This newly styled JVC camcorder is designed for those who are searching for a fun and slimline camcorder while maintaining a full feature package within. The GR-DV70US boasts a 680, 000-Pixel CCD Super High Band Processor for 520 lines of horizontal resolution. The GR-D70US adds a removable memory card slot for both MMC and SD cards. Now, digital still images can be recorded on a memory card at a resolution up to 1024 x 768. The maximum user friendliness is achieved with Power-Linked Operation (always ready to record), Night Alive (for low-light recording), High Resolution 2.5" Amorphous Silicon LCD Color Monitor, 700X Super Digital Zoom with Spline Interpolation, Digital Picture Stabilizer and Long Time Recording Capability.

Specifications

Optics & Audio
The GR-D70 offers a 680,000 CCD with 520 lines of horizontal resolution. Combined with JVC's super-hi-band processor, you'll be assured of capturing crisp, clear video. Equipped with a 16x optical zoom, the GR-D70 also features a 700x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in for incredible close-ups. You can also zoom in on any part of an image during playback with the 44x pinpoint zoom.

The GR-D70 also features PCM digital stereo sound in either 12-bit or 16-bit options. The 16-bit mode offers one set of stereo tracks and achieves the same quality as CD, while the 12-bit mode creates two sets of stereo tracks. Audio dub is possible when recorded in 12-bit mode.

Digital Stills
The still mode is capable of capturing crystal-clear still images of up to 1,024 x 768 pixels. The images are stored onto an optional MMC or Secure Digital memory card. You can also record still images onto the video cassette with a "shutter" sound effect in full frame or pin-up mode.

More Features
JVC's Night Alive feature boosts light sensitivity for a bright picture, even in situations with minimal illumination
A 2.5-inch tilting LCD screen for high-angle overhead shooting, low-angle shots, or even self portraits
The Picture Stabilizer system corrects camera shake instantly, giving you smooth and stable pictures
The Power Linked Operation feature prepares the camera to record simply by opening the LCD or pulling out the viewfinder
The IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connections provides fast, loss-less digital transfer to a computer, or dubbing from or to another DV unit
A built-in analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog audio-video signal to a digital signal, and can be recorded to a DV tape
Remote control features include playback with special effects, zoom, slow motion, and audio dubbing-insert editing
MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 520 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Contents
This package includes the GR-D70 camcorder, AC adapter (AP-V13U), battery pack (BN-V408U), shoulder strap, AV cable (mini-3 RCA), USB cable, wireless remote control (RM-V718U), lens cap, and CD-ROM with Presto! ImageFolio and Presto! Mr. Photo 3 software.

Feature
F1.6 Bright lens
680,000 Pixel CCD
Digital CyberCam Video Camera
2.5" High Resolution, 270-degree rotating LCD color monitor
SD/ MMC Memory card slot for Digital Still Images
1024 X 768 Digital Still Image Resolution
Provided Software (Presto! Mr. Photo v.3.2 and Presto! Imagefolio v.4.2) and USB
(provided cable) connection
700X Digital Hyper Zoom with Spline Interpolation
Analog Input
Power-Linked Operation
16X Optical Hyper Zoom
Digital Image Stabilizer
Black/White Viewfinder
16x9 Squeeze Mode
PCM Digital Stereo Audio
Snap Shot Modes: Full screen, Frame, Pin-up, Negative, Multi-Picture, 4-Frame / 9-
Frame, Digital Still Output
Iris Lock
Wide Mode
Manual focus, Exposure, and White Balance modes
Black Fader
Digital Wipes and Fades
Variable-speed Shutter (1/500,1/250, 1/100, 1/60 sec.)
High Density Image Recording, Mini DV NTSC (SD specifications)
BN-V408U 800 mAh Lithium-ion, High Capacity, rechargeable battery pack
Built-in AC Power Adapter/battery charger
i.Link Digital Input/Output (IEEE 1394 compliant) DV in/out
S-Video Output
Shoulder strap, AC Adapter and AV output cables
Audio Dubbing
Full Function Remote Control
1 year parts, 90 days labor warranty
1.15 LBS. (.52KG)
3.7 inches (94MM)
2.7 inches (68.5MM)
5.63 inches (143MM)

Review

Reviewing the JVC camcorder really made me long for a Sony or a Canon. It's too bad. The video, low light, and still quality of the GR-D70 is really terrible for a camcorder in this price range. The camcorder also lacks the audio options that a camcorder costing $600 should have. The ideas behind good manual control are there, however JVC failed to take it to the extra step that would put the manual control of the GR-D70 on the same level as the Canon ZRs. Many camcorders that do poorly in the more professional features areana sometimes excel in the point in shoot area. However, besides including a nice fully auto mode, I can't say the GR-D70 is a good point and shoot camcorder. Besides a nice weight, the handling is terrible and the video quality in auto mode is just terrible. I really have to recomend against the GR-D70. It's a nice effort however there are much better camcoders
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/