JVC Everio GZ-HD320 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on May 22, 2009 12:54 PM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Colour & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Panasonic HDC-HS20 Comparison
Canon Legria HF20 Comparison Sanyo VPC-HD2000 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
The JVC GZ-HD320 is a mid-range hard drive camcorder camcorder – pretty good, not too dear, but nothing to get excited about. At £499, it is a lot less expensive than the competition's top-of-the-line models. Maybe that's why it lacks some of the bells and whistles. In many of our tests, however, the HD320 provide above average performance.

While it can't match the sharpness or smooth motion of more expensive models, the JVC GZ-HD320 does have one of the best scores we've seen for colour accuracy. The menu is simple and straightforward, though the controls feel frail. This no-frills approach makes it a good pick for every user who doesn't need the fancy features of the more expensive models and wants to save some money.


(Page 1 of 17) Product Tour


Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Design streamlined and simple Flimsy, uncomfortable hand strap
Colour & Noise Performance Very accurate colours No colour control options
Motion & Sharpness Performance Smooth, clean motion with only slight trailing No alternate frame rates, video is soft
Low Light Performance Low noise in low light video Can't shoot well in low light; videos look dark and gloomy
Compression & Media 120GB of space is plenty for video MPEG 4 Video is a pain to edit, one-touch controls are awkward
Manual Controls Most features can be set to auto or manual No aperture control, manual white balance is clumsy
Still Features Photos have good, accurate colour Images are soft, low resolution
Handling & Use Menus are clear and simple, buttons are well marked Hand strap is flimsy and the Laser Touch control is difficult to use
Playback & Connectivity Plenty of ports and connections Output ports can collect dust and grunge
Audio & Other Features Small LED video light is surprisingly bright No headphone or microphone jack



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