How Super is the JVC Super VHS-C Camcorder?

Corrections and addendum: At 0:31 and again at 1:10 I say that Super VHS was introduced in 1985. It was actually introduced in 1987. At 6:42 I mention that you will need JVC equipment to play back SVHS-ET. This is not true, as JVC licensed out SVHS-ET technology to other brands, including Panasonic, Philips, and Sharp. Please note that at 5:36, I was using an SVHS adapter. An SVHS adapter will work with VHS tapes, but a regular VHS adapter lacks the "hole" that physically indicates that a tape is SVHS.

Super VHS was a considerable upgrade from standard VHS, as it offers about 420 lines of resolution compared the VHS at 240. Another innovation by JVC, Super VHS ET, allows recording SVHS quality on lower cost VHS tapes! This camcorder offers SVHS ET in a the compact form factor, SVHS-C. In this video I check out the features and footage of the JVC Compact VHS Camcorder Model No. GR-XSM320U with SVHS-ET capability.

From the product literature:
The JVC GR-SXM320U has three recording modes: It uses Super VHS recording to deliver up to 60% better resolution than standard VHS models for better quality home movies. For quality and economy, the Super VHS ET mode lets you take those high resolution videos using any VHS-C tape. For compatibility with any VHS video recorder, standard VHS is also available. A 2.5" LCD view screen allows the camera to be operated from any angle, for maximum comfort. The picture stabilizer gets rid of annoying picture shake. The 400X zoom makes sure you don't miss any of the action. A built-in light improves the picture in night time situations. Endurance Shooting allows up to two hours recording time with the provided battery pack. When you are done recording, the tapes play back & and can be shared in any VHS video recorder using the provided VHS-C Playback.

00:00 Intro/Open
00:31 SVHS History
00:55 JVC Controls
05:30 VHS Adapter
06:51 Video Transfer
07:39 Outdoor HD Baseline
08:13 SVHS-C Footage
11:32 Split Screen, notes
11:55 Conclusion/close

Features:
400X Variable Speed Digital Hyper Zoom
112,000 pixel 2.5" high resolution 270 degree rotating LCD Color monitor
Electronic viewfinder with black/white 0.5" CRT
5 Video Head VHS-C and Super VHS ET recording system
Digital Image Stabilizer
16X Optical Hyper Zoom with numeric readout in viewfinder
Super LoLux boosts low light sensitivity to less than 1 lux
6 Component Digital Signal Processing
Program AE with 7 Special effects and Digital Special Effects
Title Generator features 8 preset messages in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese
Auto and Pro-Style recording modes
Wide Mode
Tele-Macro
Manual focus, Exposure, and White Balance modes
Animation and Time Lapse
Quick review and retake function
Black fader
Digital Wipes and Fades
Maximum shutter speed - 1/2000
5-Sec Record mode
Digital Auto Tracking
Endurance Shooting - lower power consumption for longer battery life. Compact Battery Pack - BN-V11U
Multi-voltage AC Power Adapter/battery charger with built-in battery refresher
J-Terminal
Shoulder Strap, Compact VHS cassette playpak
F1.6 Wide-Angle lens
Integrated Auto Video Light
AV output (monoral audio)

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