JVC HD enverio good or bad

[djsound]

I am getting a new camera to use with Final Cut pro. I am thinking of getting the JVC HD Enverio..GZ-HD6. Can anyone tell me if they have used them before....would you say its a good decision or bad?? thanks!!

http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1208000&pathId=141

[MisterMe]

I am getting a new camera to use with Final Cut pro. I am thinking of getting the JVC HD Enverio..GZ-HD6. Can anyone tell me if they have used them before....would you say its a good decision or bad?? thanks!!

http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1208000&pathId=141As a general proposition, you should buy a tape-based camcorder if you intend to edit your video. Apple's video editors support FireWire-enabled modern digital tape-based camcorders out-of-the-box. JVC requires that you install a proprietary QuickTime codec to use the JVC Enverio with iMovie. I would think that this same codec would work with Final Cut Pro, but JVC does not confirm this.

[djsound]

hmm looks like I have a lot to learn hehe...

[ShatterdRose]

I am getting a new camera to use with Final Cut pro. I am thinking of getting the JVC HD Enverio..GZ-HD6. Can anyone tell me if they have used them before....would you say its a good decision or bad?? thanks!!

http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD1208000&pathId=141

Well, I have the HD7 and let me just say I almost sold it. Why? First off, JVC doesn't support the newest Quicktime and the have essentially refused to update their software to be compatible claiming it's Apple's problem, and Apple, I really can't say it's their problem but they haven't offered any solution either. In the meantime, I had to downgrade QT to an older version that worked, which is fine, but you lose some iTunes functionality.

The other problem, is that even if you do that, you can't use iMovie '08. You can of course convert the files, but that can take a while and I haven't really mastered that yet as I don't need FCP but I do use some of the same clips a lot so the space savings would be awesome.

In other words, make sure everything is compatible. Mine isn't.

[djsound]

hmm..ya I dont think I want to downgrade and deal with all that mess. Can you recommend another similar camera that would work well with that setup?

[bclayton88]

save yourself about $500 and pick up a canon hv30(shoots in 1080i)...it's tape based and the support community for it is about the best out there.

[ShatterdRose]

hmm..ya I dont think I want to downgrade and deal with all that mess. Can you recommend another similar camera that would work well with that setup?

I wish I could, but I'm actually in the process of researching cameras as well. I prefer the HDD based camcorders because of the amount of video I shoot, and it's just easier since all my footage goes straight online with little to no editing (hence why I prefer iMovie) but I would really like to have the referencing capability of iMovie '08 and the ability to overlay images such as watermarks. And I really don't want to spend more than I did on the JVC . . . So if anyone has a recommendation for me. :)

[disconap]

save yourself about $500 and pick up a canon hv30(shoots in 1080i)...it's tape based and the support community for it is about the best out there.

What's the overall quality like? Would this be a good camera for shooting footage that might eventually end up on dvd or hd-dvd? We're shooting something right now that we want to shoot a "behind the scenes" type thing, and are looking for a good budget camera for those purposes (since the film crew own their cameras, so we can't use those)...

[djsound]

thanks i will look into that canon one...but its not digital? the main reason i wanted the JVC is because it is digital and I can easily upload all the stuff I shoot onto a macbook pro while I am shooting. That way I can library the footage...Also the JVC is HD....The canon can not be HD since it is analog? Or am I wrong?..

[disconap]

From the item description it is both High Def and digital. It just uses tape instead of a hard drive. You can still send digitally to your laptop using a Firewire cable and any capture application (Quicktime, Final Cut, iMovie, etc.).

[CmonRichard]

Firstly, when I initially bought my GZHD7 I was very disappointed (for months). I then bought a book by Steve Mullen (user guide for JVCHD7). Then I found a forum that had heaps of info about the JVC Everio www.dvinfo.net. What I found on this site sent me back to Steve's book & I discovered the simple process of being able to import almost directly into iMovie 08. There are tips on the site for using FCP as well.

