Hi, I'm looking for some good advices to choose between those two (JVC GY-HM600 vs Sony PMW-EX1r) cams since I can't decide which one to get. Any recommandations for this ?

Thanks to answer

Unless I just had to have the longer lens. i would go with the Sony hands down.

Your model number is wrong in your post.

JVC GYHM600

Hi, what other arguments do you have, aside of that ? Like the lack of replacement batteries (with higher capacity), low light properties, sound properties, etc.

Mind you I'm speaking as a long time EX1R shooter.

You could argue the half inch chips in the Sony stand out.

The JVC records in more formats. You could make arguments either way.

I was walking through the airport in New Orleans the other day and there was this reporter shooting with the JVC GYHM600 . She was cam op and reporter. I said nice camera. and she looked at my bag and asked what I was shooting with. I told her the EX1R and she said "ill trade".

She didn't give any real reason and I had a flight to catch so I don't know. but she said she couldn't believe that her station bought those. I think that was a bit strong because I see these cameras in a lot of news markets.

I guess I'm not the best one to say.

Thanks Al, greatly appreciated. Anybody else care to share their experiences with both cams ?

Thanks to answer

@Michel-What kind of shooting do you need it for?

but she said she couldn't believe that her station bought those. I think that was a bit strong because I see these cameras in a lot of news markets.


I read recently that the BBC bought 500 HM650's... that must count for a few points in favour of the HM600.

I own one myself. My only complaint would be that it's quite noisy in low light. But you'll get that with most 1/3" chips I guess. Otherwise it's a fantastic camera, I love shooting with it.

Unless the OP is a large broadcasting company or freelance BBC shooter, I can't imagine why it matters that the BBC bought the JVC. If fact you could argue it the other way. The BBC bought them so stay clear.

IMHO, equipment should be bought for the intended and projected purpose. The idea of buying something because someone else bought one is hilarious to me.... reminiscent of the old line parents use "if your friend jumped off a bridge..." when a kid justifies doing something because so and so does it too.

I like the speeds and feeds of the JVC and the PMW-200 is so bad, if I needed 4:2:2/50, I'd look at it seriously. But I've had JVC equipment in the past and after putting up with their obscure/geeky menus and terminology, would have to be in a tight pinch to buy another.

I think the key feature to evaluate is the requirement for 4:2:2/50. If the OP does not require it, then the decision becomes one that should be driven by the OP preferences IMHO. The 1/2" chips of the EX1R are going to be a little better for bokeh over the 1/3.

The rotating handle is another. Go on a trek and hang out the passenger window of a vehicle and the advantages are immediately clear. Especially in countries that drive on the wrong side of the road. :-)

I'm afraid you missed my point entirely. But either way, I think the HM600 is a fantastic camera (which you'll see from my various threads and sample footage that I have posted). So I'll just leave it at that :)

I had an EX1r for a few years and loved it. I recently added a Panasonic GH3 and a JVC GY HMQ10 and the Sony was easily bested by either in my opinion, at least in color and detail so I sold it. One thing I do miss are those great sounding pre-amps, but the EX1r doesn't do 1080 60p and you can't put different lenses on it. It was a great camera a few years ago but I wouldn't want to shoot with it today. I bought the GY HMq10 to shoot 4k but most often use it for HD. Its detail and clarity are far superior to the EX1r.

Screen shots from the JVC, GH3 and Ex1r. None were sharpened.

Duane, do you shoot in 4K and post in HD? The shot from the JVC has incredible detail.

I think the EX1R is a very viable camera today. I'd be happy to use one. I've never considered it compared to the HMQ10, though.

Duane, do you shoot in 4K and post in HD? The shot from the JVC has incredible detail.

Have shot in both 4k and HD, detail is exceptional either way. That screen shot was from a 4k clip in a 1920 x 1080 PP project. With HD you shoot to one card so it's a faster workflow. 4k 60p is great for slow motion as you can crop as desired. Have yet to see its full resolution as I don't have a 4k monitor.

This would be a used EX1r versus a new HM600? That's a tough choice as you would have warranty coverage on the JVC and a repair bill on the EX1 if something broke. I never liked the EX1 for it's ergonomics but when it came out the image was excellent. The EX3 is a better all around camera in my experience compared to the EX1. The HM600 has a great image and a very good price for what you get. It's my go to camera now for events and quick interviews.

Ok, but, the JVC on lack affordable replacement batteries (which is quite essential). Aside of that I'm looking for a good camcorder that allow artistic shooting and fast setting withous too much accessories, especially for weddings & events or mor artistic projects. Personally, I was quite satisfied with the Sony pmw-ex1r, even whith the fact it's discountinued, that it lacked the 60p image shooting (most of the JVC cams does, BTW) and it's low light properties. Most recently, even if discontinued, affordable replacement batteries found their way for this cam, which is not the case for the JVC GY-HM600 and doesn't have much lenses fitting on it either.

Any other suggestion aside of the Sony or the JVC mentionned here ?

Not to push the HM600 since you seem to not want it but the battery situation is very different these days. I can film a two hour event on one battery with plenty to spare on the HM600. My memory of the ex1 is that you would need at least two for a similar situation.

Not sure what the issue is with batteries. last time I looked another battery was well under $200us and the battery has been at least 3+ hours.

Friend of mine picked up a used HM600 and mentioned that he had to charge the battery in the camera. Is that right? The HM600 doesn't come with an external charger?

That's correct. There is an external charger available that charges two batteries if I am not mistaken.

I've been working daily with EX1 for 2 years and recently switched to HM600. I am pleasantly surprised in JVC's performance, i love working with it and my own subjective opinion is that by no way it is inferior to Sony for what i do. And i do freelance ENG work for a lot of TV stations and travel with my gear often. The JVC is perfect for me atm.