- Brand Name: JVC
- Model: GZ-HM550
- Optical zoom: 10 x
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Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Elegant Full HD memory camcorder with dual memory of 32GB internal Flash memory/SD card featuring 10.62M Back-illuminated CMOS, Real 9.3 Megapixel Stills with no interpolation, Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Advanced Image Stabilizer, "Super LoLux" for brighter shooting in low light and unique shooting functions
Advantages
- 1/2.3-inch 10.62M Back-Illuminated CMOS
- 32GB Built-in Flash memory
- 16x Dynamic Zoom / 200x Digital Zoom
- Memory Card Slot for SDHC/SD
- Software provided (for Windows)
- 24Mbps High Bit Rate Recording
- Full HD 1920x1080 Recording
- HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine
- '1080TV' lines Horizontal Resolution of Full HD 1920x1080
- Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Seamless Recording
- Super LoLux with Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
- Advanced Image Stabilizer
- Time-Lapse REC
- Auto REC
- Up to 600fps Ultra High-Speed Video Recording
- Up to 30fps 5.7 Megapixel Stills Continuous Shooting
- 9.3M Stills 15fps Continuous Shooting (in still mode)
- Simultaneous Full HD Video & 5.6M Still Shooting
- 1920x1080P Output
- HDMI® (V.1.3 with x.v.ColorTM)
- KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
- One Touch Upload to YouTube (HD Compatible)
- One Touch Export
- Face Detection / Face Flow Thumbnail
- Auto Illumi. Light
- Built-in Auto Flash
- Direct DVD burning with SHARE STATION (optional)
- Laser Touch Operation with Sub-trigger and Zoom Function
- USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer
- PC-less Archiving and Viewing with SHARE STATION (optional)
Laser Touch Operation Touch-sensitive scroll bar and buttons for smooth operation (except for GZ-MS110). Allows zooming and recording using either the Laser Touch or standard zoom lever and REC button. Browsing through indexes and menu selection is easier than ever. Since you don't touch the LCD screen itself, you can keep the screen clean and fingerprint-free. |
Advanced Image Stabilizer |
| Super LoLux  |
Time Lapse REC Various unique shooting functions are equipped on New Everio. Time-Lapse REC records one frame at a time at set intervals (1sec.–80sec.). So you can watch an hour-long movement in just a short amount of time when played back. It's great when you want to observe an event that takes place over a long period of time, or to record unique-looking scenes in a creative way. |
Auto REC |
 Bluetooth TechnologyGZ-HM550 features built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology. In combination with optional devices, you can enjoy a variety of wireless applications. With a compatible smartphone, you can control the camera's basic operations such as record, zoom, or playback, remotely. (Installation of application is required.)  |
With a GPS unit, you can record location data on movie files. Those files synchronize with Google EarthTM when playing back with Everio MediaBrowser on a PC. |
 With a compatible headset, you can monitor sound while shooting or record your own voice.Note: Works at a distance of up to 11 yards/10m (approx.). Depending on radio wave activity or physical obstructions in your surroundings, or characteristics of the product you are using, communication may terminate abruptly, headset audio quality may degrade, or communication distance may become reduced to under 11 yards/10m. |
 All Everio models come with high-value software that provides everything from file playback, management, as well as easy sharing functions, within a single application. Its calendar type graphical user interface displays thumbnail images of your recordings, superimposed on the date they were taken. |
Software System Requirements (Windows)
| OS | Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Home Edition/Professional (pre-installed) Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Home Basic/Home Premium (32-bit/64-bit, pre-installed) Microsoft Windows 7, Home Premium (32-bit/64-bit, pre-installed) |
| CPU | [HD Edition] Intel Core Duo: at least 1.66GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo: at least 2.13GHz recommended [SD Edition] Intel Pentium 4: at least 1.6GHz, at least 2.4GHz recommended |
| RAM | [HD Edition] Windows XP: at least 1GB, Windows Vista/Windows 7: at least 2GB [SD Edition] Windows XP: at least 512MB, Windows Vista/Windows 7: at least 1GB |
| Others | Standard USB2.0 port, Installation of iTunes is required for exporting to iTunes, An Internet-accessible environment for uploading videos to YouTube. |
Note: Software for Macintosh is not included. The applicable software is required. The system requirements information above is not a guarantee that the provided software will work on all personal computers meeting those requirements.
