Thanks to its sharp, pivoting, 2.5-inch color LCD, the camcorder lets you shoot effectively from many angles (including below, above, and in front of the lens). The 16x optical zoom lens is augmented (at the expense of image quality) by a 400x digital zoom.

You probably won't need the manual to start shooting with the GR-SXM330U, but it will come in handy when you're ready to tap into the camera's vast array of advanced features. While the clearly labeled buttons and clever menu-wheel control make for easy navigation of settings and menus, it can be difficult to remember what buttons lead to which settings.

For the artistic moviemaker, the GR-SXM330U offers a handful of whiz-bang "digifects." You can give your shots the look of an old movie (black-and-white with a slight strobe effect), add a sepia filter, reverse or stretch the image, and more. You can also choose from a variety of fade/wipe transitions, and superimpose one of eight preset titles (such as "Happy Birthday" and "Our New Baby"). The camcorder even has a high-speed shutter mode for capturing sports and other fast-moving events, and a digital image stabilizer for shaky situations.

The GR-SXM330U performs equally well under indoor and outdoor lighting. In low-light situations, you can switch on the camcorder's built-in light or use Night Alive--a digital enhancement that promises to make dark subjects brighter. It works, but the camera then becomes difficult to focus, and images take on a strobe effect.

The included clip-on battery is good for over an hour of recording between charges, though it can be charged only when attached to the camera. Our only physical problem with the GR-SXM330U was that sometimes the cassette door wouldn't close properly, requiring a little extra shove to snap it shut.

Compact and hardily constructed, the JVC GR-SXM330U combines the convenience of VHS compatibility with a host of highly desirable features. It's a splendid choice for capturing your family history. --Rick Broida

Pros:

• Offers higher-resolution recording on normal VHS-C tapes
• Endless assortment of special effects and picture controls
• Built-in light
• Wireless remote for playback
• Control wheel provides easy navigation of onscreen menus

Cons:

• No standalone battery charger
• Cassette door can be hard to close
• Mono audio output for dubbing