Product Description

The GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder you can record all the stuff that makes life more fun. Whether you're recording the family football game or your child's first play, the 1/3.9-inch 2.1 MegaPixel CCD gets every part of the action. The 10x optical & 300x Digital Hyper Zoom lets you record every event, and the 2.7-inch LCD monitor lets you preview while you record. The built-in 30GB hard drive lets you record everything without having to carry tapes or memory cards> You can then transfer directly to a computer through the USB port, at an incredible 12x transfer rate. Share the highlights of your life more easily with the GZ-MG255 Everio Hard Drive Camcorder. 30GB hard drive 540 lines of resolution 16 - 9 video mode (high-quality) Digital still capture (1600x1200) Built-in DVD control (share station) SD card slot USB 2.0 12x transfer rate Auto illumination light Power-linked operation Includes remote control Built-in flash PictBridge compatible Data battery (VF714) Multi-language controls (4 languages) Stick controller button MPEG editing, Cyberlink & Photo Navigator software included

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3380 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: JVC
• Model: GZ-MG255
• Released on: 2007-02-15
• Dimensions: 7.00" h x 10.10" w x 5.90" l, 8.00 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• Shoot up to 37 hours of video with a built-in 30GB hard disk drive; No tape or disc required
• Gigabrid engine for high-quality video and stills
• Features hybrid HDD/SD card dual storage; SDHC memory card is also supported
• High quality MPEG-2 data compression for ability to record DVD-movie quality video
• Utilize data battery to check the remaining battery power by percent and remaining recording time

Manufacturer Description
Manufacturer Description Just keep on shooting! Nothing to load, nothing to eject, nothing to finalize. Everio is designed to eliminate your worries. Just keep on shooting, because the built-in large capacity hard drive easily stores hours and hours of your video inside a lightweight compact camcorder. Plus shoot thousands of digital still images. So whether you're at home or on the go, you'll always be ready to record or playback your memories.

Smart Advantages of JVC Hard Disk Camcorders

Long-time recording Hard disk drive offers high capacity so you can record entire events like vacations without worry or fuss, over 37 hours.

No need to buy additional recording media No tape or disc is required. The Everio G Series provides an all-in-one solution, ensuring no interruption during long-time recordings, so you won't miss a moment.

Direct access to scenes you want No need to fast forward or rewind. Just click on the thumbnail image and watch your memories come to life. Makes sifting through hours and hours of accumulated footage a breeze.

No risk of erasing previous recordings by mistake You won't ever record over those once-in-a-lifetime events. Recording starts automatically from the blank space on the disk.

Easy deletion of unwanted scenes So you don't have to worry about getting it right the first time, safely select and erase entire scenes in an instant to free up disk space. Use your camcorder with a freedom never before possible!

Simple editing is possible on the camera itself In-camera file editing and Playlist functions let you choose the scenes you want in the order you want, without the need for external editing.

Easy archiving with PC-less DVD creation Just connect to the optional Everio Share Station via a single USB connector, and push the Direct DVD button. It's that simple! Automatically burns a DVD containing all recordings, selected recordings, or just new recordings.

Hybrid advantage with HDD/SD card dual storage In addition to the internal Hard Disk Drive, these hybrid camcorders also have a slot for an SD memory card so you can store videos and stills on this commonly available memory card.

Everio GZMG255 Highlights

Over 37 hours of video and nearly 10,000 photos The internal large capacity hard disk drive stores over 7 hours (30GB model) of DVD-movie quality video or over 37 hours in Economy mode. And no matter which image size you choose, you can shoot nearly 10,000 stills with plenty of space left for your videos.

Compact and lightweight design With a 1.8-inch hard disk drive built-in, its lightweight compactness is not constrained by the size of videocassette or disc media, nor does it require a space-consuming loading mechanism. That's why most Everio models are able to weigh in at less than 1 pound including battery.

Gigabrid engine for high-quality video and stills The redesigned image processor for Everio G series incorporates 6 digital noise reduction systems to improve the S/N ratio by about 30 percent (3dB) over previous models. The integrated MPEG-2 encoder features circuitry that reduces the block noise and mosquito noise that can occur with digital video recording formats. It's assurance that all of those Gigabytes of video and photos you shoot will offer the best picture quality available for each recording mode.

MPEG-2 DVD-quality video Using high quality MPEG-2 data compression, you can record DVD-Movie quality video. A new buffer accommodates suddenly moving objects. As well, the "turbo" variable bit rate system maintains a high average close to 8.5 Mbps, but increases sharply for dynamically moving scenes.

Hard disk drive protection and stability To safeguard the Hard Disk Drive from shocks and vibrations, Everio G camcorders incorporate the latest Hard Disk protection technologies.

