DF550, like a dutiful point-and-shoot camcorder, offers a good amount of automatic controls, including those over focus, exposure, shutter speed, white balance, and gain. Automatic defaults for all of the above listed features can be locked into place in the camcorder’s Auto mode, accessible using the mode selector ring surrounding the record button. In this mode, the camcorder’s menu system is completely inaccessible. The quick review and video light buttons still function normally. When in manual mode, all the automatic setting are available and can be set in the menu system. Two automatic gain functions are available; most camcorders do not have any gain controls, and these cannot be considered manual controls as the user cannot select a specific dB increase for the gain. Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and automatic candlelight gain adjustment (Auto “candle icon” A) are available within the menu system. AGC boost increases the signal’s gain which produces a brighter, though more noisy image, while the Auto A mode adds an automatic shutter speed adjustment to the AGC boost to produce even brighter images, though often they’re with trails that accompany slow shutter rates.
There are also a group of Program AE presets (Automatic Exposure) which set boundaries on the amount of adjustment possible to the shutter speed and iris based on approximate light levels. These presets are located in the menu system, therefore making them unavailable in automatic mode. They include: Sports, Snow, Spotlight, and Twilight.
On the GR-DF550, JVC has also offered a Spot Metering function. When exposure is set to auto, the user can press the backlight button (under the LCD) twice to make a small red bracket appear on the screen. This bracket can be moved to either the right or left of the center to force the camcorder to adjust exposure to that spot. This is similar to Sony’s Sport Metering feature, though it loses some versatility and quirkiness by not being part of a touch screen menu system.
As far as performance goes, the automatic adjustments are okay. Automatic adjustments to white balance are good, subtle and smooth, but adjustments to exposure, while quick in themselves, take a moment to kick in before adjusting. Focal adjustments in good light and with the zoom pulled back are good and accurate, but low light situations (like some indoor light and in shadowy areas) give focus a lot of trouble. Needless to say, these automatic controls aren’t as good as they are on many Sony camcorders, which is a shame as most people are probably buying these camcorders to point-and-shoot.
Overall Manual Control (6.0)
The GR-DF550 offers a decent amount of manual control though the method to access it could be better. Manual controls exist for shutter speed, focus, exposure, and white balance, but all of them are accessed by entering the camcorder’s menu system (as opposed to using external buttons, a focus ring, etc.). Not only that, but the camcorder’s menu is navigated and accessed using buttons under the LCD screen, which forces the user to open the screen. This can be annoying when you want to use only the viewfinder.
Zoom Control (7.5)
The zoom control on the GR-DF550 isn’t bad. On such a small camcorder, I expected it to be oddly placed and hard to get to, but the opposite was the case. Not only was the zoom toggle located conveniently underneath the index finger of my right hand during handheld recording, but it was also relatively easy to use, allowing for smooth zooms and good control. While not quite as easy to control as some Sony camcorder toggles, and not nearly as good as Canon’s, this one beats the tar out of nearly all Panasonic zoom toggles. As on many small camcorders, the GR-DF550’s zoom slows down noticeably half-way through its full telephoto capability.
Focus (4.0)
Accessing the GR-DF550’s manual focus is actually a bit easier than accessing the other manual controls. The user is required to press up on the navigational control to access the manual focus which appears as a tiny little spectrum of icons, from torso to mountain, on the LCD screen. This is better than having to enter the camcorder’s menu system. Once accessed, focus can be adjusted by pressing either left or right on the navigational control to move through the focal range. Eyeballing focus adjustment is very hard, as is adjusting focus using two little buttons. Still, this is much better than Sony’s touch screen method.
Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
Manual exposure adjustments can be made, though the user has to enter the camcorder’s menu system, switch to manual exposure mode, and then, using the navigation control, select from 12 different exposure offset levels (+/-6), from nearly black to nearly white. No F-stop measurements are given. Unlike focus, once adjusted and set, exposure can only be readjusted by entering the menu system all over again. Navigating JVC’s menu system is pain in and of itself, but readjusting exposure is a particular pain in the rear.
