With three new camcorders and a 4K remote head camera, this is possibly the most prolific launch in the history of 4K
We don't know what the collective noun for a whole bunch of handheld 4K cameras is, but that's just what JVC has released today.
It's essentially a complete new range of 4K camcorders that's likely to catapult JVC into the forefront of freelancers and news organisations alike.
Most surprising of all is that amongst this plethora of cameras is a fully-fledged 35mm sensor device with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Surprisingly and significantly, JVC can now build their own sensors, giving them membership of a somewhat exclusive club.
Here are the cameras in slightly more detail. We'll have full reviews as soon as we can get the cameras.
GY-HM170E compact 4KCAM handheld camcorder
(US Price $2,495)
This is a compact camera with a professional control layout also capable of shooting 4:2:2 HD at 50 Mbps. It has a 12x optical zoom lens and a 4K CMOS 1/2.3 inch sensor with over 12 million pixels.
It also features a built in ND filter
Here's a summary of the features:
Single 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor with 12.76 million pixels (9.03 active)
High quality integrated 12x F1.2-3.5 zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 29.5-354mm)
Dynamic zoom in HD mode combines optical zoom and pixel mapping to create seamless and lossless 24x zoom
4K Ultra HD recording (150 Mbps, 24/30p) to SDXC (UHS-I Speed class3) card
4:2:2 full HD recording at 50Mbps (24-60p)
Live 4K UHD output via HDMI connector
2 position ND filter (1/4, 1/16)
Built-in stereo microphone
Dual SDHC/SDXC slots enable dual, backup and continuous recording
3.5-inch colour LCD display (920K pixel) with smart focus assist function
0.24-inch colour viewfinder (1.56M pixel) with smart focus assist function
Wired remote control supported
9 user button assignable functions
Includes BN-VF823U 7.2V battery, AC adapter
GY-HM200E 4KCAM live streaming camcorder
(US Price $2,995)
This appears to be similar to the GY-HM170E but has additional streaming capabilities, and Dual XLR audio inputs as well as HDSDI outputs. Full details below:
Single 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor with 12.76 million pixels (9.03 active)
High quality integrated 12x F1.2-3.5 zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 29.5-354mm)
Dynamic zoom in HD mode combines optical zoom and pixel mapping to create seamless and lossless 24x zoom
4K Ultra HD recording (150 Mbps, 24/30p) to SDXC(UHS-I Speed class3) card
4:2:2 full HD (24-60p) recording at 50Mbps
Live 4K UHD output via HDMI connector
2 position ND filter (1/4, 1/16)
HD-SDI (3G) and HDMI outputs (4K output via HDMI only)
2-channel XLR audio inputs with phantom power
Built-in stereo microphone
Dual SDHC/SDXC slots enable dual, backup and continuous recording
Advanced JVC streaming engine compatible with USTREAM, Zixi and Wowza Streaming Engine
IP network remote control, remote viewing, metadata editing, FTP clips (requires appropriate network connection and adapter)
3.5-inch colour LCD display (920K pixel) with smart focus assist function
0.24-inch colour viewfinder (1.56M pixel) with smart focus assist function
Wired remote control supported
9 user button assignable functions
Includes handle unit and SSL-JVC50 7.4V battery, AC Adapter
External microphone not included
GY-LS300E Super 35mm camcorder
(US price $4,450)
This is a very interesting development. It's a Super 35mm CMOS sensor with 4K resolution and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. There's clearly a lot of detail still to come about this camera. For example, the "Variable Scan Mapping sounds interesting. Apparently "Super 35mm Cinema lenses may be used and will retain their native angle of view (appropriate adapter required). When the camera is used with MFT, Super 16 and other size lenses, JVC's proprietary Variable Scan Mapping feature will maintain the lens's native angle of view. This gives filmmakers the flexibility of using widely available MFT lenses as well as high end cinema lenses. The unique combination of the MFT mount, the larger Super 35mm image sensor and Variable Scan Mapping give the camera nearly limitless lens options."
