Photo: JVC

Fitting neatly and lightly in your hand, the JVC’s Everio GZ-MG330 Hybrid Camcorder is easy to take around with you wherever you go. The camcorder introduces the ‘Laser Touch’, which may appeal to regular customers, but could drive away professionals.

Some of the regular features

It has the usual features. Its lithium-ion battery, found on the back, operates around two hours on full charge. A 2.7-inch LCD display swings out and flips over. Its bodywork includes a manually operated lens.

This camcorder is operated with ‘Laser Touch’

Photo: JVC

This JVC HDD camcorder has menu buttons that are operated with a ‘Laser Touch’ slider with sub-trigger and zoom function. There are a range of manual options, including focus, exposure, white balance, shutter speed and spot meter, however the Laser Touch controls don’t allow very smooth operation and only offer one-dimension of scrolling. For the average consumer who prefers to use manual controls, the Laser Touch controls shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but it might drive experts insane!

Spot your friend across the ocean with this camcorder!

The JVC Everio camcorder has an optical zoom which goes up to 35x. Digital zoom ranges up to an incredible 800x. The camcorder can focus on extremely close objects but might need a bit of micro work. It carries a 1/6 inch 800K Pixel CCD. This limits the resolution of the still photos. There is also some noise in lower light. Its maximum video resolution is 720×480.

The necessary extras

Photo: JVC

The power cord and A/V cord are plugged in around the back of the JVC Everio camcorder, while the mini USB connector is situated in the front. Also on the front is the stereo mic, just under the lens. The onboard mic performs well, but only for close subjects. There is no input for an external mic.

Files are stored on a MicroSD card or its 30GB hard drive, which can hold up to seven hours and ten minutes of video shot in the highest mode and over 37 hours in the economy mode.

What else will you find in its box?

Also included with the camcorder is an AC adapter, A/V cable, USB cable, remote control, battery and CD-ROM with basic editing software.

For the casual consumer who likes to shoot family videos or memorable moments, this JVC HDD camcorder is an attractive and affordable option, but for more experienced consumers, the camcorder might prove frustrating.