Perhaps I'd give this 4.5 stars, but I'm happy enough with it to round up and not down. Vids are crisp and vivid. They transfer great with FIREWIRE/pinacle/dazzle 80 (unlike Sony w/ it's less frilly included editor). Only downside is the still pics for a camcorder are fair, it's not a mega-pixel cam like Sony's. For this reason some reviewers prefer the Sony, here's why I don't.
#1 If your desktop doesn't revolve around Sony's exclusive (& stupid) MEMORY STICK (and most of yours don't)then you have to buy one just to use all the so-called convenient features it brings.
#2 The CCD is much clearer and better.
#3 NIGHT VISION? so what! JVC's NIGHTALIVE frame rate may be slower but it actually captures color in low light! Even if you NEEDED to tape your kids sleeping in total dark, it makes them look GREEN and hollows out their eyeballs! - Yuk!
#4 Do you really care that Carl Zeiss makes the lense? Perhaps it makes a diff with film photography but not with Sony's CCD resolution.
#5 It's heavier, bulkier, clunkier (too many outside buttons) and less stylin than the JVC.

I recently had mine stolen, after tinkering around with comparible Sony's I'm going right back to buy another JVC GR-DVM75!

After reading reviews on how Sony digital camcorders are better than comparable JVC models and going against my better judgement to buy a Sony MiniDV, I ended up buying the JVC GR-DVM75U to save [money].

I bought this digital camcorder in January 2002 to record my daughters birth and document her growing years. Well I've had this camcorder for 7 months and I have used the playback feature a whole 5 times. Two weeks ago I went to playback my daughters baptism and to my surprise the playback feature does not work.

I tried using two different rechargable batteries, the AC power adapter alone, the AC adapter and battery together, and nothing works. However, I could record fine, at least I think I am recording. Don't know for sure since I can't playback.

Anyhow, I took it in to one of JVC's authorized service center. They want to charge me [money](30% of what I paid for this stupid camcorder) to fix a problem with the control board. Sounds to me like the camcorder I got is defective. I wonder how many more are out there with this problem? If you buy this camcorder then beware of this potential problem?

Well lets see if JVC will stand behind their product. I am sending it back to them so they can fix it or hopefully send me a new one. Most likely, I'll just write off the [money]I paid for this camcorder and get a Sony MiniDV. At the very least, I know I'll get a superior product even if I have to pay a premium.

Buyer Beware!!!

Bought this camera because I needed a new video camera, and I wanted a digital still camera. Outdoor pictures get great results, and the video is excellent, both inside and out. Many features that are beyond my requirements, but the camera interacts quite nicely with the computer for moving pictures, and with the remote, it's great to playback both pictures and video on the TV. The size is right, easy to carry for extended periods, and doesn't seem like your lugging a big thing around. The family is very satisfied with it!

I purchased the cam in Feb 2002 after extensive comparsions to Sony and Canon models. The cam worked perfectly for 2 months, but I now CANNOT put the camera in playback mode..so I cannot playback video or look at pics taken. The camera is a dud, and I would not recommend it at all although it is attractively priced relative to the equivalent Sony and Cannon. I am in the market again, and will probably go with Sony for its reputation!
I e-mailed JVC advising them of my problem with their product and never heard back from them. Buy at your own risk!!

I purchased the cam in Feb 2002 after extensive comparsions to Sony and Canon models. The cam worked perfectly for 2 months, but I now CANNOT put the camera in playback mode..so I cannot playback video or look at pics taken. The camera is a dud, and I would not recommend it at all although it is attractively priced relative to the equivalent Sony and Cannon. I am in the market again, and will probably go with Sony for its reputation!
I e-mailed JVC advising them of my problem with their product and never heard back from them. Buy at your own risk!!