JVC GR-DX307 Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Jun 28, 2004 12:00 PM



The JVC GR-DX307 is another in the line of celebrity-style matchbook (vertical) design camcorders released by JVC. The JVC GR-DX307 is outfitted with a 10x optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD monitor, and a 1/4.5-inch 1.33 megapixel CCD. Along with the other cameras released within this series of camcorders, the JVC GR-DX307’s LCD monitor flips up rather than out, which when combined with its compact size and efficient design, makes the JVC GR-DX307 a perfect choice for the consumer interested in a smaller camcorder. The JVC GR-DX307 is available online for approximately US $700, making it the perfect, more affordable choice for consumers looking for a hybrid digital still camera/camcorder.

Video Performance (6.5)
At light levels of 3000 lux, similar to a daylight scenario, the JVC GR-DX307 performed moderately well. The image is focused (although slightly blurred) and the white, black, and grayscale color tiles are distinct and separate. The green and yellow color tiles are somewhat disappointing, considering the boost in CCD size and overall effective pixel count. It’s worth noting, however, that these two colors are usually suspect on consumer camcorders. The green isn’t too bad, but is heavily influenced by the yellow tiles, while the yellow appears as a light shade of green. The other colors appear under-saturated and even washed, common on 1 CCD camcorders under US $1000 at this light level. The magenta tile is pastel and the blue tile is definitely a shade of purple. The JVC GR-DX307 made quick and relatively seamless adjustments at this light level, which was expected.

The Front (7.0)
The front of the JVC GR-DX307 features a sleek and vertical orientation, with the 10x lens residing above embedded stereo speakers. Under the speakers of the JVC GR-DX307 are the three LED lights, and beneath these lights is the infrared remote sensor for the unit. The front left side of the JVC GR-DX307 is equipped with a port cover for the mic, USB, S-Video/Audio/Video input/output connector, and the DC input connector.

The Right Side (9.5)
The right side of the JVC GR-DX307 is primarily the strap and battery port with a small speaker embedded in the front center portion of the camera. The battery pack consumes most of the right side, and is flush with the body of the camera. The sleek, thin battery pack’s design improves handling of the JVC GR-DX307. The strap for the JVC GR-DX307 is generous in its girth, and runs diagonally from back to front of the camera and horizontally across the right side. The strap is adjustable, primarily comprised of suede, nylon, and Velcro, and is sturdy enough to make even my hand feel comfortable when carrying the JVC GR-DX307.

The Back (8.0)
The back of the JVC GR-DX307 is where most of the control capabilities of this camcorder reside. With a viewfinder located at the top of the unit, it is only possible to engage when it is pulled out from the body of the camera. This is a perplexing design concept, as it can easily slide back into the body during recording. Beneath the color viewfinder, JVC GR-DX307 users will find the digital still snapshot button and the REC start/stop button. Under the snapshot button and to the left are the combined volume controls and sub-zoom buttons. To the right of these controls is the menu button, which is only accessible to the user of the JVC GR-DX307 when the camera is in playback or manual modes. All of these options are clearly labeled in gray text, which can be found directly surrounding each option. The compass-like VCR playback and Navigation keypad rests in the lower section on the back of the JVC GR-DX307. To the left and slightly above this keypad, the user will find the memory/video option, which controls whether recording is done directly to MiniDV or Memory Card. The very bottom of the back houses the Memory Card, which can be easily accessed by simply flipping the housing upwards.

The Left Side (7.5)
The entire left side of the JVC GR-DX307 is almost entirely dedicated to the 3-inch, LCD monitor. Uniquely, and unlike other matchbook style camcorders, the monitor flips upwards, and swivels on a hinge for an almost complete rotation of 270 degrees. The LCD screen thus sits higher on the body of the camcorder, so that the screen is more accessible and feasible to view. Once the screen is open, the user can access four small rectangular buttons, which controls EMAIL/INFO, SELECT, NAVI/STORE, and INDEX/NAVI when the JVC GR-DX307 is in memory card mode. To the front and left, at the top of the JVC GR-DX307, is the power/charge LED. Beneath this is the PLAY/OFF/AUTO/MANUAL toggle switch, which operates on a vertical switch configuration, and is clearly labeled to the left of the control. Beneath this switch, the user will find the FireWire/DV Port, which also may be used only if the LCD screen is open.

