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47 of 48 found the following review helpful:
Very good video quality, great price, great features Mar 23, 2010
By Thomas M. Mcdonnell
I've had this camcorder for about a week now and so far I am pretty happy with it. The one thing that really strikes me as odd is selling a HD camcorder, but not including a HDMI cable in the bundle...? Playback of the footage recorded on a full HD tv via RCA or even component cables isn't going to result in good picture quality. My mini-HDMI cable should be delivered in the next day or so and then I'll be able to really evaluate the video. So far the video looks much better on my computer monitor than it does on my 52" 1080P LCD TV.
Also, the camcorder ships with the video quality set to XP, instead of the highest quality UXP. When setting quality to UXP it gives a warning that UXP video files can only be written to Blu-Ray, which of course makes sense. However, the bundled software will automatically downgrade the UXP video files to XP quality if you want to write to DVD, and then you'll still have the higher quality UXP for future use. Seems odd to not record in the highest quality as you can always downgrade the footage, but you'll never upconvert to true full HD quality if recording at lower quality.
So far, I am not impressed with the photo quality of still images, but I haven't played around with the settings much yet. The handful of stills that I've taken have turned out grainy and dark. In dedicated image mode, you can take 9MP stills, while when taking snapshots in video mode you are limited to 5MP. So far I think all of my stills were taken in video mode.
The camera has some great features that I've not yet played with nor am I sure I ever will. The time lapse is a great feature, but unless there's a spectacular sunset or something I'm not sure I'll have much use for it. Same for the auto record feature, interesting to have, but what are the practical applications? I suppose I could set it up and see how often my dog moves around during the day when we're not home. One thing with both of these modes is that the LCD must remain open, if you close the LCD, the camera shuts off completely.
The battery that comes with the unit doesn't last very long - roughly 45 minutes. the built in memory can hold about 2.5 hours worth of video at UXP quality so the battery is by far the limiting factor in your usage. If the video via HDMI turns out to be as good as I hope, I'll be investing in a higher capacity battery and a stand alone charger. Out of the box, the battery only charges when the power cord is plugged into the camcorder itself.
The software included is very easy to use and has some neat organization methods of displaying video files in a calendar layout by month, day and hour which it makes it easy to locate your files.
The software has options for converting the video to a number of different media and file types. You can write the files to Blu-Ray, DVD and AVCHD disc (DVD media). It also has the ability to convert video for upload to You Tube, iTunes and can also convert to .wmv for use on computers and upload to other sites, such as Facebook. The conversion process lets you choose the video size you want and at least on my PC was pretty quick to process.
I'll try to update this review after I am able to test the video via HDMI and use more of the features.
UPDATE 3/24/2010: Recorded a school concert last night and the battery lasted for 1.5 hours of nearly constant recording. This was much better than the capacity I noticed earlier when recording 5 or 10 minute segments spread out over a couple of days.
UPDATE 3/28/2010: Video quality via a Category 2, mini-HDMI cable is much better than via the cables included with the camcorder. My TV indicates a full 1920x1080 video resolution although it doesn't indicate if it is 1080i or 1080p. The box indicates that the camcorder has full 1080p output, but I can't verify that for sure.
I've had a chance to take some more still images both in video and in the dedicated photo mode. Given the right lighting images in both modes are usable. Images taken in dedicated photo mode are of higher quality, which is to be expected since they are 9MP images instead of the ~5MP images you get in video mode.
All in all, I'm more satisfied with camcorder now then I was when I initially posted this review. I'd rate it at 4 1/2 stars if possible.
25 of 25 found the following review helpful:
 So much packed into such a small camcorder Apr 06, 2010
By Adrian Batt
This is the 4th video camera that I've bought over the years and I'm amazed at the advance in picture quality and features. The HD picture is outstanding, the low-light capability is jaw-dropping and the still pictures are nearly as good as my Sony Cybershot (but I'd use the Cybershot for images I want captured in the best quality).
The 32Gb flash memory storage is pretty good, and is expanded with the SDHC card slot. Less fragile than built-in hard drives, the flash memory makes the camera potentially more durable and long-lasting. Right now large capacity cards are very expensive but prices are already dropping now that SDXC cards are making an appearance. It would have been nice if the camera was future proofed by incorporating SDXC compatibility but I guess that will be an upgrade for next years model (SDXC cards will hold up to 2TB of data!!!).
On the downside, I'm not overly impressed with the image stabilization. On a camera this light and small camera shake is a real issue and the electronic stabilization is nowhere near as good as the optical image stabilization I had on my old Panasonic. I would guess this is a problem with all these miniature video cameras though, and probably not isolated to the JVC Everio range.
If you buy this camcorder make sure you get at least 1 extra battery - preferably the larger capacity BN-VG121. The tiny battery that comes with the camera won't do you much good when it runs out after in under an hour. And if you are like me and have the camera on while you wait to record a good scene or event, that could mean it runs out when you haven't recorded a whole lot.
On a related issue I was disappointed that no separate charger is supplied, you can only charge the battery in the camera. You can get a standalone charger but it isn't cheap - and for the money JVC could have made it car and mains compatible and capable of holding two batteries at the same time. My old Panasonic had that luxury so this is a step backwards.
On balance though I'm more than happy with the JVC GZ-HM550 and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compact high quality HD camcorder. Even on a 50" plasma screen the picture quality is startling, and low light images aren't grainy and colorless as they have been with my previous cameras.
