JVC Everio GZ-HM400 High-Definition Full HD AVCHD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10MP Still

by JVC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.8 x 5 inches ; 2.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002JPJJGU
• Item model number: GZ-HM400
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,666 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 17, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

GZ-HM400 Features
Not too small but shaped just right, GZ-HM400 has been designed for advanced shooting with its ergonomic layout plus a host of convenient controls for intuitive manual operation.

Full HD 1920x1080 Video
GZ-HM400 incorporates a 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor to record 1920x1080 Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at a stunning 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution – the theoretical maximum level of 1920x1080 Full HD.
                     



Real 9 Megapixel Stills with No Interpolation
GZ-HM400 incorporates a 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor to record 1920x1080 Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at a stunning 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution – the theoretical maximum level of 1920x1080 Full HDThe 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor is also the source of high quality 9 Megapixel digital still images. By using the Bayer array for arranging RGB color filters, real 9 Megapixel stills with no interpolation are possible.



HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine
At the heart of the high image quality is the HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine which enables high speed processing of a huge amount of pixel data to allow high quality video recording.



Optical Image Stabilizer
JVC's proprietary Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) uses two active prisms to correct camera shake. It stabilizes at the zoom entrance for effectiveness over the entire zoom range.



KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
GZ-HM400 uses a new KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with a 10x optical zoom, and magnifies up to 15x without any picture degradation thanks to Dynamic Zoom technology.



24Mbps Ultra High Quality Recording
In UXP video recording mode, you can record at 24Mbps, the highest bit rate possible for AVCHD video, for more detailed, sharper images with less noise.

1920x1080/60P Output
This function outputs a 1080 scanning line image at progressive 60fps so you can enjoy uncompromising picture quality on a TV that accepts 1080P input.



K2 Technology for High Quality Audio
This JVC exclusive technology has been well-received in the audio field and is incorporated for the first time in a camera. It restores the sound details lost during compression to enable high-quality audio playback that is closer to the original.



Multi-Function Dial
A lever switch lets you directly access the Brightness and Focus adjustment. And a manual adjustment dial enables precise adjustment for various manual settings without having to go through menus.



Direct Control Buttons
Easily accessible direct control buttons are available for Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed, and user-assignable operations. You can register frequently used settings, offering a higher degree of personal control.



Pro-Style Zoom Lever
WIDE/TELE seesaw-style zoom lever for sure operation.



15fps / 9 Megapixel Motor Drive Shooting
As many as six 9 Megapixel stills can be shot at up to 15 frames per second, a speed that surpasses what's offered by typical 9 Megapixel DSLR cameras. You can also shoot 5.3 Megapixel continuous stills (up to 11) at even higher speed.

Shooting speed and number of images

Speed Mode	9 Mega Continuous Stills	5 Mega Continuous Stills
High Speed	15fps, up to 6 images	60fps, up to 11 images
Medium Speed	7fps, up to 6 images	10fps, up to 11 images
Low Speed	2fps, no limit	1fps, no limit

High-Speed Recording for Ultra-Slow Motion Playback
High-speed recording mode shoots ultra-slow motion video to capture dynamic movement that is not visible to the naked eye. Effective tool for sports technique analysis and nature studies. Three speed modes available.

High Speed Recording Time (approx.)

Speed Mode	Images Size	Rec. Time	Playback Time
600fps	640x72	2.4sec.	24sec.
300fps	480x116	4sec.	20sec.
120fps	480x270	4sec.	8sec.

Face Detection
Intelligently detects up to 16 faces then accurately adjusts the focus and exposure for sharp, beautiful images.



Laser Touch Operation
This innovative user-interface features a touch-sensitive slide bar that you slide your finger over to access various functions and select still and video files. It also enables Zooming and Recording start/stop control in addition to the usual buttons on the top and rear of the camera.



Auto Power ON/OFF & Auto Lens Cover
Just open the LCD; the power turns on and the lens cover automatically opens. Just close the LCD to power off and close the lens cover too.



32GB Internal Flash Memory
Allows recording of Full HD video for up to 14hr. 44min. Up to 9999 of 9 Mega stills also storable.


SD Card Slot for Extra Storage
You can use an SD/SDHC card for additional recording. Up to 32GB card compatible.



High Power Battery for Longer Recording
Supplied long-life battery offers industry-leading continuous recording time of 2hr. 25min.



One Touch Export
A One Touch Export function provided by bundled software for Windows makes it easy to export videos into iTunes for playback on an iPod or iPhone.  Simply connect HD Everio to a PC using the provided USB cable, and press "EXPORT". The software launches automatically, converts the footage file and imports it into your iTunes library.




* Installation of bundled software required.


One Touch DVD Creation
With Everio, archiving your videos onto disc is also simple. Use a PC* or optional SHARE STATION DVD Burner, and you can burn DVDs from Everio's recordings. You can archive your Full HD video files on DVD discs (AVCHD DVD) and Blu-ray discs.**



*Installation of bundled software required
**Burning Blu-ray discs not available with SHARE STATION.


Easy Full HD Viewing
CU-VS100 HD Media Player is an AVCHD video player with dual SD card slot. Connect to HDTV via HDMI and just insert the recorded SD card; you can enjoy viewing HD video with full impact, right away. No need to connect HD Everio to your TV each time you want to watch. And since it supports standard-definition video, still images and music data too, count it to entertain you.



