JVC

JVC GC-S5 (1998)

The first thing to say about the appearance of this little camera is that it’s un-original but not un-exciting.

The design is un-original in that it’s almost identical to that of the Leica Digilux and Fujifilm MX-700 (and their many successors). All three cameras were released in 1998 and all three were made by Fujifilm.

Having got that out of the way, let’s agree that the camera is charming to behold and to use. There is a handsome collection of elegant controls and it feels nice in use. The circular mode dial/control button is very neat. The dimples on the camera back for better thumb grip are thoughtful. There are even some tiny LEDs that sparkle when the camera is contemplating what to do next.

Incidentally, I believe the JVC is prettier than its Leica and Fujifilm sisters because of its overall luminous silver sheen. Leica went for a less attractive bronze appearance and the MX-700 is a dull silver.

Technically speaking, the JVC is a 1.5 megapixel, f/3.2, 1/1,000 second, no-zoom camera with SmartMedia storage and a price on release of about US$800.

Subjectively speaking, it’s a joy.