Since JVC's HD format is new, you cannot edit the footage without first upgrading your editing software (by the time you read this, Adobe Premiere should support footage from this camcorder). JVC includes MPEG Edit Studio Pro LE editing software with the camera. The basic app will be adequate for most getting-starters, but experienced editors will want to upgrade their software of choice for serious editing. JVC also includes a DVD-authoring and burning application (ImageMixer DVD), although it won't produce widescreen DVDs.

After editing your footage, you can output to DVD-ready MPEG-2. To retain the full benefit of the HD format for playback on your HDTV, however, you'll need to output your video back to the camera or to a JVC D-VHS VCR.

In the final analysis, there are really two important aspects to this camera: HD in and HD out. The HD in part is simple: you flip a switch and shoot widescreen HD.

The HD out part is more complex. It was clear from our examination of the video that we captured some lovely footage, we just couldn't appreciate it without an HDTV that could display the image at 1280x720. If you own an HDTV and would like to shoot home videos in HD to play on your high-def set, JVC has what you're looking for.

Format: Mini DV and HD MPEG-2
Lens: f=5.2mm to 52mm, 10:1 optical, F/1.8, 52mm filter diameter
Image Sensor: 1/3-inch CCD, 1.18M pixels
Viewfinder: 0.44-inch color
LCD Viewscreen: 3.5-inch color
Focus: auto, manual
Image Stabilization: optical
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/1,000
Exposure: auto, manual
Program AE Modes: 4
White Balance: auto, manual, presets
Digital Effects: 4 effects, 9 transitions
Audio: 12-bit, 16-bit
Microphone: 1/8-inch mini-plug
Headphone: 1/8-inch mini-plug
Inputs: FireWire, S-video, composite
Outputs: FireWire, S-video, composite
Edit Interface: FireWire
Other Features: 8MB Multimedia Card, Audio Dubbing, Web Cam Function, MPEG-4 Video
Dimensions: 4-9/16" (w) x 3-5/16" (h) x 10-3/4" (d)
Weight: 2.8 lbs. (sans tape and battery)
Included Software: HD Capture, MPEG Edit Studio LE, ImageMixer DVD

• HD, progressive scan
• Very easy to use

• Limited editing options
• Quality depends on TV used

• A pioneering camera that shoots HD for folks who own HD televisions.

$3,595
JVC America
1700 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
(800) 252-5722
www.jvc.com