JVC GZ-HM340

Manual Focus (5.50)

Miscellaneous Controls (3.00)

x.v.Color

Allows for recording in the expanded xvYCC color gamut.

TeleMacro

Adjusts the focal range for shooting subjects very close to the lens.

Audio Controls (1.75)

JVC didn’t load the GZ-HM340 with any state of the art audio features. In fact, the camcorder doesn’t really have any audio features or controls other than its stereo built-in microphone and a wind cut option. We do like placement of the built-in mic, however, as its front-mounted position is out of the way from wandering fingers or noisy controls. If you want extensive audio controls (or an external mic jack) you’re basically out of luck with the four camcorders listed in the table below. The Panasonic HDC-TM10 has the most features of the camcorders listed below, while all consumer camcorders from Canon include external microphone jacks.

Editing (7.50)

The GZ-HM340 ships with a new version of Everio Media Browser HD (version 2.0.6). When you connect your camcorder to a computer with the software installed, the software should open automatically and allow you to import your clips. This is same software that is activated if you recorded your footage using the ‘one-touch’ upload feature. This button, located in the LCD cavity, is somewhat confusing: you can’t record your video, then push the button to upload to YouTube. Instead, you have to press the button ahead of time, record the footage, then plug the HM340 into your computer. The videos you recorded in ‘one-touch’ mode will be automatically selected for upload to YouTube. For an overview of the software that ships with this and other camcorders, see our article: Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder.

In addition to this provided software, the GZ-HM340 has some internal editing features. You can trim and split clips, add faders or wipes, and create playlists right on the camcorder itself.