JVC introduced a totally new line of matchbook or vertical style camcorders at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. Dubbed the Celebrity Series in a nod to paparazzi and star usage (wait for the commercials), the official model names are GR-DX97US and GR-DX77US. The third model with a larger CCD, the GR-DX307US, wasn't on display.

Specifications

Video format: MiniDV
Audio: PCM Digital Stereo Audio
Maximum CCD resolution: 680,000 pixels
CCD size: 0.17 inches
Eyepiece viewfinder:: Color
LCD screen size: 3 inches
LCD swivel: Yes
Aperture: F/1.2
Filter diameter: Information unavailable
Optical zoom: 15x
Digital zoom: 300x
Autolight: Yes
Hot shoe for external light: No
Image stabilization: Yes
Infrared capability: Yes, NightAlive
Remote included: Yes
Headphone jack: Yes
Digital still capability: Yes
MPEG movie mode: Yes
Included still memory: Yes, 8MB MMC card
Preset titles: Information unavailable
Custom titling: Information unavailable
Programmed recording: Information unavailable
Fade options: Various fader effects
Special effects: Information unavailable
Motion sensor: No
Audio sensor: No
USB streaming: Yes
IEEE1394 (Firewire) output: Yes
USB output: Yes
S-Video output: Yes
Battery type: Lithium ion
Included in box: Information unavailable
Width: Information unavailable
Height: Information unavailable
Depth: Information unavailable
Weight: Information unavailable
Warranty labor: 90 days
Warranty parts: 1 year

Review

The middle of the road GR-DX line, the GR-DX97US, is a good point and shoot camcorder with a moderate sized CCD. With 1.2 Megapixels (display model), the camcorder shoots XGA high resolution stills, and a four-bulb built in LED. Unfortunately there are no external microphone capabilities, and the hand-strap leaves me with an awkward feeling.