JVC Everio GZ-HD300 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on May 22, 2009 12:54 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Panasonic HDC-HS20 Comparison
Canon HF20 Comparison Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


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.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Compact, simple design Hand strap is poorly designed and doesn't provide much support
Color & Noise Performance Excellent color accuracy, one of the best scores we've ever seen No color modes or picture adjustment settings
Motion & Sharpness Performance Motion is smooth and trailing is kept to a minimum Sharpness is worse than average, no alternate frame rates
Low Light Performance Noise levels are low, colors aren't bad  Low light sensitivity is lousy
Compression & Media 60GB hard drive offers lots of record time One-touch features are more difficult than they need to be
Manual Controls Each option can be individually set to auto or manual control Awkward manual white balance, no direct aperture control
Still Features Colors are accurate Not many size options, still sharpness is poor
Handling & Use Simple menu structure and button layout Thin, flimsy hand strap; Laser Touch can be difficult to use
Playback & Connectivity Playback is simple and easy, ports are located well HDMI and Component-output are unprotected inside LCD cavity
Audio & Other Features Video light, drop detection, and digital effects can be useful No headphone or mic jack



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