JVC GZ-HM1

JVC HD Everio GZ-HM1 Review

We review JVC's HD Everio GZ-HM1 camcorder which improves upon the already solid GZ-HM400 with improvements such as improved Image stabilization and a back-illuminated sensor.Today everything records high-def video. Cameras like the new Sony NEX-5 do it well and even inexpensive digicams do a fairly decent job of it (forget cell phones). Yet if you want really great quality high-def movies, nothing—and we mean nothing—beats a full-fledged camcorder. Yes, they’re expensive but once you go beyond watching YouTube clips on a monitor and view colorful, accurate scenes on a big-screen HDTV you’ll be sold. We got the chance to try out the Everio GZ-HM1, JVC’s best consumer-oriented model, to see just how good a 2010 edition can be…The silver-bodied black-accented GZ-HM1 doesn’t have the slick noir vibe of Canon’s top models such as the Vixia HF S21 but it doesn’t have the bubble-gum look of low-priced videomakers either. The long, low-profile camcorder has a sturdy, workman-like appearance and it fits neatly in your hand. With the battery attached, the nicely-balanced camcorder weighs slightly over a pound and measures 2.7 x 2.9 x 5.4 (WHD, in inches).