JVC offers up the GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera as a high-end consumer camcorder with a number of bells and whistles. As the name implies, the camera features 1920 x 1080 AVCHD recording along with a myriad of other recording options.
The HM400 provides 32GB of built-in flash memory storage and the option to record to SD/SDHC memory cards. Capturing all those high definition video and 9MP still images would be the impressive 10.3MP CMOS sensor, while a slightly larger than normal 2.8" LCD gives you room to compose and playback. The Konica Minolta HD lens with 15x Dynamic zoom and Optical Image Stabilization round out the primary features and functions.
Looking at the camcorder a little closer reveals considerations that allow for higher quality recording and control, whether you're an aspiring film-maker or you simply value options. First off, there's JVC's proprietary K2 Technology which restores audio details lost during compression. When it comes to manual adjustments the multi-function dial enables user control of brightness and focus while the direct control buttons give you easy access to Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed, and user-assignable operations. Other indispensable functions include an accessory shoe, the option to attach wide-angle or telephoto conversion lenses, and the microphone in and headphone out connections.
Finally, a number convenience features help to get the most out of your video and still images without worry. There's Ultra-Slow Motion Playback, simultaneous video and 5.3MP still capture, Face Detection, and Laser Touch Operation controls to name just a few. And when you're ready to share or store your footage the HM400 has plenty of options for that too. One Touch Upload allows for simply transfer of videos to YouTube, while One Touch Export allows for easy export of your videos to iTunes for playback on your iPod or iPhone. There's also One Touch DVD creation when connected to the optional JVC SHARE STATION.
GZ-HM400 incorporates a 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor to record 1920 x 1080 Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution - the theoretical maximum level of 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Real 9 Megapixel Stills with No Interpolation
The 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor is also the source of 9 Megapixel digital still images. By using the Bayer array for arranging RGB color filters, real 9 Megapixel stills with no interpolation are possible
HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine
At the heart of the HM400's image quality is the HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine which enables high speed processing of a huge amount of pixel data to allow quality video recording
Optical Image Stabilizer
JVC's proprietary Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) uses two active prisms to correct camera shake. It stabilizes at the zoom entrance for effectiveness over the entire zoom range
Konica Minolta HD Lens
GZ-HM400 uses a new Konica Minolta HD Lens with a 10x optical zoom which magnifies up to 15x without picture degradation thanks to Dynamic Zoom technology
24Mbps Ultra High Quality Recording
In UXP video recording mode, you can record at 24Mbps, the highest bit rate possible for AVCHD video, for more detailed, sharper images with less noise
1920x1080/60P Output
This function outputs a 1080 scanning line image at progressive 60fps so you can enjoy uncompromising picture quality on a TV that accepts 1080P input
K2 Technology for High Quality Audio
This JVC exclusive technology has been well-received in the audio field. It restores the sound details lost during compression to enable high-quality audio playback that is closer to the original
A lever switch lets you directly access the Brightness and Focus adjustment. And a manual adjustment dial enables precise adjustment for various manual settings without having to go through menus
Direct Control Buttons
Easily accessible direct control buttons are available for Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed, and user-assignable operations. You can register frequently used settings, offering a higher degree of personal control
Pro-Style Zoom Lever
WIDE/TELE seesaw-style zoom lever for sure operation
Accessory Shoe
External accessories like a microphone or video light can be attached for serious shooting
Conversion Lens Attachable
Optional wide-angle or telephoto conversion lens (46mm) can be attached for creative shooting
Mic In & Headphone Out
Utilize an optional external microphone or headphone for advanced video recording with high quality audio
As many as six 9 Megapixel stills can be shot at up to 15 frames per second, a speed that surpasses what's offered by typical 9 Megapixel DSLR cameras. You can also shoot 5.3 Megapixel continuous stills (up to 11) at even higher speed
High-Speed Recording for Ultra-Slow Motion Playback
High-speed recording mode shoots ultra-slow motion video to capture dynamic movement that is not visible to the naked eye. This is an effective tool for sports technique analysis and nature studies. Three speed modes available
Dual Mode: 5.3 Megapixel Stills While Recording Full HD Video
GZ-HM400 also allows shooting of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD video and 5.3 Megapixel stills at the same time. This way, you won't have to exit the Video mode each time you want to take still images, thereby minimizing the chances of a missed shot
