JVC GZ-MG20 review

Considering the advances in hard disk technology, it's surprising that digital video is still being recorded to tape using the MiniDV standard. But JVC's hard disk-based Everio G series could change all that.

The GZ-MG20 looks pretty similar to many compact silver MiniDV cameras on the market. However, in the space where the tape would be sits a 1.8" hard disk with 20GB of storage. The key advantage of this hard disk is increased storage capacity. On its normal setting, you get nine hours of recording, which equates to at least a year's worth of birthdays, holidays and weddings for the casual user. Bumping the quality up to the Ultra setting gives four-and-a-half hours of recording. If you need to shoot more than this in one session, hard disk recording may not be for you.

At the Ultra setting, compression is equivalent to a well-authored DVD movie. Image quality from the lens and CCD are great. The camera reacts quickly to changing light conditions and functions well indoors and out.

The other key advantages are browsing and transferring files. When set to playback, you can see a thumbnail on the LCD screen for each clip on the hard disk. These can then be selected and viewed instantly, without the fuss of winding a tape. This brings instant digital camera-style gratification to video cameras. Transferring files is equally straightforward. Just plug in the USB Hi-Speed connection and import the files to the supplied CyberLink software for editing. Alternatively, drag and drop them to any folder on your PC.

The GZ-MG20 has an impressive 25x optical zoom and pleasing ergonomics. The LCD screen has decent viewing angles, but uses the traditional 4:3 ratio rather than the more cinematic 16:9. There's a built-in light for lowlight situations, and all the usual options for setting white balance, exposure and focus.

Unfortunately, there's no viewfinder and you have to wait about five seconds when opening the LCD screen before you can record. The menu isn't particularly well laid out and the buttons beneath the LCD are a bit unresponsive. Also, it can't be used as a portable hard disk, as you can't copy files to it.

JVC hasn't tried to revolutionise the video camera. Instead, it has smoothly integrated all the advantages of a hard disk into a proven design. We highly recommend the GZ-MG20 for light or occasional use. However, if you need more than nine hours of footage, you should stick with a bag full of MiniDVs for now.