JVC GZ-MG555 First Impressions Camcorder Review

A screenshot from the menu

The problem with the JVC GZ-MG555 in terms of ease of use is an issue that has cropped up several times in this review in different sections. Due to the small size of essential controls like the joystick and mode dial the ability to quickly and competently adjust settings like focus or shooting mode becomes unnecessarily bogged down. The mode dial is a petite control with nine different offerings that are all icon based. While not a huge issue at first, the lack of a text description on the LCD screen when a shooting mode is entered means that similar icons like” backlit” and “portrait” become hard to differentiate. With time a user will learn what each icon means but may never get to that stage if initially flummoxed by the physical interface and the lack of immediate information.

Handling
Handling cab be a bit of an issue with the JVC GZ-MG555. For those shooting with small hands the camcorder is sure to be a comfortable fit that will enable competent control when shooting. For users like this reviewer with larger than average hands, the GZ-MG555 is a bit of a frustration. Due to the low slung design the camcorder fits larger hands in an awkward manner that makes accessing and controlling essential features like zoom harder than with more upright models like the JVC GR-D750 for example. With nothing to cup in the palm of the right hand during shooting the body of the camera has to be gripped awkwardly with the fingertips of the right hand. If cupped in the right hand the fingers meant to control zoom, snapshot and record all overshoot their intended targets by nearly an inch and make using these controls impossible. Smaller hands may not find this a problem at all.

The evolution of the Everio series has shown a remakable improvement in handling, due in large part to dropping a touch pad navigation system in favor of a joystick. This year, the joystick is placed on the outer edge of the LCD panel. It's small, and although this small size is necessary due to its placement, the resulting compromised control can again make this a problem for large hands. But placement goes a long way. Though it's small, you can grip the LCD panel to get a little stability for your hand, then move the joystick with your thumb. Other controls on the left side of the camera body are well placed and users should find the spacing and size of the controls located within the LCD cavity to be function first in priority.

Menu
The menu systems for the JVC GZ-MG555 are logical and straightforward with a full text based interface that enables users to quickly and efficiently scan sub-menus without confusion or the need to open the user manual. When working with the menu accessed by pressing the menu button in the LCD cavity the user will find that the menu system is displayed on an opaque blue background with white text. There are actually four menu structures located within the overall menu. These sub-menus cover video, media, general and image parameters. These are listed along the left side of the LCD screen and can be switched between quickly by pressing the joystick to the left and then pressing up and down. Once a sub-menu has been selected the user can press the joystick to the right. At this point the menu system can be scanned by pressing the up or down arrows of the joystick found on the frame of the LCD monitor.

In addition to these menu options there is a function menu that can be opened by pressing the function button located directly beneath the joystick on the left side of the LCD frame. The function menu is a graphic overlay in the upper left corner of the LCD screen with a live view provided constantly as adjustments are made to options like white balance and exposure. The live view inclusion is a great design that enables users to visually judge the effects that a certain preset or EV level will have on the image. It’s a quick reference that won’t require the user to leave and re-enter the menu structure continuously to find the appropriate setting.