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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.JVC GZ-X900 Comparison
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12.Panasonic HDC-HS300 Comparison
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13.Canon HF S100 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Specs and Ratings
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17.Comments
JVC Everio GZ-HM400
This review is organized into 17 parts
Next: Part 1
Product Tour
Introduction
The Everio GZ-HM400 is JVC´s top camcorder, and a much more advanced version of the X900. Both have more or less the same specs, but the HM400 includes 32GB of internal flash memory and all the manual controls that were missing on the X900. There is even a magnificent control dial for focus and a stellar zoom rocker. The Laser Touch System continues to be frustrating for more advanced operation, but the HM400 is otherwise an impressive camcorder.
| Section | The Good | The Bad |
| Product Tour | Large CMOS sensor (1/2.33-inch) | Chunky body on the right side makes holding uncomfortable |
| Colour & Noise Performance | Noise levels were kept to a minimum | No additional colour settings |
| Motion & Sharpness Performance | Sharpest video image we've seen this year | No 25p shooting mode |
| Low Light Performance | Did a better job than the GZ-X900, particularly with noise and sensitivity. | Colours a bit washed out; noticeable noise |
| Compression & Media | Low-quality slow-motion modes can shoot at 120fps, 300fps, and 600fps | AVCHD footage can be difficult to work with |
| Manual Controls | Many manual controls and wonderful adjustment dial and zoom rocker for precise settings | Options for aperture are limited; manual white balance doesn't always work too well |
| Still Features | 9-megapixel still image capability and lots of features |
Poor still noise levels |
| Handling & Use | Zoom rocker and adjustment dial are terrific | No viewfinder; Laser Touch system is a pain |
| Playback & Connectivity | 50p upconverted output; lots of internal editing features | Cheap, screw-in shoe adapter |
| Audio & Other Features | Fun to have: High-speed recording for ultra-slow-motion |
Microphone is placed poorly |
| JVC GZ-HM400 Comparisons |
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| JVC GZ-X900 | Panasonic HDC-HS300 | Canon HF S100 |
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