JVC GR-D796

The JVC GR-D796 ($330 as of May 11, 2007) is an inexpensive MiniDV camcorder that shoots fair-quality video and still images. Despite its simple design and a user-friendly interface, the GR-D796 offers some advanced features, including a wide-screen mode, white-color balance, and electronic image stabilization. If you're an aspiring filmmaker or wannabe YouTube star, the GR-D796 is a reasonably good entry-level camcorder that you can learn the basics of videography on at a low cost.

Sleek and smooth, the GR-D796 fits comfortably in your hand, and the zoom tab is in a convenient location for your index finger. A small wheel lets you choose between record and playback modes with a flick of your thumb. The record button has a stretched oval shape, but getting used to it isn't difficult. This camcorder lacks a microphone jack (which isn't a surprising omission) and a headphone jack (which is, since it leaves you with no way to monitor your audio).

The GR-D796's control panel--a joystick and two buttons--is built into the casing of the camcorder's 2.7-inch LCD screen. The menu is easy to navigate via these buttons, but camera shake is likely unless you're shooting with a tripod.

The control panel is very intuitive and user-friendly. One button enables you to toggle between wide-screen and standard aspect-ratio modes. Another button brings up the menu, which you navigate by using the joystick. From the menu, you can change shutter speed, adjust white balance, or enable imaging effects, among other options.

The GR-D796's exceptionally powerful 34X optical zoom is useful when you need to record from a great distance--if you're filming a child's performance in a play or a graduation ceremony, for example.

Unfortunately, in a cohort of five MiniDV camcorders that we tested at the same time, the GR-D796 received the lowest ratings for still-image and video quality from our panel of experts. Its unimpressive maximum resolution of 640 by 480 pixels undoubtedly contributed to the unit's still-image quality rating of Poor. Noise and blurriness were prevalent throughout our test shots and colors were far from accurate. The GR-D796's video quality was a little better, earning a rating of Good from our jury. Motion was a little rough and colors were dark, but the video overall was passable. Since the video from this camcorder appears to be a little raw and gritty, it's suitable for projects that are made for Internet streaming or that don't require high production values.

On the plus side, the GR-D796 had the best battery life of the five camcorders in its group. Its battery lasted for 2 hours, 16 minutes of recording in standard-play mode on a single charge. Another plus is that an extra battery comes bundled with the unit--an uncommon and very welcome bonus.

The GR-D796 is a humble point-and-shoot camcorder equipped with a few advanced features that enhance its appeal. But its video quality and still-image quality leave much to be desired. For virtually the same price, the similarly easy-to-use Canon ZR850 delivers slightly better image quality.