JVC Everio GZ-HM400

Playback (6.75)

The round button switches between playback and record mode.

The JVC GZ-HM400 has no shortage of playback controls or features, but its basic playback navigation system is just like any other camcorder. Clips are arranged as thumbnails and can be organised by date, group, or event (using the Register Event tool). You can view these thumbnails either in a 4 x 3 or 3 x 2 set. Videos are selected by scrolling through them using the Laser Touch and hitting the OK button when you want to begin playback. While the HM400 captures HD videos at a 1080/50i resolution, the camcorder is capable of upconverting the clips to 1080/50p during output via the HDMI connection (as long as you have a 1080p television). The GZ-HM400 is also equipped with K2 audio technology that JVC claims will improve audio during playback (this feature can be turned on and off).

Video playback screen		Still image playback screen

There are no hard VCR buttons on the GZ-HM400. During playback, VCR controls are listed at the bottom of the LCD screen and they are engaged by pressing the touch-sensitive buttons beneath them (on the base of the LCD panel). These touch-sensitive buttons get the job done, but they really don't work very well as VCR controls. The icons take up space on the LCD screen, thus blocking the amount of video you can watch during playback. You can also use the provided remote control to playback videos, which is probably a smarter choice.

Video playback menu		Still image playback menu

The camcorder has an extensive set of options in its Playback Menu. Here is where you'll find options for doing internal editing that will allow you to divide or trim your clips, rotate still images, create playlists, or add music and fade/wipes to your videos. You can also arrange upload settings for a clip right in the camcorder. This way, you can set in and out points for a specific video so that when you select it to be uploaded (with the Everio Media Browser HD software), only the portion you've specified will go to YouTube. All these internal editing tools are nifty and interesting, but they are a bit of hassle to use with the camcorder's weak navigation controls.

Connectivity (6.38)

The ports on the GZ-HM400 are located in a variety of different places, but the bulk of them are on the back side of the camcorder. There, you will find a long column of ports to the left of the battery compartment—headphone, Component-out, mini-HDMI, and DC-input. Above the battery pack are two more ports: AV-out and a mini microphone input. Both of these port clusters are protected by hard plastic, flip-open doors. These doors proved adequate protection, but they don't open all that wide. Things may get a little cramped if you have a lot of cables plugged in at once.

From top to bottom: headphones, Component-out, HDMI, and DC-input		The AV-out and external mic port

The USB port and SD/SDHC memory card slot are both located inside the LCD cavity. The USB port isn't protected by a cover, although when the LCD panel is closed it does provide shelter for the exposed port. The SD/SDHC card slot springs open with the flick of a small trigger switch located to its right. Both the USB port and the memory card slot require the LCD screen to be open in order to access them.

The USB port is inside the LCD cavity...		... as is the SD/SDHC card slot.

The GZ-HM400 does not have a built-in accessory shoe, but it comes with a small, plastic shoe attachment that screws into the top of the camcorder. The problem with this set-up is that the screw-in adapter is easy to lose, feels cheap, and looks easily breakable. If you lose the adapter then you have no way of attaching shoe-mounted accessories to the camcorder (unless you buy another adapter from JVC, that is).

The HM400 ships with a screw-in shoe adapter...		... that fits onto the camcorder like so.

All Full HD video on the HM400 is recorded as 1080/50i, but the camcorder has 1080/50p output capability. When connecting the camcorder to a 1080p television, the HM400 will upconvert the video signal to 1080p for playback. This feature can also be found on new models from Sony (the HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V).

JVC GZ-HM400 Comparisons
JVC GZ-X900	Panasonic HDC-HS300	Canon HF S100