One-Touch Sharing Button on the Camera Some models are equipped with "UPLOAD/EXPORT" button on the main unit. When connected with a PC, press this button to start data conversion and upload the file to YouTube or export the file to your iTunes library*. * Installation of bundled software is required. Export is not available with some models. |
Face Detection equipped on HD Everio has been upgraded. When shooting, it intelligently detects up to 16 faces then accurately adjusts the focus and exposure. It works for both video and digital stills. And while browsing through scenes in the Play mode, thumbnails can be displayed with close-ups of detected faces so you can easily identify who's in the file.
Product Description
The Everio GZ-HM550 is an elegant Full HD memory Everio with dual memory of 32GB internal Flash memory/SD card featuring 10.62M Back-illuminated CMOS, Real 9.3 Megapixel Stills with no interpolation.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I've had this camcorder for about a week now and so far I am pretty happy with it. The one thing that really strikes me as odd is selling a HD camcorder, but not including a HDMI cable in the bundle...? Playback of the footage recorded on a full HD tv via RCA or even component cables isn't going to result in good picture quality. My mini-HDMI cable should be delivered in the next day or so and then I'll be able to really evaluate the video. So far the video looks much better on my computer monitor than it does on my 52" 1080P LCD TV.
Also, the camcorder ships with the video quality set to XP, instead of the highest quality UXP. When setting quality to UXP it gives a warning that UXP video files can only be written to Blu-Ray, which of course makes sense. However, the bundled software will automatically downgrade the UXP video files to XP quality if you want to write to DVD, and then you'll still have the higher quality UXP for future use. Seems odd to not record in the highest quality as you can always downgrade the footage, but you'll never upconvert to true full HD quality if recording at lower quality.
So far, I am not impressed with the photo quality of still images, but I haven't played around with the settings much yet. The handful of stills that I've taken have turned out grainy and dark. In dedicated image mode, you can take 9MP stills, while when taking snapshots in video mode you are limited to 5MP. So far I think all of my stills were taken in video mode.
The camera has some great features that I've not yet played with nor am I sure I ever will. The time lapse is a great feature, but unless there's a spectacular sunset or something I'm not sure I'll have much use for it. Same for the auto record feature, interesting to have, but what are the practical applications? I suppose I could set it up and see how often my dog moves around during the day when we're not home. One thing with both of these modes is that the LCD must remain open, if you close the LCD, the camera shuts off completely.
The battery that comes with the unit doesn't last very long - roughly 45 minutes. the built in memory can hold about 2.5 hours worth of video at UXP quality so the battery is by far the limiting factor in your usage. If the video via HDMI turns out to be as good as I hope, I'll be investing in a higher capacity battery and a stand alone charger. Out of the box, the battery only charges when the power cord is plugged into the camcorder itself.
The software included is very easy to use and has some neat organization methods of displaying video files in a calendar layout by month, day and hour which it makes it easy to locate your files.
The software has options for converting the video to a number of different media and file types. You can write the files to Blu-Ray, DVD and AVCHD disc (DVD media). It also has the ability to convert video for upload to You Tube, iTunes and can also convert to .wmv for use on computers and upload to other sites, such as Facebook. The conversion process lets you choose the video size you want and at least on my PC was pretty quick to process.
I'll try to update this review after I am able to test the video via HDMI and use more of the features.
UPDATE 3/24/2010: Recorded a school concert last night and the battery lasted for 1.5 hours of nearly constant recording. This was much better than the capacity I noticed earlier when recording 5 or 10 minute segments spread out over a couple of days.
UPDATE 3/28/2010: Video quality via a Category 2, mini-HDMI cable is much better than via the cables included with the camcorder. My TV indicates a full 1920x1080 video resolution although it doesn't indicate if it is 1080i or 1080p. The box indicates that the camcorder has full 1080p output, but I can't verify that for sure.
I've had a chance to take some more still images both in video and in the dedicated photo mode. Given the right lighting images in both modes are usable. Images taken in dedicated photo mode are of higher quality, which is to be expected since they are 9MP images instead of the ~5MP images you get in video mode.
All in all, I'm more satisfied with camcorder now then I was when I initially posted this review. I'd rate it at 4 1/2 stars if possible.
Also, the camcorder ships with the video quality set to XP, instead of the highest quality UXP. When setting quality to UXP it gives a warning that UXP video files can only be written to Blu-Ray, which of course makes sense. However, the bundled software will automatically downgrade the UXP video files to XP quality if you want to write to DVD, and then you'll still have the higher quality UXP for future use. Seems odd to not record in the highest quality as you can always downgrade the footage, but you'll never upconvert to true full HD quality if recording at lower quality.
