JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Camcorder Review

JVC GZ-HM340 versus Panasonic HDC-TM10
• The GZ-HM340 and HDC-TM10 are both very similar camcorders in terms of performance and size. • The Panasonic has a lot more manual controls than the JVC, and it uses a touchscreen interface. • The GZ-HM340 has double the internal memory of the HDC-TM10, so it is probably the better deal.
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The GZ-HM340 and Panasonic HDC-TM10 are similar camcorders when it comes to performance, but they are very different when it comes to interface and design. Even both camcorders are the same size, they each offer a very different recording experience. The HDC-TM10 uses a touchscreen interface, while the GZ-HM340 has JVC's Laser Touch system. Overall, we like the touchscreen a bit more, but both systems have their frustrating quirks.

One significant advantage of the Panasonic is the fact that it has far more manual control options than the JVC. Both camcorders have good auto modes, although the HDC-TM10 has some more valuable automatic controls (like AF/AE tracking). What are the significant differences when it comes to performance? Well, the GZ-HM340 is better in low light, while the Panasonic HDC-TM10 did better in our stabilization and still image tests.

There isn't really a clear cut winner between these two camcorders unless you like having access to lots of manual controls (then you should go with the Panasonic). If you're going to be doing the majority of your shooting in auto mode, then it is difficult to say what the better option is. Our recommendation would be to go for whichever camcorder you can find at a lower price (keep in mind, though, that the GZ-HM340 has double the internal flash memory of the Panasonic HDC-TM10).

	Comparison Specs
	JVC GZ-HM340	Panasonic HDC-TM10
Price	$499.95	$549.95
Primary Recording Media	16GB internal flash memory	8GB internal flash memory
Secondary Recording Media	SD/SDHC memory card	SD/SDHC memory card
Image Sensor	1/5.8-inch CMOS	1/6-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	1.09 megapixels	1.17 megapixels
Mic Input	No	No
LCD	2.7 inches with 123,000 pixels	2.7-inches with 230,400 pixels
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	255g (9 ounces) with battery	278g (9.8 ounces) with battery
Dimensions	52 x 62 x 110mm (2.1 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches)	48 x 63 x 115mm (1.89 x 2.48 x 4.53 inches)
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/60i	1080/60i, 1080/24p
Compression	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD)	MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD)
Maximum Bitrate	24Mbps	17Mbps
Optical Zoom	20x	16x
Stabilization	Digital (with two settings)	Optical (with two levels)

60 Lux Auto Comparison
JVC GZ-HM340 100% Crop	Panasonic HDC-TM10 100% Crop

Required Illumination *

* the lower the lux required, the better the performance