JVC have also relesed an update to the Quicktime component to work with latest Quicktime versions. http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/up...c3e_update.htm

It well worthwhile checking all this out. The HD7 is a great camera. I love it (now). Hope it helps.

[bclayton88]

the things users do to their hv30s are insane...many have made their canon into semi-pro cameras and the footage shot with these things is absolutely unreal-real for a sub $1000 camera...just go to hv20.com and check out the "footage" section of the forums for some examples...and to answer the above question about it being digital- it is digital it is just being capture to tape. the tapes are dv tapes. all you will need is a firewire cord(under $5 on ebay) to capture the footage.

[djsound]

Cmonrichard that site is Japanese or something =)

[LipmonLM]

I would to add that there are longer recording tapes for Panasonic or other Mini DV camcorders. Panasonic makes a professional 83 minutes SP recordable Mini DV tape. I have used a tape based Panasonic system (DVX100) for my part-time event and wedding video business with iMovie and FCP.

[ShatterdRose]

Firstly, when I initially bought my GZHD7 I was very disappointed (for months). I then bought a book by Steve Mullen (user guide for JVCHD7). Then I found a forum that had heaps of info about the JVC Everio www.dvinfo.net. What I found on this site sent me back to Steve's book & I discovered the simple process of being able to import almost directly into iMovie 08. There are tips on the site for using FCP as well.

JVC have also relesed an update to the Quicktime component to work with latest Quicktime versions. http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/up...c3e_update.htm

It well worthwhile checking all this out. The HD7 is a great camera. I love it (now). Hope it helps.

http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/update_qtc_for_gzhd7/qtc3e_update.htm

It comes through as English. :-p

[kkat69]

As a general proposition, you should buy a tape-based camcorder if you intend to edit your video. Apple's video editors support FireWire-enabled modern digital tape-based camcorders out-of-the-box. JVC requires that you install a proprietary QuickTime codec to use the JVC Enverio with iMovie. I would think that this same codec would work with Final Cut Pro, but JVC does not confirm this.

WHOA Let's back this up a bit.

I'm not going to sit here and say that the JVC Enverio is the best cam corder but it does NOT need a 3rd party codec. It only needs the QUICKTIME codec that's available from the Apple website for like 19 bucks I think. Once I had that it worked with iMovie '08 AND Final Cut pro.

No JVC software has or ever will be installed on my iMac. I just use iMovie and Final Cut (only when necessary) and I also use iMovie HD '06 as well. All I need is the Quicktime mPeg plug in which I bought from Apple.

Importing from Camera to iMac into iMovie is very easy to do. Same with Final Cut. Well, let me put it this way, for my model Enverio it's easy. Again, no visit to JVC or JVC software. Just quicktime.

Just wanted to educate rather than speculate.

/changechannel

[djsound]

So I guess the JVC is good to go with that update?? I do not want to do a bunch of converting and that...

Im really excited to get a camera now...just waiting on which one hehe

kkat69 do you have a link to that codec on apples site?? thanks

[MisterMe]

... It only needs the QUICKTIME codec that's available from the Apple website for like 19 bucks I think. Once I had that it worked with iMovie '08 AND Final Cut pro.

...Oh sorry. I was under the impression that it required the installation of a proprietary codec that shipped with the camcorder. It is a relief that it only requires the additional expense of $19 downloadable codec. Thanks for clearing that up.

[kkat69]

So I guess the JVC is good to go with that update?? I do not want to do a bunch of converting and that...

Im really excited to get a camera now...just waiting on which one hehe

kkat69 do you have a link to that codec on apples site?? thanks

I actually unsubcribed to this thread, kinda glad I came back to check on it.

The codec is the Quicktime 6 mpeg 2 for 19.99 on the Apple site here (http://store.apple.com/us/product/D2187Z/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/software/web_video&mco=MTA4Nzg4). May be different for your area but just goto Apple.com click on Store and goto Apple Software and you'll see it.

