JVC outs Everios with hard drive, microSDHC

JVC today gave a preview of potential CES camcorder launches with a pair of new Everio models for Japan. The 60GB GZ-MG840 and 120GB GZ-MG860 shoot in a DVD-resolution 720x480 wide format but also have a unique dual storage system that combines a hard drive and a microSDHC card slot. Videographers can capture either moving or still footage either to the core disk or to the removable format. As much as 28 hours and 40 minutes of MPEG-2 footage can be recorded to the 120GB disk, but an extra 1 hour and 54 minutes can be stored on an 8GB microSDHC card.

A special YouTube capture mode carries over from earlier Everios and takes video at the Google video site's lowest 352x240 resolution, letting even the 8GB microSDHC card hold 9 hours and 54 minutes of clips. Software bundled with either of the two Everios lets users upload video directly to YouTube with one minute of video taking five minutes to transfer assuming a 1Mbps bitrate.

Either camera has a 42X optical zoom lens with image stabilization and should last for about an hour of continuous recording time at normal settings. JVC says both are already in Japanese stores, with informal estimates putting the average price at $757 after tax for the MG840 in blue, red or silver and $811 for the MG880 in black. No US plans have been announced, though a conversion for the West is likely to cost less. [via Impress]