JVC GZ-HD3 Camcorder Reviewby David KenderPublished on Sep 17, 2007 5:35 PM
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Comparison
JVC GZ-HD7The GZ-HD3 is basically a GZ-HD7 ($1,799 MSRP) that was sent to the chopping block. Both camcorders sport three 1/5-inch CCDs, each with a gross pixel count of 570,000. You can expect similar bright light performance, but when it comes down to low light, the GZ-HD7 has a slight advantage. This is due to the GZ-HD7’s professional Fujinon aspherical lens. The GZ-HD3 is equipped with a cheaper lens. The GZ-HD3 also loses the viewfinder, independent aperture and shutter controls, optical image stabilization, a focus ring, several external buttons, and the biggie … full 1920 x 1080 recording. Both camcorders are dipped in a gleaming vat of solid style and prove themselves the most rugged consumer camcorders we’ve seen all year. There are probably not too many people necessarily torn between these two. Rather, the camcorders are aimed at two different markets. But it seems that the GZ-HD3 is better suited to its mark.
Canon HG10
Canon’s debut high definition hard disk drive camcorder, the HG10 ($1,299 MSRP) is a powerhouse that channels much of its video performance from the champion HV20. With a massive 1/2.7-inch 2,960,000 CMOS chip, the HG10 cranks out some seriously awesome video in bright light. Low light choked slightly, but to nowhere near the extent of the GZ-HD3. The HG10 is equipped with a true 24P mode, but for some reason (we think the AVCHD compression) the video is essentially useless due to bad stuttering. The HG10 also has a unique LCD scroll wheel, large zoom rocker, an extendable viewfinder and more still features. You also get a hot shoe, flash, and headphone jack. The GZ-HD3 can only answer with a larger 60GB HDD and stealthy all-black style. Also, the manual focus on the GZ-HD3 is very good. On the merits of video performance, the Canon HG10 wins. Those who are willing to brave the perils of AVCHD post production should be pleased with the end result.
Panasonic HDC-SD1
The Panasonic HDC-SD1 ($999.95 MSRP) was the first AVCHD camcorder to record to flash memory. Panasonic’s SDHC-recording retaliation features three 1/4-inch CCDs, each with a gross pixel count of 560,000. In bright light, the HDC SD1 produces a clean, sharp image. The only downside is AVCHD artifacting. Low light destroyed the HDC-SD1, tainting colors and ramping up noise, though the GZ-HD3 displayed a weak image, as well. So, with mediocre video performance on both ends, let’s look at the rest of the package. Both camcorders offer the same connectivity, but the GZ-HD3 provides an Firewire jack and a cold accessory shoe. The HDC-SD1 features a 5-channel Dolby Digital zoom microphone with level control. Both camcorders are starved for still features, but the GZ-HD3 holds the edge. The HDC-SD1 will attract those looking for sleek, compact style. However, its AVCHD compression is a major deterrent. Check out Panasonic’s HDC-SD5 before you settle on the GZ-HD3.
Canon HV20
Not many can mess with current leader of the pack. The HDV tape-based Canon HV20 ($1,099 MSRP) delighted our monitors with the best video performance we’ve seen all year. Its 1/2.7-inch 2,960,000 CMOS chip cranks out Crayola-grade color and stellar resolution. The HV20 also includes a true 24P frame rate, which rivals that of its bigger prosumer cousin, the XH A1. In low light, the HV20’s 24P mode contributed to a killer performance. So where does that leave the GZ-HD3? In the dust. The HV20 also includes a headphone jack, hot shoe, flash, rear-mounted joystick, and much better still features. On JVC’s side, the GZ-HD3 has a sturdier construction and a better peaking function for manual focus, but the bulk of the merits are clearly on Canon’s side.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The GZ-HD3 is for point-and-shooters who want HD video, yet are too intimidated by the GZ-HD7’s size and additional features. Those who long for the simplicity of HDD will also be in for a treat. Let’s be honest though—most point-and-shooters will be smitten with the GZ-HD3’s killer looks.
Budget Consumers
At $1,300, the GZ-HD3 will not assuage the soul of any consumer on a tight budget. The Canon HV20 offers the best video we’ve seen all year, and you can find it for less than $1,000 online. The truly budget-minded may not even be considering high definition yet.
Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
The GZ-HD3 is not a contender in this category due to its limited 1920 x 1080 still size, lack of a flash, and poorly-placed card slot. In addition, many other camcorders offer far more extensive still features.
Gadget Freaks
Gadget freaks will have a lot to play with and a lot to brag about on the GZ-HD3. Take a look.
Manual Control Freaks
The GZ-HD3 offers the same manual controls as most any other Everio. They’re decent, but will never amount to a Panasonic or Canon.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists
Pros will likely not be satisfied with the final performance of the GZ-HD3. Yes, it has some solid manual controls, but the GZ-HD7 has the tools that a pro really needs.
Conclusion
The GZ-HD3 is a step in the right direction for JVC, by most measures. Its first consumer high definition camcorder, the GZ-HD7 was simply too ambitious for the weekend shooter to afford or operate. But it wasn't producing video of a high enough caliber for pros, either. The GZ-HD3 saw the loss of a lot of features, some painful, but it hits the mark a lot closer to something that can compete with Canon and Sony, who are running the show in consumer HD.
Here’s the rundown of lost features from the GZ-HD7: full 1920 x 1080 recording, the Fujinon aspherical lens, optical image stabilization, a focus ring, a viewfinder, independent aperture and shutter speed control, and external buttons for aperture, shutter, brightness, and manual focus. Some of those, we feel, could have been retained in order to compete more strongly. Of these, the most notable is the optical image stabilization, which is found everywhere else: the Canon HV20, the Canon HG10, the Sony HDR-HC7, the Sony HDR-CX7, Sony HDR-SR7, and the Panasonic HDC-SD1.
As we saw with the GZ-HD7, the GZ-HD3’s video quality, as a whole, does not stand up to the leading HDV camcorders. However, for people set on purchasing a high definition HDD camcorder, the GZ-HD3 makes for a compelling case against the Canon HG10 and Sony HDR-SR7. The GZ-HD3 has a good manual control set, and those dissatisfied with Canon’s new free-spinning wheel control on the HG10 will probably prefer this joystick-based interface. The JVC is also a more powerful and flexible tool than the HDR-SR7, which relies more on its automatic controls and ease of use. However, it once again comes down to image quality. In most instances, we preferred the competition to JVC.
Overall, the GZ-HD3 won’t win many converts to JVC, but those who like the brand already will probably find a lot to like.
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