JVC Picsio GC-FM1 Camcorder Review

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.
	Introduction	(Page 2 of 17)	Colour & Noise Performance

Lens & Imaging System

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.

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).