JVC Everio GZ-HM400 Camcorder Review

JVC GZ-HM400 versus JVC GZ-X900
• These two camcorders have the same sensor (1/2.33-inch CMOS) and pixel count, but they have different lenses (10x zoom on the HM400 vs. 5x on the X900). • The HM400 has a large list of benefits: better low light performance, more features, adjustment dial, 32GB of internal memory, longer battery life, and zoom rocker. • Both camcorders cost $999, which makes the HM400 a much better buy. • The GZ-X900 is more compact, but that is its only advantage over the HM400.
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The GZ-HM400 and GZ-X900 are very similar camcorders in two entirely different bodies. Both have 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensors and many of their internal specs and features are identical. As far as handling goes, however, the two camcorders couldn't be more different. The GZ-HM400 is much larger, fatter, and has a sweet adjustment dial underneath the lens that is used for changing manual controls. The HM400 is also more traditionally designed, as it features a right-side hand strap, and a wide, barrel-shaped construction. The GZ-X900, on the other hand, is almost perfectly rectangular. It has smooth, flat edges, no right-side hand strap, and is significantly lighter than the HM400.

Both camcorders have the same $1000 price tag, but the GZ-HM400 gets you far more bang for your buck. It includes 32GB of internal flash memory, whereas the GZ-X900 has none (it records to memory card only). The HM400 also has a lovely zoom rocker, and is capable of giving you precise control over a variety of manual options thanks to the adjustment dial. The GZ-X900 must rely on its finicky Laser Touch strip for all manual adjustments, and it only has a 5x optical zoom compared the the 10x on the HM400.

The two camcorders had nearly identical bright light performances, but in low light the GZ-HM400 came out ahead. It had a far better sensitivity and much less noise than the GZ-X900 in our low light testing. Now, this doesn't mean the HM400 is a top-notch low light camcorder (it isn't), all it means is that it did much better than the GZ-X900 (which is one of the worst low light models we've tested). Still, every way you look at it the GZ-HM400 is the better product than the GZ-X900. It offers a better value, better performance, and better features all around. The only thing the X900 has going for it is its more compact body—but we cannot justify that as enough of a reason to side with it over the GZ-HM400.

	Comparison Specs
	JVC GZ-HM400	JVC GZ-X900
Price	$999	$999
Primary Recording Media	32GB internal flash memory	SD/SDHC memory card
Secondary Recording Media	SD/SDHC memory card	None
Image Sensor	1/2.33-inch CMOS	1/2.33-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	Unknown (video) 9 megapixel (stills)	Unknown (video) 9 megapixel (stills)
Mic Input	3.5mm	None
LCD	2.8-inch with 207,000 pixels	2.8-inch with 207,000 pixels
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	485g (1.07 lbs.) with battery	298g (0.66 lbs.) with battery
Dimensions	67 x 72 x 141mm (2.6 x 2.8 x 5.6 inches)	37 x 66 x 124mm (1.5 x 2.6 x 4.9 inches)
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	Full HD: 60i Low Quality: 120fps, 300fps, 600fps	Full HD: 60i Low Quality: 120fps, 300fps, 600fps
Compression	AVCHD	AVCHD
Maximum Bitrate	24Mbps	24Mbps
Optical Zoom	10x	5x
Stabilization	Optical Image Stabilization	Optical Image Stabilization

100% Crops at 60 lux Auto
JVC GZ-HM400	JVC GZ-X900

Required Illumination*

* the lower the lux required, the better the performance