JVC JVC-GCWP10AUSx Black 5.13M 1/3.2" CMOS 3.0" 230K LCD 4x Digital Full HD Waterproof SDXC-compatible Pocket Camcorder

Pros: waterproof, low cost

Cons: grainy in lower light

Other Thoughts: Finally got a nice test of this unit underwater last week, performs pretty well. You get some bubbles in the microphones, but once they're out the sound is good quality. The video gets pretty grainy under low light, but it's better than I'd expect for the price.

Pros: This HD camcorder is very good within its limitations and I recommend it for its intuitive ease of use and good quality video. It also comes with AV editing software, which is very easy to use, edits audio and video separately (if you want), and can even let you write subtitles to your masterpiece. Capable of time-lapse photography at intervals of 0.5, 5, or 40 seconds. An alternate power source is required for time-lapse function. It is also waterproof to 10' for 30 minutes in salt or fresh water! I have not tested its waterproof capabilities. JVC recommends replacing the cover seal yearly (by a service rep) if it is to be used around water often.
When buying a $40 camcorder, you know that you are going to be making compromises and have limitations. I do not think of these limitations as cons, so I am listing them here in pros. The main limitation is recording time. With this camcorder, you are limited to 40 minutes and that was about what I got when testing it. Since the battery is built-in and can't be replaced except thru a service rep, you will have to wait 3 hours to recharge before you can shoot again unless you use an alternate source of power. Since this is a refurbished item, I was concerned about condition of the battery. The one I got was good. The first charge took longer than expected, but after a full discharge, the battery did charge in the specified 3 hours from my laptop computer.
As for SDHC memory, do not waste your money on a 64GB card. A cheap 4GB card will give you 40 minutes of video recording time and that is all you really need. I would buy at least 2 of them, but if your computer is nearby, just unload the card and reuse the same one. I use an 8GB card. JVC requires a class 4 or higher card made by SanDisk, Toshiba, Panasonic or ATP.
Another important limitation is the lack of an optical telephoto lens. This camera does have digital zoom of 4X, but I do not recommend using it. As you know, picture quality degrades rapidly whenever digital zoom is used.
Although this camera offers the ability to take still photos or use audio recording separately, the quality is poor for those functions. But you didn't buy this camcorder for those functions anyway, so don't sweat it.
Another limitation is the amount of ambient light required. Video is not very good in low light conditions. But, if you have a well-lit room at night, it takes great video. Outside at night, you better bring a light source.

Cons: The audio is fairly low even when volume is set to max. With headphones on you can make out what is being said. But contact noise made when touching the camera or moving your fingers on it is amplified so much that you can't here anything else. This is a major problem and not a limitation, so I took off a star for audio. After all, it's an AV recorder.

Other Thoughts: To compensate for contact noise, the camera should be used with a sleeve or cover. Have looked for something to fit this camera, but can't find anything. One solution is to use a cigarette case and cut out the areas for the lens, LCD, controls, and microphone. This camera is almost the same size as a pack of 100's! The other solution is to always use a tripod when audio is important.
A solution to the limited recording time is to use an external battery pack plugged into the USB port, or find a wall charger with 5.2 VDC and 1A output. Difficult to find the charger, since they are no longer made by JVC and no one makes a similar replacement. The battery will never fully charge using the typical 5.0 VDC USB charger and it will take much longer to even get a partial charge. I would recommend buying a battery pack that would fit in your back pocket for extended use (eg, YB642 Power Bank). That way you don't have to be near a wall outlet to shoot more than 40 min.
If anyone finds a sleeve to fit this camcorder, please let us know with your own review. Thanks!

Pros: This is the first video camera I have ever bought. I have wanted one but not bad enough to pay a high price. I also need waterproof because it rains so much and I am on the ocean, salt water and sand ruin a camera that can't be washed off. The picture quality is better than I thought. In bright daylight is does well. In low light not so good. For the money I am happy with it.
The overall feel and quality is ok, make sure and use the wrist strap, I have a friend who keeps dropping and buying new cameras because she drops them.
I use a 16gb wintec sd card which I also bought from Newegg for a good price.

Cons: Sound quality is poor, not an issue for me. Battery takes 3 hours to charge with a wall charger which is NOT included.