Two years ago HDD and SD technologies were just emerging on the scene, with many companies still unsure as to how marketable the formats would be. Now, a quick glance across the ranges of the major players in the camcorder world reveals that the new storage formats are most prevalent to the detriment of the format that some consider heading for its pension able years: mini DV.

Sony boasts a fully comprehensive HDD range, Panasonic is backing SDHC as its revolutionary format and even Hitachi, for so long committed to a disc-based format, has introduced models that combine a 30GB HDD with a disc transport - a real turn up.

It is with interest then, that we take a look at the first HDD model of 2007 to arrive at the test centre, JVC's GZ-MG 30. The reason why this is a product that piques our interest is because it's from the pioneers of the hard-disk drive camcorder setup, and is the entry level model of the 3rd generation of Everio camcorders; most leading rivals are somewhat behind the curve.

The Everio range has always boasted comfortable and effective design, and the new MG 30 does not break with tradition; JVC has done enough to make improvements on what was a very user-friendly layout. The compact size of the 30 is a real boon, and it is its diminutive nature that will appeal most to the user-group that this camcorder is aimed at, the point-and-shooters.

It's not without an impressive hint of style. The silver and black finish combined with the cam's compact stature gives it a slick look. Your thumb and fingers fall naturally to the main controls at the rear of the cam, however, most of the action takes place underneath the LCD panel or the left-hand side of the frame, leaving the chassis clear of clutter.

Lift the panel and it reveals the playback/record button, menu access, the Direct DVD function - which offers the possibility of archiving directly to disc - and the Direct Back Up Event button. This is a new mode that essentially allows you to label clips and group them to a particular event, be it a birthday or a wedding.