I actually own both the plug in and qt pro. I honestly don't think you need both. They're both nice to have but you should only need the codec to import.

Here's what I do WITH the camera (files saved on the HD are a different story but aren't that hard to re-import).

Install the plug in. (obviously)
Then, plug in your camera and put it in playback mode (middle switch I believe) and (on mine at least) I see the blue light flickering and iMovie starts up and viola.

If iMovie didn't start up I go ahead and start it up. Wait a bit (on mine I see the blue flickering) and the import window comes up.

The following video (http://gallery.mac.com/kehlebracht#100163)is my mothers day gift to my wife and 60% of the video was imported from my JVC Enverio and the other was file imported MOD (some with and some without the MOI files) files I had stored on a HD (process to do that wasn't as bad as I thought).

Importing like a 59min video file from the camera to iMovie was actually really quick since it's semi compressed/processed already. Real easy to use.

[ShatterdRose]

Oh sorry. I was under the impression that it required the installation of a proprietary codec that shipped with the camcorder. It is a relief that it only requires the additional expense of $19 downloadable codec. Thanks for clearing that up.

You don't need to spend the 19 bucks. I'm not sure what the guy who's not "speculating" is really talking about, but I own a JVC and have a MBP with the latest quicktime installed now.

The easiest, and cheapest way to get it to work is to install the latest JVC update from http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/update_qtc_for_gzhd7/qtc3e_update.htm and Quicktime will open and play all .TOD files. The only thing that doesn't work, as stated on Apple's website, is iMovie '08. '06 is a free download, but if there's some way to get '08 to open a .TOD file, I'm more than willing to give it a try.

[CmonRichard]

I can't give you the exact process as I would be breaching copyright but if you purchase Steve Mullen's guide either GZHD7 guide or iMovie 08 guide (I bought the JVC guide so I know the correct info is in there.) I can only assume it's in the iMovie08 guide. http://www.mindspring.com/~d-v-c/

Here's the link. Please believe me that this is the BEST solution. Take your time to work through Steve's guide. Step by step & you'll be pleased you did.

[kkat69]

You don't need to spend the 19 bucks. I'm not sure what the guy who's not "speculating" is really talking about, but I own a JVC and have a MBP with the latest quicktime installed now.


I'm not speculating, I am stating (responding to the posters comments) that you do NOT need some cheesy 3rd party codec (at that time we had NOTHING from JVC) and that the quicktime addon was more than enough to get this working. Learn to read and comprehend before making a poor attempt to fail me.


The easiest, and cheapest way to get it to work is to install the latest JVC update from http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/update_qtc_for_gzhd7/qtc3e_update.htm and Quicktime will open and play all .TOD files. The only thing that doesn't work, as stated on Apple's website, is iMovie '08. '06 is a free download, but if there's some way to get '08 to open a .TOD file, I'm more than willing to give it a try.

Depending on your machine, you may or may NOT have .TOD files. My Enverio (and I believe I stated this works for MY MODEL) has NO .TOD FILES. I have a .MOD and .MOI file.

Thing is, I was only pointing out that if no solution presented itself AND not to sway the OP towards one brand or another, that the JVC HD cameras DO WORK and work well.

No need for waiting for JVC to update anything, no VLC player, no funky slipstream software, just plug it in and go. I've done this with 3 different model JVC Enverio's and they all worked with iMovie 08 and Final Cut pro.

Sorry for sharing my experiences. Next time I'll just pass up the opportunity to assist.

Good luck OP.

