Product Details
JVC Everio GZ-HD30 80 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 80 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
From JVC

Price: $699.95

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Big VALUE Inc

8 new or used available from $307.50

Average customer review:

Product Description

The GZ-HD30 is the world's first AVCHD / MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder allowing access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD, as well as MPEG-2's superior editing and post-production environment. It offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording in both formats to an 80GB (GZ-HD30) internal hard disk drive.Technologies behind the scenes include CMOS imaging chips with interpolation technology, the HD Gigabrid Duo chip that includes codecs for AVCHD and MPEG-2 as well as noise reduction technology, and 1920 x 1080/50P output via HDMI (V.1.3 with x.v.Color). Ease of use innovations include Intelligent Grouping, which sorts and groups together similar themed scenes for easier access, and Digest Playback, which creates a video montage of scenes, much like a "coming attractions" clip, when they're burned to a DVD.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #16873 in Camera & Photo
  • Brand: JVC
  • Model: GZ-HD30
  • Dimensions: 6.00" h x 10.00" w x 8.00" l, 2.00 pounds
  • Display size: 2.8

Features

  • AVCHD/MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder; 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording in both formats
  • Records to an 80 GB internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Includes hybrid storage option with microSD card (card not included)
  • Features new CMOS chips with interpolation technology; HD Gigabrid Duo Engine
  • Can shoot digital still images at 2432 x 1368

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer

The GZ-HD30 is the world's first AVCHD / MPEG-2 dual-format camcorder allowing access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD, as well as MPEG-2's superior editing and post-production environment. It offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD recording in both formats to an 80GB (GZ-HD30) internal hard disk drive.Technologies behind the scenes include CMOS imaging chips with interpolation technology, the HD Gigabrid Duo chip that includes codecs for AVCHD and MPEG-2 as well as noise reduction technology, and 1920 x 1080/50P output via HDMI (V.1.3 with x.v.Color). Ease of use innovations include Intelligent Grouping, which sorts and groups together similar themed scenes for easier access, and Digest Playback, which creates a video montage of scenes, much like a "coming attractions" clip, when they're burned to a DVD.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights

Performance

1920x1080/60P Output
Using the same technology as GENESSA HD displays, this function outputs a 1080 scanning line image at progressive 60fps so you can enjoy uncompromising picture quality on a TV that accepts 1080P input. With progressive, the jaggy diagonals you'd get with interlace images are smoothed out, for a clearer image.

HD Recording

New CMOS Chips with Interpolation Technology
CMOS chips using newly developed interpolation algorithm. This algorithm generates virtual pixels to provide image information beyond the 1920x1080 Full HD imaging.
JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
26Mbps High Bit Rate Recording
In the FHD mode, video is recorded at a high bit rate of 26.6 Mbps average. Compared to other systems using a lower bit rate, the resulting image offers higher quality with clearer visible details.

HD Gigabrid Duo Engine
This new high powered HD Gigabrid image processing chip includes 7 noise reduction technologies in addition to the dual AVCHD and MPEG-2 Codecs, assuring optimum images for recordings made in either format.
JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights


Full HD 1920x1080 Recording
In the FHD mode, video is recorded at a high bit rate of 26.6 Mbps average. Compared to other systems using a lower bit rate, the resulting image offers higher quality with clearer visible details.

33 Hours of Full HD Recording and 5 Rec Modes
Regardless of the model, HD Everio is ready to go the distance. The combination of the high-capacity 80GB hard disk drive and the compression-efficient AVCHD format allows the GZ-HD30 to store up to 33 hours of Full HD 1920x1080 video recordings.

Digital Still Images
Every Everio can conveniently record digital still images. Just switch to the image mode and then press the snapshot button. To take your snapshot. Record your snapshot to either the HDD or a micro SD card. It's your choice. Record up to a 2432 x 1368 image.

Advanced Operations

Ultra-Compact and Lightweight HD Camcorder
Palm sized for superior mobility. JVC made the Full HD camcorder smaller and lighter. It is barely over a pound even with the battery attached.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Record to a microSD card
Hybrid Storage with microSD Card
In addition to a built-in hard disk drive, HD Everio also has a slot for microSD/SDHC Card so you can store video and stills on this commonly available memory card. (Card is not supplied.)

