Digital Trends

JVC Everio GZ-HD6

March 25th, 2008 | by David Elrich

Performance and Use

Initially the camcorder was set to straight Auto, with the digital zoom turned off and the optical image stabilization engaged. As noted earlier, this high-def camcorder records 1920 x 1080i video, a big step up from the 1440 x 1080i of earlier HD camcorders. JVC uses the MPEG-2 TS system instead of the AVCHD format of Canon, Panasonic and Sony. New for 2008 are AVCHD models that also record 1920 x 1080 which is great to see. In fact, we’ll be getting a new Canon Vixia HF10 that does just that soon along with the much anticipated Sony HDR-SR12, a close competitor to the HD6 since both cost $1,399 USD and have 120GB HDDs. Stay tuned for those reviews but let’s get back to this JVC…

The GZ-HD6 uses three 1/5th-inch 570K CCDs for recording and each handles a specific color (Red, Green, Blue) for more accurate results (in theory, of course). Of note is the fact this camcorder records at 26.6 Mbps in Full HD meaning quality should be top-notch (in theory again). JVC states this camcorder records 1080p (progressive) video but this is saved as 1080i on the hard drive. When you connect it to your display with a HDMI 1.3 input, it gets upconverted to 1080p. Naturally you need a 1080p display and HDMI cable to take advantage of this quality.

Since it was the beginning of Spring, I took a drive down to the beach to clear some winter blahs and see how the HD6 handles loads of blue sky and sand. I also tried to find as much color as possible to see how they were rendered. Snapshots were taken along the way. I also took a load of footage indoors as well. For the most part, the HD6 was in Auto or in Program AE scene modes. I also moved in Manual which lets you make adjustments for videos and stills. The menu system and controls makes this a very simple process. An excellent feature is the Focus Assist key that adds a shadow to your subjects so you can make sure focus is tack sharp.

Even after shooting awhile I barely made a dent in the hard drive, although I definitely wore down the battery; spares are a must buy—especially if you’re going on vacation. The battery is rated for 80 minutes but it’ll be less if you zoom a lot—as I do and I’m sure other budding directors do as well (an hour was more like it).

Once home the GZ-HD6 was connected via HDMI to a Panasonic 50-inch 750 series plasma (1080p). After switching inputs it was time to review the footage. Moving through the various outdoor scenes I came away very impressed by the quality—I found it to be superior to the HD3 and HD7. There was very little smearing, color was spot on with very little digital noise. Simply put: it was terrific. Some footage of an American flag flapping in the breeze would’ve even stirred the heart of Hugo Chavez. This was some of the best quality I’ve seen in a camcorder. And the Optical Image Stabilization did a very nice job smoothing out my shaky hands; this is one feature any high-def camcorder must have.

All is not paradise with the GZ-HD6 though. The mic had a difficult time dealing with wind noise and my walk on the beach sounded like I was on a airport runway—and this was with the Wind Cut feature engaged. And at all times if you quickly snap the zoom toggle, the mic picks the sound up--a light touch is definitely required. Indoor footage had a bit of noise but nothing too terrible—and it was much superior to the HD3/HD7. Still this $1,399 USD camcorder could use a video light or a hot shoe for an add-on. And a flash would be nice to help with the stills. However, I was pleasantly surprised as the 2MP images held up well on the 50-inch screen. 

Conclusion

I’m glad to see the Class of 2008 high-def camcorders has kicked off with a bang. This 1080p model is a winner especially when shooting outdoors and it’s not too shabby in available light. Quality is very impressive, menus are easy to navigate and adjust, the ergonomics are just dandy. There’s my usual caveat—you have to hold it yourself and make that decision since everyone’s hands are different. That said, if it fits your hand, definitely put it on the short list. 


Pros:

• Excellent 1080p video
• Optical image stabilization
• Attractive, compact design 


Cons:

• Mic picks up noise—wind and zoom toggle
• Should have a flash and/or video light
• No hot shoe