[jian]

I've been offered one of these brand new and was wondering how it would compare to a modern camcorder. I know nothing about camcorders but want one for a friend's wedding.

The all metal construction and small foot print is appealing to me, but is there better value for money out there?

The reviews of the machine are good:

http://www.macuser.co.uk/macuser/rev...vc-grdvp9.html

It's availaible from a retailer for £200 complete with one year warranty.

I dont mind using tape and I understand the Mini DV format is still pretty good as far as picture quality is concerned.

[redsox_mark]

Agree DV is best value especially in the budget range. The quality of that JVC will be similar to a new entry level model; I'd rather have a new budget DV cam (e.g. Canon MD101, or JVC GRD760/770). Or spend a bit more and get the Panasonic GS230 or GS320... or the Sony HC96 if ebuyer still has any left.

[JH4]

Yeh, I had one of these for years until it finally gave up with a faulty record head (I think - as it gave black horizontal lines which a cleaning tape could not sort.) Great little machine though. I just carried it around in my pocket, and used it to record loads of stuff. It's not been available for a while now, so if you have found a new one, you are lucky. I finally went to a Sony HDR HC7 when the JVC gave up the ghost - which uses the same tapes of course and gives superb HD pictures into a 1080p TV. I can recommend both camcorders.

[jian]

Thanks for the replies. Went for it in the end and got some tapes and a case thrown in as well. Superb build quality and very pocketable. Haven't compared the picture quality with other models out there but it looks pretty good.