10. Conclusion

The contest between the progressive MonoCCD versus the triCCD interlaced hasn't produced a real winner. The JVC GR-PD1 produces a very sharp picture, thanks to its 25p progressive definition and its YUV output. On the other hand, the editing problems due to its MPEG-2 TS encoding heavily penalizes it as far as editing is concerned, which is a pity in view of the price. The Sony DCR-VX2100 has major ergonomic advantages while reproducing a very satisfactory image quality, especially in low light. All this leads us to advise you to choose whichever model best suits your needs:

Why Buy The GR-PD1 ?

I want to shoot in 25p progressive mode to get optimal image clarity; I own a video projector, a monitor or a video capturing device with a Y / Pb / Pr input component; I want to film in 16:9 with a wider field; I like rather cool colors.

Why Buy The DCR-VX2100?

I'm looking for a very sensitive camcorder to film in low light; I want to be able to edit easily using any kind of software; I like having a wide viewfinder of excellent quality; I want to be able to make very fine adjustments (shutter speed, exposure and sound); I like warm colors.

Specifications	Sony DCR-VX2100	JVC GR-PD1*
Format	MiniDV	MiniDV
Compression	DV	DV / MPEG-2
Scan	50i	50i / 50p / 25p
CCD capture	3x450 000 pixels	1.18 megapixels
CCD surface	1/3"	1/3"
Lens diameter	58 mm	52 mm
Optical zoom	12x	10x
Digital zoom	48x	200x
35 mm conversion	43.2 - 518.4 mm	40.3 - 403 mm (in 25p 16:9)
Minimum aperture	F 1.6	F 1.8
Minimum illumination	1 lux	1 lux
Shutter speed	1/4 - 1/10 000	1/12 - 1/1000
Viewfinder	color, 180,000 pixels	color, 113,000 pixels
LCD display	2.5", 200,000 pixels	3.5", 200,000 pixels
Wide screen mode (16:9)	anamorphic	anamorphic wide
Photo support	Memory Stick / cassette	SD / cassette
Photo resolution	640x480	1280x960, 640x480
Tape loading	side-loading, 6 seconds	side-loading, 8 seconds
DV in/out	yes/yes	yes/yes
A/V in/out	yes/yes	yes/yes
S-video in/out	yes/yes	yes/yes
YUV port	no	yes
Mic in	yes	yes
Headphone jack	yes	yes
USB port	yes	yes
LANC in	yes	yes
Grip/ electric	yes/yes	yes/no
Flash/ lighting	no/no	no/no
Battery charger	on camcorder	separate charger
Battery life	1 hour	1 hour
Manual focus	ring	ring
Manual zoom	ring	ring
Software	no	MPEG-Edit Studio Pro, MPEG Capture
Weight, w/battery	1.6 kg	1.6 kg
Dimensions	12.5 x 18 x 34.2 cm	11.4 x 9.9 x 29 cm
Evaluation
Colorimetry	*****	*****
Definition	****	*****
Sensitivity	*****	***
Optics	*****	****
Ergonomics	*****	***
Connectivity	****	*****
Value	****	****
Overall score	*****	****

* The North American equivalent is the JVC GR-HD1. As opposed to the JVC GR-PD1, this model shoots in high definition at 1280x720 pixels.