What To Know
- Both camcorders offer impressive image quality, but the HC-V720’s slightly larger sensor and “Intelligent Auto” mode give it a slight edge in low-light scenarios and overall detail retention.
- It also features a 90x digital zoom, offering a wider zoom range but with a trade-off in image quality.
- While the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 provides a solid zoom range, the Panasonic HC-V720 takes the lead with its more powerful optical zoom, enabling you to capture subjects even further away with greater clarity.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and the Panasonic HC-V720. Both camcorders boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you make an informed decision.
Image Quality: Capturing the Moments in Vivid Detail
The heart of any camcorder lies in its ability to capture stunning visuals. The JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 both excel in this department, but with subtle differences.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: This camcorder features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with 2.92 megapixels, capable of recording high-definition videos in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. The EX355 also incorporates JVC’s proprietary “Clear Image Zoom” technology, which digitally enhances the image without sacrificing quality, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects without compromising detail.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 also boasts a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, but with a slightly higher resolution of 3.24 megapixels. This translates into slightly better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range, capturing more detail in challenging lighting conditions. The V720 also features Panasonic’s “Intelligent Auto” mode, which automatically adjusts settings for optimal image quality based on the shooting environment.
Both camcorders offer impressive image quality, but the HC-V720’s slightly larger sensor and “Intelligent Auto” mode give it a slight edge in low-light scenarios and overall detail retention.
Zoom Power: Bringing Distant Subjects Closer
Zoom capabilities are crucial for capturing action shots or subjects far away. Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 offer impressive zoom ranges.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: This camcorder features a 32x optical zoom lens, allowing you to magnify distant subjects without compromising image quality. The EX355 also includes a 64x digital zoom, which further extends the reach but with some loss of detail.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 boasts a slightly more powerful 50x optical zoom lens, providing even greater magnification capabilities. It also features a 90x digital zoom, offering a wider zoom range but with a trade-off in image quality.
While the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 provides a solid zoom range, the Panasonic HC-V720 takes the lead with its more powerful optical zoom, enabling you to capture subjects even further away with greater clarity.
Stabilization: Smooth and Steady Footage
Shaky footage can ruin an otherwise great video. Both camcorders incorporate advanced stabilization technologies to ensure smooth and steady recordings.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: The EX355 features JVC’s “Dynamic Image Stabilization” system, which effectively reduces camera shake, especially during close-up shots or when shooting while walking. The system utilizes a combination of optical and electronic stabilization techniques to achieve optimal results.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 employs Panasonic’s “Hybrid O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus)” technology, which combines optical and electronic stabilization for exceptional stability. This system excels in minimizing camera shake, even in challenging conditions like low-light situations or when shooting while moving.
Both camcorders offer robust stabilization systems, but the Panasonic HC-V720’s “Hybrid O.I.S.+” technology provides slightly better stability, especially in low-light situations.
Audio Quality: Capturing the Soundtrack of Your Memories
Audio plays a crucial role in creating a complete and immersive video experience. Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 offer decent audio recording capabilities.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: The EX355 features a built-in stereo microphone, providing clear and crisp audio recordings. It also includes a “Wind Cut” function that effectively reduces wind noise, enhancing audio quality in outdoor settings.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 also boasts a built-in stereo microphone, but with slightly better audio quality, capturing more detail and nuance in the recordings. It also includes a “Dolby Digital Audio” recording mode, which enhances the audio experience with surround sound effects.
While both camcorders provide decent audio quality, the Panasonic HC-V720 edges out with its slightly better microphone and “Dolby Digital Audio” recording mode, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience.
Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics
Beyond the core image and audio capabilities, both camcorders offer a range of features and functionalities that enhance the user experience.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: The EX355 features a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen, providing intuitive control and navigation. It also includes a “Face Detection” feature that automatically focuses on faces, ensuring sharp and clear portraits. The EX355 also supports SDXC memory cards, allowing for ample storage space.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 also features a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen, but with a higher resolution, offering a clearer and more vibrant display. It also includes a “Smart Auto” mode that automatically adjusts settings for optimal image quality based on the shooting environment. The V720 also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to share videos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet.
Both camcorders offer a range of features, but the Panasonic HC-V720 takes the lead with its higher-resolution touchscreen, “Smart Auto” mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing a more convenient and versatile user experience.
Design and Ergonomics: A Comfortable Grip for Smooth Shooting
The design and ergonomics of a camcorder are crucial for comfortable and stable shooting. Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 offer comfortable and user-friendly designs.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: The EX355 features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It has a comfortable grip, allowing for stable shooting even for extended periods. The EX355 also features a swivel LCD screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 also boasts a compact and lightweight design, with a comfortable grip and a swivel LCD screen for flexible shooting angles. It also features a built-in microphone on the side, enhancing audio quality and providing a more professional feel.
Both camcorders offer comfortable designs, but the Panasonic HC-V720’s built-in side microphone adds a touch of professionalism and enhances the overall user experience.
Battery Life: Capturing the Memories Without Interruption
Battery life is crucial for extended shooting sessions. Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 offer respectable battery life.
JVC Everio GZ-EX355: The EX355 features a battery that provides approximately 2 hours of recording time.
Panasonic HC-V720: The HC-V720 boasts a slightly longer battery life, providing around 2.5 hours of recording time.
While both camcorders offer sufficient battery life for most shooting scenarios, the Panasonic HC-V720’s slightly longer battery life provides an advantage for extended recording sessions.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs
Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 are capable camcorders with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Panasonic HC-V720 emerges as the overall winner, offering slightly better image quality, more powerful zoom, advanced stabilization, enhanced audio, and a wider range of features. However, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 remains a solid choice for users looking for a more affordable option with excellent image quality and a comfortable design.
Ultimately, the best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize image quality, zoom power, and advanced features, the Panasonic HC-V720 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with solid performance, the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 is a worthy contender.
Beyond the Comparison: A Look at the Future of Camcorders
While the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 represent the current state of the art in camcorder technology, the future holds exciting possibilities. 4K resolution is becoming increasingly common, offering even more detail and clarity. Advanced stabilization systems are being developed to further minimize camera shake. And the integration of artificial intelligence is opening up new possibilities for intelligent scene recognition and automatic editing.
As technology continues to evolve, camcorders will become even more powerful and versatile, capturing memories in stunning detail and making the process of filmmaking more accessible than ever before.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Are these camcorders suitable for professional use?
A: Both the JVC Everio GZ-EX355 and Panasonic HC-V720 are primarily designed for consumer use. While they offer decent image quality and features, they may not meet the specific requirements of professional videographers.
Q: Which camcorder is better for shooting action videos?
A: The Panasonic HC-V720’s more powerful zoom and advanced stabilization make it a better choice for capturing fast-paced action shots.
Q: Is it possible to connect these camcorders to a computer for editing?
A: Yes, both camcorders can be connected to a computer via USB for transferring videos and images.
Q: Do these camcorders offer any creative shooting modes?
A: Both camcorders offer various shooting modes, including slow motion, time-lapse, and different picture profiles, allowing for creative expression.
Q: Can I use external microphones with these camcorders?
A: Yes, both camcorders support external microphones via a 3.5mm jack, allowing for improved audio quality and greater flexibility.