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JVC Picsio GC-FM1

Camcorder Review

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Introduction

Next: Part 2

Colour & Noise Performance
October 27, 2009 By Kaitlyn Chantry and Jeremy Stamas
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JVC Picsio GC-FM1
Part 1

Product Tour Summary



• The flashy metallic aesthetic might demand an acquired taste.
• The large sensor has an impressive resolution.
• Fixed lens with an f/2.8 aperture.
• Tele-macro switch seems unreliable and sometimes impacts focus.

Lens & Imaging System
The lens of the JVC GC-FM1
The fixed lens on the Picsio GC-FM1 has an aperture of f/2.8.

The lens on the GC-FM1 is fixed with an f/2.8 aperture. This means there is no autofocus mechanism and the camcorder has a fixed focal length. The focal length can be altered by switching between normal and macro focus using a switch on the camcorder's left side. With the macro focus setting the camcorder can shoot very close-up images in focus (up to 3.9mm), while the normal setting provides a much wider focal range and allows distant objects to be in focus.

The macros switch was actually one of the most poorly implemented, problematic elements of the Picsio. The switch is cheaply constructed and jiggles around easily. Worse, if you aren't in the precise 'normal' or 'macro' position, the right side of your image will be out of focus. The first test unit we received from JVC was very difficult to get into a normal position and most of our test footage was half out of focus. When we received a replacement, we found it was much better than the previous unit, but was still slightly loose. We expect that, over time, many Picsios will have this same problem. A simple point and shoot camcorder should never be difficult to get into focus.

Lens   Sensor
Filter Diameter N/A   Type CMOS
Focal Range 3.9mm (fixed)   Size 1/3.2-inches
Focal Range (35mm equiv.) 1080p video: 55mm
720p video: 42mm
VGA video: 30mm
Still Image: 30mm		   Pixel Count (Gross) 8.17 Megapixels
Aperture f/2.8   Pixel Count (Effective) Unknown
Lab Tested Wide Angle* 34°
* How We Test Wide Angle

Front

the fixed f/2.8 lens
The built-in speaker records stereo audio.

Right

AV-out port
HDMI terminal
The USB connector is also used to charge the camcorder's battery.
built-in speaker for audio playback

Back

The 2-inch LCD is completely stationary.

charge lamp
power button and lamp 
playback mode button 

video/photo switch
delete button 
playback index button
reset hole
The d-pad has the start/stop record button (and shutter button) at its centre.

Left

Normal/Macro focus switch 
wrist strap connector 

Top

This silver, ribbed lining runs along the top and sides of the FM1.

Bottom

This panel slides open to reveal the SD/SDHC card slot.
tripod mount

In the Box

The GC-FM1 product box
The JVC Picsio GC-FM1 with its provided wrist strap.
AV cable
The USB cable is used to connect the camcorder to a computer (and to charge its internal battery).
 
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JVC Picsio GC-FM1
Camcorder Review
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Previous:

Introduction

Previous: Part 2

Colour & Noise Performance