JVC GZ-MG130U 30GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder (34x Opt, 800x, 2.7" LCD)

I will never purchase another JVC product. Recently I purchased a new computer and needed to reinstall the driver for my camcorder. Unfortunately, I could not find my original disc that came with the camera. I looked all over the web for the correct driver so that my computer would recognize my camera, but could not find it. Finally I contacted JVC support and was told that the driver was a third party software, provided by cyberlink, and that they did not offer it for download. I would need to purchase a copy of the original disc for $29.95. After spending about $500.00 for the camcorder, I am shocked that JVC cannot offer more support for its consumers. To sell a product that you do not own the rights for the necessary driver is incredible. I would advise anyone against buying a JVC product. If you already have, be prepared to receive zero customer support.

pros: small and light design

cons: Cannot download driver if lost or currupted, can only save files to your computer in .mod format (a proprietary format not recognized by most video software).

I think for the money, this is one heck of a camera. I've read other posts about 3CCD cameras, and battery life. If you want 3CCD, buy a 3CCD. No camera I've found comes with a decent battery, I've always had to buy an extended cap battery. I shoot/edit video on a daily basis for TV commercials and events, and I'm definitely using this camera as a primary or secondary shot. Right alongside my Panasonic 3CCD DVC30 camera. Kudos JVC, nice product.

pros: MPEG2 recording, 34x optical zoom, manual features, lightweight, ease of menu operations, "drop detection".

cons: manual lens cover, low-quality front mounted light

After looking and comparing to other camera this camera is just as good as the high def camera out there and a whole lot cheaper. It has a 30gb hard drive as well as it has the capability to use memory cards if you want to. The software that comes with the camera makes it easier to move the data from the camera to pc without that software if may become a burden to try and figure out on your own. The program sorts out the movies and picture by date. The zoom on this camera is far and you will need to keep a steady hand in order to get a stable picture or an un-fuzzy view. The controls have been easy to master.Don't get the camera if you are looking for a camera that takes great video and great still pictures. It's a still compared to other brands of the same type

pros: 30 gb hd, small and compact, no need to buy tapes or cds

cons: this camera does not take great stills pictures

I love this camcorder. Low weight and no tape increases its usability. There is no Hub / Port for adding external light. I was not able to edit the video on the camcorder, I had to download to PC to edit it. It is worth for the money. If you don't worry about still picture, timestamp and want to spend some money for spare battery, then go for it.

pros: Light weight, Tapeless/HDD, Good price

cons: Worst Still Picture quality, Low battery life, Timestamp vanishes when video downloaded to PC

So far I am very pleased with this camcorder. It is extremely user friendly. No special software needed to view your movies instantly on your computer. This is probably not the best bet for someone who uses their camcorder extensively on trips where they can't get to a computer due to the fact that it only holds about 7.5 hours of video (I say only but that is more than enough for us) The battery that comes with it lasts about 1.5 hours. A backup battery is recommended. I love not having to dub movies off of a tape to get them to play back on my computer. Not having a viewfinder was a little wierd for me. I prefer to use it to save battery power at times but definitely not a big minus. Also the still photo shot is not worth beans but I didn't buy it for that feature so again, not a big minus in my opinion. The video itself is sharp and clear. I have not had any lighting problems using it around the house and the sheer instant gratification of being able to watch the movies without hassle means this has already gotten almost as much use in this short period of time as our old one did in the couple of years that we had it.

pros: Amazing zoom. Compact size. Very user friendly. No tapes.

cons: No viewfinder. Terrible still shot.

I bought this camera for surveylance. After I tried it out, I found out that the time/date stamping does not download to a PC with the video. You can only get this feature by buying the prorietary "Share Station" DVD recorder ($200). I spent half an hour on the phone with a JVC Technician to find out why. He said "thats the way we make'em" (what??). This seems like a no-brainer to me. JVC support is dismal. I would avoid this one or any other JVC.

pros: Small. Relatively easy to use

cons: No time/date stamp on downloaded video. Image quality so-so

I spent half an hour on the phone with a JVC Tech on why this camera does not include the time/date stamping on video downloaded to a PC! You must buy the separate "Share Station" DVD recorder which is propietary. This is a function that should be a no brainer! The only explaination I got from JVC was that "this is the way we've always done it". (WHAT??). I needed this feature for video surveillance and to show in a court room.

pros: Compact and relatively easy to use.

cons: No time/date stamping on video downloaded to a PC.

I really regret to buy this buddle, I'd rather buy the camcorder without any accessories. If possible, I would like to return all the accessories.Buydig really sucks for charging a 10% refunding fee even if the product is defective.

pros: the camcorder deserves its price

cons: all accessories suck.The bag looks like 4 or 5 dollars. The battery is over three times thicker than the original one.

This is my first hard disk camcorder I own. So far I have been really pleased with it. I don't have to worry much switching the tape in between of the important event as I can record hours of hours of recording time. The quality is good but I wish the color is more like my other camera which has 3 CCDs. Other than than, everything is great. The battery life last much longer than I expected, however, I would recommend to get the spare battery just in case.

pros: Low media cost as it uses the hard drive. Easy to use.

cons: Wish it had 3 CCDs like my other camcorder.

Overall price wise below $ 500 this HDD camcorder is ok but picture quality is not so good,Image stabilisation is electronic/digital and not optical image stabilisation so use of Tripod is must.Still photo is merely ok.

pros: compact light weight,price wise cheapest HDD camcorder

cons: low battery life,poor picture quality in low light,video light not too effective,still picture not good,even in cell phone you can get good picture than this camcorder.