Why I Perfer (by far) JVC's DVM Camcorders

Now that I own 4 different JVC digital camcorders & have used them extensively, I believe I'm qualified to comment upon the idea that new is better in a word: NOT.

In 2000, when JVC first sold the DVM Digital camcorder from $1,500 to $1,800, I bought one from Circuit City at a discount from an 'open box' deal. I needed it to do doctoral research as an anthropologist who was filming my way through a years long project. I'd have to film (on mini DVM digital cassettes) then edit the film into still shots from either video or snap shots, both of which this model is capable of. I'd NEVER even held any type of camcorder in my hands, let alone operated one. I was a novice who found learning how to use this camcorder quite easy, quickly. In fact, it only takes on hand to operate every function on the camcorder. It's as small as a walkman. Editing video to still shots proved to also be a cinch using JVC's JLIP software that comes with the package. The camcorder comes fully equipped with a battery charger, slim, removal, rechargable battery, a manual, cables to connect the camcorder directly to a PC, television, VCR or DVR, remote control for film editing & carrying case.

JVC upgraded the model to the DVM90 which is virtually built the same but has several more special features. It's capable of adding video editing sounds like explosions & laugh tracks to the movie being made. It comes with all the same packaged accessories plus one, the memory card. (The camcorder comes fully equipped with a battery charger, slim, removal, rechargable battery, a manual, cables to connect the camcorder directly to a PC, television, VCR or DVR, remote control for film editing & carrying case).

Much later in digital camera years (!), JVC changed their small digital camcorder to the GR-D270 & D290. This camcorder model is built quite different. Whomever designed it royally screwed up. For example: the handstrap covers the digital tape loaded & ejecting door! Instead of the camcorder being a one handed easy to use one, it's been changed into a two handed nightmare. The record & zoom fingertip control buttons are no longer on the back that faces the photographer....the record button's now on the side & the zoom is on the top! It's impossible to hand-hold the camera & film without moving the camera & thus, distorting the film as if amaturish. It's a more powerful zoom lens but just try to use it without wobbling the camera having to use both hands.

Since both of my well used up DVM models got me through 6 years of filming for onsight doctoral studies, with an 8 hour battery by JVC, the cost of digital camcorders have gone waaaaay down. So repairs on the DVM50 -90 aren't practical since JVC charges an arm & a leg for them. That's why I bought the GR-D270, instead. Big mistake!

Now what I've done is to buy a working DVM again. That should tell you what I know about the differences between these JVC models. I'll use this GR-D270 to rewind digital tapes & other such chores. But I won't ever use it again to attempt to videograph unless I place the camera on a stationed tri-pod. Since my work requires me to move about while filming, the GR-D270 & 290 series are useless. But I can use the thing as a player of the films I've already recorded to view on television & copy onto VHS or DVR. That's about the most it's good enough for.

The newer model in this case isn't the better one. It's inferior in so many ways that I'm going back to the DVM models to do my research videography~