JVC Everio GZ-VX700 Camcorder Review

Compression

Like most consumer camcorders, the JVC Everio GZ-VX700 records using the AVCHD compression system. This format is based on the H.264/MPEG-4 codec, but the video is recorded with extra information that makes it AVCHD-compliant. AVCHD clips are big, they require special software to import to your computer, and they can be difficult to work with in post-production. But the format is popular right now, so most programs should be able to handle them fine (as long as you're working with a fairly new computer and software). The two standard definition modes on the VX700 record video using the MPEG-4 codec as well. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of various high definition compression types.

Media

To keep costs down, JVC didn't include internal memory on most of its new 2012 Everios. So the VX700 requires the use of a SD-type memory card in order to save and record media content with the camcorder. The card slot is on the bottom of the camcorder and it fits SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of various media types.

Resolution & Frame Rates

Technically, the VX700 offers more than its basic 60i frame rate for recording video. The camcorder also has a 300fps high speed record mode, but the video captured with this setting is extremely low quality so we don't recommend it for general use. All of the camcorder's regular record modes use a 60i frame rate, although the signal is upconverted to 60p during playback on the camcorder (and connected to an HDTV via HDMI).

Slow Motion Modes

Yes, the VX700 has a single high-speed record mode that records at 300 frames per second. If you don't want to do the math, that's five times slower than the normal 60i frame rate used for the camcorder's HD and SD record modes. So, the resulting video image for the VX700's slow motion mode will be five times slower than that of the other record modes. Hence, a 12-second clip will turn into a 60-second slow-mo video.

Still Features

JVC is still pushing hard to include a variety of still image features on its Everio camcorders, and we're not all that impressed anymore. We'd rather have a camcorder that just records video well instead of one that can do a mediocre job capturing both video and photos. Anyway, the VX700 does come with a bunch of photo options, and whether you choose to utilize them is your own choice (but we don't recommend it).

The camcorder's maximum photo size option is something of a blatant lie. It tops out at 3808 x 2856, which translates to a 10.9-megapixel photo. But this is entirely interpolated because the camcorder's max pixel count is only 3.3 megapixels, so any photos larger than that are essentially digitally stretched and resized. This makes the VX700's 2-megapixel 1920 x 1080 photo size option really the highest native resolution option available on the camcorder for stills. You can also capture 1920 x 1080 stills during video recording. Additionally, there are numerous continuous shooting modes, a self timer, and smile shot features in the VX700's photo mode.