GR-D72US Mini DV Camcorder (.68MP, 16x Opt, 700x Dig, 2.5" LCD)

Manufacturer: JVC
Model: GRD72US
Digital Zoom: 700 X
Optical Zoom: 16 X
LCD Screen Size: 2.5 in
Recording Media: Mini DV|SD Memory Card
Audio Support: PCM
Additional Features: Built-in Light|Digital Fade|PC Connection|Time Code|Viewfinder
Image Stabilization: Digital
Average User RatingAverage User RatingAverage User Rating: Number of User Reviews: 10

Reviewed by: ROCRacer from CA on Sep 29, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 2 Days

Strengths: Very good beginner digital camcorder. Above average zoom, small size, above average LCD display, built-in automatic light, 16:9 mode...all at a very affordable price.

Weaknesses: Like most other digital camcorders, the still picture resolution is too low. Also, the viewfinder doesn't tilt up, a memory card isn't included, and it doesn't even come with a "starter" MiniDV tape.

Summary: I was looking for an above average beginner's digital camcorder that I could use for parties and family functions as well as on vacations. In this price range, with the strengths that I already pointed out, it's hard to beat this camcorder...and I spent hours researching this on-line and consulting with friends who have digital camcorders.

So far, I have not been disappointed with my choice.

Reviewed by: PugslyUnitus from IL on Nov 19, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 14 Days

Strengths: Controls are easy to access and in intuitive places.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: What drew me to this product is the ability to shoot in low light areas. If you are like me I shoot most footage indoors for birthdays, holidays etc. The lighting is never that good, especially at night. With the JVC the two small LED lights make video captured very good and true. I researched and found very few cameras had this capability even the ones priced in the $1000 range. For $300 this camera is a winner.

Reviewed by: butterflybuff from FL on Jan 25, 2005
Rating:

Experience: 2 Weeks

Strengths: i like the zoom it has a very good zoom i like photographing wildlife and it does bring you close with out puting me in harms way.

Weaknesses: i think maybe the manufacture should include 1 tape with the product or at least some coupons to buy them this is the only draw back to buying this little gadget.

Summary: overall it is a great stater cam it is not hard to use and i would say that if you are thinking about having this as a hobby that you consider this to be you're first camera

Reviewed by: Newt613 from NJ on Jan 20, 2005
Rating:

Experience: 1 Months

Strengths: Small and light weight, low light capability excelent. Color LCD screne and viewfinder. Menu easy to follow.

Weaknesses: Does not come with memory card. Hand strap seems week.

Summary: I am replacing a JVC VHS-C camcorder with this one, and I am very pleased. I did alot of research and read rewiews and all of them pointed to the JVC GR-D line. The camera prefromed extreamly well out of the box. little set up is required. I choose to go with the GR-D72u because of the still capability and the remote, you dont think about it right away, but Im glad I got it. the buttons on the camera for play back are small and recessed, and kinda out of the way, someone with large fingers might find it hard to operate. The remote helped with that.
As for the still shots, im sticking with my digital camera. From what I've read, the experts suggest that as well. Great camera for the not so savy electrionics person.

Reviewed by: Thrillho_use from NY on Jan 25, 2005
Rating:

Experience: 4 Weeks

Strengths: Easy to use, intuitive manual controls, remote, still phot capture, bright LCD screen, compact & lightweight

Weaknesses: Button placement seems to favor hands a little bigger than mine, but not uncomfortable.

Summary: I did a lot of shopping around, via the web & in-store comparisons. I found that for the money, the GRD72 offers a lot of bang for your buck. The Auto settings make it a breeze to use right out of the box, and the extensive manual settings let a more seasoned videographer really tailor the camera to their style and comfort. The on-screen menu is bright, easy to use, and just feels really natural. The placement of the buttons may take a little getting used to for some. I highly recommend, and would deffinitely get another JVC when the time comes.

Reviewed by: jokomoto from WA on Sep 20, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 5 Days

Strengths: Great Low-Light and bright light video quality. Analog passthrough capture quality excellent. Lots of manual control. Great to have SD memory card for still images. Great zoom range.

Weaknesses: Hand strap flimsy, camera flops around in your hand. Camera doesn't feel solid. Still picture quality is marginal. Image stabilization doesn't work beyond 10x zoom.

