JVC Everio GZ-HM320 Camcorder (black)
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: GZ-HM320BUS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The four sibling models--the JVC Everio GZ-HM300, HM320, HM340, and HD500--deliver subpar video for even their dirt-cheap prices.
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CNET editors' review
JVC Everio GZ-HM320 Camcorder (black) price range: $499.95
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 07/08/2010
- Released on: 02/21/2010
The good: Relatively intelligent autofocus system; compact.
The bad: Poor video quality; no optical image stabilization.
The bottom line: The four sibling models--the JVC Everio GZ-HM300, HM320, HM340, and HD500--deliver subpar video for even their dirt-cheap prices.
With some of the worst video quality I've seen in an HD camcorder of late, the best I can say about JVC's entry-level HD Everio camcorder models is that they're small and cheap. Though they're $60 to $100 less than HD competitors, they're defined by a tiny, insufficient-resolution-for-HD sensor, a 20x zoom lens with no optical image stabilization (only electronic), and the lowest-resolution LCD display in their class.
Perhaps JVC's goal is to upsell customers: the company offers 10 HD models for less than $800, with these four nearly identical versions that list between $400 and $550 alone. Three are flash models that differ only by built-in memory, and the fourth is an 80GB hard-disk-based model, which takes microSD cards instead of regular SDHC/SDXC cards. It bears pointing out that in JVC's confusing lineup and unlike every other manufacturer out there, the similarly named HD300 and HD320 are not sibling products to the HM300 and HM320; they have bigger, higher-resolution sensors and their flash-based sibling is the HM200.
| JVC Everio GZ-HM300/HM320/HM340 | JVC Everio GZ-HD500 | JVC Everio GZ-HM200 | JVC Everio GZ-HD300/HD320 | JVC Everio GZ-HD620 | |
| Sensor | 1.37-megapixel CMOS | 1.37-megapixel CMOS | 3.1-megapixel CMOS | 3.1-megapixel CMOS | 3.3-megapixel BIS CMOS |
| 1/5.8 inch | 1/5.8 inch | 1/4.1 inch | 1/4.1 inch | 1/4 inch | |
| Lens | 20x f1.8-3.5 46.4 to 928mm | 20x f1.8-3.5 46.4 to 928mm | 20x f1.9-3.2 41.4 - 828mm | 20x f1.9-3.2 41.4 - 828mm | 30x f1.8-4.7 43.7 - 1411mm |
Optical image stabilization | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Min illumination (lux) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
EVF | No | No | No | No | No |
| LCD | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot |
| Primary media | 0GB/8GB/16GB flash; SDHC | 80GB hard disk; microSD | 0GB flash; SDHC | 60GB/120GB hard disk; microSD | 120GB hard disk; microSD |
| HD recording | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps (all video interpolated up from less than 1,440x1,080 pixels; actual dimensions n/a) | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps (all video interpolated up from less than 1,440x1,080 pixels; actual dimensions n/a) | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps |
| Manual shutter speed and iris | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Accessory shoe | No | No | No | No | No |
| Audio | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels, headphone | 2 channels |
| Body dimensions (WHD, inches) | 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.4 | 2.1 x 2.5 x 4.6 | 2.2 x 2.6 x 4.4 | 2.1 x 2.7 x 4.5 | 2.1 x 2.5 x 4.6 |
| Operating weight (ounces) | 8.5 | 10.7 (est) | 11 (est) | 12.8 (est) | 11 (est) |
| Mfr. Price | $399.95/$449.95/$499.95 | $549.95 | $579.95 | $699.95/$799.95 | $649.95 |
| Ship date | February 2010 | March 2010 | March 2010 | March 2010 | April 2010 |
One thing the entry-level JVC models do have going for them is size: they're the lightest and smallest models in their class. The length of the body of the flash models is about the width of a large man's palm; the hard-drive version is slightly longer and wider, which might make for more comfortable shooting for large-handed people. Though made of shiny plastic, the camcorder feels reasonably well constructed.
Beneath a door on the bottom right sits a pair of SDHC card slots; the models with built-in memory only have a single slot. I like this card location better than in most of the other designs I've seen; it's out of the way and the thin grip strap doesn't block it. I also like the location of the USB connector, which shares a spot above the battery with the DC input. Toward the front of the camcorder is the grip strap release lever, which turns it into a wrist strap. The top controls consist of the zoom switch and photo shutter button.
