Check out this recently posted JVC LS300 review posted on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/IEhW4lQdFps

Enjoy.

I"m still using one for weddings mainly to cover speeches during a ceremony and reception in combination with a gh5 and g80.
Colors on my ls300 are better then my gh5, especially skintones which look more natural.
Peaking with magnified focus during recording is like night and day difference with my gh5, it's that much better, I never miss focus with this camera.
Whitebalancing is much quicker to achieve, just a push of a button.
Possibility to zoom with prime lenses.
sound recording when using xlr mikes gives very clean sound.
SDI and HDMI out to a ext screen or recorder.
A lot of finetuning options for the image + JLOG which doesn't require that much grading.
Big batteries can be used for long recording times, dual sd slots.
Build in ND's
strong lens mount and can carry heavier lenses without extra support.

Just a few advantages that come to mind, low light is not one of it's best features, 1600iso is as high as I will go and I only use fast primes on this camera like a f1.2 nocticron.
The lcd screen is it's weaker part, feels quite flimsy and cheap and color is not accurate..
It also takes a bit more time to set up compared to my gh5, it's quite small but still a lot bigger then my gh5 and needs stabilised lenses for handheld work.

You get a lot for your money.

I use this camera daily, and love every minute of it. It's easy to get nice looking footage, and the log can be quite malleable. You can also get fantastic images straight out of the camera - this image is straight out of the camera, with no adjustments.

Am I glad I bought it? Absolutely

Would I buy it again now? Nope, there's another very exciting camera around the corner, and you could get 2 for less than one LS300.

Which other very exciting camera around the corner are you referring to, Nick?

My guess is that they say it fits in your pocket but it doesnt

I was talking about the not-quite-pocket camera.

Do you think JVC will implement whatever is needed to record ProRes RAW on the new Atomos V? That would make this camera remain competitive for a little while longer.

Atmos would have to update their recorders to capture ProResRAW. The LS300 already puts out a fine 8bit SDI signal. 10bit is probably never going to come out of the LS300. The electronics don't support it.

Atmos would have to update their recorders to capture ProResRAW

They already have, but JVC has no raw out of the LS300.

In the Record menu setup, you have the option to output 4K/60p EXT via hdmi. Is the camera able to output 4K/24p or 4K/30p via hdmi? I'm thinking of getting a Ninja V when it is available, but only if I can record 4K/24p/30p ProRes in the Ninja V.

The Ninja V will record whatever you output from the camera. Here's the possible resolutions and frame rates, taken from their website.

4K DCI; 24/25/30/50/60p
4K UHD; 24/25/30/50/60p
2K
1080p; 24/25/30/50/60/100^/120^
1080i; 50/60i, 720p; 50/60p

The only limitation is what your camera can output, I don't think the LS300 can output 120fps for example, but it can do 24/25/30/50/60

I was wondering if JVC are likely to add RAW output now that recorders can record it. I personally doubt it, but you never know.

EDIT: I just noticed, there's no mention of ProRes RAW on the official site for the Ninja V. As far as I can tell, it's only the Shogun Inferno and Sumo 19... does anyone konw any different?

Thanks Nick,

I don't think the LS300 can output 120fps for example

Actually the LS300 can record 1080p120 internally. Surely it can output that over HDMI as well, but I'm not certain.

I just ran a test with my Ninja Blade connected to the LS300 via HDMI. The LS300 can record 4K/24p/25p/30p/50p internally. However, the LS300 does not output 4K/24p/25p/30p externally via HDMI. When I was recording 4K/24p and 30p internally, the camera was outputting 1080/24p and 30p via HDMI to the Blade. It appears the only 4K frame rate the camera can output via HDMI is 60p. This is a bummer and I hope JVC can update the firmware to output 4K 24p,25p,30p,50p via HDMI. I doubt this will happen since the LS300 is a bit long in the tooth. No sense in me upgrading to a Ninja V if the camera cannot output 4K 24p/30p via HDMI. I primarily shoot interviews and the higher frame rates (60p, 120p, etc) are not critical for me.

I'm sorry to say that non of that information is correct.

I record daily in 4K 25p to an external recorder. The LS300 CANNOT record 4k50/60p internal, you must have a suitable external HDMI recorder for this resolution/frame rate.

Here's a few things about your test:
The Blade can only accept 1080i/p signal, it's not a 4k recorder. Therefore, it was either downscaling your signal, or you accidentally had the camera set to output 1080i/p in the A.V Set part of JVC's menu.

On the LS300, you have to set the internal recording and then go into another part of the menu (A/V Set) to set the output resolution.

That said, if you're filming 4K 422 internal, you can only output 1080 (interlaced or progressive) signals. If you're recording at 4k, but not 422, you can output 4k signals. Both of these options will match your internal frame rate and push it out of the HDMI. (only 24/25/30 since 4k50/60 cannot be recorded internally)

If you're set to record 4k50/60, you wont record anything internal, all recording must be external.

If you're set to record 1080 at 100/120, then the HDMI will only output 50/60 at 1080. I have tested this myself and was disappointed that I couldn't output 120, although my recorder can accept that signal from compatible cameras.

If you'd like, tomorrow I can hook everything up and go through all the setting so you can see what is and isn't possible on a 4K recorder. (Atomos Ninja Assassin - so unfortunetly I can't do 4k50/60p)

Thanks, for the response Nick. I ran a quick test. With 422 enabled in the record format, 4K/24p/30p outputs do not seem possible. The A/V Set, Video Set HDMI output is set to 1080p and grayed out. I prefer shooting with 4K 150M 422 enabled. With 422 disabled, the HDMI output can be configured for 2160p or 1080p. For me, not being able to output 4K/24p 150M 422 would be a problem.

Thanks Nick. For anyone following this thread, I've attached a screen from the LS300 brochure outlining the various output sizes and frame rates.

Thanks, for the response Nick. I ran a quick test. With 422 enabled in the record format, 4K/24p/30p outputs do not seem possible. The A/V Set, Video Set HDMI output is set to 1080p and grayed out. I prefer shooting with 4K 150M 422 enabled. With 422 disabled, the HDMI output can be configured for 2160p or 1080p. For me, not being able to output 4K/24p 150M 422 would be a problem.

Yes that's right.

May I ask though, if you're wanting to record externally, then why does it matter what the internal recording is set to? For example, if you're recording 4k24p at ProRes 422/HQ on an Atomos, then that's the file you're going to edit etc. So why does it matter that the internal recording is 4k 4:2:0?

The output file, recorded to ProRes is has a much higher bitrate than 150mb/s and they are all in a 4:2:2 colourspace. The end bitrate depends on if you're recording to ProRes HQ, 422 or LT, but they're all higher than the camera's internal recording.

Here's a list of frame rates and data rates when recorded in the various ProRes options at 4K, as you can see, even LT is over double that of the 150 available in camera at 24p.

24p
LT 328mb/s - 422 471mb/s - HQ 707mb/s

25p
LT 342mb/s - 422 492mb/s - HQ 737mb/s

30p
LT 410mb/s - 422 589mb/s - HQ 884mb/s

50p
LT 684mb/s - 422 983mb/s - HQ 1475mb/s

60p
LT 821mb/s - 422 1178mb/s - HQ 1768mb/s

I hope that helps.

They already have, but JVC has no raw out of the LS300.

If the signal stream in the LS300 can be diverted prior to demosaicing to the HDMI or SDI outputs by firmware programming then we should see it soon. Unfortunately the LS300 was developed years before video RAW was considered a viable option for budget cameras or that RAW playback capable computers were reasonably priced. How many cameras had RAW output when the LS300 was introduced? 4K and the large sensor was the big deal not RAW. It's very possible that the proprietary hardware can't do that.

I was at a pro video expo in the Boston area today. JVC had a LS300 on display. Spoke with Ken Freed, an Account Sales Manager in the JVC's Professional Video Division. Ken confirmed my suspicion. If the LS300 is set to record 4K 422 internally, it is not able to output a HDMI 4K signal at the same time. Ken said the camera does not have the processing power to do both. SDI output is HD only. Also, Ken said he does not think there will be any further firmware updates to the camera.

