JVC Everio GZ-HD7
June 10th, 2007 | by David Elrich
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Average user rating from 19 users |
Finally a Cam with bells and whistles.
by Abe on May 2nd, 2008 at 2:40 PM:
I understand why so many folks are dissing this camera. I've been working as a television news cameraman for over 20 years and actually hooked up the HD7 to the live truck for a live shot. The results, simply amazing. I got calls from the station where the EP wanted to know why my shots were so much better than the other live shots that morning. I told them that my station assigned DVC Pro went down and I had no choice but to use my JVC camcorder. needless to say, the station was so impressed with the footage that within a month, they purchased 11 HD-7s. I love this camera. People who are dissing this camera knows nothing about professional gear and their only experience has been with consumer products. If you give a novice a professional camera, the images will not come out as well, but give him a consumer, all automatic camcorder and next thing you know, he thinks he is Steven Spellberg.
Ignore the Bad reviews
by Timgray on Apr 30th, 2008 at 9:55 AM:
Almost EVERY single review about this camera is by someone that really should not be near a video camera that has manual features. I got a kick out of the claims "it blows out highlights in bright outdoors scenes." Well yeah, so does the Canon H1 when you don't have a ND filter on it? When you shoot outdoors you use a ND filter this is basics they teach you in camcorders 101. Too many camcorder reviewers are not Video professionals and don't use the cameras right.
The ONLY real complaint I have about the GZ-HD7 is that there is more purple fringing on high contrast scenes. This is because of the lens system. It is reduced if you crank the sharpness down like they do by default in the HV20 from Canon does.
If you want a camera you pick up and use without setting anything do NOT get the gz-hd7 it's too much camera for you. If you want to get a HD camcorder under $1000.00 that shoots incredible video and at a higher resolution than even the $6000.00 HDV camcorders? Get this one. It shoots as good as the big cameras.
Otherwise, you get this camera; get a ND1 and a ND2 filter, a UV filter and a better lens hood as well as the JVC stereo mic for on top. With that combo you are shooting like a real pro and getting footage the other guy's only dream about.
JVC GZHD7 works flawless with iMovie
by John Painter on Apr 22nd, 2008 at 11:16 AM:
Not true, the GZHD7 works flawless with a Mac running OS X 10.4 or higher and iMovie or FCE (and I suspect FCP, but I don't have it) though I admit the printed owners manual which comes with it is worthless, go to the JVC web site or directly to their sync video http://media2.jvc.com/camcorder/macHD.mov
Pro results if you setup right ...
by Chris Bishop on Apr 11th, 2008 at 3:18 PM:
This camera is superb, and those that knock it just haven't bothered to setup - this is not a point & shot cam and results will be only so-so if all you're bothered to do is use auto mode.
And as for the TOD file system used ... I can't believe those spending good money on this cam can't work it out - I can use my editing software fine and play all my files directly from a windows media player ... how? because I found all the codex updates from microsoft windows update! TOD is just a sub code of mpeg2 so no big deal.
I've used cams for years, and the GZ-HD7 is amazing and its HD quality is 95% as good as my Sony FX1.
Use MWB (Manual white balance) before any shots - its easy to setup, just hold the cam in front of a large sheet of paper whilst holding down the toggle on MWB for about 5 secs - you'll see perfect colour balance once set.
Zebra mode at 70% seems to work well too, so whites don't get washed out. and of course a tripod makes a major difference to any camera, use one and your footage will look High Def and Pro like.
If anyone wants the codex, just ask!
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Great Camera
by Dave J. on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 AM: