Lens
JVC put a 10x optical zoom into the GR-DVP7U, which is a good compromise of image quality and zoom power, and should be more than adequate for just about any situation. The digital zoom pumps up the total magnification to 200x, but we recommend using as low a level of digital zoom as you need, as zoom erodes image quality, particularly at high levels.

Digital Stills
While many camcorders these days come with some sort of digital still mode, the DVP7U records 1,280 x 960 stills--1.2-megapixel resolution. This particular resolution is good for a camcorder, and great when you consider the package size the functionality is jammed.

Inputs and Outputs
The DVP7U comes with the standard IEEE 1394 port for lossless transfer of digital video to a computer, or another IEEE 1394-equipped device, and a USB port for still image transfer. Additionally, the camcorder has an S-video output--for duping your footage onto tape--and analog inputs for archiving your old footage digitally.

Product Description
The JVC GR-DVP7 provides mega performance in a micro design. With its megapixel CCD and super high-band processor, this elegant camera delivers rich, true-to-life images with extra-high resolution that will give your videos real panache. Plug the GR-DVP7 into a PC and send live images or video e-mail to friends and family around the world. Loaded with communication features and multiple interfaces, this camera is an ideal tool for multimedia creators who want to bring their images to the world. With its ultra-compact, flat surface design, the GR-DVP7 is as stylish as it is powerful. Small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket or purse without unsightly protrusions, this ultra-stylish camera just begs to be taken along with you wherever you go.

I played around with all the feautes, ended up using what suited me best, e.g., widescreen format (awesome), night owl (so,so, need to keep camera still), framed photo capturing, fade to black inbetween shots (great feature-makes your shots seem professionally filmed), and wind reduction, are along the others I learned to use and have adapted. Being able to switch from video mode to memory mode (for taking digital stills) has never been easier. It takes a few seconds to adjust but its quick enough. What I would do is capture some events in video and wish to also capture it in digital stills so that I can develop it. Just a small switch allows me to do this.

The functions/features may seem complicated at first, but like anything else, you got to "grind" the info at hand and get use to it. Hey, its the only camcorder on my trip, so I had to make the best of it! The only disadvantages it has that I found, but easily tolerated, is the image focusing. The camcorder sometimes has trouble auto-focusing when it can't seem to find its target or focal point. Its also hard to take sharp dark video and image shots when the "Night Owl" is set. Its required that you keep the camcorder still as best possible, or else it will come out blurry. As you'll find out, its hard to keep a camera very still! But in the brightest of days, especially found in the Philippines, the outcome of pictures and video, is impressively sharp. Outstanding, digital quality video!

Overall, the advantages very much outweigh the disadvantages unanimously! Its very stylish, would just place it in my pocket and ready to shoot whenever. Its got a full load of features that are very much necessary and impressive, allowing a professional outcome. Most important of all, the camcorder produces great quality digital video!! Can't say much about the digital 1.02 Mpx, but its good enough for a camcorder. The emphasis of this review is pretty much its digital quality video, it is quite impressive!

I've personlly returned to this site to make this review because I feel that I owe it to other fellow customers of how much I appreciated this camcorder. I do own one and will not return it, unless in need of repair, of course.


Micro pocket camcorder with tons of features!   January 3, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is one of the best mini-dv camcorders available today. I liked the MPEG-4 email clips that it can do at a press of a button. Send full motion video through the internet without the megabytes. Video quality is very clear although it is very much light dependent. Still pictures can be better but for a camcorder this size, it is very very good. I would still recommend a digital still camera for serious still pictures. Overall I am very happy with the camera and will recommend it to anyone looking for a small digital camcorder!