JVC has added an iris lock function to the GR-DF550 which is kinda cool. The user can lock the iris in place, regardless of which offset level is selected, if he or she is expecting to film a moving object or a reflective background. To engage this function, first find the exposure level you’d like, but when you press set to set it, hold it for two seconds. That’s it.
Shutter Speed (6.0)
Adjusting the shutter speed is similar to adjusting exposure, though in this case actual shutter speed rates are given. Included within the Program AE section of the menu, available shutter speeds are 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, and 1/4000. Manual shutter speeds are always welcome, and they are consistently included on JVC camcorders. It would be nice to see some slower levels to enable some of the cool effects that really slow shutter speed brings, but it seems that this year (like last year) these levels are only available on expensive camcorders.
White Balance (7.0)
Manual white balance, like manual shutter and exposure, is buried in the GR-DF550’s menu system. Options include Auto, Manual, Fine, Cloud, and Halogen. Fine and Cloud options are outdoor auto settings, while Halogen (as opposed to fluorescent or incandescent, other common WB presets) is an indoor setting.
Gain (0.0)
There are no manual gain adjustments available on the GR-DF550, just the two automatic gain options discussed in the automatic control section.
Other Manual Control (0.0)
There are no other manual controls available on the GR-DF550.
Ease of Use (5.0)
While the GR-DF550’s auto mode makes things a bit easier, if you want to change anything about the camcorder, you’re in for a treat. And yes, that’s sarcasm. The GR-DF550 has a particularly cumbersome and Byzantine menu system making adjustments not only time-consuming but frustrating to access. It’s bad enough that the camcorder’s menu is accessed by a navigational four-way button (Panasonic, which had a similar system last year, has completely over-hauled it for the better), but the JVC menu system lacks the easy surfing features seen in Sony and Panasonic menu systems. Instead of being given the easy outs of pressing the menu button a second time or pressing left twice to exit the system, JVC requires the user to cycle through often grueling amounts of options to find the exit options, exceptionally frustrating in case you accidentally hit the menu button and wanted to get out quick.
Still Features (7.5)
The GR-DF550 offers a few more still options than the other Ultra-Compact camcorders in this JVC series. Stills can be recorded to Memory/SD card, which fits into the camcorder on its bottom. While the GR-DF450 (Review, Specs, $329) records stills at 1024 x 768, the GR-DF550 offers resolutions of 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. Image qualities of fine and standard are available, and the GR-DF550 offers an interval shooting option. A load of intervals are available: 60 min., 30 min., 10 min., 5 min., 2 min., 1 min., 30 sec., and 15 sec. Digital zoom, image stabilization, and wide modes are not available during still recording. Stills (640 x 480) can be captured to tape using the snap shot button.
Still Resolution (2.51)
As we tested the video resolution of the GR-DF550, we tested the resolution of still images taken to SD card. The GR-DF550 captures still images to SD card at 640 x 480, 1024 x 768, 1152 x 864, and 1600 x 1200. Out of all the sample stills that we tested (using Imatest Imaging software) from each one of these resolutions, the best gave us approximately 251,430.75 pixels of resolution (0.251 MP). It should be noted that this is “real resolution,” and although it differs from the reported resolution of the camcorder (1.92 MP), it is not an unusual reading; all imaging products perform worse in our tests than in their manufacturer’s report.
Still Performance (4.0)
As far as the performance of still photos goes, the GR-DF550 performs admirably but not as well as expected, considering its imager. The camcorder’s performance is comparable with that of the PV-GS35 (a 1/6” CCD Panasonic) in scope and quality, though the two camcorders produce different kinds of images. The Panasonic as well as some other Sony and JVC camcorders, notably the DCR-HC32 (Review, Specs, $490.7) and the GR-D270, produce more vibrant colors than the GR-DF550. But these camcorders also produce less crisp images with generally more noise, though the PV-GS35 doesn’t produce so much more. Compared to Canon’s ZR300, the GR-DF550’s stills show significantly less noise with better colors and equal crispness.
