JVC GR-SXMx40 Series

The GR-SXMx40 series is a series of VHS-C camcorders produced by the Victor Company of Japan (JVC) in 2001. The series includes five units, four of which support S-VHS-C recording and playback.

Overview
The camcorders in the GR-SXMx40 series all share the common "camera-in-palm" design. All are equipped with viewfinders that tilt but do not telescope. All except the GR-SX970 have an LCD, and all except the GR-AXM240 support S-VHS-C recording and playback. Being compact VHS units, they shipped with VHS adapters to allow users to watch their recordings in any VCR.

Models
The models in this series are listed here.
 * GR-SX970
 * GR-AXM240
 * GR-SXM340
 * GR-SXM540
 * GR-SXM740

All Models

 * 16x Optical Zoom and 600x Digital Zoom on all models.
 * The tape is loaded from the side. On the applicable models, the LCD must be opened before the eject function works.
 * All members have a built-in halogen spotlight.
 * All members have a picture stabilizer.
 * The rectangular tape transport control buttons are on top of the unit. The fader, program AE, and digital effect buttons are next to them.

Stylistically, the units of this series share many design features of units of other series produced by JVC during this time period. This series is distinguished by reflective Super VHS print (on applicable models) and its silver color.
 * The viewfinder tilts down and covers the peripherals, which allows for more compact storage.
 * The "Super VHS" print on the side of the GR-SXM models (and presumably the GR-SX970) is reflective and not a blue label like some other models have.
 * The LCD hinge is of a more plain design, unlike some later models.
 * Only linear mono VHS audio is supported. HiFi is not.
 * Included special effects: Sepia, Monotone, Blue Filter, Red Filter, Solarize, Negative Positive, Mosaic, and Stretch. The GR-SXM340, SXM540, and SXM740 add additional effects (see below).

By Model
* The additional effects are "Classic Film," "Strobe," and "Video Echo."

Additional features are included on the GR-SXM740, by use of the remote control. These include playback zoom, animation (interval recording), time-lapse, insert editing, and audio dubbing.

A/V Peripherals
All models have RCA composite video and mono analog audio outputs. The S-VHS models add an S-Video output, and the GR-SXM540 and SXM740 add a digital TRS jack for data transfer to a PC. None of the models have an earphone jack.