Floating Suspension (Shock Absorbers) Effectively dampens vibrations through polymer shock absorbers, allowing active camcorder use.

Gravity Sensor System (Drop Detection) Automatically senses sudden acceleration such as in a free fall situation. The camera power is turned off and the writing head is disengaged to avoid disk damages*.
_{*This function does not guarantee protection of hard disk against all instances of droppage and physical impact.}

SD memory card slot All Everio models also have a slot for SD Memory Card so you can store videos and stills on this commonly available memory card. SDHC Memory Card is also supported for higher capacity and higher speed.

Quick restart Open the LCD and you're ready to shoot in about 1 second! So before you can say "lights, camera, action!" you're already rolling. Never miss a crucial moment.

Stick control for easy operation A multitude of functions with the 4-way one-finger control on the outside edge of the LCD. Pressing the four "compass points" on the circular control operates everything from menu item selection, and manual camera settings while shooting, to playback control.

Program AE A full array of effects is available so you can choose the right exposure or shutter speed automatically according to the scene you're shooting.

Data battery Allows you to check the remaining battery power by percent and remaining recording time in minutes at the touch of a button, even while the camcorder's power is off!

Built-in sliding lens cover Slide it shut to protect the lens when the camera's not in use. It's integrated, so there's no risk of losing it like a lens cap.

Superior low-light performance Delivers bright and natural coloration for your videos even in low-light situations.

Advanced Photo Functions

Aperture Priority/Shutter Priority modes The Aperture Priority mode controls the depth of field while the Shutter Priority mode lets you select the shutter speed according to the subject.

Auto exposure bracketing Automatically shoots 3 shots with sequential exposures when you press the shutter.

Additional Features

• Multi-language on-screen menu
• Hard Disk Protection with Drop Detection and Floating Suspension
• Auto and manual focus
• Digital Image Stabilizer
• Backlight/Spotlight compensation
• White balance (Auto, MWB, Fine, Cloud, Halogen)
• Self-timer
• Playlist Video Clip Playback and Slide Show Still Playback
• In-camera file editing
• Playback scene transitions

Customer Reviews

JVC GZ-MG255 is the best camcorder for low light videos because it has the largest F1.2 lens
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3807VA2C1Z2ON Update August 2009: This is still the best.
I have happily owned my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder since April 2007, and knowing it is the best standard definition camcorder for low light videos.

In 2007, I have compared the three camcorders side by side: JVC GZ-MG255, Sony DCR-SR82, and Sony DCR-SR80. I compared for the ability to videotape in low light or natural night light conditions, and without video lights, and in Automatic mode. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the winner and takes best low light videos because it has the largest F 1.2 lens, and largest 1/4 inch CCD. I still have the videos to prove this.

The bad news is that the JVC GZ-MG255 are no longer made any more due to high cost, and low profit margin, and are hard to find.

Sony DCR-SR80 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/5.5 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the low light videos were poor, and grainy, and I returned for refund in 2007.

Sony DCR-SR82 has smaller F1.8 lens, and the CCD is smaller 1/6 inch, 1 MP Gross Pixels, 0.690 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos were okay, but the light videos were poor, and grainly, and I returned for refund in 2007.

JVC GZ-MG255 has largest F1.2 lens, and the CCD is the largest 1/4 inch, and 2.18 MP Gross Pixels, 1.23 MP Effective Pixels. Bright light videos are great, and low light videos are the best. I still enjoy using my JVC GZ-MG255 to record in low light (and in fact, I bought two JVC GZ-MG255 while prices were low, and since they are now out of stock).

This is a short video clip from my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder that I took in April 2007 at a dimly lighted nightclub at closing time, and this is a great low light video. The camcorder setting is Full Automatic (I am not using the "Night Alive" nor any other Manual settings.) The back wall is a full width mirror and is reflecting and showing a small TV screen on left side, and the main entrance door. (Note: My original of this video actually looks better and is clear and sharp; however Amazon condensed this video to 1/10 the original size, and therefore the quality is lower.)

I rank my JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder as #1 and the best because it takes great low light videos due to its largest F 1.2 lens, and large 1/4 inch CCD. Here below is a comparision of 20 other camcorders,

My Rank # 1: Best, Superior Low Light Performance.
-- JVC GZ-MG255: Zoom 10X. F1.2 lens; 1/4 inch CCD, Effective 1.23 MP = 1280x960, (Gross 2.18 MP).

Rank # 2:
-- Sony DCR-SR200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/3" CMOS, Effective 1.08 MP = 1200x900, (Gross 2.1 MP).

