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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    Still Features (6.75)
    The GZ-MG155 (Review, Specs, $477.99) records still images in Fine or Standard quality to the 30 GB HDD or SD/SDHC cards at 1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 (VGA) sizes. Despite its slim still image capturing options, the GZ-MG155 offers the largest image size within its price range. The step-up GZ-MG255 (Review, Specs, $359.95) includes six image resolutions, the largest at 1632 x 1224. Shifting down a notch, the GZ-MG130 (Review, Specs, $467.95) is only capable of Internet-quality VGA stills.


    The SD/SDHC card slot is inconveniently
    located on the bottom of the camcorder/

    The GZ-MG155 does not feature a flash, but it has a video light that can be used in Still mode. We recommend not using the video light, unless you wish to blind an eye with a concentrated bluish beam. The GZ-MG155 includes a Continuous Shooting setting which enables the camcorder to snap numerous photos at 0.3-second intervals as long as the Photo Capture button is held down. There is also a Self-Timer that can be set to 2, 10, or 25 seconds. All manual controls are available in Photo mode, though there is no Auto setting for exposure.

    The playback screen, with thumbnails of each clip

    The Image submenu from the Admin menu

    Still Performance (7.31)
    To test still performance, we lit a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart at an even bright light and ran captured stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the JVC GZ-MG155 was able to produce a color error of 8.21, which is about average for a low-end camcorder. The noise level was 0.8725 percent, and the saturation was 102.5 percenrt.

    To get this best score, we had to boost the exposure (called Brightness control on the GZ-MG155) by one increment. This corresponded to an aperture of f/4.5 and a shutter speed of 1/30. In Auto mode, the camcorder had been shooting at f/5.0.

    Still Resolution (6.22)
    To test the still resolution, we shot an Applied Image ISO 12233 resolution chart at an even bright light and ran the stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the camcorder was able to achieve an approximate horizontal resolution of 683.1 line widths per picture height (lw/ph), with a 1.21 percent clipping and a 26.7 percent oversharpening – and a vertical resolution of 483.1 lw/ph, with no clipping and a 15.0 percent undersharpening. These scores are about average for a camcorder that produces stills of these sizes.

     

     

     

     



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