Recording is to .MOV files, 4:2:2 in the case of HD, at up to 50 Mbps, and in 4K, we assume it's 4:2:0 at up to 150 Mbps at 24p and 30p.
It's going to be interesting to see where this camera fits and what its competitors are.
Here is a summary of the capabilities of this camera:
Newly developed 4K Super 35mm CMOS image sensor
Micro Four Thirds System Lens Mount
Variable Scan Mapping maintains native angle of view for a variety of lenses including Super 35, MFT and Super 16.
Adapters available for PL and EF mount lenses
4K Ultra HD recording (150 Mbps, 24p/30p) to SDXC(UHS-I Speed class3) card
4:2:2 Full HD recording at 50Mbps (24p-60p)
3 position ND filter (1/4, 1/16 and 1/64)
HD-SDI (3G) and HDMI outputs (4K output via HDMI only)
2-channel XLR audio inputs with phantom power
Shotgun microphone included
Dual SDHC/SDXC slots enable Dual, Backup and Continuous recording
Advanced JVC streaming engine compatible with USTREAM, Zixi and Wowza Streaming Engine
IP Network Remote Control, Remote Viewing, Metadata editing, FTP clips (requires appropriate network connection and adapter)
3.5-inch colour LCD display (920K pixel) with smart focus assist function
0.24-inch colour viewfinder (1.56M pixel) with smart focus assist function
Wired remote control supported
10 user button assignable functions
Includes handle unit, SSL-JVC50 7.4V battery, AC Adapter and shotgun microphone
GW-SP100E remote head 4KCAM camera system
This is a clever 4K remote head camera system with a recorder/player. 4K video cam be captured at 50/60p. The camera has a 4/3 lens mount. More details below:
Super 35mm bayored 13.6 Megapixel CMOS sensor
Micro Four Thirds mount
Connection to camera head via optional 1m, 5m or 15m wired cable
Separate recording and playback device
Separate RCU controller
Up to 4K Ultra HD 50/60p recording at 4:2:2 150 Mbps
4K single file recording at 150Mbps
SD recording
2x dual slot recording (4 slots) for continuous or back up recordings
SDHC and SDXC memory card support
AVDHD / AVC H.264 / MPEG-4
7-inch full HD LCD display
HDMI outputs up to 4K Ultra HD at 50/60p
4x 3G SDI outputs (4K UHD)
1 HD-SDI output (HD)
Video output for control (3.5mm)
2x XLR for mic or line input
3.5mm headphone socket
2.5mm LANC control
6-pin interface for RCU
The new cameras will be "available by Spring 2015"
Turn the page for first the European press release, and again for the US press release.
JVC launches 4KCAM product line
London, 12th November 2014 – JVC Professional has today launched its new 4KCAM product line, comprising three new handheld camcorders and a camera system. The GY-HM200 is a versatile, full-featured 4K Ultra HD camcorder with HD streaming and the compact GY-HM170 delivers 4K Ultra HD images in an economical, palm-sized camera with professional features. The GY-LS300 handheld 4K camera and GW-SP100 camera system – previewed at the recent IBC2014 show – each offer 2K/4K recording; the GY-LS300 is a Super 35mm 2K/4K camcorder that accepts a variety of interchangeable lenses, while the GW-SP100 is a 2K/4K mini camera system featuring remote head and recorder.
When JVC launched its ProHD product line, JVC made professional HD production affordable. The new 4KCAM product line follows that same tradition, with new cameras that make ultra-high definition 4K economical for cinematographers, webcasters and broadcasters, corporate and live event production teams and independent filmmakers.
GY-HM200 handheld streaming camcorder
GY-HM200The versatile GY-HM200 offers an outstanding combination of professional features and performance for any filming scenario. It delivers 4K Ultra HD, 4:2:2 full HD (50Mbps) and SD images with a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS chip. It also features a built-in 12x zoom lens with optical image stabiliser and 24x dynamic zoom in HD mode. The GY-HM200 includes dual XLR audio inputs that are mic/line switchable and feature built-in phantom power, an integrated handle with hot shoe and dedicated microphone mount, and SDI and HDMI video outputs.
