JVC Everio GZ-MS120 (black)
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: GZMS120BUS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The JVC Everio GZ-MS120 is a nice little flash-memory-based standard-definition camcorder.
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CNET editors' review
JVC Everio GZ-MS120 (black) price range: $224.95 - $242.00
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 06/08/2009
- Released on: 02/01/2009
The good: Good video quality for its class; manual controls; small, comfortable design.
The bad: No inputs; questionable YouTube friendliness; no optical image stabilization; thin grip strap.
The bottom line: The JVC Everio GZ-MS120 is a nice little flash-memory-based standard-definition camcorder.
Keeping standard-definition minicamcorders competitive against cheaper pocket video cams capable of 720p HD video has basically come down to two features: storage and optical zoom. The JVC Everio GZ-MS120 packs the same 35x optical zoom as 2008's MS100, and though the company left out internal storage from this model (the MS130 gets you 16GB of built-in memory for about $50 more), there are dual SD/SDHC card slots. That's one slot more than the competition, letting you go up to 64GB of storage should you want it. Oh, and its video isn't half bad either, considering its sub-$300 price.
Those thinking about getting a Flip-style minicamcorder but can live with a larger size should consider the MS120. Despite it not technically being in the same category and that it won't fit in a pants pocket, you get much more camcorder for your money with this JVC (and not much more money, at that), and its video is YouTube-friendly, with some assistance from the bundled software.
| Key specs | JVC Everio GZ-MS120 |
| Price (MSRP) | $299.95 |
| Dimensions | 2.1 inches wide by 2.6 inches high by 4.4 inches deep |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 10.2 ounces |
| Storage capacity, type | No internal storage; SD/SDHC media cards |
| Resolution, sensor size, type | 800K pixels, 1/6-inch CCD |
| LCD size, resolution | 2.7-inch LCD, 123K dots |
| Lens (zoom, aperture, focal length) | 35x, f1.8-4.0, 36-1,260mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (video, audio) | MPEG-2 (.MOD), 2-ch Dolby Digital |
| Resolution (video/photo) | 720x480/640x480 |
| Recording time at highest quality | 14 minutes per 1GB |
| Image stabilization type | Digital |
| Battery type, rated life | Lithium ion rechargeable, 2 hours and 45 minutes |
Even though the MS120 is compact, it's very comfortable to use and does look and feel nice, despite being entirely plastic. It's also available in three colors: black, blue, and red. The battery takes up most of the back; there's just enough room for the record start/stop button to the right of it. On top are the zoom rocker and a snapshot button. You can take stills while shooting video, but there's also a tiny switch on the left side of the body giving you access to more snapshot features. (Photos are 640x480 and are typical quality for SD camcorders--good enough for the Web or very small prints.)
To the left of that switch sits a button to flip between play and record, and a power button--though the camcorder can be set to turn on and off when you open and close the LCD. Then there is a row of one-touch buttons--Upload, Direct DVD, and Export--that work in concert with the bundled software. This means to do the YouTube direct uploads you need to install this software, so you can't just do it from any computer. What is nice is that if you know the clip is destined for YouTube, you can press the Upload button before you start shooting and the MS120 will automatically limit the movie to 10 minutes, meeting the site's length requirements.
Also on the top left side of the body are the two SD/SDHC slots. Each slot can take up to a 32GB card. In the menu system you designate one slot for videos and one for photos. However, should you be recording and run out of room on one slot, the MS120 can be set to automatically switch to the other slot and continue recording. It's not instantaneous so you will miss some of what you were recording, but it does switch.
The only part of the design that's weak is the strap. It's an interesting design, functioning as both a wrist strap and grip belt, but it's thin and low on the body so you're always fighting to keep the camcorder upright.
Lastly, JVC's Laser Touch controls are not for everyone (including myself). That said, JVC tweaked the system on the MS120 and now it's easier to use, has more features attached to it, and, combined with a slightly reworked menu system, it's actually more pleasurable to use. (I still wish you could tap the strip to select things instead of going over to a separate OK button, but you can't have everything, I guess.) Added features include using the strip to the left of the screen for controlling the zoom and a Record button below the screen. This makes it possible to comfortably control the camcorder while holding it overhand--perfect for shooting subjects like small children and animals.
| Features | JVC Everio GZ-MS120 |
| Inputs/Outputs | USB, AV out terminal |
| White balance | Auto, Fine, Cloud, Halogen, Manual |
| Scene modes | Sports, Snow, Spotlight, Twilight, Portrait, Night |
| Focus | Auto, Manual, Tele Macro |
| Color effects | Standard, Black & White, Sepia, Classic Film, Strobe |
| Lens cover (auto or manual) | Auto |
| Accessory shoe | No (built-in LED light) |
Shooting options are actually a bit better than expected for what's essentially an entry-level camcorder. While the MS120 performed well in full Auto mode, at the push of a touch-sensitive button you can switch over to manual control for focus, brightness, shutter speed, and white balance. You also get a few recording effects including Classic Film, which skips frames to give video an old movie look, and Strobe that makes recordings look like a series of consecutive snapshots. Other options include a handful of scene modes and backlight compensation. All in all, it's a nice set of features.
