JVC has released a wad of new HD camcorders at CES including the Everio GZ-HM960 which features JVC’s new GT Lens, which is optimized for the large 1/2.3” back-illuminated CMOS sensor that aids in low light situations, plus a new image-processing engine, 3.5” full screen touch panel with 920k pixels, Advanced Image Stabilizer, and Bluetooth wireless technology for connection to wireless devices, such as smartphones, for synching videos and photos with Google Maps™.  The Everio GZ-HM960 has a new 2D-3D conversion function to view 2D footage in 3D on the camcorder’s LCD monitor without having to wear 3D glasses.  Hit the jump to see more images, the highlight list and press release.

Check Amazon for availability.

JVC 2011 HD Everio Camcorders — Primary Features

GZ-HM960 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 16GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• JVC GT LENS
• F1.2 Super bright & 29.5mm Wide Angle
• 10x Optical Zoom (15x Dynamic zoom)
• Built-in LED light & Flash
• 10.6 Megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
• 11 Megapixel still picture by ultra resolution technology
• 2D-to-3D conversion output function
• 3D 3.5-inch LCD monitor with touch panel
• Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• Built-in Zoom mic & K2 technology
• Super LoLux
• Intelligent AUTO
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Motor drive shooting
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• HDMI® cable provided
• Available: February 2011
• Price: $949.95

GZ-HM860 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 16GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• JVC GT LENS
• F1.2 Super bright & 29.5mm Wide Angle
• 10x Optical Zoom (15x Dynamic zoom)
• Built-in LED light & Flash
• 10.6 Megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
• 11 Megapixel still picture by ultra resolution technology
• 3.5 inch large LCD
• Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• Built-in Zoom mic & K2 technology
• Super LoLux
• Intelligent AUTO
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Motor drive shooting
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3 BE
• HDMI® cable provided
• Available: February 2011
• Price: $749.95

GZ-HD520 Full HD Hard Disk Camcorder

• AVCHD recording
• 40x Optical Zoom
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 1.5 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Laser Touch operation
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Face Detection
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $549.95

GZ-HM690 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 64GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 3.3 Megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
• Super LoLux
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent AUTO
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• Built-in LED light
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• K2 technology
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price; $649.95

GZ-HM670 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 32GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 3.3 Megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
• Super LoLux
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent AUTO
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• Built-in LED light
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• K2 technology
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $499.95

GZ-HM650 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 8GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 3.3 Megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor
• Super LoLux
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent AUTO
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• Built-in LED light
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• K2 technology
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $399.95

GZ-HM450 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• 8GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 1.5 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent Auto
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• K2 technology
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $349.95

GZ-HM440 Full HD Memory Camcorder

• Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 1.5 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Full Screen Touch Panel
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent Auto
• Face Recognition / Touch AE/AF
• Face Sub-Window
• Animation Effect
• Smile Meter / Smile Shot
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 24Mbps High bit rate Recording
• K2 technology
• 2-way Grip Belt
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $299.95

GZ-HM50 HD Memory Camcorder

• 8GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD Lite & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 1.5 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent AUTO
• Face Detection
• Time-Lapse REC
• Auto REC
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output (upconverted)
• 2-way Grip Belt
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $269.95

GZ-HM30 HD Memory Camcorder

• Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
• AVCHD Lite & AVCHD SD Dual Format
• 40x Optical Zoom (70x Dynamic zoom in Standard Definition mode)
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• 1.5 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Intelligent AUTO
• Face Detection
• Time-Lapse REC / Auto REC
• 1920 x 1080/60P Output (upconverted)
• 2-way Grip Belt
• Everio MediaBrowser 3
• Available: January 2011
• Price: $229.95

Press Release

LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2011 － JVC today announced a new HD Everio camcorder line that offers a range of sophisticated features to deliver top-quality high definition video and unprecedented ease-of-use. The new line includes technologies that deliver outstanding low light performance, superior image stabilization and advanced scene analysis for optimum image quality. Other features found on most models include 40x optical zoom and touch panel LCD screens. What’s more, the line’s top model offers on-the-fly 2D-to-3D conversion for 3D viewing on the camcorder’s LCD screen or any compatible TV.

“This is our most advanced HD Everio line ever and clearly demonstrates that not all Full HD camcorders are created equal,” said Dave Owen, Vice President, Consumer Video Division, JVC U.S.A. “Looking back at 35mm film cameras, if you had a single lens reflex model and a snapshot camera both using identical film and capable of the same resolution, all would agree that the SLR would produce a better quality image. Similarly, Full HD is merely a measure of resolution. Quality differences among Full HD camcorders result from the camcorders’ optics and image sensors, which generate each pixel that creates the image. It’s these components that set our new HD Everio line apart from other Full HD cams.”

