JVC GZ-MG155

Comparison
JVC GZ-MG255
The GZ-MG255 ($699.99 MSRP) is the next model up from the GZ-MG155 and stands between it and the formidable GZ-MG555. All three of the lower camcorders—the GZ-MG130, GZ-MG155, and GZ-MG255—look nearly identical, sporting the same petite dimensions and two-tone plastic construction. However, minute differentiations from camcorder to camcorder result in the $100 price gaps between each model.

In the GZ-MG255’s case, the most compelling upgrade is a much larger 1/3.9-inch CCD with a 2,180,000 pixel count—almost double the amount of the GZ-MG155’s 1,070,000 pixels. So what does that mean? The GZ-MG255 produces a sharper image with less noise, but don’t expect overall stellar video quality. Yes, the GZ-MG255 is brighter and sharper in low light as well, but again, this is a mid-level standard definition Everio here. You won’t notice a monumental leap in performance until you breach the borders of the GZ-MG555’s superior image.

Aside from a slightly better video performance, the GZ-MG255 offers larger still images (up to 1632 x 1224), ISO levels, and a flash in place of the meager video light. Are more still features and a larger imager worth $100? In most cases, it would be. In the GZ-MG255’s case, it’s not. Both the GZ-MG155 and GZ-MG255 simply bleed mediocrity. It’s tight in this price range, so head out to the store before you settle on a no-frills HDD.

JVC GZ-MG130
JVC’s entry-level Everio, the GZ-MG130 ($499.95 MSRP) does not have a lot going for it. The 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel imager has the same surface area as the GZ-MG155, but fewer pixels. While this hindered resolution overall, it proved to be a slight boon in low light. We stress that the improvement is small, a matter of exposure. One could argue the overall image quality balances out due to the diminished resolution. Until you reach the GZ-MG555, don’t expect earth shattering transformations.

The GZ-MG155 ships with a docking station and takes larger stills than the GZ-MG130. That’s about it. The $100 might be worth it to shed the entry-level label, but we don’t really think so. There is a meager price range for HDD camcorders. If you can save an extra $300, spring for the GZ-MG555. You’ll be much happier.

Sony DCR-SR42
We haven’t had a chance to test the DCR-SR42 ($600.00 MSRP), but it features an identical imager to last year’s DCR-SR40. What was our diagnosis? The DCR-SR40’s 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel CCD produced a mediocre image. Low light was a festival of noise. It’s a close call, but we’d have to hand the torch to the GZ-MG155. Another strike on the DCR-SR42 is a 4:3 aspect 2.5-inch LCD screen. It’s not five years ago, Sony. The DCR-SR42 does feature a whopping 40x optical zoom, trumping the already impressive 32x of the GZ-MG155. These numbers wars should have little impact on anyone but voyeurs and bird watchers, but every feature has its market. We all know Sonys are the ultimate consumer vehicles with its Easy mode, touch screen LCD panel, and limited manual controls. Expect the GZ-MG155 to be a better "learning" camcorder, with features you can unlock over time as your knowledge grows.

Hitachi DZ-HS300A
Wow. There’s really not much that can be said about the DZ-HS300A ($599.00 MSRP) other than the fact that it’s a hybrid camcorder, recording to both DVD and an 8 GB HDD. Its video performance is deplorable, handling is poor, and ease of use has been thrown out the window. The dual media recording is a smashing idea, but nobody wants to dub ugly footage to any media. Okay, we’ll spare the DZ-HS300A from further abuse. Stick with the GZ-MG155—at this price point, there’s no contest.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Tourists, vacationers, and home movie junkies will ogle over the GZ-MG155’s cute, munchkin frame, in addition to its 430 minutes of recordable time.

Budget Consumers
At $600, the GZ-MG155 is a bit of an investment, but HDD camcorders are not cheap. There isn’t much of a difference between the GZ-MG130, which is $100 cheaper. For a real bargain, you’ll want to look at MiniDV camcorders, which offer better image quality anyway.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The still photo set on the GZ-MG155 is passable, but nothing to lose your hat over. The step-up GZ-MG255 offers much more. All Everios record video and stills to either HDD or SD/SDHC cards.

Gadget Freaks
The hybrid factor and seemingly endless recordable time in the highest quality will perk the ears of the gadget freak, but will not prove substantial enough to entice most geeks on the fence.

Manual Control Freaks
JVC’s manual controls fall short of a Panasonic or Canon, yet are miles beyond the meek consumer-driven array offered by Sony.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Not even for B-roll would any standard definition Everio suit the needs of a pro.

Conclusion
Judging the value of entry-level HDD camcorders is tricky. The benefits of the HDD media are evident – it’s simple, highly portable, and spacious. But the manufacturing cost keeps even the cheapest models well above the cost of entry-level MiniDV camcorders. MiniDV also offers superior video quality and a built-in archiving solution. So where is that fine line between the right price, the right medium, and the best performance? Frankly, we don’t think it’s here – not in the GZ-MG155, and not in any entry-level HDD camcorder. Our problem is with the image quality, which is almost invariably poor until you look at camcorders in the $700-plus range. It takes a mighty imager to overcome the deficiencies of the high compression. We saw the same thing with DVD camcorders, though the price of DVD models has been steadily dropping.

Within its medium, the GZ-MG155 is in competition with Sony and the other Everios in the JVC line. Panasonic has a dipped a foot in the water with the SDR-H20 ($599 MSRP), but unless they get serious with HDD next year, they’ll have a hard time registering in the consumer’s purview. Sony has staked out ease of use and superior brand recognition. JVC offers a more powerful manual control set, though the GZ-MG155 loses the aperture control found on the MG255 and above. We also found the image quality to be slightly better in the JVCs this year.

If you’re set on HDD, give serious consideration to a more expensive model like the GZ-MG555 or Sony DCR-SR100, DCR-SR200, or DCR-SR300, all of which compensate for poor compression with great color and sharpness. If you’re strapped for cash, a MiniDV camcorder might be the way to go.