The GY-HM200 is also JVC’s most affordable streaming camcorder and can stream instantly to Ustream or other destinations. A built-in HD streaming engine with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity allows live HD transmission directly from the GY-HM200 and GY-LS300 to hardware decoders, Ustream, Wowza Streaming Engine and Zixi servers. A variety of streaming protocols, including RTMP, allows content to be delivered directly to popular streaming web sites and content delivery networks. Zixi’s Advanced Streaming Technology (AST) provides content-aware error correction and bandwidth shaping, while the camcorder offers real-time feedback of signal and streaming status in the viewfinder.
GY-HM170 compact camcorder
GY-HM170While very compact, the economical GY-HM170 features a heavy duty body with professional control layout and comprehensive video profile settings for professional use. Keeping with JVC’s commitment to native file workflows, the camera records 4K Ultra HD as H.264 files and can record HD and SD footage in a variety of resolutions and frame rates. Other features include an integrated 12x optical zoom lens with two ND filters, built-in stereo microphone and 3.5mm audio input, and live 4K UHD output through a built-in HDMI connector.
GY-LS300 Super 35mm camcorder
GY-LS300The GY-LS300 records to non-proprietary SDHC and SDXC media cards in a variety of image formats including 4K Ultra HD, full HD with 4:2:2 sampling, SD and web-friendly proxy formats. It features JVC's 4K Super 35mm CMOS sensor combined with industry standard Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount. JVC’s unique Variable Scan Mapping technology maintains the native angle of view for a variety of lenses, including Super 35, MFT and Super 16. As a result, lens options for the camera are almost limitless.
“The combination of a Super 35 sensor and MFT mount is a brilliant solution to accommodate the largest variety of lenses and adapters without compromising image quality and lens characteristics,” said Gustav Emrich, European product manager. “It gives filmmakers the flexibility to use high-end cinema lenses or affordable glass to capture 4K/HD footage.”
GW-SP100 camera recording system
GW-SP100The JVC GW-SP100 is a 4K/2K camera head and recording unit; the system includes the camera head, a recording/playback device with built-in monitor and a RCU controller. This tiny camera produces beautiful 4K video, with 3840x2160 resolution, at up to 50/60p recorded locally to SDXC UHS-I U3 memory cards. It has an interchangeable MFT lens mount system, chosen due to its very shallow flange depth, which offers the greatest flexibility to end users who have already invested in lenses.
The GW-SP100 camera system features a video unit with a foldable and detachable 7-inch HD LCD monitor and includes a wired dedicated remote and camera control panel. Since the camera head is separate from the recorder, this opens up many dedicated applications for the system, including use for industrial or film applications, on special vessels/cranes/trucks, or as a high-resolution microscope camera and recording system. The mini 4K camera can also be attached to a gimbal option; this may be used with a helicopter system for aerial shooting, with anti-shaking and anti-blurring technology ideal when used with a handheld system. So, while the mini 4K camera produces images suitable for cinematic applications, the system also has applications for broadcast news and could open a whole new world for broadcasters.
In summary
The 4KCAM product line is an ideal complement to JVC’s successful ProHD product line. All the new cameras feature dual SDHC/SDXC card slots for dual, backup and continuous recording. The camcorders also include a 3.5-inch LCD display and 1.56 megapixel colour viewfinder, each with smart focus assist functions, and offer two-channel audio recording. An ideal complement to JVC’s successful ProHD product line, the new 4KCAM cameras will be available by Spring 2015, with European pricing still to be confirmed.
