JVC GR-DVP7

This is a good compact all round camcorder,easy to use, and small enough to carry in you pocket, with very good results.

The JVC GR-DVP7 very neat camera - video and audio are excellent - takes widescreen video. Quick start up. I've read a lot of comments that the camera function doesn't cut it but i think it's excellent, especially in low light. it's low resolution, but does what it says on the tin! These are going second hand at bargain prices!

The reason I chose the DVP7 over other cameras available at the time (May 2003) were

a) size, I wanted a camera I could hold in a belt pouch - as a previous analogue Vid camera slung around my neck, b) analogue pass through - to enable conversion of old tapes c) built in lens cover, d) quick start up, e) High quality video - consumer 3CCD not available in 2003.

What I got, and didn't need were a) still camera, b) built in sound effects, c) mp3 player, d) webcam

In hind sight what I would have liked (after 2.5 years use) and didn't get were, a) external mic socket, b) manual focus, c) larger LCD display d) more comfortable grip

Problems I have had in more that 2.5 yrs use a) intermittent LCD display, b) slow zoom-in. I have had both problems repaired, as I still love to use this camera.

The JVC GR-DVP9 actually replaced the DVP7 in the JVC digital camcorder line-up. The only major advance of the DVP9 was that it offered a digital stills resolution of 1.3mp instead of the DVP7's 1.0mp. Having owned a DVP7 since it was launched, I reckon it's a very good and very stylish mini DV camcorder with lots of useful features like on-board editing/dubbing. My only two gripes are that the digital stills quality is very poor, even taking into account that it does only claim 1.0mp resolution. Whilst the night-vision quality is very poor.

My JVC GR-DVP7 digital camcorder has consistently found a reason to break and to simply not work. I hate it.

The JVC GR-DVP7 digital camcorder is really great for filming holidays and small occasions. The picture is as clear as a professional film camera. The pocket size lets you to take it anywhere you want, but don't forget to take a spare battery and charger.

This JVC GR-DVP7 (PAL) is a great camcorder because I took it on holidays which has delivered very good picture as well as sound quality on Panasonic MiniDV tapes, you would expect from this smallest camera! Low light capability is just as good as the semi-professional ones. Colour accuracy is not bad but provide clean images. The lens can be widescreen, wide angle or normal and the zoom 200x digital (which I prefer optical by default to maintain picture quality). The size is not so intimidating as the bigger ones which is another plus! This cam's mobility is great. Just put into its pouch with a belt and there you go! It has DV firewire, analogue inputs/outputs etc etc. Battery life is okay. Its even better if you have a spare battery and a charger. If you know how to use this cam, you will get very good results. Other than, its neat!

This model was not marketed enough. It has almost the same spec as the DVP9 and is a good deal cheaper. I would like to see a waterproof plastic case available for this model, to film underwater, but I'm sure it will be out soon. My brother-in-law bought one after he saw it. This model is a fantastic buy for those shoppers looking for an 'upper mid-range' camcorder.