[CmonRichard]

The new HD Everio's package the .mp2 file in a .tod extension (.mod extension for non HD models). There has been much speculation on getting these files to work off the Hard Disk (as opposed to capturing via firewire). A number of the non HD models are supported to allow direct import in iMovie08 but the HD models aren't. To view the .tod files via Quicktime you need the JVC Quicktime Plugin. I purchased the Apple mpeg plugin to no avail. I had to install the plugin from JVC. Then when Apple upgraded Quicktime to verson 7.4 the JVC plugin no longer worked. (It took JVC ages to release an updated plugin). Steve Mullen's guide will explain how to speed the import process up (without having to transcode files via MPEGStreamclip or Quicktime Pro) but it'll cost you about $60 USD to get there. I think it was worth the price. Especially after sinking so much $$ into my HD7. I'm now extremely happy with my purchase. I've had the camera since August last year & got some great Full Hi-def footage of waterskiing during our family holiday this year.

kkt69 - you are correct in your statements (obviously the cameras you purchased are supported by Apple) but the OP was looking at the GZHD6 (HiDEF) so will require the JVC Plugin.

Shattered Rose - Steve's guide will show you how to import directly into iMovie08 & then you can use all the cool new features. Once imported into iMovie 08 you can then open those files in FCP. Haven't done it myself but the process is there to enable it to happen.

I hope this helps in someway without upsetting anyone.

Cheers

[ShatterdRose]

Shattered Rose - Steve's guide will show you how to import directly into iMovie08 & then you can use all the cool new features. Once imported into iMovie 08 you can then open those files in FCP. Haven't done it myself but the process is there to enable it to happen.

I hope this helps in someway without upsetting anyone.

Cheers

I will have to look into that guide then, because when I got iMovie '08 I was really disappointed the HD7 didn't work. :( Guess I should have read Apple's list of supported cameras. :-p I think the $60 (I believe) is worth it. Thanks for the info, now time to make Amazon richer yet again. lol

[CmonRichard]

I can tell you one thing about the guide. You need to buy o program called Visual Hub which converts all sorts of video formats. ($19). Steve's book is $39. Let me know what you think.

[djsound]

k, question about the JVC HD Enverio GZ-HD6...I will be using this to stream live videos on a website 4 times a year. I think I will be using Quicktime Broadcaster to stream in h.264, but Quicktime Broadcaster says it can use any input source that is Firewire. Now this camera is not firewire but it is USB 2.0...pretty close but do you guys know if Quicktime will see usb 2 in its input sources??


thanks

[DrRock]

"The new HD Everio's package the .mp2 file in a .tod extension (.mod extension for non HD models). There has been much speculation on getting these files to work off the Hard Disk (as opposed to capturing via firewire)."

So IS there a way to capture via firewire? I've only gone USB, and still have problems converting the files.

[CmonRichard]

You have to shoot in 1440 mode & create a playlist on the camera to capture via firewire. iMovie will see the camera as a dv cam & capture in realtime. I have seen instructions on a couple of Apple discussion pages. Google search should enable you to find this. If you have iMovie08 buy Steve Mullen's guide. You can find the link on the discussion pages of dvinfo.net under the JVC HD7 page. Read the posts there to see how to import .TOD files into iMovie 08. If you're using iMovie06 you can import the .TOD files once you have installed the JVC Quicktime plugin. If you have Quicktime 7.4 there is an updated plugin available from JVC. Again you can find this at dvinfo.net

Good luck

[mithrilfox]

Forgive me for not reading the whole thread to see what has happened, but I wanted to add my input.

I owned and used the Everio MG-555. I can say for certain that it's great for people who just want to shoot basic stuff, and store it on their computer/burn to DVD. For people interested in editing, it presents several problems.

First and foremost is how to get the videos into a serious editing program; most fail to recognize the HDD cam properly. I had to import using iMovie, then edit in FCP; FCP had trouble playing back the iMovie imports without skipping/stalling.

Second, and maybe even more serious, is the horrible focus on this series. The focus can take several painfully long seconds to alter, and even when it's at its best, it's still blurry everywhere. The image quality doesn't appear any better than an old VHS camcorder. In fact, some people found similar artifacting as old VHS cameras had (yellowness, trouble with stripes).

I can say for sure that I would recommend something else, like a Canon HV20. DV tapes are still in, and still terribly popular with serious video editors.

