JVC Everio GZ-X900

The Konica Minolta 5x optical zoom lens

While the lens on the JVC GZ-X900 might be nothing special, the high resolution sensor is one of the highlights of the camcorder. The large size is ideal for letting in plenty of light in dark shooting conditions, while the packed-in pixels are geared towards producing high resolution still photos. You can't add any kind of filter or telephoto lens, but that's part of the simple, compact design. The lens is protected by an automatic lens enclosure.

Front

Aside from the 5x optical zoom lens, the front includes a flash and the hidden remote control sensor.

The narrow façade of the JVC GZ-X900

Right

The right side of the JVC GZ-X900 looks like some kind of high-tech Kevlar. It's probably a love-it-or-leave-it aesthetic. We think it looks pretty darn cool. In theory, the textured surface might add some extra grip, but it doesn't have much impact in practice. Instead, you'll just have to adjust your grip and get used to life without a hand strap. It's the same concept as the Samsung HMX-R10, but the design was a little more comfortable on the Samsung model.

What's missing in this picture? No traditional hand strap to help grasp the camcorder.

Back

The back of the JVC GZ-X900 is a busy place, with the new mode dial taking center stage. The dial works well and lets you choose between the camcorder's video and still modes, including the three high speed recording modes. Below the mode dial is a playback speaker and a tether for the included wrist strap. Above the dial the Info button and Flash button, as well as the DC power input and USB port. To the right of the mode dial is the SD/SDHC memory card slot.

They pack a lot of key features into the back of the JVC GZ-X900.

Left

The left side of the JVC GZ-X900 is dominated by the flip-out LCD panel and a matte black surface. The panel itself is also the unique location of the camcorder's two-channel microphone.

The left side of the JVC GZ-X900 has a lot of words on the back of the LCD panel.

Opening the LCD panel reveals the 2.8-inch LCD and JVC's LaserTouch controls. The cavity itself is home to some surprising new additions, including a unique collection of membrane buttons: buttons that lie beneath a single plastic surface. On the X900, these buttons control Playback/Record mode, one-touch upload and one-touch export, and display/power. This is also home to the battery cavity and HDMI output.

The LCD cavity is one of the biggest design changes for JVC's new GZ-X900.

Top

The top of the JVC GZ-X900 is a little less surprising than other sides of the camcorder. The zoom slider and still photo shutter button are standard features on most consumer camcorders. Wrapping onto the top from the LCD panel is the unique two-channel microphone.

The lines, colors, and textures of the top of the X900 are a nice touch.

Bottom

The bottom of the JVC GZ-X900 is unsurprising. There's the battery release and tripod mount (unfortunately made of plastic), plus the Everio dock connection.

The camcorder's narrow body features a tripod mount and dock connection.