Features:

• The first camera to use Microdrive technology
• Includes a 4GB Microdrive card that can hold 60 minutes of DVD-quality video or more than 5000 high resolution still images
• Completely tapeless format for a ultra-compact, lightweight body
• Includes software for easy video editing and DVD creation
• Also supports CompactFlash and SD Memory Cards, USB2.0, DV-AVI,Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, Windows Media Video, and RealVideo

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
JVC's cutting edge digital media camera is a totally new way to shoot and enjoy digital video. The Everio records 60 minutes of MiniDV quality MPEG-2 video or over 5,500 1600x1200 UXGA high resolution stills on the included high capacity 4GB Microdrive card. Thanks to its 2.12M CCD imager, Super Hi-Rez Lens and JVC's exclusive Megabrid engine you're getting the latest technology for superior video and digital still performance. Make digital-to-digital transfers using the USB 2.0 interface for quick downloading to a PC. Print directly from the USB to any PictBridge compatible printer. Stylishly compact. Casually active. The Everio for everyone who wants quality with the emphasis on mobility.

Amazon.com Product Description:
Still images or video--capture either 60 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-2 movies or thousands of super-high resolution UXGA-size JPEG pictures with the Everio--the first camera to use Microdrive technology. The included 4GB Microdrive card, though it is the same size as Compact Flash card, has such unprecedented capacity because it is has its own built-in HDD (hard disk drive).

The completely tapeless Microdrive format lets you choose higher video quality or longer shooting times.

Store more photos than you ever thought possible on the included 4GB Microdrive card.

Until now, tapeless formats have been severely limited in the length and quality of video capacity, but the Everio's Microdrive lets you shoot up to 60 minutes of high quality MPEG-2 video--and even more in lower resolution modes. A selection of recording modes lets you choose more quality or more shooting time. The highest quality ULTRA mode records at a constant bit rate of 8.88 Mbps with AC 3 audio -- comparable to the DVD data rate (average 4 Mbps video/9.8 Mbps maximum). Essentially what you get is DVD quality, with the same video and audio format as a movie DVD. And the number of still photos that will fit on the Microdrive card is nothing less than awe-inspiring: More than 5000 of the highest resolution images (1600x1200 fine).

2.12 Megapixel CCD
This 1/3.6" CCD with a total of 2.12 million pixels (effective: 1.23 million for moving pictures, 2 million for still pictures) offers the high resolution capabilities needed for high quality digital videography and photography. And the Megabrid Engine applies separate, optimized processing to moving and still images, for videos with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high-resolution still pictures.

Versatile, Lossless Data
Store what you've shot on the provided Microdrive card, optional CompactFlash or SD Memory Cards. size as a CompactFlash card, but with many Gigabytes of capacity. You can eject the Microdrive card, just as you would a CompactFlash or SD Memory Card, and load data into your PC via optional card adapter. Or simply connect the camera via its USB2.0 interface for quick downloading to a PC. All transfer is digital-to-digital, so you won't lose any quality in the process.

DVD Creation & Sharing

Three advanced applications are provided: Power Producer offers easy saving (authoring) of your video clips in any order to DVD, even right from a USB-connected camera, so you can share your original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player. Power Director offers feature-rich non-linear editing so you can flex your creative muscle with titles, effects, and even mix still with videos. Power DVD for easy video clip and DVD playback with AC 3 audio.

Multi-Format Support
In addition to making it easy to create DVDs, the supplied software converts to a variety of file formats for distribution via the Web or by e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video and RealVideo that can be streamed over the Internet.

Rating : - Convenient, but with a major sacrifice
I've had this unit for about 2 weeks now, and I really like the convenience of its size and digital file transfer, but I'm very disappointed with its color performance. In less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the image is dark and the color is very washed out. With bright ambient lighting, it's acceptable, though not nearly as vivid as my old Sony Digital 8mm. I concur with most of the cons already mentioned here, including the slow boot-up time and mode switching between video, photo, and voice recorder.

I've also had numerous instances when it has trouble locking focus on a subject. This is annoying, and from my experience so far, I don't feel that the manual focus options are easy enough to make an override effective in these cases.

Battery life is short. With my limited use so far, I do not feel that it would last an entire hour under normal use. In three days, I got about three 10-minute sessions on a single charge. Sure, it may have lost a little charge over the course of a few days, but under the circumstances, I consider this very short battery life. However, I did notice that there are eBay sellers selling knock-off batteries and chargers for very attractive prices.

The included software, though extremely basic, makes it easy to quickly create a DVD. Using the provided templates, you can make a DVD with a simple menu, chapters, photo slideshow, and transitions in just (10) minutes (not including recording time).

Overall, I would have no MAJOR complaints with this cam if it weren't for the low light/color problem. I consider the other issues to be relatively minor. Personally, I wouldn't value this unit over $300, considering the quality of most cams out there these days. But, for the price I paid ($240 special at ABC Wharehouse), I may keep it just because its small size gives me no excuse for not taking a camcorder everywhere I go with my young son. Elusive memories captured in sub-par color are better than missed memories any day!