Rank # 3:
-- Panasonic SDR-H200: Zoom 10X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" Three-CCDs, Effective 0.64 MP X 3CCDs, (Gross 0.80 MP X 3CCD).

Rank # 4:
-- JVC GZ-MG155: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 690KP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR85: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6 inch CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR65: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR82: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR62: Zoom 25X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR80: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR60: Zoom 12X. F1.8 lens; 1/5.5" CCD, Effective 0.69 MP = 960x720, (Gross 1.07 MP).

Rank # 5:
-- JVC GZ-MG365: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG360: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG335: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- JVC GZ-MG330: Zoom 35X. F1.8 lens, 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H18: Zoom 32X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR45: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/8" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR42: Zoom 40X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Sony DCR-SR40: Zoom 20X. F1.8 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).

Rank # 6:
-- JVC GZ-MG130: Zoom 34X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.34 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.68 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H60: Zoom 50X. F2.0 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).
-- Panasonic SDR-H40: Zoom 42X. F1.9 lens; 1/6" CCD, Effective 0.40 MP = 640x480, (Gross 0.80 MP).

My footnotes for these Technical Specifications Facts:
1) "Effective MP" is an industry "standard" used for comparision; and is the actual pixels through lens for recording.
2) For fair comparison, only listed "Effective MP" for 4:3 Aspect Ratio. ( And not 16:9 Aspect. )
3) "MP" = Mega Pixels = 1,000,000 pixels = 1,000 Kilo Pixels (KP).
4) "Gross MP" is total pixels on CCD sensor, but all used for lens recording, and should not be used for standard comparisons.
5) F1.2 lens is larger aperture hole than F1.8 lens. F1.2 lens captures two times the light than F1.8 lens.
6) Only comparing video recording in full "Automatic" mode; and not using any "Manual" or "low light" settings.
7) Only comparing mid-priced hard disk drive camcorders in "Standard Definition"; and not comparing "High Definition".
8) For equal comparisons, I am only listing "Optical" Zoom; and not "Digital" Zoom.
9) I researched these facts from the Internet and User Manuals, and I challenge anyone to find any errors.

Zoom: Do not get fooled by the manufacturer's current optical zoom "game" or "contest". Manufacturers are now making new camcorders with the highest optical zoom. For Low Light Performance, a zoom "bigger" is NOT "better". A lower zoom 10X means better Low Light Performance, and more complex lens, and more expensive lens. The higher zoom 25X, 34X, 40X means poorer Low Light Performance, less complex lens, and less expensive lens. Probably a rule of thumb, is that the higher the zoom, then the lower lens complexity, and the poorer Low Light Performance. Also, "zoom" is not a same "standard" for all camcorders; zoom is the ratio of the lowest focal length ("wide" setting) and the highest focal length (at highest zoom), and is like comparing "apple" and "oranges" for different camcorders models. The better, more expensive, camcorders will have 10X zoom (and that is fine with me).

JVC GZ-MG255 GOOD THINGS ( Pluses + ):

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has the largest F1.2 lens which captures two times more light than the other smaller F1.8 camcorders, and larger 1/4 inch, 2.1 MP CCD for great low light video recordings.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a Remote Control (size 3 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches) can: 1) Turn Record On and Off; 2) Zoom Video; 3) Snap Still photos; 4) Video Play, Pause, Forward, Reverse.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 videos tracks and audio tracks are exactly synchronized.

+ I like my JVC GZ-MG255 "Stick Control" better than the Sony DCR-SR80 / DCR-SR82 "Touch Screen".

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a USB jack built into the front of the camcorder, and that is always 100% accessible, and also a USB jack on the docking station. (The Panasonic SDR-H18/H200 USB jack is hidden under its battery, and its battery must be removed to connect USB.) (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 do not have a USB jack on the camcorder, but is only on the docking station.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in manual internal sliding lens cover. Also, I purchased and use an extra external snap-in lens cover, as extra protection.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 takes good 2 MP still pictures. (The Sony DCR-SR80/SR82 takes lower resolution 1 MP still pictures.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has a built-in great very bright white light Flash for taking still pictures. And with a 10 second Flash self-timer. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have a built-in Flash for still pictures.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 also can use SD/SDHC 4 GB memory cards to record BOTH videos AND still pictures. (Sony DCR-SR82 can use a Memory Stick Duo card to record still pictures, but CAN NOT record videos. The Sony DCR-SR80 can not use any memory card.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Quick Re-Start" which turns on camcorder in one second when the LCD is re-opened.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has great low light manual feature setting called "Night Alive" which increases brightness of low light videos. Note: This GZ-MG255 review is based on using the full "Auto" mode for low light recording which turns "Night Alive" off; I do not use "Night Alive" for low light recording since the "Auto" mode is good enough for low light video recording, and is more "natural".