Low Light Performance (4.0)
The low light performance of the GR-DF550 really depends on how low a light level is involved. For a camcorder of its imager specifications it is both surprising and largely not bad. We tested the GR-DF550 at both 15 lux and 60 lux light levels. 60 lux is the approximate equivalent of a slightly dim indoor room, which is by no means outside the camcorder’s recommended window of performance. 15 lux, while significantly dimmer than 60 lux, isn’t outside the realm of the camcorder’s performance either, though it’s riding the edge.
Auto Mode (15 Lux)
Auto Mode (60 Lux)
Both the GR-DF550’s 15 and 60 lux images shot in Full Auto mode are unusable. They are extremely dark, and while the chart’s form is distinguishable at 60 lux, colors in both images are almost completely nonexistent. This is unfortunate, though not unprecedented. The GR-DX307 (Review, Specs, $449.95) showed similar results last year. What salvages the GR-DF550’s low light performance are the gain up features available when in manual mode. These features include JVC’s AGC (automatic gain control) feature and Auto A mode. While JVC’s AGC was available on last year’s camcorders–indeed, their splendid low light performance was due to this feature–it could not be turned off as it can be on these new Ultra-Compact camcorders. Also, since the new Ultra-Compact camcorders features JVC’s 3D noise reduction technology (also on last year’s camcorders), JVC can include a further gain function, Auto A, which offers even more illumination.
As you can see from the charts below, the gain functions on the GR-DF550 definitely boost the colors at both 15 and 60 lux light levels. Colors aren’t as crystal as in bright light, but the camcorder’s noise reduction technology helps the image, though muddy, to be surprisingly crisp for the amount of noise expected.
Manual Mode (15 lux AGC On)
Manual Mode (60 lux AGC On)
Manual Mode (15 lux AUTO A On)
Manual Mode (60 lux AUTO A On)
Compared to nearly every other one-chip camcorder we’ve reviewed this year, the GR-DF550 performs miserably in full auto mode at both 15 and 60 lux. While many of this year’s camcorders are bad, none are this unusable. On the other hand, when AGC is on the tables are turned completely; the GR-DF550 produces better video than all but the three-CCD camcorders we’ve reviewed so far.
The differences between AGC and Auto A are relatively subtle. In Auto A mode more noise is introduced to the image which, when coupled with slowing of the shutter that the mode includes, contributes to a general muddiness of it.
Zoom Power/Ratio (15.0)
The GR-DF550 has a 15x optical zoom ratio.
Wide Angle (9.4)
At its widest angle the GR-DF550 achieves a field of view of approximately 47 degrees in 4:3 mode, and 55 degrees with the camcorder’s D. Wide (digital wide) function selected. It should be noted that the D. Wide feature is a digital effect, as opposed to an optical one, and thus results from it will not be considered in the scoring of this section.
Without D.Wide
D. Wide On
Cinema Mode
(black bars on top and bottom)
VCR Mode (6.5)
Playback modes for both SD card and tape capture are available for on-camcorder and off-camcorder playback on the PV-GS35. These modes are selected using the mode dial, with playback options toggled using the joystick control and zoom control (volume). The arrangement of the controls allow the PV-GS35’s playback modes to be easily accessed with one hand. The A/V port on the front of the camcorder and the S-Video port in the rear allow for playback on televisions. Computer editing and manipulation are available using the DV port and USB port, both located under the strap. Thumbnail playback of card captured still images, as well as formatting and editing options, are also available on PV-GS35. Slow-motion/frame-by-frame playback is available with the camcorder’s remote.
LCD/Viewfinder (7.5)
The GR-DF550 features a 2.5” LCD screen and a 0.16” color viewfinder. The LCD unfortunately solarizes when viewed from an angle, but because of the size of the camcorder seems to fill up the entire LCD panel, though it is a standard 2.5” screen. Most big camcorders feature a bigger panel, and I always fold them out in expectation of a bigger screen; JVC delivers. The viewfinder isn’t too mobile though. It stretches straight back, at a slight upward angle. At full extension, it is wobbly and feels cheap.
