JVC Everio GZ-MC100 review

JVC's Everio GZ-MC100 is a digital multimedia device that records MPEG2 video, still photographs and digital audio on a 4GB Microdrive.

It's smaller and more compact than most digital video camcorders. The fact that video is recorded to a hard disk rather than a cassette means you can navigate through captured video clips by selecting thumbnails on the Everio's LCD rather than having to shuttle through an hour's worth of tape.

Specifications are impressive. The 10x optical zoom lens is complemented by a 2-megapixel CCD that can capture images at up to 1,600x1,200 pixels. These images can be stored on either the supplied Microdrive or on an optional SD card, for which there's a slot on the rear of the camera.

The 4GB Microdrive can hold up to 60 minutes of video at the highest quality setting, or 300 minutes at the lowest. If that's not enough, you can buy an additional Microdrive and swap it for the original when it's full.

Other features include a flash, microphone and a variety of outputs for connecting to a video display via composite or S-video, or to your PC using the USB Hi-Speed port.

We enjoyed using the Everio, but we had one or two niggles. The LCD is only 1.8" in size and feels small when you're shooting or watching previously recorded footage. As there's no viewfinder, you also have to use the LCD for shooting. It makes menu labels difficult to read, too. The flash is situated immediately below the lens which means red-eye will be a common occurrence in your photos. The control buttons are also small and close together.

The results of the Everio's image and audio capture are impressive, however. JVC touts its 3D noise reduction technology as a key feature and, in our tests in a dimly lit room, it worked brilliantly. Where we would have expected noticeable graininess, there was none. Video and photographic images captured lots of detail and rendered colours with impressive accuracy. Audio performance was equally as good. The built-in microphone picked up voices from across a large living room with no difficulty and playback was crystal clear.

We didn't expect a great deal from the Everio, but we were pleasantly surprised. Though it's expensive, there are handling issues and it's not a camera for digital video enthusiasts, if you want a gadget that's portable and equally adept at capturing audio, video and stills, the Everio GZ-MC100 fits the bill.