JVC Everio GZ-HD3
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: GZ-HD3
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- As a scaled-down version of JVC's GZ-HD7, the GZ-HD3 ditches some of the fancier features, but its price is still higher than we'd like for this camcorder.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
JVC Everio GZ-HD3 price range: $799.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 10/15/2007
The good: Good-looking design; high-quality audio; low noise, low-light video.
The bad: Low-resolution video; needs built-in ND filter; no viewfinder.
The bottom line: As a scaled-down version of JVC's GZ-HD7, the GZ-HD3 ditches some of the fancier features, but its price is still higher than we'd like for this camcorder.
When Lori Grunin reviewed JVC's Everio GZ-HD7 a few months ago, it did all right, but she concluded that its features, performance, and image quality didn't live up to its high price tag. JVC followed up the HD7 with the Everio GZ-HD3, a scaled-down version, which includes the same triple-CCD design and a lot of the same features. The HD3 has a different 10x optical zoom lens, this one carrying the KonicaMinolta brand instead of the Fujinon name, and with a f/1.8-2.4 maximum aperture range, as compared with the HD7's f/1.8-1.9. In the end, the differences affect the camcorder's general usability (in the ergonomic sense) much more than performance or image quality, which remains essentially the same as the HD7.
While the HD3 is only slightly physically smaller than the HD7, its other physical differences make more of an impact than its size. The most noticeable difference is the HD3's lack of a focusing ring. Instead you have to use the small joystick on the edge of the 2.8-inch LCD for manual focusing. A small button marked Focus Assist changes the view on the LCD into black and white and highlights an object in the frame when it comes into focus, which was very helpful when trying to focus manually, though I still found myself overshooting the focus point and having to come back because the joystick control is a bit too coarse. Ultimately, the focusing ring is a much better way to focus, but at least JVC made focus one of the shortcuts from the HD3's joystick, along with night mode, program AE, and backlight compensation, so you don't have to press a menu button before choosing that feature.
Shutter speed and aperture priority weren't as lucky. They were thrown into the menus on the HD3, but have buttons on the HD7. White balance is a menu-based control on both of these camcorders, but I would've rather seen that as a joystick shortcut than Program AE (essentially scene modes), since I usually end up changing white balance more often than I use preprogrammed scene modes.
Strangely, for a nonpro camcorder, the Everio GZ-HD3 includes a standard minijack mic input and an unpowered accessory shoe. That means it's easy to use an external mic with the HD3, whereas other manufacturers tend to leave that option out and force you to use their proprietary mic, or an accessory that adds a standard mic input. Even stranger is that the HD3 includes an SDHC memory card slot, but while some other manufacturers have been using SDHC as media for full HD recording, the HD3 restricts you to the lowest-quality SP mode when recording video to SDHC cards. Also, since you have to convert all footage from JVC's MPEG-2 TS format before playing it back on another device, some of the benefits of using SDHC cards become moot when using the HD3. Of course, you can still watch video shot on SDHC cards through the camcorder itself, using the unit's full-size HDMI or S-Video outputs, or via component or composite outputs using the supplied proprietary breakout cables.
It doesn't really matter much, and in fact it could be considered a benefit, but the HD3 lacks the HD7's FHD (Full HD) mode. Since most video editors don't support FHD, it could be considered more trouble than its worth, especially since Lori Grunin saw little, if any, difference between the video quality of the HD7's FHD and 1440 CBR modes. In our tests, the HD3's 1440 CBR video looked extremely similar to the HD7's, which is to say that it looks good. It has the same interlace artifacts, horizontal jitter and stutter, and blown-out highlights as the HD7, but colors look fairly accurate and well saturated.
Another major difference between the HD7 and HD3 is that the HD7 had, albeit ineffectual, optical image stabilization, while the HD3 relies on digital image stabilization. Normally this might be seen as a drawback, but given the HD7's problematic stabilization, you might actually get better results from the HD3's stabilization, which was effective to about 60 percent of the camcorder's 10x optical zoom range.
I wouldn't call the HD3's autofocus exceedingly fast, but it wasn't slow either. As was the case with its more-advanced cousin, the wind filter did a great job of neutralizing the auditory effect of breezes when filming. I didn't run into the same battery problems as Lori did with the HD7, but if you're planning on shooting for extended periods of time, it always makes sense to buy an extra battery with a camcorder.