Audio (6.5)
Audio can be captured at both 12 and 16 bit. The GR-DF550 also includes a microphone input toward the front of the camcorder which provides an alternative to the built-in microphone. The accessory shoe for the microphone is unfortunately cold, so you can’t power your microphone on the camcorder’s juice. Audio dubbing is possible with the camcorder’s included remote.
Handling (8.0)
Usually small camcorders have big handling problems, sacrificing ease of use to enhanced portability, but GR-DF550 doesn’t. I think this is one of the main strengths of the camcorder. Yes, it does have a good imager (better than the other JVCs this year) and a new cosmetic design, but the main advantage to its design is that it is very comfortable to hold and remains extremely portable. The key to all of this is the raised portion on the right side of the camcorder which holds the tape mechanism. It provides a sizable hand grip while the rest of the camcorder shrinks to save space.
The only problem I see with the camcorder’s handling is that the battery is humongous and awkwardly hangs off the back of the camcorder, though its placement wouldn’t be such a problem if the viewfinder were more mobile. As it is the viewfinder, at its full extension, barely clears the battery. This makes viewfinder use cumbersome.
The GR-DF550 is one of the only camcorders so far this year that conveniently places the camcorder’s zoom toggle beneath the user’s index finger. I really like this, even though the zoom toggle isn’t the best.
Portability (8.5)
The GR-DF550 is very portable. While not as portable as JVC’s Everio line (what could be?) it is, as an Ultra-Compact camcorder, very convenient for small outings or for packing into suitcases. It is rare to find a camcorder that offers so many things (and not just menu options) in such a compact form. The GR-DF550 has a microphone input, S-Video port, and an accessory shoe, which is more than many bigger camcorders have room for. JVC has also increased the ratio of used space to unused space on the LCD panel, making for a more practical-looking and feeling camcorder.
Battery Life (6.1)
With the included BN-VF707 battery pack the GR-DF550 recorded slightly over the advertised hour-long recording time (with the LCD open, and without zooming). The total recording time was 61 minutes and 18 seconds. This is an average length for a camcorder of this type.
Compression (8.0)
The JVC GR-DF550 uses standard DV compression to MiniDV tape. MiniDV compression is certainly the standard of video quality against which all other compression formats are judged.
Media (8.0)
The JVC GR-DF550 has the ability to record video to 6.35 mm MiniDV tape in both SP and LP modes. Eighty minutes can be recorded in SP mode with 120 minutes available in LP mode. SD cards, ranging from 8 MB to 1 GB, can be used capture digital stills.
Editing (8.0)
Video footage recorded to MiniDV tape can be edited very easily using any of the many editing software suites, most notably Avid and Final Cut Pro, though many manufactures include rudimentary editing software with their products.
Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.5)
The GR-DF550 has two widescreen modes available, like most Panasonic camcorders. There is a squeeze mode which records a 16:9 image squeezed into a 4:3 frame until it can be stretched out later. There is also a cinema mode which places black bars on the camcorder’s natural 4:3 image to produce a letterboxed image. Unlike Panasonic and Sony camcorders, the JVC GR-DF550 doesn’t digitally reorient the squeezed 16:9 image (in squeeze mode) while viewing it on the camcorder. In a way this is better; it gives the view a better idea of what’s actually being recorded to tape. However, many Panasonic and Sony camcorders, which digitally stretch out the image on the LCD screen, are more convenient during capture and generally better all-around, especially those new Sonys with the wide select button right on the LCD screen.
4:3 Standard Aspect
Cinema Mode (black bars letterbox the 4:3 image)
Squeeze Mode (16:9 image squeezed on
LCD and while editing in 4:3 composer window)
Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The JVC GR-DF550 does not offer recording in 24P (24 progressive) or any 24P-like effect to stimulate cinema-like capture. Video is captured at the 60 interlaced fields per second each with 525 lines of resolution.
