JVC Everio GZ-HM400 Camcorder Reviewby Jeremy StamasPublished on Sep 18, 2009 3:20 PM |
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 We were pleasantly surprised by how much of an improvement the JVC GZ-HM400 was over the GZ-X900. Both camcorders have the same price tag ($999 MSRP), so it is a no-brainer that the GZ-HM400 is the better buy. The HM400 has more features and better performance hands-down. The only thing the GZ-X900 has going for it is its more compact design.That isn't to say the GZ-HM400 is the best camcorder out there. The competition at the top is stiff and the high-end models from Panasonic (HDC-TM300 and HDC-HS300) still reign supreme. The Canon HF S11, Sanyo VPC-HD2000, and Sony HDR-XR520V also each have their benefits and they offer similar performance to the JVC GZ-HM400. The GZ-HM400 has two significant letdowns: poor low light performance and its oddly uncomfortable right-side design. While the low light capabilities on the GZ-HM400 are significantly better than the GZ-X900, they still aren't as good as many of the top-notch camcorders out there. The uncomfortable design on the HM400's right side may sound like a minuscule problem to some, but it is a problem nonetheless. We simply wonder why JVC didn't put more effort into making the HM400 more comfortable to hold. The GZ-HM400 is a bit cheaper than the competition, which makes it a compelling choice for a high-end camcorder. It has an excellent adjustment dial that is just as good (if not better) than the rings and dials featured on other top-of-the-line models. Also, its top-mounted zoom rocker is quite possibly the best zoom controller in the consumer market. |
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