Note: To record video, a microSDHC card with Class 4 or higher performance is required. microSD memory cards (256MB to 2GB) and microSDHC memory cards (4GB and 8GB) have been tested for the following brands: Panasonic, Toshiba, SanDisk, ATP. Note that using other media may result in recording failure or data loss.

AVCHD & MPEG-2 Dual Format Capability
Now you get to choose the format that's best for any given situation. Superior compression and longer recording time with AVCHD. Continuity with today's editing environment with MPEG-2.

Variety of Shooting Assist Functions
HD Everio offers a wide array of assist functions to shoot HD video more precisely, conveniently, and creatively:

  • Focus Assist Function -- Outlines in-focus image contours to show which parts are in or out of focus.
  • Zebra Function -- Displays a striped pattern across overexposed areas of the image.
  • Program AE -- A full array of effects is available so you can choose the right exposure or shutter speed automatically according to the scene you're shooting. Easily accessible via visual menu dial.
JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Wide range of manual controls
Wide Range of Manual Controls
In addition to point-and-shoot simplicity, HD Everio also offers a wide range of manual controls including Manual White Balance, Exposure Control, Sharpness Control, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Brightness Control, and more.

Stick Control for Easy Operation
Pressing the four "compass points" on the circular control operates everything from menu item selection to manual camera settings.

Power-Linked Operation
Automatically turns on the camera when you open the LCD so you can shoot right away, and turns off the camera when you close the LCD so you won't waste power.
JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
HD Best Shot Function
HD images look beautiful when printed on paper, too. That’s why JVC lets you take high-resolution "snapshots" directly from your recorded HD footage, and print them just like you would from a digital still camera.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Accessory shoe with mic input
Accessory Shoe and Mic Input
Mount an optional microphone on the accessory shoe for clear, high-quality audio recording. A convenient Mic Input Terminal with plug-in power supplies power to the mounted microphone.

Data Battery
Allows you to check the remaining battery power by % and remaining recording time in minutes at the touch of a button, even while the camcorder's power is off.

Everio includes patented and other proprietary technology and is made to be used with the JVC Data Battery and not with other batteries. JVC cannot guarantee safety or performance of the camcorder when it is operated by other batteries. For additional information about JVC Data Battery, please contact an authorized JVC dealer in your country.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Multiple digital interfaces
Full Complement of Interfaces This model is equipped with USB 2.0 and HDMI digital interfaces on the camera. USB is primarily for file saving and HDMI is for digital viewing on large screen displays. Also equipped with all models are component and AV terminals to output down-converted signals for analog devices.

Quick Response - 0.08sec. to Start Recording
Never miss a moment. The time lag of various functions has been reduced to nearly instantaneous levels.

Headphone Output
Just connect stereo headphones for real-time audio monitoring while you shoot, or to listen to the soundtrack in privacy while viewing footage you’ve just recorded.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Built-in Auto Light
Built-in Auto Light
Turns on automatically so you can shoot brilliant images even in low light situations.

Built-in Lens Cover
Slide it shut to protect the lens when the camera's not in use. It's integrated, so there's no risk of losing it like a lens cap.

Archiving and Viewing

HDMI (V.1.3 with x.v.Color)
The xvYCC color standard, known as x.v.Color, provides more accurate color reproduction with more detail and shades. Among the colors that the human eye can perceive, x.v.Color can display 100% compared to about 55% with sRGB.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
DVD Burner
PC-less Archiving using Exclusive DVD Burners
With JVC’s optional SHARE STATION DVD Burner, a totally PC-less solution for the archiving and playback of Full HD content becomes possible. With it, you can store HD Everio’s footage directly on a DVD without using a PC.

Intelligent Grouping Function
The more you record, the more critical "search" functions become. In addition to the usual file listings and date search, HD Everio also offers the world's first Intelligent Grouping function. This groups similar scenes together based on the time of recording, interval between recordings and duration of recording, providing faster and easier access to desired scenes.

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Digest playback
Digest Playback (for AVCHD DVD)
Digest Playback is possible with AVCHD DVDs created using HD Everio and CU-VD50/VD3. This function automatically selects highlighted scenes from among the recorded content using our proprietary algorithm and plays back what looks like a "coming attractions" trailer for a movie. 60 minutes of footage is condensed into 5 minutes of highlight scenes. Now you can quickly get an idea what's on the disc.

Playlist
With the Playlist function, you can select the scenes you want in the order you want internally at the camera level. Program your favorite scenes, in the order you like for playback or for archiving to DVD.

Editing with a PC or Mac

JVC Everio GZ-HD30 Highlights
Creative Solution with a PC
For those who wish to edit and archive using their PCs, HD Everio comes supplied with full-fledged software. Blu-ray disc compatible applications let you store AVCHD and MPEG-2 Full HD content with full impact.

QuickTime Component for Everio For Mac
For Macintosh users, the GZ-HD40/HD30 also come with a plug-in that allows HD Everio's MPEG-2 files to be used with Apple iMovie HD 6 and Final Cut Pro 5 or 6. For all models including GZ-HD10, AVCHD files can be used with Apple's AVCHD applicable software without a plug-in for the Macintosh.

Direct Data Backup to PC
Data archiving has never been easier. Just press the DIRECT BACK UP button, and data that has not yet been backed up can be transferred to a PC automatically.


Customer Reviews

Excellent camcorder5
I purchased this camcorder a few months back and have used it extensively to shoot under various lighting scenarios.

I was so flabbergasted to see how good the camera performed even indoors (where lighting is limited to just a few lit bulbs inside a room). Those of you who are aware of the relationship between video noise (graininess) and low light will find that this camera does an excellent good job indoors.

All my friends who have visited us have been equally shocked seeing such high quality video from a non-professional video recorder. Trust me.... sometimes the videos look even better than some selected shots in movies I've seen on BluRay discs. Having said that please don't expect this tiny camcorder to surpass those gigantic professional video recording equipment -- but the fact it comes so close is commendable.

The color saturation is maybe very slightly higher than neutral, but I frankly find that to be an advantage since the videos really stand out.
The video quality looks outstanding when I play the videos on my 42" HDTV through the HDMI out.

A reviewer complained about the 19 minutes per file limit. I never found that to be a practical issue since you can join multiple files to have a continuous video of what ever length you desire using the PC software provided with the camcorder.

Battery life is average (about 70-80 minutes on a fully charged battery) and so I got myself a backup non-JVC battery for a fraction of the cost of the original JVC battery and it actually performs better than the JVC battery (about 90 minutes).

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this purchase. Although initially I was a bit hesitant spending $600 on a camcorder, but I soon realized that this is money very well spent.

Only 19 minute video per file? Who would buy this?1
This camera only creates files of about 19 minutes or 4GB. No matter HOW LONG the camera is running? I used this yesterday to film a deposition because the lawyers don't want to stop and change tapes every hour.
Filming went smooth but when I got home, instead of the 5 files I thought I shot, there were over 10. JVC support says the camera makes no larger than 4gb file. That's about 19 minutes. The sound drops off right before the end of the file. So when editing the clips, there is a break in sound. Just who is this acceptable to? You want to film your kids soccer game? Be prepared for 20 mins per clip with a glitch. A friends wedding? Same thing, sound glitches at 20 mins. Who is this acceptable to? You got me.
I was lucky enough to record a backup soundtrack and use a clip behind the video to smooth it out. Can the average camera user do that? Why would you?
JVC support says that's just the way it is. Maybe the clue was the integration with Youtube button in the software that came with the camera. Youtube videos are no more than 10 minutes.
Cool, for those Youtubers' out there, here's a great camera for you that records twice as much as you need. LOL
Pass this by and get another camera with a hard drive formatted in NTFS. File size limit is due to FAT32 format of the hard drive.

Great! Video!5
This is a light weight and easy to use camera with exceptional editing software. Almost everything is positive. It records in 1080i but can play back in 1080P. It only allows 3 pictures while recording a video. The pictures are good but not great. I am not disappointed in the pictures but it is a HD camcorder and the video is excellent. The quality of the video is excellent if not superb. It has a ton of capacity and it turns on quick. It has a manual lens cover, but at least it won't break. You will need a bag to go with it. I would highly recommend for video. The software is excellent! I use it all of the time. Get a 500 GB hard drive for 100 bucks to store all your videos. You sure will have a a lot. It has HDMI, Component and standard. It has both formats but you can't edit if you use the x.v color. I use the MPEG 2 and it take a sweet picture. Get one before the holidays are over. Not perfect but small light weight and easy to use yet powerful! The HD lights up on the front when recording. It looks really cool.