The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 is a high quality AVCHD / MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder. The JVC HD40 allows you to access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD.
Our Rating 
(4/5)
Good: Excellent video quality; Two HD format options; Full manual controls
Bad: No optical image stabilisation; Confusing menu system; Some design quirks
The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 is the world’s first AVCHD / MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder allowing access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD, as well as MPEG-2′s superior editing and post-production environment. The JVC GZ-HD40 offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording in one formats to a 120GB internal hard disk drive. The JVC HD40 has a 120GB hard disk drive for up to 50 hours of AVCHD Full HD video recording, and a docking station with the requirements of the prosumer or high-end enthusiast in mind.
Using the same technology as GENESSA HD displays, 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. With progressive, the jaggy diagonals you’d get with interlace images are smoothed out, for a clearer image.
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CMOS chips using newly developed interpolation algorithm. This algorithm generates virtual pixels to provide image information beyond the 1920×1080 Full HD imaging.
In the XP mode, video is recorded at a high bit rate of 17.0 Mbps average. Compared to other systems using a lower bit rate, the resulting image offers higher quality with clearer visible details.
The new high powered HD Gigabrid image processing chip includes 7 noise reduction technologies in addition to the dual AVCHD and MPEG-2 Codecs, assuring optimum images for recordings made in either format.
In the FHD mode, video is recorded at a high bit rate of 26.6 Mbps average. Compared to other systems using a lower bit rate, the resulting image offers higher quality with clearer visible details.
Regardless of the model, HD Everio is ready to go the distance. The combination of the high-capacity 120GB hard disk drive and the compression-efficient AVCHD format allows the JVC GZ-HD40 to store up to 50 hours of Full HD 1920×1080 video recordings.
Every Everio can conveniently record digital still images. Just switch to the image mode and then press the snapshot button. To take your snapshot. Record your snapshot to either the HDD or a micro SD card. It’s your choice. Record up to a 2432 x 1368 image.
Palm sized for superior mobility. JVC made the Full HD camcorder smaller and lighter. It is barely over a pound even with the battery attached.
In addition to a built-in hard disk drive, HD Everio also has a slot for microSD/SDHC Card so you can store video and stills on this commonly available memory card. (Card is not supplied.)
cnet reviews the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 and writes:
“For a high-def camcorder priced less than US$1,000, the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 has a lot to offer — especially if you’re into manual settings and are not easily intimidated by digging through a convoluted menu system. However, the lack of optical image stabilisation is regrettable for a camcorder of this calibre.”
pcworld reviews the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 and writes:
“The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 records AVCHD at 17, 12, and 5mbps. It can also capture 30mbps MPEG-2 TS (transport stream) files at 1920×1080 pixels or as a 1440×1080, HDV-compatible 1440 CBR file. The MPEG-2 video looks slightly better than the 17-mbps AVCHD, thanks to smoother colour and increased sharpness. The trade-off: on the 120GB hard drive, you can store just 10 hours of MPEG-2 TS content, versus 15 hours of 17-mbps AVCHD.”
digitalversus reviews the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 and writes:
“The most interesting aspect of this docking station is the inclusion of a FireWire connection which allows you to upload video quickly to a computer.”
engadgethd reviews the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 and writes:
“One of the first things we noticed is that the camcorder turned on as soon as the flip-out LCD was, um, flipped out. Some may love this, some may despise it. It sort of grew on us, to be honest — particularly since it enabled lighting fast boot-up after the initial turn on sequence. In other words, shutting the screen once it was booted on put it in some form of sleep mode, and flipping it back open enabled us to capture time-sensitive moments with ease.”
reviewed reviews the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 and writes:
“Experienced users will appreciate the level of control the GZ-HD40 offers. Manual aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and several other controls are all included. You’ll also find the best manual focus on the market.”
Key Features:
- 1/3-inch CMOS
- 120GB Internal Hard Disk Drive for up to 50 hr. of Full HD recording
- 10x Optical Zoom / 200x Digital Zoom
- Memory Card Slot for microSD
- Remote Control provided
- Software provided for Windows (R)
- Plug-in software provided for Macintosh
- Full HD 1920x1080i Recording
- HD Gigabrid Duo Engine
- Dual format (AVCHD and MPEG-2)
- 1080/50P Output
- HDMI(TM) (V.1.3 with x.v.Colour(TM))
- 5 Recording Modes
- 1440 CBR* Recording Mode up to 10hours
- Focus Assist Function
- Wide Range of Manual Controls
- Auto Illumi. Light
- Quick Restart/Quick Recording/Quick Review
- Accessory Shoe
- Mic Input
- Headphone Output
- PC-less Archiving and Viewing with SHARE STATION (optional)
- CyberLink BD Solution for Editing and Archiving
Specifications:
Camera
* Optical sensor: CMOS
* Focal Length: 4.5 – 45.0 (35mm film equivalent: 50.0 – 500.0) mm
* LCD screen size: 2.8 inch
* Digital Zoom: 200 x
* Optical Zoom: 10 x
Display
* LCD screen size: 2.8 inch
General
* Dimensions (W x D x H): 73 x 123 x 68 mm
* Weight: 123 g
Image Capture
* Digital still shots: Yes
* Image stabilisation: Electronic
* Sensor Resolution: 2.68 megapixels
* Still image resolution: 1824 x 1368 pixels
Storage
* Internal memory: 120000 MB
* Memory card supported: MicroSD
Video
* Video capture format(s): MPEG-2
* Video capture resolution: 1920 x 1080i