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  • Performance

  • Format

  • Auto / Manual Controls

  • Still Features

  • Handling and Use

  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity

  • Other Features

  • Comparisons / Conclusion

  • Photo Gallery

  • Performance
  • Format
  • Auto / Manual Controls
  • Still Features
  • Handling and Use
  • Audio / Playback / Connectivity
  • Other Features
  • Comparisons / Conclusion
  • Photo Gallery

Performance

The JVC GZ-MG155 is outfitted with a single 1/6-inch CCD sensor, which has a gross 1,070,000 pixels. This is the typical imager size found in entry-level camcorders of all formats, though the pixel count is higher. This is likely to result in a sharper image in bright light, but could cause problems in low light. The issue is the pixel density. Because the number of pixels increased, but surface did not, that means the pixels themselves must be made smaller. Smaller pixels result in a decreased ability to capture photons in low light. High pixel density can also lead to noise. But we’ll get to low light in a couple sections.

First, we want to look at the results in bright light. For standardization, we shoot a DSC Labs ChromaDuMonde color chip chart at an even 3000 lux. Under these conditions, ideal for any camcorder, the GZ-MG155 does not look so good. The color performance is adequate for the price range – well saturated and fairly even. Noise and compression are the two factors at play in creating the dissatisfying image. Too much of the fine detail is lost, negating the resolving power of the increased pixel count.

We can see quite clearly how the GZ-ZMG155 stacks up in the Everio line, having already reviewed the step-up and step-down models. The entry-level GZ-MG130 has a baseline 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel CCD, which produced a much fuzzier looking picture. Color performance was roughly the same. The GZ-MG255 has a larger 1/3.9-inch CCD with 2,180,000, about twice the pixel count of the GZ-MG155. The MG255, while hardly a champion, did perform better. The image suffered from less noise and sharper details. Again, the color performance was similar, indicating that these camcorders are likely sharing the same processor, or at least the same color processing algorithms.

The Sony DCR-SR42 is priced the same as the GZ-MG155, but has the standard 1/6-inch, 680,000-pixel CCD. It shares the same imager as the DCR-SR40, which we reviewed last year. The SR40 produced more saturated colors, which a lot of consumers are going to prefer. Though the resolution is about the same between the camcorders, the Sony SR40 looks sharper because of the increased in-camera sharpening. Unfortunately, the SR40 suffered from a blue noise issue that affects many Sony camcorders. Overall, the JVC looked better.

Finally, we considered the Hitachi DZ-HS300A, a DVD/HDD hybrid. While the dual recording media offers a lot of flexibility, the video quality is quite poor. Resolution in fine detail is virtually non-existent. The JVC GZ-MG155 performed much better.

In casual shooting, the GZ-MG155 proved to be extremely noisy. We also saw some of the same ghosting problems as we did on the GZ-MG255 – white or colored borders around the outlines of objects.

Overall, the JVC GZ-MG155’s main selling points are price and portability. This is not much of a performer.

Video Resolution* (3.25)*

To test the video resolution, we shot a DSC Labs video resolution chart at an even 3000 lux and reviewed the playback footage on a high definition monitor. This test measures the line widths per picture height (lw/ph) of the final outputted resolution. We found the GZ-MG155 to be a weak performer, producing an approximate horizontal resolution of 325 lw/ph and a vertical resolution of 200 lw/ph. Because this test considers the outputted files, the noise factored into the low score, which obscured much of the fine detail.

Low Light Performance* (2.71)*

The first part of our low light test involves shooting the DSC Labs ChromaDuMonde color checker chart at an even 60 lux and 15 lux. At 60 lux, the JVC GZ-MG155 produced an excessively grainy image. A great deal of fine detail has been lost compared to the bright light test. Surprisingly, not that much color information has been lost. This is likely a function of the automatic gain, which would also explain the noise. The auto gain control (AGC) can be turned off and on, but the actual level of gain cannot be adjusted – only Panasonics offer that option in the consumer range of products.

A look at the image with the AGC off gives an indication of the benefit gain can offer, along with the cost. The image is obviously much darker, but there is less noise. Were the camcorder to offer manual gain rather than simply turning the auto response on and off, one might be able to find a better balance.

Fortunately, the camcorder gives you the option for shutter speed control. This can also be found on most Canons and all Panasonics, but not the Hitachi DZ-HS300A or any Sony camcorders. At 60 lux with the shutter lowered from 1/60 to 1/30, the JVC GZ-MG155 (with the AGC on) managed to produce the same level of exposure and roughly the same color performance without all the noise. Of course, at this shutter speed you will see an increase in motion blur, but it could be worth it depending on the kind of shooting.

