JVC GZ-HD7 First Impressions Camcorder Reviewby James MurrayPublished on Jan 10, 2007 7:00 PM
|
Advertisement
|
||||||||||||
Video Performance
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1529) has 3 CCDs, each measuring 1/5". Each 16:9 progressive scan CCD has a gross pixel count of approximately 570,000 pixels (1016 x 558). This gross pixel count translates to an effective pixel count of 530,000 pixels (976 x 548) per CCD. The ability to record in full 1920x1080i resolution is possible due to JVC’s pixel-shifting system. This is similar to the one Panasonic employs on their high definition AG-HVX200 prosumer camcorder. In this case, the pixel shifting is accomplished by slightly off-setting the red and blue CCDs vertically and horizontally by a half-pixel in relation to the green CCD.
This pixel shift system initially processes the signal in 1920x1080 progressive before converting the signal to a 1920x1080i interlaced for recording to HDD. According to JVC, it is this pixel shift conversion system that enables them to shoot at a higher resolution than other consumer HD camcorder manufacturers. Far from a gimmick, pixel shifting is employed in most professional camcorders. The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 has a total pixel count equivalent to 2.27 million pixels and an overall effective pixel count equivalent to 2.14 million pixels.
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 shoots with a Broadcast HD Video Camera Fujinon Lens. It is the first time in JVC’s history that a third party lens has been used on a consumer camcorder, according to JVC. The 10x optical zoom lens sports a hood and the ability to modify through accessory telephoto and wide conversion lenses measuring 46 mm. The lens is composed of three aspherical elements with one of the elements being composed of indexed glass. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 – f/1.9 throughout the entire 3.3 to 33 mm zoom range, thanks to the Fujinon designed and manufactured aspherical lens elements. Additionally, the surfaces of the lenses are coated with an Electronic Beam Coating that reduces the image degradation which occurs when light is reflected off the surface of the lens.
Last year, the JVC GZ-MG505 (Review, Specs, $829.95), a 3 CCD camcorder with an initial price of about $1000 produced good, but not great video. The video dripped with overwhelming tones of neon brilliance. Of course, the GZ-MG505 excelled when the saccharine quality of the colors were dulled to a reasonable level in low light conditions. It will be interesting to see where JVC takes this camcorder and its results.
Low Light Performance
The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 could not be tested for low light performance in part because of our inability to touch and use the camcorder while at CES. The models being shown here were referred to as “Engineer’s models” since the HD7 is not yet considered to be in production. The inclusion of aperture and shutter speed priority modes, in addition to manual exposure, offer versatile options for shooting in low light. The inclusion of optical image stabilization elevates this model above the ranks of consumer electronic image stabilization camcorders. OIS helps minimize the blurring that occurs when slower shutter speeds are combined with hand-held shooting. The optical image stabilization system included with the HD7 is an upgrade compared to the recently announced JVC GZ-MG555 (Review, Specs, $626) that uses a digital image stabilization system which will inevitably degrade signal quality when turned on.
For novice users concerned about low light performance, there is also a preset night setting that can be engaged by pushing the joystick to the left while in recording mode.