Ken Freed

I've known him for close to twenty years -- he is a heck of a good guy.

said he does not think there will be any further firmware updates to the camera.

Actually that's a *good* thing. Think about it!

:-)

May I ask though, if you're wanting to record externally, then why does it matter what the internal recording is set to? For example, if you're recording 4k24p at ProRes 422/HQ on an Atomos, then that's the file you're going to edit etc. So why does it matter that the internal recording is 4k 4:2:0?

The internal recording is a backup to the Atomos recording. I had a situation a couple of years ago when in the middle of recording an event, I suddenly got a "No Signal" error message on my Atomos Blade. Fortunately, the camera kept on recording internally.

As a side note, when I import the ProRes video clips from the Atomos Blade into FCPX, there is no transcoding involved. However, when I import the same Quicktime clips from the camera's internal recording, FCPX transcodes the clips and the resulting transcoded clip files are 2-1/2 times larger than the Atomos ProRes clips files. Also, transcoding takes time.

I have done a few projects involving speeches the past weeks in well lit environments where I combined the ls300 with my gh5, allthough I love shooting handheld with my GH5 and don't like the more "bulky" size of the ls300 I am each time impressed at how good the images right out of the camera are on the ls300, I am using a itu709 gamma with a natural colormatrix and some minor tweaks to make the camera match better with my gh5, mainly to make the color pop a bit more and add some contrast and the image each time looks more appealing to me compared to my gh5. The colors are better and the skintones look a lot more natural. The image is also not oversharp like the gh5 tends to be at standard levels. Too bad JVC doesn't step into the dslr market, just for their colorscience I would switch.
For any work involving longer recordings, like interviews or speeches on a tripod the ls300 is still much prefered over my gh5.

That's interesting. In these situations, I do the opposite. I am much more comfortable with the LS300 handheld (with the right lenses) than the GH series. For longer jobs I'll put the LS300 on a shoulder mount and then the choice of lenses gets wider (heavy prime Rokinons).

I find the stabilization on the gh5 a lot better when shooting handheld + it wheighs next to nothing so I can hold it stable foe a longer period, the biggest advantage when I shoot weddings is to get close ups from talking heads while mingling between the guests, you hardly get noticed and for short shots I can get tripod like shots using the sensor stabilization and i.s. lock, I can't get the same result with my ls300

Good reason, the image stabilization with the same Lumix lenses seems better on the GH cameras than the LS300. However I rather have the controls in a useful place when running around handheld.

Stabilized lenses on the ls300 are good enough for handheld shots but no contest against a gh5 sensor stabilization, the difference can be quite big with longer focal lengths, I have never been a fan of dslr formfactor but the Panasonic has added some usefull fucntions to the gh5 which make changing shutter, f-stop, iso and whitebalance something I could do within seconds, something that would take a lot longer on the ls300 as some functions require you to go into the menusystem.

I lost interest in the GH series with the GH4, nice image but still too clunky. The GH5 I ignored for the most part so your take on the model is enlightening.

Shutter I almost never change on the fly, I like a consistent shutter on a project (yes, that's sort of an old-fashioned trait these days). The other controls you mention, f-stop, ISO and white balance are right there on the LS300, very easy to access. Have they introduced dedicated controls for these functions on the GH5?

I also like to keep the shutter at a constant value but the ls300 doesn't have easy access to iso and f-stop simultaniously which both are important enough that there is a need to have quick access to. You do have a switch on the side that lets you toggle between 3 iso values but that doesn't work for me, my first priority when shooting video is choosing a f-stop and I don't want this to change during a shot because it will change your depth of field, the iso I have linked to the front dial because that I use to finetune my exposure once I have choosen the f-stop. I might use the switch on the side of the camera to quickly toggle between a larger range of iso values but then I use the front dial to set it exactly or use it to change when necessary.The problem is when I want to change the f-stop I can't, I need to go into the menu to do that.

The gh5 has the possibility now to change the iso by turning the back dial on the camera, the change is instant, it's how sony camera's do this as well and it's crucial for fast exposurechanges without having to touch your f-stop. In the past you had to press the iso button first and then use the small wheels on top, those are now reserved for f-stop and shutter.