The MS120 records MPEG-2 video (.MOD) of which the Ultra Fine version comes in at 8.5Mbps. That gives you a little less than 15 minutes for every 1GB of storage. Honestly, it's the only setting you'd want to record at with the MS120, but there are three more options going down to Eco at 1.5Mbps for up to nearly 20 hours of recording time on an 8GB SDHC card.
If you intend to use the camcorder for sharing video on the Web and you primarily plan to shoot outdoors during daylight, the MS120 will produce satisfying results. However, our low-light videos were above average quality, too. Save for some purple fringing that's typical of this class of camcorders, the results are good enough to view on larger TVs; just don't expect high-definition detail and clarity. Colors were pleasing with acceptable white balance in natural light. There are no incandescent or fluorescent presets for white balance, but the manual option is available and there's a halogen setting for use with the built-in LED lamp up front.
Yes, the dual SDHC card slot is a gimmick, but hey, it works and it lets you grow your storage larger than other manufacturers' camcorders. Other than that, the JVC Everio GZ-MS120 is a fairly typical standard-definition minicamcorder.
User reviews
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For the price this is one heck of a little camera
by amydubay on October 4, 2009
Pros: Easy to use, double SD memory slots for up to 64 MB of memory, great price, video quality pretty good, small, nice looking
Cons: for the price the video quality can't be much better but not as good as the expensive cams
Summary: i would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that doesn't want to spend and arm and a leg on a camcorder. this is a great little design, flashy and simple ...
Summary: i would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that doesn't want to spend and arm and a leg on a camcorder. this is a great little design, flashy and simple to operate. very nice!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Really great camera and camcorder combo.
by christik85 on July 12, 2009
Pros: The entire package is, for a buyer on a budget, an amazing deal.
Cons: Still pics are not great, but it is a camcorder.
Summary: Top notch.
Summary: Top notch.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome camcorder
by Enthusiasts on November 1, 2009
Pros: Great Picture quality for a standard def camcorder
Cons: None found yet
Summary: I love this camcorder. It produces great video. I like the two sd card slots which means I have double the capacity and when full it continues to record onto ...
Summary: I love this camcorder. It produces great video. I like the two sd card slots which means I have double the capacity and when full it continues to record onto the other card. The best thing is that this camcorder is easy to use.
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Best for Home Movies
by manvitsbekka on October 13, 2009
Pros: Ease of setup and use; from shoot to YouTube in 5 minutes; Lasertouch navigation thru menus is great.
Cons: nothing yet
Summary: This camcorder is the best for home movies. This camera is meant to replace a Sony 8 mm Handycam that requires occasional "percusive maintenance" (a careful slap to the side) ...
Summary: This camcorder is the best for home movies. This camera is meant to replace a Sony 8 mm Handycam that requires occasional "percusive maintenance" (a careful slap to the side) to operate. I did the research to compare Sony,JVC,and Canon for the following features: under $300 price, SD/Memory Stick media, good quality picture, and ease of use--without a lot of features that I would never use. The main use for this camera will be to easily shoot family events that can be uploaded to YouTube and Facebook or sent to a DVD.
The JVC MS120BU (black case)that I chose matched all of my requirements. I bought the camera with an 8GB memory card; while I am currently not needing the dual memory card feature, it is good to know that the storage capability is there. I played with all the menu selections, and left everything on Auto at this time. I loaded the enclosed software on my laptop, shot a short video, and sent it to YouTube. No problems. I did look at the manual briefly, but did not really need it beyond identifying where the buttons all were. The Lasertouch feature took a few minutes to master as I have a heavy touch, and it is very sensitive. Holding the camera took a bit of practice. I use just the wrist strap for safety and hold the camera using the pinkie and next finger. The middle finger runs the wide/telephoto button; the index finger takes snapshots, and the thumb runs the record button. The resulting video shows no shake with this setup.
I really have no need to do much editing of the results -- it is what it is -- family pictures. Beyond changing the order of scenes, there's not much editing to do. Some of the negative reviews mention features not intended for this camera. Those who aspire to filmaking and professional editing should look into more expensive camcorders. -
Great picture quality
by Camman124 on June 9, 2009
Pros: Good image quality for a standard def camcorder.
Two SD card slots
AV inputCons: Stills are average but hey its a camcorder.
Summary: I am a proud owner of one and I must say the image quality is pretty good even in dim situations. It was a clever idea to make a camcorder ...
