The JVC Everio GZ-MG330 is a standard definition hard drive camcorder for those seeking something compact,  but with a higher capacity than the memory card-only models. With many of the same internal components as the JVC GZ-MS100, the MG330 follows up with the same excellent performance and demitasse size, plus a 30GB internal hard drive, and a reasonable price. While the video performance can't hope to compete with expensive high definition camcorders, the MG330 records good-looking video and has plenty of features that will appeal to the average consumer and first-time camcorder owners.

The star of the show is JVC's new Laser Touch system: a collection of touch-sensitive buttons that replace the traditional joystick as a means for navigating the menus. It takes time to get used to the system, but once you do it's fun and satisfying to use. The Laser Touch, regrettably, proves a poor method for making manual picture adjustments, especially focus. The controls aren't quite precise enough to make accurate tweaks. Manual control enthusiasts should look for camcorders with joysticks, or even better, those with lens rings.

In most other ways, however, the MG330 is very user friendly. The menu is a bit convoluted, but navigable, the manual controls are straightforward and accessible, and the footage is easy to transfer and edit—as long as you own a PC and use JVC's in-the-box software. This software bundle, which includes PowerDirector Express, is actually one of the highlights of the MG330 experience. It's a robust package that allows you to make edits with ease, and offers far more tweaks and and tricks than the average freebie software.

Beginners and camcorder veterans alike will benefit from the impressive battery life and the ability to upgrade to a larger sized battery. The 30GB hard drive holds about 7 hours of video recorded at the highest quality setting. That can be extended even further by adding a microSD/SDHC card (not included), which can also serve for making in-camera backups of your footage.

For those just looking for a fun, portable, and stylish camcorder, the GZ-MG330 delivers. It's incredibly small and light, comfortable to hold, looks good, and comes in three different colors: silver, blue, and red.

Performance (read in-depth lab performance data at CamcorderInfo.com)
No standard definition camcorder can quite match the video performance of the more expensive high definition camcorders out there. The JVC GZ-MG330 is a lot like the competition. In our lab testing, video recorded by the MG330 showed considerable compression artifacting: those chunky blocks of discoloration that show up most often at the edges of objects. We'd consider it unwise to pair this camcorder with a big screen HDTV. Compared to other standard definition camcorders, however, the MG330 fared quite well. There was plenty of fine detail and very little noise; the image is clear in a variety of lighting conditions.

In low light scenarios, the MG330 performed especially well. The low light conditions in our lab often push a standard definition camcorder to its limits, but the MG330 held its own. Footage remained remarkably bright and clear, while maintaining strong, bold colors. Color was, perhaps, the Achilles heel of the camcorder, as it was often oversaturated in any lighting condition and the automatic white balance struggled to maintain a good color balance in most indoor lighting. If you don't mind the hassle of performing a manual white balance from time to time, the MG330 will give you some of the best video performance available in a budget standard definition camcorder.

Comparisons (read in-depth comparisons at CamcorderInfo.com)
In the world of standard definition camcorders, it's difficult to avoid comparison to the increasingly popular ultra-compact camcorders like the Pure Digital Flip Mino. The difference here is quite simple: the Mino is smaller and easier to use, while the JVC GZ-MG330 has much better-looking video and more manual control options. But how does the JVC GZ-MG330 compare to more similar camcorders? The video performance on the MG330 is better than pretty much every else in this price range. That includes the Sony DCR-SR85 and the Panasonic SDR-H60. Those camcorders do have a larger 60GB hard drive, but if you need that kind of capacity, JVC offers the near-identical GZ-MG360.

When it comes to packing in great video performance, high capacity, and ease of use, the JVC GZ-MG330 is a winner. The footage won't look as good as what you get from a high def camcorder and it won't be as easy to use as the Flip Mino, but the MG330 treads a comfortable middle ground. It has excellent video quality for a standard definition camcorder and the Laser Touch controls are imperfect, but ultimately successful. Most importantly, you have a camcorder that is easy to use from interface to editing. The GZ-MG330 might just be the best standard definition camcorder we've seen this year.