The Macro mode on the JVC GC-QX5HD was extremely close (2-50cm): close enough to capture and clearly identify particles in this pile of dime-store glitter.

Among the professional options, Pixel Shift mode allows you to double the resolution with two exposures. Available only for still photography, the camera shifts the CCD by one pixel for the second exposure, providing the photographer a whopping 6-plus megapixel file.

Wide Range mode also uses two exposures, but this time the emphasis is on expanding the dynamic range. One exposure is adjusted for the bright portions of a scene, the second is adjusted to capture detail in the dark or shadow areas of a scene. The camera then combines the two exposures to create a file that has detail in both the highlight and shadow areas.

To check out the dynamic range, I went to the local farmer's market in search of my favorite subject (food). To check out the highlight area a pile of tapioca pearls seemed like a good subject--but the dark shadow area end seemed a bit more of a challenge. While chocolate came to mind it was quickly nixed for fear that I would eventually be tempted to eat the props. I finally saw a bag of shredded wakame (seaweed), and knew I had found what I needed. No chance of temptation there at all. The dynamic range improved dramatically by taking two exposures--one for the highlights and one for the shadows, but we had to try it several times to make it work for us.

This fruit was captured using the QX5's Noise Reduction mode. This option captures several exposures and then extracts signal components and eliminates noise components from the large amount of data. This can prove to be a good option when shooting still life scenarios where noise may prove to be a problem.

A third professional mode that improves quality beyond the normal range of a prosumer digital camera is the Noise Reduction mode. Again, like Wide Range and Pixel Shift for still photography, it requires more than one (several in this case) exposures. Addressing an important concern in the digital photography environment, this option is designed to lessen noise problems by capturing a large amount of information from which it extracts signal components and eliminates the noise that plagues some digital cameras in this price range. We used this option to capture several pieces of fruit and found that improvement was minimal until we enlarged it--then the improvements became apparent, specifically in the shadow areas. This can prove to be a good option when shooting still life scenarios where noise may prove to be a problem.

For anyone needing to scan film, the QX5 comes with a film-copying adapter that allows you to "scan" 35mm processed negatives and unmounted positives. We didn't have any unmounted transparency film so we opted to check it out using negative film. With the camera set on Manual, we selected the Film mode and then selected the appropriate film copy settings. We used a light table for backlighting and the results were interesting albeit not accurate. Carla anxiously waiting for the bar to open with the curlers still in her hair turned a little off-color, although the red neon sign stayed true amidst the blue-hued scene. Funny thing is, I liked this rendition better than the original, but we do not recommend you use the QX5 as a scanner.

We did not have the opportunity to check out the Collage option, which according to JVC allows the user to place a subject in prerecorded background (both images must be taken with the QX5). It's simply a matter of selecting the Collage mode, then photographing the background, and then photographing the subject in front of a white background. The camera does the rest, however, the subject cannot wear white clothing and flash is not available for this option.

For anyone needing to scan film, the QX5 comes with a film-copying adapter that allows you to "scan" 35mm processed negatives and unmounted transparencies. The greens in the shot of Carla anxiously waiting for the bar to open with the curlers still in her hair turned blue as did her skin tone. Interestingly the red neon sign stayed true amidst the blue-hued scene. Funny thing is, I liked this rendition better than the original, but we do not recommend you use the QX5 as a scanner.

A Versatile And Responsive Point-And-Shoot
If you need to travel light, a little digital camera like the JVC GC-QX5HD may be your perfect companion. This little unit carries a 3.34 megapixel CCD in a body that weighs just a bit more than half a pound and measures approximately 4.5x3x3". The camera was easy to use, light, and relatively quick compared to many of the digital cameras we have handled, and the automatic shutoff, adjustable from 1-3 minutes, was very convenient. However, the battery died in less than an hour during heavy use, and the LCD screen was difficult to see in most outdoor lighting situations, although both of these problems are inherent problems to most digital point-and-shoots.

The QX5 offers excellent macro shooting capabilities, with close focus from just 2-50cm. The 2.3x optical zoom (37-86mm equivalent) is a good range for many applications. And we'd like to note that the 2.3x zoom is optical (not digital) providing full resolution along the zoom range--unlike digital zooms that merely enlarge and crop the center of the frame, diminishing image quality in the transition. On single shot the QX5 offers three compression options (standard, fine, no compression), and three resolution options (2032x1536, 1024x768, and 640x480) that can be easily adjusted by pressing the Display button on the back of the camera while it is set on A (Automatic). JVC refers to these settings as frame size rather than resolution, which may be a bit confusing if you are used to other digital point-and-shoots.

Playback is simple and immediate on the 2" polysilicon TFT 200,000 pixel LCD screen on the back of the camera. There are several Display modes available, including full screen and a six-indexed picture screen. Brightness of the LCD screen is adjustable and images can be protected from accidental erasure. JVC also provides the GV-SP2, an optional printer that allows the user to print directly from the QX5 via an optional printer cable. Via the camera's menu you can print both bordered and borderless prints, multiple copies, as well as thumbnail prints and your own photo stickers.

We found the JVC GC-QX5HD to be a versatile point-and-shoot with some very impressive professional options. For anyone needing a responsive little digital camera with high-resolution capabilities the QX5 is worth looking into, but make sure you get an extra battery if you are planning on using it on location. The MSRP is $1299.95, and you can check it out at: www.jvc.com

Technical Specifications
CCD Resolution: 3.34 megapixel CCD
Storage: SmartMedia (up to 64MB)
Lens: 2.3x optical zoom (37-86mm equivalent)
ISO: 80/160/320
Metering: Multi and Spot
Flash: Built-In, auto/redeye prevention/forced/disabled
Shutter: 2 sec to 1/450 sec
F/Value: f/2.8-3.8 to f/11
Weight/Size: .64 lbs and 43/8x211/10x23/8"
Print Format: DPOF compatible
Monitor: 2", polysilicon TFT (200,000 pixel)
White Balance: Auto/Manual
Operating Modes: Still picture, video
Resolution: still--(2032x1536, 1024x768, 640x480)
Compression Modes: standard, fine, and no compression
Moving Pictures: 160x120 pixels, 20 sec, original JVC format
Macro Feature: 2-50cm
Focus: Auto/Manual
Manual Exposure Compensation: +/-2.0 EV (in 0.5 EV increments)
Self-Timer: 1-8 sec
Power: Rechargeable lithium battery