JVC GZ-HM340

Part 17

JVC GZ-HM200 Comparison

Even though it came out last year, the JVC GZ-HM200 is really not much different than the GZ-HM340. Despite the fact that the camcorders have different CMOS sensors, the two models performed similarly in our testing. The GZ-HM340 came out on top in low light, while the GZ-HM200 had better still image performance and stronger color accuracy in bright light. It’s somewhat tough to pick a winner between these two when it comes to performance.

The GZ-HM200 does have a few more manual controls than the GZ-HM340, although it is missing features like Time Lapse Record and Auto Record that are both available on the HM340. One of the few concrete advantages of the GZ-HM340 is the fact that it contains 16GB of internal flash memory compared to none on the HM200. The GZ-HM200 does have two SD/SDHC card slots, however, and it has the same seamless recording function that is featured on the GZ-HM340.

The design of these two models is nearly identical, with the HM340 being a tad smaller and roughly 50g lighter than the HM200. If you’re shopping based on price, you probably won’t notice much of a difference either—the GZ-HM200 lists around $60 more than the GZ-HM340, but you can probably find an HM200 on the cheap if you shop around.

Overall, we’d probably have to give the GZ-HM200 the advantage here. It was, after all, our pick for best mid-range camcorder last year. We simply didn’t feel JVC made any significant improvements with the GZ-HM340 for it to warrant higher praise than the GZ-HM200. Is the GZ-HM340 still a good entry-level or mid-range model? Sure, but we like the GZ-HM200 a little more.