JVC GZ-MG37 Camcorder Review

Comparison
JVC GZ-MG30
The JVZ GZ-MG30 is the predecessor to the GZ-MG37 and for the most part consumers will find that there is a marked improvement in some of the basics when it comes to the latest model. They both have 30 GB hard disk drives, poor still mode offerings, no viewfinder, limited out ports, no analog to digital pass through and still image recording to SD memory cards. The GZ-MG30 did have a smaller 2.5 inch non-widescreen LCD as well has having a terrible four-way touch pad that has been replaced by a questionably better joystick nub. Continuing to expand on an already ultra-zoom of 25x on the MG30, the MG37 comes equipped with an optical zoom of 32x. Further improvements with the MG37 include the ability for the GZ-MG37 to shoot in true wide screen mode without the loss of visual information experienced when shooting with the 2005 model.

The biggest improvement from last year is the new Direct to DVD burning with the Everio Share Station CU-VD10. It allows for instant archival, something that we felt was missing from last year's G series camcorders. The Share Staion tacks an extra $200 onto the price, though, so you'll have to ask yourself if a camcorder with this level of quality is worth $1000. We think not.

JVC GZ-MG27
The JVC GZ-MG27 was released simultaneously with the MG37 and will be able to provide its users with the same 1/6th inch, 680 K CCD with F1.2 lens, a 32x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, a lacking still image mode, and the same problems plaguing all hard disk camcorders made by JVC. This camcorder will have a smaller hard disk drive of just 20 GB although it will logically also have a lower price of $700. This camcorder will also have a 2.7 inch LCD screen for 16:9 monitoring and like the MG37 this camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder. Other identical options between the two models are the ability to engage in Direct to DVD burning, an SD card slot, and USB 2.0 connection.

JVC GZ-MG77
The JVC-MG77 is a step up in comparison to the GZ-MG37 with improvements being made to imager size, still image size, as well as a potentially superior ability to handle low light shooting. The JVC-MG77 will come with a 2.2 MP, 1/3.9 inch CCD which is a drastic improvement in terms of imager capabilities over the MG37. With this improved CCD size comes some real possibilities for still image capture, something that is laughable with the MG37 which maxed out at 640 x 480. The MG77 is capable of producing still images with a maximum resolution of 1632 x 1224. In addition to these vast upgrades the MG77 will also be shooting with a Low Light Plus setting that will use the 3D Noise Reduction feature with the f/1.2 lens with results that will lower noise by an advertised 30 percent and minimizes edge flicker. The likelihood of there being this drastic an improvement is pretty slim, although it would be great to see at least one of these hard disk camcorders to shoot in low light with minimal success. The GZ-MG77 has the same 2.7 inch LCD, 16:9 video capabilities, 30 GB hard drive, SD card slot, USB port, and Direct to DVD recording. With a larger CCD consumers will have to accept a smaller 10x optical zoom, but honestly, with all these improvements and a mere $100 increase it’s about time the ultra-zoom fetish died a timely death.

Sony DCR-HC96
The Sony DCR-HC96 is a MiniDV format camcorder that retails at around $800 and will provide quality video with auto mode that emphasizes ease of use. This camcorder does have its setbacks, with a poorly designed menu structure that barely performs better than the GZ-MG37 and a touch screen interface that doesn’t stand up to the joystick control of the JVC camcorder. The ports on the GZ-MG37 have all been moved to a HandyCam Station which is aggravating and necessitated constantly searching for the port whenever viewing or transferring footage onto computer. The DCR-HC96 does have an electronic color viewfinder and a proprietary hot shoe for audio and video/flash attachments which provide two a distinct improvement over the MGG37. The DCR-HC96 has a similarly performing wide screen option as well as a 2.7 inch LCD for widescreen display during shooting. With these setbacks and improvements, it will be important for viewers to weigh what is most important in their camcorder.

Sony DCR-SR100
This 1/3 inch CCD camcorder is Sonys foray into the hard disk market which includes a 2.7 inch LCD screen and the same four-channel in-camcorder microphone system that is translated into Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound. The camcorder has a 10x optical zoom, a touch screen interface, and proprietary hot shoe for audio and lighting. This camcorder has a still image mode with far better options as well as an in-camcorder flash positioned above the lens of the camcorder. In addition to these features the camcorder has a 30 GB hard disk drive and analog-to-digital pass-through which is a great feature not found on the GZ-MG37 which only has out ports for analog signal. The Sony website is currently pricing this camcorder at both $999.99 and $1099.99 so check back for the full review of this camcorder to find out the actual price as well as performance with video and still images. If the price increase is acceptable the DCR-SR100 will definitely be providing a compelling alternate to the MG37 with its questionable video quality and more limited layout, features, and overall controls.

