JVC HD Everio GZ-HD3

The GZ-HD3 is a high definition hard disk based camcorder that is a smaller and lower-end version of JVC's GZ-HD7. Similar to its big brother the HD3 features three CCD sensors, one for blue, green and red, that gives greater picture quality than if only one CCD were used.

A 60GB hard drive is included standard which allows up to 5 hours of recording depending on the format used. JVC has also included a memory card slot which supports both SD and High Capacity SD carts for increased storage capabilities.

JVC claims that the HD3 is capable of FullHD 1080p video capture, however this is untrue. The HD3 captures in only one resolution of 1440x1080 which is slightly less than 1920x1080 which is the real 1080p resolution. There are three shooting modes available: XP mode (5 hours of recording time), SP mode (7 hours), and CBR mode (5 hours). The first two modes are JVC specific and require the included software to perform video editing. CBR mode captures the video in a format that is compatible with software that can edit any HDV files.

Being a less expensive version of the HD7 there are various features that have been downgraded. The HD3's lens comes from Konica-Minolta instead of the "professional grade" lens used in the HD7. 10x optical zoom is still a feature. Furthermore various functions such as the focus ring, and optical image stabilization have been removed. Image stabilizing is accomplished solely through digital means.