JVC Everio GZ-HD6 Camcorder Review

The JVC Everio GZ-HD6 ($1,399 MSRP) is the company’s third high definition Everio, the series of camcorders that record to internal hard disk drives (HDD). The inaugural model, the GZ-HD7, was a mammoth that offered a pro feel but couldn’t match it with pro performance. Next came the GZ-HD3 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $649.00), a compact version that ditched some of the HD7’s features, but still could not match the competition’s performance. This year, JVC is trying to bounce back with the GZ-HD5 and GZ-HD6 (identical, but with a 60GB HDD in the former and a 120GB HDD, headphone jack, and lens hood in the latter). It’s even smaller than the HD3, but bulks up on features: full 1920 x 1080 at an average 26.6 Mbps in the MPEG-2 TS format, 1080/60P output (only through the HDMI, thanks to an internal I-to-P converter), a mic input, an improved stabilization system, and claims of improvements in color and dynamic range. However, the competing AVCHD format has taken a huge leap format in performance this year, and has the weight of Sony, Panasonic, and Canon behind it. JVC might have a tough time convincing people to stick with their MPEG-2 TS format.

The Front (8.0)
The GZ-HD6 is a sexy camcorder, much like its sibling, the GZ-HD3. Both camcorders seem identical from certain angles, but in front you’ll notice that JVC whittled down most of the options to … practically nothing. The GZ-HD3 has an LED video light, Focus Assist button, and pair of ports at the head of the ship. The GZ-HD6 is nothing but lens.

The GZ-HD6’s 10x optical zoom lens is equipped with a removable hood that can be taken off to expose the massive 43mm filter. The lens employs an automatic enclosure system that operates when the GZ-HD6 is powered on or off. The GZ-HD3 has a manual lens cover switch, which is not as convenient, but less risky than relying on minute mechanical parts.

The Right Side (5.25)
From this side, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the GZ-HD6 and GZ-HD3—the architecture is almost entirely identical. The GZ-HD6 has a cheap, feebly padded hand strap that is anchored too low along the bottom of the camcorder’s body. Because of this, the GZ-HD6 flops to the side at a 45-degree angle, compromising handling. It doesn’t help that the GZ-HD6 has a whopping 120GB hard drive stuffed in its chassis. This camcorder is a tank.

Toward the lens end you’ll find a chunky port cover that conceals the FireWire terminal. This is the only port that does not reside on the back of the GZ-HD6—JVC probably couldn’t fit it, but we’ll get to that in a second. On the opposite end is the GZ-HD6’s shiny mode dial, which can be switched to Off, Video mode, or Photo mode, as labeled on the grey HDD panel.

The Back (7.25)
The back of the GZ-HD6 is a farm of ports. Above the battery is a horizontal rubberized strip housing the DC power, Mic, and Headphone jacks. The Headphone jack is a welcome addition, for neither the GZ-HD3 nor GZ-HD7 is equipped with one. To the right of the battery is a vertical strip containing the USB, HDMI, Component, and A/V terminals. The GZ-HD6 is chock full ‘o connectivity. The port covers are constructed of thin, rubberized plastic and have a tendency of sticking if they are yanked too hard. To the far right is the Record Start/Stop button, which is a bit cramped next to the Mode Dial.

The GZ-HD6’s BN-VF815U battery pack juts out quite considerably, but JVC has kept the back end viewfinder-less, just like the GZ-HD3. The GZ-HD7 has it all—extendable viewfinder, Focus ring, bountiful external controls—but those days are over for JVC, as most consumers could care less about anything but a nice LCD screen.

The GZ-HD6 also has a MicroSD card slot located on the bottom of the camcorder. Why JVC opted for this card format is puzzling, considering the company’s long-time use of SD/SDHC cards.

The Left Side (6.25)
The GZ-HD6’s money shot side is almost a carbon copy of the GZ-HD3’s—dripping with glossy black goodness. After opening the 2.8-inch LCD screen, you’ll see a handful of LCD cavity buttons residing in the bottom right corner. You can access the Auto/Manual, Select/Play/Record, Direct Backup/Event, Focus Assist, and Menu buttons here. The playback speaker and a couple of cooling fan grates can be found in the LCD cavity, as well.

The GZ-HD6’s 2.8-inch LCD screen panel contains the Battery Info/Index button, joystick, and Function menu button. The GZ-HD6’s joystick is just like the GZ-HD3’s and GZ-HD7’s—small and sluggish. It takes some getting used to, but the GZ-HD6’s joystick does not match the solid construction and rapid response of a rear-mounted Panasonic.

The exterior of the left side.		The LCD cavity.

The Top (6.5)
From this angle, it’s obvious that the GZ-HD6 chassis gobbled a hefty 120GB HDD and is still full. This camcorder should come with a “Wide Load” banner. Up top, JVC relocated the cold accessory shoe to the lens end, butting up against the built-in stereo microphone. Due to the GZ-HD6’s relatively large size, you won’t have to worry about overshooting the microphone with your finger. Toward the back is the petit zoom rocker and Photo button. On a camcorder this rugged, we’d expect to see a more advanced zoom toggle, but all you get is a tiny tab—the Canon HF10’s Zoom lever is wider and smoother.