JVC Everio GZ-HD320

       

Based on price, performance, and size the Panasonic HDC-HS20 is probably the most direct competitor to the JVC GZ-HD320. Both record HD video to internal hard drives (the Panasonic HS20 has a slightly smaller drive at 80GB) and both are fairly compact camcorders—although they're not small enough to fit easily in a pocket. In our testing, the two also did quite similar. The JVC had the edge when it came to colour accuracy, but the Panasonic had lower noise levels. The two camcorders both performed poorly in low light sensitivity and they had identical scores in our video sharpness test.

So, to decide between these two camcorders you need to investigate a little deeper. While both camcorders are easy to use, the JVC HD320 is actually a bit easier. It doesn't have as many options, all controls are located under one menu, and its interface is very simple. There are advantages to the Panasonic, however, as its touch screen system is far more intuitive than the Laser Touch operation featured on the JVC. The Panasonic also has a number of Intelligent Auto (iA) features that are simple to use once you figure them out. But, when you get down to the basics of both camcorders, the JVC GZ-HD320 is the simpler product.

We also like the fact that the JVC is good for intermediate users. When in manual mode, any setting can be kept in auto control while other settings are being adjusted. This means if you only want to change the shutter speed but keep everything else in auto, you can. The Panasonic didn't handle this concept very well. For example, if all you want to do a manual white balance you need to switch everything over to manual control.
 
 We must say the hand strap on the JVC HD320 is very disappointing. Even though the Panasonic HS20 isn't a great handler, it still feels more comfortable in the long haul because of its superior strap. The JVC is a bit lighter than the Panasonic, however, so it may not tire out your arm as quickly. It is tough to pick a winner between these two camcorders, but we feel the JVC is a better choice if you're a beginner, while the Panasonic has better handling and more controls.

                                                                                                 

	Comparison Specs
	JVC GZ-HD320	Panasonic HDC-HS20
Price	£499	£749.95
Primary Recording Media	120GB internal hard drive	80GB internal hard drive
Secondary Recording Media	MicroSD memory card	SD/SDHC memory card
Image Sensor	1/4.1-inch CMOS	1/6-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	3.05 Megapixels	1.17 megapixels
Mic Input	None	None
LCD	2.7-inch with 123,000-pixel resolution	2.7-inch with 230,400-pixel resolution
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	370 g with battery	415 g with battery
Dimensions	53 x 68 x 113mm	64 x 69 x 128mm
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/50i	1080/50i, 25p (progressive Digital Cinema Mode)
Compression	AVCHD	AVCHD
Maximum Bitrate	24Mbps	17Mbps
Optical Zoom	20x	16x
Stabilisation	Digital	Optical

                                          

	Scores
	JVC GZ-HD320	Panasonic HDC-HS20
Colour	17.16	7.87
Noise	10.29	11.76
Video Sharpness	8.89	7.97
Low Light Sensitivity	0.45	0.97
Low Light Colour	7.24	3.72
Low Light Noise	12.75	12.95

              

Colour Comparisons at bright light
JVC GZ-HD320	Panasonic HDC-HS20

         

Colour Performance Scores