Tech Shout!

JVC America has unveiled its latest consumer high definition camcorder dubbed ‘HD Everio GZ-HD3’. JVC’s latest camcorder blends a 3-CCD image sensor, high definition 1440 x 1080 recording and an in-built 60 GB hard disk storage. And all this comes in an uber-compact size, wherein it easily fits into the palm of your hand.

Main Features of the HD Everio GZ-HD3 are:

The camcorder uses 16:9 progressive scan CCDs, each dedicated to one of the three primary colors – red, green, blue – the image sensor can capture highly natural images and deliver vibrant and accurate color reproduction. Since the CCDs themselves are 16:9, they record a pixel array with native 16:9 dimensions for viewing on an HDTV and authoring to DVD or Blu-ray disc. The lens block also uses CCD pixel shift technology to increase horizontal and vertical resolution.

Its image processing is boosted by JVC’s HD Gigabrid Engine, which processes images from the progressive CCDs in native progressive to maintain as much quality as possible while applying five different noise reduction technologies to improve vertical resolution by approximately 30 percent from previous JVC standard definition camcorders. Images are reproduced with the depth and richness only possible with high-definition television, and feature natural skin tones, and vivid, glossy colors, especially green.

Konica Minolta HD lens are used in the HD Everio GZ-HD3 camcorder that makes certain that optimum performance is derived through JVC’s 3-CCD and HD recording technologies. The zoom lens features an ultra-compact hybrid aspherical lens system using low dispersion glass that plays a pivotal role in reducing aberrations and captures HD images with vivid colors and high resolution. The lens structure also contributes to the miniaturization of the camera.

The JVC HD Everio has an SP mode that enables around seven hours of HD recording. Apart from this, the new camcorder features an XP mode that records at a higher bit rate for those extra special scenes. And that’s not it. There’s also a 1440CBR mode, which is ideal for those who wish to edit using HDV-compatible software.

To make it easy to take the GZ-HD3 anywhere, the palm-sized camcorder features a lightweight, compact body 27 percent smaller than the GZ-HD7, and weighing a mere 1.5 lbs. It also offers point-and-shoot simplicity so no crucial scenes are missed, plus manual controls for more ambitious users.

As mentioned before, the GZ-HD3 is extremely compact and this makes it possible for the user to carry it along anytime, anyplace. Its weight is just 1.5 lbs. The palm-sized camcorder is easy to carry and offers point-and-shoot simplicity so that no crucial scenes are missed, plus manual controls for more ambitious users.

A wide array of interface terminals, including HDMI and component outputs are integrated into the camcorder enabling the viewing of HD footage on the latest HDTV displays. And standard AV-S terminals that output a down-converted SD signal provide connectivity to ordinary standard definition TVs. Furthermore, USB and i.LINK connectors are included for transferring recordings to a personal computer for editing.

The user can connect the GZ-HD3 directly to the optional CU-VD40 HD Everio SHARE STATION via USB, and easily burn HD footage to 12cm DVD discs to make backups and permanent archives of selected scenes in any desired order with just a few simple steps. Around 55 minutes of SP mode-recorded HD footage can be stored on 8.5GB dual layer DVD disc. The CU-VD40 can also be used with the GZ-HD7, and plays back in HD via HDMI or component, and in standard definition as well.

The HD Editing CyberLink BD Solution Software for Windows that comes with the device makes it possible to view and edit HD footage on a Windows PC, as well as author that footage to DVD and Blu-ray discs. A plug-in is also offered that enables Mac users to import the HD footage into editing applications like iMovie HD and Final Cut Pro.

Apart from the above mentioned features, the HD Everio GZ-HD3 features

- Focus Assist outlines the in-focus part of the picture in red, blue or green to make focusing easier;
- Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) offers significant important stability for hand held shooting;
- The Zebra Function puts a stripe pattern on highlighted parts of the picture to assist in setting the exposure manually;
- Program AE includes Aperture- and Shutter-Priority;
- Joystick control for easy selection and operation of manual settings and menu items, including manual focus and quick control of focus mode.

The integrated light automatically turns on when shooting in low light situations.

- Quick Power Off to prevent battery drain if the camera is left on by mistake;
- The embedded Lens Cover guards the lens;
- Data Batteries make it possible for the user to check remaining recording time, displaying battery level and maximum remaining recording time;
- Index Button to display remaining disk space and recording time;
- Remote Control.

For all purposes, the latest JVC GZ-HD3 is a successor to HD Everio GZ-HD7, which combined the pristine image quality of high definition with the convenience and high capacity of recording to a built-in hard drive. However the GZ-HD3 is a slightly better and lighter model.

Furthermore, GZ-HD3, like the entire JVC Everio range offers the advantages of recording to a built-in hard drive. These include long recording time (five to seven hours on HD Everios; seven to 37 hours with SD Everios), no need to purchase and carry removable tapes or discs, direct access to desired scenes, easy scene deletion, in-camera basic editing, and no risk of mistakenly erasing a desired scene. In addition, using a built-in hard drive allows the camcorder to be more compact than designs that record to DVD or tape.

The JVC HD Everio GZ-HD3 is slated for an early-September launch and will be available for around $1,300.