JVC's aggressively priced AVCHD camcorders

JVC's new low-end HD models seem to be cheaper than the competition's.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

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Lori Grunin

Nov. 15, 2009 12:25 p.m. PT

JVC Everio GZ-HD300 — JVC delivers HD in a small, cheap package. JVC America

JVC has rolled out its low-end HD camcorders, and they're looking pretty inexpensive and colorful. They all incorporate a new (for JVC) 1/4.1-inch 3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 20x lens. The Everio GZ-HD320 uses a 120GB hard disk; the GZ-HD300 goes with 60GB. In a nice touch we haven't seen elsewhere, the SD-based GZ-HM200 offers two card slots. The HD300 and the HM200 will come in black, red, and blue, while the HD320 sticks with basic black.

Beyond that, these models look pretty much like everyone else's on paper--support for a 24Mbps bit rate, x.v.Color, yadda, yadda, yadda--just cheaper. the HD300 and HD320 are expected to ship in February for $699 and $799, respectively; comparable models from other manufacturers tend to run about $100 more, though street prices may be the great equalizer. The TM300 will be $579.95 when it ships in March.