JVC Everio GZ-HD6 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Mar 20, 2008 9:28 PM
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Audio (7.0)
In this class, the Panasonic HDC-SD9 offers level control and Zoom mic capability, but only for the built-in mic. The Canon HF10 has an adjustable dB level monitor and hot shoe for proprietary external microphones. What does the expensive JVC GZ-HD6 have? For the extra money, you almost get what you should demand of a $1000+ camcorder: a Mic jack, Headphone jack, and accessory shoe. Unfortunately, the shoe is cold, but you can still use it to attack mics. This is the first HD Everio to include three essential audio components. Unfortunately, there is no level control unless you attach an external microphone. Advanced shooters will want to attach an external microphone based on the poor sound quality of any built-in mic. A Wind Cut function rounds out the entirety of the GZ-HD6’s audio options.
Playback (3.75)
Playing back video clips and reviewing still images on the GZ-HD6 is just like any other Everio. There is no designated Playback mode available from the Mode dial. Instead, JVC places a Play/Record button in the LCD cavity. When pressed, the GZ-HD6 shifts to Playback mode and a screen containing up to 9 icons appears. You can access each video clip or still image by pressing the center of the Joystick or sliding the Zoom toggle to the right. Unfortunately, JVC had not amended a critical flaw in the GZ-HD6’s Playback control. The Joystick—which governs Rewind, Fast Forward, Play/Pause, Stop/Index, Next and Previous Clip—does not have any control indicators or labels on the LCD screen or the LCD panel. This is a major hassle that must be maddeningly frustrating for beginners. Canon implements a horizontal strip of Playback controls on most of their LCD panels and Sony has a comprehensive LCD screen Playback setup.
Video playback in action
While in Video Playback mode, the Administrative menu remains entirely the same, but the Function menu contains a slew of new options: Delete, Protect, Effect, Wipe/Fader, Playback Playlist, Edit Playlist, Playback TPD File, Dubbing Playback.
In Photo mode, the Administrative menu is also identical, but the Function menu consists of the following options: Delete, Protect, Copy, Move, Effect, DPOF.
Connectivity (10.0)
The GZ-HD6 is swimming in connectivity, mostly located in the back end. Above and to the right of the battery pack are two rubberized strips housing various ports. The strips are thin and anchored to the body of the camcorder by flimsy plastic tethers. If you yank too hard the port covers will pop out and you’ll have to finagle them back in.
Above the battery you’ll find the DC in, Mic, and Headphone jacks. JVC finally stepped up and gave the GZ-HD6 proper audio connectivity, just like the Canon HF10. The DC input is L-shaped to prevent it from being inadvertently tugged out.
To the right of the battery are the USB, HDMI, Component, and A/V ports. JVC succeeded in allocating almost every port within the back—it is an organized, efficient system. On the right side of the camcorder, toward the lens end is the FireWire terminal, which is conspicuously guarded by a thick, chunky plastic block.
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Most of the ports are in the rear: |
The cold accessory shoe |
The FireWire on the right side. |
A cold accessory shoe is located on top behind the built-in stereo microphone. A hot shoe would have been nice, and the Canon HF10 has one. On the bottom of the GZ-HD6 is a MicroSD card slot. This may seem like a tired reiteration at this point in the review, but, well, here we go again.
There is absolutely no point in placing a MicroSD card slot on the gargantuan 120GB HDD GZ-HD6. A MicroSD card is the size of half a postage stamp, far too easy to get lost in a camera bag. Furthermore, the card slot is located on the bottom of the camcorder, the most inopportune place for any access point.
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