When the company introduced the Everio GZ-HD3, JVC suggested a price $300 less than the GZ-HD7, which doesn't make up for the loss of the focus ring or the other button-based manual controls. However, the HD7's price has dropped precipitously since its introduction, no doubt because of its image-stabilization troubles. Since it's hard to recommend a camcorder with stabilization issues, I find it difficult to suggest the HD7 over the HD3. Ultimately, for image quality, you're probably better off opting for a tape-based HDV camcorder, such as Canon's HV20. If you really want a hard drive camcorder though, check out Sony's Handycam HDR-SR7.
User reviews
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Great video, Great Value, best hdd cam Ive owned.
by firestormvideo on September 17, 2008
Pros: Very good color saturation due to 3ccds (prefer them to sonys cmos sensors). A multitude of connectors including hdmi. Found it easy to transfer the .tod files to my vista workstation and edit in hd with edius neo. It produced beatiful ,crisp videos.
Cons: Dont care for the feature that turns camera off when lcd is shut. Auto-focus is a bit slower than id like. Would recommend using the manual settings as opposed to leaving it in auto.
Summary: This is a very good camcorder at a reasonable price. As far as consumer hd camcorders go, this is as good a image quality ive seen with as many features ...
Summary: This is a very good camcorder at a reasonable price. As far as consumer hd camcorders go, this is as good a image quality ive seen with as many features as you will ever need. It was instantly recognized by my dell inspiron running vista home and transferred files with absolutely no hiccups.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great HD Camera
by mikemanuel57 on February 26, 2008
Pros: Picture quality, hard drive medium, size, external mic option
Cons: Manual controls are menu based, files need conversion prior to editing, FAT32 drive limits file size to 4GB, built in LED light is out of balance, no direct headphone out
Summary: I picked up this camera becuase my MiniDV cam started eating up tapes, and I was getting ready for a week at Disneyland. This being my first HD HDD Cam, ...
Summary: I picked up this camera becuase my MiniDV cam started eating up tapes, and I was getting ready for a week at Disneyland. This being my first HD HDD Cam, I am very impressed with the fact that I don't need to buy and tote tapes anymore. The camera fist very well in my hand, although I wish there was another start/stop button for the times when I'm either holding the camera at waist level or pointing towards myself.
I love the quality of the image. It took me some time to figure out the White Balance controls and I did need to consult the manual (just a gripe about everything being menu based). But once I got the hang of it, it's a piece of cake.
I have only a few issues with this camera. First is that the hard drive uses a FAT32 format on the drive, which limits the file size to 4GB. And when you're working with HD video, 4GB isn't that big. This limitation hasn't affected continuous recording as I've never just let the camera record continuously for an hour. I will test this at some point. Where it causes an issue is when I edit clips and render a .tpd file in PowerDirector that results in a file bigger than 4GB, it will not copy back to the camera hard drive.
Second issue is the crappy built in LED video light, but I guess most built in camera lights suck.
Third issue is that the native .tod files need conversion before they can be edited, even with the included Cyberlink software. There are are third party plugins for direct editing, but they are not cheap.
Other than that, overall it's a great addition to my video making arsenal.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This the best HD camcorder in its price category.
by ali110ali on December 20, 2007
Pros: Picture quality, 60 Gig hard drive, recent drop in price: 899 Canadian dollars. Stylish.
Cons: Software provided with camcorder can burn DVD & Blue Ray not HD DVD. The manual has left out some details. 2 Mega Pixel still picture quality.
Summary: Make sure you read the manual thoroughly before using the camcorder. Remember the best picture quality is obtained on XP setting NOT 1440CBR.
Summary: Make sure you read the manual thoroughly before using the camcorder. Remember the best picture quality is obtained on XP setting NOT 1440CBR.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good camcorder, could use some improvements.
by jking29 on May 30, 2009
Pros: The video quality is quite impressive. Probably not the greatest out there, but what I use it for its decent. Has a good sized hard-drive, easy to navigate menus, and an hdmi output.
Cons: Not so good at capturing sound, the camera function isn't anything to brag about, but it is useful if you don't have your camera at hand.
Summary: All in all the camcorder is pretty good, I been planing on buying some accessories for it to improve on the areas its not good at (audio recording).
Summary: All in all the camcorder is pretty good, I been planing on buying some accessories for it to improve on the areas its not good at (audio recording).
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Negatives outweigh the positives
by stevenleonardtaylor on December 27, 2008
Pros: Decent video, not the best but fairly good.
Controls are limited.
Lightweight and easy to handle.Cons: Not easy to use with a Mac. Files not easily recognized without a third party application like MPEG Streamclip.
Limited selection of lens adapters due to the way the camera is constructed.
Battery life could be better.Summary: You're better off buying a Canon HV30 or HV20. I have told my friends not to buy this camera.
Summary: You're better off buying a Canon HV30 or HV20. I have told my friends not to buy this camera.
