JVC Everio GZ-HM400

[Amund7]

Which settings is this? Mine gets incredibly noisy, poor contrast and very gray when it's semi-dark. I've tried both Auto-gain UP and slow shutter... I think it sucks. OFF gives good pictures but is very light insensitive. Any luck with any of the presets (like Night, Fireworks etc) ?

[multimediaeducation]

@Amund7 The shutter time was fixed on 1/25. Ofcourse the dynamic range (balance between the black sky and much light of the lamps) of this kind of shots depends. I never put the shutter on auto because the automatic slow shutter mode is than engaged. When you don't have enough light to reach a good balance in these kind of shots videos don't reach the right contrast and color ratio. I know more light sensitive camcorders but the resolution of these Everio is in most cases superior.

[PoppinDingy]

@Amund7 lol be glad you didn't own the first Everio's back in 2006 they had the worst low light capabilities on earth.

[FBISpecialAgentXXX]

its a good camera?

[multimediaeducation]

@FBISpecialAgentXXX Yes, for your reference, this model is taken over by the GZ-HM1 with improved light sensitivity

[FBISpecialAgentXXX]

@multimediaeducation What's the difference from GZ-HM400

[multimediaeducation]

@FBISpecialAgentXXX Main difference is the improved light sensitivity

[FBISpecialAgentXXX]

@multimediaeducation in the quality have difference?

[christz33]

Best camocorder in this category!!!!!!!

[TheRaF02]

I heard a crackling sound. I hope this is not a problem with this camera?

[JVCNederland]

look at my answer 2 month ago

[AtumProductions]

Hi, where can i find a 46mm fish eye for this camera?

[JVCNederland]

I don't know where, but I think there will be some company. Please check the web for that, it must be possible I think.

[ulziibbb]

Nice! How did you upload your video. I also have JVC GZ HM400. But i could not upload it. please help me

[multimediaeducation]

I took my preferred (native) MTS file from the Everio and Youtube did the rest. I did not make a 720 file of that scene. You can read in Youtube preferences what they prefer. Ofcourse when your movie exceeds 2GB it won't work. Also uploading from a heavy used and perhaps partly blokked network won't always work. I hope to see your result soon!

[JVCNederland]

I took a native MTS file for that. It's hidden in the Private-AVCHD-BDMV-stream- map of the Everio. Just like all AVCHD camcorders. Ofcouse you can edit some content in your PC or MAC, export it to H264 again and uploading in full HD can start. Also you can export the content to 720 (H264) and upload it.

[jaydekaytv]

I'm glad you're having luck with the camera - for me, I will have to wait until things advance a bit more.

But like you said, you're capturing memories and I am not :)

Enjoy!

[jaydekaytv]

I will say, that the camera did a fantastic job with lots of light... but then again, most do.

[jaydekaytv]

The low light on this camera is TERRIBLE - I owned it for 2 days and took it back. My iPhone did a way better job in mid-low light situations. Thats not acceptable for a $900 camera IMO.

In this video - there is nearly no motion, the shutter speed is probably very slow, any *real* motion and it would reveal its true colors.

[multimediaeducation]

The shutter time was 1/25, so faster motion would be not a big problem. For the best result you have to use a tripod for this kind of shots, also for the sharpest photo result. Some mobile phones, compactcamera's and Iphones are more sensitive perhaps but you cannot compare colour quality, resolution and manual control options. Each year camcorders become better and better, but most people want to keep their memories now. Like they say; 'the best camcorder you will buy 1 day before you die!

[Heinenhopman]

Thanks, just ordered HM400, can't wait to take it to UK this winter:)

[Heinenhopman]

Hey, i'm very interested in this camcorder since it tops other camcorder of same level in normal light, and the price is unbeatable as well.

my only concern is the low light performance which seems can be solved by turning AGC on, so i'd like to hear from your experience, thanks in advance:)

[multimediaeducation]

I know there are more sensitive camcorders but just like you say the AGC is always a good solution. It has 3 options; off (for the best black level, natural picture, less noise but needs extra lamplight), on (for extra sensitivity, but ofcourse with a little bit of noise and a little bit of less resolution and auto with auto slow shutter for extreme low light. Ofcourse you can use slowshutter (1/25) with AGC on or off.

[Klimski]

Thanks for your pm answer. The camera is finally in the store, will pick it up on monday.

[Klimski]

what is the static on the audio? I've ordered this camera and audio will be important to me. (will buy seperate mic)

Thanks

[multimediaeducation]

I can not here it in the original mts stream. However Soundlevel on the location was quite loud, I did not cheque that by not using a headphone for control otherwise I could lower the mic sensitivity in the Everio menu. I think sound got overmodulated during uploading to Youtube.

[Whyrendog]

JVC has been great quality I've shot hundreds of hours with one and it's lame compared to this. I would say you can trust JVC's audio 1000% I've been outside and never heard any weird wind blowing noise like most of these videos with other cameras.

[Whyrendog]

I mean my camera is lame=cheaper JVC model.

[Klimski]

I have the camera now, and on my 32 inch plasma (HD ready, not full HD) the images look good and no clipping on the audio. Still plan to but ext mic. However my brand new dual core 2,8ghz 4 gb windows 7 64 bit is too slow to smoothly edit the highest quality (24mbs) AVHCD, which is a serious bummer...

[Whyrendog]

We will probably need to get a pro graphics card, I have a similar setup and expect major hangups myself. I was also told to upgrade to a quad core processor. There is a cheaper solution if you want to convert the format then work with it. The Hauppauge 1212 HD PVR (don't quote me on that because I'm not sure if it can do THE exact format you mentioned). I do know at least that is the cheapest way to get the best video with audio that WILL run on our computers for now. It's external too.

[InstruMentalCase]

More clips!

[multimediaeducation]

Soon!