Panasonic SDR-S100
Shifting away from the bulky solid state body of the JVC GZ-MG37 and right into the arms of a super-compact camcorder, the Panasonic SDR-S100 was released as the first generation of tape-less camcorders for Panasonic. This camcorder records its footage to 2 GB SD card and while yes, that is limiting and will require the purchase of multiple memory cards in all likelihood. While there is an automatic shut-off feature to protect the hard disk drive of the MG37 this isn’t going to protect the drive from the detrimental and perhaps ruinous physical damage that will come with a single drop on a hard surface. With the SD card recording SDR-S100 this problem won’t be present and even if the camcorder is damaged the SD card should, in most reasonable circumstances, remain in tact and usable. The SDR-S100 is vastly smaller and will mean portability will be a breeze even if handling takes some getting used to. The SDR-S100 records to MPEG2 format like the GZ-MG37 and with no expandable battery will necessitate the carrying of the power supply for longer shooting periods. While containing many of the flaws and problems that plague first generation camcorders, the SDR-S100 provides a compelling and compact alternative to the GZ-MG37.

Panasonic VDR-D100
The VDR-D100 is Panasonic’s lowest priced DVD camcorder and will be retailing for just under $500 dollars while providing tepidly similar video capabilities to the far more expensive GZ-MG37. Like the GZ-MG37 users are limited to a USB port for transferring images to PC although unlike the JVC GZ-MG37 users won’t have to purchase an additional $200 DVD burner to transfer video footage onto DVD. The GZ-MG37 does have the advantage when it comes to true widescreen, with the VDR-D100 engaging a crop and zoom feature that actually reduces the amount of visual information on the LCD. The camcorder has a smaller 2.5 inch LCD screen although this is improved upon with the inclusion of an electronic color viewfinder as a secondary viewing device. While both camcorders record footage in MPEG2 format, the VDR-D100 does not have the ability to capture still images and does not have an SD card slot.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (6.5)
For the point-and-shoot user, the JVC MG-GZ37 provides an Auto mode that is straightforward and point-and-shoot friendly, but the overall menu structure is terrible and will probably terrify the beginning user into never opening it.

Budget Consumers (2.5)
For the budget consumer the $800 price tag, high compression levels, lack of a viewfinder, and terrible menus are just the tip of the iceberg of reasons why reasonably priced, well structured MiniDV format camcorders are still far better options compared to the GZ-MG37.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid (1.0)
The still photographer may be surprised to find themselves limited by the vastly underwhelming photo mode found with the JVC MG-GZ37. The still mode only allows images to be captured at 640 x 480 resolution.

Gadget Freaks (8.0)
The true gadget freak should feel some hesitation at running out and buying the first or second generation of a new camcorder format, and in the case of the JVC GZ-MG37 this is a wise decision. High compression, poor menu structures, and minimal hybrid options all limit this hard disk camcorder from performing at a level that would garner jealousy from your fellow video-makers.

Manual Control Freaks (4.0)
The manual control freak will find that there are a number of manually alterable areas on this camcorder, including gain up, white balance, exposure, focus, and shutter speed, although the slight inconsistency with the focus submenu and design of the interface is an unfortunate drawback for the GZ-MG37 that could stop manual control users from purchasing this camcorder.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists (2.0)
The JVC MG-GZ37 isn’t a camcorder for the pro or serious hobbyist for a number of reasons, such as the 1/6-inch CCD, poor image quality, limited still options, manual control snafus, lack of viewfinder, terrible menu system, and a host of other setbacks that make this camcorder a non-entity for this section of the camcorder market.

Conclusion
The JVC-GZ-MG37 bears few differences to the MG30 that is replaces. The MG30 was not a well-liked camcorder here, and scored very low in areas of performance. How can we do anything to applaud the MG37, then?

These new features center largely around convenience. The Direct to DVD feature requires the additional purchase of the Everio Share Station CU-VD10 for $200. It’s a good feature, but if you want DVDs so much, maybe you should buy a DVD camcorder in the first place. If you put that $200 towards a purchase of the Panasonic VDR-D300, you’d be buying an immensely better camcorder and ending up with DVDs as well.

As stated earlier in this review, we believe that HDD, or something like it, will eventually dominate the camcorder world. MiniDV tapes, despite their superior quality, are being surpassed by DVDs for the sake of convenience. HDD and flash media are even more convenient because of greater compatibility and reusability. And while JVC is at the forefront of the consumer end of this technology, we recommend holding off for now. This technology needs time to develop.

The GZ-MG37 is the ultimate in convenience. If this sole selling point is enough to attract you, the camcorder may not disappoint. But if you’re just looking for something more convenient than MiniDV, there are plenty of DVD camcorders that deliver the same or better quality, and plenty more camcorders at the same price that can deliver vastly superior quality.