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A piece of garbage
by 37465 on May 11, 2008
Pros: None-- It's a paperweight
Cons: Useless-- it doesn't work with your computer.
Summary: I've purchased two JVC Cameras in the last 48 hours and neither one worked. They are not recognized by Windows XP, Vista or OSX. Additionally, it is almost impossible ...
Summary: I've purchased two JVC Cameras in the last 48 hours and neither one worked. They are not recognized by Windows XP, Vista or OSX. Additionally, it is almost impossible to capture raw digital video onto your computer with these paperweights. You want to know how bad it is? I signed up for this CNET account specifically to warn others about JVC's new line of paperweights.
1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DO NOT BUY THIS WORTHLESS CAM CORDER
by soup66 on January 2, 2009
Pros: Absolutely none. Like the other comment on this website it is a worthless paperweight. Never ever take the risk and buy a JVC product.
Cons: this camcorder runs TOD files which will NOT work on your computer, even if brand new. You will then call JVC where they WILL NOT support the worthless product. THE PEOPLE AT JVC ARE CRIMINALS AND SHOULD BE PROSECUTED.
Summary: Do not risk your money and buy any JVC product. They don't work. You will waste 2-3 days of your life trying to get them to work and JVC ...
Summary: Do not risk your money and buy any JVC product. They don't work. You will waste 2-3 days of your life trying to get them to work and JVC does not support your 900 dollar purchase. You will also lose all your fottage since you can't access a TOD file.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: GZ-HD3
- Description: The HD lens of the GZ-HD3 was developed by camera specialist, KONICA MINOLTA, to ensure optimal lens performance for use with 3-CCD image sensor and MPEG2 recording technology. The result is an extremely detailed picture with clear contrast and strong presence throughout the image - the type of stable and consistent performance that becomes essential when recording images at HD specifications. Three 1/5" Progressive Scan CCDs with Pixel Shift TechnologyFor bright, realistic colors the HD Everio uses three 1/5-inch CCDs - one each for red, green and blue. Naturally, by having dedicated CCDs for each primary color, the camera is able to gather the maximum visual information, which leads to more realistic color reproduction and presence. Using Pixel Shift Technology, the Red and Blue pixel locations are shifted relative to Green, allowing the sampled color information to be quadrupled through interpolation. The GZ-HD3 is equipped with a built-in video light that automatically illuminates the scene if you are recording video in a dim environment. The palm-sized GZ-HD3 is easy to take anywhere, with a lightweight and compact body weighing a mere 1.5lbs (670g) including battery. It also offers point-and-shoot simplicity so no crucial scenes are missed, plus manual controls for more ambitious users.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
- Digital Zoom 200 x
- Progressive scan Yes
- Optical Sensor Size 1/5"
- Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
- Min Illumination 1 lux
- Digital Video Format MPEG-2
- Image Stabilizer Electronic
- Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
- Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Spotlight, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Twilight mode
- White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
- Exposure Modes Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
Main Features
- Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.53 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Light Sensitivity ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Remote Control Camcorder remote control - Infrared
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture MPEG-2 - 1440 x 1080
Pro Camcorder Features
- Features Zebra pattern
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Digital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 60 GB
- Image Storage JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1440 x 1080, JPEG 1024 x 768, JPEG 640 x 480
- Media Type Hard disk drive
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 3.2 mm - 32 mm - F/1.8-2.4
- Focal Length 3.2 mm - 32 mm
- Lens Aperture F/1.8-2.4
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 3.2 mm
- Lens Manufacturer Konica Minolta
- Max focal length 32 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Filter Size 46 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 42 - 422 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Digital Still Camera Function Yes
- Built-in Light Yes
- Additional Features Auto power save, Histogram display, Sharpness control, Brightness control, Accessories hot shoe, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation
- Remote control Camcorder remote control - Infrared
- Software Drivers & Utilities, CyberLink BD Solution
- Included Accessories Carrying strap
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.8 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x HDMI output, 1 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x S-Video output, 1 x Component video output, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x S-Video output, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows Vista, MS Windows XP Home Edition, MS Windows XP Professional, Apple Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, 1 x USB cable, 1 x A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Power Consumption Operational 6.7 Watt
Battery
- Supported Battery JVC BN-VF815
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1460 mAh ( Included )
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
- Display Format 207,000 pixels
Physical Characteristics
- Width 3.2 in
- Depth 6.1 in
- Height 3 in
- Weight 1.3 lbs
- Available Body Colors Black, silver
Manufacturer info
- JVC
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse JVC products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jvc.com/
- Address:
1700 Valley Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470 - Phone: 800-526-5308
