More and more camcorder models released with better and better prices and quality have driven video sharing social networks like YouTube, Metacafe or others that have video user generated content, to increase like hell. Since I’m traveling these days and already told you about the new Nikon Coolpix P6000, I decided to take the JVC GZ-MS100 for a spin.

Quite powerful, one of the best features is the direct YouTube connectivity, that will upload your files (videos, yes) straight on siteby just pushing one button or … so they say. But let’s get a bit deeper into this thing and review it. First of all, here are the specs.

• compact slim design
• Konica Minolta 35x zoom optical lens with 800x digital zoom
• 1/6-inch 680K pixel CCD
• Up to 9999 digital stills at the highest quality
• Gigabrid Engine
• a1 hour recording at the highest quality (Ultra-DVD Movie) with a 4GB SDHC memory card.

PROs

First thing I liked is that JVC’ s GZ-MS100 is only weighing 9.6 ounces and only measures measuring 2.18 x 2.68 x 4.37 inches. If you’re like me and need your gadgets to be small and lightweight, so that you can carry them all with you, MS100 does the job great.

Video quality (bright and colorful images ) is way above all entry level cameras, with great results when shooting in low light or when zooming up to 35x. Also to be mentioned is the battery life that will really keep your “toy” running for more than 2.5 hours of recording.

Last thing that I liked is the recording feature that allows to record on a SD and SDHC card from the begining.

CONs

JVC is still using the proprietary MPEG-2 format with .mod files and even though you can manually edit the file extension to .mpg and edit them, why on Earth would they do it? Not to mention that after editing, all files may need to be completely re-encoded. It happened to me, yes …

Second of all is the software that “helps” with the YouTube upload (synchronization). it’s not the best I’ve seen and to be honest I failed to upload files at least a couple of times. It could be me, but I’m pretty certain there are some glitches over there and a newby or a novice may have issues with it. Though it says one button upload, it’s not really that easy.

Overall, this camcorder tops the other similarly-priced models in the range of $279. Our friends from TestFreaks know more about it.

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Value for Money Rating:

Canon HV20 has received great reviews and admirable scores from its users. If you don’t have a HD camcorder yet, you should consider switching for this one. Canon HV20 captures true 1080 high definition resolution video in 16:9 format using MiniDV cassette tapes. It also can record video in standard definition and capture photos on a SD card. Offering 10X optical zoom and 200X digital zoom, the camcorder features a super spectra coating technology that gives images with minimal flare and ghosting.

The camcorder sports a 2.7-inch swiveling widescreen LCD with controls on the bottom. Canon HV20 has a HDMI port for direct connection with a HDTV. Furthermore, it can also be connected directly to a printer, without the need of a PC.

And there is a great news for you, Dell sells the Canon HV20 for $699. It’s not a bargain, but it is a good deal as this camcorder retails with prices over $800.

via Crave