JVC Everio GZ-MG40 1.33 MP 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom
Don't tape it. Don't worry about reloading discs either,because the palm sized GZ-MG40 records over 24 hours of video on its high-capacity 20 GB hard disk drive. So when you are on the go, vacationing or at a family event, pack your lightweight Everio and go. There are four recording modes allows you to record the way you want. The ULTRA mode will record over 4.5 hours of almost DVD movie quality. The FINE mode will record at DVD camcorder quality for over 7 hours. Either way, the high quality MPEG-2 recordings are the same format used as a DVD. There will be no quality loss when burning to DVD. Plus, no cassettes or discs to lose. Every Everiocamcorder is designed to simplify your life. The built-in hard disk drive allows you to easily delete unwanted scenes and rearrange your footage even on the go. This Everio's multi-connectivity allows you to get connected and share all your memories. Your own portable video scrapbook - from JVC. Long recording time and easy to use features in a palm sized hard disk drive solution.
JVC Everio GZ-MG40 1.33 MP 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom Accessories
JVC Everio GZ-MG40 1.33 MP 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom Reviews
They quoted over $280 for the repair. But that's not that uncommon with rechargeable batteries, so I got used to it. However, this model was not on the list, even though I found dozens of postings on line from people with the same problem with this camera. It was the optical block (of which the CCD is a part, so I'm not totally convinced it wasn't the CCD all along). I purchased this camera in December of 2005 to use to record the milestones of my then 6 month old son. I haven't yet used the repaired unit, but will shortly as our second child is due in days. I would recommend staying away from JVC as I don't feel I was dealt with fairly and evenly in this manner. When I told them not to do it and to send the unit back as the repair is too expensive, they immediately lowered the price to $190 - a little sketchy in my mind.
I was able to convince JVC to provide a free evaluation of the problem (they tyically charge $60).
But, I went ahead with the repair.
Even though they did the free evaluation, I think the issue with the CCD is something they should have handled at no cost, since it was such a wide-spread problem.
The biggist issue that 22 months after I bought it (Halloween 2007), I went to record my son for Halloween and got an error message that said "Lens Cap", even though the lens cap was not on the camera.
And the negotiating on the repair cost is pretty sketchy for a company the size of JVC - I expect that from a local yokel.
I ended up using it sparingly, as the battery would drain quickly while not being used, so everytime I went to use it, I had to remember to charge it up.
With a bit of online research, I came to find out that this was a problem with the CCD (the image sensor, I believe) and it was a known problem with JVC models and JVC was replacing/repairing units with specific model numbers.
I expect JVC to quote me the best price they can acheive.
but not a negative for me. it would help in really low lighting situations. Overall a very good camera. The Zoom button is hard to get if you have big hands. I do wish it had a night vision capability. This camera has worked really well. I use it often in a Gym videoing High School Basketball and the lighting in a gym has not been a problem and been very clear.
I GIVE 2 POINTS AS I CANNOT ACCESS MY VIDEO FOOTAGE TO COMMENT ON QUALITY. I CAN NOT GET THE CAMERA TO REWIND OR PLAYBACK. YESTERDAY I WAS ON HOLD FOR 45 MIN. THINK ABOUT IT. IT IS LIKE ALL OTHER CAMCORDERS. CALL BACK TOMORROW AND SLAMMED THE PHONE DOWN. WITHOUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE HOW CAN WE GET OPERATION INFORMATION WHEN HELP IS NEEDED.
CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE 2ND BIGGEST CONSIDERATION YOU SHOULD TAKE ONCE YOU DECIDE TO BUY AN EXPENSIVE PRODUCT. NO LUCK, JVC SUCKS. WON'T YOU. THE CAMERA IS EASY TO RECORD. I HAVE READ AND REREAD THE INSTRUCTIONS. THE PRINT ON THE CAMERA IS VERY DIFFICULT TO READ EVEN WITH GLASSES.
WHEN A FEMALE PICKS UP THE PHONE, SAYS, I THINK. I CALLED JVC. I AM NO TECHNOPEASANT BY ANY MEANS. I TRIED FOR HOURS TODAY TO GET THROUGH, EVEN TO GET THROUGH TO AN OPERATOR.
Good lord. Then when I burn files to DVD's they invariably have skips, even though when I play them on my computer they look great. This camera is easy to operate but when it comes to getting the footage on the camera turned into a DVD it is not so easy. Regardless i may find myself playing the camera back onto my TV and recording simultaneously onto VHS tapes if I can't figure it all out.
The software included has very inadequate instructions. An email to JVC customer service received no reply. Maybe this isn't the camera's fault, maybe my DVD's are cheap. At this point I have lots of nice videos on my hard drive with weird names and no DVD's that I can play on my TV. Hmmm, this makes it awfully hard to transfer files.
I am a fairly comfortable and experienced computer user but not an expert. Then the files come in multiple folders with odd names and extensions. How about using date and time instead. The default file names are actually hexadecimal numbers. Later it says "don't ever turn the camera on or off with it plugged into the computer".
For example it says "never plug the camera into the computer while the camera is turned on". It's not clear if I can just save the.MOD files and delete the rest or not.
I really like the long record time of this camera. The stability software works well; the hand shaking is greatly reduced. I could record off and on for days before having to dump the movies on my laptop. The 5 hour is almost the size of the camcorder itself, and made it heavier. It doesn't even look like a camcorder case, which I also like.
The software that comes with it takes some getting used to, but I think it works well.
It's small, yet powerful. I would suggest getting a second battery, preferably the 3 hour.
I bought the: CASE LOGIC TSC-4BLUE Sport Compact Camcorder Case. Night recording is a little grainy, but not too bad.
I don't like the quality of the still pictures it takes, but I have a separate 8mp camera. I love that it has a wide screen option.
I bought this camera for my trip to Europe, and it was great. It was hard to find a case that is small enough for it, yet big enough to hold extra stuff like batteries.
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