Open the LCD display to access more controls and options.

 
You can use the camcorder's phototaking capablities and store them on a SD card

 
The JVC Everio MG50 is one of the smallest camcorders in the market

The MG50 not only saves you the trouble of carrying extra media, it is small and weighs only 380g (that's including the battery pack). Without much fiddling, most people should be able to operate this 'point-and-shoot' camcorder as the only available functions on the body are simply the record, zoom and power buttons. However, opening the LCD panel will reveal more functions like the still/video mode switch, buttons for deletion, menu, light and info. There is a four-directional toggle for easy menu navigation and playback control. For the more advance users, the camcorder also features manual controls to adjust the picture exposure, white balance, backlight compensation and shutter speed. Of course, the auto mode can always be engaged to control such settings, thus freeing you from worrying over complicated adjustments.

AV, USB and DC ports are all nicely hidden away behind rubber bungs, which double up as protection against sand and dust as well. Unlike the MC series where users have to access through the internal drive in order to replace the battery, the new MG50 uses a conventional external battery.

… and Powerful 

The MG50's diminutive size can be misleading but we were duly impressed with the video quality taken in bright outdoor conditions. Recorded videos had good color separation and exhibited accurate tonal qualities, but JVC camcorders are better known for their superior low light performance. This is a feature that has set them apart from the pack and the MG50 did not disappoint. Recording with and aperture set to f/1.2, panning and moving of the camera did not produce the usual strobe effects seen in some of the camcorders we've tested. With the LED light switched on, we were even able to clearly discern color tones. Despite its vibrant color reproduction, there were some pixelation and artifacts in the recorded video most probably caused by the MPEG2 compression so it would be wise to set the video quality to the highest.

Final Thoughts

With a built-in hard disk, you don't have to be burdened with additional media and can theoretically shoot up to 7 hours of footage. However, users are warned to watch that battery life as a single charge only lasted a little under 70 minutes in our tests. It might be wise to invest in after-market batteries with higher capacities for better recording stamina. If you're a frequent traveler with a penchant for shooting those special holiday moments on-the-go, the MG50 should keep you happy with its portability and ease-of-use. Not only does it save baggage space, it is also light enough to be carried around anywhere and everywhere.