JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder
JVC's GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder brings together full high definition recording, a progressive scan signal and compact design in one amazing internal memory camera. Forget about carrying extra tapes or discs around because with 60GB of storage you'll be able to shoot all day and then some before needing more space. The impressive 1920 x 1080 progressive scan signal of the Gigabrid Engine provides the maximum image information for your shots, resulting in high quality images each and every time. And, the camcorder takes up very little room in a bag or purse, making it perfect for use when traveling or for family events.
Another impressive aspect of the GZ-HD5 is the accessory shoe and mic input; these features allow you to add a light or microphone to obtain professional-quality recordings. This camera also boasts a roomy 2.8" Widescreen Clear LCD that fights glare and ghosting when recording in bright conditions, a micro SDHC card slot for capturing extra SP video and 1920 x 1080 stills, and a wide range of manual controls such as focus and exposure settings. Power-Linked Operation prevents wasting battery power by automatically turning the camera off when the LCD closes while the Data Battery function let's you check remaining battery power and time. These features and more are all reasons why JVC's GZ-HD5 is one impressive machine.
- Full 1920 x 1080 HD Video
- Record in full 1920 x 1080i HD video, from start to finish, with the GZ-HD5. Every part of the process from the lens, to the CCD image sensor, the MPEG2 transport stream and output either via HDMI or USB2.0 is in full HD without any loss of quality.
- HD Gigabrid Engine
- Specifically designed for JVC, the HD Gigabrid Engine processes the images you record as a 1920 x 1080 progressive scan signal, no matter what mode was used, providing the most visual information possible. In addition, five digital noise reduction technologies work together to improve the vertical resolution of the image by approximately 30%.
- 60GB Internal Hard Disk Drive
- The GZ-HD5 frees you up from having to carry around extra tapes and discs. Record your video or stills directly to the 60GB internal memory and access or delete any scene in an instant.
- Compact Design
- The compact design of the GZ-HD5 makes it perfect for use on long trips or at family events. When you're not using the camera just pop it in a bag and forget about it until you're ready to record.
- FUJINON HD Professional Optical Zoom Lens
- The FUJINON HD Professional Optical Zoom Lens was made specifically for high definition use. With three aspherical elements, the lens maintains consistent brightness throughout the zoom range. Also, the electronic beam coating (EBC) on the lens surface reduces degradation by preventing flaring and ghosting of your image.
- Three 1/5" Progressive Scan CCDs
- Three 1/5" Progressive Scan CCDs allow the camera one sensor each for the primary colors of red, green and blue. By utilizing three sensors,the GZ-HD5 is able to take in the most information for each color, resulting in true-to-life color reproduction.
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) corrects for the age old problem of handshake and body sway. Even if you don't have the steadiest grip on the camera, the OIS will stabilize the image without any loss in quality.
- Built-In Sliding Lens Cover
- The days of losing your lens cover are over! The built-in cover automatically opens when you turn the camera on and closes when you turn it off.
- 2.8" Widescreen Clear LCD
- The roomy 2.8" LCD uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, allowing you to shoot and playback images in cinematic widescreen. The Clear LCD reduces surface glare and reflections allowing for clear viewing when you're recording outdoors even on bright days.
- Micro SDHC Card Slot
- Use micro SDHC cards (sold separately) to record extra video or still images. A 4GB card will hold up to 25 minutes of 1440 x 1080i video and up to 6880 1920 x 1080 stills.
- Zebra Function
- Highlighted areas are covered with a striped pattern, making it easy for you to manually set exposure.
- Program AE
- Program AE provides you with a wide variety of effects to use while you're shooting, freeing you up from having to worry about exposure or focus and allowing you to enjoy the moment.
- Stick Control
- This 4way, one-finger control allows the camera operator to access many of the GZ-HD5's functions. The compass points on the circular control operates everything from the selection of menu items to manual camera settings.
- Manual Controls
- Several manual control functions are available on the GZ-HD5 including, manual white balance, exposure control, sharpness control, shutter priority, aperture priority and brightness control.
- Accessory Shoe & Mic Input
- Use the accessory shoe to attach external lights or microphones to the camcorder for professional results. The featured mic input terminal provides power to a mounted microphone.
- Power Link Operation
- Power Link Operation saves battery power by automatically turning the camera off when the LCD screen closes. In turn when you open the LCD the camera will automatically come back on.
- Data Battery
- JVC's Data Battery system let's you check remaining battery power (for JVC batteries only) in percentage and recording time in minutes, with the camera on or off.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/5" Progressive 3CCD image sensor |
| Lens |
FUJINON Professional Optical Zoom lens Focal length=3.3-33mm f-stop/1.8-1.9 |
| Zoom |
10x Optical 200x Digital |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Format | MPEG-2 TS |
| Audio | MPEG-1 Layer 2 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical image stabilization (OIS) |
| Lux | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Recording Media |
60GB Hard disk drive SD/SDHC memory card |
| Recording Time |
60GB HDD SP: 7 hours, LP: 12 hours FHD/1440CBR: 5 hours |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Widescreen Clear LCD |
| Display Size | 2.8" |
| Viewfinder | N/A |
| Camera Features | |
|---|---|
| Manual Controls | Focus, white balance, exposure control, shutter priority, aperture priority & brightness control |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
No - flash Yes - light |
| Digital Still Mode | |
|---|---|
| Still Recording Media | Micro SD/SDHC card (sold separately) |
| Resolution |
[4:3] 1440 x 1080/1024 x 768/640 x 480 [16:9] 1920 x 1080 |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs |
DC input 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| Output |
USB 2.0 USB (type A & type B) HDMI i.LINK A/V out Component Video out |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Languages | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Compatible Operating Systems | Windows XP Home Edition, XP Professional, Windows Vista Home Basic/Home Premium, Mac OSX (10.4.4 - 10.4.8) |
| Power Requirements | 110-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3 1/8 x 2 7/8 x 5 1/8" (78 x 73 x 130mm) |
| Weight | 1.25 lbs (0.57kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to operate (5)
- Great picture quality (4)
- Durable (3)
- Great features (3)
- Great sound (3)
Cons
- Poor battery life (4)
Best Uses
- Travel (4)
- Editing (3)
- Home movies (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 5 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder:
I just made my first DVD for TV viewing and computer viewing. It was tricky converting the .tod file to .mpg, but once I figured it out the process went fine. I did have to use a software program not included to format DVD for TV viewing. Good product for the price!
- Recommended:
- longer life battery and battery charger
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Travel
Comments about JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder:
I have been using it since I bought it,without any problem
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- Home Movies
- Movies/Short Films
- Travel
Comments about JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder:
I am very satisfied with my new HD5 camcorder. The image is beautiful, the sound too. I am producing a interview serie and has liked very much.
Only in poor illumination appear in the image some noise.
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Editing
- HD Shooting
- Home Movies
- Travel
Comments about JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder:
The color rendering from this camcorder is very similar to that of Sony HDR-FX1 and matching colors in postprocessing is quite easy. Skin tones have a pleasant color with this unit, better in my opinion than those captured with HDR-FX1. The 1440CBR mode is very useful as it produces HDV-compatible clips that can be directly imported into Vegas without the necessity of being captured via firewire or running them through any kind of transcoding.
The camcorder has an awesome lens of a nearly constant aperture. It starts at f/1.8, and at the telephoto end it goes to only f/1.9 (!) The lens has optical stabilization, but it isn't as effective as say that of Sony HDR-FX1. I've experienced some jitters when handholding the camcorder and operating it at the zoom extended about 1/3 - 1/2 of the way. Zooming further makes no sense with any camcorder when handholding - a tripod is necessary.
The GZ-HD5 has backlight and spotlight modes, as well as a zebra pattern display. I could not get it to work in full manual. It is either aperture priority or shutter priority, but not both of them in manual. The battery life is short and the supplied battery will last only for about an hour. Due to the internal hard disk, this camcorder gets quite warm, but it doesn't bother me.
Low light performance is better than expected, although it has limitations. It is adequate for a small living room lit with two 150 watt bulbs. My older Canon Optura 50 is quite more grainy in those conditions and shows poorer colors. Sony HDR-FX1 is obviously better.
I suggest the original JVC 43mm wide-angle lens converter (GL-V0743U), which is very hard to find except when ordered directly from JVC. It noticeably improves the wide-angle coverage and adds a nice heft to the camera.
Overall the JVC GZ-HD5 is a great value for the money. It has optical stabilization and a microphone input. The video clips are saved in a HDV-compatible format, but without the hassle and expense of tape and a lengthy video capture process.
Pros
- Comfortable to Operate
- Durable
- Great Features
Cons
- Complicated To Operate
- Low-Quality Recordings
- Poor Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family
- Special Events
- Travel
Comments about JVC GZ-HD5 60GB HD Everio Camcorder:
I was looking for a small HD camera which would produce good images. The HD5 is a good product but...I felt the lack of optical stabilization downgraded the picture. What turned out to my main concern was that it would not interface with my edit system and its menu options are confusing. I returned my and exchanged for a Canon HV 30 , which is a little larger and record to DV tape. For me that works much better.
Displaying reviews 1-5
Batteries & Power
Don't get caught without power, always have a spare battery.
- Price: $59.00
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $1.25
- Price: $23.70
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect by adding a filter.
- Price: $25.96
Lenses & Adaptors
Capture the right view with a conversion lens.
-
- Original: $92.50
- Save: $9.25
- Price: $83.25
External Microphones
Enhance the quality of your audio recording with an external microphone.
- Price: $69.00
- Click to see current price
Some on camera microphones require the BEVB50 Universal Shoe Mount Adapter, sold separately.
On-Camera Lights
Adjust the lighting for virtually any indoor and many outdoor applications.
- Price: $24.22
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter
- BN-VF815U Battery Pack
- Component Cable
- A/V Cable
- USB Cable
- Shoulder Strap
- CD-ROM
- Remote Control & Lithium Battery
- Core Filter
- 1-Year Parts & 90-Days Labor Warranty
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