JVC Everio GZ-HD320 First Impressions Camcorder Review

JVC has taken a different tactic for its HD line compared to its competitors. While Canon and Sony have released some real barnstormers in terms of features and technology, JVC appears to have taken a step back and chosen to focus on the camcorder as part of a content ecosystem. First, they shrunk it by 30% over last year's HD model, which should make it more likely to tag along on family trips. On the post-production side, JVC unveiled one-touch iTunes compatibility, making personal distribution much easier than in the past.

Lens & Sensor
The GZ-HD320 is only JVC's second generation model to use a CMOS sensor. It's smaller than the sensor in the GZ-HD40, which had a 1/3-inch CMOS. However, it seems likely that this is not the replacement for the HD40, merely an expansion of the HD line. We know that JVC is working on something big right now, a 9-megapixel camcorder, though any more details are scarce.

The GZ-HD320 also has a new processor, called the HD Gigabrid Premium Engine. JVC promises a 30% reduction in power consumption and a 2.5x faster DVD burning time.

Front
The front of the JVC GZ-MD320 has the Konica Minolta lens at the top. Below the lens is a small video light. Towards the bottom is the built-in stereo microphone.

The front of the JVC GZ-HD320

Right
The right side of the JVC GZ-HD320 is simple and clean. Towards the front is the USB port. On the top edge near the rear is the AV-out. This side also has the newly redesigned hand strap. It converts from a traditional hand strap to a wrist strap by sliding the nylon strap towards the rear end. Because the strap has to pass through the plastic locking mechanism that keeps it in place, it's very thin. Thin straps do not typically make for a comfortable shooting experience. On the other hand, it's easy to see why JVC figured there would be appeal for a wrist strap option on such a small camcorder.

The right side shows off the thin but
versatile hand strap/wrist strap

Back
The back of the JVC GZ-HD320 is almost all battery. On top is the DC power port, and on the right side is a tall, thin record button.

The back of the GZ-HD320 is mostly battery

Left
The left side of the JVC GZ-HD320 is home to most of the interface. On the outside of the body is all text and a shiny back surface. Flip open the LCD panel to find a series of controls and buttons. On the panel itself are several touch sensitive areas that you use to control the menu. They are just areas – there is no haptic response, which can be a little frustrating at times. The "Laser Touch" strip runs along the side, and a series of context-sensitive buttons run along the bottom.

In the LCD cavity, you'll find: HDMI port, component-out, the display on/off button, the playback mode/record mode button, the power button, the still mode/video mode switch, the one-touch Upload button (for YouTube), the one-touch Export button, and the one-touch DVD back-up button. That's a lot of buttons.

The left side of the JVC GZ-HD320 (above), and a look inside the LCD cavity (below)

Top
The top of the JVC GZ-HD320 is smooth and clean. There's nothing to mar the lens barrel until you reach the rear, where you'll find a small but serviceable zoom toggle and the still shutter button.

The top of the JVC GZ-HD320 is smooth and simple.

Bottom
The bottom of the JVC GZ-HD320 houses the microSD card slot for expanding the memory, as well as the tripod mount.

The bottom of the JVC GZ-HD320
has the microSD card slot