Comparatively, the JVC GZ-MG130 produced a slightly brighter image with less noise. This is precisely the problem caused by the increased pixel density on the GZ-MG155. Because the pixels are larger on the GZ-MG130, they function better in low light. The GZ-MG255, which has a significantly larger imager than either of them, produced a much better looking image. The colors are unhealthily saturated, but the entire image is brighter and less noisy.

The Sony DCR-SR40 performed absolutely terribly at 60 lux – by far the grainiest, dirtiest looking image in the bunch. This was virtually unusable footage. The Hitachi DZ-HS300A performed only slightly worse than the GZ-MG155 in terms of exposure and color, but the overall resolution was so bad, even in bright light, that it pales in comparison to the GZ-MG155.

At 15 lux, the image is totally shot. This test in the widow-maker for all but the best camcorders, so these results do not come as a surprise.

With the AGC off, the image is essentially black.

At a shutter speed of 1/30, the camcorder manages to squeak out more color and detail, but it’s not a great looking shot.

The competing camcorders yielded the same poor results at 15 lux, though the GZ-MG255 was the standout for capturing the brightest image.

The second part of the low light test determines sensitivity. We shoot while continuously lowering the light until the camcorder manages to produce a peak level of 50 IRE (IRE is a measure of exposure). At best, the JVC GZ-MG155 managed to produce 50 IRE at 22 lux. We’ve certainly seen better sensitivity scores this year, but 22 lux is not the worst for such a small chip. The high auto gain is likely a contributor to the score.

Finally, we shoot a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart at 60 lux, then output stills to Imatest imaging software to determine color accuracy, noise, and saturation. At best, the GZ-MG155 was able to produce a color error of 12.5 – a very high error. The noise levels measured 0.875 percent, and the saturation was 68.68 percent. These scores are right in line with the assertion that the pixel density is too high for such a small chip, and is causing poor low light results.

Stabilization* (1.86)*

The GZ-MG155 is equipped with Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), which functions by creating a digital buffer around the recorded frame. It corrects for some shake, but lowers the effective resolution. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is superior because it corrects by shifting a lens element around, leaving the imager to do its regular job collecting as many photons as it can. OIS is found primarily on higher-end models, so it is no surprise that the GZ-MG155 is saddled with DIS.

We tested the effectiveness of the GZ-MG155’s DIS by using our custom-built camcorder shake emulator. With the LCD flipped out and the camcorder set to Manual mode, we used two different speeds to ascertain a weighted average. Speed one is the equivalent of walking casually down the sidewalk, camcorder in hand. Speed two is more tumultuous, simulating a jolting car ride or brisk jog while recording. Unfortunately, the GZ-MG155’s DIS faltered significantly at both speeds, with only a 33 percent shake reduction at speed one and 0 percent shake reduction at speed two. The GZ-MG130 produced a near-identical showing. This is most likely due to the camcorders’ petite size and cheap DIS system.

Wide Angle* (9.2)*

We tested the GZ-MG155’s maximum field of view by placing the camcorder on a tripod with the zoom fully pulled back, LCD open, and DIS disabled. A vertical laser was used to measure the left and right angles, and the recorded footage was viewed on an external monitor. The GZ-MG155 displayed a wide angle measurement of 46 degrees, which is fairly average.

 

 

 

 

Format

Compression* (4.0)*

The JVC GZ-MG155 outputs video in the standard MPEG-2 compression, which is common, in most regards, to all standard definition DVD and HDD camcorders. For a long time, MPEG-2 video files were much more difficult to work with than MiniDV tape. This has changed in the last couple of years, with improved file importation in most editing software.

Editing files is not the only obstacle. MPEG-2 compression is quite high compared to the DV compression of MiniDV tape. Video quality is generally inferior. Especially in cheaper camcorders like this one, the compression artifacts – chunky blocks of pixels – become apparent.

The GZ-MG155 has four quality settings that correspond to the data bit rate. Super Fine (8.5 Mbps), Fine (5.5 Mbps), Normal 4.2 Mbps), and Economy (1.5 Mbps). All bit rates are variable, meaning that moments of little motion or detail will record at a slower bit rate. This is a more efficient use of compression, though it can affect picture quality.

Media* (6.0)*

The JVC GZ-MG155 is equipped with a 30 GB internal, non-removable hard disk drive. This is the same capacity as all standard definition JVC Everios this year. The comparable Sony model, the DCR-SR42, has the same capacity, but Sony also offers the SR42A with twice the capacity for $100 more.

The 30 GB can store up to 430 minutes of video in the highest quality (Super Fine). In Fine quality it can hold 640 minutes, in Normal quality it can hold 850 minutes, and in Economy quality it can hold 2,250 minutes.

Editing* (5.0)*

Editing files from the JVC GZ-MG155 is easy if you have an editing program capable of importing JVC’s flavor of MPEG-2 files. Fortunately, most up-to-date software should have no problem with this.

