JVC GRD230 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

I bought this camcorder in 12/04 and I had to take it for service 4 times already. The screen was too dark and when I record, it show in slow motion.
The worse camcorder I ever bought bought not to mention the service I received. I take it for service, 2 weeks later I pick it up only to find out I still have the same problem
Don't waste your money.

The picture quality of this camcorder is good, nice body, The motor noise record in tape, I tried evry things, finally I give up, have to return it. The motor noise made me don't want to watch the play back.

I bought this as a wedding gift for my sister, and have used it to shoot loads of footage at the wedding. Firstly, I havent heard ANY motor noise (and nobody else seeing the video has either). And I used it in both dimly lit rooms and normally lit rooms as well as outdoors. The picture quality is great, and the sound quality too. The ease of use of this camera in automatic mode meant that any relative of mine could step into my shoes when i wasn't around. Plus the digicam feature was a lifesaver because I ran out of battery on my digicam, and had to use the JVC as the substitute (and the photo quality is prety decent). Also the remote included with it is pretty handy and damn neat.

I would recommend that you buy the JVC starter kit along with this (thats the bag,1 cassette and the extra battery pack which lasts for 3 hrs) because the standard battery has a 1 hr life only. I also recommend that you buy an SD card separately as the included 8mb card is inadequate.

If this camera has faults, its only for the USB/Firewire port cover. I don't like it as I feel is fragile and can snap off pretty easily. Also the LCD has to be kept open due to the location of the cover.

All in all, a great camcorder, and at the price I bought it, excellent value.

Basically, It's a median quality product for a very reasonable price. Mine is working without any huge noise.

Just one thing though, does any one know how to make the Date & Time shown when transfer onto PC? I need help.

With analog A/V output to VCR, there's no problem. But when I use either USB or i-Link to transfer the Pictures or Mini DV Video onto the PC, the the Date & Time can never be displayed in my Video Edit Program or the DVD I made, and I don't really understand why. Please help, thanks.

I see two people reported noise and 17 mentioned no problem, with one specifically saying they had not noticed this at all.

I just want to second that I have han NO noise at all. I have tested it with both normal volume recording at a christmas party as well as a situation with no noise at all, and I can here no noise from the motor on any recording.

I am also surprised that soemone mentioned no tape in the package. I have bought panasonic and sony models with no tape either.

I am very happy with this camera for the price