JVC GR-DVM70U Digital Cybercam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

After the birth of my son, I wanted a camcorder to shoot video of him and family events.

I tried the Canon ZR, Canon Vistura, and JVC DVM-70 The main reason I liked the JVC DVM-70 is the small size and relative low cost.

This camcorder is so small it fits in a pants pocket or even a shirt pocket! Size is very important for me because of my experience with 35 millimeter cameras. I have 2 cameras: one full size Canon SRL camera that cost about $1000.00, and one small Yashika T4 Super pocket size camera that cost $150.00. Guess where most of my good family photos come from the $150.00 pocket size camera! That's because this is the camera I carry most of the time. I just don't like to be "Joe Photographer Guy" or "Joe Camcorder Guy" lugging around a big piece of equipment. I can carry the DVM-70 in my pocket and quickly pull it out and start shooting when something interesting happens just the way I use my Yashika T4.

The DVM-70 is also very quick and easy to use. Once you turn a switch to the "Camera" position, the camcorder automatically turns itself on and off when you open or close the LCD panel, or eye piece. This is important because often the action you want to record happens quickly; you'll miss shots if you have to fumble with controls.

One problem with this camera is that the microphone is on the top. It picks up some motor noise from the camera, and you have to be careful not to let it pick up the sound of your own breathing. However, this is a problem with most of these very small camcorders, and I don't find it to be too big of a problem. I have also had problems with lots of wind noise when shooting outside in the wind.

I've had the DVM-70 for about a year now and I still don't see another camcorder I'd rather have for recording family events.

Overall, I've been very happy with this cam, but only after having spent quite a bit of additional money to add features that negate its flaws. It's solid & small enough to fit in a back pocket, but also very comfortable to use. I get comments and the cam gets admiring glances wherever I go. My problems with it are few, but important if you don't know how to get around them. The features & praise you can read elsewhere, and I'd echo most of that praise. But here are the flaws:

-The included apparati for transferring data to your computer are slow (serial cables) & lame (software). For transferring & editing video, Pinnacle Studios' Studio DV and its included FireWire cable is a must buy (...). Also, if you're serious about editing video on your computer, make sure you've got a great machine (fast processor, beefy video card, huge & fast hard drive, lots of RAM). Likewise, the included still camera software is a waste of bytes. Transferring still shots is much easier with the MultiMedia Card Reader from Sandisk ... . Just plug in the card like a floppy and there are your JPGs. It wouldn't hurt to invest in a bigger (16MB ...) MultiMedia Card, while you're at it.

-The on-board software is buggy. I suppose I need to take my cam in for servicing to see if it can be fixed, but trying to use the slideshow feature for the stills turns my entire screen green & I have no choice but to power off. You might expect JVC to have updated BIOS downloads on their web site so you could update it yourself, but one look at the JVC homepage and your expectations will be lowered.

END

Buy JVC GR-DVM70U Digital Cybercam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Now

I tried two units before giving up on the JVC. The video was OK (not great color) but the audio was fatally flawed. The camera itself generates a 'whine' which is then picked up by the microphone and recorded. Any quiet recordings, when played back, have this buzzing whining sound added; I found it completely unsatifactory. No provision for an external microphone (which would have been a satisfactory solution) is made! Were it not for this flaw I would have been happy with the camera.

Read Best Reviews of JVC GR-DVM70U Digital Cybercam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Here

I got the JVC DVM-70 from a large dept store. If you are buying the camera for the small size, then this is the one you want. However, after owning for 1.5 years the camera has been in for service multiple times due to a problem of dropping audio & video. Luckily for me I purchased a 3 year warranty at Circuit City, and the camera will get replaced after the 3rd time in service for the same problem. My next camera model will probably be a Sony.

Some other drawbacks: -whine sound while recording from zoom motor (as mentioned above) -audio/video dropping problem -MultiMediaCard reading software that comes with the camera isn't very friendly. I recommend getting SanDisk's MultiMediaCard reader from Circuit City or other computer store -Might not work 100% perfect with IEEE 1394 Firewire capture software (such as Ulead/Adobe Premier) (I still have to experiment more with this). However, I have made a few computer videos with the camera while it wasn't in the service shop.

Hard to find underwater casings except for the bag from ewa-marine. Sony has much more support for underwater filming.

Like I said, this is the camera you want if the small size is important to you. It takes great pics both stills and video. But if you want a workhorse that is very versatile, then this model is not the one.

Want JVC GR-DVM70U Digital Cybercam Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode Discount?

Ok, probably like you I thought this was a very cool camcorder. It's a great design, small with lots of features. The problem is that it has one fatal flaw. The left and right mic are on top and pick-up a high pich whine of the camcorder motor when you are recording. I tried to get used to it but after a few days returned the product with much regret. As an Engineer I couldn't help but be amazed how could such a simple and fatal flaw could have made it to market on such a great product.