The JVC GR-D396 MiniDV camcorder retails for about $10 more than the GR-D395 and offers a comparable feature set, and it builds on one of the major pluses of the GR-D395, namely its impressive battery longevity. The GR-D396 matches the GR-D395's 1.5-hour battery life, and it even includes a second lithium-ion battery pack for a combined life of 3 hours.

The GR-D396's optical suite includes a 1/6-inch CCD capable of delivering 340,000 effective pixels for video. The unit also has a powerful 32x optical zoom capability, and less importantly, an 800x digital zoom function, both of which are supported by digital image stabilization. The resulting video is virtually identical to that produced by the GR-D395. In well-lit conditions, this camcorder captures relatively sharp images, with strong colors and little noise present. The video quality significantly deteriorates in low-light situations, but the GR-D396 does offer an automatic gain control that does a respectable job brightening images in poor light.

As a digital stills camera, the GR-D396 is less impressive, about what you would expect for a budget MiniDV camcorder. A more impressive feature is the Live Slow function, which enables the GR-D396 to record slow-motion images with normal sound or even play back standard speed recordings with the slow-motion effect. This is a great way to relive Junior's first Little League hit or a game-winning touchdown pass.

Like the other models in JVC's MiniDV line of camcorders, the GR-D396 offers a 16:9 widescreen recording mode. This unit also features a data battery display that shows the remaining battery and record times on the 2-1/2-inch LCD touchscreen monitor.

In addition to a full auto mode, the GR-D396 offers an impressive array of manual controls for a low-end model. Manual focus is easily operated from an external control. Less impressive are the auto focus and auto exposure modes that prove frustratingly slow in certain lighting situations.

It isn't perfect, but for a budget-price DV camcorder, the JVC GR-D396 impresses with both its manual controls and outstanding battery performance.


Pros:  Great battery life, includes an extra 90-minute battery pack, easy-to-access manual controls
Cons:  Slow auto focus and auto exposure, bottom-loading tape mechanism

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts