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JVC GZ-HD300 $700.00
By Kaitlyn Chantry May 22, 2009
JVC GZ-HD300
Review Highlights

60GB hard drive

Excellent color accuracy

Terrible low light sensitivity

Subpar sharpness

Score Breakdown
7.3
3.8
3.9
4.2

Introduction

This year, JVC is focusing more on mid-range HD models than other manufacturers. While Sony, Panasonic, and Canon all introduced new top-of-the-line products, JVC spent most of its marketing attention on the Everio GZ-HD300 and GZ-HD320—two camcorders that both cost under $800. The demand for affordable high definition video is on the rise and the GZ-HD300 seems to be JVC’s answer. It’s incredibly compact and easy to use, but lacks all the bells and whistles of the $1000+ competition. In the testing labs, the HD300 outperformed the competition in some areas, but fell behind in others.

At a price of only $700, the JVC GZ-HD300 is a decent little high definition camcorder. It can’t come close to the performance offered by more expensive models from other manufacturers, but it’s a simple—and adequate—entry-level model. By forgoing the powerhouse performance, alternate frame rates, robust manual controls, and extra connectivity, you can save yourself some valuable money. The HD300 also has one thing that many other similarly priced camcorders lack: a 60GB internal hard drive. If you’re shopping for a camcorder in this price range, you’ll simply have to decide whether simplicity and affordability outweigh the few sacrifices you’ll need to make.

This review is organized into 13 pages
Page 1
Product Tour

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Page 2
Design Read More...
Page 3
Performance Read More...
Page 4
Usability Read More...
Page 5
Features Read More...
Page 6
Sample Videos

A gallery of photos taken with the JVC GZ-HD300

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Page 7
Panasonic HDC-HS20 Comparison
Panasonic HDC-HS20

We compare the GZ-HD300 to the HDC-HS20.

Read More...
Page 8
Canon HF20 Comparison
Canon  Vixia HF20

We compare the GZ-HD300 to the HF20.

Read More...
Page 9
Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
Sanyo VPC-HD2000

We compare the GZ-HD300 to the VPC-HD2000.

Read More...
Page 10
Conclusion

Read our final conclusion of the JVC GZ-HD300.

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Page 11
Photo Gallery

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Page 12
Specs & Ratings

See all the scores for the JVC GZ-HD300.

Read More...
Part 13
Comments

Read what people are saying about the JVC GZ-HD300.

Add your comments...

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JVC GZ-HD300
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