There are two locking XLR inputs well positioned on the right side of the HD200u. The audio is compressed in MPEG-1 Audio Layer II at 384kbps when recording in HDV mode. While recording in DV mode the audio is recorded at 16-bit, 48kHz. We recorded audio in both modes using two different mics. We tested the on-camera mini-shotgun by speaking in a normal voice at three and six feet away. With the Automatic Gain Control on, our peak levels were well below the -12dB level indicator. With AGC off, to get levels peaking at around -12dB at the three-foot distance, we needed to set levels to nine. At six-feet the levels predictably dropped about 20%. At these high level settings we did notice a fair amount of amplification noise.
Our next test simulated a more common situation where we had the same person speaking into a handheld mic powered by the HD200u's phantom supply. AGC worked well but still gave us what seemed like more headroom than necessary. In manual mode, a setting of six was all that was needed to get strong levels that produced a very clean signal. We left the audio limiter on in all cases and found that even the occasional overdriven input did not produce objectionable clipping.
There is so much to like about the HD200u; the excellent stability when shoulder shooting; the ability to save settings to a memory card; shutter speeds from 1/6 to 1/10000ths; and we really liked the adjustable and robust viewfinder and cushioned speaker for monitoring audio.
But nothing's perfect and we did run across a few minor annoyances. Not that it would be a common need, but don't expect to switch recording modes on the fly. The HD200u powers down and restarts automatically when you switch frame rates. There is also a tiny fan at the rear of the component/DC coupler that produces a very small amount of high frequency white noise. This might be an issue only in the quietest shooting environments.
JVC's GY-HD200u is a professional quality camcorder in the truest sense of the term. If you have aspirations of breaking into the world of documentary or commercial video production, this camcorder will serve you well. And if you simply want a tool that will give you the creative control you need to create high quality video, no matter what your subject; look closely at the GY-HD200u.
VTR Section (Audio)
Audio signal recording format (HDV): MPEG-1 Audio Layer II
Audio signal recording format(DV): 16-bit (locked audio), 48kHz PCM for 2 channels or 12-bit, 32kHz PCM for 4 channels
Usable tape: Mini DV tape
Tape speed: 18.831 mm/sec.
Record/play time: 63 minutes (with an M-DV63PROHD tape)
Connectors
Analog composite output: 1.0 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced (RCA)
Analog component output: Y: 1.0 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced (BNC)
R-Y/B-Y: 0.7 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced (BNC)
Audio inputs
Mic: -60 dBs, 3 kohms, balanced (XLR), +48 V output for phantom power supply
Line: +4 dBs, 10 kohms, balanced (XLR)
Audio outputs: -8 dBs, low impedance, unbalanced (RCA)
Earphone jack: -18 dBs to -60 dBs, 8-ohm impedance (stereo mini-jack x2)
IEEE 1394 connector: 6-pin
Remote connector: DIN 6-pin
Accessories provided: Viewfinder x 1, Lens (Th16x5.5BRM) x 1, Microphone x 1, SD memory card x 1
Power requirement: DC 12 V
Power consumption: Approx. 23 W (in the Record mode)
Size: 242 (W) x 233 (H) x 414 (D) mm (9-9/16" x 9-3/16" x 16-5/16")
Weight: 3.7 kg (8.16 lbs.) (including viewfinder, microphone and tape)
Temperature: Operating: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F); Storage: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Excellent image sharpness and color reproduction, manual lens, solid build and professional form factor and user controls.
- No optional auto focus or image stabilization; price.
A professional-level camcorder capable of providing excellent quality images and manual control of key functions.
Contributing editor Brian Peterson is a video production consultant, trainer, and lecturer.
