JVC Unveils New GY-HM150 ProHD Handheld Camcorder

[Chris Hurd]

"Based on the solid ergonomic design of the popular GY-HM100, which
is used by thousands of photojournalists at major media outlets around the
world, the GY-HM150 is built to handle demanding news and production
environments. Plus, a new encoder and digital signal processor, adopted
from JVC’s 700 series cameras, deliver improved HD recording and add
support for standard definition."

Read the press release here: JVC Unveils New GY-HM150 ProHD Handheld Camcorder at DVInfo.net

[Calvin Bellows]

I'm interested in the new time lapse feature. Doesn't seem like there is much info on that yet.

[Craig Yanagi]

Hi Calvin,

We have full details of the GY-HM150 up on our web site:

JVC Professional GY-HM150 Features page

Cheers,
Craig

[Floris van Eck]

I wonder who is going to buy this camera if you can have a XF-100 for less. This camera is offering nothing compelling to me. JVC is seriously losing ground in the prosumer/professional video market.

[Dave Barnes]

>>I wonder who is going to buy this camera if you can have a XF-100 for less.

I for one will be purchasing one! I am continually amazed at the images I get out of my HM100.... this little camera is amazing... :) I have had one for about a year now...


Now that we have remote focus/zoom this solves my only real gripe with this camera..

Craig - is this standard lanc compatible? or will we need a special remote controller?

thanks

[Craig Yanagi]

Dave,

Thanks very much for your support! With the addition of the GY-HM150 we're expanding our handheld offering to a wider audience. The new features should enable more applications such as you've mentioned.

The remote protocol is based on RS-232C, the same one JVC had used before. We're working with a number of manufacturers for the wired remote solution.

I hope this information helps.

- Craig

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Floris van Eck

I wonder who is going to buy this camera if you can have a XF-100 for less. This camera is offering nothing compelling to me. JVC is seriously losing ground in the prosumer/professional video market.

The features of the camcorder appeals to the professionals who's specifications are in line with their work. CNN, who has purchased over 200 units of the GY-HM100 so far, can benefit from the additional features of the GY-HM150 such as simultaneous dual media recording and cache recording.

From a sales volume standpoint, we haven't seen a decrease in GY-HM100 sales with the XF-100 coming to market, so they must be being sold to a different audience.

- Craig

[Bart Walczak]

Interesting camera. The only two things lacking are 4:2:2 codec (how about licencing XDCAM 422 from Sony?) and some waterproof casing.

Does this camera have the same issue with iris closing in visible steps in auto mode like HM100, or has this issue been resolved so that exposure change is now continuous?

[Don Parrish]

Craig,
is there a published minimum illumination
Thanks

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Bart Walczak

Interesting camera. The only two things lacking are 4:2:2 codec (how about licencing XDCAM 422 from Sony?) and some waterproof casing.

Does this camera have the same issue with iris closing in visible steps in auto mode like HM100, or has this issue been resolved so that exposure change is now continuous?

According to our top tier broadcast and production customers, XDCAM EX is the mainstream file format. Its an ideal balance of bandwidth and bit rate payload.

If you plan on using XLR connectors and a handle for your compact camcorder, you'll need a rain cover of some sort. Having your investment exposed to the elements would be questionable.

Iris closure in visible steps is something I've witness in camcorders in this class when set in auto mode, especially when transitioning from one extreme lighting environment to another. You can set the camera manually so you know exactly how the scene will turn out and be able to repeat it. In auto mode, repeating the scene can be difficult.

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Don Parrish

Craig,
is there a published minimum illumination
Thanks

Don,

This information is not available, but in comparison with the GY-HM100 I am expecting the performance to be enhanced with the new signal processor.

- Craig

[Calvin Bellows]

Hey Craig, do you know what the settings are going to be for the time lapse. That was the info that I couldn't find on your website. Also do you know if JVC is work on a 2/3 inch version of their 7XX cameras. I'm looking at getting a few 790's but if there is a 2/3 in the works I may hold out.

[Dave Barnes]

>>The remote protocol is based on RS-232C, the same one JVC had used before. We're working with a number of manufacturers for the wired remote solution.

Yes thats helpful thanks Craig... so can I assume by the time the camera is shipping there will be a compatible remote available?

[John Thomason]

I was looking at the 790 also, but I need something a little better in low light and I was hoping JVC was coming out with a larger chip camera 2/3 or a 1/2 chip would be great. I have used JVC cameras for years from the KY29s ,GY550, and know the 250s . Its time for me to upgrade just wounding if it is worth the wait for JVC.

[Bart Walczak]

Originally Posted by Craig Yanagi

According to our top tier broadcast and production customers, XDCAM EX is the mainstream file format. Its an ideal balance of bandwidth and bit rate payload.

If you plan on using XLR connectors and a handle for your compact camcorder, you'll need a rain cover of some sort. Having your investment exposed to the elements would be questionable.

Iris closure in visible steps is something I've witness in camcorders in this class when set in auto mode, especially when transitioning from one extreme lighting environment to another. You can set the camera manually so you know exactly how the scene will turn out and be able to repeat it. In auto mode, repeating the scene can be difficult.

Well, who am I to argue with top tier broadcast and production customers, I only wanted to buy two pieces that would suit our specific needs.

Thanks for clarifying JVC position on the subject, even though it is not what I hoped to hear.