[Jazzy333]

I got a JVC - GZ-HD7U 6 months ago and can't get the footage off the camera! I'm now back to using my old ancient one. I'm pretty much computer illiterate, and have spent countless hours trying to import .TOD files into imovie 08. If you're looking for something simple and quick this is not your answer.

[CmonRichard]

I'm starting to get tired of posting this same message.....
If you have a JVC HiDef HDD camera & want to import into iMovie08 you need to dig into your wallet & pat $39 for Steve Mullen's guide for the JVC GZHD7. you'll be glad you did. I've already posted this once on this thread. If you failed to do your homework on supported cameras for iMovie08 (as I did) this is the best (read time saving, convenient, efficient) way of importing directly off HDD into iMovie08. DUH!! (usually I am quite patient about helping people) but I'm sure I have posted this response about 10 times in the past 6 weeks on 2 different forums. C'mon people do a bit of research!! The HD7 is a pretty darn good camera. Let's use it to it's full potential with the tools that Apple have provided.

[mithrilfox]

I just wanted to comment that there is absolutely no need to shell bucks to anyone for any guide to any camera. You can get the information you want if you search hard enough for it. If you want the guide, go for it, but it's not your only option!

[sprice25]

stick with a mini dv camcorder. Canon hv30 is great if you're on a budget. Stay away from hd and sd camcorders at least for another year or two.

[djsound]

why?

[spacepope5]

If you need help on how to import to iMovie 08 www.JVC.com has step by step instruction in their FAQs and videos for iMovie HD. I got it to work on iMovie 08 but cant for the love of me get it to work on iMovie HD. if anyone know that I could use the information.

[DrRock]

I'm starting to get tired of posting this same message.....
If you have a JVC HiDef HDD camera & want to import into iMovie08 you need to dig into your wallet & pat $39 for Steve Mullen's guide for the JVC GZHD7. you'll be glad you did. I've already posted this once on this thread. If you failed to do your homework on supported cameras for iMovie08 (as I did) this is the best (read time saving, convenient, efficient) way of importing directly off HDD into iMovie08. DUH!! (usually I am quite patient about helping people) but I'm sure I have posted this response about 10 times in the past 6 weeks on 2 different forums. C'mon people do a bit of research!! The HD7 is a pretty darn good camera. Let's use it to it's full potential with the tools that Apple have provided.

So, does this guide explain how to make it work with FCP, or just iMovie?

[DrRock]

Ok, so after much research and adjusting and upgrading and downloading, I have my system where I think it should be to make this work.

I upgraded my QT to QT Pro. JVC's site has a tutorial explaining that you use QT pro to convert the Full HD footage from the camera to a format to use in your editing system.

I also downloaded the patch recommended earlier in the thread. Those methods have allowed me to open the .TOD files in QT Player.

In the past, I was unable to open QT player, but I could see the footage in the info window preview player.

Now that QT Player is working, I am unable to preview the clips. I can open them in the player, but they are choppy. Video freezes and audio drops out. I this simply due to the file size, and should it work once I convert it?

Also, how do I use QT Pro to convert the file? JVC instructs to convert to AIC, but I can't seem to find the command to open the window that allows me to do that.

*update-
Ok, it seems like I've gotten it to work. My only question now is; what should the settings be to remain as close to the original quality as possible?

[FerretEva]

I have a JVC HD GZ-HD3 and while I like the video quality and really enjoy using the camera I'm having a devil of a time figuring out how to get it to work in IMovie and FCE. I have an older version of IMovie that doesn't work with .TOD files and FCE doesn't handle .TOD files.

I've tried almost everything, it seems like. I installed the quicktime thing it came with, nothing happened. I bought the quicktime component from apple, nothing happened. I upgraded to quicktime pro, nothing happened. When quicktime tries to open a file it says "The movie contains an incorrect duration".

Mpeg streamclip will convert the files into all sorts of stuff, most of it that IMovie 6 will work with. Of course, if you convert to DV, what's the point of having an HD camera?