JVC’s new HD Everio camcorders all use CMOS sensors and incorporate a range of performance features that result in superior image quality. Super LoLux, made possible by the use of a large back illuminated CMOS sensor in selected models, enables brilliant images to be recorded in low light, while Advanced Image Stabilizer achieves superior image stabilization over a wide range. Intelligent AUTO instantaneously analyzes faces, brightness, color and distance to automatically select the best settings for the particular scene. Face Recognition allows certain faces to be given priority for focus and exposure, and great sound quality is assured with K2 technology featured in high-end audio components.

The HD Everio lineup also boasts a number of enhanced functions to make digital recording more fun. These includes 40x optical zoom, plus 70x Dynamic Zoom in standard definition mode, a touch panel LCD for intuitive touch operation, Smile Meter and Smile Shot to make sure shots are filled with happy faces, Face Sub-Window to simultaneously record a group shot and a close-up of any face in the scene, and Animation Effect to enliven recordings with animated graphics. Time-lapse recording condenses hours of recordings into just a few seconds and an auto record function (Auto REC) uses motion detection to start recording automatically. Several HD Everio models also offer HD/SD dual format recording to choose between maximum quality and maximum compatibility.

The two top-end models feature JVC’s new GT Lens, which is optimized for the large 1/2.3” back-illuminated CMOS sensor in both models, plus a new image-processing engine, 3.5” full screen touch panel with 920k pixels, superior anti-shake in wide mode with Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer, and Bluetooth® wireless technology for connection to wireless devices, such as smartphones, for synching videos and photos with Google Maps™. One model even offers a new 2D-3D conversion function to view 2D footage in 3D on the camcorder’s LCD monitor without having to wear 3D glasses, or on a compatible TV.

All models come with software for image management, editing and sharing. In most models, the Everio MediaBrowser 3 application for Windows® is factory-installed in the camcorder, eliminating the need for manual installation from a disc. MediaBrowser 3 enables full-fledged video and still image editing, plus uploading to Facebook or YouTube™ in just a few clicks.

About JVC U.S.A.

JVC U.S.A., headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders, home and portable audio and video equipment, headphones and mobile entertainment products. For further product information, visit JVC’s website at or call 1-800-526-5308.

The JVC GZ-MG750BU is a mid level compact HDD camcorder with up to 80 GB of capacity or 100 hours of record time and still capture capability.  At the highest quality setting there is 19 hours of in camera record time on hand.   A microSD expansion slot gives the ability to add storage or make file transfer quick and easy.  This JVC camcorder boast a 45x dynamic zoom, image stabilization and low light performance.

I think the main reasons for buying a camcorder rather than a pocket-style camcorder is storage and and optical zoom.  Though the two are not in the same category you should consider both styles.  If you can live with the bulkier size, more bang-for-the-buck can be squeezed from the typical camcorder like the GZ-MG750BU.

Controls

The laser touch controls are well placed and simple to use.  I had to quickly train myself to gently touch the touch-sensitive areas.  When pressing firmly as I would a normal button, unwanted responses in the form of multiple commands are performed.   Switching back and forth from the buttons to the laser touch controls can require some thought… or trial and error.

The zoom lever, snapshot button and record start/stop button are well placed and easy to control.  At first, controlling the zoom lever was a bit of an issue with the high ridge built in as a grip.  I found this to be more of a user error on my part because I am more accustomed to my older JVC GZ-MG130U HDD that does not have such a pronounced grip built in.  I am now beginning to like the extra grip area of the GZ-MG750BU.

Operation

I found the operation to be smooth once I became familiar with the design.  As I stated above the record/capture controls are well placed and easy to operate.  Opening the viewing screen activates power to the camera.  This is a nice feature that conserves space as well as makes operation easier.  A power control button is provided below the upload/export button if there is a need to turn the power off and on with the screen open.  The zoom operation is a little slower than I would like to see.  I felt that I was playing catchup on fast moving subjects a times.  Another minor grip is the light function is controlled from the menu rather than as single button.  Five strokes are required in order to turn the light on or off.   If a two hand operation is preferred the laser touch  controls serve as zoom and record operation while in record mode.

Switching between video and still image capture is quick and easy with the touch of a button as is switching between video capture and playback.

