A perfect introduction into the world of digital video, the GR-DVL320U provides all the features you need to get rolling, including a 16x optical zoom, digital image stabilization, and IEEE 1394 compatible outputs.
Lens
Breaking the mold that most other digital camcorders fall in, the GR-DVL320U has a very bright f1.8 lens, which should help with a dilemma common to many digital camcorders: poor low-light performance. While not useful at the highest levels, the optical zoom is augmented by a 700x digital zoom, which can supply that little bit extra you might need in some circumstances. Paired with the zoom is a digital image stabilizer, which will help eliminate much of the shakiness associated with high zoom levels.
Shooting Functions
The GR-DVL320U provides some camera functions, which can be quite useful if you spend the time to learn to use them. The camera gives you manual control over focus, exposure, and white balance, all of which affect the way your image is recorded. The manual focus and white balance modes are perhaps the most exciting, as you can use them to create depth-of-field effects, and the white balance will allow you to light a room without investing in expensive lighting gear. In addition, JVC added in a number of digital wipes and fades, as well as a black fader.
Output Options
If you want to play your footage on television, the 320U provides two connection methods: S-video and standard RCA-style AV connectors. S-video provides the better video resolution, but you'll still need to use the AV cable for audio, as S-video doesn't carry an audio signal. If your object is to edit your movies on a computer, the camera also comes equipped with an IEEE 1394 compliant port for shuttling video back and forth. It's a four-pin connector, and most computers with IEEE 1394 ports have six-pin connectors, so make sure you pick up the correct cable (JVC doesn't provide one).
Digital Still Mode
Like many digital camcorders, the GR-DVL320U provides a digital still mode, and stores the resulting images onto the MiniDV tape. While not the optimal solution, it works quite well. The images aren't very high resolution and are generally fit only for posting on the Web, or e-mailing to friends. To get the photos to your computer, the 320U has both a serial port and necessary cable, as well as PC-compatible software.
Product Description:
The GR-DVL320U combines outstanding performance with a sleek, compact design. The GR-DVL320U boasts a 680, 000-Pixel CCD Super High Band Processor for 520 lines of horizontal resolution. The maximum user friendliness is achieved with Night Alive (for low-light recording), built-in Auto Light, high resolution 2.5" Amorphous Silicon LCD Color Monitor, 700X Super Digital Zoom with Spline Interpolation, Picture Stabilizer and Long Time Recording Capability. It also features a digital still picture output, which allows this camcorder to also function as a digital still camera. The camera comes with a serial cable and CD ROM software for Windows and Macintosh.