JVC Everio GZ-HD40 Camcorder Review

by David Kender
Published on Jul 10, 2008 1:00 PM

Intro Performance
Format Auto / Manual Controls
Still Features Handling and Use
Audio / Playback / Connectivity
 Other Features
Conclusion & Comparisons
  • Photo Gallery
    		•
    Specs and Ratings  


    Audio (8.5)
    JVC carried over the Mic and Headphone inputs from the GZ-HD6 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $679.95), which was a smart move. On-board audio on any consumer camcorder is a sad deal, and a Mic jack will offer the opportunity to add an external mic, which can be handheld or fitted into the GZ-HD40 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $679.95)'s cold accessory shoe. The ability to connect headphones will enable the shooter to monitor audio live to minimize mistakes. You can adjust the volume of the headphones from within the main menu using the Joystick.

    You can also monitor audio using Mic Level. Just like Canon, a dual channel (Left and Right) meter will appear on the bottom of the LCD screen. Up to 11 notches will fluctuate depending on the intensity of the sound levels, allowing you to adjust audio pickup accordingly to minimize clicks, pops, and hisses. You can also adjust the external mic sensitivity to -2, -1, 0, +1, or +2 decibels to accommodate a range of mics that have different native sensitivity levels. Of course a Wind Cut feature is available, but it seems like child's play after all of JVC's audio improvements over the GZ-HD6.

    Playback (3.75)
    Playing back video clips and stills on the GZ-HD40 is easy, yet playback controls are a bit of a gamble. In order to access Playback mode, press the Play/Rec button. A list of thumbnails will appear representing individual video clips or stills, depending on what mode you're in. The Joystick navigates through the thumbnails and pressing its center will select a clip of still so that it will play within the entirety of the LCD screen. You'll notice that there are no visible playback controls like on a Canon or Sony. Up on the Joystick selects the Next clip, down selects the Previous clip, right is Fast Froward, left is Rewind, and center is Pause. You'll have to memorize these actions, as JVC has made no effort to help you out with visual cues, and they should do something about that. There are three Rewind/Fast Forward speeds on the GZ-HD40: 5x, 15x, and 60x. Volume is controlled by the Zoom toggle, and the Index button brings you back to the thumbnail screen. The GZ-HD40 also includes a bevy of Fades and Wipes that can be applied to clips, much like in post production.

    The Playback menu can be accessed by pressing the Menu button either from the Index screen or While a clip is playing. The Playback menu contains the following options:

    Playback Menu
    Delete
    		 Current, File Select, Delete All
    Protect/Cancel
    		 Current, File Select, Protect All, Cancel All
    Effect
    		 Sepia, Monotone, Classic Film, Strobe
    Wipe/Fader
    		 Off, Fader-White, Fader-Black, Fader B.W, Wipe-Corner, Wipe-Window, Wipe-Slide, Wipe-Door, Wipe Scroll, Wipe-Shutter,
    Basic Settings
    		 Stream Format, Language, Clock Adjust, Date Display Style, Monitor Bright, Monitor Backlight, Drop Detection, Demo Mode, Display on TV, Video Output, Component Output, HDMI Output, Auto Finalize, Clean-Up HDD, Format HDD, Format SD Card, Delete Data On HDD, Video No. Reset, Image No. Reset, Remote, Operation Sound, Factory Preset, Quick Restart, Rec Media For Image
    Playback Other File
    Dubbing Playback
    Edit Playlist
    		 New List, Edit, Rename Playlist, Delete
    Playback Playlist
    Change Event Reg.
    		 Current, Set Range And Change
    Search Event
    Monitor Off
    		 Yes, No
    On-Screen Display
    		 Off, Display All, Display Date Only, Display Date 5 Sec

    Connectivity (10.0)
    The GZ-HD40 features a slew of ports, including a docking station. However, the port enclosure designs are frail and cheap. Just to warn you, the port covers are constructed of a flimsy plastic material and they are anchored to the body of the camcorder via two fragile plastic strips. These are easy to rip out and difficult to snap back into place. The Sony HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $833.33) is a model of how ports should be designed, and JVC needs to cheat over Sony's shoulder if they want a more competitive construction.

    The USB terminal is located in front, which is a satisfactory placement because you'll only be using this output to transfer video files after shooting. It will never get in the way of a shot, unless you plan to modify this into a webcam. On the right side of the GZ-HD40, toward the lens end, you'll find the Mic and Headphone jacks, which are very difficult to tell the difference between unless you look at the outside of the port cover. The right side of a camcorder is an optimal placement for ports because it frees up the LCD screen and doesn't lead to clutter in the back.

    AV, Component, HDMI, and DC
    are located on the back
    		 Headphone and Mic jacks
    are located on the right side
    The USB is located
    on the front under the lens
    		 The cold accessory is on top

    The back is where you'll find the rest of the ports. Starting from the top you've got your AV, Component, HDMI, and DC inputs. Since these are post-oriented ports, this location is fine. Plus, you can always use the included docking station which features the exact same ports in the back, but adds a 1394 IEEE (FireWire) port for a faster transfer of the MPEG-2 TS files.

    The cold accessory shoe on top is subject to an unfortunate design flaw--the unattached cover! This will be lost within the first week you own the GZ-HD40. Much rethinking needs to be done about the Everio ports, but this one should be fixed by the next camcorder--no excuses.

    The JVC GZ-HD40 in its docking station
    		 Ports on the docking station:
    USB, FireWire, Component, AV, and DC power

     

     



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