JVC GZ-MG130 Camcorder Reviewby John NeelyPublished on May 4, 2007 12:00 PM 
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Comparison
JVC GZ-MG21
Last year’s version of the MG130 (Review, Specs, $467.95) is almost identical in the looks department, but under the hood is a different story. Both camcorders sport the same 1/6” imagers, maximum still size of 640 x 480, bottom-loading SD card slot, and cheap, plastic design. However, the MG21 only has a 20GB hard drive while the MG130 boasts a 30GB hard drive. In addition, the MG21 has a 2.5” non-widescreen 4:3 aspect LCD screen that just oozes late 90’s. The only edge the MG21 has over the MG130 is an S-Video output. The real kicker is its price tag. For $100 more than the MG130, the MG21 is hardly a contender. Isn’t it disconcerting to know that there exists a worse camcorder than the MG130?
JVC GZ-MG155 (Review, Specs, $0.00)
The JVC GZ-MG155 ($599 MSRP) is the step-up model to the MG130, so the fact that both camcorders have almost identical dimensions and weight is not surprising. A 2.7” wide LCD screen is also shared, in addition to a 30GB hard drive. The MG155 pumps up the jam with a much larger 1.07MP imager, 1152 x 854 maximum still resolution, and supplied Everio docking station. It also has an S-Video output and a slightly smaller 32x optical zoom. What you need to decide is whether slightly better video, bigger still images, and a docking station is worth an extra $100.
Panasonic SDR-H20
The Panasonic SDR-H20 ($599 MSRP) does not look promising. Both camcorders have a 1/6” imager, 640 x 480 maximum still resolution, 2.7” wide LCD screen, and 30GB hard drive. Only the MG130 is $100 less than the H20. The MG130 even wins in the zoom department with a 34x optical vs. the H20’s 32x optical. However, Panasonic typically trumps everyone in manual controls, so they always manage a fan base. Also, the mid-level offerings from Panasonic in the last couple years have been a good value. We have no review for this model yet, so we’ll call it tied for now.
Sony DCR-SR42
It seems as though all entry-level hard drive camcorders share the same core elements within. The Sony DCR-SR42 ($599 MSRP) is no exception. Once again, both camcorders share the same 1/6” imager, 640 x 480 maximum still resolution, and 30GB hard drive. What the SR42 can brag about is its 40x optical zoom and H Series stamina battery that reportedly last up to 9 hours. What the SR42 can’t brag about is its 2.5” 4:3 aspect LCD screen. Wake up, Sony, it’s 2007. With a longer battery life and broader zoom, the SR42 does not seem to be worth an extra $100, so in this case, stick with the MG130. Sony will undoubtedly be easier to use, with better auto control responses, and – if their track record holds – a sharper image.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The MG130 is for point-and-shooters. Hands down. Just watch the built-in demo video—it rivals the Magic Bullet infomercial.
Budget Consumers
If you can’t spend over $500 on a camcorder and want the convenience of a hard drive, you’re pretty much out of luck. Go for a MiniDV camcorder like the Canon Elura 100 (Specs, $379.19) (it’s still out there on the web). If you definitely have to have an HDD, save up an additional $100 and go for one of Panasonic’s new SDR-H20’s, which is believed to offer more manual controls, or look into Sony’s DCR-SR40 (Review, Specs, $469.79).
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The maximum still resolution on the MG130 is 640 x 480. Lame. Other than that, you have a hard drive. That’s it.
Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks need not apply. There is nothing enticing, enthralling, or exponentially exhilarating about the MG130.
Manual Control Freaks
The MG130 does sport a basic array of manual controls including white balance, shutter speed, exposure, and focus. That’s about as advanced as this point-and-shooter will get.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Pros and serious hobbyists will find various usages for the MG130, which include using it as a paperweight, piñata, or a kickball.
Conclusion
After watching the camcorder industry for as long as we have, you begin to see trends that play out from year to year. Sadly, 2007 is not the year for JVC’s entry-level Everios to make a break for greatness. Once again, video performance was only fair, with decent and even above-average color in bright light, but poor sensitivity in low light. Translated into day to day terms, this means you’ll capture decent looking video at Disneyland at noon, but relatively dark and grainy footage in the house. Virtually all shooting you’ll do in your house qualifies as low light – and if you do a lot of indoor shooting, this is something to keep in mind.
The JVC GZ-MG130 (Review, Specs, $467.95) handles well, and it is laden with some bells and whistles you won’t find on every low-end HDD camcorder, including a video light, but stabilization – an important feature for hand-held shooters – was surprisingly bad. This camcorder’s biggest advantage over its competitors may be the manual control it offers, and the speedy joystick-based interface. If you want the convenience of HDD recording at a low price but don’t want to give up easy access to shutter speed and exposure, the GZ-MG130 is a camcorder to consider. If video performance and particularly low-light performance are your prime considerations, Sony’s HDD camcorders, including the as yet un-reviewed DCR-SR42 may be the better choice.