JVC GZ-HD7 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Jan 10, 2007 7:00 PM
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Ease of Use
While we can not comment on the menu system setup and navigation, we can tell you that the full text labels, sizeable controls and well-built camcorder body should enable a heightened level of functionality for both novice and advanced video users. Controls are well-spaced so users shouldn’t need to worry about accidentally triggering incorrect settings since the controls on the exterior of the camcorder are minimal, the user should be able to immediately locate and engage without hassle. It will be interesting to see what the menu system includes and how the menu is structured since there were drastic improvements between last year’s models and this years models in the Everio camcorder series.
Handling
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 was carefully cordoned off throughout CES and was only handled by JVC representatives during our brief shoot. This limits our ability to discuss handling in any detail, but what we did find out through our visual examination is both a modest increase in body size over previous Everio models. There is a little concern with the placement of the ports on the right side of the camcorder body since it apears that a microphone plug could suffer from strain due to contact with the strap during hand-held shooting. Also, the zoom toggle found with this HD camcorder is similar to the one found on the Everio GZ-MG555. The focus ring is a new addition, with its wide rubber grip. We expect the HD7 to handle much like other Everios but on a slightly larger scale.
Menu
JVC is keeping the menu systems for the HD Everio GZ-HD7 under-wraps for the moment. With three menu buttons being placed on the camcorder body, it looks as though this model will display a revamped menu structure. Users will find a menu button on the left side of the LCD frame, in the same position as on the JVC GZ-MG555. In the LCD cavity of the camcorder, the user will find another menu button and in all likelihood this control will open the overall shooting menu for the camcorder. The third and most interesting menu control is found on the back of the camcorder body, in the lower left hand corner. This is a jog dial that can be pressed either up or down and is similar to switches found on some prosumer camcorders like Sony’s HDR-FX7, where it’s used to for menu navigation. The switch on the HD7 is labeled “M Menu” and probably has been implemented to serve a broadened control menu. As with so much else, you’ll need to wait for our full-length review for a full explanation of this suggestive feature.
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LCD and Viewfinder
The LCD screen for the JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 flips out from the left side of the camcorder body and rotates two hundred and seventy degrees. The screen measures 2.7 inches but the pixel count for the screen could not be confirmed at this time. The viewfinder for the camcorder is an electronic color viewfinder and both its size and pixel count were not available. The eyecup is generously sized for a consumer camcorder and looks like a more usable tool than the uncomfortable, marginally useful EVF’s that have become common on consumer camcorders.