The LCD recess houses the playback and recording controls, Upload (to YouTube, via computer), and a power button that also cycles through three different information screens. I'm not a big fan of the multiple-duty power button; to me, it's a surefire way to end up turning off the camcorder accidentally. The component, AV, and Mini-HDMI out connectors also occupy the recess.
Of the touch-sensitive buttons on the LCD bezel, only OK and Menu are fixed; the other three are context sensitive. You navigate the menus via a slider strip on the left side, which lights up as you use it. It probably demos well in retail and gives you something pretty to look at while the camcorder boots, but it's only modestly effective as a navigation technique--it's too imprecise for that or for manual focus, leading to accidental slide-bys past your desired options.
| Canon HF R100/ 10 / 11 | JVC Everio GZ-HM300/HM320/HM340 | Panasonic HDC-SD60/ TM55 / TM60 | Sony Handycam HDR-CX110/CX150 | |
| Sensor | 2.4-megapixel CMOS | 1.37-megapixel CMOS | 3-megapixel CMOS | 3-megapixel Exmor R CMOS |
| 1/5.5 inch | 1/5.8 inch | 1/4.1 inch | 1/4 inch | |
| Lens | 20x f1.8-3.6 40 - 800mm (16:9) | 20x f1.8-3.5 46.4 to 928mm (n/a) | 25x f1.8-3.3 35.7-893mm (16:9) | 25x f1.8-2.6 37 - 1075mm (16:9) |
| Optical image stabilization | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Min illumination (lux) | standard: 5.5 low light: 0.4 | n/a | recommended:1400 low light: 4 night: 1 | standard: 11 low light: 3 |
EVF | No | No | No | No |
| LCD | 2.7-inch 211,000-dot | 2.7-inch 123,000-dot | 2.7-inch 230,400 dot touch screen | 2.7-inch 230,000-dot touch screen |
| Primary media | 0GB/8GB/32GB flash; SDHC | 0GB/8GB/16GB flash; SDHC | 0GB/8GB/16GB built-in; SDXC | 0GB/16GB built-in; SDHC |
| HD recording | MPEG-4: 1080/60i @ 24 Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 12, 7, 5 Mbps (all video interpolated up from 1,664 x 936) | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17, 12, 5 Mbps (all video interpolated up from less than 1440x1080; actual dimensions n/a) | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 17, 13, 9; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 5 Mbps | AVCHD: 1080/60i @ 24, 17Mbps; 1,440x1,080/60i @ 9,5 Mbps |
| Manual shutter speed and iris | No | No | Yes | No |
| Accessory shoe | No | No | No | No |
| Audio | 2 channels; mic, headphone jacks | 2 channels | 2 channels | 2 channels |
| Body dimensions (WHD, inches) | 2.4 x 2.5 x 4.9 | 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.4 | 2.0 x 2.6 x 4.4 | 2.0 x 2.3 x 4.3 |
| Operating weight (ounces) | 10.9 (est) | 8.5 | 10.5 | 9.3 |
| Mfr. Price | $499.99/$549.99/$699.99 | $399.95/$449.95/$499.95 | $499.95/$529.95/$499 | $499.99/$549.99 |
| Ship date | March 2010 | February 2010 | March 2010 | February 2010 |
The feature set is pretty typical. Most notably, there's face-priority AE/AF, video categorizing, interesting time-lapse video, and a faux motion-sensor mode that records when it detects changes in brightness.
Unfortunately, none of these makes up for the lack of optical image stabilization. JVC fails to distinguish between optical and electronic stabilization (EIS) on its Web site, referring to both as the "Advanced Image Stabilizer," but the HM300/320 manual refers to it as the "digital image stabilizer." Unfortunately, EIS can degrade video quality, and the camcorder simply doesn't have the extra pixels to spare for the EIS to work well.
On the upside, the autofocus works pretty intelligently, and seems to make accurate distinctions between subject and background without notable delays. And the 1,400mAh battery last a reasonably long time, somewhere between 60 and 90 minutes.