+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a convenient neck strap, to help minimize accidental dropping. (The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not come with a neck strap.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has Firewire (aka, i-Link, IE-1394) jack on the JVC Docking station. (Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 do not have Firewire jack.)

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has "Analog Input", which can input and record your old VHS tapes into the camcorder, and turn them into digital format files.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 10X optical zoom. And 40X and 300X digital zoom, and I am satisfied with my JVC optical and digital zoom quality. The Sony 12X DCR-SR80 and 25X SR82 has higher optical zooms. However, I like my JVC GZ-MG255 better due to its better low light video recordings.

+ Why the lower JVC 10X versus the higher Sony 12X/25X optical zoom? Answer: the JVC has larger F1.2 lens which only permits 10X optical zoom; and the Sony has smaller F1.8 lens which permits 25X optical zoom.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 records videos in Standard Definition (SD), which is fine with me. I am satisfied with Standard Definition. I do not want High Definition (HD) because it requires two to three times more bytes per second space on the hard drive. HD may cause people to be unhappy because HD shows every facial flaw and body imperfections. SD smooths out and hides any facial flaws.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has 30 GB hard drive, and is fine for me. The Sony DCR-SR80 and SR82 have larger 60 GB hard drives. However, I prefer my JVC GZ-MG255 because of its superior low light video recordings.

+ JVC GZ-MG255 comes with a "70 minute" JVC BN-VF808 Data Battery. I purchased four more larger "150 minute" JVC BN-VF815 batteries (which are twice the capacity of the VF808) for recording long events like weddings.

+ "Mod" files are no problem. "Mod" files are actually newer, but are still standard MPEG format, but which some older software may not recognize. Just rename and add ".MPG" to the Mod filename to use. I have made hundreds of DVD+R's from my JVC GZ-MG255 low light videos "Mod" files. To make DVD's, I purchased and use Nero 8. I also purchased and own Premiere Elements 3.0; VideoStudio 9 and 11; ShowBiz DVD2; DVD Movie Factory 2; AutoProducer 5; DivX Author 1.5, AVS Bundle including AVS Video Editor. I use the free "SDCopy.exe" by "Sektionschef" to set the 16:9 Flag (it does not "convert" the video file format).

+ JVC GZ-MG255 has four video "Quality" setting choices:
-- 1) Ultra Fine . (DVD Movie) .. 720x480, 8.5 Mbps, 7 hours.
-- 2) Fine ........ (DVD) .......... 720x480, 5.5 Mbps, 10 hours. (Factory Setting is "Fine")
-- 3) Normal ..... (TV) ........... 720x480, 4.2 Mbps, 14 hours. (I use "Normal")
-- 4) Economy .. (Internet) .... 352x240, 1.5 Mbps, 37 hours.
(I just use "Normal" because I can not visually tell the difference between "Fine" and "Ultra Fine" modes, and the higher modes will use up more computer hard drive space. The higher modes are probably better, but the "Normal" is good enough for me, and uses less hard drive space bytes per second.)

December 2007 Update: Yes, I have seen the two "professional" reviews:
1) I disagree with the May 21, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Will Greenwald on CNET, in which he said the JVC GZ-MG255 was "terrible for low-light shooting", and "fares horribly in low light". I disagree with Greenwald, and I say he is wrong, because he did not review and did not compare the other 20 camcorders on my list of 21 camcorders, and he only reviewed JVC GZ-MG255 and the higher model JVC GZ-MG555. I bet that if he reviewed all the 21 camcorders on my list, that he would have ranked the JVC GZ-MG255 at the top of the list for better Low Light Performance.
2) I agree with the Aug. 16, 2007 Review of JVC GZ-MG255 by Michael Perlman at CamcorderInfoDOTcom, in which he says "The GZ-MG255 will grace you with improved handling and superior low light performance". Perlman's Review is more positive of the JVC GZ-MG255. Also, CamcorderInfoDOTcom has better, more objective standards of comparisons using video charts.

Update January 2008: I just looked at the JVC website and the new 2008 model JVC hard drive camcorders, and the new 2008 models are all mostly smaller F1.8 lens (and apparently no more F1.2 lens) and the highest model GZ-MG730 had a smaller F3.5 lens. So the JVC GZ-MG255 is the only one with the largest F1.2 lens.)

