JVC Updates MiniDV Camcorder Line; Works on Low Light

by News Editor
Published on Jan 9, 2004 12:00 AM



Today at a press conference at the MGM Grand Hotel, at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas, JVC announced seven new MiniDV camcorders to update their consumer line. JVC dropped their prices, and made savvy technological improvements-like implementing their 3D noise reduction, improving the LCD screen, and reducing the size of the camcorders across the board. The new models include the horizontal standard style GR-D33, GR-D72, GR-D93, GR-D230, and the matchbox or vertical style GR-DX77, GR-DX97 and the GR-DX307.

JVC is trying to make their camcorders more fun and enjoyable to use. When pitching their products, company officials stressed the fun-factor and how easy their models were to use. The goal of the new JVC line was the creation of a comfortable camcorder.

"One of the most important things [in the design] was the comfortableness of the camcorder", said David Gifford, a company spokesperson. The company reduced the camcorder size throughout the line, with some models being reduced by up to 20%.

 

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JVC GR-DX307

JVC has also reduced the price of most of their models. The GR-D33 replaces the GR-D30 with an upgraded feature set, but a cheaper price. The GR-D33 is $50 less expensive than the GR-D30, with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $449.99. The GR-D72 replaces the GR-D70, also with a slightly upgraded feature set but a $50 price-drop, the MSRP on the GR-D72 is $549.99. The GR-D230 replaces the GR-D200 with an upgraded feature set and a $100 price reduction, the MSRP on the GR-D230 is $799.99. The GR-DX77 and the GR-DX97 are both $200 less expensive than their predecessors, the GR-DX75 and GR-DX95. The GR-DX77 retails for $599.99 and the GR-DX97 retails for $699.99. Lastly the GR-DX307 at $799.99 is also $200 less expensive than its predecessor the GR-DX300.

By widening lenses on select 2004 models, JVC addressed one of the major concerns with last year's camcorders, poor low light performance. In addition, JVC also implemented a 3D image noise reduction technology and included an LED light on every model. According to the company, the 3D image noise reduction technology reduces video noise by 30%. Video noise is the artifacts which a camcorder creates in low light situations. The press release states, Edge flicker is also reduced, allowing finely detailed images to be shot with very little noise.

JVC also put a small video light on every model. Asked why JVC implemented an LED when some in the industry question their effectiveness, Allan Hollard, National Product Supervisor for the Consumer Video Division at JVC, said, "because the customers perceive value, they want a light."

The GR-D33, GR-D72, GR-DX77 and the GR-DX97 have a 1/6 in. 680K pixel CCD. The GR-D93, GR-DX307 and the GR-D230 each have a 1/4 in. 1,330K pixel CCD. All of the models besides the GR-D230, GR-DX97 and the GR-DX307 include a 2.5 in. LCD; those models have a 3 inch LCD. Company officials noted that they were the only company to offer a 3 inch LCD screen on a matchbox, horizontal style camcorder.

The GR-D33 and GR-D72 have 16x optical zooms, the GR-D93, GR-D230, and the GR-DX307 have 10x optical zooms, while the GR-DX77 and the GR-DX97 have 15x optical zooms. The 15x optical zooms on the GR-DX77 and GR-DX97 are noteworthy. No other manufacturer includes such large zooms on their compact vertical style matchbox camcorders. The recently introduced Sony DCR-PC109 has a 10x optical zoom, as does Canon's Elura 50.

 

JVC GR-D72

JVC is breaking price barriers for still pixel resolution with some of their models. They are the only manufacturer offering 1.33 Megapixel resolution camcorder for under $700. Their closest competitor is the Panasonic PV-GS120, also announced at CES, which can take 1.2 Megapixel stills. All of the models besides the GR-D33 include an SD slot for recording digital stills too. The GR-D72 can record stills at 1,024 x 768 pixel resolution, and can capture MPEG1 video. The GR-D93 can record stills up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixel resolution, and includes the same still features as the GR-D72. The GR-D230, GR-DX97 and GR-DX307 can also record stills at 1,600 x 1,200 pixel resolution.

Following the lead of Sony and Sharp, JVC has introduced a "Clear View" coating to all of the 2004 model's LCD screens. The coating allows the camcorder LCD to be viewable both in dark situations and in direct light situations, such as outdoors.

The new camcorders also feature USB streaming, ImageMixer software for one touch creation of video CDs, Power Linked operation which turns the camcorder on by simply opening the LCD or pulling out the viewfinder, and Night Alive a 0 LUX shooting function.

The GR-D33, GR-D72 and GR-D93 will all be available in February. The GR-D230, GR-DX77 and GR-DX97 will all be available in April. The GR-DX307 will be available in June.