JVC Everio GZ-VX700 Camcorder Review

Panasonic HC-V500M Comparison

The GZ-GX1 is JVC's flagship Everio for 2012, so it does have a bunch of extra features that aren't found on the GZ-VX700. Mainly, the GX1 has a larger image sensor, a better lens, more advanced manual controls, and a larger LCD than its little brother. It also costs around $300 bucks more than the VX700, so you are paying a significant amount more for the benefit of these extra options and improved hardware.

So the real question is if the extra cash is worth it for the GZ-GX1. In short, the answer is no. But it's more complicated than that because we don't recommend either of these Everio models too highly. Sure, the WiFi features are kinda cool (and they are way better than Canon's WiFi functions on its new Vixia camcorders), but the VX700 and GX1 both have serious flaws when it comes to user interface. JVC made two very cheap camcorders here, both of which are exceedingly frustrating to use thanks to their unresponsive LCD touchscreens. Both camcorders put up decent numbers in our tests, but neither stood out from the pack in terms of performance.

With its $900 price tag the Everio GX1 is cheaper than most other flagship camcorders. The same could be said about the GZ-VX700 compared to other mid-range camcorders. But JVC cut too many corners in making these camcorders. We'd rather pay a little more for a camcorder we can trust than save a few bucks on a camcorder that leaves us disappointed overall.

/r:render