I have average size hands and as I stated before I was able to operate this camera with ease, however the GZ-MG750BU is quite a small camera, so folks with large hands could experience difficulty.  The compact size does make carrying this camera around easy.  It is so compact it will almost fit in the front pocket of most mens jeans.  The GZ-MG750BU could be carried on a day outing with little effort involved and with 80GB of internal memory the average camcorder user should never miss a moment of action.

A comparison shot of the GZ-MG750BU and my old GZ-MG130U shows the more compact size of the newer camera.  JVC has even managed to slim down the strap.

Menus on the GZ-MG750BU are easy to navigate and understand.  I commend JVC for the simplicity.

File transfer is easy and quick with the supplied USB 2.0 cable.  The only complaint I have with the transfer process is the small soft port cover on the camera.  It is a bit difficult to remove.

The supplied Pixela Everio MediaBrowser software is fairly simple to use, but having used other software, I am disappointed with editing capabilities.  If it is the only software to use, by all means use it.  Everio will do the job. Just be aware there is better.  Whatever software you use, make sure it will read the .mod files that your JVC camcorder will produce.  Everio is for Windows users only.  If you have a Mac and use iMovie, I believe the .mod file has to be converted to a “friendly” format.

The JVC GZ-MG750BU has a one touch upload to YouTube, a cool feature, but the supplied Pixela Everio MediaBrowser software has to be used for it to function.

Conclusion

All in all I really like the JVC GZ-MG750BU.  Operation is simple.  The video quality is quite good for a non-HD camera.  All the storage capacity any soccer mom would ever need is there.  Big camcorder features are present in a very compact size.    The few minor complaints I have of the camera are just that… minor.  I would definitely consider the JVC GZ-MG750BU HDD camcorder if for nothing else, the size.

The JVC GZ-MG750BU HDD camcorder can be purchased at B&H Photo-Video, Tech Tilt’s trusted online partner.

Features

• 1/6-inch 800k pixel CCD
• 80GB Internal Hard Disk Drive for up to 100 hr. of recording
• 19 hr. of the best quality recording (ULTRA FINE)
• 45x Dynamic Zoom / 800x Digital Zoom
• Memory Card Slot for microSDHC/microSD
• HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine
• One Touch Upload to YouTube™ (HD Compatible)
• One Touch Export
• 16:9 Wide Mode (Full Resolution)
• Auto Illumi. Light
• Super LoLux
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Time-Lapse REC
• Auto REC
• Icon Playlist / Event Pre-registration
• Play List Editing
• In-Camera File Editing
• KONICA MINOLTA LENS
• Laser Touch Operation with Sub-trigger and Zoom Function
• 2.7″ 16:9 Widescreen Clear LCD Monitor
• Auto LCD Backlight Control
• USB2.0 High-Speed Transfer
• MPEG-2 Video Recording
• Data Battery
• Picture Titles
• Quick Restart
• Quick Review
• Intelligent Grouping
• Digest Playback
• Power-Lincked Operation
• Sliding Lens Cover
• 2-Way Grip Belt
• Direct DVD burning with SHARE STATION (optional)
• Pixela Everio MediaBrowser for Windows® provided

Specs

• Format: [SD-VIDEO] Entertainment Video Profile: Video: MPEG-2 PS / Audio: Dolby Digital (2ch), Still: JPEG
• Storage Media: 1.8″ Hard Disk Drive (80GB), microSD Memory Card*
• Lens: KONICA MINOLTA LENS
• Zoom Ratio Optical: 39x
• Dynamic Zoom: 45x
• Zoom Ratio Digital(max.): 800x
• Focal Length (mm): 2.2 – 85.8 (35mm film equivalent: 38.0 – 1482.0)
• F Stop: F 1.8 – F4.3
• A.I.S Advanced Image Stabilization
• Full Range AF / Manual Focus
• Full Auto/Manual White Balance
• Recorder: MPEG-2 Video Recording
• JPEG Still Shooting
• Still Recording During Video Recording (Dual Rec)
• Video Recording Modes: ULTRA FINE / FINE / NORM / ECO
• Video Recording Time (max.): 19hr (ULTRA FINE) / 100hr (ECO)
• Still Image Sizes: [4:3] 832×624 / 640×480 [16:9] 640×360
• No. of Still Images (max.): 9999
• Gigabrid Engine: Yes (HD Gigabrid Premium)
• Interfaces: microSD Memory Card Slot (microSDHC Compatible)*
• USB 2.0 High-Speed Data Transfer to PC
• AV Output
• Functions: Super LoLux
• One Touch Upload to YouTube™
• One Touch Export
• Time-Lapse REC
• Auto REC
• Programme AE Modes: Night / Twilight / Portrait / Sports / Snow / Spotlight
• 16:9 Wide Mode (Full Resolution)
• Auto Illumi. Light
• Data Battery
• Icon Playlist / Event Pre-registration
• Play List Editing
• In-Camera File Editing
• Picture Titles
• Quick Restart
• Quick Recording
• Quick Review
• Intelligent Grouping
• Digest Playback
• Power-Lincked Operation
• Multi-Language On-Screen: 8 Languages (Eng. / Fre. / Spa. / Por. / Jap. / Kor. / Chi. [Traditional] / Hindi)
• Self-Timer (2sec / 10sec)
• Direct DVD Creation with SHARE STATION (optional)
• Power Consumption: Approx. 1.8W
• Approx. Weight: 250g (without battery)
• 280g (including battery)
• Dimensions: (W x H x L): 53 x 63 x 110mm

