Iomega External 16x10x40 USB 2.0 CD-RW Drive

Average customer rating:

bad piece of hardware

outstanding product for Macs

Iomega just don't get it.

Warning stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just right

Iomega External 16x10x40 USB 2.0 CD-RW Drive

Manufacturer: Iomega
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

External CD & DVD Drives | CD & DVD Drives | Data Storage & Networking | Technology | Categories | Office Depot
USB Drives | CD-RW Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
CD-RW Drives | Iomega | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Accessories:

Targus PAUH212U 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub

Targus PAUH217U 4 Port Ultra Mini USB 2.0 Hub

Jensen JF25 Stereo Headphones

Memorex CD/DVD White Labels (100-Pack)

Fellowes NEATO CD Labels (Matte, 40-Count)

Product Features:

High-speed external CD-R/RW drive

Supports USB 2.0 for enhanced data transfer

Burn an 80-minute audio CD in under 5 minutes

Iomega HotBurn software allows drag-and-drop CD copying

Buffer under-run protection prevents useless "coaster" CDs

ASIN: B00005S83M

Product Description

The Iomega CD-RW external USB drive reads, writes and rewrites most CD formats. You can use it to record, back up, and share your files. It's portable and hot-swappable, letting you connect it to all USB-enabled computers without rebooting. The Iomega CD-RW 4x4x6 external USB drive will enable PC and Macintosh computer users to record, archive, share, and distribute up to 650MB of data on a common CD format. The Iomega CD-RW USB drive is high-capacity, easy-to-use, and ideal for saving and sharing original music, personal photos, games, Internet content, and more. The Iomega CD-RW external USB drive allows you to easily create a variety of customized content, including files, photos, original music, and MP3 files. The USB interface allows quick and easy installation and "plug-and-play" capability for the drive. In addition, USB-enabled peripherals also support faster data transfers that allow video and audio files to be compiled more easily and rapidly than peripherals with the "traditional" parallel port interface.

Amazon.com Review

Designed for computer users who need the portability and convenience of a standalone CD recorder and player, the Iomega external 16x10x40 USB 2.0 CD-RW drive offers satisfactory performance, rugged styling, and colorful good looks. It isn't quite as fast as an equivalently rated internal CD-RW drive, nor is it completely free of the teething pains surrounding the new USB 2.0 technology. But for situations where a built-in CD-RW is either impractical or impossible--notebook computers are a prime example--the Iomega external 16x10x40 is a versatile and cost-effective solution.

Sporting a unique dark purple color scheme and a large and curvy 10-by-7-by-2-inch profile, the unit makes a dramatic visual impression. But more importantly, it easily adapts to almost any computing environment. To connect it to your PC, Mac, or notebook, you merely install its software driver, run its three-foot data cable into any available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port, and plug its power cord into an AC outlet. The computer will recognize it as a standard drive and assign it the next available letter in your drive chain. Alternately, you may use the device strictly for audio CD playback by forgoing the USB cable and connecting the included audio cables directly to your sound card's inputs.

To burn data or audio discs, we utilized the included version of Iomega's HotBurn, a basic CD-writing utility designed to appeal to those who value ease-of-use over advanced operations. Although HotBurn offers a rookie-friendly interface, convenient drag-and-drop file transfers, and basic functions such as audio/data burning and CD-label creation, we couldn't perform complex procedures such as WAV file editing or volume normalization.

In action, the Iomega external 16x10x40 runs as quietly as most internal drives and continues to record and play smoothly even when being severely bounced about. It is important to remember, however, that the unit operates only as fast as your computer setup will allow. When connected via a traditional USB 1.1 port, it functions at a relatively sluggish 4x write speed, 4x rewrite speed, and 6x read speed. But when connected to a USB 2.0-capable system, those figures jump dramatically. Although our tests indicated that Iomega's claim of 16x write, 10x rewrite, and 40x read USB 2.0 performance seemed somewhat exaggerated in real-world scenarios, the unit generally performed at double to triple its USB 1.1 speed when linked to a USB 2.0 port. Not quite what we had hoped for, but impressive speeds for an external CD burner nevertheless.

What if your system doesn't support USB 2.0? You have a few options, including utilizing your slower USB 1.1 ports, swapping your motherboard for one with integrated USB 2.0 capability, or purchasing a separate USB 2.0 adapter card. The latter may make the most financial sense for many users, as multiport USB 2.0 adapter cards are readily available for a fraction of the cost of a state-of-the-art USB 2.0 motherboard.

Yet no matter which connection you choose, this and all USB 2.0 devices are susceptible to the quirks of the new technology. Microsoft, for example, opted to exclude USB 2.0 support from its original boxed copies of Windows XP, and therefore forces users to search its site for newly developed software drivers. Similarly, as we discovered during testing, some motherboard chipsets aren't particularly friendly to multiple USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices. Fortunately, Iomega's toll-free support line offers plenty of helpful one-on-one advice.

Though it seems slightly slower and a bit more prone to connectivity quirks than an equivalently rated internal CD-RW device, the Iomega external 16x10x40 USB 2.0 CD-RW drive is nevertheless a strong option for environments that require a standalone CD burner/player. --Gordon Goble

Pros:

Rugged design
Futuristic style
Perfect for computers that can't handle an internal CD device
USB 2.0 connection substantially faster than a USB 1.1 CD burner

Cons:

Not quite as fast as its performance ratings would indicate
Not completely immune to some USB 2.0 teething pains
Requires a USB 2.0 connection to function at top speeds

Customer Reviews:

bad piece of hardware.......2002-12-03

I thought this was going to be a good product but it does nothing but eat cds and spit them out. I had the product for a year and only made 1 cd of proably about 25 before I gave up. It would never work with my new thinkpad and xp and technical support was horrible. Tech support kept telling me to turn off things in the background that typically are running in any windows operating system etc. I got an old fart who kept explaining to me that he had been ding this for 30 years instead of getting the product to work. I sent product back and got rembursed. I won't buy any of this company's products again because this was such a headache.

outstanding product for Macs.......2002-12-03

i have 2 Imacs and 1 iBook. all operating systems are
9.0 to 9.1. All are usb 1.1. It took about 5 minutes to load the software and i was doing back-ups in 6 minutes. tremendously easy to use. as reviewed elsewhere, it's true that on the mac it doesn't do RW and it only tells you this in the install manual but at the price of CDs, I soon realized that i didn't care. after reading all of the negative reviews of iomega products, i can only think that those users are mired in the mess of PC world and are blaming the iomega for the [things] that microsoft has foisted on them. great product!!!

Iomega just don't get it........2002-12-03

I had Iomega zip drives and Jaz drives before and never really liked them, but I needed a good priced CD burner and this was available. I bought a bundle of blank CD-R's when I bought the unit and then found that there was a list of compatible CD-R's and this Iomega unit wouldn't write to the ones I bought. I have used many CD burners and never discovered this before. 2 days after I got it home the little door fell off and I had to take it back to get it replaced. The Iomega software that is bundled with it is the worst piece of software I, as a programmer, have ever come across. Overall I just don't understand why Iomega don't just sell up and quit making low quality products with hard to use, non-intuitive software. I eventually took this unit back for a refund and bought one from Dell. It was more expensive but I can burn to whatever brand of CD-R I like and the software is user-friendly.

Warning stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2002-12-01

I hooked up the drive to my lap top and it installed but my usb controller would not read it. I tried every single thing I even tried hooking it up to my freinds computer and the same thing occured I contacted iomega support and their information that they told me did not work. I thought this drive was plug and play but in fact its plug and struggle. I gave it 2 stars because it looks nice.

Just right.......2002-11-15

Everything was fine for me with this device. I followed the instructions and got first CD burned in 20 minutes after unpacking! Then I installed Nero and burned some music, VCD and SVCD, no problems were found so far. I like this portable device which I can bring to friends and get some huge video files from them.

Iomega 16x10x40 External USB 2.0 CD-RW Drive (Canada Only)

Average customer rating:

Iomega 16x10x40 External USB 2.0 CD-RW Drive (Canada Only)

Manufacturer: Iomega
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Product Features:

High-speed external USB 2.0 CD rewritable drive
Features 16x write, 10x rewrite, and 40x read speeds
2 MB buffer
Includes Iomega's HotBurn software and more
Compatible with Macintosh and PC computers

ASIN: B00006BC3B

Product Description

Two standout features characterize Iomega's new 16X/10X/40X internal drive. The first is a true 16X write speed across the entire disk, allowing users to burn a 60-minute audio CD in less than five minutes. By comparison, some other CD-RW drives achieve their rated write speed only at the outer portion of the disk, resulting in slower burns. The second is the drive's high-performance 32X DAE (Digital Audio Extraction) speed, the rate at which a drive can rip an audio recording from a CD. With this drive users can rip a three-minute song from a CD in as little as six seconds.

Average customer rating:
Ink jet cartridge kit, GS Plus, Novajet 850, 500ml + 20ml, medium magenta (ECD21643400)

Manufacturer: Encad,Inc-A Kodak Company
ProductGroup: Kitchen
Binding: Kitchen

All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Ink & Cartridge Kit

Contains (1) 500 ml bottle of ink, (1) pre-primed cartridge with 20ml ink. For 850 printer.

Medium Magenta

Sold As: Each

ASIN: B00070PZYO

Product Description

Item #: ECD21643400. Ultra-Fi Inks
Ink & Cartridge Kit
Contains (1) 500 ml bottle of ink, (1) pre-primed cartridge with 20ml ink.
For 850 printer.
Medium Magenta
Customers also search for: Computer Hardware, Supplies & Data Storage;Printer Supplies/Accessories;Ink Jet Supplies/Cartridges;Medium Magenta;ENCAD

Product Description

This 4-in-1 Portable CRWD-2400P Combo Drive works with all the major name-brand notebooks and laptops under Windows 95, 98, XP and 2000. This Combo drive with the high-speed PC Card allows you to watch DVD movie on your Pentium 600MHz or higher laptop computer by using the bundled Software MPEG2 decoding program. CRWD-2400P uses a unique Brun-Proof design to reduce the possibility of writing errors and increases product reliability and lifespan. Its 2MB buffer virtually eliminates those dreaded buffer underruns and insures that you'll create disks successfully almost every time with 100% data accuracy. The CRWD-2400P CD Rewritable drive (with the Bundled Recording Software) supports Multi-session, Track-at-Once (TAO), Disk-at-Once(DAO), and Packet Write. It powered by the Notebook power no external power needed.

Product Description

Since the introduction of its first roll of black-and-white film in 1929, Konica has consistently produced and marketed products and services that are on the cutting edge of the day's technology. With years of marketing and manufacturing savvy, Konica is well suited to face the next millennium in the photographic and digital imaging arenas. Konica displays its commitment to innovation with its own new cameras, film, digital imaging and developing equipment and supplies them with all the necessary accessories and consumables.

Average customer rating:
Jaton DVDPLAYER 967611K AC-3/DTS Progressive Karaoke DVD Player

Manufacturer: JATON
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00006HXAT

Product Description

Item #: XER13R532. Toner and Supplies for Xerox Plain Paper Fax Machines
Drum Cartridge
For fax model WorkCentre Pro 610.
Customers also search for: Drum;Drums;Facsimile Machines & Supplies;Fax;Fax Machine;Fax Supplies;Fax Toner;Laser Toner;Plain Paper Fax Supplies;XEROX

Drum Cartridge for For Xerox Model WorkCentre Pro 610, Yield 10,000

Average customer rating:

Drum Cartridge for For Xerox Model WorkCentre Pro 610, Yield 10,000

Manufacturer: XEROX
ProductGroup: Office Product
Binding: Office Product

All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Product Description

Toner and Supplies for Xerox Plain Paper Fax Machines
Drum Cartridge
For fax model WorkCentre Pro 610.

Average customer rating:
Freecom Cable II - Storage controller - 30 MBps - Hi-Speed USB

Manufacturer: Freecom
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Host Bus Adaptors | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00005UE8N

Product Description

Freecom Cable II is an ultra-fast extremely thin interface cable with integrated electronic components. It is designed for Plug and Play connection of Freecom Traveller and Portable drives to notebooks, PCs and (i)Macs. Switching your Freecom Cable between different Freecom Traveller and portable drives is possible. To change the connection simply attach a different Freecom Cable. Freecom Cable II features integrated Freecom controller chip for maximum performance.

Average customer rating:
Da-Lite Manual 100" Diagonal Video Format Home Theater Wall Screen with Hamilton Veneer Case and Matte White Fabric

Manufacturer: Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: CE

All Home Theater Systems | Home Theater Systems | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Compact Stereos | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Shelf Stereo Systems | Executive Compact Stereos
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

Designer Manual with Matte White fabric and Hamilton Veneer finish.

Pull Down Screen that Fits your Decor. Real wood case finished in your choice of seven standard veneers or custom matched to blend with any room decor. Perfect for home theater and business or any room where appearance is important.

Can be ceiling or wall mounted. Nylon bearings provide smooth quiet operation for the life of the screen. Easy pull-down system locks at intervals to fit a variety of projection formats. Case design allows flush mounting to the ceiling or wall.

Matte White is one of the most versatile screen surfaces and a good choice for situations when presentation material is being projected and ambient light is controllable. Its surface evenly distributes light over a wide viewing area. Colors remain bright and life-like, with no shifts in hue. Gain 1.0 with a 50-degree viewing half angle.

ASIN: B00028EHZO

Product Description

The Designer Manual boasts three case styles available in seven timeless veneers and three laminate finishes with square and standard video format to meet the most demanding projection and aesthetic needs. Effortless operation, expert craftsmanship, and enduring value distinguish the Designer Manual. Coordinate the Designer Manual with Da-Lite's other fine wood products, lecterns and wall cabinets, for corporate multi-media, projection and furniture solutions.

Average customer rating:

It Works

Maybe a class-action lawsuit would get Iomega's attention

a problem instead of a solution

worst product I've ever purchased

A BIG disappointment.

Iomega Super DVD 4X Writer All-Format ( 32680 )

Manufacturer: Iomega
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

DVD-ROM Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
External Drives | CD-RW Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
DVD Recordable Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics | DVD+R | DVD+RW | DVD-R | DVD-RAM | DVD-RW | DVD±RW
All Iomega | Iomega | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Fellowes Nylon CD Wallet (224-Disc Capacity)

Fellowes 50-Pack Slim Jewel Cases- Colors Holds One CD/DVD And Booklet

Memorex 4.7GB 4x DVD-R Media (10-Pack)

Memorex 4.7GB 4x DVD+R Media (25-Pack Spindle)

HP 48X CDR 100 SPINDLE

Product Features:

Buffer underrun protection for reliability

Reads and writes ALL major DVD and CD formats: DVD-RAM (type II only), DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-RW and CD-R discs

Writing speeds: DVD+RW (4x2.4x12x), DVD-RW (4x2x12x), DVD-RAM (3x), CD-RW (24x16x32x)

Included software: Iomega HotBurn Pro, Sonic MyDVD 4 software, Sonic CinePlayer 1.5, Iomega Automatic Backup, MUSICMATCH™ Jukebox music management

USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity

ASIN: B0000AZJYX

Product Description

The sleek, new, award-winning Iomega Super DVD Writer All-Format USB 2.0 external drive is the only drive on the market today that reads and writes to all DVD/CD formats! It easily lets you create and share original DVDs/CDs using your data, music and photos. It comes with the best DVD/CD-burning software - like Iomega HotBurn Pro for easy two-step CD burning, Sonic MyDVD and Cineplayer for video editing and video playback. Plus, you get award-winning Iomega Automatic Backup software FREE for hassle-free backups. And, your free DVD wizard takes the guesswork out of selecting the right software and disc format, whether you are burning DVDs or CDs.

Customer Reviews:

It Works.......2006-03-30

The burner works with my current XP and pervious 2000 machines without any problem for more than 2 years. I use HotBurn to backup my data (mostly digital photos) and DVDXCopy XPress for my movies. It works!!!

Maybe a class-action lawsuit would get Iomega's attention.......2005-03-09

This product is horrible. In the 20 years I have been tinkering with computers I have never come across such a worthless product (except for that Commodore 64 5 1/4 floppy drive that NEVER worked either). Out of the box, it failed to burn a single disk and locked-up three different systems, including my brand new laptop. The problem, random I/O errors, and system freezes. After 45 minutes on the tech support line (on my dime) I was finally given an RMA number and told to ship the unit back. A remanufactured unit showed up about two weeks later and the good news is that it can now produce one successful burn out of 3 or 4 tries (I guess if your media is cheap enough and you have a lot of time to waste, this would be acceptable). All of my successful burns are with third-party software. I have yet to get a single success with Hotburn Pro. I have tried Fugifilm, TDK, and TY media, all the same result. I have tried Nero, DVD decrypter, CDburner Pro, and Hotburn Pro. I have gone into msconfig and loaded minimal components, checked my drivers, etc. and have basically spent hours trying to get this thing to work consistently. Random I/O errors and freezes still plague the use of this unit. Hotburn Pro is another dismal story, too long to get into here. Read some of the comments above.

a problem instead of a solution.......2004-07-27

After wasting 15 DVD's, I still did not succeed to end a writing session without a blue screen and a reboot. For each attempt I tried to do something like installing a patch, downloading the latest version of HotBurnPro, uninstalling Roxio, defragmenting my HD, performing a scandisk ... No success yet. Is DVD writing not mature? or was Iomega a bad choice? Next time I borrow from a friend before I buy.

worst product I've ever purchased.......2004-05-23

Where to begin? It gave my Dell the Blue Screen of Death, locked up my computer, evaporated my active desktop. After trying to work with Iomega for 4 months, they sent me a replacement. No more Blue Screen, but no DVDs, either, just a huge pile of coasters. When the bundled MyDVD burning software tries to burn, it spits out the DVD and I get a "device error" error message. And yes, we downloaded the firmware update. Warning! Before you purchase, go go www.iomega.com and read the user forum for this product. The near unanimous verdict: completely nonfunctional product. I trusted Iomega, but don't make that mistake yourself.

A BIG disappointment........2004-05-15

This is a very useful product - if you like making $3 coasters. I was in need of an external DVD writer, and purchased this product in part based on Iomega's experience and reputation in the portable device space. I am a network engineer by trade, so needless to say I am somewhat resourceful in troubleshooting P.C. hardware and O/S issues. I have try have tried to create NTSC DVDs from projects created using the Sonic MyDVD software that is bundled with the device, as well as Intervideo WinDVD Creator, using several different PCs running both Windows 2000 and XP (fully patched). So far I have been able to create exactly ONE usable DVD in approximately 15 attempts. The problem is roughly the same each time - the software locks at the end of the burn phase. And, in typical device-with-bundled-software fashion, neither Iomega or Sonic's online tech support offers advice or even recognition of an issue. If you still want to roll the dice with this thing, my advice would be to purchase from somewhere where you have had good experience with the return policy.

Product Description

Compact, versatile, and computer-savvy, the GR-DVM55U has been designed to make it easier than ever to connect to your PC and create instant multimedia productions. Its exclusive digital features and extended connectivity will turn your PC into an advanced editing suite, and the Internet into your personal creative distribution network. And, of course, picture quality is assured from the moment of shooting thanks to the high-resolution CCD and Super High-Band Processor. NightAlive for extreme low-light shooting allows you to capture clear, full color images at night with minimum illumination and without the loss of color associated with other night shooting systems. The convenient serial terminal is compatible with just about any PC and allows you to use the provided JLIP software for computer-controlled still image capture and linear video editing. These features combined with a slimmer, more compact, sophisticated flat-surface design that lets you take it with you just about anywhere. GR-DVM55U offers the best balance of quality, mobility and creativity, making it ideal for mobile video enjoyment today and in the future.

Amazon.com Product Description

The JVC GR-DVM55U is a true workhorse of a camcorder. A number of great features are packed into this small, easy-to-carry device. The 680,000-pixel CCD captures the amazing 520 lines of resolution standard in digital video. A low-light environment is no problem for the GR-DVM55U. The special night shooting function enhances low-light sensitivity so you can still capture clear images at night in full color. There is also a built-in digital still camera that captures images in many modes--such as full screen, frame, pin-up, negative, or multipicture--onto a tape.

The GR-DVM55U also comes with a variety of multimedia interfacing capabilities, making transferring DV recordings or digital photos to a computer fast and simple. In addition to the standard IEEE 1394 DV interface, the serial terminal allows you to use the provided JLIP software to easily control image capture and linear editing from your computer. Serial terminals are compatible with practically any computer for greater connectivity.

Also included are an AC power adapter/charger, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, remote control, CD-ROM software for photo editing, shoulder strap, jack box, PC connection cable, JLIP cable, AV cable, and editing cable.

Customer Reviews:

Room for Improvement.......2002-03-13

...First of all, and this is probably true of all camcorders, is that you can take the fold-out LCD screen and shove it. You can't use it in daylight, it is totally washed out and impossible to see anything whatsoever and, indoors, when you can see it, it is confusing to use and disorienting and makes for wobbly playbacks, the eyepiece viewfinder is the thing to use and the expense and battery consumption of these LCD screens is shameful and baffles me why manufacturers tout them so much. Second, there is no way that I can figure out how to monitor playback tape position (for porting to make tape copies) using the tape counter and NOT have the tape counter/time counter/frame counter digits appear on the finished copy. If you turn off the counter so it doesn't appear on the copied tape, how the heck can you monitor frame/tape location?? I wrote email to JVC service asking a work around to the problem, but they ignored any acknowledgement or reply. The battery life is very short, the upgraded 1-1/2 battery is almost as large as the camera itself and almost costs as much. The much touted "infinite life", "no memory" attributes of these new fangled battery chemistries is pure BS. The old NiCad camcorder battery from my 8-mm Minolta lasted longer and, the best, still is, lead acid batteries of all things! I've never replaced the lead acid backup battery in my home security alarm in fifteen-years! I paid a ton of money (to be first kid on my block with DVM) for this item, I wish I waited so as to get the latest "progressive scan" technology that improves image quality at the higher zoom levels. The digital zoom (>10x) is practically a joke in optical quality. And forget about low light recording, even at wedding receptions, low light graduation ceremonies, Bar Mitzvahs, Communion parties, this camera will just not record under those conditions (if for no other reason than the autofocus mechanism breaks-down in low light) and there is no provision for external light attachment. The camera's physical size is a JOY though, something this small you can take everywhere, every time, it does get used! In fact it is a bit too small in the button department, my fingers have trouble pressing the teensy-weensy buttons, very frustrating actually. I would not trade this sized camera for any amount of improved optical quality in a larger unit and in fact the larger units don't have better image quality, only more convenient finger dexterity/functionality. As far as the snapshot mode is concerned, uploading them to your PC really degrades the image quality if you use the JVC docking station. I tried using these images in ebay listings, but the image quality was just too poor. You will love the credit card sized remote control and the convenience of being able to operate the camcorder using the remote, certainly worth its weight in Pistachio nuts.

Good Performer.......2002-01-22

I have the JVC GR-DVX48 , which is exactly the same as the 55U, but the model number is different here in Australia.
I've had the camera for a few months now and have been quite impressed by the quality of picture and ease of use in the camera.
I've had no problems with reliability, and JVC in Australia are always at hand to answer any stupid questions I have.

There is one thing which I utterly HATE about this camera though. I believe it's rated at 0.5 lux, and am not sure how much different a 0 lux rating would effect night shooting - but the camera performs poorly in low light conditions. Low light conditions being night time shooting under street lights. The camera doesn't seem to hold focus very well when it is dark and seems to get confused, and keep switching between being in focus to out of focus.

I was hoping i'd be able to attach an external light for night use, but there aren't any available for this model. Many JVC cameras have a socket on them called Info shoe, which allows easy attachment of external lights and microphone - for some reason this model does not have that socket. There are some info shoe adapters which can be put on this kind of camera but the JVC website said they can only be used for the external microphones, and not to be used for external lights. Although I would much prefer if this camera had a bit better capabilities at night, as an external light would be a hassle and not give me the natural effect I want.

Adding to that, the Nightscope function is complete and utter... I guess it is ok if you stick it in a tripod and are shooting something which isn't moving. Nightscope drops the frame rate to 3fps, and even then it doesn't improve lighting that much at all.

Besides the lack of night shooting capabilities, it really is a great camera.
If I had a choice again, I would go for the Sony TRV-15, which is a 0-lux rated camera, and also the night vision works properly (although making the image appear green).

But consider the fact that I haven't seen how well the Sony performs at night - so maybe I am just asking for too much when it comes to shooting at night.

A step backward........2002-01-08

I've had the 50U for 3+ years and it has never disappointed me. It is compact, rugged and handsome. The 55U is an even more physically attractive update. The quality of the movies is excellent, and the quality of the still pictures is quite good (though not as good as any of the 3+ megapixel cameras available). The drawbacks, as I see them, are the relative expense of the mini DV film and more importantly, the loss of the MultiMediaCards for stills. Now all stills are recorded on the tape, making downloading images to your PC much more complex than with the older model. I think at that price, I'd opt for a camera with removeable media and perhaps image stabilization, such as the 80U.

Compact camcorder for a decent price.......2002-01-04

Though there are now more compact camcorders, I selected JVC because of its price. You will not get a small one for this price. If price is not a serious consideration, you should go for Canon Elura 20MC - it's smaller and handles better. But, hey for me price was important. I got a Firewire port installed in my PC and use Pinnacle's DV Studio to produce movies. It's cool. Make sure you get an additional battery pack. Battery pack product id BN-V514 is 2hrs and BN-V507 is 60 min. Get the additional battery pack or you will regret!

..........2001-09-01

...I've had the camera for three months and it's rugged and reliable. I've made several iMovies with it and it works perfectly with my Apple G4. A wonderful camera.

There is no analog input to transfer analog tapes into digital format on this camera, but besides that, it's got great controls, the video quality is excellent. For the size it's got a big impact when creating movies to edit - such as with iMovie.

I recommend this or any of the other JVC models of digital camcorders.

Product Description

Firewire cable 9 pin to 6 pin (33ft)

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics