Recently read a short review on the JVC Everio GZ-MC500, an ex$pen$ive little palm-sized 3-CCD camcorder that is also marketed as a 5MP still camera. The device is really quite interesting, offers quite a few features, and is the sort of camera that I personally would use on a day-to-day basis. I’ve handled the GZ-200 model recently, and I like the feel of it.

The device stores stills and video on a 4GB microdrive or standard CF cards.
It features a 10X optical zoom, digital image stabilization (ewww), (3) 1/4.5″ CCD’s (1.23MP effective), pop-up flash, and can record 60+ minutes of standard 720×480/60i NTSC MPEG-2 video on the included 4GB microdrive. You can transfer stills and video via USB-2 to your PC (not sure of Mac compatibility), and can also connect directly to a TV using the included AV/S-video cable.

Reviewers have noted that the still image quality is not up to par with “true” 5MP cameras (as you may have noted from the “1.23MP effective” stat, the Everio uses a pixel-shift technology to achieve that number).
As to the video, the camera offers 4 video quality modes: the “Ultra” quality mode records at a fixed data rate of 8.88 Mbps. That rate includes Dolby Digital audio (8.5 Mbps video plus 384kbps Dolby). At Ultra, you can record 60min on the 4GB card.
With lower quality settings, you can extend the recording time up to 90 and 120min, and at a reduced resolution setting you can get up to 300min of footage.

The device offers quite a few options actually, and while the Everio’s MPEG-2 format is not the best for editing, I think it would do well for home movies and general “life” use. It’s hard to justify lugging a 3-chip Sony VX or PD to a birthday party for Aunt Mildred…

The camera retails for around $1,800, but with a little shopping can be had in the $1500-range.

[JVC Everio GZ-MC500 press release]
[Ron Harris Everio GZ-MC500 review]
[camcorderinfo pictures and comments]