JVC GZ-HD40 Expert Reviews

alaTest has collected and analyzed 46 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers really like the interface. The memory also impresses, but many are less positive about the viewfinder.

Interface, Memory, Usability, Appearance

Viewfinder, Color, Design

Experts rate this product 75/100 and users 83/100. We analyzed these ratings, the product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders, the JVC GZ-HD40 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 92/100 = Excellent quality.

The big hard drive of JVC's GZ-HD40 is offset by the camcorder's big price--and its simply adequate performance.

120GB hard drive holds a lot of HD video ; Records to two video formats

Best-looking video format hard to work with ; Poor image stabilization

The JVC GZ-HD40 isn't a bad HD camcorder--in fact, it's pretty good. People seeking a tapeless camcorder that they can use with a modest PC today and a more powerful computer in the future may find the GZ-HD40's multiple recording formats compelling. ...

JVC's upgrade to a bigger CMOS sensor and the switch to AVCHD have reaped big dividends for the HD40 and its massive (and heavy) 120GB hard drive. Video quality has greatly improved from previous JVC models and the dual compression option, which ...

JVC's Everio GZ-HD40 is the equivalent of a marathon runner. It can go a very long distance. With a 120GB hard disk drive, the dual-format GZ-HD40 will allow its amateur cinemaniacs up to 50 hours of AVCHD Full HD video recording. The $1,300 MSRP ...

50 hours of shooting time Good color and image detail Small, easy to hold Quick on/off reflex time

Arcane menu navigation Manual focus can be testy due to toggle placement Runs hot

JVC has capitalized on the demand for smaller, smarter technology by giving shooters multiple formats to choose from and an endless amount of shooting time.

The inexorable march away from tapes and discs has picked up steam in Camcorder Land-and this trend will continue until MiniDV and DVD home video makers take their place on the...

Massive 120GB hard drive ; great color in good light ; compact and responsive

No optical image stabilization ; noisy in low light ; zoom could be more powerful

The JVC GZ-HD40 ($1299 MSRP)  is a more than a simple update in the Everio line of hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders. You wouldn't know it from a casual glance, but a lot of changes have occurred under the hood. For the first time, JVC has switched ...

The JVC GZ-HD40's strength lies in its effort to reach out to several types of users. The 120GB hard drive should satisfy even long-term vacationers. The camcorder offers loads of manual controls, but also includes a full auto mode that should ...

Experienced users will appreciate the level of control the GZ-HD40 offers. Manual aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and several other controls are all included. You'll also find the best manual focus on the market. Unfortunately, these ...

The GZ-HD40 ($1299 MSRP) is JVC's latest top-of-the-line high-definition Everio hard disk drive camcorder. It represents a considerable step forward for the company. For the first time, JVC has switched from CCD sensors to CMOS sensors, which ...

Try before you buy is an appropriate maxim here. The GZ-HD40 is the best Everio JVC has produced to date, but the interface may frustrate experienced shooters. The price tag may dissuade beginners, but its sibling model, the GZ-HD30, offers nearly all ...

The reasonably compact Everio GZ-HD40 is a dual-format high-definition camcorder, shooting in both AVCHD and MPEG-2 TS, allowing you to get the best of both worlds. The menu system is convoluted, but the HD40 offers very good video quality and plenty ...

Excellent video quality; two hi-def format options; full manual controls

No optical image stabilisation; confusing menu system; some design quirks

JVC's CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers hi-def recording flexibility with very good results, but a few shortcomings, including a lack of optical image stabilisation, prevent us from giving it a full recommendation