The camcorder ships with a great bundle of editing software, some of the best that any manufacturer has to offer. The bundle includes Digital Photo Navigator v1.5, PowerCinema NE for Everio, PowerProducer 3 NE, and PowerDirector 5 NE Express. With this package, you should be able to import, edit, and export very simple movies.

 

 

 

 

Auto / Manual Controls

Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control (4.0)

The JVC GZ-MG155 showed modest results in automatic responses to changing conditions. The auto white balance tended to warm the picture. This is generally flattering to skin tones, but skews colors away from where they should be. The auto exposure adjustments are very fast, usually taking no longer than two seconds. This is great for some users, but too fast for those attempting a filmic look. Unfortunately, only pro camcorders offer the ability to alter the response times of auto controls.

The GZ-MG155 offers a number of one-touch corrections, though using them can be confusing. The controls are activated through a touch of the joystick, and keeping them all straight in your head is tricky. Here’s the rundown:

Pushing the joystick left activates the Scene modes menu. Scene modes include Sports, Snow, Spotlight, and Twilight. Pushing the joystick down once turns on the LED video light. Pushing it down a second time activates the Auto LED light, which will turn on only when it’s dark. Push the joystick down a third time to force the LED off.

Push the joystick left once to activate NightAlive. This feature allows the shutter to drop as low 1/2 a second in low light. For most practical shooting, this is far too slow a shutter and will result in serious motion blur. You’re better off using the manual shutter control. Push the joystick left again to turn it off.

The Scene Mode menu

Push the joystick up once to activate the Backlight Compensation, which boosts overall exposure when a subject is too strongly backlit. Push the joystick up again and Backlight Compensation will shut off, and Spot Metering will activate. This tool creates a small red target area in the center of the screen. The target can be moved across a horizontal axis in the center, left, or right side of the screen. Whatever subject is in that target becomes the measure of auto exposure. Push up once more to exit Spot Metering.

*

Overall Manual Control (4.85)*

The manual controls on most JVCs, even the lower-end models, are good. When it comes to HDD camcorders, JVC exceeds Sony in the number of control options, though not by a lot. They share manual exposure, focus, Scene modes, and tele macro, but JVC adds Shutter Priority and Auto Gain Control on/off. Sony, on the other hand, offers better ease of use and automatic responses, and more one-touch correction tools.

Most interfacing with the menu and controls is performed with the joystick, mounted on the left side of the LCD panel. After playing with camcorders for several years, we’re certain that joysticks are the optimal choice for consumers. Directional pads are typically placed in awkward spots that don’t face the shooter, and touch screens get dirty and can be unresponsive unless the screen size is very large. Rear-mounted joysticks, when properly designed, are the best because they allow one-handed shooting. The LCD-mounted joystick on the GZ-MG155 holds up nicely. It’s common practice to hold a camcorder with two hands – essential when the stabilization is problematic, as it is here. The joystick is small, but has a smooth, responsive action.

One of the challenges when engaging manual controls is that the menu graphics take up a huge portion of the screen, obscuring the image you’re trying to adjust. A subtler approach would be appreciated in future models.

*

Zoom (6.0)*

The JVC GZ-MG155 zoom toggle is located on top near the right-rear, designed for use with the forefinger. It’s a slightly raised plastic nubbin that feels cheap in the hand. Slow, controlled zooms are difficult because there isn’t a consistently slow speed through the zoom range. From 1x to 3x, you can get a snail’s crawl. Then it speeds up from 4x to about 8x, and from there it speeds up very quickly to its full 32x. If JVC is going to offer such a large zoom, it would be nice to have full control over the speed.

JVC is thoughtful enough to provide a zoom progress bar to indicate where in the zoom range you are, as well as the actual numerical value of the zoom. You’d be amazed how many camcorders skimp on this useful information.

Zoom Power Ratio (32.0)

The JVC GZ-MG155 features a hefty 32x optical zoom. Big zoom numbers like this are common in lower-end camcorders, where manufacturers often engage in number wars. Who has the biggest zoom? 32x! Ooh, ahh! The fact is a zoom is only as good as the accompanying image stabilization. Any handheld shots past 5x-6x are going to be very shaky, particularly on this camcorder. If you have any intention of using the 32x zoom, you’ll need a tripod or a flat surface, and probably a surveillance warrant for the window you’re shooting into.

The digital zoom can be set to extend to 64x (twice the optical zoom) or 800x. If 32x isn’t getting you close enough, you should actually stand up and walk closer to your subject before bothering with the digital zoom. The picture quality is low enough without digitally distorting the image. If you absolutely have to use digital zoom, leave it at 64x.

Focus (4.0)

The manual focus is engaged via the Function menu. Once activated, a tiny icon appears at the bottom of the screen. Look at the image on the screen and toggle the joystick left and right until the image is in focus. What’s that? You can’t tell if it’s in focus or not because the screen is too small and the resolution is too low? Yeah, we had that problem, too.

