April 20, 2009
The highlight of JVC’s presence at NAB 2009 was the GY-HM700, its latest compact shoulder-supported professional camcorder developed for mainstream production, electronic newsgathering and cinematography. The new camera records directly to inexpensive SDHC memory cards in the QuickTime (.MOV) format of 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 a number of key technology innovations that result in significantly improved resolution in the camera's core components: the CCD/optical block, lens and viewfinder.
(At NAB, JVC introduced another camera that stores video in the ready-to-edit format used by Apple's Final Cut Pro. The GY-HM100 is a professional handheld camcorder that records files to dual SDHC Class 6 memory cards. The GY-HM100 is also available now, with a suggested list price of $3,995.)
“Our new generation of ProHD products brings together the most highly regarded and proven technologies in the industry, and the GY-HM700 will have broad appeal,” says Craig Yanagi, manager, marketing and brand strategy at JVC. “It's an ideal camera for electronic newsgathering, documentary production or mainstream television production. Because of its extremely low media cost, it will have special appeal on projects with high shooting ratios. A documentary producer will now be able to shoot hundreds of hours of footage on a single project without offloading the material to a hard disk or other storage medium.”
Industry’s First Native Support Format for Apple 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.
Additionally, the GY-HM700 is the industry's first shoulder-supported ENG 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 time.
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.
JVC is offering the GY-HM700 in two basic configurations:
- GY-HM700U ($7,995), which records only on SDHC cards
- GY-HM700UXT ($8,995), which can record to SxS memory and SDHC cards simultaneously.
The base model can be upgraded by adding the SxS adapter later. With the SxS adapter installed, the camera can record in the XDCAM EX .MP4 format onto either or both SxS memory and SDHC memory. It is also possible to split formats and record .MP4 to the SxS card while recording .MOV to the SDHC memory card. 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 CCDs. JVC engineers developed a unique 1/3-inch optical block with H&V offset and a patented 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 new standard detachable HD lens by Canon, the KT14x4.4KRSJ. Its superior MTF provides higher resolution than typical low-cost 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.
The GY-HM700 is available now with a Fujinon 17:1 lens. The Canon 14:1 lens will be available in June 2009.
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
One of the big improvements featured with the GY-HM700 is the new LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) viewfinder. With 1.22 megapixels, it offers the highest resolution JVC has ever provided in a viewfinder. 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.
JVC has also increased the size of the flip-out LCD monitor to 4.3 inches. This jumbo-size monitor functions for recording, playback, clip management and menu operation.
Weighing about 8 lb. including lens, viewfinder, microphone and battery, the GY-HM700 rests 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. 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.
Price and Availability
The GY-HM700U base model is immediately available with a Fujinon 17:1 lens for a suggested list price of $7,995. The base model with Canon 14:1 lens will be available in June, also for $7,995.
The GY-HM700UXT, which includes the KA-MR100G SxS Media Recorder, is available at a suggested price of $8,995.
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