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We'll just call it Killer ...
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This isn't your papa's JVC
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The JVC GR-DVM50U
Introducing the world's smallest and lightest digital video camcorder.
November 4, 1999
Product: The JVC GR-DVM50U
Classification: Digital Video Camera
Price: $1,500.00 +/-haggling
Available: Now
Comments: Trying to be more discreet in your reconnaissance? Don't want to give up those tight-ass pants? Unrepentant Technophile? Well, if you fit into any of these categories you might want to seek some help. Fortunately, I know just the kind of help that you need. It comes in a small, sleek, silver box. It is made by JVC. And, like all good technology, it will break your piggybank. What is this thing? The JVC GR-DVM50U.
Digital video is still coming up as far as motion capture cameras go. These gadgets have only been a part of the consumer electronics mainstream for a few years and continue to evolve. The first units couldn't achieve the resolution of good video, and certainly couldn't touch good old film. Now, however, the gap is closing. Photos and movies made on digital cameras are beginning to edge into the area of their "old-style" counterparts. And, of course, prices are beginning to come down. JVC has been making high quality A/V components for years. You know their name, but let me introduce you to their smallest wonder, the GR-DVM50U, which I will call Killer for the rest of this article.
The biggest claim to fame of Killer is that it is the world's smallest and lightest digital video camera. At a mere 4 1/2"L x 3 1/2"W x 1 3/4"D, and weighing in at a feathery one pound, Killer is as portable as it gets. It really will fit anywhere. Killer not only features one-handed operation, it practically demands it. Try to fit both hands on this little devil. Don't let the size fool you, though; JVC didn't cut any corners with this bad boy.
Killer automatically powers up when you extend the pop-out viewfinder or fold out the 21/2" monitor. Both the viewfinder and the screen are color, of course. You can rotate the monitor up to 270 degrees, enabling effective viewing from almost any angle. Plus, with 180,000 pixels displaying you image, you will have a clear view of the money shot.
Killer also features a two-part zoom system. The lens itself can zoom in by up to 10X. For the real detective in you, however, JVC has included a 200X digital zoom. This means that the computer inside the belly of this beast does the zooming, or "virtual zooming," if you will. I know that you know that wanton zooming can cause image problems, but JVC has Spline Interpolation inside Killer. This fancy name is simply the company's own system of image enhancement. In addition to zoom, this banger has a nice little assortment of digital features typical of most camcorders.
It's not just for them movin' pitchers, though. You can cram tons of still shots into the cassette. In fact, you aren't even limited to any one format. Killer features Full, Frame, Pinup, and Multi-picture 4 Frame / 9 Frame still images. Pretty cool.
For the retail price, JVC includes an imaging software package. Picture Navigator, JLIP Video Capture, JLIP Video Producer, Presto! Mr. Photo, Presto! Photo Album, and Presto! Image Folio should allow you to edit and alter all of the adult video you take.
All in all, Killer is a kick-ass system. There are fancier cameras out there, but the prices go berserk. Killer has all of the bells and whistles you will probably ever realistically use. If you are even thinking about a digital camcorder, check this thing out. (Sure, the price will break you, but just think of all those stories of hidden camera action. Of course, you only know those stories because the jokers got caught. Obviously, their cameras were too big)
Closely Realted Products: JVC GR-DVL9500U. Top-of-the-line digital camcorder.
M. Wiley never gets caught on tape.
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