So far, I am not impressed with the photo quality of still images, but I haven't played around with the settings much yet. The handful of stills that I've taken have turned out grainy and dark. In dedicated image mode, you can take 9MP stills, while when taking snapshots in video mode you are limited to 5MP. So far I think all of my stills were taken in video mode.
The camera has some great features that I've not yet played with nor am I sure I ever will. The time lapse is a great feature, but unless there's a spectacular sunset or something I'm not sure I'll have much use for it. Same for the auto record feature, interesting to have, but what are the practical applications? I suppose I could set it up and see how often my dog moves around during the day when we're not home. One thing with both of these modes is that the LCD must remain open, if you close the LCD, the camera shuts off completely.
The battery that comes with the unit doesn't last very long - roughly 45 minutes. the built in memory can hold about 2.5 hours worth of video at UXP quality so the battery is by far the limiting factor in your usage. If the video via HDMI turns out to be as good as I hope, I'll be investing in a higher capacity battery and a stand alone charger. Out of the box, the battery only charges when the power cord is plugged into the camcorder itself.
The software included is very easy to use and has some neat organization methods of displaying video files in a calendar layout by month, day and hour which it makes it easy to locate your files.
The software has options for converting the video to a number of different media and file types. You can write the files to Blu-Ray, DVD and AVCHD disc (DVD media). It also has the ability to convert video for upload to You Tube, iTunes and can also convert to .wmv for use on computers and upload to other sites, such as Facebook. The conversion process lets you choose the video size you want and at least on my PC was pretty quick to process.
I'll try to update this review after I am able to test the video via HDMI and use more of the features.
UPDATE 3/24/2010: Recorded a school concert last night and the battery lasted for 1.5 hours of nearly constant recording. This was much better than the capacity I noticed earlier when recording 5 or 10 minute segments spread out over a couple of days.
UPDATE 3/28/2010: Video quality via a Category 2, mini-HDMI cable is much better than via the cables included with the camcorder. My TV indicates a full 1920x1080 video resolution although it doesn't indicate if it is 1080i or 1080p. The box indicates that the camcorder has full 1080p output, but I can't verify that for sure.
I've had a chance to take some more still images both in video and in the dedicated photo mode. Given the right lighting images in both modes are usable. Images taken in dedicated photo mode are of higher quality, which is to be expected since they are 9MP images instead of the ~5MP images you get in video mode.
All in all, I'm more satisfied with camcorder now then I was when I initially posted this review. I'd rate it at 4 1/2 stars if possible.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Adrian
Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the 4th video camera that I've bought over the years and I'm amazed at the advance in picture quality and features. The HD picture is outstanding, the low-light capability is jaw-dropping and the still pictures are nearly as good as my Sony Cybershot (but I'd use the Cybershot for images I want captured in the best quality).
The 32Gb flash memory storage is pretty good, and is expanded with the SDHC card slot. Less fragile than built-in hard drives, the flash memory makes the camera potentially more durable and long-lasting. Right now large capacity cards are very expensive but prices are already dropping now that SDXC cards are making an appearance. It would have been nice if the camera was future proofed by incorporating SDXC compatibility but I guess that will be an upgrade for next years model (SDXC cards will hold up to 2TB of data!!!).
On the downside, I'm not overly impressed with the image stabilization. On a camera this light and small camera shake is a real issue and the electronic stabilization is nowhere near as good as the optical image stabilization I had on my old Panasonic. I would guess this is a problem with all these miniature video cameras though, and probably not isolated to the JVC Everio range.
If you buy this camcorder make sure you get at least 1 extra battery - preferably the larger capacity BN-VG121. The tiny battery that comes with the camera won't do you much good when it runs out after in under an hour. And if you are like me and have the camera on while you wait to record a good scene or event, that could mean it runs out when you haven't recorded a whole lot.
On a related issue I was disappointed that no separate charger is supplied, you can only charge the battery in the camera. You can get a standalone charger but it isn't cheap - and for the money JVC could have made it car and mains compatible and capable of holding two batteries at the same time. My old Panasonic had that luxury so this is a step backwards.
On balance though I'm more than happy with the JVC GZ-HM550 and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compact high quality HD camcorder. Even on a 50" plasma screen the picture quality is startling, and low light images aren't grainy and colorless as they have been with my previous cameras.
