JVC Drops $500 HD Camcorder With Flash [JVC Everio GZ-HM340 Features 1080i, 16GB Flash for Just $500]

JVC has added a new budget camera to their Everio HD camcorder line.  The JVC Everio GZ-HM340 is a consumer-level camcorder that shoots widescreen 1080i HD video for just $500.

The JVC Everio GZ-HM340 is amongst the brands lowest priced 1080i-capable camcorders.  The unit can shoot up to 1080i widescreen HD to be stored on the interal 16GB flash drive, or on SDHC cards for an additional 32GB of storage.  In total, this storage allows for 1 hour 20 minutes of video recording at the highest quality setting.

On the software end, the JVC Everio GZ-HM340 HD camcorder uses the same image stabilization system that was first revealed in the JVC Everio GZ-HM1 that was revealed at CES 2010 last month.  This stabilization system can correct subtle bumps and shakes while the operator is walking, even at up to 5x zoom.

JVC has been able to keep the price of the GZ-HM340 low thanks to a downgraded sensor, one that won’t have much of an impact on the quality of video recording.  For stills, however, that sensor is capable of 1.37MP.  Clearly, JVC is suggesting this camcorder for a user who has a digital camera on hand for higher quality stills, but needs a solid camcorder for HD video.  The JVC Everio GZ-HM340 will begin shipping later this month.