JVC Updates Mid-Range and Entry-Level HD Everio Camcorders
JVC introduced a whole set of new mid-range and entry-level HD camcorders at CES this year. All of these new Everio camcorders feature whopping 40x optical zoom lenses, SDXC memory card compatibility, and standard definition recording options in addition to HD modes.
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JVC introduced a whole set of new mid-range and entry-level HD camcorders at CES this year, while also announcing two high-end HD Everio models (that you can read about here). All of these new Everio camcorders feature whopping 40x optical zoom lenses, SDXC memory card compatibility, and standard definition recording options in addition to HD modes. When recording standard definition video, this zoom can be increased to 70x using JVC's Dynamic zoom feature.
The new mid-range HD camcorders, which have 3.3-megapixel CMOS sensors, include the GZ-HM690, GZ-HM670, and GZ-HM650. The three camcorders have the same internal specs with the exception of built-in memory capacities. The HM690 leads the pack with 64GB of internal flash memory, followed by the HM670 with 32GB, and the HM650 bringing up the rear with 8GB. All three of these models have touchscreen LCDs—JVC has done away with its Laser Touch Strip—and a new Advanced Image Stabilization system. The GZ-HM690 has a list price of $649, while the GZ-HM670 and GZ-HM650 figure to be much cheaper at $499 and $399 respectively.
JVC has two sets of entry-level HD models, the first of which includes the GZ-HM450 and the GZ-HM440. Both of these camcorders record 1920 x 1080 HD video, but they have smaller 1.5-megapixel CMOS sensors than the mid-range series mentioned above. The GZ-HM450 includes 8GB of internal memory and carries a $349 price tag. The GZ-HM440, which records to memory cards only, will retail for $299. Both camcorders will be available as black, blue, or red models.
JVC also announced two sub-$300 HD camcorders called the GZ-HM50 (8GB internal memory) and GZ-HM30 (card only). It appears that these camcorders do not record Full HD video, but instead offer 1280 x 720 recording using the AVCHD Lite compression system. The two camcorders do still have standard definition record modes and the 40x optical zoom lenses found on the other models, as well as 1080p upconverted video output via HDMI. The GZ-HM50 and GZ-HM30 do not have touchscreen LCDs. JVC plans to price the GZ-HM50 for $269 and the GZ-HM30 at $229. Both models will be available in black, blue, or red. The GZ-HM30 will also be available in silver.
All of JVC's mid-range and entry-level Everios will be available for purchase later this month.