JVC Everio GZ-X900 Camcorder Review

by Jeremy Stamas
Published on Jul 17, 2009 2:00 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Color & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
Panasonic HDC-TM300 Comparison JVC GZ-HD300 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
The GZ-X900 ($999 MSRP) is the newest top-of-the-line HD camcorder from JVC, and it's a model that is unique in both design and capability. The camcorder has a streamline, rectangular construction that does away with the traditional right-side hand strap. It has the ability to take impressive 9-megapixel still images, and it offers three high-speed recording options that can capture ultra-slow motion video (up to 600fps).

With its unusual appearance and compelling features, the JVC GZ-X900 is clearly an intriguing camcorder.  Unfortunately, its performance didn't live up to its hype in our testing labs, and the camcorder seemed to show off far more weaknesses than strengths.
    (Page 1 of 17) Product Tour

 

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Automatic lens cover, streamline design No hand strap
Color & Noise Performance Decent color and noise Image is darker than average
Motion & Sharpness Performance Exceptional sharpness, terrific motion High-speed shooting modes are low-resolution and poor quality.
Low Light Performance None Terrible low light performance all around
Compression & Media Good variety of quality settings No internal memory
Manual Controls Lots of controls Mediocre 5x optical zoom
Still Features Plenty of still features available, numerous size options Images not as sharp as we hoped, noise levels a bit high
Handling & Use Compact design, comfortable to hold Laser touch strip can be frustrating
Playback & Connectivity Internal editing and other useful playback controls A/V and Component-out are on docking station only.
Audio & Other Features High-speed shooting modes are fun No external mic or headphone jack, odd placement of built-in speaker



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