JVC Camcorder GY-HM100U Review (page 2)
Post Flexibility
If you use Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0 or higher, you'll have the ability to import your footage without having to re-encode or capture it if you choose the QuickTime File Format. This means that you'll save yourself a lot of time between acquiring your footage and editing your footage. In fact we were able to move an hour of footage from the camcorder to the computer in 15 minutes. You'll see how great that is when you compare that to the time spent logging and capturing or logging and transferring with other types of video formats, which can take four times as long.
You can also change the video format to MP4 (MPEG-4) for greater compatibility among editing systems, although you won't be able to quickly import and edit.
Dynamic Recording Options
The GY-HM100U is also a very flexible HD camcorder, as it shoots 1080 vertical lines at 24 or 30 frames/sec progressive, or 60 fields/sec interlaced; or 720 progressive vertical lines at 24, 30 or 60 frames/sec. This gives shooters the ability to choose the video format that will work best for whatever content is needed.
The audio is recorded in 16-bit LPCM at 48kHz and in two independently controlled channels. This is a common standard and there aren't any unexpected surprises here. The supplied shotgun microphone is a nice starter, but more demanding professionals will likely supplement the shooting system with their own audio systems.
Lastly, the two SDHC recording slots give the GY-HM100U camcorder a great advantage over the competition. You can easily switch cards in and out for continuous recording. This is ideal for live events. Additionally, the two slots allow you to capture nearly 4 hours in the highest-quality recording mode with two 32GB SDHC cards. Even longer recording times are possible when you use the standard quality recording modes.
Sum It UpThe JVC GY-HM100U HD video camcorder is the sum of many great technologies JVC has introduced in its professional camcorder lineup. They've really leveraged the CCD and digital processing capabilities, and mixed in flexible recording (and post-production) workflow, which always is pleasing to see. And, they managed to make the GY-HM100U one of the smallest camcorders with all the professional fixings you come to expect at this level.
Sum It Up
The JVC GY-HM100U HD video camcorder is the sum of many great technologies JVC has introduced in its professional camcorder lineup. They've really leveraged the CCD and digital processing capabilities, and mixed in flexible recording (and post-production) workflow, which always is pleasing to see. And, they managed to make the GY-HM100U one of the smallest camcorders with all the professional fixings you come to expect at this level.
TECH SPECS
Recording Media: 2 SDHC Class 6 card
slots, side-loading
Data Format: XDCAM-EX or
QuickTime (720p, 24,
30 or 60 frames/sec;
1080i, 60 fields/sec;
1080p, 24 or 30
frames/sec)
Image Sensor: Three 1/4" CCDs,
pixel counts not
available
Lens
Interchangeable Lenses: No
f-Stop: f/1.8
Optical Zoom Power: 10x
Focal Length: 3.7-37mm
Filter Diameter: 46mm (hood detached)/72mm (hood attached)
Focus: Auto/manual (ring)
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/10,000
Image Stabilization: Optical
Internal ND Filter: Yes
Video Features
Manual Shutter
Speed Control: Yes
White Balance Control: Auto, manual, preset
Direct Iris/Gain Control: Yes
Zebra Stripes: Yes
Viewfinder: 0.44", color
LCD Monitor: 2.8", 16:9 aspect ratio
HD Focus Assist: Peaking
Face Detect: No
Color Bar Generator: Yes
Audio Features
Audio Modes: PCM Stereo
Standard Mic Input: 2 XLR, 1/8"
VU Meters: Yes, on-screen display
Level Controls: Knob
Headphone Jack: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Video Input/Output
Analog Video In: No
Analog Video Out: Composite,
component
FireWire In/Out: No
Analog to DV Conversion: N/A
USB
(for Video File Transfer): Yes
Other Digital Video Out: HDMI
Miscellaneous
Wireless Remote: Yes
Battery Charging: External charger
Form Factor: Standard
Onboard Video Light: No
Accessory Shoe: Yes, cold
Strengths
- Lightweight and well designed camera body
- Easily imported QuickTime file format
- Dual SDHC slots for continuous recording
Weaknesses
- Not ideal for low light shooting
SUMMARY
The JVC GY-HM100U HD camcorder is small, flexible and agile. It's ready to take whatever a pro shooter can throw at it.
Contributing editor Mark Montgomery is an independent video producer.
JVC Company of America
1700 Valley Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
http://pro.jvc.com
$3995
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