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Introduction
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01.Design
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02.Product Tour
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03.Performance
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04.Color Performance
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05.Low Light Performance
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06.Motion Performance
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07.Sharpness Performance
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08.Sample Videos
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09.Usability
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10.Ease of Use
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11.Handling
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12.Controls
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13.Features
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14.Recording Options
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15.Hardware
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16.Other Features
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17.Panasonic HDC-SD20 Comparison
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18.Canon HF20 Comparison
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19.JVC GZ-HM400 Comparison
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20.Conclusion
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21.Photo Gallery
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Comments
JVC GZ-HM200
Previous: Page 16
Other FeaturesNext: Page 18
Canon HF20 ComparisonPanasonic HDC-SD20 Comparison
The Panasonic HDC-SD20 is a very good comparison model for the GZ-HM200. Both camcorders are under $600, each has a relatively compact design, and they both record solely to SD/SDHC memory cards. The GZ-HM200, however, does have the added benefit of a second SD/SDHC card slot (the HDC-SD20 only has one). There are benefits to the Panasonic SD20 as well—it has more manual controls, includes optical image stabilization, it offers a 24p record mode, and it feels more comfortable in your hand.
The GZ-HM200 is a bit smaller and lighter than the HDC-SD20, but with its smaller design comes some severe handling issues. The HM200’s hand strap is downright uncomfortable and using the camcorder without a strap doesn’t allow you to get a very good grip. We also found the HM200’s overall construction to feel a bit cheaper than that of the HDC-SD20. A couple of port covers broke on the GZ-HM200 in our time with the camcorder—and both times it happened due to normal, every-day use.
The GZ-HM200 does have a larger CMOS sensor than the HDC-SD20 and it was able to produce a sharper picture than the Panasonic in bright light. The GZ-HM200 also excelled in our color accuracy tests, although the SD20 had lower noise levels in both bright and low light.
If you don’t mind the GZ-HM200’s handling issues, we think it is the better camcorder here. It has a slight edge when it comes to video performance and the inclusion of two SD/SDHC memory card slots is a good move by JVC. If you shop around, both camcorders can be found for around $500—not a bad price for a decent mid-range HD camcorder.
Shop for the JVC GZ-HM200
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