Like most standard definition consumer camcorders, the GZ-MG155’s manual focus is the worst, most useless control on board. Unless you’re focusing on large, high contrast objects, there is little chance of you perfecting the focus with your eyes alone. You’re better off letting the auto focus do its job. It’s a shame that the peaking function from the high definition Everios wasn’t carried down the entire line. This throws a color cast on areas of the shot that are in focus, helping tremendously with manual adjustments.

Exposure & Aperture (6.0)

The JVC GZ-MG155 comes equipped with an exposure tool called Brightness, located in the Function menu. It ranges from +6 to -6. The interface is very simple and practical. It makes the image brighter or darker; what more needs to be said? For beginners, this is the right tool to start with.

All models above the GZ-MG155 in the Everio line offer an Aperture Priority mode. Why they left this off the GZ-MG155 and GZ-MG130 is a mystery. It couldn’t cost anything extra, so it’s likely one of those arbitrary features they use to make distinctions between models.

The Exposure tool in action

Shutter Speed (6.8)

Though there is no Aperture Priority mode, all Everios this year offer Shutter Priority. The control is located in the Function menu. Settings include 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, and 1/4000 of a second. This presents a healthy range of options for most shooting situations.

Most Canons offer an Aperture Priority mode. All Panasonics have independent shutter and aperture. Conversely, no standard definition consumer camcorders from Sony have shutter control.

White Balance (5.75)

The white balance options are also located in the Function menu. The list is good – not as good as some Canons, but better than Panasonic and Sony. Settings include Auto, Manual, Fine, Cloud, and Halogen. A second indoor setting would have made sense, as most homes are lit with incandescent lights, rather than halogen.

Making a manual adjustment on the GZ-MG155 is slightly more confusing than on most camcorders. It seems that sometimes you’ll hit a button and think you’ve made the adjustment, but nothing happens. Then you hit the button again and you’re returned to the top level of the Function menu. Wait until the "manual" icon starts blinking; then you know you’ve got it.

The White Balance tools in action

Gain (1.0)

JVC does not allow you to adjust the gain manually, but you can turn the Auto Gain Control (AGC) on or off. This offers a small measure of protection against noise. It’s not much, certainly, but there are times when it can prove useful.

Other Manual Controls (1.0)

Tele Macro - The JVC GZ-MG155 offers a tele macro feature designed to help shoot small objects in large detail. Our testing found it did not seem to have much of an impact.

 

 

 

 

Still Features

Still Features* (6.75)*

The GZ-MG155 records still images in Fine or Standard quality to the 30 GB HDD or SD/SDHC cards at 1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 (VGA) sizes. Despite its slim still image capturing options, the GZ-MG155 offers the largest image size within its price range. The step-up GZ-MG255 includes six image resolutions, the largest at 1632 x 1224. Shifting down a notch, the GZ-MG130 is only capable of Internet-quality VGA stills.

*The SD/SDHC card slot is inconveniently

located on the bottom of the camcorder/*

The GZ-MG155 does not feature a flash, but it has a video light that can be used in Still mode. We recommend not using the video light, unless you wish to blind an eye with a concentrated bluish beam. The GZ-MG155 includes a Continuous Shooting setting which enables the camcorder to snap numerous photos at 0.3-second intervals as long as the Photo Capture button is held down. There is also a Self-Timer that can be set to 2, 10, or 25 seconds. All manual controls are available in Photo mode, though there is no Auto setting for exposure.

Still Performance* (7.31)*

To test still performance, we lit a GretagMacBeth Color Checker chart at an even bright light and ran captured stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the JVC GZ-MG155 was able to produce a color error of 8.21, which is about average for a low-end camcorder. The noise level was 0.8725 percent, and the saturation was 102.5 percenrt.

To get this best score, we had to boost the exposure (called Brightness control on the GZ-MG155) by one increment. This corresponded to an aperture of f/4.5 and a shutter speed of 1/30. In Auto mode, the camcorder had been shooting at f/5.0.

Still Resolution* (6.22)*

To test the still resolution, we shot an Applied Image ISO 12233 resolution chart at an even bright light and ran the stills through Imatest imaging software. At best, the camcorder was able to achieve an approximate horizontal resolution of 683.1 line widths per picture height (lw/ph), with a 1.21 percent clipping and a 26.7 percent oversharpening – and a vertical resolution of 483.1 lw/ph, with no clipping and a 15.0 percent undersharpening. These scores are about average for a camcorder that produces stills of these sizes.

