A discussion of the design and features of the JVC Picsio GC-FM1.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
With its reflective facets and wavy chrome-colored accent stripe, JVC is clearly not targeting the stealth video crowd. The photo doesn't do the the shiny clear plastic overcoat justice.
Though the controls are straightforward to understand, they're flush with the surface, making them difficult to operate. There's no tactile feedback and the delayed responses induce lots of frustrated extra pressing. In addition, schmutz tends to accumulate in the cracks.
Unlike competitors, all the ports on the FM1 are exposed and only partly camouflaged by the wavy silver plastic. The FM1 lacks a built-in USB cable, but JVC includes one as well as a composite video cable.
