JVC punts dual-format camcorders

World's first capable of AVCHD and MPEG 2

JVC has unveiled three new HD camcorders, two of which the company claims are the world’s first camcorders capable of recording in both AVCHD and MPEG 2 formats.

JVC's GZ-HD30 (above) and GZ-HD40 use both AVCHD and MPEG-2 compression

The GZ-HD30 and GZ-HD40 dual-format camcorders can both compress video into AVCHD, which could be handy if you need lots of space for storing the various takes that go to make up your mini blockbuster. But, then again, if you’re looking for a consumer camcorder with “superior editing and post-production” qualities, then both will also support MPEG 2.

Both shooters also boast 1920 x 1080, "full HD" resolution recording, although the 80GB internal hard disk drive on the GZ-HD30 is put to shame by the 120GB one on the rival GZ-HD40. Each has a 2.8in LCD display.

Both models sport large capacity HDDs and 2.8in LCD displays

The third camcorder, the GZ-HD10, is clearly the entry-level model of the trio. It only supports AVCHD; has a lower, 1440 x 1080 resolution; and an average-capacity 40GB hard drive. The camcorder's LCD display is also smaller, at 2.7in.

JVC’s included a Micro SD memory card slot onto each camcorder, in addition to USB 2.0 and HDMI interfaces. The GZ-HD40 has the added benefit of a docking station that incorporates Firewire 400 and USB 2.0.

All three models will be available in the US in August, with the GZ-HD40 priced at $1300 (£650/€840), the GZ-HD30 at $1000 (£500/€640) and the GZ-HD10 set to cost $800 (£400/€520). A UK price or release date hasn’t been seen yet.