JVC Everio GZ-HM200 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Oct 21, 2009 4:01 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Panasonic HDC-SD20 Comparison
Canon HF20 Comparison JVC GZ-HM400 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
The JVC GZ-HM200As far as mid-range HD camcorders go, the JVC GZ-HM200 ($579 MSRP) is a solid product. The sister-model to the GZ-HD300, the HM200 includes dual SD/SDHC memory card slots and offers a fairly straightforward shooting experience. The camcorder has some handling issues—marred by cheap construction and a flimsy hand strap—but, overall, it's a good mid-range model from JVC.

The GZ-HM200 is available in blue, black, or red.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour next

 

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Comes in blue, black, or red models Some of the construction feels cheap
Color & Noise Performance Excellent color accuracy; low noise levels No manual color controls
Motion & Sharpness Performance Decent motion and sharpness for a camcorder of its class No 24p or 30p frame rate options
Low Light Performance Good color accuracy and low noise levels in low light Poor low light sensitivity was a disappointment.
Compression & Media Dual SD/SDHC card slots; provided software is easy to use The "one-touch" buttons aren't very useful.
Manual Controls Decent auto controls; peaking option makes manual focus easier to adjust No manual aperture control; Laser Touch isn't great for making adjustments.
Still Features Photos can be captured during video recording and during playback Photo resolution tops out at a meager 1920 x 1080; no built-in flash
Handling & Use Digital image stabilization works well; compact design is very portable Hand strap is flimsy, cheap, and doesn't offer good support.
Playback & Connectivity Simple playback; 1080/60p up-conversion with HDMI output Port covers are cheap and break easily; no headphone or external mic jack
Audio & Other Features Built-in mic is well-placed Camcorder lacks manual audio controls; video light has a terrible illumination range

 

JVC GZ-HM200 Comparisons
the Pansonic HDC-SD20 the Canon HF20 the JVC GZ-HM400
Panasonic HDC-SD20 Canon HF20 JVC GZ-HM400



Product Tour >>