JVC GZ-MG555 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Jan 10, 2007 6:00 AM
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Audio
The JVC GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626) comes with an internal stereo microphone that is positioned on the front face of the camcorder beneath the lens of the camcorder. The position of the microphone should avoid inadvertent contact when shooting since no features or other controls are located in its vicinity. If concerned about audio quality or wanting to record audio in a specific pattern the inclusion of a microphone port will be an alluring benefit of this camcorder over other models on the market that have audio features stripped in the last few years. The stereo mic port can be found beneath a cover on the front of the camera to the left of the internal mic. This placement could be a bit problematic if long or unruly cables are being used since the lens is in such close proximity. The cover for the mic moved neatly out of the way when opened and shouldn’t hinder connecting or disconnecting microphones. Audio in playback is monitored via the in-camera speaker found in the LCD cavity on the left side of GZ-MG555.
Playback
The user of the JVC GZ-MG555 will have a number of features and settings available when the camcorder is entered into playback mode. Entering playback mode is accomplished by pressing the rec./play select button on the left side of the camcorder in the upper back corner of the LCD cavity. While extensive editing of footage and splicing isn’t really feasible with this camera, it is possible to delete, partial delete, re-organize, re-order and playback footage without transferring to another playback device. In addition to these features there is the possibility of applying digital wipes and fades as well as applying digital effects and changing the event registration of a given file. The camcorder also has the standard list of settings like delete, protect, edited copy, playback playlist, edit playlist, playback MPG file, playback normal and file. Additionally users can press the info button at any time to learn more information regarding specific saved files. The event selection mode allows users to tag certain clips with a number of icons representing event categories. This feature was found on previous Everio models and while perhaps helpful for the most anal of video cataloguers it doesn’t seem like a really advantageous system for ordering footage. Users are able to view video files in either multi-up or single view playback by toggling the zoom in the appropriate direction. A Direct DVD button in the LCD cavity allows for instant archiving to a computer's DVD burner. Another button, Direct Backup, transfers files to a computer's hard drive.
Connectivity
While there are still a number of ports located on the actual body of the JVC GZ-MG555 a greater number of options can be found on the docking station included with the purchase of this hybrid camcorder. The docking station port options are located on the right side of the station and will enable users to connect their camera to devices via S-Video, AV, DC IN, FireWire and USB. Each port on the docking station is well labeled and spaced for functionality. The FireWire, S-video and AV ports on the docking station are out only while the USB port is capable of both in and out data transfer.
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On the actual body of the JVC GZ-MG555 users will find two ports located beneath a cover on the front of the camcorder body. When opened this cover will reveal connection to both external mic-in and USB ports. These ports were easily accessible when shooting and shouldn’t be compromised by their proximity to the eyelet of the right hand strap. Moving to the back of the camcorder readers will find another port cover masking two ports. When this cover is opened the user will be able to access both the AV port and the DC-in port of the GZ-MG555. Like the docking station the USB port is in/out capable while the AV port is only able to transfer data out from the camcorder itself.
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