18 of 18 found the following review helpful:
So far, really good! Apr 07, 2010
By Thomas Bohlmann
To begin, I rank my own video experience as rookie... but I love the technical side of new gadgets. My HD journey actually began in Jan 2010 with the JVC Everio model GZ-HD320 from Best Buy. I promptly took this camera back primarily due to the poor low light performance. I did however like the feel and operation of the camera, and felt kind of sad that I was returning it.
I subsequently found out about the new line of low-lux models, and last month took my chances on the GZ-HM550. Low light recording (indoors) was really important to me, and this model had the largest backlit image sensor of the whole Everio line (0.429" diameter). While I have no comparison to any other makes of camera, the low-lux HM550 far outperformed its predecessor (HD320) in moderate/low light. In bright outdoor light, the video is totally crisp and clear.
As for physical features, the camera is really small and light. Almost too small as the buttons for zoom and record are situated about mid-palm making it not completely ergonomic for people with large hands or long fingers. The laser touch menu bar and associated buttons are easy to use and require only a very light touch to activate. There are LOTS of menu picks and options - and these can be tricky to find until you get some practice. Some menu screens can be difficult to navigate while recording in the heat of the moment - but practice and knowing what, where, and how to use the cameras settings is absolutely key. The time lapse and auto record features are totally cool! Having a clock in the field of view during time lapse adds a fun little twist. The high speed video (600 fps) sounds great, but is actually kind of lame - the resolution goes way down - to a point where most detail is completely gone. Nothing like you would see on MythBusters. I don't know if I'll ever use this functionality. The on-board flash is great for regular camera pictures! And due to certain lighting conditions, this is sometimes a better option than capturing a video still. However... the auto-focus for stills can be slow, sometimes one to two seconds before getting a "green light" to shoot. Unless you have a very patient photo subject, this delay can sometimes mean missing your shot. Bluetooth/GPS?? I have not used the features yet. Oh yea, and power up time is pretty fast, especially fast if the camera is still in sleep mode.
The video editing software (Pixela) that came bundled with the camera is completely bare bones and is only good for dumping "boring" unedited video to disk. I am using Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 14 for video editing and disc creation. The Pinnacle software runs $50-75. Professional editing software of this type allows you to trim video files, make title screens, montages, add sound effects, and music, add audio and video transitions from clip to clip, and all sorts of other cool stuff. The real "movie magic" is in the post processing. If you don't care to be artistic with your video, then the bundled Pixela software will do just fine.
I've realized that modern digital cameras are not as simple as the older analog (VHS) style. I've had to buy the camera, then a new (faster) computer, and then special editing software to get the video I wanted. Not recommended for the faint at heart. But for the gear-head techno geek, this camera is rockin! I totally love it - and while the camera has its annoying little quirks, to me there are just "little". Being effective with this camera all boils down to knowing the equipment. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up and lasts mechanically and electrically.
17 of 18 found the following review helpful:
 Warning: Fan Noise makes camera all but useless Oct 05, 2010
By Daniel Smith
I'll get the few pro's out of the way first: image quality seems pretty good even in low light (although this is my first HD camcorder, so I don't have much to compare it to). The price is pretty good. The Bluetooth feature is unique (although, let's be honest, most will never use it).
Cons: There is a mechanical whirring, maybe fan noise that the camera makes maybe 40-50% of the time it is recording. If you are shooting any quiet scenes, this noise is picked up and will all but ruin the footage. Outdoors, noisy, disneyland stuff will be fine. I'm severely disappointed as I bought this camera to take footage of my newborn and unless the baby is howling loudly, this whirring/clicking noise is going to ruin every shot I take.
Pass.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Great camcorder Sep 03, 2010
By James
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1XTDK3TI3P4SP I've had this camera for 4 weeks now and and love it. You can't get this much quality and features, if you can get it at around $500, for any less that I've found. Video is smooth, sharp, and focuses good on auto. Optical stabilization is good. Things move around a lot but Not jerky. The LCD is viewable, but small, in the sunlight, better than some. There is no shortcuts like Sanyo models have, so you will have to touch more times on buttons.
In the manual mode, all adjustments can be made, even while recording. That's a plus! Adjusts all except auto-gain. The scene selections are actually presets and all can be achieved manually too while recording. There's no ISO speed or aperture control because JVC uses some other system of gain. The effect is in the shutter control. There's no problem getting enough light as you can go as low as 1/2 sec, in video or still. That's enough to pick up stars and nebulae through a telescope. At the high end it gets grainy, up to 1/500 still and 1/4000 video, which is normal. Stills are stunning quality and this camera is capable of any type of photography.
JVC has extra features on this camera that are great to have. (Time Lapse). That is beautiful. Also (High Speed) at 600fps 10x, 300fps 5x, and 120 fps, double speed. Great with some drawbacks on the resolution but still serves the purpose.
Overall a great camera. You will probably need an extra battery which I will buy shortly. Tight, but will fit in a shirt pocket. No problems copying to computer. The files are .jpeg and .mts. It will play with the software player or VLC player.
I would recommend this camera to beginners or anyone. It has a one touch button to auto or manual so you won't miss a shot if you left it in a special setting in manual.
If I could ask for more, I want a viewfinder and a control knob. More money, but would make it much easier to operate.
I made this video to show all this camera can do in the normal, high speed, and time lapse modes. In the high speed modes the size and quality are reduced the faster the shutter speed goes and there is no sound recorded with it or time lapse modes. The sound quality is good in the normal mode, but I cut it out and over laid my own track. I created the sound track with a Gibson Les Paul guitar and Ableton live software for the drums and bass. Turn off your sound if you don't like rock music.
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