SlashScope

The JVC GZ-MG505 Digital Camcorder has been reviewed by Digital Trends over at 14 U News.com. 'The GZ-MG505 looks very cool with its thin body, black finish and pro-style lens hood. Old-time camcorder hands—circa 2005—will recognize the shape and styling since it’s very similar to the three-chip GZ-MC500. That camcorder featured a 4GB removable Microdrive for storage while the new GZ-MG505 uses a non-removable 30GB HDD. The price of the MC500 was a ridiculous $1799 while this new baby is $1299 list. Gotta love it! As an aside, take JVC MSRPs with a very large grain of salt. The company has a history of tacking high prices from the factory so its retailers can say they’re giving you a deal when you pay what everyone else is charging! That said this new model has a price closer to reality since it goes for around $1200. By comparison the 30GB Sony DCR-SR100 with a single 3.3MP CCD costs $999; the three-chip DVD-based Panasonic VDR-D300 is $750 or so.'