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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Compression & Media
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03.Manual Controls
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04.Still Features
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05.Handling & Use
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06.Playback & Connectivity
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07.Audio & Other Features
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08.Conclusion
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09.Photo Gallery
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10.Specs
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11.Comments
JVC Everio GZ-HM1 First Impressions Camcorder Review
Previous: Part 1
Product TourNext: Part 3
Manual ControlsCompression & Media Summary
• Captures 1920 x 1080 video at 24Mbps using the AVCHD codec
• Three low resolution slow-motion modes
• Records to 64GB internal flash memory or SD/SDHC memory cards
• Everio Media Browser software has always been better than most packages that ship with the camcorder
Compression
The HM1 continues JVC's trend of using the AVCHD video format. This is a variation of the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec used by JVC, Panasonic, Sony, and Canon. While AVCHD is the codec of choice these days, it still has its share of issues. AVCHD files are difficult to work with on a slow or old computer, since they're fairly cumbersome.
Like the HM400 last year, the HM1 doesn't have any alternate frame rates like 24p or 30p. It does have three high-speed settings that capture low quality slow-motion video. These three options (120fps, 300fps, and 600fps) stretch your footage out to 1x, 5x, and 10x slower than your original footage.
| Format | Resolution | Bitrate | Codec |
| UXP 60i | 1920 x 1080 | 24Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| XP 60i | 1920 x 1080 | 17Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| SP 60i | 1920 x 1080 | 12Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| EP 60i | 1920 x 1080 | 5Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| 600fps | 640 x 72 | 17Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| 300fps | 480 x 116 | 17Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
| 120fps | 480 x 270 | 17Mbps | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) |
Media
The GZ-HM1 records primarily to 64GB of internal flash memory. This is an increase from the 32GB of flash memory that was available on last year's GZ-HM400. There is also the option of recording either video or still photos to a removable SD/SDHC memory card. JVC has not announced that its lineup will be SDXC-compatible.
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| The SD/SDHC card slot serves as a secondary destination for your footage. |
| UXP (24Mbps) |
XP (17Mbps) |
SP (12Mbps) |
EP (5Mbps) |
|
| 64GB internal flash memory | 5hr 54min | 8hr 21min | 11hr 49min | 29hr 34min |
| 32GB SD/SDHC memory card | 2hr 40min | 4hr | 5hr 52min | 14hr 40min |
| 16GB SD/SDHC memory card | 1hr 20min | 2hr | 2hr 56min | 7hr 20min |
| 8GB SD/SDHC memory card | 40min | 1hr | 1hr 28min | 3hr 40min |
| 4GB SD/SDHC memory card | 20min | 30min | 42min | 1hr 48min |
Editing
The HM1 is scheduled to ship with another version of Everio Media Browser. We're not yet sure what version of the software this will be or if there will be any significant upgrades. Even if there are no upgrades to the software, this is an excellent program compared to what ships with most camcorders. It has plenty of useful features including clip organization, YouTube upload capability, and DVD disc creation. Mac users, however, will be stuck using iMovie or their own 3rd party software: Everio Media Browser does not work with Macintosh operating systems.
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