The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) feature on the GZ-HD7 is not working on my camera and from what I've read on the internet its not working for alot of other GZ-HD7 owners either.
I've been in contact with JVC for a week now about the OIS issue. The first time I called JVC the support technician obviously knew nothing about this problem. It wasn't until I requested a higher level support technician that I started getting some answers.
The 2nd level support technician told me that JVC is aware of consumer complaints about the OIS not working and they are analyzing the problem and will reach a solution by the end of the month. According to him, JVC is collecting information to see if specific serial numbers have the OIS problem or if its all of the cameras. They are also talking to the engineers from what I remember talking to him. I believe its only specific cameras because camercorderinfo actually gave it a descent rating for image stabilization and some owners claim that their camera's OIS is working.
I called back a few days later to speak to them again just to see if I could get some more information and convince them that this is indeed a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP. I explained to them they better have a solution fast or I'm returning the unit real soon.
Here's where it gets interesting. The support technician asked me to hold so he could get their GZ-HD7 camcorder that they had there in the call center. When he came back he told me he would try turning the OIS off then on too see if there was any visible difference. I was put on hold again for 2 mintues while he operated the camera testing the OIS feature. He came back on the line and actually agreed with me that there is no visible difference with OIS on or off. Their camera they had in there own tech support call center didn't even have a working OIS feature!!! THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM.
I'm begging that everyone that owns this camera and has this problem to please contact JVC customer support at 1-800-252-5722 and let them know. If the first guy on the phone try's telling you its not a problem then ask to speak to the next level support technician. Tell them you want it fixed or your returning it. JVC will only fix this if they hear about it from enough consumers.
Well, I recieved my official answer back from JVC today. As far as JVC is concerned there is nothing wrong with the Optical Image Stabilization of the GZ-HD7 and they have no plans to recall this product to improve or fix its current level of function. They are basically denying that there is anything wrong with it.
This is a brief snynopsis of my conversation with the JVC support technician. I answered my phone and first he said, "...I understand you have some concerns with your GZ-HD7 camcorder." I said yes and explained to him that the OIS feature on their camcorder is inferior to every other model on the market including their own lower end camcorders. I then, asked him if he had tested this feature to see for himself what I was talking about and he said he had and agreed the OIS is not very noticeable. I then asked him if JVC is planning to do anything about this and he said, "....no, JVC has no plans to improve or fix the OIS on the GZ-HD7." He then apologized for my dissatisfaction with the camera and said that he could pass my concerns onto the Engineering Department. He then offered a free T-Shirt for my troubles. ***!!!???? A FREE T-SHIRT?? That was the straw that broke that camels back for me. Like offering me a free damn T-Shirt is somehow going to make the OIS issue go away. I told him that was the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I really question whether this is begin taken seriously by JVC. I think JVC just assumes we are just a bunch of idiots.
I hope this stands as a fair warning to anyone considering buying this camcorder or any JVC product. As for me, I plan to never buy another JVC product ever. I expect a company to stand by it's product and if not then I'm taking my business elsewhere.
In conclusion, I'll be returning my GZ-HD7 and buying the Canon HV-20. The Canon may not be as sexy as the GZ-HD7 but at least it can get the job done.
I'm bumping this thread because I'm not done grinding my axe with JVC. Please feel free to chime in and share your negative experience with owning the JVC GZ-HD7.
Bump to the top. I wouldn't want anyone making the mistake of buying this piece of junk.
It is entirely POSSIBLE that Jake Solnich is, what's called in the business, a member of a STREET TEAM. Don't know for sure if he's a member of a STREET TEAM, but it's possible, even plausible. He's posted the same or similar negative comments all over the discovered universe, a behavior that doesn't make sense if he is merely unsatisfied with a product for which he's probably had every chance to return and buy something he likes. Really now!
A STREET TEAM is a group used to boost a product or tear down a competitor's product. For example, suppose CANON had a product, for example, a cammcorder, in the marketplace, and further suppose they were in competition with JVC. A member of a hypothetical STREET TEAM would post multiple negative reviews of the JVC product and positive reviews of the CANON product to boost the market share of the CANON product and damage the market share of the JVC product.
The only thing is, people really detest this kind of manipulation once it's discovered.
Don't know for sure that this is happening, but it is plausible.
I have the JVC GZ-HD7 camcorder. Perhaps the OIS could be better. However the video is BEAUTIFUL. I personally think Jake Solnich's one man campaign is unreasonable and repulsive.