Included Accessories

• AC Adapter
• Battery Pack (BN-VG107)
• AV Cable
• USB Cable
• Software: Digital Photo Navigator (Win)®, Pixela Everio MediaBrowser (Win)

The JVC Everio GZ-HM340 is a HD video camera with 16GB of internal flash memory and an SDHC card slot for memory expansion.

The GZ-HM340 should be available in February 2010 at an initial retail price of $499.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Key Features

• 16GB Internal Flash Memory and SD/SDHC card slot
• 1/5.8″ 1.37 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• 20x Optical Zoom (KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS
• Advanced Image Stabilizer
• Time-Lapse REC & Auto REC
• One Touch Upload to YouTube�* (HD Compatible)
• Seamless Recording over two media
• Face Detection & Face Flow Thumbnail
• Laser Touch Operation
• 2-Way Grip Belt
• Everio MediaBrowser

More details in the press release below.

JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Press Release

WAYNE, NJ, February 2, 2010  JVC has added a new high definition camera to its recently-announced 2010 Everio line, giving the series three HD models priced under $500. The new Everio GZ-HM340 features 16GB of internal flash memory plus an SD/SDHC card slot.

The GZ-HM340 includes all of the new features and improvements found throughout the 2010 Everio line, including advancements in low light capabilities and image stabilization, while convenience is enhanced with a new auto recording feature and time lapse recording.

For a steadier picture, JVC this year introduced Advanced Image Stabilizer (A.I.S) that ensures steady images even while walking, and is especially effective when shooting bright scenes from full wide to 5x zoom. Available on all models, Advanced Image Stabilizer uses a wide-angle image sampling area that is four times larger than that of conventional systems. A.I.S delivers powerful compensation for camera shake.

Time-Lapse recording is a sophisticated but easy-to-use feature for time-lapse shooting in one- to 80-second intervals, enabling hours-long segments to be reduced to seconds, such as the continuous recording of changing sky patterns spanning an entire day.

Auto record, a new feature, automatically initiates recording when a person or other moving subject enters the picture and the luminance changes, a great convenience for home surveillance, monitoring a baby, recording wildlife, taking group shots (instead of using a self-timer) and more.

Digital files created with the new Everio cameras can be easily shared in a variety of popular formats with the enhanced Everio MediaBrowser software for Windows, which now provides automatic conversion of HD and SD videos for immediate sharing on YouTube, including both down-conversion and up-conversion. Files can also be directly exported to iTunes and synced with an iPod or iPhone, or burned to DVD, all with just a few mouse clicks using the Everio MediaBrowser application.

Like all 2010 HD Everio cameras, the new GZ-HM340 features a KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS, currently one of the world’s smallest and slimmest HD lenses. In the GZ-HM340 it offers a 20x optical zoom.

Everio high-definition models automatically switch between two internal media for continuous, uninterrupted recordings. Users can shoot seamless, drop-out-free recordings using dual SD cards or flash memory. HD-model enhancements also include Face Flow Thumbnail, which displays thumbnails from a particular section of a video by automatically selecting and zooming into human faces.

The 2010 Everio series features an all new, slim design that’s fashionable, easy to carry and comfortable to hold. Portability has been further enhanced with a redesigned grip belt that now works in two handy ways, as a conventional handle-style grip when both ends are snapped in place or as a strap when one end of the belt is released.

The new Everio GZ-HM340 is available later this month for $499.95.