The Top (7.0)
The top of the JVC GR-DX307 is a sleek black plastic; this camcorder has almost entirely done away with any features in favor of polished aesthetics. With a small, slightly raised silver bar running up the length of the JVC GR-DX307, it is my only assumption that this slight treatment is intended to allow the user a slight grip on this otherwise slick surface. At the rear of the camera near the viewfinder, the user will find the only control featured on the top of the JVC GR-DX307: The zoom toggle.

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (6.0)
The automatic mode on the JVC GR-DX307 is incredibly restrictive, allowing the viewer no access to any of the manual control features of the camcorder. The menu features accessible in manual mode are not even possible within the Automatic setting, forcing the user to rely entirely upon the camera. The only tools usable within this mode are the two zoom toggles, and the Fast Forward/Light button (activating the three LED lights located frontally on the JVC GR-DX307). The adjustments that are available within the automatic mode are white balance, shutter speed, gain, focus, and exposure. The white balance adjusted fairly quickly– varying from four to seven seconds, although during adjustment the viewfinder/LCD Monitor will display the illumination change as a flash of light. The focus took approximately two seconds to properly engage and settle on the primary object within the focus field.

Overall Manual Control (7.0)
Within manual mode, the JVC GR-DX307 performs quite successfully in comparison to its limited automatic settings. To access manual mode, the mode switch slider must be placed on the manual setting, symbolized by a black M set inside a square. Once in manual mode, the user has control not only over the zoom toggle, but also WIPE/FADER, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, and focus. To access these options, the user merely has to engage the manual option, and then press the MENU button on the back of the camera. To move throughout the menu of the JVC GR-DX307, the compass-like keypad located beneath the MENU button is used as your navigator.

Zoom (5.5)
The JVC GR-DX307 has an optical zoom setting of 10x, with digital settings of 40x and 500x. The contoured zoom toggle is located on the top of the JVC GR-DX307, towards the rear of the camera. It can move between 1x to 40x zoom settings in approximately three seconds when continuously engaged. There is another, secondary set of zoom options located upon the back of the JVC GR-DX307, which also double as the volume buttons for the camera. They are labeled T (telephoto) and W (wide angle). These buttons are also accessible by the right hand’s thumb, comfortably reachable while the hand is settled in the camera strap.

Focus (5.5)
The JVC GR-DX307 comes equipped with both manual and automatic focus settings. When in the manual mode, the focus settings are accessible with the playback keypad located on the back of the camera, which also doubles as the VCR/playback setting. It is labeled above the keypad, in light gray text. By holding the Focus button down, the JVC GR-DX307 can focus manually upon the primary object, while pressing the fast forward and rewind buttons allow for macro/micro focal adjustments to be made. If the play/pause button is depressed and held, the JVC GR-DX307 will focus to “infinity”. To set a certain focal distance, the user merely chooses a desired distance, and when successfully focused, depresses the central button in the navigation keypad, (labeled SET). To negate this command, press the SET button again and make adjustments. To leave manual mode, the Play/Pause/Focus button is pressed once. The manual focus option allows for consistent focal possibilities, avoiding the continual refocusing which occurs in automatic mode anytime an image or object moves.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.5)
The JVC GR-DX307 comes with a manual exposure in-menu option, which is accessible by pressing MENU, and navigating to the auto/manual exposure section. Once established, the display will appear in the lower left-hand portion of the LCD monitor, ranging from -6 to +6. By pressing the fast forward/rewind buttons on the navigation keypad, the user can increase or decrease the exposure of a scene. To lock the setting, the SET button is depressed on the keypad. To readjust or undo a setting, the user of the JVC GR-DX307 must reenter the menu, and return to the exposure section. There is no external, physical way to adjust exposure settings on the JVC GR-DX307, so quick adjustments are fairly impossible.

Shutter Speed (3.0)
The manual shutter speeds for the JVC GR-DX307 range from 1/60-1/4000th of a second, with Program AE options of Sports, Snow, Spotlight, Twilight, Sepia, Monotone, Classic Film, Strobe, and Mirror. These settings are designed to be used in specific shooting situations. 