FCE refuses to see the camera when I try to capture to it and when I put the dv or aic files into FCE it says, "unrendered" when I try to edit it.

*This newbie is very frustrated*

[ShatterdRose]

I have a JVC HD GZ-HD3 and while I like the video quality and really enjoy using the camera I'm having a devil of a time figuring out how to get it to work in IMovie and FCE. I have an older version of IMovie that doesn't work with .TOD files and FCE doesn't handle .TOD files.

I've tried almost everything, it seems like. I installed the quicktime thing it came with, nothing happened. I bought the quicktime component from apple, nothing happened. I upgraded to quicktime pro, nothing happened. When quicktime tries to open a file it says "The movie contains an incorrect duration".

Mpeg streamclip will convert the files into all sorts of stuff, most of it that IMovie 6 will work with. Of course, if you convert to DV, what's the point of having an HD camera?

FCE refuses to see the camera when I try to capture to it and when I put the dv or aic files into FCE it says, "unrendered" when I try to edit it.

*This newbie is very frustrated*

If you read the earlier parts of this post, you'll find the solution.

[GIGI.10]

Well I had the same problem with my JVC HD camcorder, I got the HD3 which shoots and 1080i....making that sucker work was a bit of a problem, but in the end it works like a charm. Quality is great and since the new HD7 shoots in 1080p it probably looks better, but i have to say something, the support for JVC is very minimal for us mac users. As an experience with that camera, the only way you will make this camera work is if you have ilife 08, FCE or FCP. You do need the firewire 4 to 6 pin cable in order to be able to capture the video onto imovie on a frame-2-frame basis. If anyone still having trouble, i think someone posted this tutorial but here it is again.

http://media2.jvc.com/camcorder/macHD.mov

[macrumorsMaster]

stick with a mini dv camcorder. Canon hv30 is great if you're on a budget. Stay away from hd and sd camcorders at least for another year or two.

Let's see...the JVC gzHD7 has a MANUAL focus ring, while the HV30 has a TINY small SCROLL focus on the side.....I think we know which is the better for better video, especially if you want to do something like a rack focus :P

Yes, tape is better quality, but WHY oh WHY won't Canon put a MANUAL focus ring on their camcorders?

[Courtaj]

WHY oh WHY won't Canon put a MANUAL focus ring on their camcorders?

No doubt for the same reason Sony and Panasonic and JVC don't do this on consumer models any longer: some R&D boffin thinks users don't care.

Of course, until AF can be controlled telepathically, this view is mistaken, at least where "consumer" = those of us who prefer not to have AF hunt back and forth and at the same time would like to avoid the alternative of faffing about with joysticks or scroll wheels or touch-sensitive LCDs or whatever.

[macrumorsMaster]

WHY oh WHY won't Canon put a MANUAL focus ring on their camcorders?

No doubt for the same reason Sony and Panasonic and JVC don't do this on consumer models any longer: some R&D boffin thinks users don't care.



I don't think it's because of that. It's most likely a cost cutting measure. (e.g Ice cream makers 'removing' ounces, but still charging the same, there by making more profit). They're trying to take away what they can and still sell the camera. Consumers don't care, because they don't know any better. I mean look at Digital SLR's those have always have and always will(hopefully) both manual and auto focus. A joystick, small wheel(ala HV30), or touchscreen, will never really be the same as a focus ring.

Also who really wants a viewfinder-less camera? You know there's going to be times when that LCD viewfinder will be washed out or hardly viewable, not to mention the color could be off. Also, using the LCD uses more power.


I'd like to go back to the old days when these features were standard :D

[foresthill]

hello all,

thinking of getting a JVC G& HD7
have to buy tomorrow AM for project and have seen great deal.

Going into FCP. This is like second unit stuff so when we can't afford a pro crew we can still capture and use footage ourselves.

I want good quality as possible, but ideally wanted it to go straight in to edit. We currently have tape camcorder and getting it in takes an age.

