JVC Everio GZ-MG670 80GB HDD Camcorder (Black)

This is a decent camera for the money. Large HD and easy to use laser-touch controls make using the camera a breeze. BUT--the camera records the video files in a file format called .MOD. This is different from the standard .mwv/.avi/.mov files which are supported by most media players and video editing programs. JVC provides a very sub-par program which allows users to download/manage/edit/convert the files, but because this camera records in this MOD format, users are stuck, forced to use the JVC-provided software. This software is fine for very simple home use--uploading to YouTube or converting to iPod, but if you want to do anymore than that (like use the files in Windows Movie Maker) forget it. They won't work. To get these MOD files into a usable format, there are a few MOD file converters out there, but be prepared to try each to find the one that works for your needs and then shell out additional $ for the software.

My taking the time to discover all this was more of an inconvenience than anything else, but buyers need to be aware of what they are getting with the Everio BEFORE they buy.

The ease of use, and quality for the money CANNOT be disputed..... I have been using this camera for a while now, and all around, it's great.

The software is well rounded and refined, and the features are second to none. I bought this, and have NO regrets whatsoever. Don't be put off because of the movie file extensions, as it is not a problem like the guy in the other review said. If you are not computer literate, then buy the VERY handy dvd burner that is directly compatible with this camera, also made by JVC, which is Everio/hd Share Station Portable DVD Burner, model number CUVD3. Just type that into amazon and search, easy as pie.

overall, a fantastic camcorder, and VERY EASY to use... even I figured it out without the instruction book.

Awesome system, just get it and don't get bogged down in the complications of the other camcorders available....

5 stars, my highest recommendation.

Buy JVC Everio GZ-MG670 80GB HDD Camcorder (Black) Now

I've had this camera for a about a week now, so far it's exceeded my expectations. Here was few points of criteria for me:

1. Trying to stay around the 300 dollar budget (factoring in the cost of flash cards vs. built in hard drive allowed for a leverage of going over). 80GB = 19 hrs of recording time at the highest level settings, more then enough for vacation, christmas, babies first step and then some! I look at it as a plus, how many people do you know or how many times have you used a tape and re-recorded over some event, accidentally...

2. Good lens, provides good zoom range, plus some sort of stabilization (digital seems to work fine for me), would of preferred optical stabilization though.

3. Low lux, this camcorder, based on the reviews I read, had better then average for standard def video against camcorders at the same price point. Most HD camcorders at this price point performed very poorly.

4. HDMI output, what's not to love about being able to use 1 cable to hook up to the tv?

If you've gotten this far, and done a little research on this camera, then you've read the complaints about movie file format. Well, they work fine in windows 7, plays them fine, right off the camcorder with windows media player, and can be edited by windows movie maker, only issue with it, is that is doesn't read time & date stamps that are associated with each .mod file.

Pros:

small, price, hdmi output, recording time.

Cons:

no mic input, not sold on the laser touch functionality.

I've included a link below for the review site that helped me in my decision.

Read Best Reviews of JVC Everio GZ-MG670 80GB HDD Camcorder (Black) Here

Love this camcorder!! Took this on my wedding cruise and the videos are great and the zoom is unbelievable!!! Battery life was very good also, although I did take a spare battery with me but I never used it. It is very easy to use and not hard at all to figure out all of the functions.

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We bought the camera to replace our 10-year old Panasonic PV-L50 VHS camcorder. I tested a display model at a local Best Buy and was amazed at the clarity of the pciture when I zoomed to maximum and was able to read clearly a small sign (letters between 1/2-inch and 1-inch high) about 60 feet at the end of the aisle). The display model was the last one available, so I passed on it there, and bought it through Amazon.

The JVC is light and easy to hold. The "record" button is easily accessible without being too close that you can accidentally hit it.

Before buying, I read reviews about JVC cameras and was somewhat concerned about ease of editing film clips. The reviews made it seem a complex process. I'm a novice with digital camcorders, so this was my biggest fear. As it turns out, once I became familiar with Windows Movie Maker, there was nothing to fear. If you're unfamiliar with Windows Movie Maker (it came with my Windows Vista), be prepared to spend an hour or two to get familiar with that program editing a couple of clips, splicing them together with the storyboard feature, and successfully saving it to a CD or hard drive.

Look at getting the DB Roth deluxe accessory kit for tripods, carrying case, long-lasting battery, and other useful acessories.