White Balance (7.0)
The JVC GR-DX307 has multiple white balance options available. Beyond the automatic setting, there are also the possibilities of Manual, Fine, Cloud, and Halogen. These settings are only accessible when the JVC GR-DX307's Mode Switch is placed upon the manual setting. To revert to automatic or to change the setting, the user must reenter the menu settings and reset the white balance option.

Gain (0.0)
The gain options established on the JVC GR-DX307 are presets, and the user is limited to Off, AGC (auto gain control), and Auto A (a setting used in low light situations). These settings are accessed similarly as the others: by entering the manual mode, entering the menu, and navigating to the A symbol depicted in the general headings. Once selected, the user must press set, and can then  scroll down to Gain UP (using up and down controls on the navigation keypad). Once highlighted, SET is pressed, and once again the user is allowed to scroll and highlight their proper option. The automated gain options both boost the electric illumination of the scene, allowing for the image to appear brighter than it is in reality. If the gain is heightened too fully, however, the image will lose its integrity, forcing excessive noise and grain into the captured footage.

Still Performance (7.5)
The JVC GR-DX307 is equipped with two preset controls for image quality, Fine and Standard. Image sizes possible on the JVC GR-DX307 are 640 x 480, 1024 x 768, 1280 x 960, and 1600 x 1200. The JVC GR-DX307 is capable of recording still images to either memory card or to tape and card. Interval time settings available are 15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, or 60 min, for time-lapse photography.

VCR Mode (6.5)
By adjusting the mode switch slider (located on the front of the left side) to the PLAY setting, it is possible to review footage previously captured by the user on their JVC GR-DX307. The navigation keypad is the primary controller for these settings, with the following options available: PLAY/PAUSE, FAST FORWARD, STOP, and REWIND. Playback options are possible with the LCD monitor in both the out and recessed positions on the body of the JVC GR-DX307.

Low Light Performance (4.5)
We have retested the JVC GR-DX307 due to the incredibly dark results featured in the first version of this review. We must have received a faulty model; the subsequent tests proved that we underestimated the JVC GR-DX307. At 60 lux, the JVC GR-DX307 image is well saturated, but the colors have taken on slightly different shades, and are not consistent with the colors of the test at 3000 lux. One could say that the colors have lost a significant amount of the vibrancy of 3000 lux. The resolution bars at this level also see some discoloration and noise between the lines. There is a good deal of noise and grain from the R and G channels, and while there was a tiny bit of this noise at 3000 lux, at 60 lux the noise rises to new heights, perhaps due to some automatic gain adjustment on the GR-DX307. This is most evident in the yellow tile and white tiles. The image is considerably darker and less crisp than the 60 lux image reproduced by JVC’s next model down, the JVC GR-DX97. By the illumination, it appears that the gain has not been turned up, but the amount of red and green noise present in the image has me puzzled.

The 15 lux test results featured the most noticeable change during the retest. Compared to its previously-tested sibling, the new GR-DX307 shines like the light that raised poor Lazarus . Still, there is heavy noise, and unfortunately the relatively well saturated colors cannot be fully enjoyed under these noise conditions.

All in all, for a celebrity camcorder, the GR-DX307 does pretty well, especially considering its new test results.

LCD/ Viewfinder (8.5)
The JVC GR-DX307 comes equipped with a 3-inch LCD monitor, and a 0.3” electronic color viewfinder. This viewfinder becomes activated only when pulled from the body of the camera. If the viewfinder is not extended, the viewfinder remains off, a complication when shooting and moving, as it can easily slip back into the body and turn off the viewing capabilities. It is not possible to use both the LCD monitor and the viewfinder simultaneously. The LCD screen does have some slight solarization, though with the higher positioning, it allows for more adjustments to be made to circumvent any complications the user may encounter while using the JVC GR-DX307. Closing the viewfinder or the LCD monitor acts also as an on/off switch.

The LCD monitor can rotate 270 degrees, and has a crisp accurate image quality. The monitor is closed with a clasp, and when engaged, flips from the bottom upwards and then away from the body, instead of to the left and then away. The viewfinder does not move at all; adjustments aren’t possible, and there appear to be few advantages to using this aspect of the camera. This lack of accessibility or functionality makes the JVC GR-DX307’s viewfinder an unappealing and oddly obsolete feature once essential to any camcorder.

