JVC’s line of Everios were the first HDD (Hard Disk Drive) camcorders on the market. Since then, Sony, Panasonic, and Canon created similar models, creating huge growth in that category. The GZ-MG255 is the middle model in JVC’s latest Everio line-up, a conflicted amalgamation of entry-level and intermediate components and features. Because of this, the GZ-MG255 will have a hard time garnering a broad audience.
In terms of video performance, the GZ-MG255 produces an image that is highly saturated in color. The GZ-MG255’s 1/3.9-inch 2,180,000 pixel CCD is definitely an upgrade from a standard 1/6-inch chip found on any entry-level camcorder, yet it fails to deliver the refined performance of a high-end imager. The GZ-MG255 flounders somewhere in the middle—it’s not as stunted in its performance as the entry-level GZ-MG130, but it won’t come close to the picture quality of JVC’s top Everio model, the GZ-MG555. Shooting video in low light environments, such as a candlelit birthday cake, will require the adjustment of the GZ-MG255’s shutter speed and AGC (Auto Gain Control). Without these adjustments, recorded video is too dark to use.
For those who wish to take the reins, the JVC GZ-MG255 features a fairly decent set of manual controls. It includes aperture priority, exposure compensation, Spot Metering, Shutter Priority, focus, white balance, and auto gain control. The GZ-MG255 also offers a peppering of one-touch adjustments that help shooters ease into the world of manual camcorder operation. When it comes to adjusting the picture, the GZ-MG255’s control interface tends to clutter up the screen, making it difficult to discern the subject. Sony is often guilty of the same crime, while Panasonic and Canon utilize a minimal, hindrance-free function menu for making manual adjustments.
There is no distinct Sony-like “Easy” mode on any JVC Everio, but the GZ-MG255 can be set to auto mode, which allows the camcorder to make most of the decisions. The automatic responses are adequate, but not the best in the market. In hand, the GZ-MG255 feels just like its two siblings models, the GZ-MG155 and GZ-MG130. Its tiny, brick-shaped body is highly portable and comfortable to hold. Larger hands may experience difficulty getting a proper grip. Luckily, JVC utilizes an LCD-mounted joystick that emphasizes two-handed camcorder operation. Rifling through the menu is quick and easy, but acclimating to the diminutive size of the joystick will take some practice.
The GZ-MG255’s claim to fame is its ability to record 430 minutes of standard definition video in the highest quality to the 30GB internal hard disk drive. There are no tapes or DVDs to fiddle with—just connect the GZ-MG255 to a computer via a USB cable and import using the supplied PowerProducer/PowerCinema software. The supplied editing software is finicky and offers the most rudimentary editing functions, but it will get the job done satisfactorily for beginners. If you elect for better, alternate editing software, you may still have to import the footage through the supplied software in order to stitch the audio and the video portions of the data together.
In a family of quaint, charming HDD munchkins, the JVC GZ-MG255 is in a tight spot. Most point-and-shooters will spring for the entry-level GZ-MG130. Advanced shooters will opt for the GZ-MG555 or Panasonic SDR-H200. The GZ-MG255 is in existence for one reason: to fill a price range. Wise buyers will investigate the Sony DCR-SR82 or Panasonic SDR-H200, despite what the conniving big box salesman has to say.
For a more in-depth review, visit the JVC GZ-MG255 Review at our partner CamcorderInfo.com