 

 

 

 

Handling and Use

Ease of Use* (5.75)*

Based on the demo video stored on the GZ-MG155, it is clear the Everio breed was created for one specific genre of consumers: point-and-shooters. If you can withstand the magnificent acting, the demo video depicts a family at a birthday party. One bearded dad has a DVD camcorder, while the clean-shaven man, obviously the superior dad, boasts an Everio. When the DVD camcorder runs out of time due to its minimal recording space, the bearded failure of a dad shakes his head in slow motion and joins the Everio dad to learn the magical ways of HDD camcorders.

JVC does have a point, though. HDD camcorders are the most user-friendly devices on the market. They can hold abnormal mounts of footage and do not require any form of external media. DVDs, memory cards, and MiniDV tapes are reasonably large investments for the avid shooter. In addition, their archiving capabilities are limited due to a short shelf life. HDD camcorders allow the shooter to transfer footage to a storage drive or an external DVD burner. JVC sells several stand-alone DVD burners to pair with its Everios.

Editing is on the flip side of the coin. Though it’s better than most in-the-box software, the provided Power Producer/Power Cinema programs are rudimentary and slow. In addition, Everio footage will rarely show up in the correct 16:9 aspect on any other editing software. This is a shame, but caters to a crowd who could care less about editing and more about throwing memories on a DVD so the HDD can be wiped for the next bar mitzvah.

The GZ-MG155’s menu interface is identical to the rest of the Everio line—simple, easy to navigate, and well organized. The LCD-mounted joystick will take some practice to master, but you’ll soon find making menu selections and manual adjustments is far superior to Sony’s smaller touch screens. One complaint is that JVC LCD screens tend to gunk up with numerous icons that obscure the viewing pane.

The GZ-MG155 comes equipped with a robust set of manual controls, but for most shooters, Auto mode will do. In Auto mode, the camcorder functions in a smooth state of autopilot, much like Sony’s Easy mode. All the shooter has to do is hit the record button and aim for the bride and groom.

Handling* (5.0)*

Everios are bite-sized compared to Sony and Canon HDD camcorders. They are about the size of a balled fist, and do not come equipped with viewfinders. In a nutshell, the GZ-MG155 is a consumer-driven camcorder. Portability is the key here. JVC’s implementation of an LCD-mounted joystick forces the shooter to operate the camcorder with two hands, which is the way most point-and-shooters hold a camcorder anyway. Though our lamentations over beautifully-crafted MiniDV camcorders are still prevalent, we must somehow find a way to relate to these little HDD bricks.

For one, you can start by figuring out how to hold the GZ-MG155. With a normal grip through the hand strap, larger fingers will overshoot the zoom toggle, almost sinking into the LCD cavity. It’s a good thing JVC didn’t mount the microphone up top—recorded audio would be a sea of muffles. You’ll have to shift your right hand down in order to match your index finger and thumb to the zoom toggle and Record Start/Stop button. Meanwhile, the left hand will brace the LCD panel, thumb resting atop the joystick. We emphasize brace here because the image stabilization is wanting and the zoom ratio is so temptingly high.

Making manual control adjustments is a fairly welcoming process. Sony is often the worst of the major manufacturers for manual control adjustment due to its smudgy LCD screens and tiny, finicky buttons. Panasonic and Canon jointly hold the title with rear-mounted joysticks, allowing one-handed camcorder operation. JVC falls somewhere in the middle; the GZ-MG155’s joystick operation is quick and accurate, but the joystick itself is too small. You’ll need to practice a bit before you can master the art of JVC menu navigation.

Menu* (5.25)*

JVC’s menus are well organized and easy to navigate, thanks to the LCD-mounted joystick. Canon has a similarly well organized menu. Sony has its own style, but it remains intuitive, and therefore good. Panasonic still has some learning to do. To select an option within any of the menus, press the center of the joystick.

Press the Menu button within the LCD cavity to access the Administrative menu. A blue screen will appear containing the following options:

 The Function menu is accessed via the Function button embedded within the LCD panel. Here, you’ll find the following controls:

 

 

The Function menu

JVC also includes a digital version of a Program AE dial. By shifting the joystick to the right, a scrollable Program AE wheel appears along the left side of the LCD screen. The GZ-MG155 offers Sports, Snow, Spotlight, and Twilight Program AE modes. Shifting the joystick down cues the video light, which can be set to Auto, On, or Off. Up on the joystick triggers Backlight Compensation (BLC) and Spot Metering. Left activates NightAlive mode.

Portability* (6.0)*

Everios are the ultimate vacation camcorder. They’re tiny, record hours of footage in the highest quality, and do not require any external media such as DVDs or MiniDV tapes—unless you record to SD/SDHC cards. The GZ-MG155 measures 66 x 71 x 110mm (2 5/8 x 2 13/16 x 4 3/8-inches). These dimensions are identical to its younger and older siblings, the GZ-MG130 and GZ-MG255. However, things are a bit different at the weighing station. The GZ-MG155 tips the scale at 375 grams (0.83 pounds), wedging it between the feathery GZ-MG130 and bulkier GZ-MG255. Dimensions and mass aside, these are Everios—the smallest standard definition HDD camcorders out there. A small camera bag shall suffice—we were able to fit it in our light meter case! A very wise investment would be a backup battery—or three. With a battery life of less than 100 minutes and a maximum recordable time of 430 minutes in the highest quality … well, you do the math.

