JVC unveils new Everio hard disk camcorder line for 2008

JVC’s new G series of Everio hard disk camcorders announced at CES 2008 offer new functions that make operation simpler and more intuitive and feature a new, super-slim design that’s some 20 percent smaller than last year’s entry-level model. The new, colorful five-model Everio G lineup for 2008 consists of four 680K-pixel models and one 7 Megapixel model. The four 680K-pixel camcorders include two 30GB models and two 60GB models, while the lone 7 Megapixel model comes with 30GB of recording space. All models feature a new Laser Touch Operation user interface – moving a finger up or down a touch-sensitive illuminated scroll bar just to the left of the LCD monitor screen allows users to browse through and select video clips to view or edit, and operate menus for camera set-up. The 2.7-inch widescreen LCD’s high-resolution GUI is linked to Laser Touch movements, but the feature eliminates the risk of smudging or damaging the screen that users face with a touch-screen interface.

The 30GB GZ-MG330 offers a 35x optical zoom, integrated Auto Illumi Light and is available in three “gem” colors: sapphire blue, ruby red or diamond silver, while the GZ-MG335 (available in diamond silver) offers the same functions as the MG330 and comes with an Everio Dock for connection and charging. The GZ-MG360 (onyx black) doubles storage capacity with its 60GB internal hard disk drive and the GZ-MG365 (onyx black) offers the same functions as the MG360 and comes with the Everio Dock. The 30GB models and the 60GB model each weigh just 0.8 lbs. (360g), including the battery.

Capping the 2008 Everio G lineup is the 30GB GZ-MG730, which features a 1/2.5-inch 7.38 Megapixel CCD with Primary Color Filter, a more rounded design that shows off the F3.5 KONICA MINOLTA LENS, and is the first in the world to have an embedded 1.3-inch hard disk drive (30GB). The hard disk drive is Samsung’s Spinpoint A Series 30 Gigabyte (GB) hard drive, which is 60 percent smaller than the standard 1.8-inch HDD that was until recently the only hard drive available in the camcorder market. This allowed JVC to integrate a large 1/2.5-inch CCD and its accompanying large optical lens section, without getting bulky. With the ability to shoot high resolution digital stills up to 3072 x 1728 (16:9 mode) or 3072 x 2304 (4:3 mode) in size, the GZ-MG730 can also be used as a dual-use camera.

The GZ-MG330, GZ-MG335 and GZ-MG365 models will be available this month for USD$449.99, USD$499.99 and US$599.99 respectively while the GZ-MG360 and GZ-MG730 will be available in February 2008 for US$549.99 and US$799.99 respectively.

For further info visit JVC.