JVC Everio GZ-HD320 First Impressions Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jan 11, 2009 1:00 PM

 
Intro Audio
Compression & Media Manual Controls
Still Features
Handling & Use
Playback & Connectivity Other Features
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings



Ease of Use
The JVC camcorder are still not the simplest to operate. The look of the menus have improved, but it can still be difficult to remember where every feature is located. The menu is wide and contains a lot of options, so some time with the manual is recommended. If the GZ-HD320 performs along the lines of JVC models in the past, recording in auto mode won't be a problem if the menu becomes overwhelming.

Handling
The biggest change in JVC's new HD line-up is the switch to the Laser Touch operation, which debuted on last year's entry-level GZ-M100. Apparently, it was a success, because every JVC camcorder offers it this year. It works like this: there's a touch-sensitive strip that runs vertically along the left edge of the LCD screen. Think of a touch screen, but a tad less acute. The engineering still needs some fine-tuning. Because the menus are so long, it would have made sense to allow "flicking," like the iPhone (i.e., a strong finger swipe makes the menu options fly.)

The touch sensitive buttons along the bottom, however, are fine. The button on the left side is always used to confirm choices, but the three in the middle are context-sensitive.

In hand, the GZ-HD320 feels good. It's remarkably compact for an HD camcorder. The body feels solid, and it's not too heavy. Our only complaint here is the hand strap. We understand JVC's desire to have the convertible hand strap/wrist strap, but its thin and uncomfortable.

Portability
The JVC GZ-HD320 measures 53 x 68 x 113mm (2-1/8 x 2 11/16 x 4-1/2 inches) and weighs 370g (0.82 pounds). That's remarkably small for an HD camcorder. It's thirty percent smaller than the previous generation models. It's also laughably smaller than the 2006 top-of-the-line GZ-HD7, and its a treat to see how far the technology has come in a few years.

Battery
JVC does not state which battery ships with the GZ-HD320, though it looks similar in size to the batteries used on last year's standard definition GZ-MG330 and GZ-MG730. It loads at the back, with an open design that should allow for expanded-life battery packs.


The JVC GZ-HD320 battery has
and open cavity, allowing for
expanded battery packs.

LCD & Viewfinder
The JVC GZ-HD320 has not yet specified the LCD resolution, but it appears to be the same 2.8-inch screen with a 207,000-pixel resolution. This is on par with camcorders of its size, but it's hard to beat Sony's 3.2-inch, 921,000-pixel LCDs. There is no viewfinder, which can only be expected on a camcorder that's trying to compete on portability.

The LCD on the JVC GZ-HD320

Menus
The menu system on the JVC GZ-HD320 is wide and shallow. That makes it easy to know where in the menu you are, but takes a long time to get anywhere, especially if your desired menu item is mid-way through a lengthy list. Navigating through the menu with the Laser Touch is a little tedious, because the technology doesn't feel like it's quite there yet. It's adequate, but it's not great.

 



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