JVC Everio GZ-HD5

Description: The JVC Everio GZ-HD5 is a hard disk drive-based, prosumer camcorder.Compared to other prosumer camcorders on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $600.

Pros: Has optical stabilization, which is more favorable than some similarly priced camcorders.(While many camcorders have electronic image stabilization, optical stabilization generally produces superior results.)Also, this camcorder has a 2.8-inch viewscreen, which is somewhat larger than some similarly priced camcorders.This camcorder has three CCD sensors, each dedicated to filtering red, green or blue light frequencies.This results in richer, more accurate colors than camcorders with only a single CCD.Provides manual focus adjustment, whereas many camcorders have only auto-focus.This unit weighs just 16.9 ounces without battery and media, which is relatively light.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A prosumer camcorder, suited for semi-professional videography.

Value: Overall, this camcorder's features are in line with its price.

Suggestions: For more help selecting the right digital camcorder, visit CNET Reviews' buying guide.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: JVC
• Part Number: GZHD5US

• General

• Product Type Camcorder - 1080i
• Digital Zoom 200 x
• Optical Sensor Size 1/5"
• Optical Sensor Type 3CCD
• Digital Video Format MPEG-2
• Image Stabilizer Optical
• Min Shutter Speed 1/2 sec
• Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
• Shooting Modes Digital photo mode
• Shooting Programs Snow, Spotlight, Night mode, Sports mode, Portrait mode, Twilight mode
• White Balance Custom, Presets, Automatic
• White Balance Presets Fine, Cloudy, Halogen
• Exposure Modes Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
• Exposure Metering Spot, Matrix
• Widescreen Video Capture Yes

• Main Features

• Camcorder Effective Still Resolution 0.53 megapixels
• Color Support Color
• Sensor Features Pixel Shift technology
• Light Sensitivity ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400
• Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps
• Still Image Format JPEG
• Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
• TV Tuner None

• Pro Camcorder Features

• Features Zebra pattern

• Memory / Storage

• Digital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 60 GB
• Image Storage JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1440 x 1080, JPEG 1024 x 768, JPEG 640 x 480
• Media Type Hard disk drive

• Lens System

• Type Zoom lens - 3.3 mm - 33 mm - F/1.8-1.9
• Focal Length 3.3 mm - 33 mm
• Lens Aperture F/1.8-1.9
• Optical Zoom 10 x
• Lens system type Zoom lens
• Min focal length 3.3 mm
• Lens Manufacturer Fujinon
• Max focal length 33 mm
• Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
• Features Built-in lens shield
• Filter Size 43 mm
• Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
• Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive

• Additional Features

• Self Timer Yes
• Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
• Low Lux / Night Mode Yes
• Digital Still Camera Function Yes
• Additional Features DPOF support, Auto power save, Histogram display, Sharpness control, Brightness control, Accessories hot shoe, USB 2.0 compatibility, Backlight compensation, Digital noise reduction, Progressive scan CCD system
• Remote control Remote control - Infrared
• Software Drivers & Utilities, CyberLink BD Solution, JVC Digital Photo Navigator
• Included Accessories Camcorder shoulder strap

• Display

• Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.8 in - Color

• Digital Player (Recorder)

• Type None

• Microphone

• Type Microphone - Built-in
• Microphone Features Wind noise reduction

• Connections

• Connector Type 1 x HDMI output, 1 x Component video output, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x S-Video output, 1 x Microphone, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 1 x USB, 1 x DC power input
• Expansion Slot(s) 1 x microSD

• Audio Input

• Audio input type Microphone
• Microphone type Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode Stereo
• Microphone Technology Electret condenser

• Miscellaneous

• Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable, Component video cable

• Power

• Power Device Power adapter - External

• Battery

• Supported Battery JVC BN-VF815
• Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1460 mAh ( Included )

• Viewfinder / Display

• Display Form Factor Rotating
• Display Format 207,000 pixels

• Physical Characteristics

• Width 2.7 in
• Depth 5.1 in
• Height 2.9 in
• Weight 16.9 oz

JVC

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.jvc.com/
• Address: 1700 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ. 07470
• Phone: 1-800-252-5722