JVC GZ-MG255 Camcorder Review by Michael Perlman Published on Aug 16, 2007 4:00 PM
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-CU-VC3U Everio Dock
-AP-V18U/14U AC Adapter
-BN-VF808U Battery Pack
-AV Cable
-USB Cable
-Shoulder Strap
-PC Operation Guide CD-ROM
-RM-V750U Remote Control
-Lithium-ion Battery

The GZ-MG255 offers 430 minutes of recorded video in the highest quality. The battery pack won’t even last you an hour and a half. Yes, a battery upgrade would be a good idea.

Other Features (3.0)
NightAlive- When selected in the Quick Joystick menu, JVC’s version of Night mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds. This allows the GZ-MG255 to shoot in environments with extremely low light levels, though footage will look choppy and stuttered due to the drastic change in shutter speed. More seasoned videographers can also manually set the shutter speed within the Function menu.

Battery Index- With one press of a button (located at the top of the LCD panel), the GZ-MG255’s remaining battery life is displayed in the form of a vertical meter and digital “Max Time” reading. Pressing the index button once quickly will make the screen last for five seconds, but if you press and hold the button down for a bit, the screen will last 15 seconds.

Tele macro - The tele macro feature is pretty much pointless for anyone beyond point-and-shooter status. Its function is to automatically zoom in on a subject without having to use the zoom toggle. Our advice: just stick with the zoom toggle.  

Drop Detection -  When the GZ-MG255 senses a sudden change in gravity, the camcorder rapidly powers off to protect the internal HDD. If you plan on filming from the back of a speedboat, you might want to turn this feature off.