The GZ-MG670 is a mid-range, standard definition hard drive camcorder from JVC, though it would be hard to distinguish from the rest of the Everio line-up. Nearly every camcorder this year sports exactly the same physical design, making them rather difficult to tell apart. The new design, while snazzy, may not cater to experienced users. However, owners of the MG670 can look forward to excellent video performance and a solid set of manual controls.

The most "gadgety" feature on the GZ-MG670 is the Laser Touch strip that runs along the left side of the LCD panel, replacing the joystick or d-pad found on most camcorders. While it looks cool, the operation is definitely not perfect. Menus on JVC camcorders are simple, but very extensive, which means lots of scrolling. The Laser Touch lets you scroll at the speed of lighting, but it can be hard to stop at the option you want. In our experience, it was also difficult to use the Laser Touch for smaller movements, like scrolling down a single line. Half the time, even a light tap would push us two or three items down the list.

The GZ-MG670 is the rare camcorder that could serve both beginners and advanced users well. If you've never dealt with a camcorder before, the MG670 is still ready to roll straight out of the box. Just turn it on, set the date, and hit record. The huge 35x optical zoom is fun, but we recommend going easy on it, lest you give your audience motion sickness. Of course, importing clips to a computer and editing is a different ball game, but that's true for nearly every camcorder (aside from the exceptionally easy Pure Digital Flip and standard definition Sony camcorders).

For video enthusiasts, the MG670 has enough manual controls to satisfy: focus, exposure, white balance, shutter speed, and two levels of auto gain control. Sadly, there is no direct control over aperture to round out an otherwise excellent set of controls, but most shoppers in this price range should be sated.

JVC pushes two features on this year's line of camcorders that, sadly, fail to deliver. Of course, every camcorder manufacturer wants a piece of the Pure Digital Flip's enormous market share. The Flip was the first to successfully make an idiot-proof transfer of clips from camcorder-to-computer, then computer-to-YouTube. While JVC touts a one-touch "Upload" and "Export" button, the actual process of uploading and exporting requires far more than just one touch, including the prescience to hit the Upload button before you hit record if you want a YouTube-ready video clip.

Performance (read in-depth lab performance at CamcorderInfo.com)
The Everio GZ-MG670 replaces last year's GZ-MG330, winner of Camcorderinfo.com's Standard Definition Camcorder of the Year (no small feat). Once again, we were pleased to see an affordable camcorder that delivers quality and simplicity. In bright to moderate light, the MG670 offered excellent color accuracy, though it was hard to ignore the near-omnipresent graininess. JVC upgraded the sensor in this year's model, noticeably increasing the resolution. In low light, the MG670 proved to be a true stand-out in its class. It was able to perform admirably, requiring significantly less light than its competitors.

Comparisons (read in-depth comparisons at CamcorderInfo.com)
The GZ-MG670 is the replacement for last year's GZ-MG330, a camcorder we loved for its performance and value. The new MG670 has an improved sensor for higher resolution. The Panasonic SDR-H60, another 2008 camcorder, offers a smaller hard drive (60GB versus 80GB on the GZ-MG670) but a larger 50x optical zoom and better image stabilization. The Sony DCR-SR85 is a little easier to use, but offers no distinct advantages. The JVC GZ-MG670 trumped them all with better performance.

Despite the downsides, the JVC GZ-MG670 is a very good camcorder, and a good value at $479 MSRP (already cheaper on the street). In its class, it's one of the best performers on the market, and comes from an award-winning pedigree.