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The Everio GZ-HD40 is a major video recorder for JVC.

It  marks a shift from using 3, low-resolution CCD sensors to a single, relatively high-resolution CMOS sensor. The result is an Everio with video quality able to struggle against in a similar way priced HD models from Canon and Sony.

Considering there is a 120GB drive within, JVC kept the HD40 pretty compact at 2.9 inches wide by 2.7 inches high by 4.9 inches deep, and with battery it weighs 1.2 pounds. Behind the lens on top of the video recorder’s body is a serviceable stereo mic followed behind it by an accessory shoe to be used with an external microphone attachment. It’s worth pointing out the shoe’s cover isn’t attached to the body, just about guaranteeing it’ll finally get lost.

In the case of the HD40, it seems the location is low to keep away from having the strap block inputs, but that does not make it any less annoying.

On the left of the lens is a switch for sliding the manual cover open and close. There’s also a docking port to be used with the included base that adds a Fire Wire port for file transfers. You get manual focus, too, controlled by the stick to the left of the LCD and to help actually see what is in focus JVC has a particularly handy Focus help feature.

Turn it on and the LCD’s picture goes black and white whilst what is in focus gets made public in your selection of one of 3 colours. There’s an exposure helper, too, that puts zebra stripes across areas that are overexposed in your shot.

JVC’s CMOS-based Everio GZ-HD40 offers high-definition recording flexibility with wonderful results, but some inabilities keep us from giving it a full advice.