On thing I miss on my gh5 is the excellent peaking of the ls300 and ofcourse build in nd's but I guess we can't have it all.

On the topic of the built-in ND filter.... complaints, complaints,,,

I would like it to go 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 instead of jumping from 1/4 to 1/16. Just Tuesday 1/8 would have helped my DOF and ISO with an interview I filmed. It came out fine regardless. I'm sure people use the 1/64 ND filter but I can't remember using it. The great thing about the LS300's built-in ND filters is that lenses come in so many different sizes, it's impossible to have all the ND filters you may want in a compact travel kit.

One thing I also find annoying on the ls300, making a manual whitebalance is super easy, just a buttonpress away but if you want to dial in the kelvin...

I use 1/64 ND always outside but that's because I shoot with fast primes wide open, I don't miss 1/8 ND as the other ND's are ok for my use, but at least they are build in so it saves me from using ND filters.

I haven't responded to this, but decided I need to chime in...

Yes, the LS300 is still a viable tool. It's affordable, very light, and even though it's only 8 bit still delivers an excellent picture.

I bought an EVA1 four months ago because I needed 10 bit and have always preferred Panasonic's color (and I like V-Log), and it's excellent. At first I debated selling the LS300, but realized I couldn't get much for it, so decided to keep it as a B camera, and as a back-up "glove compartment" camera.

I pulled off the clunky handle and mounted an inexpensive SmallRig universal SLR cage (which I'd previously used on a Pocket) with the SmallRig handle on top. The support rod that runs from the base plate to the cheese plate on top is on the LCD side. When I open the LCD the rod acts as a support brace so I don't worry about the flimsiness of the construction (one of the worst things about the LS). Admittedly I can't rotate the screen, but I only use it for the menu, so it doesn't bother me.

I screwed a SmallRig rod block to the front LCD side of the handle so it rotates. I put another rod block on the side of a Zacuto Z-Finder Pro so I can tilt and adjust the EVF for handheld work, which is most of what I do with this rig.

For audio I use a Shure LensHopper (stupid name, but excellent mic) mounted off the cheese plate on a bracket I made, plugged in to the auxiliary port. I also use a Lectrosonic wireless receiver for boom work, with a 416 on the pole.

Another of the annoying things about the LS is the iris adjustment, it's way too fiddly. Consequently I keep a selection of small manual primes in the case. The choice is nearly infinite because of the MFT mount (one of the best things about the LS). I generally use the Nokton 17.5 (at 92% VSM) because it's fast and sharp enough to allow me to zoom in to 200-300% in post (or use the VSM when shooting 1080).

All in all it has become my favorite "cruiser". Even though the EVA is pretty light, it's clunky and somewhat labor intensive. The LS300, set up this way is a delight to work with...

And yes, I HAVE intercut them. They're a little difficult to match in post color-wise, but it can be done. BTW, I'm using the LS with Cinema gamma and Cine matrix now ( mainly because it simplifies exposure and focusing with the EVF), and dial the EVA log back slightly toward the LS footage if I need a perfect match...

I was at NAB NY today and spoke with a JVC rep about an updated LS300. He said if JVC develops a new 4K interchangeable lens camera is will most likely be based on the sensor/processor in the new HC-500/550 cameras ( http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/f...l_id=MDL102557 ). These new cameras are capable of recording 4K/60p 10-bit 422 ProRes internally. JVC had a non-functioning HC-550 on display. The rep said these cameras are scheduled to ship in the Spring. The camera has two XD slots below the EVF and what looked like a micro SSD slot on the left side of the camera rear. The JVC rep also mentioned a lot of people have been inquiring about a possible shoulder mount version of the HC550. The rep said JVC is studying its options in using the HC-550 sensor/processor in other 4K cameras.

As a side note, I did play a little bit with the BMPCC4K. Very nice camera. At it's price, BM should sell a ton of these. Also, Sony did not have a display at NAB NY, which surprised me.