The 32Gb flash memory storage is pretty good, and is expanded with the SDHC card slot. Less fragile than built-in hard drives, the flash memory makes the camera potentially more durable and long-lasting. Right now large capacity cards are very expensive but prices are already dropping now that SDXC cards are making an appearance. It would have been nice if the camera was future proofed by incorporating SDXC compatibility but I guess that will be an upgrade for next years model (SDXC cards will hold up to 2TB of data!!!).
On the downside, I'm not overly impressed with the image stabilization. On a camera this light and small camera shake is a real issue and the electronic stabilization is nowhere near as good as the optical image stabilization I had on my old Panasonic. I would guess this is a problem with all these miniature video cameras though, and probably not isolated to the JVC Everio range.
If you buy this camcorder make sure you get at least 1 extra battery - preferably the larger capacity BN-VG121. The tiny battery that comes with the camera won't do you much good when it runs out after in under an hour. And if you are like me and have the camera on while you wait to record a good scene or event, that could mean it runs out when you haven't recorded a whole lot.
On a related issue I was disappointed that no separate charger is supplied, you can only charge the battery in the camera. You can get a standalone charger but it isn't cheap - and for the money JVC could have made it car and mains compatible and capable of holding two batteries at the same time. My old Panasonic had that luxury so this is a step backwards.
On balance though I'm more than happy with the JVC GZ-HM550 and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compact high quality HD camcorder. Even on a 50" plasma screen the picture quality is startling, and low light images aren't grainy and colorless as they have been with my previous cameras.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
To begin, I rank my own video experience as rookie... but I love the technical side of new gadgets. My HD journey actually began in Jan 2010 with the JVC Everio model GZ-HD320 from Best Buy. I promptly took this camera back primarily due to the poor low light performance. I did however like the feel and operation of the camera, and felt kind of sad that I was returning it.
I subsequently found out about the new line of low-lux models, and last month took my chances on the GZ-HM550. Low light recording (indoors) was really important to me, and this model had the largest backlit image sensor of the whole Everio line (0.429" diameter). While I have no comparison to any other makes of camera, the low-lux HM550 far outperformed its predecessor (HD320) in moderate/low light. In bright outdoor light, the video is totally crisp and clear.
As for physical features, the camera is really small and light. Almost too small as the buttons for zoom and record are situated about mid-palm making it not completely ergonomic for people with large hands or long fingers. The laser touch menu bar and associated buttons are easy to use and require only a very light touch to activate. There are LOTS of menu picks and options - and these can be tricky to find until you get some practice. Some menu screens can be difficult to navigate while recording in the heat of the moment - but practice and knowing what, where, and how to use the cameras settings is absolutely key. The time lapse and auto record features are totally cool! Having a clock in the field of view during time lapse adds a fun little twist. The high speed video (600 fps) sounds great, but is actually kind of lame - the resolution goes way down - to a point where most detail is completely gone. Nothing like you would see on MythBusters. I don't know if I'll ever use this functionality. The on-board flash is great for regular camera pictures! And due to certain lighting conditions, this is sometimes a better option than capturing a video still. However... the auto-focus for stills can be slow, sometimes one to two seconds before getting a "green light" to shoot. Unless you have a very patient photo subject, this delay can sometimes mean missing your shot. Bluetooth/GPS?? I have not used the features yet. Oh yea, and power up time is pretty fast, especially fast if the camera is still in sleep mode.
The video editing software (Pixela) that came bundled with the camera is completely bare bones and is only good for dumping "boring" unedited video to disk. I am using Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 14 for video editing and disc creation. The Pinnacle software runs $50-75. Professional editing software of this type allows you to trim video files, make title screens, montages, add sound effects, and music, add audio and video transitions from clip to clip, and all sorts of other cool stuff. The real "movie magic" is in the post processing. If you don't care to be artistic with your video, then the bundled Pixela software will do just fine.
I've realized that modern digital cameras are not as simple as the older analog (VHS) style. I've had to buy the camera, then a new (faster) computer, and then special editing software to get the video I wanted. Not recommended for the faint at heart. But for the gear-head techno geek, this camera is rockin! I totally love it - and while the camera has its annoying little quirks, to me there are just "little". Being effective with this camera all boils down to knowing the equipment. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up and lasts mechanically and electrically.
I subsequently found out about the new line of low-lux models, and last month took my chances on the GZ-HM550. Low light recording (indoors) was really important to me, and this model had the largest backlit image sensor of the whole Everio line (0.429" diameter). While I have no comparison to any other makes of camera, the low-lux HM550 far outperformed its predecessor (HD320) in moderate/low light. In bright outdoor light, the video is totally crisp and clear.
