JVC Pro Announces GY-HM 100

JVC professional has released an interesting new professional camcorder, the GY-HM100. This camcorder is the first to record directly into Quicktime format for immediate and transcode-less editing in Final Cut Pro. Using a 35Mbps MPEG 2 based codec, (HDV uses 25Mbps) in full 1920×1080 should result in some stunning image quality.

Unlike other professional flash memory based camcorders, this JVC model records directly to standard HDSC cards, that are very affordable and widely available for consumer camcorders, and DLSR’s.

The GY-HM100 has 3, 1/4 CCD imagers,  a 10:1 zoom lens made by Fujinon, and a full compliment of professional controls.

In addition JVC Pro dropped some hints at a full sized, shoulder mount model based on the same technology, called the GY-HM700

The GY-HM100 is scheduled for delivery in April 2009, with a list price under $4,000.

The GY-HM700 is scheduled for delivery in March 2009. More details will be released in February 2009.

We’ll fill you in on more details soon when we get our hot little hands on in. In the meantime there are more details in JVC’s press release below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JVC introduces New Final-Cut-Pro 6™-Ready Solid State Camcorders
Next Generation ProHD Camcorders Natively Record Quicktime for Apple’s Final Cut Pro
Directly to SDHC Memory Cards
Wayne, NJ (January 8, 2009) — Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) further expands its ProHD camcorder line-up by
introducing two professional solid state camcorders, the industry’s first to store files in the native Quicktime format for
Apple’s Final Cut Pro™ onto reliable and inexpensive SDHC media cards.
The compact hand-held GY-HM100 3-CCD camcorder is introduced in January 2009, while the compact shoulder GYHM700 is scheduled for introduction in February 2009. Both camcorders record 35Mbps high definition video and
uncompressed audio directly to inexpensive SDHC media cards in the native Quicktime format used by Apple Final Cut
Pro™.
Product Concept
The growing trend in the professional video market is to record directly from camera to solid state memory, and the
current leading solutions have made the workflow quite expensive for most users, relying on proprietary media and file
formats. In addition, compatibility with major non-linear editing (NLE) systems requires codec converting or re-wrapping
format files, a process that significantly slows down the post production process. Professional users are yearning for a
simple, fast solution that allows instant editing of recorded material without file conversion, and a media cost
approaching the economy of tape.
To meet this demand, JVC has adopted the Apple QuickTime file format for Final Cut Pro. And, to keep media costs
as low as possible, JVC selected the reliable yet inexpensive SDHC media card—one of the most widely-used solid
state memory cards on the market today.
“We are pleased to support a seamless experience for professional videographers working with Final Cut Studio 2,”
said Hiroyuki Takekura, Managing Director of JVC’s Professional Systems Division. “We expect that pro video users
will find huge workflow benefits as this optimized workflow bridges the gap between production and post production
tasks.”
“For the first time, Final Cut Pro editors are able to work with a camcorder that records video as native QuickTime files,
eliminating the need to transcode or re-wrap prior to editing,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of
Applications Product Marketing. “With the combination of JVC’s new camera and Final Cut Studio 2, the industry’s
leading video production suite, the promise of file based acquisition can finally be realized.”
GY-HM100 / GY-HM700 Common Features
Industry’s first native support QuickTime file format for Apple’s Final Cut ProBoth camcorders natively record the file format used by Apple QuickTime for Final Cut Pro. Video clips are dragged
directly from the storage media onto the non-linear editor’s timeline, eliminating the need for transcoding that can
consume excessive time and disk space while maintaining original first generation image quality.
Enhanced MPEG2 Long GOP Encoder
Drawing from its experience in developing encoders currently used in broadcast applications, JVC developed a
proprietary codec capable of providing highly efficient compression up to 35 megabits per second, a bit rate supporting
full 1920 x 1080 encoding in the HQ mode. This results in recorded images of extremely high quality. MPEG2 long
GOP encoding is the most widely implemented broadcast standard compression and is currently supported by all
popular editing systems and broadcast servers. Additionally, both cameras can record 720p (19/35Mbps) and 1080i
(25Mbps) in SP mode, assuring compatibility with today’s most popular professional NLE systems.
SDHC Media Card
Both units record on widely available SDHC memory cards, presently available in capacities up to 32GB. The cameras
provide 2 memory card slots, for a total of up to 64GB of on board storage—enough for up to 6 hours of continuous HD
recording. The cameras automatically begin recording on the second card when the first card is full. Also, unlike other
professional solid state media, the per-minute cost of SDHC memory is comparable to professional video tape.
Moreover, SDHC media becomes the first practical solid state solution for physical archiving.
GY-HM100 Features
Ultra-Compact 3.0 lb. Handheld Form Factor
The GY-HM100 is the smallest professional format 3-CCD camcorder available at about the size of a lens for a 2/3-
inch imager camera. This makes it ideal for applications where a full size camera would be impractical, such as tight
quarters and operating in potentially unsafe situations. For a smaller footprint and less conspicuous shooting, the
handle can be easily removed and the audio can be recorded via the built-in 2-channel microphone.
Three ¼-inch Progressive CCDs
Three newly developed ¼-inch progressive scan CCDs provide rich, accurate colors. The red and blue pixel locations
are spatially off-set relative to green, enabling the sampled luminance information to be significantly increased in both
horizontal and vertical directions. This results in higher resolution images compared to prior CCD designs. To separate
primary colors, JVC has incorporated a high quality – glass prism and a proprietary mounting technology.
Fujinon 10:1 Zoom HD Lens
The GY-HM100U utilizes a high definition lens by Fujinon, a world leader in HD lens technology. This lens features
three aspherical elements. In addition, the lens surface has a new Electronic Beam Coating (EBC) that greatly reduces
degradation caused by light reflecting off the lens surfaces, leading to greater light transmission and reduced flaring
and ghosting. To protect the lens, a flip-in cover is integrated in the lens hood, eliminating the need for an external
cap.
Focus is controlled manually or automatically. A smooth servo zoom is controlled with a conventional rocker on the
handgrip, or manually with the lens ring. For close-up shooting, a macro mode allows for shooting subjects as little as
2-inches away from the lens. Exposure (iris) is manually or automatically controlled, allowing the shooter to adjust the
depth of focus by selecting the appropriate F stop. In the manual iris mode, the current F stop value is displayed in the
viewfinder.
Professional controls and layout
Despite its size, the camera’s hand grip has an ergonomic shape, accommodating hands of all sizes. Control and
switches are placed with professional users in mind. To conserve space, a single ring is used for both manual focus
and manual zoom. Additional manual controls include white balance, shutter, gain, and audio levels.
Additional GY-HM100 Features
• Newly designed JVC’s original Optical Image Stabilization
• JVC patented Focus Assist
• Color viewfinder and LCD display
• 2-Channel balanced audio inputs, mic/line switchable with built-in phantom power supply
• HDMI output
• USB 2.0 interface
• The GY-HM100 is scheduled for delivery in April 2009, with a list price under $4,000.

Preliminary GY-HM700 Features
1. Compact shoulder form factor of less than 4 kg (8.9 lbs.) in operation
2. High quality 1/3” progressive 3CCD with unique JVC’s H/V spatial offset
3. Newly developed 14x high-quality interchangeable lens by Canon
4. Newly developed high-quality LCOS viewfinder
5. Newly developed large LCD display
6. Double-memory hybrid recording system using optional KA-MR100G SxS memory card recorder
7. HD SDI output, SD down-convert capability over IEEE 1394 interface, USB 2.0 interface
The GY-HM700 is scheduled for delivery in March 2009. More details will be released in February 2009.