Face Detection
Detects up to 16 faces then accurately adjusts the focus and exposure for sharp, beautiful images
Laser Touch Operation
This innovative user-interface features a touch-sensitive slide bar that you slide your finger over to access various functions and select still and video files. It also enables zooming and recording start/stop control in addition to the usual buttons on the top and rear of the camera
Auto Power ON/OFF & Auto Lens Cover
Just open the LCD; the power turns on and the lens cover automatically opens. Just close the LCD to power off and close the lens cover too
10 Modes of Scene Selection
A variety of preset modes available according to the subject you're shooting: Portrait, Snow, Twilight, Landscape, Sports, Sunset, Night, Spotlight, Beach, and Fireworks
Allows recording of Full HD video for up to 14 hours and 44 minutes. Up to 9,999 9MP stills also storable
SD Card Slot for Extra Storage
You can use an SD/SDHC card for additional recording. Up to 32GB card compatible
High Power Battery for Longer Recording
The supplied long-life battery offers an industry-leading continuous recording time of 2hours and 25 minutes
The One Touch Upload function, when used with the included software for Windows, simplifies uploading videos to YouTube. Simply connect HD Everio to a PC using the provided USB cable, and press "UPLOAD". The software launches automatically, converts the footage file and uploads it to YouTube
One Touch Export - Compatible with iTunes
A One Touch Export function, provided by bundled software for Windows, makes it easy to export videos into iTunes for playback on an iPod or iPhone. Simply connect the HD Everio to a PC, using the provided USB cable, and press "EXPORT". The software launches automatically, converts the footage file, and imports it into your iTunes library
One Touch DVD Creation
With Everio, archiving your videos onto a disc is simple. Use a PC or optional SHARE STATION DVD Burner, and you can burn DVDs from Everio's recordings. You can archive your Full HD video files on DVD discs (AVCHD DVD) and Blu-ray discs(Burning Blu-ray discs not available with SHARE STATION)
Easy Full HD Viewing
The optional CU-VS100 HD Media Player is an AVCHD video player with a dual SD card slot. Connect to HDTV via HDMI and just insert the recorded SD card; you can enjoy viewing HD video with full impact, right away. No need to connect HD Everio to your TV each time you want to watch. And since it supports standard-definition video, still images and music data too, count on it to entertain you
Everio MediaBrowser has a calendar type graphical interface that displays thumbnail images of your recorded videos and stills, overlaid on the date they were taken. So it's clear to see exactly when you took what scene. You can easily switch between "Daily" and "Show all" displays. And with built-in filter functions, you can instantly narrow down your selection to just videos, just stills, and so on
Easy Playback
Data files residing on your Everio can be played back on your PC. Just double-click on the scene you want to view, and playback starts. Full-screen viewing is also possible
Simple Editing
Simple cut edits are possible while viewing the playback image. Just push the Movie Edit button and select "from here to there" using the scroll bars to easily cut out unnecessary scenes
Easy "Share and Carry" Operation
Exporting to iTunes, uploading to YouTube, and burning to DVD disc... all of these "share and carry" operations are simplified to the extreme. Just press the exclusive function button, select the file you want to use, and follow a few simple steps shown on the computer screen. You're done before you know it
Decomotion Setting
A fun-filled extra for YouTube uploading. This function lets you add eyecatching moving frames to the videos you upload. Now you can show off your memories with an added touch of originality
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 10.3 Megapixel 1/2.33" CMOS |
| Lens |
6.7 - 67 mm f/2.8 - 4.5 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 10x Dynamic: 15x Digital: 200x |
| Filter Size | 46 mm |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC |
| Recording Media |
Internal Flash Memory Up To 32GB Video/Image SD/SDHC Video/Image |
| Recording Time |
Internal Flash Memory UXP: 2 hours, 56 minutes, EP: 14 hours, 44 minutes SD/SDHC 32GB: UXP: 2 hours, 40 minutes, EP: 14 hours, 40 minutes |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080i |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 9 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 2-ChannelStereo |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.8" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Lux | 9 |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - Yes |
| Accessory Shoe | Hot |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1x Microphone In |
| Outputs |
1x A/V 1x Mini HDMI 1x USB 2.0 1x USB 1.1 1x Headphone Out 1x Component Video (out) |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows System
|
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.6 x 2.8 x 5.6" / 66.04 x 71.12 x 142.24 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 lb / 498.95 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Razor Sharp Videos
