At first glance the JVC GR-D230 looks very much like one of the DVD-R/RW cameras. But it's the stylish design and disc like LCD screen that leads you astray and it is in fact another of the Mini DV tape cameras with the cassette cleverly concealed.
However, it does have some similarities to the DVD cams, such as being genuinely able to transfer video to PC over USB. Like its cousin, the GR-DX77, it comes equipped with USB streaming drivers that actually work (many don't) and allow real time video streaming and capture from the camera to your PC.

As well as USB it also has DV (IEEE 1394), S-Video and AV outputs allowing you to not just copy your footage to PC for burning to DVD, but to video and DVD recorders through your television. While compact the GR-D230 at 550 grams was equal heaviest (with the Panasonic GS120) of the cameras in the Labs, however, anyone used to lugging around one of the old VHS cameras would consider it luxuriously light.
Using the camera isn't quite as easy as using the GR-DX77, but it's by no means a difficult task. All the buttons are laid out intuitively and most users will be able to pick up the camera and start using it without too much hassle.

Once you've hit the record button, the 3D noise reduction, internal image stabiliser and auto focus generally takes care of the rest.
For the more enthusiastic user, there is a manual filming mode which gives you far more control over your footage allowing you to adjust lighting and exposure as well as add in a number of different segment changing effects.

The camera also has a night mode included, but it uses a light enhancement tool instead of infrared filming like some of the other cameras. This means that the camera slows down its frame exposure and thus the frame rate drops significantly.

The LCD screen on the GR-D230 compares with the quality of the Sony DVD cam and the GR-DX77 and even under extreme light conditions it holds up well.
It is also backlit which gives it a little bit extra when needed.

The GR-D230 comes equipped with SD card capability, primarily for storing digital still images, but it can (if you have a large enough card) store video as well.