JVC Everio GZ-HM400

Review: JVC Everio GZ-HM400 (AVCHD)

In keeping with its premium brand competitors, JVC has now introduced a full-HD camcorder that offers a choice of recording and playback using either internal flash memory or high-capacity SD memory cards. We take a closer look at the GZ-HM400.

JVC Everio GZ-HM400 AVCHD Camcorder

This impressive camera is the latest addition to the well-established Everio range of camcorders that has done JVC proud over the last few years and provides us with the clearest indication yet of the company’s move away from the use of hard disc drives (HDD) to solid-state memory recording.

In addition to the choice of  built-in flash memory or high-capacity SD memory card recording and playback, the HM400 also boasts a relatively large 1/2.33″ progressive CMOS image sensor that produces impressive images at up to 10.3 megapixels (movies and JPG stills) whilst writing MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format video sequences to flash memory at a choice of four recording modes.

When recording and playing back at the highest UXP quality setting, the HM400 makes use of the maximum 24Mbps data rate possible under the current AVCHD specification and provides almost 3 hours’ recording and playback on the camcorder’s 32Gb internal memory, meaning that a total of 64Gb is available when a 32Gb SDHC memory card is also inserted.

JVC Everio GZ-HM400 AVCHD Camcorder

Recording and playback quality at UXP and XP settings is very good. In full Auto mode the HM400 copes with exposure, contrast ratio and x.v.colour processing well – although (like many other equivalent models) there’s a tendency to overcook peak white parts of the image. This can be overcome by controlling exposure manually, however.

In such instances, the pictures looked superb when played back on a 42″ LCD HDTV via HDMI. When recording at the UXP (24Mbps) setting there’s little evidence of rolling shutter (a horizontal drag effect when panning and tilting) that is much in evidence on CMOS-based camcorders. Even at the secondary XP (17 Mbps) quality setting the movie images are very good.

Navigation and control

In common with its JVC Everio siblings, the GZ-HM400’s Laser Touch navigation system facilitates menu navigation and function selection using a touch sensitive light-bar on the outer edge of the LCD monitor panel. With this, it’s possible for users to scroll through menus and make selections with the left thumb. In practice, however, it responds too quickly and leads to errors – especially when used to change such values as focus, exposure and so on. A touch-screen LCD panel (such as that employed by all mainstream Panasonic HD models) might be better. However, the manual focus/exposure knob to the left of the lens barrel is a welcome option.

We’re also of the view that the HM400 would benefit from a zoom lens whose ratio was higher than 10x optical zoom provided, too. It’s not uncommon for comparable models to be given 12x or even 14x zooms and in general usage we found the HM400’s lens to be a bit restrictive.

Picture quality of clips recorded in good light were excellent, although those shot in lower light did display evidence of very fine picture noise – especially during movement. However, its built-in stereo microphone responded much better than expected, with minimal wind noise being present during scenes shot with moderate wind. This is an improvement over comparable models.

The product has bundled software designed to assist in the import, editing and export of HD and standard definition movie clips, it’s for PC users only. However, Intel Mac users will have no problems importing the HM400’s full-HD clips using the latest iMovie or Final Cut Pro, as our tests proved. It’s also possible to copy direct to disc via USB using JVC’s optional DVD burner.

Conclusion

Whilst the Everio GZ-HM400 lacks some of the features and functionality of its immediate competitors, it’s important to consider that it’s a lot cheaper. Picture and sound quality is on a par with equivalent competitors’ models, and our main criticism is the Laser Touch panel which isn’t quite as effective as we’d expect.

Although it’s a camcorder that will be found to be too big and bulky (it weighs 485 grammes fully-loaded) for the casual user, the quality-conscious enthusiast seeking good manual control, excellent connectivity and comprehensive functionality might just find it hard to beat.

Reviewed by: Colin Barrett. Images supplied by JVC UK. Used by permission.