Summary: I am very pleased with the JVC GR-D72. Overall it is a great buy. Video is crisp and colorization is pretty accurate, leaning toward blue. The analog passthrough feature produces excellent quality DVD output, almost no quality loss. The camera feels a little cheap. Doors wiggle slightly, hand strap is rather thin, and doesn't adjust well. On a Windows XP Home machine, it was recognized right out of the box. Tape loading from the bottom is a pain. I have recorded in SP (1 hour) and LP (1.5 hour) mode and noticed very little difference in quality. Purchase an additional longer life battery (2.5 hours) , worth the $20. Got it from keybattery.com for $23 incl. shipping.

Reviewed by: dragonboyokada from CA on Nov 8, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 1 Weeks

Strengths: Small and light overall package, integrated digi-cam, 16x optical zoom, twin LED lighting, color LCD Eye Viewer and great features for the price make this a good buy.

Weaknesses: The microphone is a bit too sensitive, too much of a cheap plastic feel, no external light or mic connector, low light performance, delay in auto-focus, and flimsy handstrap are things to consider.

Summary: This is my first camcorder, so I tried to be selective before making my purchase. I knew it would have to be a mini-DV format, have a large optical zoom, bang-for-the-buck, compact, good quality image and sound, and reliable. I had originally looked at a Sony, but they cost quite a bit more and according to the reviews didn¡¯t seem to do as well compared to JVC. I have used Sony's high-8 and digi-8 camcorders in the past and have found them both to have excellent quality images, but the small form factor and the rumors that 8mm was being phased out made me realize mini-DV was probably the best way to go.

I read most of the reviews on the net before purchasing the GR-D72US and aside from a few complaints the low price and features made it a very good deal. However, you get what you pay for, because what it adds in features it lacks in overall quality and performance. The lens can take a few seconds to readjust if you zoom in or out too quickly. Low light videos look grainy and the digi-cam is only good for fun memory shots and not for printing. The camera also feels a bit off balanced in my medium-sized hand and it actually feels too small, as some of the buttons are hard to reach or operate. I also prefer Sony's nighshot (green/black images that allow you to see in complete darkness) over JVC's grainy lowlight color imaging that skips a frame between filming. Cool for doing the robot or break dancing. Bad for trying to film my newborn daughter sleeping.

This maybe a small complaint, but JVC didn¡¯t even bother including a rubber plug to cover the external ports for the AC and AV connectors. A small touch, but would have been a nice detail to keep dirt out. Again these are the things that keep JVC from being a Sony. Overall, the GR-D72US met all my expectations for a budget mid-range camera that includes more expensive camera features (if only they'd worked a little better). I'll have to spend more time with it to rate the battery, but I'm definitely going to buy a longer-lasting one off eBay for less than $20. I also haven't had a chance to download video to my computer, but I'm looking forward to it. I just hope it's easy to use.

I¡¯d recommend it for a beginner or novice who wants added features on a budget.

Reviewed by: villagepointe from NJ on Jul 7, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 3 Days

Strengths: Compact and similar features like Panasonic

Weaknesses: Doesn't come with memory card, Tapes etc. User Manual doesn't provide clear instructions. Tech. Suppport is awful. Unable to identify the problems in connecting via USB to computer.

Summary: For 449$ one could go for a better one like Panasonic. It gets on my nerves when I am helpless having it new next to my side, unable to use it. My computer is new with more memory and other features. Tech support team couldn't able to establish what might be the problems in setting up CAMCORDER with the PC. Still taking time to diagnose it.

Reviewed by: asabra from IL on Nov 20, 2004
Rating:

Experience: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Small. Easy to use. Nice design

Weaknesses: NA

Summary: Great item for a very low price. Easy to use. Great Lots of great features.
I received the camera a couple of days later. No problems at all. No sales calls. I would definetly buy again at this store. ALthought they send me two cassetes from a different brand. But its OK. the camera is working great. I did not have to read the manual a lot to get the camera start working.

Reviewed by: agmontecillo from CA on Jan 7, 2005
Rating:

Experience: 7 Days

Strengths: Easy to use. Very good in low light.

Weaknesses: Battery life is short but you can get a higher capacity battery.

Summary: The camcorder is compact, easy to handle and operate. The software was simple, as well, to figure out. It was not perfect in low light conditions but was good enough.I have had much worse. The camcorder is excellent overall.