Ports (8.5)
The JVC GR-DF550 features a wealth of ports all crammed into its compact (one could say ultra-compact) form. Two port covers on the back of the camcorder holds its Video Class USB, FireWire, A/V input/output, and DC input ports, while a small port cover on the right side of the camcorder conceals an external microphone port. The camcorder’s S-Video port is located in the LCD cavity, and a cold accessory shoe is located on top of the camcorder. The camcorder’s memory card/SD card port is located on the bottom.
Other Features (7.5)
Backlight-- This feature brightens the image slightly, as in a backlit situation. It is indicated by the sun icon. It is accessed by pressing down on the navigational button underneath the LCD screen.
Image Stabilization-- The JVC GR-DF550 offers electronic image stabilization, which can be toggled on and off within the camcorder’s menu system.
Playback Options-- The GR-DF550, with its included remote, allows for slow motion and frame-by-frame playback; it also zooms up to 47x (digitally) during playback.
Playback Effects-- Playback effects are available to make your video look like Classic Film, Sepia print, B/W monotone, or as if it were under a Strobe light. They are digital and cheesy.
Video Light-- By using the navigational button to select the light, the user of the GR-DF550 can toggle between three video light options (ON, OFF, and AUTO). The Auto mode turns the light on when the camcorder thinks you need it.
5S An option available in the camcorder’s menu system, 5S allows the user to record either 5 seconds of video at a time or a few frames at a time, depending on which mode (5S or Anim.) is selected. The Anim. function can be used to record stop-animation video.
Wind Cut-- Helps to reduce wind noise in the camcorder’s built-in microphone.
Tele Macro-- This feature basically zooms to the camcorder’s fullest telephoto, allowing for the capture of close objects (approximately 19.75” away).
Live Slow-- This features allows for slow motion playback and recording.
NightAlive-- In addition to the gain options available on the GR-DF550, especially the Auto A gain function which slows the shutter, the camcorder also offers a dedicated night mode, available in the Program AE menu section. This mode significantly slows the shutter speed of the camcorder though it doesn’t boost the gain. Digital Image Stabilization cannot be used with this feature.
Iris Lock-- Using this feature the iris can be locked into place at a certain aperture, though this aperture can only be arrived at using either the automatic or manual exposure.
Spot Exposure Control-- Similar to Sony’s Spot Metering function available on many of their touch screen menu camcorders, this function allows users to the select from three metering points, one in the center with one to the right and left. This is a less gimmicky, versatile, and ultimately fun version than Sony’s.
Wipe and Fader-- There are basic wipes and fades available in the camcorder’s menu system. They include: Fade-White, Fader-Black, Fader-B/W, Wipe-Corner, Wipe-Window, Wipe-Slide, Wipe-Door, Wipe-Scroll, and Wipe-Shutter.
D.Wide-- One of the coolest features on the GR-DF550 is JVC’s D. Wide (digital wide) feature. When it is selected, the camcorder perceives a slightly wider angle. The zoom can be retracted to wide and the 1x optical indicator originally seen as the widest setting becomes 0.7x as if you were using a 0.7x conversion lens. This is a digital effect.
Comparisons
Panasonic PV-GS35
With better manual controls than the GR-DF550, Panasonic’s PV-GS35 might be a better option for the manual control freak, but other than that the GR-DF550 includes as many ports and things, and with the AGC on it produces better quality image in low and bright light environments. The PV-GS35 is a lot cheaper; however, the GR-DF550 has better still capabilities. For maybe a little bit more money, Panasonic’s lowest-priced three CCD PV-GS65 (Review, Specs, $899) is available, which will be less compact but offer better video performance.
Canon Elura 85 (Specs, $325)
For a similar recommended price, the Elura 85 is available. It shares nearly identical imager specs with the GR-DF550, and although we have yet to test it, it will probably produce comparable video (if you factor in the GR-DF550’s AGC control). It lacks the S-Video port, USB port, and video light that the JVC includes.
