Two new camcorders come from JVC today, the first of which is the "GR-D250." It's allegedly the industry's first DV camera to feature a 25x optical zoom.

Japan Victor Corporation will release the "GR-D250," with a 25x optical zoom lens, as a new model in the "Baby Movie" DV camera series, in mid-January. Though listed as Open Price, estimates indicate it should cost around 60,000 yen.

This is the industry's first DV camera with a 25x optical zoom lens. The lens has an F value of 1.8 ~ 3.2, and has a focal distance of 42 ~ 1050mm through 35mm conversion. JVC said "this is in the demand of consumers, so that they can zoom in o­n their child's facial expressions during events such as a Undoukai or Gakukeikai." (Translator's note: an Undoukai is similar to "Field Day" in America, and is essentially an athletic meet organized by the school. And I don't know what a Gakukeikai is; judging from the Kanji, though, it looks to be like some sort of performing arts day.) The filter diameter is 27mm.

The CCD is a 1/6 type 680,000 pixel sensor, with a recording area of 340,000 pixels. The camera does not have a memory card slot, and does not support the recording of still images.

Features that can be used include JVC's own "Quick Power Off Function," which prevents forgetting to turn off the power, as well as the "Data Battery Function," allowing remaining battery life to be confirmed right o­n the LCD. Menu languages can be chosen from either Japanese or English, and the camera also features the "Night Eye" function to allow for recording in color even during low light situations, without the use of a flood light.

The camera features a "Clear Bright LCD Monitor" 112,000 pixel 2.5" screen. It features a low-reflection coating, reportedly to allow for easier viewing during clear days outdoors. It also has an LCD viewfinder, 0.16" at 113,000 pixels.

The external dimensions are 56 x 112 x 94mm (W xD x H), and the weight with the included battery is 510g. It has an AV input/output jack, and IEEE 1394 input/output jack. When using the included "BN-VF707" lithium ion battery, and using the viewfinder, it can record for about 1 hour and 25 minutes; when using the LCD monitor, this drops to 1 hour and 5 minutes. Accessories such as an AC adapter, shoulder strap, and AV cable are included.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050106/victor.htm

Press Release:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2005/gr-d250.html

Product Information:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/dvmain/gr-d250/index.html