all depends on application.
on the surface, the jvc looks like a better choice.
(apparent) advantages:
- apparently has better low light than the sony. (i say apparently because if it shows more in low light but is grainy, well, i wouldn't exactly say it's better)
- it has white balance
- smaller
disadvantages:
- only 10x zoom. if you're a video pimp like myself and try and film from as close as possible, 10x is more than enough.
- harder "on the fly" adjustments. setting manual adjustments can only be done via the lcd. it's way easier to change exposure settings on the sony.
notes: if i had to choose, on paper, i'd probably go w/ the jvc. this isn't a high recommendation however. i may be a little closed minded on the issue, but traditionally, in terms of low end cameras, the top 2 brands have always been sony and canon without question. i'd actually recommend you try and find an older mini-dv model sony. trv18 (like the one i'm using), trv22, trv25. or save up for a 3ccd cam
in general:
things to look out for in a camera:
zoom: optical zoom. most mini dv cams have 10-12x, digital8's up to 25x?
white balance: important in terms of picture. basically lets your camera know what "white looks like". otherwise the camera might think white is a little blueish or redish or whatever.
low light: how well it does in low light situations. not so much of a problem if you're in larger venues w/ good lighting. but still really important.
image stabilization: important if you're doing hand-held filming as opposed to tripod. helps dampen shakeness, when you're doing stuff like moving the cam from one hand to the other (you know when one hand gets tired :p).
LCD vs. manual controls: as aforementioned, manual controls via outside dials, are much easier when doing on the fly adjustments. e.g when the venue suddenly turns on their cool-ass lighting, lighting up the room and as a result overexposing your current settings, do you want press one button and use a jog dial to correct this or do you wanna go through a buncha menus on your touch screen lcd (try keeping it steady while doing lcd stuff :p).