Sep

JVC GZ-HM400 HD Camcorder: Like the Slo Mo Everio X, With Better Controls and Optics

We thought about passing on a post about this new JVC camcorder since its specs don’t indicate much of an upgrade from previous cams, but the 1080p, slowmo capable machine has better stabilization, manual controls and full bitrate AVCHD recording.

Those are mild upgrades, I’ll give you that. At first glance, the camera sounds suspiciously like the Everio X, but I decided to post anyhow. The camera has 32GB of internal memory and an SD/SDHC slot. Slow motion is possible at 600fps, albeit at a ridiculous resolution of 640×72 (yes, seventy two) pixels. It shoots at 300fps at a slightly less filmstrip-like res but the 120fps mode at 480×270 pixels is anywhere close to acceptable.

The HM400 also has 9 and 5.3MP still modes without interpolation, and captures its 1080p video at the AVCHD format’s maximum bitrate of 24mbps. Glass has been upgraded here to use two prisms for optical stabilization. And the camera has new manual controls that put the camera into aperture and shutter priority modes. It goes for $1000 to a buyer who hasn’t been seduced by a Flip HD and still needs real zoom and picture quality. [JVC]