JVC’s GR-D850 is a refreshingly unpretentious camcorder that not only keeps its operation simple and direct, but provides excellent, high-quality video as well. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend and like the versatility of the MiniDV format, this is the camcorder to get.
Design
At 17 ounces, the GR-D850 is slightly heavier than its peers, the Canon ZR950 and the Sony DCR-HC62 Handycam, and JVC has designed it to be squarer and thicker than its tall, thin counterparts. Despite its portly design, this camcorder is still very comfortable to hold and carry. The shape of the device makes it easier to grip and gives the impression of greater control over the taller models; it feels like the difference between grasping a football and palming a basketball.
Controls
The GR-D850 isn’t cluttered with buttons and switches. Most of the major functions are assigned to a simple directional joystick on the LCD bezel, which can adjust the focus, enable backlight compensation, trigger the LED light for illumination, and do a quick review of the most recent footage recorded. The LCD bezel also features a button that allows the user to quickly switch between the 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 square aspect ratios. Advanced features like exposure adjustments and video effects can be accessed through the easily navigable menu system.
Outdoor-Friendly LCD
The 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display itself is also quite impressive. It provides an excellent image even in direct sunlight, something the ZR950 and DCR-HC62 had difficulty with and which the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG9 and Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra were unable to do. This is especially critical considering the JVC camcorder doesn’t have a viewfinder.
Very Good Performance
Compared to other budget camcorders we’ve tested, the JVC GR-D850 offers superior video quality. Video taken with the GR-D850 looked bright and true to life, with vivid colors and superior definition. Because accessing the camera’s settings is so simple, making adjustments to compensate for environmental factors like bright light or deep shadow was a snap. Because it also accepts SD Cards, the camera is capable of taking still photos, but they’re only VGA quality.
The camcorder’s 35X optical zoom also stood out as an exceptional feature. Even at full extension, the shots were crisp, in focus, and free from significant jitters or shakes. Much of this stability is probably owed to the extra heft the GR-D850 carries. JVC’s NightAlive didn’t fare as well as Sony’s NightShot: It seemed to slow down the frame rate, making the video stutter and appear choppy. However, its Tele Macro mode was more useful and effective than Sony’s. The lighter Canon ZR950 and Sony DCR-HC62 did not perform as well on long zoom shots. The GR-D850 also has the longest battery life of the bunch, at 115 minutes, a full half-hour longer than the next best, the DCR-HC62.
Verdict
With excellent ergonomics and endurance, and better video quality than more-expensive competitors, the JVC GR-D850 is a bargain at $229. While it may be a little bit bulkier, you—as well as everyone you show your vacation videos to—will appreciate the steadier shots.