He said if JVC develops a new 4K interchangeable lens camera is will most likely be based on the sensor/processor in the new HC-500/550 cameras

If that would be the case then it will be a 1 inch sensor? I would be surprised if it would do any good in low light, something most jvc cameras still struggle with.
I just looked and see that the ls300 has gone down 1000euros from it's intro price, now it's 2500, same price as a gh5s.

It's a one inch sensor with an entirely new processing engine. It's a nice looking camera (on the outside of course as the display model was non-functional) and the fixed zoom lens is designed specifically for the sensor. Of course for those looking for prime lens style images, it's probable that this camera may not fit the bill. They are promoting is as a sport filming camera in addition to standard pro video work. As an LS300 successor, this is unlikely to fit the bill despite the really impressive recording options and stats.

As for plans for a LS300 successor, it doesn't seem that JVC has that on their plate right now. The high quality streaming cameras are getting more interest right now.

JVC Pro Product Overview Page (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL102556)

I was at NAB NY today and spoke with a JVC rep about an updated LS300. He said if JVC develops a new 4K interchangeable lens camera is will most likely be based on the sensor/processor in the new HC-500/550 cameras ( http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/f...l_id=MDL102557 ). These new cameras are capable of recording 4K/60p 10-bit 422 ProRes internally. JVC had a non-functioning HC-550 on display. The rep said these cameras are scheduled to ship in the Spring. The camera has two XD slots below the EVF and what looked like a micro SSD slot on the left side of the camera rear. The JVC rep also mentioned a lot of people have been inquiring about a possible shoulder mount version of the HC550. The rep said JVC is studying its options in using the HC-550 sensor/processor in other 4K cameras.

Swap out their current S16 sensor in the HC-500 for a S35 sensor and a MFT mount, price it at the same the LS300 is now, and I'd be very happy indeed!

Swap out their current S16 sensor in the HC-500 for a S35 sensor and a MFT mount, price it at the same the LS300 is now, and I'd be very happy indeed!

It is a 1 inch sensor, not a S16 sensor.

They are promoting is as a sport filming camera in addition to standard pro video work.
JVC Pro Product Overview Page (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL102556)

There are three versions of this camera: JVC Pro Product Category Page (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/category.jsp?productId=PRO1.1) .
The JVC sales rep I spoke with at NAB NY said the base model HC500 should retail for around $3700 USD. That is a very attractive price considering the new Canon XF705 1 inch camera retails for around $7K USD.

What’s interesting to me is the ability to overlay graphics in the 550 which would make it very useful for live streaming without needing a switcher or laptop. I missed a job last year because all the equipment need to broadcast out of a crowded radio studio made the job too unwieldy. It remains to be seen how you can get graphics into the camera. Also the SSD slot, the question is; can I record on the SSD without the graphics while broadcasting the graphics?

On the 1” CMOS chip. The DOF has to be more than the HM180 or 200 with their small sensors. It’ll be interesting to play with one of these next year. Plus JVC is transferring the Virtual Zoom tech from the LS300 to this camera so if you are filming in HD, you can get 40x zoom out of the chip without any loss in quality.

B&H has the three versions available for pre-order.

HC500: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1438286-REG/jvc_gy_hc500_connected_cam_4k_professional.html/BI/2855/KBID/3801

HC500SPC: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1438295-REG/jvc_gy_hc500spc_connected_cam_4k.html/BI/2855/KBID/3801

HC550: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1438287-REG/jvc_gy_hc550_connected_cam_4k_broadcast.html/BI/2855/KBID/3801

Expected availability Jan. 2019.

Enjoy.

It is a 1 inch sensor, not a S16 sensor.

Same same.

What’s interesting to me is the ability to overlay graphics in the 550 which would make it very useful for live streaming without needing a switcher or laptop. I missed a job last year because all the equipment need to broadcast out of a crowded radio studio made the job too unwieldy. It remains to be seen how you can get graphics into the camera. Also the SSD slot, the question is; can I record on the SSD without the graphics while broadcasting the graphics?

On the 1” CMOS chip. The DOF has to be more than the HM180 or 200 with their small sensors. It’ll be interesting to play with one of these next year. Plus JVC is transferring the Virtual Zoom tech from the LS300 to this camera so if you are filming in HD, you can get 40x zoom out of the chip without any loss in quality.

