Welcome back! It is nice to see you back again.

The JVC Everio GZ-MS120 is a pleasant tiny flash-memory-based standard-definition mpeg recorder. It packs the same 35x optical zoom as 2008’s MS100, and though the company left out internal storage from this model ( the MS130 gets you 16GB of built-in memory for roughly $50 more ), there are twin SD / SDHC card slots. That is one slot more than the competition allowing you to go up to 64GB of storage should you would like it. Its video isn’t half bad either, considering its sub-$300 cost.

Even though the MS120 is compact, it is extremely cosy to use and does feel and appear nice, regardless of being wholly plastic. It is also available in three colors : black, blue, and red. The battery takes up the majority of the back ; there’s about enough room for the record start / stop button to the right of it. On top are the zoom rocker and a snapshot button.

( pictures are 640×480 and are common quality for SD camcorders–good enough for the Web or miniscule prints. )

The only part of the design that is puny is the strap. It is a fascinating design, working as both a wrist strap and grip belt, but it is thin and low on the body so you are always fighting to keep the mpeg recorder upright.

Our low-light videos were better than average quality, too. Save for some purple fringing that’s to be expected of this class of camcorders, the results are ok to view on bigger TVs ; just don’t expect high-definition detail and lucidity. Colours were pleasing with sufficient white balance in natural light. There are no incandescent or fluorescent presets for white balance, but the manual option is available and there is a halogen setting to be used with the inbuilt LED lamp up front.