Which brings me to video quality. Though I don't expect much for $300, I admit I'm probably dinging JVC just a little harder for marketing this as an HD camcorder when it's adhering to the letter but not the spirit of the definition of HD (Canon plays the same game with its HF R series). The sensor is tiny and its native resolution is somewhat mysterious. It varies with the zoom, which is yet another trick that annoys me; it's a now-common method for gaming the zoom ranges on camcorder lenses, but it's only potentially acceptable as long as the effective number of pixels is still above the minimum needed to get a native HD capture, about 2.1 megapixels. But the HM300/320/340 and HD500's effective resolution ranges from 1.1 megapixels down to 750,000 pixels, which the camcorders then interpolate up to 1920x1080 HD.
If you're going to be playing the video at small sizes--say, 50 percent or less--it should look fine and sharp. At actual size, though, the subject is soft, and both edges and out-of-focus areas look quite smeary and processed. You can get the same results out of a cheaper standard-definition model. That's coupled with a lens that produces uncommonly bad fringing; my videos contained not just rampant purple, but yellow, cyan, and magenta variations.
However, the colors are pleasing and saturated, if not accurate, and like most low-end camcorders, the highlights tend to blow out. The sound is just OK; the mics seem oddly omnidirectional given their placement beneath the lens, and I suspect that location makes them a bit more susceptible to wind noise, the digital wind filter notwithstanding. Still, the sound is clear, if tinny.
The low-light video looks surprisingly decent, as long as you play it back scaled down. At full size it's pretty soft and noisy.
Though $300 sounds cheap for an HD camcorder, if by choice or budgetary necessity you're willing to sacrifice video quality, you might as well spend even less for a decent standard-definition model. Otherwise, I suggest you spend a little more for a true HD model like the Panasonic HDC-SD60. Of the four JVC options, only whichever is cheapest at the moment is even worth considering, and the HD500 is simply overpriced.
User reviews
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This is a fairly good quality camera with a great price
by Carter_Ebrey on December 25, 2010
Pros: Small Size
8 GB Flash Memory Built-In
Intelligent Facial Recognition Technology
37mm Filter Thread (becoming more uncommon)
Manual FocusCons: Low resolution lense not meant for Full HD
No Optical Image Stabilization
Manual Focus is difficult to use
Indoor Clips are grainySummary: This camera is worth the money, because it is dirt cheap. If it were in the same league as mid grade Full HD cameras it would get devoured. Luckily for ...
Summary: This camera is worth the money, because it is dirt cheap. If it were in the same league as mid grade Full HD cameras it would get devoured. Luckily for JVC, it is not in the same category and is probably worth the money. If you are looking to make relatively good quality HD video for your home videos, a teen looking to film his skating, biking, or scootering, or a consumer user; this is the camera for you.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Dirt cheap, good for average holiday video's
by ProDigit on August 17, 2010
Pros: small,
laser led touch sense on the left of the screen,
wind noise reduction (audio)
good zoom
Good handle ability, even with larger handsCons: Short battery life (we got upto 1,5Hrs)
Creates MTS files need recoding to .wmv 720 or 360p.
some functions like higher than 80x digital zoom make little sense
Photo's are low quality (upto 2 Mpix)
software suit loads extremely slow!Summary: We purchased the cam because of it's pricetag (Sub $299 @ our local store).
The analog zoom of 20x works pretty ok, you can add zoom digitally to 200x, but ...Summary: We purchased the cam because of it's pricetag (Sub $299 @ our local store).
The analog zoom of 20x works pretty ok, you can add zoom digitally to 200x, but at that zoom size you only see the pixels of the CCD sensor chip on your screen.
I found out, at 1080i, the cam zooms in to 40x pretty ok!, and the image is pretty ok with visual artifacts at 80x. Anything beyond 80x zoom looks pixelated.
It has digital anti vibration, with 3 settings (off, AV, and green; where green equals double AV. Single AV makes little difference in recording) which you can only enable in video to take zoom shots (for photo's; you can not enable this within photo mode, have to go to video mode).
Recording in zoom modes beyond 40x without anti-vibration is not recommended. Recording faraway objects at 80x with anti vibration at 2x is hard to do, you need a steady hand or stand for that.
It has a playback, video recording, and photo recording mode.