Audio (7.0)
The JVC GR-DX307 comes equipped with a stereo microphone located directly under the lens on the front of the camera. Along with this, there is also a Microphone in port on the front of the camera, found by flipping open the housing component. However, there is no accessory shoe port on this camera, so an external mic would have to be either handheld or attached using third party camcorder hardware. The JVC GR-DX307 is capable of recording either 12 or 16 bit audio. Audio on this camera can be played back via the speaker located on the front right side of the JVC GR-DX307, although another audio unit should be engaged for true audio clarity and precision, due to the in-camera speakers’ low quality.

Handling (4.0)
The small compact size of the JVC GR-DX307 makes this a highly portable and easily accessible camcorder. Despite my large hands, the strap on the right side of the camera works perfectly, allowing for a tight comfortable fit, which made it feel properly secure during taping. However, its small size and sleek design, although attractive and visually appealing, was cause for consternation as my fingers were constantly slipping in front of the lens. Also, the small size of the unit made many of the simple menu changes and button selections tedious and overly complicated for someone with large fingers.

The LCD monitor works wonderfully once opened, and was a surprising new improvement from the regular side-opened models. This change allows for better LCD viewing possibilities without needing constant adjustment, or arranging your body in relation to the JVC GR-DX307. The small size does help me to access the menu and zoom toggle options comfortably without having to remove my right hand from the strap, making minor adjustments to picture quality an easy process.

The tripod socket is located on the non-tape side of the bottom-loading JVC GR-DX307. Although a bottom-loading mechanism complicates the loading and unloading of tapes when attached to a tripod, there really appears to be no other feasible option for these smaller matchbook style camcorders. However, if small enough tripod adapters were used with the JVC GR-DX307, there is the possibility for simultaneous tripod placement and reloading/unloading options. However, this is entirely dependent on the user’s equipment resources.

Ports (8.0)
The JVC GR-DX307 has ports for a mic, USB, A/V, and DC in, all vertically located on the left front portion of the camera body. The FireWire/DV port is located beneath the mode dial on the left side of the JVC GR-DX307’s body. All of the ports are hidden with port covers; however the connection between cover and camera body seems flimsy and possibly easy to break. To access the FireWire/DV port the LCD monitor must be first opened.Other than this quirk, these ports seem logically placed and manageable.

Other Features (5.0)
NightAlive:
Allows for the recording of images in super low and no light situations.

Webcam
Makes it possible for the JVC GR-DX307 to engage in webcam activities on a user’s personal computer via USB port

Transition Effects:
The JVC GR-DX307 has multiple in-camera options such as wipes, scroll, shutter, and fade.

Backlight Compensation:
Allows for the frontally located image to be highlighted while darkening the background.

Email Clip Recording:
This feature allows for video clips on the memory card to be saved as files, which can be transferred via email accounts.

Navigation Function:
Checks a tape’s contents by making thumbnail images on a memory card.

Widescreen Mode
The JVC GR-DX307 comes with the ability to use a digitally manipulated wide screen stretch mode, along with the capability of engaging a 16:9 letterbox format as well.

MPEG
MPEG4 movies are recordable onto the memory card in the 160 x 120 format. This feature is specifically designed with the intention of such images being used in email.

Analog to Digital Pass-Through
The JVC GR-DX307 completely supports a digital to analog pass-through when the proper supplied cables are used.

Comparisons
The JVC GR-DX307 comes equipped with a 1/4.5” 1.33 megapixel CCD and a three bulb LED. It is priced online within the $700 price range, and comes with a flip-up, matchbook style, 3-inch LCD monitor. The comparisons can be separated into two categories, namely price point and camcorder type.

Within the vertical matchbook camcorder market, there are several alternative companies offering products, as well as another, slightly different model within the JVC series of cameras.

JVC GR-DX97
The JVC GR-DX97 is in the middle of the same product line as the JVC GR-DX307. It has a 12x zoom, rather than the 10x available on the 307 model. It comes with a 1/6-inch 680K CCD, a three-bulb LED and a 3-inch LCD. It has fewer in-menu manual control options with slightly diminished possibilities for the manual control enthusiast. It also comes with two settings for still images and only goes to a 1024 x 768 resolution, whereas the GR-DX307 has four settings with a peak resolution of 1600 x 1200. The video performance and low light performance on the JVC GR-DX97 (and the GR-DX77) is far superior to that of the JVC GR-DX307.