1. am I mad? Is this camera worth the grief
2. what should I get instead
3. can anyone send me 2 seconds of a .TOD movie so I can see how FCP deals with it.

Hope someone can help in a rush

[FRG House]

You were able to convert your TOD files that JVC records on to with QuickTime 7.3 or earlier. Apple had since discontinued their support for this camera with their new codec changes.
The JVC is a wonderful camera as long as Apple can step up to the plate for those of us who already had been using that camera.
So to answer your question, no, none of the JVC or any other MPEG2 camera is no longer supported by Apple.

[FRG House]

hello all,

thinking of getting a JVC G& HD7
have to buy tomorrow AM for project and have seen great deal.

Going into FCP. This is like second unit stuff so when we can't afford a pro crew we can still capture and use footage ourselves.

I want good quality as possible, but ideally wanted it to go straight in to edit. We currently have tape camcorder and getting it in takes an age.

1. am I mad? Is this camera worth the grief
2. what should I get instead
3. can anyone send me 2 seconds of a .TOD movie so I can see how FCP deals with it.

Hope someone can help in a rush

If you are able to uninstall your new Quicktime player and reinstall Quicktime 7.3 you then have the ability to convert your TOD files into H.264 or what ever you want. Import those files into FCP or FCE HD and then there yours for cut and export.
If your able to install 7.3, please let me know how you went about it.
Ill be calling my apple care and support line tomorrow about this issue. Ill repost after I find anything out as well.

Cheers,

FRG House

[DrRock]

I'm looking at Steve Mullen's site, and I' considering getting his manual. Does anyone know if it's available in hard copy form, or just as a download?

[foresthill]

Went for tape.
Superb camera - 2 paying jobs completed with just a 15 minute tutorial from Ringo at ASK on Tottenham Court road.

Got external mic, HD is far too big so have been downsizing by half.

And half of HD is twice as good as DV output from camera.

Input into FCP or imovie is simple. Quality especially in decent light is stunning.

But get a spare battery.

[FRG House]

If you are able to uninstall your new Quicktime player and reinstall Quicktime 7.3 you then have the ability to convert your TOD files into H.264 or what ever you want. Import those files into FCP or FCE HD and then there yours for cut and export.
If your able to install 7.3, please let me know how you went about it.
Ill be calling my apple care and support line tomorrow about this issue. Ill repost after I find anything out as well.

Cheers,

FRG House

Well after spending time on the phone with apple I found out that I was suppose to call JVC. No problem I though. JVC does not list the number I contacted in Toronto. When I was patched through to a tech. She sent me a plug in site for the GZ-HD7U by email.
It works better than ever, unfortunately it does not work for the latest iMovie.
You need to open the file in Quicktime Player then export it as another file that iMovie may read.
I was told it will just be a matter of time before iMovie will read the camera.
Here is the link to the plug.
It only works for Final Cut Pro.

http://www2.cli.co.jp/products/ne/update_qtc_for_gzhd7/qtc3e_update.htm

Cheers.:)

[djsound]

longest decision ever....I still can not decide between this JVC camera or the Canon hv30 ( bit cheaper)...It was said in another forum that the hv30 does not shoot in true HD because each pixle or whatever it is called is not really square...the aspect is a bit 'unperfect' or something..anyone know if this camera does this also??

[FerretEva]

If you read the earlier parts of this post, you'll find the solution.

I have read the entire discussion. What am I missing?

[FRG House]

Hello,

JVC HD Cameras only work with FCP not iMovie.
The JVC HD Everio cameras with the traditional lenses were spectacular. Now they have switched to the Minolta lens system. No thanks!
Minolta is not on the top ten for lens manufactures because they dont produce any lenses. Minolta buy's what they call second glass from other manufactures. The glass that is disgarded by all goes into there systems.
I would keep looking for a reputable manual focus camera lens system beside JVC.

Hope that helps.