The Everio GZ-MG335 is a step up from the introductory GZ-MG330 in JVC's latest range of HDD DV camcorders, but offers little in the way of improved specifications or additional features. The JVC Everio GZ-MG335 comes in silver only and lacks the option of different color finishes available with the GZ-MG330, but includes JVC's convenient Everio docking station. The choice between the two models is straightforward: If you want to save $50 and have a choice of color, opt for the GZ-MG330. If you want the extra connectivity options and the convenience of a docking station hooked up to your home computer, the GZ-MG335 is the right unit for you.

Like the rest of JVC's new 2008 line of five Everio HDD camcorders, the styling of the GZ-MG335 is hard to top. It's one of the smallest and most lightweight HDD camcorders available, making it ideal for travel. The HDD format means you don't need to haul MiniDV tapes or 3-inch discs with you, and the unit's Gravity Sensor System feature will automatically cut the camera's power to prevent hard disk damage if the camcorder is dropped in transit. The Everio Dock will add some bulk to your luggage if you decide to travel with it, but it can be left hooked up to your PC for quick connection and downloading of footage. The Everio dock provides a DV Out i.LINK connection as well as an S-video port, AV jack and a USB 2.0 port.

The Everio GZ-MG335 offers the same basic 1/6-inch CCD with a gross pixel count of 680,000 offered by all but the top-of-the-line Everio unit. This is coupled with a Konica Minolta lens, 35x optical zoom function and 800x digital zoom. The GZ-MG335's built-in 30GB hard disk drive is large enough to store up to 37.5 hours of video footage at the lowest quality setting, or just over seven hours at the highest quality 9 mbps setting. When it comes to snapping stills, the GZ-MG335 is limited to low resolution 640x480 pixel stills. The micro SD card slot can hold either digital stills or short movie clips.

An integral feature of JVC's Everio range is the redesign of its menu navigation system. JVC has replaced the joystick on last year's camcorders with Laser Touch Operation, a new take on the touch screen design. Running your finger up and down a vertical strip at the edge of the 2-7/10-inch LCD screen will enable you to scroll through the camcorder's menu. While you still have to hit a separate button in order to select an item, we liked the convenience of this feature--especially the fact that its use didn't leave annoying fingerprints over the entire screen.

We also liked the Data Battery feature that allows you to view the remaining battery power in terms of percentage power left or the amount of recording time left. Where the GZ-MG335 falls short in our opinion is in the area of picture quality. Video quality in good lighting conditions is average, and in lower light situations, it is poor. The DV camcorder offers an integrated video light but that has only very limited effectiveness. If portability is more important than stunning picture quality, the JVC Everio GZ-MG335 HDD DV camcorder fits the bill.

Pros: Excellent storage capacity, small and light, innovative laser touch operation, includes docking station
Cons: Average video performance in good lighting, poor low light performance, no choice of color

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor