Camcorder News

September 11, 2009 - At the IFA in Berlin, Germany, JVC announced a new ultra-compact camcorder, the Picsio GC-FM1.The pocket-camcorder records 1080p HD videos to SD/SDHC cards.

With the release of the GC-FM1, JVC has leapt into the ultra-compact budget camcorder market that has been dominated by Pure Digital's Flip series of camcorders for the past few years. The GC-FM1 will join the foray along with Sony's Webbie HD camcorders (the MHS-PM1 and MHS-CM1), Kodak's line of pocket-cams (the Zx1, Zi6, and Zi8), as well as ultra-compact models from RCA and Creative.

The GC-FM1 does have a few features to separate it from the crowd. It features a Digital Image Stabilization system, a 2-inch LCD screen, a 4x digital zoom, and a 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor. The camcorder's ability to take 8-meagpixel photos is perhaps its most impressive feature.

As with most ultra-compact camcorders, the GC-FM1 contains built-in software that comes pre-installed on the camcorder's internal memory. According to JVC, the software allows for simple YouTube uploading and is compatible with iTunes. Video files are saved in the .MOV format on the GC-FM1.

The GC-FM1 comes in three colors—listed as Black Ice, Blue Steel, and Purple Passion on JVC's UK site—and its body design is eerily reminiscent of the Flip UltraHD and the Sony MHS-PM1. According to JVC, the camcorder will be available in Europe soon with a retail price of 199.99 Euro