Long story short - so long as there is adequate light, this camcorder makes gorgeous videos. They are significantly sharper than my Sony SR12 and Canon HF100 - not even close!The laser control ...Read complete review
Long story short - so long as there is adequate light, this camcorder makes gorgeous videos. They are significantly sharper than my Sony SR12 and Canon HF100 - not even close!The laser control is fine once you realize you don't have to stroke it - there are 4 sensors, just press a lower one to scroll down and vice versa. I don't miss the 24 and 30 FPS progressive modes. They never impressed me on my Canon HF100. Battery life is GREAT on this unit - lasts for hours it seems. Size and weight is fine - in line with others. Forget videos in less than good light (fluorescent light in a kitchen is fine), a dim living room makes for very noisy grainy result. But, realistically, who really expect to record hi-res video in dim light? The auto white balance, for some reason, likes to go to bluish occasionally. Don't know why but I haven't experienced it in outside videos. I like animal and nature recording and for that, this thing is great! The endless detail is very impressive. I would actually say that this is the first HD camcorder I've had (out of 6), that actually RECORDS all 1920 lines of resolution. Most of the others peeter out at about 1250 lines. Another cool thing this unit does, is output 1080P through HDMI. It does it extremely well too - no combing or other artifacts. External Mike input is welcome also. The built in one has good sound quality but is very sensitive to background noise and wind. I got mine set to -2 and that seems to give the best result. As usual, B&H pricing was very competitive [...]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice Camera, Very Poor Low Light Shootin
I purchased the GZ-HM400 from B&H as a camera for filming family events, concerts, and other home videos. The camera is solidly constructed and has a nice hand strap. The outdoor/bri...Read complete review
I purchased the GZ-HM400 from B&H as a camera for filming family events, concerts, and other home videos. The camera is solidly constructed and has a nice hand strap. The outdoor/bright light video quality is impressive however the low light video quality is very poor. By low light, I don't mean darkness, anything less than a darkened performance hall is subject to intense amounts of video noise, similar to camera phone video. I ended up returning the JVC and purchasing a Panasonic HDC-TM300K which has much better low light handling.
Reviewed by 33 customers
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
There are a number of items that you should be aware of before purchasing this camera. I am not a professional but enjoy recording and editing video on a regular basis. I purchased this camera about 1.5 months ago and have recorded about 10 hours of video and have decided to stop using this as my main v-camera. Going back to my GZ-HD6U even though it is older.
The good:
1. it has manual buttons dedicated to focus, brightness, aperture, shutter and one user select.
2. Batteries last much longer than on HDD cameras
3. Light weight.
4. Image stabilization is good.
The bad:
1. Manual white balance either does not work or was poorly engineered. I use a calibration target and the camera still has horrible color in many indoor settings.
2. The accessory shoe will not work with any attachment unless you use JVC's cheap plastic adapter which increases the accessory height about 1.5 inches from a normal shoe. Makes it difficult for carrying in camera bags.
3. The tripod mounting screw is located at the back of the camera resulting in an unbalanced stance when mounted to a tripod, especially if you use an add-on wide angle or telephoto lens. In addition the mounting screw is so far back that when mounted to a tripod the battery release button is completely covered. There is no way to change the battery without unscrewing from tripod.
4. If you are using Apple's iMovie or FCE you will not be able to read the video files from a stored location on your computer or hard drive for later editing, you must Log and Transfer direct from the camera.
5. Aperture only goes to 2.8 vs. 1.8 on the GZ-HD6U. This is the reason for the bad low light ability.
6. The camera only shoots in interlace. I knew this before purchasing and thought it would not make that big of a difference but I definitely prefer shooting in 1080p rather than converting later.
I was looking forward to using this camera especially after purchasing it for the discounted price but I am very disappointed with the end product. It is a shame JVC fell short on the items above because it would be a great camera otherwise. Not sure why JVC changed these features for the worse when they had it right for the HD7 & HD6 cameras.
I am now back to shooting video on my 3 year old GZ-HD6U where none of the issues above exist.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I am an amateur but seriously commited movie maker. I bought this camera to be my default camera for every movie, and I was indeed surprized with it. Though it is not for professional video, it is something between a pro and an amateur camera, for its got a compact size, but more resources than an amateur one. I can easily control the light, the shooting speed and the white balance, the focus can be switched to manual and the zoom is more precise than those small sticks that come in the small cameras.
