JVC GRDX97US Digital Camcorder

[Artful Dodger]

Hi everyone, after looking around at camcorders and the sites for reviews for some time now. With that said I wish to purchase this JVC model and wondered if someone has this model and how do they like it? If not any other ones I should consider?
Most of my video will be done in low light ( a few lights here and there) for theater use, along with some vac. shots.
My biggest limit is cost $500-$550. Any help would be great

[edDV]

Did you read this review? If so what issues are of concern?

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GR-DX97-Camcorder-Review.htm

Another direction is the Panasonic PV-GS120. Not better in all respects but it does have 3xCCD.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/panasonic-pv-gs120-camcorder-review.htm

[Artful Dodger]

Hi edDV, thanks for the links. My main concern was grain at low light levels. I used my friends ZR70 and that was very bad video in average light. In my living room (2 150w lamps and 2 60w in a 14x24 area).
So for the video, sharpness can take a seat to color for myself.
I think I'll get the JVC or see if the store will let me take sample videos and compare them on my powerbook then choose.
Thanks for the input & links, Scott.

[lordsmurf]

I found the Canon ZR90 held grain better than pretty much any other camera (except for the much more expensive 3-CCD Panasonics, which I hated the button layout and features). Better than the JVC.

[vhelp]

@ Artful

.. 2 150 watt bulbs, and 2 60 watt bulbs..

That's not too bad a light source. I'm not sure if they call that low-light.
I don't know what is considered "standard" in this area of lighting.

But, I have a 75 watt bulb in my desk corner, and my TRV22 seems to
do ok in this. I think that its also how you use your encoder, not
to mention the *Encoder* you use.
.
At first, I didn't believe in Procoders' ability to process Interlace
source materials. But, after giving it another go (4th or more tries)
I found how to set it up properly, to get great results. And, all this
under low light sources. Never actually tested in regular or normal
lighting conditions (if memory serves me) but I think you should give
Procoder a try, to knock down yet another notch in the things of quality.
.
.. Note, I can get my Interlaced DV sources to look good inside TMPGenc
.. too, but only because I have a better grasp of TMPG and over time, have
.. become skillful in it. But with Procoder, I didn't spend a few years
.. figuring it out. Maybe a few months at best - comes w/ other background
.. attributes.

FWIW, do you have any sample pics you can post here, so we can get an
idea of the lighting you are describing ??

Thanks,

-vhelp 3081

[Artful Dodger]

vhelp, yes I have a few pics of the lighting and sources. I'm not close to home now but as soon as I can I'll get them up for you to see and thanks for the info every little bit helps