Turn the page for the US press release
JVC LAUNCHES 4KCAM PRODUCT LINE WITH
THREE HANDHELD CAMERAS AT CCW 2014
WAYNE, NJ (Nov. 12, 2014) – JVC Professional Products, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, will introduce its 4KCAM product line and unveil three handheld camera models at Content & Communications World (CCW) 2014, which runs Nov. 12-13 in New York City. The new GY-LS300 is a Super 35mm camcorder that accepts a variety of interchangeable lenses, the GY-HM200 is a versatile, full-featured 4K Ultra HD camcorder with HD streaming, and the GY-HM170 delivers 4K Ultra HD imagery in an economical, palm-sized camera with professional features.
“When we launched our ProHD product line, JVC made professional HD production affordable. Our new 4KCAM product line follows that same tradition, with three new cameras that make ultra-high definition 4K economical for cinematographers, webcasters and broadcasters, corporate and live event production teams, and even independent shooters,” said Larry Librach, senior vice president, JVC Professional Products.
GY-LS300 4KCAM S35mm Camcorder
The GY-LS300 records to non-proprietary SDHC and SDXC media cards in a variety of image formats including 4K Ultra HD, Full HD with 4:2:2 sampling, SD, and Web-friendly proxy formats. It features JVC's 4K Super 35mm CMOS sensor combined with an industry standard Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount. JVC’s unique Variable Scan Mapping technology maintains the native angle of view for a variety of lenses, including Super35, MFT, and Super16. As a result, lens options for the camera are almost limitless.
“ The combination of a Super 35 sensor and MFT mount is a brilliant solution to accommodate the largest variety of lenses and adapters without compromising image quality and lens characteristics,” said Edgar Shane, general manager of engineering, JVC Professional Products. “It gives filmmakers flexibility to use high-end cinema lenses or affordable glass to capture 4K/HD footage.”
GY-HM200 4KCAM Streaming Camcorder
The versatile GY-HM200 offers an outstanding combination of professional features and performance for any shooting scenario. It delivers 4K Ultra HD, 4:2:2 Full HD (50Mbps), and SD imagery with a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS chip. It also features a built-in 12x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 24x dynamic zoom in HD mode. Both the GY-LS300 and GY-HM200 include dual XLR audio inputs that are mic/line switchable and feature built-in phantom power, an integrated handle with hot shoe and dedicated microphone mount, and SDI and HDMI video outputs.
The GY-HM200 is also JVC’s most affordable streaming camcorder, and can stream instantly to Ustream or other destinations while simultaneously recording to SDHC/SDXC media cards. A built-in HD streaming engine with Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity allows live HD transmission directly from the GY-HM200 and GY-LS300 to hardware decoders, Ustream, Wowza Streaming Engine, and the ProHD Broadcaster server powered by Zixi. A variety of streaming protocols including RTMP allows delivering content directly to popular streaming Web sites and content delivery networks (CDN). Zixi’s Advanced Streaming Technology (AST) provides content-aware error correction and bandwidth shaping, while JVC’s Streamconfidence delivers real-time feedback of LTE and streaming status in the viewfinder.
GY-HM170 4KCAM Compact Camcorder
While very compact, the economical GY-HM170 features a heavy duty body with professional control layout and comprehensive video profile settings for professional use. Keeping with JVC’s commitment to native file workflows, the camera records 4K Ultra HD as H.264 files, and can record HD and SD footage in a variety of resolutions and frame rates. Other features include an integrated 12x optical zoom lens with two ND filters, built-in stereo microphone and 3.5mm audio input, and live 4K UHD output through a built-in HDMI connector.
The 4KCAM product line is an ideal complement to JVC’s successful ProHD product line. All three new cameras feature dual SDHC/SDXC card slots for dual, backup, and continuous recording. The camcorders also include a 3.5-inch LCD display and 1.56 megapixel color viewfinder, both with smart focus assist functions, and offer two-channel audio recording.
The GY-HM200 has an MSRP of $2,995 and the GY-HM170 has an MSRP of $2,495. Both will be available in February. The GY-LS300 has an MSRP of $4,450 and will be available in March.