Digital Trends

JVC's GR-D850 and GR-D870 offer a 35x optical zoom and 2.7-inch LCD displays designed to be visible even in direct sunlight.

JVC is launching its GR-D850 and GR-D870 MiniDV camcorders in the United States, bringing consumers a video recording option with a 2.7-inch LCD widescreen display designed to be viewable even in direct sunlight, along with a 35× optical zoom to make sure videos center on what's important to users.

The D870 features Dual Recording and Live Slow features: the former enables users to snap still photos while shooting video, while the latter combines slow motion effects with live audio to offer a neat way to record fast action or sports. Both cameras feature a stick control for navigating menus and options with one finger, and a dedicated Auto button switches quickly between Auto and Manual shooting modes. In addition to the 35× optical zoom, digital zoom can offer a combined amplification of up to 800×—the results might be a little grainy, but users might be able to catch footage of their darling children scoring that all-important goal in the neighborhood soccer game without running out into the field themselves. For low-light shooting, both cameras offer a built-in Auto Illumi-Light LED emitter.

Both cameras should be available now, with the D850 carrying a suggested price of $229.95, while the D870 will go for about $249.95.