JVC GZ-MG155 Camcorder Review

by Michael Perlman
Published on Oct 3, 2007 5:00 PM

Intro
 Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity Other Features
Comparisons / Conclusion
  • Photo Gallery
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    Specs and Ratings  
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    The JVC GZ-MG155 is second from the bottom in Everio’s hard disk drive camcorder line. While this year’s Everios have been reliable, the GZ-MG155 has a hard time proving its worth. Outclassed by the step-up GZ-MG255 and outperformed in low light by the step-down GZ-MG130, this camcorder shows what happens when a company spends more time pursuing the “megapixel count game” and less time looking at the effects of those actions.

     


    The Front     (6.5)
    At first glance, the GZ-MG155 is indiscernible from its siblings, the GZ-MG130 and GZ-MG255. All three models boast identical dimensions and a novelty-grade plastic construction. Standard definition Everios are the Munchkins of Camcorder Land, and the GZ-MG155 is testament. The minute lens has a whopping 32x optical zoom and a focal length of 2.5mm-80mm. A 30.5mm filter diameter is available for attachments such as a fish-eye or telephoto lens. To the right of the lens you’ll find the lens cover switch, which eliminates the bulk of an external cap.

    Below the lens is the 2-channel Dolby Digital Stereo microphone. It was wise of JVC to mount the microphone to the front—the GZ-MG155 is simply too small to support a top-mounted mic, as it would be covered by the shooting hand. To the right of the microphone is a miniscule port cover housing the USB terminal. Beware, this cover is flimsy and will pop out like a weed with a moderate tug. The GZ-MG155’s built-in video light is located along the left ridge. Don’t use the video light, however, unless you want unbalanced, bluish lens flares on all recorded footage. Lastly, the remote sensor lies in the top left corner.

    The Right Side (3.5)
    The grand view here is the gunmetal outer wall of the internal HDD. There are no ports, buttons, or supplemental gadgets of any sort to be found on the GZ-MG155’s right side. That leaves us with the hand strap. Open up any Everio review this year—aside from the GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529)—and you’ll hear the same song. It goes a little something like this: The hand strap is cheap and uncomfortable. The GZ-MG155’s hand strap is, however … no, it’s the same as all the others.

    The Back (5.0)
    The back of the GZ-MG155 is home to the BN-VF808U data battery. Since there is no viewfinder, the shallow battery chamber will accommodate a larger pack with ease. Since the high capacity of the hard drive is coupled with a short battery life, you’ll need at least two big backups. The battery release switch is located on the back ridge of the bottom. To the right of the battery, along the bottom, are the AV/DC jacks. These jacks are sheltered by a flimsy plastic strip. Moving up, the oval Record Start/Stop button sits midway along the right side. The Mode Dial lodges right next door. Both controls are easily accessed by the thumb. A vertical strip of three tally lamps rests at the top of the back: Access/Charge, Video mode, and Photo mode.

    The Left Side (5.0)
    The left side of the GZ-MG155 is where the shooter takes the reins. Flip open the 2.7-inch LCD screen to reveal an L-shaped control configuration embedded within the LCD cavity. The buttons consist of Select/Play/Record, Auto/Info, Direct Back Up/Event, Direct DVD, and Menu. You’ll also notice that JVC has left approximately 85 percent of the LCD cavity barren. This real estate preservation act does not fare well in the camcorder world. How about some additional ports or controls, JVC, or at least the SD/SDHC card slot (which is stuck on the bottom)? Ah, but that would lead to a higher production cost, and as a manufacturer, a higher production cost is a doom in a can.

    The Info/Battery button, joystick, and Function menu button are located along the left side of the LCD panel. One-handed operation is not an option on Everios.

     

    The exterior of the JVC GZ-MG155 (left) and the LCD cavity.

    The Top (4.5)
    The miniscule zoom toggle and round shiny Photo button are the only attractions here on top of the GZ-MG155. We could have used more zoom toggle, but what do you expect on a low-end Everio? You also won’t find an accessory shoe or flash up here. Pretty barren.

     

     

     

     



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