This has to be one of the first “hard-hitting” digital camcorder reviews from CNET that I have ever seen. Unfortunately, it is their JVC GZ-HD7 review, which rates the camcorder at an abysmal 6.3 out of 10. I say “unfortunately” because of all the hype this tapeless digital camcorder has received. Their conclusion pretty much sums it all up:
If this camcorder cost $500, we’d give it a much higher rating. But for its quadruple-digit price, we expect far better performance and video quality from the JVC Everio GZ-HD7.
Other problems with the JVC GZ-HD7 included a battery that only lasted 20-30 minutes during field testing. Now that is pretty ridiculous, and I’m guessing it was a fluke of some sort, but the fact that it happened still remains.
Also problematic on the JVC GZ-HD7 was the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which proved “completely ineffectual.” Apparently the company is looking into the problem, which could possibly mean a recall is on the horizon.
Of course, there were some things that the reviewer noted as being good performers on the JVC GZ-HD7. OK, so it was only one thing: the audio. The microphone performed very well during testing and effectively cut the wind noise from the environment.