The menu structure in the camera is not very optimized. It took me (a techie but without video camera knowledge) about 30 minutes of browsing and testing before I found out you could set the cam to 480i. Instead of having the video quality and video resolution in the same menu (or even submenu), they are located in 2 completely different places).
Video Quality within the cam can be set to UXP. XP, SP, and EP.
EP being the lowest quality allowed me to record a video of upto 1,5hrs on a 4GB card.
The only other I would select is SP. XP and UXP waste too much disk space; while EP might use too much battery in trying to compress the video too much.
The difference between UXP, XP, and SP was not noticeable, and the difference between UXP/XP/SP and EP is so minimal that unless you compare both side by side, you won't notice any difference.
The software suit (provided on the CD ROM) when opening it up takes several minutes (of seemingly both disk and CPU being inactive) before it passes the splash screen.
Many times we thought the software crashed, and rebooted it, only when we gave up on it, 3 minutes after starting it, we saw the actual program boot (this is on a Core2Duo 2Ghz computer with 4GB of RAM, and Windows Vista latest SP installed). Here JVC could do a MUCH better job!
On average it took me 3 minutes just to load the software!
The software is not easy to handle, and in their effort to make it easier, JVC or everest or whatever, actually made things much harder! It took me nearly 30 minutes to figure out how to backup the video files, and nearly as long on how to convert them (menu structure and button layout are not on a very common place).
Video's on the cam recorded at 1080i or 480i can only be recoded to 720 or 360p .wmv video; all with loss of quality!
Instead of supplying the software suite with a way to convert 1080i to 540p, or quickly recoding 480i to 480p which would make more sense, or providing a small app to convert the headers of the mts file to avi. It records in AVC video format, audio I don't know, but presume .wav format.
Video quality is good enough for most non-low light situations. Candlelight dinner recordings will appear grainy and dark on the cam.
The camera bag provided with the cam, actually can fit upto 3 of these camera's (when stacked vertically, 2 when stacked horizontally). The bag looks good enough, unlike the strap on the cam looks a bit cheap and thin.
Camera comes without external LED for recording in darker areas.
You can buy a higher capacity extension battery at a pretty high price (I'll probably go and see the grey market for one).1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fun and easy to use...producing excellent results
by Kelly1973 on July 9, 2010
Pros: Looks fantastic on my 52" LCD...easy to use and small...love the time lapse function.
Cons: Not sure about this review...how can one give the Flips and Kodaks of the world good reviews...? They claim HD quality as well. I found those to be horrible quality compared to my JVC
Summary: Overall this camcorder provides an excellent picture with easy to use features in a small package...LOVE IT...!
Summary: Overall this camcorder provides an excellent picture with easy to use features in a small package...LOVE IT...!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for the price
by jerryhazard on February 14, 2011
Pros: Shoots MTS files, which are easily handled by Sony Vegas and Premiere CS5
Battery life is not unreasonable, about an hour or more of average use, zooming, reviewing, recording, menu hunting.
20x-good. 37mm thread is nice - key reason for my purchase.Cons: ONLY shoots 1080i (interlaced, not progressive). This is not disclosed anywhere in the available documentation.
Image sensor not super crispSummary: Auto exposure is pretty good, plus you can adjust it.
Auto focus is fair, have not tried manual focus yet.
Menu navigation is not as bad as others would lead ...Summary: Auto exposure is pretty good, plus you can adjust it.
Auto focus is fair, have not tried manual focus yet.
Menu navigation is not as bad as others would lead one to believe.
Videos have a rich feel to them - richer than my Toshiba Camelio model.
Instant on feature is nice.
Overall as easy a cam to use as any other. Fact that will not shoot 720p is a bit disappointing, it only shoots at 1080i (interlaced - not progressive) is sort of a bummer, but the quality is good enough that I don't mind (you might). Still images - either grabbed from videos, or shot in photo mode are not very good. Your cell phone takes better images - not an exaggeration. Last con to list: spare batteries are more expensive than comp - even grey market batteries. Beware and research first!
like most other cameras, don't even bother with the software included, its basically useless.
Windows movie maker, mpeg streamclip, and sony vegas will work great with these MTS files.
