JVC Everio GZ-HM1 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Product Tour Summary
• Most of the physical features of the camcorder are the same as what was found on last year's GZ-HM400. • The highlights this year are a new sensor and a new lens • The sensor on the HM1 is 1/2.3 inches and features JVC's new back-illuminated technology
	Introduction	(Page 2 of 11)	Compression & Media

Lens & Imaging System

The Konica Minolta HD lens is one of the slimmest around.

One of the most significant upgrades in this year's Everio lineup is the 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor. As with Sony's 2009 camcorders and many other manufacturers this year, JVC has made the move to back-illuminated CMOS in order to improve low light sensitivity. We haven't gotten the HM1 into our labs yet, but we are interested to see how the new sensor technology fares.

Front

The front is dominated by the new Konica Minolta HD lens, but the control dial and flash are tucked away on the left side.

Right

The right side has the same uncomfortable contour that we disliked on the HM400.

Back

The back is mostly reserved for the battery, but it holds some hidden port compartments and a record start/stop button.

Left

There's a lot hiding inside the left side of the HM1: a 2.8-inch LCD with Laser Touch controls, a USB port, a photo mode button, a Play/Record button, and one-touch controls for uploading, display, export, and disc burning.

Top

The top is home to an excellent zoom rocker and three manual control buttons: Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and a custom User button.

Bottom

The bottom doesn't hold much except for a battery release switch and tripod mount.