JVC GZ-MG330

  

Sony DCR-SR85
The Sony DCR-SR85 (MSRP $550) is a decent performer, but doesn't have the clarity of picture or low light sensitivity that you get with the MG330. It's also not quite as intuitive to use and relies on the clumsy touch screen interface. And don't forget that the MG330 comes in three different colors, is smaller in size, and ships with more versatile software. If you really like the Sony's 60GB hard drive, you can pick up the JVC GZ-MG360. That leaves Sony favoritism and a love of touch screens as the most compelling reasons to pick the SR85 over JVC.

  

Panasonic SDR-H60
The Panasonic SDR-H60 (MSRP $500) is just finishing up its time in our labs and the early results suggest that it can't quite live up to the MG330's video performance. It does have a nice, clear image, but the low light sensitivity is poor. On the other hand, there is that 50x optical zoom and 60GB hard drive (for $50 less than the 60GB JVC GZ-MG360). And Panasonic is still king when it comes to manual controls. But, if your interests are in portability and ease of use, the MG330 is the better choice.

  

Samsung SC-MX20
Samsung doesn't offer a standard definition hard drive camcorder, but the Samsung SC-MX20 (MSRP $250) is an interesting contender. It relies entirely on external memory cards, but what a price tag! The video quality is decent, and the ease of use is phenomenal. If improved performance is your number one criterion, the MG330 is still a better bet. But if you want to save some money and have a seamless camcorder experience, the MX20 is not a bad choice at all.

Conclusion
The JVC Everio GZ-MG330 is an excellent standard definition camcorder for this price range. It edges out the Sony DCR-SR85 and the Panasonic SDR-H60 in terms of video performance. It also has slightly better performance than the Canon FS100, especially in low light.

The MG330 is also a decent choice for beginners. It has a single integrated menu and a very user-friendly Easy mode. It's true that more and more first-time consumers are turning to ultra-compact camcorders like the Pure Digital Flip Mino, but those camcorders don't offer anything in the way of manual controls. On the MG330, manual adjustments are fairly easy to find, easy to make, and effective in practice. The only full-featured camcorder we've found that is more intuitive is the Samsung SC-MX20, and while the performance is decent on the Samsung, it's not as good as the MG330.

On top of all that, the GZ-MG330 is incredibly compact and comes in three different colors. The 30GB hard drive should suffice for even long vacations and there's the added versatility of the microSD/SDHC card slot. The Laser Touch operation, JVC's new touch-sensitive controls, can be fun to use, even if it's not the best interface for making manual picture adjustments.

All told, the JVC GZ-MG330 isn't the hands-down easiest camcorder to use, and it can't compete with more expensive performers, but it's a great value for your dollar and certainly the best standard definition camcorder we've reviewed this year.

Comparisons

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
Not a bad choice for the point-and-shoot crowd. The MG330 is fairly easy to use, adequate for editing and file transfer, and fun to navigate. The only downside is that the automatic controls could be better.

Budget Consumers
The price tage is certainly steeper than the Samsung SC-MX20, the JVC GZ-MS100, or other card-only camcorders. But the value for your dollar is good. You get a 30GB internal hard drive with the MG330.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The ability to capture only 640 x 480 VGA still photos means that the MG330 isn't at the top of the list for still/video hybrid seekers this year.

Gadget Freaks
The Laser Touch system is pretty cool, though sluggish and finicky at times.

Manual Control Freaks
This is not the camcorder for you. There is a decent amount of options available, but the Laser Touch isn't a great tool for using these options. There are more precise and more versatile camcorders out there.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Standard definition camcorders don't generally appeal to pros these days. And without an accessory shoe, microphone/headphone inputs, or decent control interface for manual adjustments... this isn't a camcorder serious videographers are likely to purchase any time soon.