For the money - I was torn between a Camelio x100 by Toshiba, and this camera. I got both. This one shoot better quality video. The Camelio has more options as far as imags sizes go (720p @ 60fps). But for video quality and the ability to put a 37mm filter on this (for fisheye attachments and filters) - this is my pick, and depsite the few shortcomings, I am happy with this camera - would recommend it a friend shopping a similar price point.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: GZ-HM320BUS
- Description: This elegant Full HD memory camera comes with dual memory of 8GB internal flash memory/SD card for seamless recording featuring advanced image stabilizer and unique shooting functions.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Enclosure Color Black
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 1.37 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 200 x
- Effective Sensor Resolution 1.37 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Flash card
- Optical Sensor Size 1/5.8"
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Analog video format NTSC
- Digital Video Format AVCHD
- Image Stabilizer Electronic
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- Shooting Programs Night mode,
Spotlight - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - Exposure Modes Program,
Automatic,
Manual - Exposure Metering Matrix,
Spot - Image Recording Format JPEG
- Camera Flash None
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Lens System
- Type Konica Minolta 20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5
- Lens aperture F/1.8-3.5
- Features Built-in lens shield
- Optical zoom 20 x
- Lens system type Zoom lens
- Min focal length 3 mm
- Max focal length 60 mm
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Filter Size 37 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
Additional Features
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec,
10 sec - Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
- Additional Features Face detection,
YouTube capture mode,
Motion Detection Technology,
Backlight compensation,
Auto power save,
Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording,
Automatic display brightness adjustment,
Interval shooting mode,
Face Detection Self-timer,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Date/time stamp - Software Drivers & Utilities,
JVC Digital Photo Navigator,
PIXELA Everio MediaBrowser - Included Accessories USB cable,
Power adapter,
Audio / video cable Display
- Type 2.7 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x HDMI output,
1 x Component video output - Memory Card Slot SD card
Microphone
- Microphone Features Wind noise reduction
Memory / Storage
- Media type Flash card
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Internal Storage 8 GB Flash
- Included Memory Card 8 GB
- Image Storage JPEG 1440 x 1080,
JPEG 1920 x 1080,
JPEG 640 x 480
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Battery
- Supported Battery JVC BN-VG114
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1400 mAh ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
- Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] Electret condenser
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Rotating
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2 in
- Depth 4.5 in
- Height 2.4 in
- Weight 7.6 oz
Product series
-
JVC Everio GZ-HD500 Camcorder (black)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: CMOS,
1.37 megapixels,
None,
9.3 oz,
4.5 in,
2.5 in,
20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5,
JVC Everio GZ-HD500 - Camcorder - Consumer - Hard disk drive,
- Flash card,
2.1 in -
JVC Everio GZ-HM320 Camcorder (black)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: CMOS,
1.37 megapixels,
None,
7.6 oz,
4.5 in,
2.4 in,
20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5,
JVC Everio GZ-HM320 - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2 in -
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: CMOS,
1.37 megapixels,
None,
7.6 oz,
4.5 in,
2.4 in,
20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5,
JVC Everio GZ-HM300B - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2 in -
JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Camcorder (black)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: CMOS,
None,
7.6 oz,
4.5,
2.4 in,
20 x x Zoom lens - 3 mm - 60 mm - F/1.8-3.5,
JVC Everio GZ-HM340BUS - Camcorder - Consumer - Flash card,
2 in
Accessories
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033780)129.95
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033783)129.99 - 160.26
- Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control for EOS D30, D60, D10, 1D, 1V 20D SLR Cameras (33615634)134.00 - 135.99
- Sony SPK HCD - marine case for camcorder (32849566)179.00
- Canon MA 300 - camcorder microphone adapter (30121346)174.49 - 174.95
- Canon CA 950 - Power adapter + battery charger (33615515)164.99
- Porta-Brace Rain Slicker RS-HVX200 rain cover (33614228)181.41
- Sony ACC-HDV7 digital camera accessory kit (33969762)129.99
- Sony LCS VCC - soft case for camcorder (33351258)139.00 - 249.99
- Hoodman EX KIT PRO LCD screen hood loupe (34409067)159.95
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse JVC products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:JVC
- Address:
1700 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470 - Phone: 1-800-252-5722
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