There’s a hair in the ointment, however. If you’re on vacation and the HDD happens to reach its capacity – that’s it. You have no recourse but to buy another camcorder. If you’ve thought ahead, you might be safe. Perhaps you’ve had the foresight to pack a computer or one of JVC’s snazzy standalone DVD burners. If so, congratulations, and I’m sorry your camera bag weighs so much.

One more thing to carry is the docking station. In order to keep the camcorder so small, all those beloved ports you wanted are located on the base. If you plan on connecting to a TV with an S-Video cable, you’ll need to tote that along, as well.

The 2.7' LCD screen

LCD and Viewfinder* (3.0)*

Welcome to Consumer Paradise. You won’t find a viewfinder on any Everio, aside from the mammoth high-definition GZ-HD7. The sole source of monitoring on the GZ-MG155 is a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD with a 122,000 pixel resolution. The LCD screen flips out 90 degrees from the camcorder’s body and rotates up to 270 degrees, solarizing at the slightest angle. Along the left side of the LCD panel is a vertical column of controls including the Info/Battery button, joystick, and Function menu button. The joystick is among the smallest on the market—on par with Panasonic’s latest AVCHD HDC-SD5 flash memory camcorder. For the GZ-MG155’s market, a standard LCD screen is all that is necessary.

**

Battery Life*** (10.0)*

The GZ-MG155’s BN-VF808U battery was tested for longevity by recording continuously in Manual mode with the LCD flipped open and DIS turned off. The battery lasted a total of 99 minutes and 47 seconds (1 hour, 39 minutes, and 47 seconds). For a battery pack as thin as a pack of gum, the BN-VF808U churns out an admirable performance. Both the GZ-MG255 and GZ-MG130 are equipped with the same battery pack. The GZ-MG255 lasted 85 minutes, while the GZ-MG130 nearly mirrored the GZ-MG155 with a 100-minute performance.

 

 

 

 

Audio / Playback / Connectivity

Audio* (3.0)*

The GZ-MG155 records sound via a 2-Channel Dolby Digital microphone mounted to the front of the camcorder. The quality of the recorded audio is directly linked to the Video quality setting. The GZ-MG155 records 48 kHz sound at 384 Kbps in Ultra Fine mode, 384 Kbps in Fine mode, 256 Kbps in Normal mode, and 128 Kbps in Economy mode. You’re going to want to take advantage of the highest quality setting possible on a consumer camcorder, for video and audio, so stick with Ultra Fine mode.

Still, you’re going to get mediocre sound at best. There is no mic jack or accessory shoe on the GZ-MG155, placing the camcorder among other deprived compact point-and-shoots. Since there is no whirring disc or running tape, the onboard sound will be kept to a minimum. The only control you have over sound is a Wind Cut function that can be turned on or off. Trés cheap, folks.

Playback* (3.25)*

To be perfectly straight, we loathe the playback configuration on any Everio. There are no external controls, in addition to any on-screen controls. The shooter is required to memorize the functions of the joystick, which is the sole steering wheel for playing back footage. Luckily, we here at Camcorderinfo.com will guide you through the enigmatic maze otherwise known as JVC playback control.

OK, left is rewind, right is fast forward. You can rewind or fast forward at four different speeds: 3x, x3, 15x, and 60x. Unless you’re creating an in-camera stop motion animation, 60x seems a bit excessive, doesn’t it? Shifting the joystick to the left or right increases or decreases the rewind/fast forward speed. Up and down toggles between the next or previous clip. The center of the joystick controls pause and play. When a clip is paused, the zoom toggle throws you back to the Icon Menu screen. While a clip is playing, the zoom toggle functions as the volume control. Practice makes perfect, folks.

With that frustration out of the way, you’ll find the Playback menu setup is easy as pie to master. After pressing the near full moon-shaped Playback button within the LCD cavity, a screen appears containing up to nine icons at a time. The icons represent recorded video clips and can be scrolled through by using the joystick. To select a clip, press the center of the joystick and it will begin playing within the entirety of the LCD screen.

In Playback mode, the Administrative menu remains unchanged, but the Function menu is ultimately revamped. This time, the Function menu consists of the following settings: Delete, Protect, Edited Copy, Change Event Reg., Effect, Wipe/Fader, Playback Playlist, Edit Playlist, Edit Playlist, Playback MPG File, and Playback Normal File.

