JVC GR-DVL915U Digital Camcorder

The JVC GR-DVL915U is a three-way delight. First, it is a top of the line MiniDV format camcorder with nearly every feature you could want or need. I'll mention just two of the many features that stand out. Electronic stablization works as well as those on pro-model cameras. Also, what JVC calls "Night Alive" is a surprise: full color video in next-to-no-light settings. Most other camcorders can't match this ability. Second, the GR-DVL915U works as a digital still camera, storing images on either state-of-the art secure digital (SD) or MMC cards. The resolution isn't what you'll get from a dedicated digital camera, but the 640x480 resolution is sufficient for posting on a website or for digital archives. The final treat: the camera has an analog input, so you can take all of your aging VHS analog videos of important family moments and transfer them to digital and preserve them.

I haven't found another MiniDV camera with all of these assets for this price. The only weakness in this unit is the dated photo transfer and editing software that is included. Thankfully, you don't have to use it. The camera comes with all of the cables and connectors you need. Also included is a multi-brand remote control and JVC even throws in a 16MB MMC card for still photos.

To be honest, I had set my expectations a bit too high and was somewhat disappointed by the image quality. For instance, I had my eye on a digital camera (for stills) as well as a camcorder. So I thought I'd combine the two in a single purchase. Well, guess what! This little baby offers less than 1 megapixel (Mp), while the cheapest digital camera offers at least 1.3 Mp, with many models offering 3.3 and I've even seen ads offering 5 Mp.

Second (incorrect) expectation was video quality. I used to own a VHS-C and after all the hype I'd heard about about digital, I was expecting perfect video, the same quality you get on, say, the Discovery Channel. Wrong again. Although the quality is an order of magnitude better than my old VHS-C.

So, having said all that why did I rate this camera 4 stars? Because it is a great camera for the money. Yes you can get camcorders with 1.5 Mp stills, the Sony DCR-TRV30 for example, but they cost... more. Not worth that extra money...

As for the video quality? Like I said much, MUCH better than the older VHS-C quality I used to have. The colors are great, you can make infinite copies without loss of quality (that's digital for you) and I've been playing with video editing software on the PC and the resulting videos are awesome and fun.

Furthermore, JVC has done a great job on the user interface to set and control its enormous amount of features. They are menu-driven which leaves the camera refreshingly clean of "buttons". This can be a big issue if you have "fat fingers" or are someone who can get lost in too many buttons (check out some of the other camcorders and you'll know what I mean).

So in summary, if you set your expectations right, this is a great camera with solid image quality for its price, is very rich in features and comes at a good price. Four stars in my book.

Buy JVC GR-DVL915U Digital Camcorder Now

I bought this camera in 2001 when the fetures available in this model was fairly high-end among consumer models. The picture and sound quality was great and to my opinion better than comparably priced Sony models.

I used the camera very lightly, only in special events and maintained it nicely, taking good care. However, after 4 years it started malfunctioning.

When I power it on for recording, it gives out an error screen asking me to remove and re-attach battery and the unit is in safeguard mode! I have two new batteries (original JVC) and the same problem. When I remove the battery and try to use it with AC Adapter, the error is still displayed. Only the battery instruction is not displayed!

I tried head-cleaners etc with no result. After several trial of removing and re-attaching battery, taking the casette out and putting it back in, sometimes the camera starts working again and abrupty dies after some time of recording.

Additionally, the casette compartment often does not work automatically. Either the casette won't go in or it won't come out upon opening the compartment. Basically, the mechanisms are designed quite poorly as I see it.

Read Best Reviews of JVC GR-DVL915U Digital Camcorder Here

THis camcorder is by far the best one that I have ever used in my life. It gets a butt load of recomendation from me so you should go out and get one yourself.

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