Update 2009: I disagree with Amazon saying that the JVC GZ-MG "255" has a "newer" model of the JVC GZ-MG "630". The JVC GZ-MG255 does not have newer F1.2 lens model. The JVC GZ-MG255 is the best, and is in a special class of its own due to its largest F1.2 lens, and Superior Low Light Performance. (I tried to contact Amazon using the "Update" form below, but my suggestion was "rejected", so I give up.)

Update May 2009: I am still glad that I purchased this JVC GZ-MG255 camcorder because it has best Superior Low Light Performance. The JVC GZ-MG255 is not manufactured anymore, so Supply and Demand will determine price and availability. Comparatively, I like the simplicity of making Standard Definition DVDs (and I am not interested in High Definition complexities such as 2 to 3 times storage space and software problems). I have seen the latest hard drive and flash memory camcorders and I would still buy the JVC GZ-MG255; and I would not buy the 20 camcorders on my comparison list, nor 1) all High Definition camcorders, 2) JVC GZ-MG555, 3) JVC GZ-MG730, nor any 3-CCD, nor others. Also, I never use the enclosed free software; In 2007 I bought and use Nero 8 to make DVD's (Note: I looked at and did not like the new Nero 9 which required 3 steps to make each DVD chapter (instead of 2 steps for Nero 8), so Nero 9 doubles the time to make 99 chapters per DVD title. So I just use Nero 8.)

Excellent camera with just a few flaws
Let's start off with the good.

GOOD
----
1) Easy to use. The learning curve for the menus and actual operation is pretty shallow. 15-20 minutes tops.
2) Solid AV quality.
3) Compact and sturdy construction.
4) Joystick-based menu controller. None of the fears of LCD breaking that's associated with touch screens.
5) Easy to download any video files to your PC, with or without the software
6) Included Dock
7) Still camera flash
8) MOD video files are simply renamed MPGs, which makes editing easy as pie.
9) Lots of space to record
10) Built-in USB
11) No recorded noise (that I could detect) coming from either the HDD or the zoom.
12) 16:9 widescreen recording. Great feature to have access to even if its not hi-def.

An now for the bad...

BAD
---
1) Included battery only lasts 1hr 15min. You'll definitely need to shell out $150-$200 more for a longer lasting battery and a separate charger.
2) Flash for stills, but no persistent light for video.
3) Low light shooting enhancements come at a price, mainly aperture speed.
4) No viewfinder.
5) MOD files have a small bug that improperly sets the 16:9 flag. The widescreen tag can be easily fixed by a free 3rd party tool though.
6) Placement of the power knob makes turning the unit on or off awkward. The problem stems from an inset push button lock in the knob. Simultaneously pushing the lock and turning the knob is usually best done with your free hand. It's just easier that way.
7) Somewhat flimsy feeling to the AC adapter.
8) Digital zoom is pretty much a waste of time. Compared to the optical, why bother? Way too grainy and over-processed. Then again, what would you expect from digital zoom?
9) Image stabilization for handheld shooting could be better. The jumping becomes more noticeable as you zoom in. A good tripod or monopod is a must.
10) 10x optical zoom is nice, but some people might wish for more - without investing in a telephoto lense.
11) It's small. REALLY small. Almost toy-like in size actually. Imagine stacking 3 or 4 iPods. =) Some newbies might be scared of breaking it, even if it is quite sturdy feeling.
12) Only 1 CCD.

With as many drawbacks as I mentioned, you'd think I'd rate the camera lower. Nah. It's a good product. The drawbacks are relatively small and easily forgiven in the grand scheme.

As far as price is concerned, for what you do get, the GZMG255 is actually worth the full list price of $700. So, at the sub-$550 price that many resellers are charging, the GZMG255 is a steal.

Not a pro camera, but definitely not a budget camera either. Spec-wise, it performs nicely in the mid-range. If this is your first camcorder then you could do far worse than the GZMG255.

One particular online review (cnet) was harsh on this camera (6.4/10). I firmly disagree. The GZMG255 is not meant to be a pro-level camera and shouldn't be judged by those standards. Based on a simple price to feature ratio, I'd give it a solid 4/5 (8/10 on their scale.) I might even give it a 4.5/5 or 8.5/10 based solely on practical use.

The GZMG255 offers a high degree of bang for the buck, more so at the recently discounted prices. Not an average cam.

Mac Users Rejoice
Although missing from the product description, this camera (via the included dock) has Firewire. So I got a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable, hooked up to my Mac, and iMovie instantly recognized the camera and imported the clips. No conversion or intermediate steps required. This capability also comes standard with the GZMG155, but the 255 has superior resolution and a flash instead of the light. I started with the GZMG130, but the still camera was worthless. The 255 has great capability for video and stills. The USB port is still available for file transfer, and iPhoto opens right up when you connect.