Image Playback is structured identically to Video Playback, only the joystick controls are altered. Right and left toggle through next and previous clips, while up and down rotate the image 90 degrees at a time. Pressing the center of the joystick begins the slide show, while pressing the center button a second time stops the slide show. One last note—the Image Playback Function menu differs from the Video Playback Function menu. Here, you’ll find Delete, Protect, Copy, Move, DPOF, and Effect settings.

Connectivity* (7.25)*

On the camcorder itself, the pickings are slim. The GZ-MG155 has a total of three ports, with the addition of an SD/SDHC slot on the bottom. The architectural configuration is identical to the GZ-MG130 and GZ-MG255. All three camcorders feature a USB terminal up front, cloaked by a frail plastic port that yanks out with a tentative tug. In back, the HDD siblings sport a round AV jack mounted over a rectangular DC terminal. These ports are housed by a feeble plastic tab, as well. The SD/SDHC card slot is sheltered by the most rugged port cover found on any of the three models—a thick plastic-hinged door. The only problem is that the slot is mounted to the bottom of the camcorder, meaning you’ll have to remove it from a tripod every time you want to swap a card.

We experienced a bit of a rough connection with the AV cable on our GZ-MG155, characterized by intermittent signal losses and patchy black bars on the external monitor. Keep in mind that certain Sonys and Canons are utilizing a dome-shaped AV cable connection that eliminates connection problems such as the GZ-MG155’s. However, the GZ-MG155’s AV jack supports both in and out connectivity. In this price range, the GZ-MG155 and its siblings are the only camcorders to offer analog input – an increasing rate commodity as analog slips into the past. The AV jack is switched between input and output in the Main menu.

A greater number of ports are located on the GZ-MG155’s included docking station. Included are an S-Video jack, AV jack, DC input, DV (FireWire) terminal, and a USB terminal. That’s pretty much everything you’d need and more for a standard definition HDD camcorder.

 

 

 

 

Other Features

What’s in the Box?

The JVC GZ-MG155 ships with the following items:

-Everio Dock

-AC Adapter

-BN-VF808U Battery Pack

-A/V Cable

-USB Cable

-Shoulder Strap

-CD-ROM

-Remote Control Unit

-Lithium Battery

This is a nice array of offerings for a second-tier camcorder. Invest in a backup battery or two and you’ll be taken care of for a full day’s worth of shooting.

Other Features* (3.0)
**Video Light - *A keychain light would be just as effective as the GZ-MG155’s video light. It’s easily accessible via the joystick in case you want to cast a thin bluish beam in your subject’s eye.

*Direct DVD Backup - *JVC’s crafty marketing ploy involves the purchase of the Everio Share Station ($199 MSRP). With the Share Station you can burn recorded footage to a DVD– or you could do it from your computer for the cost of blank disc.

*Data Battery - *This helpful little feature can be found on Sonys, as well. By pressing the Info/Battery button in the upper left corner of the LCD panel, a screen pops up displaying the remaining HDD recording time and battery life.

*Drop Detection - *In order to avoid a truly sad experience, JVC has incorporated Drop Detection into all of its Everios. When the GZ-MG155 senses a sudden gravitational shift, the read/write needle is instantly removed from the HDD and the camcorder shuts off in a flash.

*NightAlive - *When night blankets all, JVC’s version of NightShot—NightAlive—automatically drops the GZ-MG155’s shutter speed to a variable 1/2- 1/250 of a second depending on the amount of light in the shooting environment.

 

 

 

 

Comparisons / Conclusion

Comparison
JVC GZ-MG255

The GZ-MG255 ($699.99 MSRP) is the next model up from the GZ-MG155 and stands between it and the formidable GZ-MG555. All three of the lower camcorders—the GZ-MG130, GZ-MG155, and GZ-MG255—look nearly identical, sporting the same petite dimensions and two-tone plastic construction. However, minute differentiations from camcorder to camcorder result in the $100 price gaps between each model.

In the GZ-MG255’s case, the most compelling upgrade is a much larger 1/3.9-inch CCD with a 2,180,000 pixel count—almost double the amount of the GZ-MG155’s 1,070,000 pixels. So what does that mean? The GZ-MG255 produces a sharper image with less noise, but don’t expect overall stellar video quality. Yes, the GZ-MG255 is brighter and sharper in low light as well, but again, this is a mid-level standard definition Everio here. You won’t notice a monumental leap in performance until you breach the borders of the GZ-MG555’s superior image.

Aside from a slightly better video performance, the GZ-MG255 offers larger still images (up to 1632 x 1224), ISO levels, and a flash in place of the meager video light. Are more still features and a larger imager worth $100? In most cases, it would be. In the GZ-MG255’s case, it’s not. Both the GZ-MG155 and GZ-MG255 simply bleed mediocrity. It’s tight in this price range, so head out to the store before you settle on a no-frills HDD.