Sony DCR-HC32
With a slightly better CCD than the DCR-HC42, the GR-DF550 is available for around the same price (recommended). We were very disappointed with this Sony’s performance, and factoring the in the AGC of the JVC, would pick the GR-DF550 in a heartbeat. The DCR-HC42 does offer a 16:9 LCD screen, a hot accessory shoe, and a very small body which is kinda cool. The built-in lens cover is also a plus. No mic port though, and its still capabilities are inferior.
JVC GR-DF450
The GR-DF450 only has a 1/6 inch 680K CCD. This upgrade (to the GR-DF550's 1/4.5" imager) is the main difference separating these camcorders. I'm interested to see if the GR-DF450 performs similarly. Or worse! Hmm, if the lower end Ultra-Compact models feature the same CCDs as the JVC's Compact line (also with 1/6 inch CCDs) and add the Gain options that the GR-DF550 offers, they might be better buys. The other difference is the GR-DF450 only records stills at 1024 x 768, as opposed to the GR-DF550's 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The GR-DF450's also fifty bones cheaper. Right now it's too early to see if it's a better buy. I'm waiting to see how it performs.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (8.0)
The GR-DF550 is a good point-and-shoot camcorder, though it has enough manual control to make the manual control approach viable as well. The camcorder offers an automatic mode which is nice for this crowd, and to be honest, its manual controls are hard to access.
Budget Consumers (6.5)
As the most expensive JVC one-chipper on the market this year, I can’t say that this is for the budget-conscious. However, at a recommended price of less than six hundred dollars, it can be seen as a good buy.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
The GR-DF550 does offer quite a bit of still options to the user, though its still performance doesn’t exactly make it the best hybrid.
Gadget Freak (5.0)
The size of the GR-DF550 is a gadget in and of itself. As with the new Everio camcorders, the design of the GR-DF550 is great (in many ways it’s better). On top of this, while the GR-DF550 doesn’t offer any innovative hardware gadgets, it does offer a lot of other features which might appeal to that audience. Also, it has a microphone port and an S-Video port.
Manual Control Freaks (6.0)
While the JVC doesn’t have any many as say, a Panasonic camcorder, it has a good amount of manual controls.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists (3.0)
Maybe it would do in a pinch, but generally this is not a camcorder for this audience.
Conclusion
For a street price of $500 the GR-DF550 offers what most camcorders at this price range cannot: a 1/4.5 CCD, decent still photo sizes, and a wealth of other features including auto gain controls and S-Video and mic ports in an extremely small yet comfortable package. The main (and significant) reservation with this camcorder is its low light performance. Without the automatic gain functions that it houses, the GR-DF550 cannot be used in low light.
Now, it should be noted that last year’s JVC included the same auto gain control, but it was a default thing, and always applied. Are we to read the ability to turn of this control, as well as the addition of the AUTO A control, as more exciting additions or as ways of revealing this model’s deficiency? The choice is up to you. Personally, I have treated the camcorder as one offering more options. My reasons for this are that the AGC control and AUTO A control, when on, do not limit the camcorder’s functionality, unlike a disabling of the widescreen mode. Also, AUTO A is provided as an option to AGC, so now you have a choice between three options: AGC, AUTO A, or off. While one of these options isn’t really a choice, we are left with two, as opposed to last year’s one. As always, two good things are better than one.
What is really a good prospect (we'll see if it plays out) is the potential performance of the GR-DF450 and GR-DF430 (Specs, ). They have a smaller imager than the GR-DF550, a 1/6 inch 680K CCD. This is the same size as seen on the Compact JVC's GR-D270, GR-D250 (Review, Specs, ) (Review, Specs, $299), and GR-D295 (Specs, ). If it is the same imager as on these camcorders then we can expect better automatic performance at low light levels. That coupled with the GR-DF550's automatic gain functions, could spell great low light performance, and for a cheaper price. We'll keep you informed.