JVC Everio GZ-HD320

Compression (5.5)

The JVC GZ-HD320 uses AVCHD compression (based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec), which is essentially the standard for consumer HD camcorders that capture video to flash memory or an internal hard drive. While AVCHD compression has improved over the years to a point where it produces very good video, it also comes with a standard warning: AVCHD footage can be very difficult to edit using non-linear editing software. Clips are large and full of information, which makes editing the video sluggish and problematic on old or weak computers. Check out the Editing section of this review (below, after Media) for more information on this topic.

The camcorder can record video in 4 quality settings, ranging from 5Mbps bit rate on the lowest to 24Mbps at the highest quality. 24Mbps is actually the highest bit rate allowed for AVCHD footage, so the HD320 is pushing the codec to its far end with its highest quality setting. HD camcorders from Canon and Sanyo can also record at 24Mbps, while models from Sony and Panasonic top out at 16Mbps and 17Mbps respectively. While many people make a big deal about maximum bit rates, the truth is we've noticed very little difference between a camcorder that records at 17Mbps versus one that does 24Mbps. All video recorded on the GZ-HD320 is captured at a 1920 x 1080 resolution using the AVCHD codec.

Media (8.33)

The JVC GZ-HD320 has a 120GB internal hard drive, which will hold approximately 11 hours of the highest quality footage. If that's too rich for your blood, there's always the JVC GZ-HD320, which has the same form factor but comes with a 60GB internal hard drive space.  It's also available in blue and red.

A lot of manufacturers seem to be in this race for high capacity hard drives. However, we think there might be a relationship between the capacity of the camcorder and the consumer's capacity for complacency: the larger your hard drive, the longer you're likely to go without backing up or transferring your files. The delicate moving parts of a hard drive are still no match for the durability and reliability of flash memory. So, if you are going to buy a big hard drive, make sure your videos are safely stored as often as possible. And before you spend money on another 60 to 180GB of storage space, make sure it's really necessary.

As an added bonus, the JVC GZ-HD320 has a microSD/SDHC card slot on the bottom of the camcorder, which will let you transfer or backup files without connecting to your computer. A 4GB MicroSD card will cost you about £20, and you also need a small converter to read the cards, since PCs and even most card readers don't have a slot for microSD. Many MicroSD cards come with an adapter that converts it into a standard SDHC card.

In addition to the internal 120GB hard drive, there's a microSD/SDHC card slot, which comes in handy for transferring a couple quick photos or videos.

Editing (8.5)

The GZ-HD320 offers more internal editing options than your average camcorder. There's the basic options, like making playlists and dividing or trimming clips, but there are also some fancy post-production faders (white or black) as well as transition wipes (slide, door, scroll, or shutter). Now, using these tools to create a little video isn't the easiest process in the world, but it is a nice feature to have available.

For people who want more control over their videos (as well as an easier platform for editing them) the camcorder ships with the Everio Media Browser HD software. The program's main function is to assist with video importing and organization so you can get your clips onto a computer. Other features include DVD creation, video exporting, and uploading to YouTube. The software is also compatible with the HD320's one-touch features that allow you to quickly upload, export to iTunes, or burn your videos to DVD. Unfortunately, these one-touch systems weren't as easy to use as they sound, and the software made things more difficult than they needed to be. The Media Browser software is also not compatible with Macs.

Clips are displayed in a standard thumbnail listing.		The software also includes a calendar view for clips.

Create a Disc Step 1		Create a Disc Step 2

Create a Disc Step 3

We found that the use of the one-touch buttons inside the camcorder's LCD cavity to be somewhat odd. In order to use these features, you must press the buttons before you start recording. So, if you know that you're going to be burning your footage to DVD later, you can push the Direct Disc button and record away. Then, when you connect the camcorder to your computer and select burn disc, the Media Browser software will open with those files ready to burn. What we didn't like about this set-up was the fact that you had to press the one-touch buttons before you record anything. It appears all the one-touch buttons do is tag your videos for the Media Browser software so it knows which ones to automatically select when you pick an option (like upload, export, create disc).

Uploading to YouTube step 1		Uploading to YouTube step 2

Uploading to YouTube is the same deal as create a disc. You can use the one-touch buttons on the inside of the LCD cavity, but they don't really save you much time. It is easy enough to simply drag and drop your videos (any of your videos, not just ones that have been recorded with the one-touch upload button engaged) from Media Browser's window onto the Upload to YouTube panel. Then, you need to enter your YouTube account info and you're on your way to internet stardom.

While we think the one-touch buttons are a great idea, they really aren't as simple as they sound. We would have liked them much more if you could easily tag videos after they had been shot. This way, you can go through your recorded clips and select what you want to burn, what you want to upload, and what you want to export to iTunes.