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JVC PICSIO – HD in your pocket!
Joining the ever-expanding ranks of HD “pocket cams”, JVC’s new range of slimline and pocket-sized PICSIO HD video cameras is designed with easy shooting and easy sharing in mind.
JVC PICSIO GC-FM1V HD Video Camera (Purple Passion)
Okay, we’re a bit late bringing you product information that’s actually been around for a couple of months, but – as you might know – we’ve been busy upgrading the website and some things got delayed!
Anyhow, these JVC Full HD video cameras are yet another indication of just how keen some brands are to grab a chunk of the pocket-camera market.
This, it is assumed, is a key new market for video cameras that not only make it easy to shoot high quality images and video but which also facilitate easy clip editing and uploading to social networking sites like YouTube.
To what extent JVC will succeed in its aims at a time when most people are relying on other mobile devices (and, let’s face it, ones whose stills and video capabilities are improving all the time) to perform this task is too early to tell, but they’re having a go at grabbing a slice of this potentially lucrative market all the same (even if Panasonic and Canon have elected not to join the party at all).
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 options: Black Ice, Blue Steel or Purple Passion?
Each PICSIO is capable of shooting 8MP (Megapixel) native resolution stills without interpolation (ie: it doesn’t cheat) thanks to a single CMOS image sensor, and records 1080P Full HD video for viewing on an HDTV display when connected using an appropriate HDMI cable (not supplied).
Note, however, that what JVC calls Full HD isn’t the 1920 x 1080 video you might be expecting; it’s actually 1440 x 1080 (similar to that used by many broadcasters) and its frame rate is 30fps rather than the 25fps normally used in PAL TV format countries. However, for straight playback to HDTV or even uploading to YouTube this will be fine.
Each camera will also facilitate recording as 1280 x 720p (60fps) video, which might suit the bulk of YouTube uploads since that is the default HD format for the channel anyhow.
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 : You Shoot, You Edit, YouTube!
Video compression format
JVC’s PICSIO models create their HD video clips with today’s now-standard MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression system. This is the most commonly used codec designed to pack a high amount of detail into a small space. Videos are recorded in the Quicktime native .MOV format to assure direct playability on a variety of systems, and clips (and photos) are stored on SD/SDHC memory cards (not provided).
In order to reduce the effects of camera shake, PICSIO is also equipped with electronic image stabilisation when using the GZ-FM1′s 4x Digital Zoom.
Easy for complete beginners to master
JVC has ensured that there are no lengthy menus to scroll through or settings to ponder over, with most people being able to get going without even having to look at the instruction manual. Controls are designed to be up-front and self-explanatory, so even people who would normally shy away from camcorders should be able to shoot movies that will be shared with family, friends and colleagues without any fuss.
Controls and Connections
Power (on/off), Playback, Delete, Video/Still mode switching, and Thumbnail display mode all have their own individual buttons.
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1: Main Controls
The 4-way controller is comfortably positioned in the middle.
Controls are Zoom (by pressing up/down), as well as enabling users to flip through Images (by pressing left/right); Record start/stop (the centre button).
Connectors include HDMI out (Mini), AV out, and USB 2.0/1.1.
The unit charges via USB connection, so it automatically charges up whenever it’s connected in order to transfer videos and pics to a PC.
USB Cable, AV Cable, Hand Strap and PC Software are provided with the unit.
Key Features Summary
The key features of the JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 HD camera are:
- Stylish Pocket-Fitting Design in Choice of 3 Colours
- “Menu-less” Simple & Easy Operation
- Direct Sending to iTunes/YouTube (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 .MOV file)
- Image Stabiliser
- 8 Megapixel Still Image Recording
- 1080P/30fps HD Video Recording
- 4x Digital Zoom
- Convenient USB Battery Charging
- HDMI and AV Output Terminal
- SD/SDHC Memory Card Compatible (up to 32GB)
- 2″ Colour LCD
UK Availability
The JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 HD Video Camera is available now.
Review by Colin Barrett. Additional information and images by JVC UK. Used by permission. For more information see: www.jvc.co.uk
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#2 written by rpwoodman 2 years ago
Hi Colin,
I’d be interested to know how you’d rate this in comparison with (what I understand is) the market leader in this field – the Flip range (UltraHD & MinoHD)? Or even the Kodak Zi8 (which I understand is *very* bad in low-light conditions – probably an area where these sort of devices would be used quite a lot?
Hmm, seems I can’t backspace or edit in this window when using Firefox.
You’ve not given it a personal rating, but what did you think of the sound quality?
Rgds
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Note that the piece here isn’t a review but a “news about the product” piece. i haven’t yet reviewed the product as I’m finding it increasingly difficult to get review samples out of the makers prior to release. The only brand brands prepared to work with us in a positive way are now Panasonic and Canon UK, who are both really helpful.
I do have a request in for a sample of the FM1 and when I’ve had a chance to have a good play with it I’ll post a review. I’m looking to compare it with the Flip UltraHD or MinoHD, too.
Colin