The Final Frontier

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Wed, 02/11/2009 - 19:00 -- Nick Dager

JVC Unveils Two Professional Cameras that Record Native Final Cut Pro Files JVC has unveiled two cameras – the GY-HM700 and the GY-HM100 – both of which record directly to inexpensive SDHC memory cards in the QuickTime (.mov) format for Final Cut Pro. The compact shoulder GY-HM700 can also record to SxS media compatible with Sony's XDCam EX format.  The GY-HM100 is the industry's first professional hand-held model to record files directly to solid-state media in the native format of Apple's Final Cut Pro editing system. More about the GY-HM700: 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 meets or exceeds 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.”   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. Post-production 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 highly 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 the first practical solid-state solution to physical 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 back up.    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 with a new standard detachable HD lens by Canon the KT14x4.4KRSJ. Its superior MTF provides higher resolution than typical stock lenses and is ideal for full 1920 x 1080 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 MPEG2 encoder provides highly efficient compression at bit rates up to 35Mbps. The GY-HM700 supports all major HD signal formats including 1920 x 1080 1440 x 1080 and 1280 x 720.    The GY-HM700 is equipped with a new rugged high-resolution viewfinder based on a new .45-inch 1.22 million pixel Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) 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 new 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 a mere 8 lbs. 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. The GY-HM700 is scheduled for delivery in April with a suggested list price of $7 995. More about the GY-HM100: “Traditionally camera manufacturers have designed their products expecting NLE vendors to conform to proprietary or generic file formats resulting in an extra and often time consuming step when preparing to edit ” says Yanagi. “Files created in the GY-HM100 can be edited immediately without conversion. It's truly the first camcorder designed for post production.” With the development of the new GY-HM100 ProHD camcorder JVC offers versatility quality and value in a hand-held professional 3-CCD format that the company says is both easy to use and on par with broadcast cameras. The GY-HM100 delivers high-bandwidth recordings at 1080p 720p and 1080i on affordable and widely available SDHC Class 6 memory cards and is sure to cause waves in the industry. Weighing 3.1 lbs the GY-HM100 packs performance and features which until now were found only in larger more expensive models.   With three progressive scan CCDs a newly designed 1080p digital signal processor and JVC’s proprietary 35Mbps MPEG2 encoder the GY-HM100 outclasses and outperforms other professional hand-held camcorders delivering rich accurate colors and full 1920x1080 images in the HQ mode. Additionally the GY-HM100 can record 720p (19/35Mbps) and 1080i (25Mbps) in SP mode assuring compatibility with today’s leading professional NLE systems.   The GY-HM100 comes equipped with an integrated high definition Fujinon 10:1 lens which allows for manual and automatic control of focus and aperture. The lens features three aspherical elements and a new Electronic Beam Coating that greatly reduces degradation caused by reflection off the lens surfaces. A flip-in cover is integrated into the lens hood eliminating the need for an external cap. With the addition of JVC’s patented Focus Assist achieving precise focus is fast and easy. The macro mode and user-adjustable depth of field supplement the wide array of manual controls available. The GY-HM100 also boasts tapeless recording to dual SDHC Class 6 memory cards allowing up to 64GB of on board storage—enough for up to six hours of continuous HD recording. The added benefit of dual memory slots is that less expensive smaller capacity cards can be used while still offering the combined longer recording time.  The camera automatically begins recording on the second card when the first card is full. Unlike competing proprietary solid-state media the cost per-minute of SDHC media is comparable to professional videotape but with significantly less space required for physical storage. Workflow through post is streamlined by the GY-HM100 which incorporates JVC’s Native File Recording technology that stores video in the ready-to-edit format used by Apple’s Final Cut Pro—the industry’s most popular non-linear editing system.  The “.mov” files created in-camera can be dragged onto the NLE timeline without conversion or rewrapping. The camera also stores files in the ISO Base Media File Format (.MP4) compatible with all major non-linear editing systems. Two channels of uncompressed LPCM audio are available with manual level controls and audio meter. Balanced XLR inputs with phantom power are provided on the handle for an external microphone and/or wireless receiver. A 2.8-inch LCD display in 16:9 aspect ratio provides a wide array of monitoring and setup indications. Infrared wireless remote and ability to capture two megapixel still images from either a live grab or from recorded video round out the camera’s many features. The GY-HM100 is scheduled for delivery in April with a suggested list price of $3 995. JVC Professional Products Company www.pro.jvc.com