JVC GZ-MG555

The JVC GZ-MG555 camcorder (in North America), also known as the JVC GZ-MG575 (in Asia and Europe), was produced by JVC in 2007. It records standard definition MPEG-2 video onto either a built-in hard disk drive or on a secure digital memory card in MOD format.

Video can be recorded in four quality settings: Ultra Fine (720 x 480, 8.5 Mbit/s), Fine (720 x 480, 5.5 Mbit/s), Normal (720 x 480, 4.2 Mbit/s), and Economy (352 x 240, 1.5 Mbit/s). The built-in hard drive has a capacity of 30 GB (40 GB for GZ-MG575) and can hold up to 7 hours of video when recorded at the highest quality setting.

When recording to a memory card, the recording time depends only on the capacity of the card. The GZ-MG555 uses full-size SDHC memory cards. One 4 GB card can fit roughly 1 hour of video at the highest quality setting. There are no limitations for using any of the recording formats when recording to a memory card.

In 2007 this camcorder had the largest imaging sensor for a consumer camcorder, 1/2.5". Other distinguishing features of this camcorder include:


 * External microphone jack
 * Accessory shoe
 * Built-in neutral-density filter
 * FireWire port
 * Threaded lens barrel for attachments
 * Black body color

Lacking from the camcorder is an optical viewfinder, headphone output, focus ring, and full manual mode.

Specification

 * Sensor: 1/2.5-inch 5.37 Megapixel CCD
 * Lens speed: f/3.5
 * Filter Diameter: 46 mm
 * Optical Zoom: 10x
 * Image Stabiliser: digital
 * Viewfinder: No
 * LCD Screen: 2.8"
 * Headphone Out: No
 * Microphone In: Yes
 * Recording media: built-in 30 GB (GZ-MG555) or 40 GB (GZ-MG575) HDD, SDHC memory card (card is not included)
 * Weight: 750 g

Product Information and Reviews

 * First impressions by CamcorderInfo
 * Full review by CamcorderInfo
 * Review by CNet
 * Hands-on review by AVCHDUser
 * Review by PCWorld
 * Review by Videomaker

Practical Solutions

 * Working with JVC Everio MOD files
 * JVC tapeless workflow

Sample videos

 * Outdoors, daytime, handheld