Excellent video quality; two HD format options; full manual controls.
No optical image stabilization; confusing menu system; some design quirks.
JVCs CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers high-definition recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings keep us from giving it a full recommendation.
Published: 2008-11-24, Author: Jim , review by: techworld.com
The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 isn't a bad HD camcorder - in fact, it's pretty good. People seeking a tapeless camcorder that they can use with a modest PC today and a more powerful computer in the future may find the GZ-HD40's multiple recording formats comp...
Abstract: JVCs upgrade to a bigger CMOS sensor and the switch to AVCHD have reaped big dividends for the HD40 and its massive (and heavy) 120GB hard drive. Video quality has greatly improved from previous JVC models and the dual compression option, which includ...
50 hours of shooting time, Good color and image detail, Small, easy to hold, Quick on/off reflex time
Arcane menu navigation, Manual focus can be testy due to toggle placement, Runs hot
JVC has capitalized on the demand for smaller, smarter technology by giving shooters multiple formats to choose from and an endless amount of shooting time. Tom Skowronski is the producer, writer, director and editor of a professional wrestling televi...
Massive 120GB storage, Great color in good light, Compact and responsive
No optical image stabilization, Noisy in low light, Zoom should be more powerful, *
The GZ-HD40 and its smaller sibling, the HD30, are weird ducks. They take quality video but I don’t understand the need for two types of HD recording. I would much rather see JVC use MPEG-2 TS and add optical image stabilization. That would be a...
The Everio GZ-HD40 is a very strong entry, and on pure quality and features really puts JVC on par with Canon and Sony, with a few niggles such as the lack of a lens ring. However, its price is a drawback. At nearly £1,000, the HD40 is significantly more ...
Abstract: The JVC GZ-HD40 ($1299 MSRP) is a big step forward for the high definition Everio series of camcorders. JVC has finally joined the kids at the popular table by allowing the camcorder to record in AVCHD, while maintaining the ability to record in MPEG-2...
Abstract: After a solid weekend at the OBX with JVCs capacious HD camcorder, we left underwhelmed with its overall performance. To be frank, the value just isnt here. For $1,299.99 (MSRP), we simply expected more all the way around. If internal capacity is par...
Lacks a viewfinder, frame-rate options are limited, fails to wow
The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 isn’t a bad HD camcorder — in fact, it’s pretty good. That being said, there are other camcorders on the market that offer better images and usability at a lower price. ...