Those were the first impressions, along with a not very long lasting battery pack, but I still have a lot to discover from this camera.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
The movie format no right for dvd player
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
My last camera cost twice the price. I now have a better and smaller camera that does more.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
Great video and image quality. very good zoom
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
We use the camera to video tape our kids and the picture clarity is fantastic and features are easy to use. Our "old" camera was also a JVC but not HD. Batteries have nice life as well. Very happy with purchase and got at a great price! Whole buying experience was excellent - Thanks
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
Great HD video, nice and small, only then is bad in low light.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I use this camera for my personal film projects along with my final film project for high school. The definition on this camera is incredible! The amount of different features on this camera is incredible. For this price I'm suprised at how good it acctually is. The only drawback I find so far is that I cannot figure out out to keep the video light on if you can at all!.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I have owned 4 digital cameras in 6 years.Great consumer level camera. This camera is very user friendly and uploads quickly to my pc for editing. This camera will become legendary in time!
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I purchased this video camera a few weeks ago and the image is extremely impressive for such a low price. What amazed me even more however, we're the quality of the still pictures (9 megapixels). One of my favorite features of this camera is this camera is the ability to shoot at 600fps (although the quality is drastically decreased). However, it does not handle low-light images very well. The small wheel on the front which allows you to manually adjust brightness and focus did not meet my expectations.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
Good Quality. Needed an HD Flash Camcorder with a mic input. This one had it and best of all... no mic preamp needed! I also have a Canon HF20 (it needs a mic preamp).
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
The HD video quality is superb. The first DVD burned was crystal clear when shown on 40inch LCD.
The camera menu is easy to work with. The scrole slider on the left is somewhat touchy when making choices from the menu. Downloading to the PC is effortless. The camera as a whole is very sharp and has great feel to it.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I researched camcords for a week and found this camera to be a best buy, especially with an instant rebate of $250.I purchased this camcorder specifically for our 2010 vacation. The camcorder is everything the others reviews say it is; poor in low light, but great otherwise. I've used the HD recording and photos and have been extremely satisfied.The camcorder works great for long distance shooting, close-up shooting, fast motion recording, etc. This camcord has captured our vacation memories very clearly and did a great job.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
The camera's best quality overall is that it is the perfect balance between being a high quality videography machine and a portable size. It can comfortably handle most features that much larger and more expensive cameras can and yet this one is convinent enough that you can take it with you.
So far my only disappointment is that it's high speed recording feature diminishes video quality, but that just means I will have to simply use the computer to slow it down.
And the colors! This is the first camera I've seen that enhances anything it's filming to look more beautiful than the naked eye.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
This camera gives you great video quality for the price. I use the camera to make youtube videos and it surpasses all expectations. It has very easy to use, does very well recording inside my house, and has the perfect amount of optical zoom. There are no downsides to this camera in my opinion.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
This camera is Great...and the Price is a Big Deal.
A good sharp image with adequate lighting. Also the possbility to attaching lenses and microphones helps a lot and it was a key factor in my decision to buy this camera.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I bought this camera highly recommended. I've not used it enough to make comments on its effectivness, but the discount and the dvd burner that came along with it, made the choice a no-brainer for me. I'm looking forward to using it more. Four stars only because I've not used it enough. I am presently a casual user but am entering into doing more video production stuff. I really like the size for what I need it for.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
Great tool. Love the focus assist. Not so great in low light, but wonderful with adequate lighting. Well worth the price, and I love the $400 savings from B&H. Includes a mic input and cold shoe.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
This camera is absolutely amazing. And at a wonderful $400 dollars off from B&H. I wasn't sure about it at first, but the performance out of the box was great. Not the best quality in low light, but rather crispy with adequate lighting. The cold shoe and 46mm lens make attaching lenses and microphones possible, wich is a major plus.
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Comments about JVC GZ-HM400 HD Everio Memory Camera Camcorder:
I recently bought this camera to do some full HD shooting for promos and commercials. I read some reviews for it and it looked good. [...] I tried it out and the quality was amazing! Nothing short of what it says as advertised. Along with this camera I bought a Audio - Technica ATR6550 shotgun microphone. This increases sound quality tremendously. This camera surpasses all other cameras that I have had in the past and it has very high quality and resolution pictures.
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