JVC Miniature GR-DVP3

Quite simply the sexiest digital video camera on the market.

A digital video camera basically does the same job as a conventional camcorder but captures everything it sees in digital rather than analogue form, giving better quality pictures and sound.

Measuring only 11.5cm by 8cm, the JVC 'Miniature' digital video camera certainly lives up to its name by being the smallest video camera on the market at the moment. Despite this, it's also a very advanced device.

Using the 2in TFT screen you can record without keeping your face welded to the eyepiece. It also means you can take pictures from any angle and still see what you're filming. Video is recorded using a mini-DV tape that allows CD-quality sound and near-DVD picture quality.

If you fancy adding a little bit of class to your movies, then the Miniature incorporates 11 scene transitions and 12 special effects, which can be integrated into your film either while shooting or during playback. The impressive night scope function also allows you to capture clear, bright images in extremely low light.

The Miniature also comes with an 8Mb memory card that can store small video clips and still photographs. The snapshot facility allows you to take over 100 low-resolution images which can then be transferred to your PC using the bundled USB docking station or the FireWire port.

Although a first look at the copious array of switches and buttons may deter inexperienced camera users, the Miniature employs an intuitive, user-friendly design and is equally suited to both right and left-handed users. The optical zoom allows you to magnify your subject up to 10 times without sacrificing quality and up to 100 times if you don't mind degrading the quality.

Perhaps the Miniature's biggest selling point is its 'super high-band' processor technology. This means it can capture and display over twice the amount of information of a standard analogue camcorder. When the result is displayed on television, it means a significantly sharper result.

It doesn't come cheap though: the only thing not miniature about this JVC is the price tag.

Contact: JVC
0870 330 5000
www.jvc.co.uk

Also consider: Canon DM-MV300. A good, reasonably priced performer. £700.