Yes I agree. Don't forget the brilliant idea of the SSD in the body. Simply brilliant.
The 1 inch can become the standard in the pro-sumer segment and JVC is getting everything right with only 1 exception : instead of imitating SONY with the plethora of models after models for basically the same offer JVC should concentrate in one model, be brave and they can win.

What's missing? A semi-shoulder mount. Put the graphics back into the 500 , sell the wifi antenna as an accessory, delete the 550 and 500SPC, design a loop for the screen and a shoulder mount (zacuto type or protech and again put them in the accessories) and they can be the number one in the $3000 segment of weddings, sports, documentary and news for the one-man band category, seriously.
remember the ea50? sold a lot and for one reason only: the semi-shoulder mount.

Same same.

Agreed, close enough. According to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format the S16 is 12.52x7.41mm and the 1" is 12.80x9.6mm.

Here is a video of Craig Yanagi, JVC National Marketing Manager, at NAB NY commenting on the LS300 and the new HC550. Craig makes an interesting statement at the end of the video.

NAB Show New York 2018 - JVC Adds 3 New Cameras with advanced streaming capabilities JVC GY-HC550 - YouTube

Enjoy.

I got the impression from being at the show itself that any transference of HC500 series technology to a new version of the LS300 is only at the speculative stage now. There are a few hurdles that have to be worked around at this point.

First and possibly foremost is that the internal engine that processes the output of the Super35 chip of the LS300 is a different and older technology than what JVC has developed for the HC500's 1" CMOS which is why they can now output 10bit vs 8bit images. So they would have to reengineer the processing engine to work with the Super35 chip (if that's possible) in addition to redesigning the camera body to accommodate heat issues. If that's not possible within their R&D budget, can M43 lenses be adapted to a 1" chip so a relatively simple modification of the 500 series body could be made? And on that question, which kind of photo lenses can be properly used with a 1" chip? Are we willing to buy a whole new set of lenses?

In my opinion the MFT mount is what sets the LS300 apart from the crowd. There are already plenty of S35 cameras available - I have one - but the ability to use relatively light weight, abundantly available MFT and MFT adapted legacy lenses is unique to a full function digital cinema camera.

Don't try to compete with Sony, Canon and Panasonic! Give me a better constructed LS300 that records 10bit internally.

The versatility of the MFT mount + low priced S35 4K camcorder, that is a unique killer combo nobody else has.

I also like to keep the shutter at a constant value but the ls300 doesn't have easy access to iso and f-stop simultaniously which both are important enough that there is a need to have quick access to. You do have a switch on the side that lets you toggle between 3 iso values but that doesn't work for me, my first priority when shooting video is choosing a f-stop and I don't want this to change during a shot because it will change your depth of field, the iso I have linked to the front dial because that I use to finetune my exposure once I have choosen the f-stop. I might use the switch on the side of the camera to quickly toggle between a larger range of iso values but then I use the front dial to set it exactly or use it to change when necessary.The problem is when I want to change the f-stop I can't, I need to go into the menu to do that.

The gh5 has the possibility now to change the iso by turning the back dial on the camera, the change is instant, it's how sony camera's do this as well and it's crucial for fast exposurechanges without having to touch your f-stop. In the past you had to press the iso button first and then use the small wheels on top, those are now reserved for f-stop and shutter.

On thing I miss on my gh5 is the excellent peaking of the ls300 and ofcourse build in nd's but I guess we can't have it all.

I set my custom button 6 to variable gain. You press that and it allows you to change your iso in steps using the arrows by the shutter button. I leave the iris knob on default and control the iris with that. I find it plenty fast to work that way with no need for the menu. Give it a try.

Here is a link to a new review of the LS300 with video clips. Be aware some of the video clips are much longer than they need to be.

MEGA REVIEW OF THE JVC LS300 - YouTube

Enjoy.

Kinda tempting now you can see it for US$1.5K ish on eBay

Always been interested in this camera....

But the GH5 just has too many features (not to mention cheaper price tag).

Still, if you need to have a ENG-ish form factor, it's a heck of a deal.