JVC GZ-GX1 Camcorder Review

Canon Vixia HF M52 Comparison

The HC-X900M is Panasonic's flagship camcorder for 2012, and, when it was launched earlier this year, it had an initial price tag of around $1200. Since then, the camcorder has dropped in price, and you should be able to find it for around $1000 online. That still makes it more expensive than the JVC GZ-GX1, which has an MSRP of $899 and can be found for just under that price online. Keep in mind that part of the price difference between these two models stems from the GX1's lack of internal memory. The Panasonic has 32GB of built-in memory, which is enough to justify a price difference of about $100 bucks.

For the extra cash, though, the Panasonic HC-X900M gives you far better performance and more manual controls. In fact, the X900M does nearly everything better than the JVC GX1. The Panasonic was better in low light, better with stabilization, has a better adjustment interface (manual lens ring), and it handles better overall. The Panasonic even offers the ability to record 3D video, although you need to purchase a costly lens adapter first. Both camcorders record Full HD 1080p video with the option of 60p or 60i recording.

Here's what the Panasonic HC-X900M doesn't have: WiFi. That's the GZ-GX1's bread and butter, and it's really one of the few features that JVC added to set the camcorder apart. The WiFi features on the GX1 are kinda cool, and they can be useful, but they're not something that justifies spending close to $1000 for. If you want a solid camcorder for recording home movies, parties, or even amateur film-making, the Panasonic HC-X900M is a much better choice.

/r:render