4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017

[Duncan Craig]

???4K????????????????GY-LS300CH????????4K/60p?????? | JVC

Apart from the new external recording options it also seems like the camera will be able to record 4:2:2 4k internally at up to 30p.


Via Google translate:

Business use 4K memory card camera recorder "GY-LS300CH"
About 4K / 60p correspondence by function enhancement

Enable external output of ~ 4K / 60p signal, realize recording solution compatible with 4K broadcast standard ~
Go to product information page
"GY-LS 300 CH"


JVC KENWOOD Corporation implements function enhancement by upgrading the version of "GY-LS 300 CH" for commercial use 4K memory card camera recorder currently on sale from JVC brand.
With this function enhancement, it is possible to output a frame rate 60p signal at 4K shooting, and in combination with the corresponding recorder, it will realize operation as a recording system compatible with the mainstream 4K broadcast standard for broadcasting business in the future .
In addition, this version upgrade is available by downloading the firmware "Version 4.0" (released from May 29 th) from our website and (free of charge) and installing it on the camera body.

Additional function by upgrading "GY-LS 300 CH"

Operation of recording system linked with external recorder is realized by adding external output of 4K / 60p signal corresponding to 1.4K broadcast standard

"GY-LS 300 CH" currently on sale has gained popularity as a camera system for 4K / 30p recording, but by applying this firmware, domestic broadcasting company companies set it as the standard of 4K broadcasting Also for 4K / 60p signals, it enables output from the main unit HDMI terminal. ATOMOS integrated monitor recorders "SHOGUN INFERNO" and "NINJA INFERNO" correspond to the recorded 4K / 60p signal recording * 1. In addition, the camera side is equipped with a dedicated REC trigger enabling recording control of "SHOGUN INFERNO" "NINJA INFERNO", realizing operation as a portable recording system.
※ 1: As of March 24, 2017. An optional SSD memory is required for recording.
2. 4: 2: 2 sampling record of 4K / 30p, 4K / 24p possible on SD card

Up to now, sampling at 4K recording was only 4: 2: 0, but with this version up, 4: 2: 2 sampling recording of 4K / 30p, 4K / 24p is possible on the SD card mounted on the camera It becomes ※ 2.
* 2: In the 4K 4: 2: 2 recording mode, the image output from the HDMI / SDI terminal is HD signal only.
3. Additional function addition

· It is possible to use it even when the camera operation by web browser is 4K / 30p (or 4K / 24p) recording. (Conventionally available only when recording HD).
· You can use the network function * 3 by connecting the machine to a computer or tablet via a network and using a web browser.

* 3: In the 4K network function effective mode, the image output from the HDMI / SDI terminal is HD signal only. Also, among various network functions, streaming function can not be used.
About ATOMOS "SHOGUN INFERNO" "NINJA INFERNO"

[Nick Haman]

For me, the 4:2:2 4k is better news than 60p - although that's also nice, rent a recorder for the times you need 4K slowmo. This little camera seems to keep on giving. I've only had it for 6 months and already had a couple of valuable updates.

Edit: this doesn't make any sense to me 'An optional SSD memory is required for recording.' - How can something optional be required?

[Keith Rollinson]

The SSD is for the Shogun/Ninja unit - not the camcorder. With the SW upgrade, 4K/60p can be recorded to an external device... like the Shogun/Ninja.

[Courtney Baynes]

This brought it to a new level! I am assuming that it is 8 bit 422 internally. I'm also thinking if it will be 10 bit 422 externally.

[Jim Nogueira]

Great news!

[Stein Onshus]

Thank you, it seems to be real now, great news.

[Jim Nogueira]

With the GH5 released, I imagine JVC felt they needed to update to stay competitive, but give credit where it's due. Bravo, JVC! LS300 still has the form factor advantage.

[John Vincent]

Very nice! Thanks for the update Duncan.

[Jay P. Kaley]

I'm curious about the excitement for this one, don't think it's something I'll get much out of because I don't generally shoot in 4k.

-Do you guys always shoot in 4k 30p 4:2:0, and now will always shoot in 4k 4:2:2?

I ask because I lean toward shooting in 1080 so I don't get the excitement as much I guess, I thought 10-bit was the next big step.

[Nick Haman]

I'm in PAL land so always shoot 4K25p - but I mostly shoot interviews with musicians, actors and directors, so for our library it's best to have it in 4K. That way we can use it well into the future. At the moment, we broadcast in 1080p. That also means, for now at least, we can crop into interviews to help hide any cuts or just to have a bit of variety in the composition, while still only using the one camera. Of course, 10bit would be fantastic, but shooting J-LOG in a 4:2:2 colour space will give even more room for grading, which is always nice.

[Noa Put]

At the moment, we broadcast in 1080p. That also means, for now at least, we can crop into interviews to help hide any cuts or just to have a bit of variety in the composition

Have you tried to crop in a 4K project? To my surprise that works just as well as cropping in a 1080p project if the source footage is 4K, I could not see any difference in IQ after cropping into the image.

[Nick Haman]

Wow that's cool. But no, I've not tried, we edit in a 1080 timeline so everything is extra crispy anyway haha.

[Jay P. Kaley]

Maybe I should shoot 4k more, one reason I don't is using the prime zoom, to me it counters the benefit of being able to crop in 4K. Also most of what I deliver is viewed on youtube or a computer so I don't know if the benefit is really there.


Theoretical question- Is an image shot in 4:2:2 1080p better quality than an 4K image shot in 4:2:0?

[Nick Haman]

Prime zoom is certainly an amazing thing. It's effectively the same as cropping in post though. The main difference is, if you do crop in post, it only works if your focus os dead on, but with prime zoom you have a bit of leniency to lock your focus during or after the zoom.

4K is better quality, as there are many more pixels creating the same image.
4:2:0, 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 describe the way the colour is recorded.

Here's a great video explaining it.

Ask Alex - The 411 on 4:4:4 - YouTube

The thing is if you're shooting 4K at 4:2:0, you're recording less colour but over more pixels. If you're down converting that to 1080 anyway, the colour blocks created by 4:2:0 (see video) get smaller and less noticeable, so it makes sense that you actually end up with a better colour to pixel ratio.

That last bit, I don't know for sure, I'm just going off my own understanding - please correct me if I'm wrong.

[John Vincent]

You'd think the 4:2:2 color space would be esp helpful if you were doing green screen work.

You'd also think it's give you a tad better ability to push around the grade if you were getting your look in-camera.