Video Equipment Reviews (page 3)

JVC GR-SZ9u S-VHS-C Camcorder

• Format
  S-VHS-C (VHS-C compatible)
• Lens
  10:1 optical zoom, 5-50mm focal length, 2 zoom speeds, f/1.2, inner focus, tele- macro
• Image sensor
  1/3-inch CCD, 570,000 pixels
• Viewfinder
  0.6-inch color LCD, 113,000 pixels
• Focus
  TTL Auto, manual
• Maximum shutter speed
  1/500th of a second
• Exposure
  Auto, manual override, Program AE
• White balance
  Auto, 5 presets, manual
• Digital Effects
  14 picture effects, 4 fades, 12 wipes, 1 dissolve
• Audio
  hi-fi Stereo
• Inputs
  Microphone
• Outputs
  Y/C video, composite video, stereo audio, headphone
• Edit interface
  None
• Other features
  Digital image stabilizer, record search, infrared remote, in-viewfinder zoom meter, 20x digital zoom, 100x digital zoom, shuttle search, audible alarm
• Dimensions
  4 (width) by 4.5 (height) by 7.25 (depth) inches
• Weight
  1.8 pounds (sans tape and battery)
• Video Performance (approx.)
  • Horizontal resolution (camera)
    440 lines
  • Horizontal resolution (playback)
    400 lines
• Performance times
  • Pause to record
    0.5 second
  • Power up to record
    3 seconds
  • Fast forward/rewind
    (30 min. tape) 7 minutes, 50 seconds

Master 8-862 8mm Camcorder
Minolta
101 Williams Drive
Ramsey, NJ 07446
($1433)

Minolta makes it easy to shoot video with the 8-862 camcorder. The latest in their 8mm line, the 8-862 offers a different look than the earlier 8-812.

With this model, Minolta establishes what it calls "Sightless Operation." Each control button has a different and unique shape, so that you can easily locate the different functions by feel. In addition, all of the controls now sit on the back of the camcorder. Your left hand easily reaches the different functions while your right hand remains comfortably in control of the camcorder. This system is very simple and convenient.

Your right hand also has easy access to other critical control functions, like the record/pause button and power zoom rocker. The power zoom rocker sits opposite the cassette carriage in the middle of the camcorder. While shooting video, the camcorder feels stable and balanced.

The 8-862 features a nice 12x (4mm to 48mm) optical power zoom lens, though the single speed zoom is rather slow. If you need a quick and close look, you can trigger the unit's 1.5x instant digital zoom button which sits in the middle of the zoom rocker itself. The response time is quick and the picture resolution at 1.5x is quite good. This feature is ideal for obtaining a quick close-up without having to readjust the focus.

The 8-862's 2x digital zoom allows for an additional enlargement to the 12x optical zoom lens. The total zoom range becomes 24:1; there is minor loss in picture quality at this high zoom level. At this level of magnification, camera shake is also very intense. However, with Minolta's electronic image stabilization on, the picture steadied significantly. Compensation for both small and large movements was good.

The instant zoom, combined with the optical 12x zoom and digital 2x zoom, allows for a maximum zoom range of up to 36x. Resolution loss is significant at this point, and EIS is almost useless. Use this maximum zoom sparingly or not at all.

When shooting in the digital zoom modes, I recommend using the manual focus. Instead of a wheel control, Minolta offers focus control buttons. The focus buttons are within easy reach of your left hand.

For beginners, the 8-862 is an easy camera to master. The autofocus is good; despite some minor hunting, the system works well. Auto exposure and white balance worked equally well.

Low-light situations were not a problem for the 8-862. Even without a separate gain control, the 8-862 recorded some nice video. Minolta offers an optional DC camera light that attaches to a light hook on the right side of the camcorder lens.

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