As for physical features, the camera is really small and light. Almost too small as the buttons for zoom and record are situated about mid-palm making it not completely ergonomic for people with large hands or long fingers. The laser touch menu bar and associated buttons are easy to use and require only a very light touch to activate. There are LOTS of menu picks and options - and these can be tricky to find until you get some practice. Some menu screens can be difficult to navigate while recording in the heat of the moment - but practice and knowing what, where, and how to use the cameras settings is absolutely key. The time lapse and auto record features are totally cool! Having a clock in the field of view during time lapse adds a fun little twist. The high speed video (600 fps) sounds great, but is actually kind of lame - the resolution goes way down - to a point where most detail is completely gone. Nothing like you would see on MythBusters. I don't know if I'll ever use this functionality. The on-board flash is great for regular camera pictures! And due to certain lighting conditions, this is sometimes a better option than capturing a video still. However... the auto-focus for stills can be slow, sometimes one to two seconds before getting a "green light" to shoot. Unless you have a very patient photo subject, this delay can sometimes mean missing your shot. Bluetooth/GPS?? I have not used the features yet. Oh yea, and power up time is pretty fast, especially fast if the camera is still in sleep mode.
The video editing software (Pixela) that came bundled with the camera is completely bare bones and is only good for dumping "boring" unedited video to disk. I am using Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 14 for video editing and disc creation. The Pinnacle software runs $50-75. Professional editing software of this type allows you to trim video files, make title screens, montages, add sound effects, and music, add audio and video transitions from clip to clip, and all sorts of other cool stuff. The real "movie magic" is in the post processing. If you don't care to be artistic with your video, then the bundled Pixela software will do just fine.
I've realized that modern digital cameras are not as simple as the older analog (VHS) style. I've had to buy the camera, then a new (faster) computer, and then special editing software to get the video I wanted. Not recommended for the faint at heart. But for the gear-head techno geek, this camera is rockin! I totally love it - and while the camera has its annoying little quirks, to me there are just "little". Being effective with this camera all boils down to knowing the equipment. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up and lasts mechanically and electrically.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Electronics can become TOO small...
After a career in advertising, during which I've been around video cameras of all sizes, weights and shapes, this is my first camcorder for personal use. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Michael J. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars
EASY TO USE AND GOOD RESULTS!
I KNEW PRETTY MUCH WHAT I WAS GETTING, HAVING DOWNLOADED THE MANUAL BEFOREHAND. I WAS INTERESTED IN A SHARP PICTURE FOR TIME-LAPSE AND AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS, WHICH... Read more
Published on February 22, 2011 by ptclint
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good buy for the money
Camera is small and lightweight. Takes great video. Controls are a little difficult because they are really tiny. Battery life is only about 40 minutes-get another battery. Read more
Published on January 20, 2011 by Stephen Boulay
4.0 out of 5 stars
Handy
Going on the thought that the key to using a camera is having it with you we gave up our old video camera and got this small JVC model. Read more
Published on December 31, 2010 by Newby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great value and performance !
Overall I'm very happy with the JVC HM550 camcorder. My previous camcorder was a Panasonic mini DV (tape) and consider this camcorder a huge upgrade. Read more
Published on November 10, 2010 by Jim
2.0 out of 5 stars
Warning: Fan Noise makes camera all but useless
I'll get the few pro's out of the way first: image quality seems pretty good even in low light (although this is my first HD camcorder, so I don't have much to compare it to). Read more
Published on October 5, 2010 by WWBD
5.0 out of 5 stars
Same specs as a Canon for half the price!
I purchased this back in June but didn't really get a chance to start using it until now when my daughter's volleyball season started at High School. Read more
Published on September 11, 2010 by Karl Huddleston
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Little marvel
I have more than 1 month with this camera, so far I love it, even though my main camera to use is the HD Everio GZ-HD7, this new model is really kicking the old one. Read more
Published on September 10, 2010 by Merida D. Victor Daniel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great camcorder
Customer Video Review
Length:
3:45
Mins
Published on September 3, 2010 by James
1.0 out of 5 stars
Consumer Reports rates highly, but watch out for details
I'm taking this piece of junk (JVC GZ-HM550) back. I'm writing this review to save others from making my mistake.
This is sort of raw info. I apologize. Read more
This is sort of raw info. I apologize. Read more
Published on August 3, 2010 by Michael Davis
