JVC Picsio GC-FM1

Compression (7.63)

The Picsio GC-FM1 records and compresses all video files using the generic MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression codec. It does not employ the proprietary AVCHD format utilized by its line of full high definition consumer camcorders. For anyone buying the FM1, this is good news; the .mov files recorded by the Picsio are much easier to simply drag and drop onto your desktop. Many editing programs will require you to render this footage before you can edit it, but if your only aim is to watch the video, a program like QuickTime will do that easily.

A point of clarification about the Picsio's 1080p video setting: the camcorder actually records video at a resolution of 1440 x 1080, which is then output to 1920 x 1080. This is actually very similar to the resolution of HDV camcorders, which record 1440 pixels across, but output 1920. The resulting video will not appear stretched in any way, but it is technically capturing fewer pixels. This might be slightly inferior to full HD camcorders, but it's still theoretically superior to most of the other ultra-compact camcorders on the market. The Flips and Kodaks have a maximum resolution of 1280x 720.

The Sony Webbie also records at 1440 x 1080 and outputs at 1920 x 1080.

Media (5.10)

The JVC GC-FM1 records primarily to removable SD/SDHC memory cards. The camcorder does have a very small amount of internal flash memory, but most of that is taken up by the FM1's built-in editing software. That leaves about 34.5 MB left for recording—only about 24 seconds of footage on either of the high definition settings.

We doubt anyone is purchasing the FM1 to record 24 seconds of a birthday party... so, that means making an investment in a memory card or two. SD/SDHC memory cards are very commonly used in camcorder and digital cameras, so you might already have some lying around. If you don't, they are readily available at a wide variety of camera shops, electronics stores, and superstore.

The Picsio GC-FM1 records entirely to SD/SDHC memory cards.

We like the durability and reliability of flash memory. It's relatively shock-resistant and weather-resistant, unlike tapes and hard drives. Plus, memory cards are highly portable and can be plugged into a memory card reader for easy file transfer. On the other hand, removable cards aren't quite as reliable as internal flash memory, which is the medium of choice for Pure Digital's Flip line and several other ultra-compacts. Inserting and removing cards, handling them, or throwing them unprotected into a bag can cause them to wear over time. And those little cards can be easy to lose too.

Editing (8.25)

The editing software is fairly simplistic and only compatible with a Windows operating system. On most PCs, the software installer will launch automatically when you attach the Picsio via a USB cable. Unfortunately, the software does require installation, unlike the simple Flip Video software that opens automatically.When we plugged the Picsio into our PC, it did prompt us to immediately import files from the camcorder onto the computer.

Once videos are imported, they can be viewed in a thumbnail list or calendar view.

There are some simple playback controls and a small handful of editing tools.

The software will take you step by step through the YouTube upload process.

JVC GC-FM1 Comparisons
Flip UltraHD	Sony MHS-PM1	Kodak Zx1