Home > Consumer Reviews > JVC GR-D20 Digital Camcorder [Mini-DV 16xOptical DV-out]

I would agree with everything said by the above reviewer, with a few extras. The reason the camera does not have a USB output for PC editing is because USB is not the standard for digital video. Firewire (or DVi) is. The camera has a firewire output, enabling PC connectivity. Firewire is a faster and broader width format than USB -hence the standard. If like me your computer doesn't have a Firewire port, it's an easy and cheap job to add a card to your PC. I got a card online for £12 and fitted it myself. Job done. Get a version of Adobe Premier on your computer and you're away.
Ok, the camera. Great lens. really sharp focus and the 16x optical zoom is a treat. I'm amazed at how good the picture is. Colour is really spot on too. Playback through the tv even with the supplied av lead is quite acceptable, although the purchase of an s-video lead would be an improvement.
The camera is very simple to use is fine on auto mode, although you can get a bit more technical if you want on manual.
My only criticism would be the audio quality. There is a tiny bit of noise from the drive picked up,and a bit of wind across you tends to get picked up, but I'm nit picking a bit. For a tad over three hundred quid, this camera really is a bargain. Battery life is quite acceptable(well over 1 hour) and the recharge is quite quick(2-3 hours).
There is no input for an external microphone which could be handy - but I guess this camera is really aimed at the happy snappy end of the market and one shouldn't expect such things. All in all a great buy. Snap it up.

Having toyed with the idea of buying a camcorder for months, and with holidays coming up, I decided to take the plunge. My requirements were, in no particular order, compact, easy to use (technophobic wife), LCD display, a decent zoom, mini-DV and price. What I got was all the above and more! Setting up the features on the camcorder was a breeze with the on board menu and within an hour and a half I was up and running. Picture the scene, family on holiday, at the beach, ice skating, bowling, adventure playground etc, two thumb presses and this camcorder is recording the lot and as for the technophob wife, there was no stopping her. All the required controls are within easy reach and the zoom in/out is smooth. The quality of the play back via the LCD display is excellent as is playing direct to your TV. Did I mention the price...how can you sell it so cheap? All in all for a first camcorder this one has really done the job, well impressed.

This is my first venture into video so I did a lot of research before splashing out a lot of money (for me). I`d decided that DV was the way to go and after mostly positive reviews I settled on this model. I have to say I was`nt dissappointed. Good picture, enough features to keep an amateur happy and a great price. I did read a review in Camcorder Buyer just yesterday and the JVC got a right old slating, all of it unjustified. I would recommend this model although I would`nt go for the starter kit as buying the individual items is better in my view.

Great camcorder, all the features you will ever need at the best price you can ever get. The 16X optical zoom is so brilliant you will never want to use the 700X digital zoom. I did my homework before buying this camcorder and believe me, you won't get another brand with this many features at the same price. The 'night scope' feature works great even if you are holding the camera in the hand. With 520 lines resolution the picture quality is superb. The only reason I am not giving this a 5 is because it doesn't come with a USB lead to connect it with the computer to download the film. Very easy to use, handy, small and sexy. I will definitely recommend it.

A v.good entry lever camcorder for use @ home/family etc. Excellent price for a well known brand name. Easy to use and edit with. Would have given five stars if special effects were more sophisticated for editing/recording. The picture quality on this digital camcorder sends VHS camcorders very much to the history books