Canon Elura 50 The Elura 50 has a 2-inch LCD screen with no LED possibilities. It has a 1/6-inch 630K CCD, and a 10x optical zoom. The still options are comparable to the JVC GR-DX307, and the manual options are similar as well.

Sony DCR-PC109 The Sony DCR-PC109 has a 1/6-inch 680K CCD with the 10x optical zoom. The screen is slightly smaller than the JVC GR-DX307, at only 2.5 inches, and does not come equipped with an LED. However, it does have the ability for accessory docking on-camera, unlike the 307, making it a more audio and accessory friendly camera.

Within the same comparable price range of the JVC GR-DX307 are several options. Although not conceptually or stylistically similar, they are still feasible alternatives, depending on the consumer’s needs.

Canon ZR90 A 1/6-inch 680K CCD makes it comparable to the JVC GR-DX307; however, its vastly superior 22x zoom lens (10x on the JVC) makes it a much more attractive product for the more serious of users. With quality assured in the optics of the Canon ZR90, the disappointing low light results it garnered are one of its main minuses. It has fewer manual controls, but is comfortable and easier to hold and carry.

Sony DCR-HC40 (Review, Specs, $539.94) With a 1/5-inch 680K CCD, and a 10x optical lens, this camera is specifically designed for those users seeking an entirely point-and-shoot based camcorder. Having eliminated almost all manual options the user is entirely reliant upon the camera itself, without having any personal control or decisions. This can also be interpreted as a dedication to worry free shooting, without the complications of manual modes. With a touch screen operational manual, it has eliminated the need for excessive buttons upon the camera body’s surface.


Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (5.0)
The JVC GR-DX307 is perfect for those point-and-shoot occasions, when little control is wanted by the consumer. However, this wanton simplification of camcorders to their most base components can quickly become aggravating and frustrating for some.

Budget Consumers (3.0)
For the budget shopper, this camcorder is perhaps not the most feasible option available. Its small size is alluring, but at $700, it’s called the celebrity series for a distinct reason.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (4.0)
With four resolution settings available on the JVC GR-DX307, the highest being 1600 x 1200 pixels, this camera is a strong choice for the hybrid market, when also considering its compact size.

Gadget Freaks (4.0)
Sleek and clean, the JVC GR-DX307 is great for the gadget freak looking for a small lightweight camera with the added allure of the flip-up LCD monitor.

Manual Control Freaks (3.0)
Manual controls do exist on the JVC GR-DX307. However, with most of them in-menu, the accessibility and allure is slightly compromised. Those options that are available within the menu should be enough to keep most appetites sated.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (1.0)
Although repeated time and again throughout this review, the JVC GR-DX307’s small compact size makes it a perfect, if slightly expensive back up for your other cameras. Perhaps best used for second or third angle shots, or to back up a primary camera angle. It is perfect for many traveling situations.

Conclusion
With a 1/4.5-inch 1.33 megapixel CCD, I expected better all-around performance out of the JVC GR-DX307. Under good conditions, the camcorder performs pretty well, and the unique flip-up LCD only adds to comfortable handling. If JVC (and every other manufacturer for that matter) could get Sony LCD quality, that would be a huge improvement. The JVC GR-DX307 handles as well as any other vertical (or celebrity) style camcorder, with some unique features such as dual zoom control (despite its awkward placement) and the pull-out viewfinder that, most likely unintentionally, will double as a power off/on when the LCD is closed. The restricted menu access in automatic mode is somewhat disconcerting, but might be good for the intimidated newbie who doesn't want to get lost in controls. Automatic modes, for the most part, do take the guesswork out of recording which may be appealing. Although not marketed as an “easy” mode (like Sony), the JVC GR-DX307’s automatic mode is just as easy and hands-free.

As far as low light is concerned, the GR-DX307 does perform better than it did the first time around in the testing tent, boosting its score and credibility as valid camcorder. So considering the new results, the GR-DX307, while still not up to par with the GR-DX97 in terms of low light quality, still makes the runnings.