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Introduction
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01.Design
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02.Performance
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03.Color Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Motion Performance
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06.Sharpness Performance
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07.Sample Videos
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08.Usability
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09.Ease of Use
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10.Handling
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11.Controls
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12.Features
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13.Recording Options
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14.Hardware
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15.Other Features
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16.JVC GZ-X900 Comparison
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17.Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison
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18.Canon HF S11 Comparison
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19.Conclusion
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20.Photo Gallery
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21.Specs & Ratings
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22.Comments
JVC GZ-HM400
Previous: Page 17
Panasonic HDC-TM300 ComparisonNext: Page 19
ConclusionCanon HF S11 Comparison
Not taking into account their difference in price, the decision between the JVC GZ-HM400 and the Canon HF S11 is a tough one. Based on our testing, the Canon was clearly the superior camcorder in low light—but it didn’t have the kind of impressive low light performance we saw from the Panasonic HDC-TM300. The JVC was better in bright light situations, although the Canon came very close to matching the HM400’s impressive video sharpness levels. The Canon HF S100 was also one of the few camcorders to rival the HM400’s still image performance.
So, the Canon gets the edge in performance and it has double the internal flash memory (a whopping 64GB) of the JVC GZ-HM400. The two camcorders have a similar amount of options. Both have an adjustment dial (although the JVC’s is easier to use), a good set of manual controls, and a few notable special features. The Canon does have 24p and 30p shooting modes, however, which are something not found on the JVC. The HM400, on the other hand, offers its low-quality slow motion modes. Both camcorders are equipped with optical image stabilization, but we found the system worked better on the JVC. Also, the JVC was easier to keep steady during hand-held shooting due to its more even weight distribution.
Overall, the Canon is the better camcorder here, but the fact that it costs $400 more than the JVC is a bit disconcerting. If you want to save some cash, the JVC is probably the better buy—even though it has worse low light performance and less internal memory than the Canon HF S11. Canon does make an HF S10 and HF S100, which are both cheaper than the HF S11, but include less internal memory (32GB on the HF S10 and no internal memory on the HF S100).
Shop for the JVC GZ-HM400
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