JVC GZ-MG555 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by James Murray
Published on Jan 10, 2007 6:00 AM

Intro Performance
Format
 Tour
Auto / Manual Controls Still Features
Handling and Use Audio / Playback / Connectivity
Other Features Comparisons / Conclusion
Specs/Ratings  
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Compression
The JVC GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626) uses an MPEG-2 compression for video and has a maximum variable transfer rate of 8.5 Mbps. This is the same format used in DVD camcorders, and after the DV format of MiniDV tape camcorders, MPEG-2 is the most popular. By comparison, it falls markedly short of the 30 Mbps HD Everio GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529), which also premiered at CES 2007. However, it should be noted that the HD7 is twice the price of the GZ-MG555 at $1799.95, and a lot of questions have yet to be answered about that camcorder's compression. Audio is compressed using a Dolby Digital Stereo codec. Video can be captured in three quality settings of Ultra Fine, Fine, Normal, and Economy with the possibility to record between seven and thirty-seven of footage depending on video quality settings.

Media
The JVC GZ-MG555 is a hybrid camcorder that can shoot both video and still photos. Hybrid features have been a selling point on the Everios since their inception, and is practically ubiquitous on camcorders these days, but now the still resolution and quality is finally catching up to the hype. The MG555 can record video or still images to either the internal 30 GB HDD or a SD/SDHC memory card. It should be noted the SD/SDHC cards are optional, and they must be purchased separately. The compatibility with SDHC memory cards is a new feature in this year's Everio line. The built-in 30 GB drive can store from seven to thirty-seven hours of video footage, although the exact amount depends on the quality level that the footage is recorded in originally.

Editing
The JVC GZ-MG555 comes with a software bundle, but it should be noted that this software is only intended for Windows PCs. The omission of Macintosh software could be a deal breaker for a lot of consumers who are Mac users and depend on Macs for their video editing and daily needs. The applications included with this camcorder are Cyberlink's PowerCinema, NE for Everio,, DirectDVD/Direct Back-Up, PowerProducer 3 NE, and PowerDirector 5 NE Express.

Users who do not edit on a Windows-based PC should still be able to import video and edit itusing a third party editing application. This should be easy when using the included docking station that provides both USB 2.0 and FireWire ports for digital transfer.







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