JVC Everio GZ-HD40 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The JVC GZ-HD40 ($1299 MSRP) is a big step forward for the high definition Everio series of camcorders. JVC has finally joined the kids at the popular table by allowing the camcorder to record in AVCHD, while maintaining the ability to record in MPEG-2 TS. The qualitative difference is interesting. MPEG-2 video is clearly of a higher quality, which should satisfy the enthusiast set. But AVCHD fits more video on the hard drive, and may work better with a consumer's typical editing workflow.

Is this a good fit for pros and enthusiasts? The switch to a large CMOS chip was JVC's smartest move. The low light performance improved dramatically over the previous generation. The manual control set remains solid: exposure, aperture, shutter speed, an excellent manual focus, sharpness, some control over gain, and a bunch of other little controls. However, this is a far cry from the pro-feel of the enormous GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, ) (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529). Gone are the HD7's focus ring and external buttons. Nearly all of the GZ-HD40's interface takes place on the joystick, which is often a bane for pro shooters. Compounding that problem is the menu layout, which... in a word... sucks. It's sluggish and poorly laid out. Options are never where you want them, and it's hard to remember where things are. 

It's not a perfect camcorder, but it's a damn fine one if you ask us. There's no doubt that it produces the best looking video we've seen from an Everio so far. The low light performance, multiple compression options, manual controls, and massive capacity make the GZ-HD40 a strong contender against the Canon HF10 and Sony HDR-SR11 (Specs, $729.00)/HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $833.33). For all the same benefits with a little less hard drive, consider the JVC GZ-HD30.

Comparisons
	JVC GZ-HD6 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $679.95) The JVC GZ-HD6 ($1,399 MSRP) is JVC's third generation HD Everio camcorder, but we were left wanting more. The GZ-HD6 features three 1/5-inch CCDs, each with a 570,000 pixel count and killer optical image stabilization--the best this year. The GZ-HD40 drops the optical image stabilization in favor of an inferior digital stabilization. However, the new 1/3-inch CMOS chip gives it a huge boost in low light shooting. The GZ-HD40 also steps up the recording options with the addition of AVCHD compression. The GZ-HD6 only records in MPEG-2 TS. The GZ-HD40's regression to digital stabilization lost it some crucial points, but the video quality alone is reason enough to make the switch. The GZ-HD40 is also smaller, lacks a lens hood, and is equipped with a new menu system that is not particularly intuitive. Despite its minor flaws, the GZ-HD40 is $100 cheaper than the GZ-HD6 and well worth it. JVC is finally on the right track with video quality.
	JVC GZ-HD30 This comparison is going to be short and sweet. The GZ-HD30 is the same camcorder as the GZ-HD40, but a little cheaper and with a smaller hard drive. The GZ-HD30 ($999 MSRP) has an 80GB HDD instead of the massive 120GB HDD on the HD40. We won't be surprised if this ends up being the more popular model.
	Canon HF10 (Specs, Recent News, $635.00) Canon HF100 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $547.99) The HF10 ($1,099 MSRP) is an example of the Canon fleet's finest. With a 3,030,000 pixel, 1/3.2-inch CMOS chip that cranks out fierce video quality, dual media recording (16GB internal flash, SD/SDHC card), and multiple frame rates, the HF10 is difficult to tango with. Canon's menu system is highly intuitive and Manual controls are fully stocked. The HF100 is just under $900 and offers no internal memory. Both Canons have optical image stabilization, Focus Assist, a slew of Image Effects, and better construction. They're also highly compact. JVC's new video performance is definitely a contender with Canon now, but the rest of the factors leans toward the HF10 and HF100. With Canon's multiple frame rates, shooters are able to attain better low light and change up the aesthetic to their video. We'd stick with Canon on this one, unless you absolutely need an HDD cam.
	Sony HDR-SR11 (Specs, $729.00) Sony HDR-SR12 (Review, Specs, $833.33) There are two main warriors when it comes to high definition HDD camcorders - JVC and Sony. The Sony HDR-SR11 ($1,199 MSRP) is nearly untouchable with a 5,660,000 pixel 1/3.15-inch CMOS chip that spanks the competition with beautiful video. The HDR-SR11 also has the best handling in its class, breathtaking port design and placement, a Cam Control dial, and a 60GB HDD. Yes, it's half the capacity of the GZ-HD40, but if you really need all that space you can upgrade to the HDR-SR12, which is an HDR-SR11 with a 120GB HDD for $200 more. Sony just excels in quality here, and the HDR-SR11 is the winner by a long shot. Of course the GZ-HD40 offers MPEG-2 and AVCHD recording, but it doesn't really matter when the HDR-SR11 has a plethora of goodies.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The beginner circuit will find it difficult to navigate through JVC's convoluted new menu system. There is an Auto mode, but you'll also have to choose what format you want to record in. The GZ-HD40 is not particularly grandma-friendly.

Budget Consumers
$1300 is not really within the budget range. Panasonic will give you the cheapest HD camcorders, so look into the HDC-SD9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $494.95) and HDC-HS9 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $599.95).

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The GZ-HD40's still features aren't the best on the block--Canon and Sony have you covered in this department.

Gadget Freaks
The GZ-HD40 looks cool, but there's nothing intergalactic about it. The ability to record in two compressions is pretty cool, though.

Manual Control Freaks
JVC's Focus Assist is a stellar feature, but we could have used some more White Balance settings. The exposure control is average and Shutter Speed can dip fairly low. Canon and Panasonic are better bets.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
The video quality has improved a great deal, particularly in low light, and the manual controls are good. The GZ-HD40 falls short in handling, though, as you have to rely entirely on the joystick.