Summary: I am a proud owner of one and I must say the image quality is pretty good even in dim situations. It was a clever idea to make a camcorder with two SD card slots and a AV input. I am in the process of converting my old tapes into the camcorder which will convert to a digital format so that I can upload the files to my latest Ulead software to digitally remaster. The camcorder is light and compact too. The stills aren't that crash hot but remember its a camcorder and I'm getting alot of features for what I paid for. You tube upload was easy too.
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Everything is good except for the video quality
by MrAcorn on March 24, 2009
Pros: 1. Dual media card slots are excellent.
2. Simple and easy features.
3. Very small and comfortable.
4. Decent sound quality.Cons: 1. Video quality on its highest setting is not so good.
Summary: Bought this camcorder on a Saturday and charged up the battery. Went to test it out that evening and found that the quality of the video is worse than my $...
Summary: Bought this camcorder on a Saturday and charged up the battery. Went to test it out that evening and found that the quality of the video is worse than my $200 Kodak camera (Model M1033). I couldn't believe it. This thing couldn't even out perform my grandparents camera from the 80s. I took it back on Monday to Best Buy. I just ordered the Sony DCR-SR85 which is suppose to have a little better image.
I'm not expecting a picture from todays camcorders in this price range to look amazing but I do expect them to look better than the cameras from 20 to 30 years ago. -
This camera was horrible!
by rtrocker on October 17, 2009
Pros: Out of the box it was simple to use.
Cons: It turned out to be a pice of crap.
Summary: I gave this camera to my wife for our anniversary in Hawaii. It stopped working after 3 days and we never got the chance to capture out memories. I spoke ...
Summary: I gave this camera to my wife for our anniversary in Hawaii. It stopped working after 3 days and we never got the chance to capture out memories. I spoke to JVC and they weren't much help. They want me to send it it for repair. The labor costs are not covered under the manufacturer warranty so I have to pay even though I only used it a short time. I will never buy another JVC product again.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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"Very Nice Camcorder"
by scarface116 on February 10, 2009
Pros: Dual SD card slot capabilites
Bigger Image sensor (CCD) than most standard camcorders around that price.
AV input.
Great software.
Great choice of colours.Cons: None, great value for money if you are on a budget.
Summary: Bigger image sensor than standard entry camcorders.They use 1/6" and most brands use 1/8".The bigger the image sensor the better the image quality.
Dual SD card ...Summary: Bigger image sensor than standard entry camcorders.They use 1/6" and most brands use 1/8".The bigger the image sensor the better the image quality.
Dual SD card slots. Great idea if you need the capacity and want the reliability of memory cards. It is also cost effective. For example at the moment 2 x 16GB cards are cheaper than a 32 GB SD card. When 32GB SD cards come down in price then buy both of them and get 64GB. Great idea.
AV input. The only SD card camcorder with AV input. Think about what you can do with this. Archive all your old tapes and footage into the camcorder and then digitally remaster and burn to DVD.
The software allows you to burn to DVD, Upload to You tube and I-Tunes. Great archive and playback solutions.
Nice colours and the camcorder is coated entirely not half like other brands.
I cant wait until it comes out.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: GZMS120BUS
- Description: Compact Everio S makes sharing simple. This elegant, slim, lightweight camera boasts a Konica Minolta Lens, 35x optical zoom, Laser Touch operation and sharing videos over the Internet is now easier than ever with the one-button uploading to YouTube, the leading video sharing site. Everio S also has all the convenience Everio is famous for.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Enclosure Color Onyx black
- Digital Zoom 800 x
- Total Pixels 3.05 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/6"
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Analog Video Format NTSC
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- PCM digital sound 24-bit
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Twilight mode
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic
- Camera Flash None
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
Main Features
- Color Support Color
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory SD Memory Card
- Image Storage JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 832 x 624, JPEG 640 x 360
- Media Type Flash card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 2.2 mm - 77 mm - F/1.8
- Focal Length 2.2 mm - 77 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8
- Optical Zoom 35 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 2.2 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Konica Minolta
- Max focal length 77 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Filter Size 30.5 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Built-in Light Yes
- Additional Features Auto power save, YouTube capture mode, Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording
- Software Drivers & Utilities
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.7 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Microphone Features Wind noise reduction
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 2 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
- Microphone Technology Electret condenser
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Battery
- Supported Battery JVC BN-VF808
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 123,000 pixels
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.2 in
- Depth 4.4 in
- Height 2.6 in
- Weight 8.5 oz
Product series
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Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Flash card, 8.5 oz
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Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Flash card, 8.5 oz
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Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Camcorder, CCD, 35 x, Flash card, 8.5 oz
Manufacturer info
- JVC
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse JVC products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jvc.com/
- Address:
1700 Valley Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470 - Phone: 800-526-5308
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