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



Auto Mode
The JVC camcorders that we've seen recently have all done a fine job with auto focus, exposure, and white balance, so there's no reason to fear when it comes to running it in full auto mode. Unfortunately, the auto mode is not as simple as we've seen on Canon and Sony models, which lock down more options to prevent accidental changes.

Scene Modes
Scene modes include Night, Twilight, Spotlight, Snow, Sports, and Portrait.

Zoom
The zoom toggle on the JVC GZ-HD320 is small, but well designed. It features a smooth, easy back and forth motion that allows fine control over the zoom. We had no problem achieving a smooth, slow gain.

Zoom Ratio
The JVC GZ-HD320 has a 20x optical zoom, much larger than the average HD camcorder, which will likely give it an edge once all the models are out on shelves. Shoppers respond to zoom specs, there's no question about that. Presumably, JVC was able to achieve this because the sensor is small, relative to top-end Canons and Sonys.

Focus
Manually focusing is the most awkward control to be done through the Laser Touch strip. It's find for menu scrolling, but it doesn't offer the fine control necessary to move focal length by a only a few degrees. In all honesty, it took us a while to come around on liking the Laser Touch system, but not when it comes to focus.

Exposure
The exposure control on the JVC GZ-HD320 is simple and straightforward. Called Brightness in the menu, you get a range of -6 to +6.

Aperture
The JVC GZ-HD320 does not offer manual aperture control, unlike the GZ-HD40.

Shutter Speed
The JVC GZ-HD320 has a Shutter Priority mode with a range of 1/2 to 1/4000.

White Balance
The white balance options include Auto, Manual, Fine, Cloud, and Halogen.

Gain
JVC does not offer direct control over the gain, per se, but it does have a means of cutting off the auto gain, which can help keep noise in check. There are three settings. The AGC setting allows the auto gain to roam unchecked. The Off setting shuts the auto gain off. The Auto setting seems to combine AGC and a slow shutter mode that allows the auto shutter to drop as low as 1/30th.

Color & Image Control
There is a limited selection of color and image controls.

Color/Image Control Description
x.v.Color The burgeoning color standard for HDTVs, with a color space wider than RGB. Only works with compatible TVs and HMDI 1.3 connection.
Sharpness Adjusts sharpness of picture from -5 to +5

Other Manual Controls
There is one other manual control.

Control Description
Zebra Zebra patterns can be set to appear at 70 IRE or 100 IRE.




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