JVC GZ-MG555 Camcorder Review

-CU-VC5U Everio Dock
-AP-V14U AC adapter
-BN-VF808U battery pack
-A/V cable
-USB cable
-Shoulder Strap
-Digital Photo Navigator 1.5, including Power Cinema NE, Power Producer 3 NE, and Power Director 5 NE Express
-RM-V750U remote control
-CR2025 lithium battery (for remote)

The docking station will come in handy when you need a Firewire or S-Video jack, and the included editing programs are fairly decent for creating the most rudimentary projects.

Other Features (2.0)
HDD/Battery Info - When the index button is pressed during video or still record mode, a max recording time screen appears, displaying a pie chart just like the one for your computer’s hard drive. On the left is a vertical list of record quality settings accompanied by the maximum recordable time for each setting. Pressing the index button once more brings up a battery life meter, measured by percentage. The number of remaining minutes is displayed to the right of the meter.

Drop Detection - Like most HDD camcorders, the GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626)’s innards are fragile. That’s why it has a drop detection feature that automatically shuts the camcorder off when it senses the slightest bit of a tumultuous gravitational force.

NightAlive - In JVC’s eyes, things come to life in dark settings when NightAlive is activated. All that’s really happening is that you’re allowing the camcorder to drop from a minimum shutter of 1/60 to a minimum of 1/2, boosting low light a trifle. Manual control freaks will adjust the shutter speed themselves.

Digital Effects - The GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626) offers some cool digital effects: sepia, black and white, classic film, and strobe.