Hello,
It is been four months now since I am using my GZHD7, and I am happy with it, I love it and it produce stunning vidoes!
RealPixel
If your thinking about buying this camera I suggest you read my thread above before you make a big mistake.
DONT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!
Bump, bump, bump!!!
I have the JVC MC-500 . Small video camera but big paper weight cos that's all it's good for now. The problems started early with not being able to switch on at all and of course because it was purchased overseas the warranty was only 6 months not 1 yr. So after paying nearly $600 to get it repaired now it won't change modes at all which I didn't find out until we were on holiday in Europe. Service is non existant unless of course I want to fork out yet more money for them to tell me I have a lemon! After searching the web and seeing the extreme amount of complaints about JVC products I've decided to cut my loses and not waste any more money. But like Bump I also want to be able to warn others ....DON'T BUY JVC!!!!! So keep bumping this up and warn as many as we can.
Ok so you bought a camcorder & you're not happy. Posting a comment that quite obviously everyone has chosen to ignore did what what for you? You have 1 fan that agreed to your "bump, bump, bump" comment. I am not here to defend JVC but you know what JVC's camcorder the GZHD7 is quite the product compared to other so-called 'HD' camcorders. Using the manual focus ring when zooming in on objects at a distance allows me to truly capture every detail I could every possibly want. Yah the OIS is rather non existent but the quality of the video is still excellent. I can even read text on what ever I'm zooming in. My thing is you didn't by a PROFESSIONAL camcorder, you may have thought you did but you obviously have no idea how truly magnicifent this camcorder is. Stop being a whiner and STFU!
Well said I am agree with you. I have this camcorder and I am happy with it, it is producing stunning videos, the build quality is amazing, the soft focus ring is fantastic! I have no problem with this camcorder and recomand everyone.
RealPixel
The forum should be used to help fellow consumers/users. If there is an issue someone has with a product they should bring it up and see if there are others with the same issue of if there is a solution. I have the same issue that Jake experienced. Had I read this forum first I would have checked the unit on the spot before leaving the store. Unfortunately I only checked this forum after I had a problem. Now if they can't exchange my unit for one with a working OIS I'll probably end paying for the 15% restocking fee which will be waste of $225.
So, do you think your rather non-existent OIS feature, which you paid for, is working how it should? My cheap ass 4 year old Sony does a better job as far as the stabilization is concerned (not picture quality though).
Hey Jake, here's an interesting one....
On receiving my new GZ-HD7 I noticed same problem, OIS didn't work and serious stuttering when panning, even slowly in good light.
Then, beacause there's no separate charger (bad) my cat stumbled across the charging lead and the camera dropped about a foot onto a carpet with no physical evidence of damage.
However, the focussing motor buzzed a lot and worked intermittently afterwards.
I returned the cam under warranty and as no parts are yet available to the service network, they sent me a new one, great !
Only the box was opened. But the OIS worked fine.
However, after a couple of test records of 30 secs it would lockup, requiring the batt to be unplugged to reset, and powering on saying the management file needed to be repaired each time. It's going back again...I guess for a replacement HD.
The rest of the camera is good in my opinion, I would just like it to work ! I had read the various reviews, and this camera was the best compromise for me in the price range.
I purchased a JVC GZ-HD7 Saturday and went to Venice beach Sunday to find that the OIS does not work or I can't tell if it works. There appears to be no difference when it is switched on or off. At the 10 X zoom there is so much shake visible when playing back on my HD TV it makes you sick watching. I compared it at home to my 3 year old Sony digital recorder and it doesn't even compare.
Why is this so hard for some of you to believe that Jake may be a consumer who got stuck with a lemon? If enough people are complaining about the same thing maybe there IS a problem. Either you're lucky, maybe you are shooting on a tripod, or maybe you don't even know what the OIS is supposed to do.
I'm taking my camera back to BestBuy tonight either to get a replacement or to return it. Hopefully they have a working unit there.
Buyer beware. Make sure that you check out the OIS feature.
I have the same problem. Bought the HD-7 just before vacation. The OIS is completely inoperative and pans display a very pronounced stutter. Now what? Return it and pay the restocking fee, or just live with it? I have sworn off of Canon video cameras because of two previous lemons, although I like their still cameras, and I was very pleased with a previous JVC video camera. However, the HD-7 really is not what it is cracked up to be. It doesn't matter how sharp the picture is if it is shaking all over the place.
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