-
Introduction
-
01.Product Tour
-
02.Colour & Noise Performance
-
03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
-
04.Low Light Performance
-
05.Compression & Media
-
06.Manual Controls
-
07.Still Features
-
08.Handling & Use
-
09.Playback & Connectivity
-
10.Audio & Other Features
-
11.Flip UltraHD Comparison
-
12.Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
-
13.Kodak Zx1 Comparison
-
14.Conclusion
-
15.Photo Gallery
-
16.Specs and Ratings
-
17.Comments
JVC Picsio GC-FM1
Previous: Part 12
Sony MHS-PM1 ComparisonNext: Part 14
Conclusion
JVC GC-FM1 versus Kodak Zx1
• The Picsio records 1080p video, while the Kodak maxes out at 720p.
• Video and photo quality is superior on the Picsio
• The Picsio operates on rechargeable internal battery (recharges via USB); the Kodak uses rechargeable AA batteries (and comes with a wall-mounted charge station).
• The Kodak is considerably sturdier.
The Picsio GC-FM1 and the Kodak Zx1 look similar on the surface, but are quite different in fact. Both record to SD/SDHC memory cards, but the Picsio relies on an internal rechargeable battery, while the Kodak utilizes AA batteries. The FM1 has a maximum video resolution of 1440 x 1080 (1080p), compared to the 720p maximum of the Kodak Zx1. Both offer the same bevy of ports and connections, but those on the Kodak are protected by a sturdy rubber cover. And, to tell the truth, we think the Kodak is a nicer-looking product.
 |
 |
Unfortunately for Kodak lovers, the Picsio results in much higher quality video and still photos, especially with the high-resolution sensor and superior colour accuracy in indoor lighting. Both are largely simple to use, with some quirks that make 'advanced' operations (like accessing the menu) more difficult.
Overall, the superior video quality would be enough to recommend the Picsio over the Zx1. However, that flimsy tele-macro switch that occasionally impedes focus on the Picsio is very troubling. As are the uncovered ports.
| Comparison Specs | ||
 |
 |
|
| JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Price | £163 | £149,99 |
| Primary Recording Media | SD/SDHC memory cards | SD/SDHC memory cards |
| Secondary Recording Media | 34MB internal memory | 30MB internal memory |
| Image Sensor | 1/3.2-inch CMOS | 1/4.5-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixel Count | Unknown | 1.6 Megapixels |
| Mic Input | None | None |
| LCD | 2-inch | 2-inch |
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Weight | 100g with battery | 152g with battery |
| Dimensions | 53 x 97 x 17mm | 50.1 x 107 x 20mm |
| HD | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Rates | 1080/30p, 720/60p, 480/60p, 240/30p | 720/30p, 720/60p, 480/60p |
| Compression | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Maximum Bitrate | Unknown | Unknown |
| Optical Zoom | None | None |
| Battery | Internal lithium-ion rechargeable (rechargeable via USB) |
AA (ships with two AA batteries, rechargeable via DC wall charger) |
| Scores | ||
| JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Colour | 10.94 | 2.36 |
| Noise | 2.28 | 4.50 |
| Video Sharpness | 11.66 | 8.43 |
| Low Light Sensitivity | 3.77 | 9.66 |
| Low Light Colour | 8.77 | 9.42 |
| Low Light Noise | 10.08 | 9.16 |
| Close-Up Colour Comparisons | |||
 |
 |
||
| Ideal | JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Red |  |
 |
 |
| Ideal | JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Green |  |
 |
 |
| Ideal | JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Blue |  |
 |
 |
| Ideal | JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Skin Tone 1 |
 |
 |
 |
| Ideal | JVC GC-FM1 | Kodak Zx1 | |
| Skin Tone 2 |
 |
 |
 |
| Video Sharpness Score Comparison |
 |
Latest News & Reviews
-
29-Apr-2011
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D Camcorder Review
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read More...
-
10-Mar-2011
Kodak Playsport Zx3 Camcorder Review
The Playsport Zx3 is an exciting ultracompact camcorder from Kodak that combines a Full HD recording capability with a body that is waterproof up to 3 meters. The camcorder’s durable construction, and did surprisingly well in our video testing. Read More...
Top Rated Camcorders
-
1Panasonic HDC-SDT750
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read full 17-part review
TypeConsumer -
£764.952Panasonic HDC-TM700
As the update to Panasonic's 300-series, the expectations for the Panasonic HDC-TM700 are high.. Read full 16-part review
£764.95TypeConsumer -
3Canon Legria HF G10
With the Legria HF G10, Canon's latest flagship camcorder, the company decided to use a completely different image sensor with a smaller amount of pixels. If you check out the results from our performance testing, you'll quickly see the change paid off—particularly in low light situations. Read full 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
4JVC Everio GZ-HM1
Other than a new silver paint job, JVC's newest flagship model, the Everio GZ-HM1, looks exactly like its predecessor, the GZ-HM400. JVC's biggest alteration comes in the form of a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that did wonders in improving the low light performance of this new model. Read full 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
£966.505Canon Legria HF S21
Canon's new flagship model, the HF S21, has a lot of exciting new features and controls. Its 64GB of internal flash memory, two SD/SDHC memory card slots, and the touchscreen LCD make the HF S21 one of the most appealing camcorders of 2010. Read full 17-part review
£966.50TypeConsumer
Features
-
Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder
We take an in-depth look at the most common video editing software packages, including the basic programs that come packaged with your camcorder. Read More...
-
Camcorderinfo.co.uk Select Awards 2009
It’s time once again for our annual CamcorderInfo select awards. Each year, we honor the camcorders that really rise above the rest during our review process. The camcorders you’ll read about below have all survived a battery of tests—tests that are designed to give every camcorder fair and equal treatment. These models have also been carefully compared to the competition. Read More...
