JVC GZ-MG555

The camcorder, known as JVC GZ-MG555 in Northern America, or as 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, 8.5Mbit/s), Fine (720 x 480, 5.5Mbit/s), Normal (720 x 480, 4.2Mbit/s), and Economy (352 x 240, 1.5Mbit/s). The built-in harddrive has capacity of 30GB (40GB 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 capacity of the card. The GZ-MG555 uses full-size SDHC memory cards. One 4GB card can fit roughly 1 hour of video at 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

On the other hand, the camcorder has no viewfinder, no headphone output, no focus ring, no 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 30GB (GZ-MG555) or 40GB (GZ-MG575) HDD, SDHC memory card (card is not included)
* Weight: 750 g

Product Information and Reviews

* [http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GZ-MG555-First-Impressions-Review.htm First impressions by CamcorderInfo]
* [http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GZ-MG555-Camcorder-Review-29549.htm Full review by CamcorderInfo]
* [http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/jvc-everio-gz-mg555/4505-6500_7-32343122.html Review by CNet]
* [http://www.avchduser.com/articles/JVC_Everio_review.jsp Hands-on review by AVCHDUser]
* [http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/JVC/GZ-MG555.htm Review by PCWorld]
* [http://www.videomaker.com/article/13348/ Review by Videomaker]

Practical Solutions

* [http://www.avchduser.com/articles/JVC_Everio_mod_files.jsp Working with JVC Everio MOD files]
* [http://www.benzmodz.com/jvc_workflow.htm JVC tapeless workflow]

Sample videos

* [http://www.savefile.com/files/1367075 Outdoors, daytime, handheld]