JVC GZ-MG130

JVC’s entry-level Everio, the GZ-MG130 ($499.95 MSRP) does not have a lot going for it. The 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel imager has the same surface area as the GZ-MG155, but fewer pixels. While this hindered resolution overall, it proved to be a slight boon in low light. We stress that the improvement is small, a matter of exposure. One could argue the overall image quality balances out due to the diminished resolution. Until you reach the GZ-MG555, don’t expect earth shattering transformations.

The GZ-MG155 ships with a docking station and takes larger stills than the GZ-MG130. That’s about it. The $100 might be worth it to shed the entry-level label, but we don’t really think so. There is a meager price range for HDD camcorders. If you can save an extra $300, spring for the GZ-MG555. You’ll be much happier.

Sony DCR-SR42
We haven’t had a chance to test the DCR-SR42 ($600.00 MSRP), but it features an identical imager to last year’s DCR-SR40. What was our diagnosis? The DCR-SR40’s 1/6-inch 680,000 pixel CCD produced a mediocre image. Low light was a festival of noise. It’s a close call, but we’d have to hand the torch to the GZ-MG155. Another strike on the DCR-SR42 is a 4:3 aspect 2.5-inch LCD screen. It’s not five years ago, Sony. The DCR-SR42 does feature a whopping 40x optical zoom, trumping the already impressive 32x of the GZ-MG155. These numbers wars should have little impact on anyone but voyeurs and bird watchers, but every feature has its market. We all know Sonys are the ultimate consumer vehicles with its Easy mode, touch screen LCD panel, and limited manual controls. Expect the GZ-MG155 to be a better "learning" camcorder, with features you can unlock over time as your knowledge grows.

Hitachi DZ-HS300A
Wow. There’s really not much that can be said about the DZ-HS300A ($599.00 MSRP) other than the fact that it’s a hybrid camcorder, recording to both DVD and an 8 GB HDD. Its video performance is deplorable, handling is poor, and ease of use has been thrown out the window. The dual media recording is a smashing idea, but nobody wants to dub ugly footage to any media. Okay, we’ll spare the DZ-HS300A from further abuse. Stick with the GZ-MG155—at this price point, there’s no contest.
**

Who It’s For**
Point-and-Shooters

Tourists, vacationers, and home movie junkies will ogle over the GZ-MG155’s cute, munchkin frame, in addition to its 430 minutes of recordable time.

Budget Consumers

At $600, the GZ-MG155 is a bit of an investment, but HDD camcorders are not cheap. There isn’t much of a difference between the GZ-MG130, which is $100 cheaper. For a real bargain, you’ll want to look at MiniDV camcorders, which offer better image quality anyway.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid

The still photo set on the GZ-MG155 is passable, but nothing to lose your hat over. The step-up GZ-MG255 offers much more. All Everios record video and stills to either HDD or SD/SDHC cards.

Gadget Freaks

The hybrid factor and seemingly endless recordable time in the highest quality will perk the ears of the gadget freak, but will not prove substantial enough to entice most geeks on the fence.

Manual Control Freaks

JVC’s manual controls fall short of a Panasonic or Canon, yet are miles beyond the meek consumer-driven array offered by Sony.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists

Not even for B-roll would any standard definition Everio suit the needs of a pro.

Conclusion

Judging the value of entry-level HDD camcorders is tricky. The benefits of the HDD media are evident – it’s simple, highly portable, and spacious. But the manufacturing cost keeps even the cheapest models well above the cost of entry-level MiniDV camcorders. MiniDV also offers superior video quality and a built-in archiving solution. So where is that fine line between the right price, the right medium, and the best performance? Frankly, we don’t think it’s here – not in the GZ-MG155, and not in any entry-level HDD camcorder. Our problem is with the image quality, which is almost invariably poor until you look at camcorders in the $700-plus range. It takes a mighty imager to overcome the deficiencies of the high compression. We saw the same thing with DVD camcorders, though the price of DVD models has been steadily dropping.

Within its medium, the GZ-MG155 is in competition with Sony and the other Everios in the JVC line. Panasonic has a dipped a foot in the water with the SDR-H20 ($599 MSRP), but unless they get serious with HDD next year, they’ll have a hard time registering in the consumer’s purview. Sony has staked out ease of use and superior brand recognition. JVC offers a more powerful manual control set, though the GZ-MG155 loses the aperture control found on the MG255 and above. We also found the image quality to be slightly better in the JVCs this year.

If you’re set on HDD, give serious consideration to a more expensive model like the GZ-MG555 or Sony DCR-SR100, DCR-SR200, or DCR-SR300, all of which compensate for poor compression with great color and sharpness. If you’re strapped for cash, a MiniDV camcorder might be the way to go.

 

 

 

Meet the tester

Michael Perlman

Michael Perlman

Editor

Michael Perlman is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

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