JVC Everio GZ-HD7 review

The video generally looks pretty good--but you can get much better HD video from tape-based models such as the Canon HV10 or HV20 for far less money. You may be willing to pay a premium for hard-disk-drive convenience, but you shouldn't sacrifice video quality. Some of the problems with the HD7's video include severe interlace artifacts, horizontal jitter and stutter, and blown-out highlights. Video looks far sharper when shot using a tripod, with very little motion in the scene, but even then you can see interlace artifacts while zooming and on moving objects. For better or worse, the FHD and 1440 CBR video looked quite similar to each other.

But performance represents the weakest aspect of the HD7. First, the battery lasted for only 20 to 30 minutes of my field testing, despite the fact that I shoot primarily via the less power-hungry eye-level viewfinder. Second, the optical image stabilizer seemed completely ineffectual. The product manager admits that the OIS is "underperforming" and that the company is "looking into it." Hmmm. The lens focuses relatively fast and displays surprisingly little chromatic aberration--just the expected amount on high-contrast edges--but exhibits some barrel distortion at the wide end, which isn't so wide that it's worth forgiving. Only the audio performed as expected, and the wind filter completely cut the effect of the day's loud breeze.

All of which adds up to a pretty disappointing camcorder, especially given the JVC Everio GZ-HD7's relatively high price tag. Check out any of the models on our top HD camcorders list for a better option.