Easy File Management
Everio MediaBrowser has a calendar type graphical interface that displays thumbnail images of your recorded videos and stills, overlaid on the date they were taken. So it's clear to see exactly when you took what scene. You can easily switch between "Daily" and "Show all" displays. And with built-in filter functions, you can instantly narrow down your selection to just videos, just stills, and so on.



Easy Playback
Data files residing on your Everio can be played back on your PC. Just double-click on the scene you want to view, and playback starts. Full-screen viewing is also possible.



Simple Editing
Simple cut edits are possible while viewing the playback image. Just push the Movie Edit button and select "from here to there" using the scroll bars to easily cut out unnecessary scenes.



Easy "Share and Carry" Operation
Exporting to iTunes, uploading to YouTube, and burning to DVD disc... all of these "share and carry" operations are simplified to the extreme. Just press the exclusive function button, select the file you want to use, and follow a few simple steps shown on the computer screen. You're done before you know it.



Decomotion Setting
A fun-filled extra for YouTube uploading. This function lets you add eyecatching moving frames to the videos you upload. Now you can show off your memories with an added touch of originality.


What's in the Box:

• GZ-HM400 Camcorder
• AC Power Adapter
• Rechargeable Battery Pack (BN-VF815)
• AV Cable
• USB Cable
• Component Video Cable
• Shoe Adapter
• Remote Control
• Software CD-ROM

Product Description

GZ-HM400 incorporates a 10.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor to record 1920x1080 Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at a stunning 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution the theoretical maximum level of 1920x1080 Full HD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent camcorder, January 9, 2010

By 

D. Duvall "tech hound" (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-HM400 High-Definition Full HD AVCHD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10MP Still (Electronics)

Purchased this camcorder for $699 from Amazon just after Thanksgiving. Have used it in several scenarios:

1) Indoor low-light: As other reviews online have said there is some noise in the image in low lights levels. The manual controls can compensate some but this is the weak point of the camera. I will say it is still order of magnitude better than my old MiniDV camera.

2) Indoor well lit: I recorded an event at my church with adequate indoor lighting and the image quality was great! The Optical Image Stabilization feature worked amazingly to take a lot of my hand shake out of the image even at a long zoom.

3) Outdoor daylight: Image quality is like nothing I have ever seen in a home camcorder. Really amazing HD quality video - in full light situations I don't think you'll find a better consumer camcorder.

I use a Mac w/ iMovie '09 for video editing and the Mac had no problems seeing the camcorder and transferring the video for editing. Because of that I can't comment on the "one touch" features of the camera that work only with Windows.

Only complaint is the menu system (laser touch) - the touch strip is a little over-sensitive but with a little practice time I'm doing ok with it. The manual dial on the front of the camera body below the lens is much more accurate and is a great feature for adjusting focus and brightness, and the large zoom rocker is very well placed and easy to use.

Was also pleased that this camera came with a 2hr. battery instead of the typical 1 hour found in most other brands and models.

Overall very pleased with this camcorder.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Its a Camcorder, September 20, 2009

By 

AZ MEL (Arizona United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-HM400 High-Definition Full HD AVCHD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10MP Still (Electronics)

Important: The mini-HDMI cable is not included. Add one to your order. For a $many Camcorder to not include a $2 HDMI cable is pretty lame.
This is my first HD Camcorder (CC), and first with Flash storage. So the convenience of no DV tape is great.
The usability is ok. The main user interface is around the display. The buttons along the bottom are a little small for me, and mis-hits happen and the touch sensitivity takes some getting used to. The other main input device is the touch sensitive slider along the left edge. This isn't bad but over shooting the intended selection happens about 30% of the time.
My initial play back review was on a 720P TV using a HDMI cable. I shot all the video on the highest quality setting (the CC calls it Blue ray quality). Some of my initial video was taken in lower light conditions and the graininess of the video was very noticeable and rather disappointing. Video taking in direct sunlight was very good.
My next viewing test was on a 1080P projector (at 10' screen size). The grainy playback on the 720P TV looked noticeably better on the 1080P display. Good enough to change my mind on returning the CC.
The still shot capability is quite handy, the switch for full res still mode is well placed, and taking stills during video recording is very easy. I haven't taken much high speed video yet, but it looks like it will need a lot more light than normal recording to work well.
The unit is very small and light. The hand strap is too short, I had to go past the widen "safety" part of the strap, so there isn't much velcro grabbing.
I'm still on the first battery charge, so no data on how long it will last.
Overall I like the features and using the CC. But if my DV Sony hadn't broke, it wouldn't have bought this. The picture isn't that much better.
I've yet to use the included software. I'll add feedback on that later.
If 3.5 stars where available, that's the rating I'd give it. Assuming as I get familiar with setup options, it may get better.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable camcorder, November 1, 2009

By 

Kåre Johnsen "KJohnsen" (Bergen Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC Everio GZ-HM400 High-Definition Full HD AVCHD Flash Memory Camcorder with 10MP Still (Electronics)

Color accuracy and amazing sharpness make this an extarordinary camcorder - if the light is not too bad. In low light situations the perfermance is mediocre. Laser-operated menu-system is annoyingly umstable; otherwise handling is OK.

Compared to Canon's HFS10, I would prefer the JVC, although the Canon is a better low light performer. But if he light is reasonable, it seems to me that the picture quality of the JVC is noticably better.

I have not as yet had time to test the quality of the stills