JVC GZ-HD7 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Jan 10, 2007 7:00 PM
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Picture & Manual Control
Automatic Control
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529) has a switch on the left side of the camcorder body directly above the LCD that allows the user to move between auto and manual shooting modes. A more complete analysis of automatic controls and features will occur in our full length review of the GZ-HD7 later this spring.
Overall Manual Control
While playing their cards close to the chest, JVC indicated that the HD7 will feature an extensive manual control suite. JVC typically ranks second behind Panasonic on the consumer camcorder market in terms of the range of manual image controls offered on their consumer cams. We expect to see a suite that at least matches the top-end standard definition GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626). That camcorder offers manual control over focus, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and gain. JVC’s people imply that the list of manual controls and the interface for the HD7 will be more robust than this. However, with so much unknown about this enigmatic model, definitive information is yet to come. A major appeal for many consumers beyond the technology is the inclusion of a manual focus ring located directly behind the lens hood of the camcorder. With Sony dropping a ring control from a handful of their HD models this year, it leaves this JVC among a select few consumer cams boasting a ring. Manual controls that can be confirmed at this time include exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and gain.
Zoom
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 camcorder is equipped with a broadcast quality Fujinon 10x optical zoom lens. This partnership with a third party manufacturer is a first in JVC’s consumer camcorder unit, and we look forward to observing the lens’ performance in our testing room. For users concerned with camera shake, this will also include OIS (optical image stabilization). This is an upgrade over the GZ-MG555’s digital image stabilization. We were not able to handle the camcorder during CES, but the zoom control found on the top of the camcorder body appears to be similar if not identical to the toggle found with the GZ-MG555 and should function similarly.
Focus
For video enthusiasts who long for real control over manual focus when shooting footage, the JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 should be appealing. Our readers immediately took notice about the inclusion of the manual focus ring when the HD7 was announced. We see this as a step in the right direction when many camcorder manufacturers are stripping even their higher end models of controls and settings that the manual junkie finds essential. In addition to the manual focus ring, the JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 comes with a focus assist button that is located on the front face of the camcorder. This button, when activated, will display the elements in focus in color, while the rest of the image will be displayed as black and white. This feature does not affect the final video footage and should help users to keep their 1080i image sharp during manual focus adjustments.
Exposure & Aperture
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 will have manual control over both aperture and exposure. A small button on the back of the camcorder to the right of the viewfinder is labeled “A” and may access aperture-priority mode. The camcorder has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 in wide-screen mode. JVC reports that f/1.8 can be maintained throughout the length of the zoom range because of the use of three aspherical lens elements – a considerable benefit for telephoto shooting when most non-professional lenses experience a drop in exposure.
Shutter Speed
Manual control over shutter speed, like aperture, featured on the JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7. The shutter priority mode appears to have it’s own button located directly beneath the aperture priority button located on the back of the camcorder body. This button is labeled with the letter “S” and is prominently placed, a smart move given that its likely to be an oft-used control. The shutter speed range for the less expensive GZ-MG555, also announced this week in Las Vegas, is 1/2 second to 1/4000 of a second and we expect to see a comparable range on this more-expensive camcorder.
White Balance
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 does come with a manual control over white balance. While an auto white balance and preset white balance modes should be included with this camcorder, JVC representatives are unable to discuss specific modes for the camcorder at this time.
Gain
While no information is currently being provided regarding manual control over gain, we know some kind of gain control will be provided. The GZ-MG555, a hybrid camcorder priced just under nine-hundred dollars, was announced by JVC this week in Las Vegas and is equipped with the same rudimentary Gain Up on/off option found on last year’s GZ505. Our hope is that JVC will expand gain options to include independent control over gain levels – something that only Panasonics currently offer consumers.
Other Manual Controls
JVC was unable to comment officially regarding additional manual controls that may be included with the JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7. With an MSRP of around $1800, a broadened manual control suite is certainly possible.