The JVC GZ-HD40U is small enough to go anywhere and takes high quality videos using a simple and straightforward user interface. The little camcorder is about as long as a soda can and just a bit fatter. It weighs a little over a pound but is comfortable to use for hand held shooting. While the entire body is plastic, it feels well made and much more solid than you might expect. In good lighting, sunlight or very bright indoor lighting, the image clarity is excellent. As the amount of light decreases, the HD40U still produces accurate colors without having to go into a sub-menu and adjust the exposure.

The HD40U supports the AVCHD and MPEG-2 recording formats and comes with a mini-component cable and an AV cable for standard definition TVs. Both the camcorder and the included dock have HDMI, component, and AV outputs for video streaming, as well as power, and USB. The JVC GZ-HD40u retails for just under $1300.