It's in the 3.34 megapixel range of cameras, meaning image quality is a given. Shots can be taken at anywhere from 640 x 480 to 2,032 x 1,536 pixel resolution. The built-in auto flash provides acceptable red-eye reduction, and the built-in zoom lens magnifies up to 2.3x in analogue or up to twice that with a digital zoom (this degrades the quality somewhat). There is a viewfinder window and a two-inch square 200,000-pixel LCD screen at the rear of the camera. Sadly, in normal to low light conditions the LCD is pretty much useless. In low light conditions, so is the camera, as pictures taken tend to be very rich and deep but also a little darker than most rival cameras. This can be compensated for with a handy "Manual" mode, but that can be problematic as well.

As an interface JVC opted for a set of baffling icons. It's just not intuitive scrolling through the various settings without the manual nearby as reference. Since this process is streamlined on Kodak and Olympus models, one wonders why JVC didn't make it a bit more intuitive. However, once you get used to the process, it gets pretty simple to set up and take your own shots regardless of light or movement conditions.

A couple of interesting extras are included -- like a short 20-second video recorder (without sound, though higher end JVC models have a microphone), which plays back at 15 frames per second using JVC's proprietary video playback software. This is great because the videos are only 200kb and thus perfect for email, but bad because you've got to remind your friends and family to download and install the JVC player. Still, the reply email from grandma is worth it. You can also attach the camera to a television receiver or even an HDTV and use the included video cable to run slide shows on your television. The image quality is amazing, and will make you forget anyone ever used slide projectors.

The camera's lens cover is a rubberized plastic doodad that doesn't screw on. It does the job, but could it be any cheaper? A wrist strap is also included. The camera ships with an 8MB Smartcard, which is probably the best kind of media for picture storage (it's cheap and most other devices use it), but 8MB is too small, allowing for maybe eight shots total at the highest resolution. We'd need a 64MB card for that drunken night with a morally flexible date. The USB port is flawless, and the accompanying software is fast and easy to use. It also comes with a rechargeable lithium battery and a recharging station.

The Bottom Line

All told, JVC has put out an excellent and affordable camera with only a few drawbacks. The MSRP is still inexplicably high at $1099.95, but a simple search on MySimon or other shopping sites will find it for well under $600; just be sure to find a deal that includes at LEAST a 16MB, card or buy a 32 or 64 MB card to accompany it.