The GZ-HM340 is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format.
The GZ-HM340 carries a suggested retail price of $499. It is a close cousin of the $449 GZ-HM320. Full technical specifications for the GZ-HM340 can be found here.
JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Video Features
The Everio GZ-HM340 uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080p high definition recording. It supports 24Mbps recording, the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format.
The GZHM340 features a 1.37-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor. The GZHM340 can also record in standard definition if you want to save space on your memory card.
The camcorder uses JVC's "Intelligent Auto" mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments. It's the same technology found on almost all higher-end models in JVC's 2011 lineup.
Optical Features
You'll find a 20x optical zoom JVC GT HD lens on the Everio GZ-HM340. This optical zoom is joined by a 45x dynamic zoom, which can enhance the magnification of your footage by using a smaller portion of the sensor without losing image resolution. Finally, there's a 200xdigital zoom which will degrade resolution when in use.
The lens employs JVC's "Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer" for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. According to JVC, the image stabilization technology can compensate for camera shake at wide-angles and is four times as effective in combating shake than the Advanced Stabilization found on less expensive models in the Everio line.
The GZ-HM340's lens is protected by a manual lens cover. It's not as convenient as the automatic covers found on higher-end JVC models.
Memory and Display
The principle difference between the HM340 and HM320 is internal memory - the HM340 has more of it. It packs 16GB of internal memory and a single SDHC memory card slot. Using just internal memory, the HM340 can store up to three hours and 45 minutes worth of the highest quality HD footage. It uses JVC's "seamless recording" system, which automatically switches memory formats when one is full. The camcorder does not support new, higher capacity SDXC memory cards, so the maximum memory the HM340 will support is 40GB (using a 32GB SDHC card).
The HM340 offers a 2.7-inch “laser touch” LCD display. The laser-touch display replaces tactile buttons on the edge of the display with touch-sensitive buttons that allow you to navigate around the camcorder’s functions with light presses and finger swipes. It’s not a touch-screen display, but in our experience, this system is quite responsive and easy to use. There is a laser touch-strip which lets you scroll quickly through menu items just by swiping your finger. There is no optical or electronic viewfinder.
Design
Design-wise, the GZ-HM340 is identical to the HM320 and HM300, which is a good thing as those models have a well-designed, ergonomic exterior. Thanks to the use of flash memory you'll still enjoy a light weight body though not as light as JVC's less expensive HD models (.57 pounds with battery inside). The GZ-HM340 measures in at 2 x 2.4 x 4.5 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Everios, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder's battery. Open the display and you'll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder's ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV.
Aesthetically, the GZHM340 offers an identical build to the GZ-HM320 with sharp angles and silver accenting. It is only available in a black.
Shooting Features
The Everio GZ-HM340 is outfitted with a fairly minimalistic feature set. It offers face detection and a time-lapse recording function that lets you record one frame at a time for a selectable time interval (between one and 80 seconds). There's also an Auto Record function which starts recording automatically whenever an object moves into the frame. The camcorder will automatically end recording if motion stops after five seconds, so the camcorder can double as a motion-activated video camera (the battery won't last long enough for it to truly replace a security camera though).
Connectivity
The Everio GZ-HM340 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable. There is also a built-in YouTube upload button, which lets you automatically upload video clips to the online service when you connect the camcorder to your computer via USB.
Impression
At $499, the HM340 commands a $50 premium over the HM320 and a $100 premium over the HM300. The only significant difference, however is the memory - the feature sets are identical. So is it worth it to pay $100 to get 16GB worth of memory? We don't think so, especially if you have average recording habits. Better to save the $100 and buy the HM300 and a 16GB SDHC card (which can be had for as low as $25).