JVC GZ-MG77 Camcorder Review

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (6.75)
JVC claims the GZ-MG77 provides users with “true 16:9 recording” and toggling between 4:3 and 16:9 is easily accomplished by tapping the joystick right. Our testing indicates that this camcorder does not offer what we would classify as true 16:9, but it adopts a technique that we would term partial 16:9. In 16:9 mode, information captured horizontally increases by five degrees, generally an indication that a camcorder possesses a widescreen chip. However, information is lost at the top and bottom of the frame which suggests a hybrid approach to achieving a 16:9 aspect ratio that crops the frame vertically but utilizes more chip horizontally. Images shot in 16:9 on the JVC GZ-MG77 will surely display properly on a widescreen TV, but claims that this is a true widescreen camcorder should be taken with a grain of salt.

Scan Rates/24p (0.0)
The JVC GZ-MG77 does not offer frame rate options beyond 29.97 frames per second, the standard rate of capture for most consumer camcorders on the market.

Other Features (7.5)
Digital Image Stabilization - The JVC GZ-MG77 does not distinguish itself in this area, sporting a digital image stabilization system that is similar to what is offered on most consumer camcorders. Digital image stabilization minimizes the perceived affects of hand shake on the recorded image, but does so at a cost to image quality. Optical image stabilization is a superior means of stabilizing an image that does not degrade overall image quality, but it’s only available on a few consumer camcorders like the higher-end Panasonic PV-GS500.

Battery Info - The Battery Info feature is accessed by pressing a small button underneath the joystick. When engaged, detailed information about the hard drive is displayed, informing users of maximum recording time available in all four quality settings. The second Battery Info screen displays battery level in percentage and maximum remaining recording time.

Direct to DVD burning - The JVC GZ-MG77 is compatible with their Everio Share Station CU-VD10 DVD recorder, which allows direct DVD burning via a USB 2.0 cable. This device converts the camcorder’s native .MOD files to DVD video and accommodates DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. An hour of video footage will be recorded in an advertised forty-five minutes, although the speed of burning will most likely vary. The Share Station includes an onboard 2-inch LCD screen for monitoring footage, and can be connected to a computer. The CU-VD10 retails for about $200.

Digital Effects - The GZ-MG77 offers as number of special effects for use during playback. Unlike many consumer camcorders, the effects functionality on this camcorder does not allow them to be applied permanently to footage but we do not regard this as a problem since the quality of in-camcorder effects is no match for effects applied in an NLE. Digital playback effects include fades, several wipes, as well as sepia, black and white, classic film and strobe.

Drop Detection - The drop detection system causes the camcorder to immediately shut down when the camcorder perceives it has been dropped. This may help to prevent damage to the hard drive but it’s not the kind of feature we could test here in our offices. In a best case scenario, this feature would preserve the integrity of footage already captured to the hard drive, even if the camcorder itself is badly damaged.

NightAlive - NightAlive is JVC's branded night shooting mode, and reduces the shutter speed range to 1/2 to 1/30 seconds. It is an automatic control, and will result in the blurring of any parts of the frame that are in motion.