February 13, 2009
JVC announces the GY-HM700, its latest compact shoulder-supported professional camcorder developed for mainstream production, electronic newsgathering and cinematography. The camera records directly to inexpensive SDHC memory cards in the QuickTime (.MOV) format for Apple Final Cut Pro, and optionally to SxS media compatible with Sony's XDCAM EX format.
Recording in the editing system's native format eliminates the time-consuming transfer step and dramatically speeds up the postproduction workflow. Additionally, the GY-HM700 includes several key technology innovations that result in significantly improved resolution in the camera's core components: CCD/optical block, lens and viewfinder.
Industry’s first native support QuickTime file format for Apple’s Final Cut Pro
The GY-HM700 natively records the QuickTime file format used by Apple for Final Cut Pro. There is no need to convert or rewrap files prior to editing. Postproduction can begin immediately after shooting. It is even possible to edit directly from the memory card. Since no transfer or re-encoding takes place, first-generation quality is always maintained.
The GY-HM700 is the industry's first shoulder-supported camcorder to store files on inexpensive SDHC memory cards. The camera provides two memory card slots, for a total of up to 64GB of on-board storage—enough for more than six hours of continuous HD recording. The camera automatically begins recording on the second card when the first card fills up. When the second card fills up, the camera reverts to recording to the first card slot, allowing for virtually unlimited recording lengths.
SDHC cards are economical and reliable and make possible a recording system that consumes up to 20 percent less power than tape- or HDD-based systems. The per-minute cost of SDHC memory is comparable to videotape. Moreover, SDHC media is a practical solid-state solution to physically archive.
By attaching the optional KA-MR100 dockable media recorder, it is possible to record Sony XDCAM EX-compatible .MP4 files onto high-speed SxS memory cards while at the same time recording the same .MP4 files to inexpensive SDHC cards. Having two copies instantaneously available provides more versatility in the field with the assurance of always having a backup.
High-Resolution Progressive Imaging
The GY-HM700 utilizes three precisely aligned 1/3-inch progressive scan full HD CCDs. JVC engineers developed a unique 1/3-inch optical block with Diagonal Offset and a patented exclusive Adaptive Pixel Correlation Technique that produces resolution significantly higher than previous JVC models and comparable to cameras with larger image sensors.
The higher resolution imaging is complemented by a standard detachable Canon HD lens, the KT14x4.4KRSJ. Its superior MTF provides higher resolution than typical "stock" lenses and is ideal for full 1920x1080 imaging. The GY-HM700's standard bayonet mount accepts a wide range of optional lenses available from JVC.
Cinematographers will also appreciate JVC's optional prime lens adapter. The GY-HM700 can flip the image commonly inverted when prime lenses are used.
JVC’s proprietary MPEG-2 encoder provides highly efficient compression at bit rates up to 35Mb/s. The GY-HM700 supports all major HD signal formats including 1920x1080, 1440x1080 and 1280x720.
New High-Resolution LCOS Viewfinder
The GY-HM700 is equipped with a rugged high-resolution viewfinder based on a new .45-inch 1.22 million pixel LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) panel (852 x 480 x 3). This new all-digital viewfinder displays images with more than five times the resolution of typical color viewfinders. Its sturdy reinforced die-cast aluminum chassis and LED light source ensure years of trouble-free operation.
Also provided is a jumbo size 4.3-inch flip-out LCD monitor that functions for recording, playback, clip management and menu operation. Menu operation is intuitive with a single disk, outlined by an LED lamp.
Weighing in at 8 lb. including lens, viewfinder, microphone and battery, the GY-HM700 can rest comfortably on the right shoulder to provide stable, steady shots without causing the fatigue associated with bulkier cameras.
The GY-HM700 records two channels of uncompressed LPCM 16-bit audio at 48kHz. Levels can be controlled manually, or automatically using AGC, and an audio meter is provided in the LCD and viewfinder displays for easy adjustment. Balanced XLR inputs with phantom power are provided on the camera for an external microphone and/or wireless receiver, and a shotgun microphone is provided.
Built-in clip view and management functions, a spot exposure meter and JVC’s patented Focus Assist round out the GY-HM700’s many on-board features. The camera provides HD/SD-SDI, component, composite and simultaneous DV/HDV IEEE-1394 outputs. Optional JVC remote control units can be connected to the GY-HM700’s 6-pin remote connector.
Comment from JVC's Craig Yanagi
“Our new generation of ProHD products brings together the most highly regarded and proven technologies in the industry, providing unmatched ownership and operational experience,” says Craig Yanagi, JVC’s national marketing manager for Creation Products. “With the GY-HM700, JVC has changed the dynamics of professional video production. Its ergonomic design and video quality meet or exceed the performance requirements of the most demanding broadcast, ENG and cinematography applications. Combined with fastest shoot-to-edit workflow in the industry, utilizing low-cost solid-state media, ProHD provides an unprecedented level of efficiency and economy for today’s professional videographer.”
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