If JVC was going to offer a firmware upgrade, it would have done so. Things like the lace of frame lines is purposeful.

JVC made a miscalculation on the HM700 with the MP4 hobble it put on that camera, and it had to make a change to keep customers (and really annoying early purchasers who got duped into buying the SXS add-on).

The hobbles on the HM100 don't fall into the same class and won't be changed, I predict.

Contrary to other things JVC said, the HM100 was an adaptation of a previous consumer model, and the design flaws were inherited or the adapted body wasn't suitable for more reasonable accommodation.

However, it is also likely the JVC designers working on the HM100 are not top notch, and thus some of the problems.

Also, even though JVC has a history of being "first" in some areas (first HD camcorder), it also has a history of being inferior to offerings from other companies such as Sony and Canon (again, first HD camcorder).

Of course, even the big guys can take shortcuts, such as the sound problem on the PD150. However, in this case, the camera was revolutionary and bullet-proof enough that an aftermarket fix was developed. I doublt anyone will take the time to hack the firmware on the HM100 to fix some of those problems.

Canon has dealt with a problem on the XH-A1 in a straightforward and honest way... the hand strap anchor that breaks free under constant use. Canon put out a notice and is fixing any cameras without any kind of a run-around.

Whether it's the designers level of skill and fore thought, a cost saving problem, or what, JVC seems to built in a few major problems with each model, such as the too easily blown firewire port, impossible to change fuse, and always break viewfinder on the HD series. Not to mention the inferior 16x lens... a lens that is way less good than the built-in lens in competing prosumer camcorders selling for less (Sony cameras, XL-Hx, etc.)

The JVC standard seems to combine an innovative vision with unnecessary design flaws and insulting hobbles.

I am sorry, and I realy dont want to drag this thread away from its original direction. But I feel it is turning into something of a witch hunt. I cant believe that every one here has purchased an HM100 for 3k without satisfying themselves that is would meet their needs, and expectations. As I said before, the camera does fall short in some areas. But I, for one was more than aware or these shortfalls before I purchased. An analogy, I need 4 wheel drive vehicles to work on my shooting ground, I dont go out and buy a sports car, then moan about it not being any good in woodland and rivers. I buy the vehicles, ie, equipment that will do the job for me. I know a camera that ticks all the boxes, (well most of them), its called an EX1, and it costs over twice as much as an HM100. I use them both, together regularly, and am more than happy with the results from both cameras.

Colin, not everyone lives where you can just test the camera. For me it's about 2 hour drive to the nearest dealer. I had a test scheduled for this camera, but JVC was very slow to ship to this part of the US- they were shipped several weeks after B&H already received them. So with a project scheduled I had to buy it from B&H, have it shipped here, set it up and go on a shoot. A lack of 1/120 shutter speed is like buying a 4x4 truck just to find out it doesn't have a transfer case. Also inability to screw filters on and off is like buying a car without wheels- doesn't get you very far. Like I mentioned before- these are issues I would like to see resolved, some of them are just a matter of firmware update. JVC was very vocal prior to the release of HM100, I find it very interesting none of them is addressing these issues at all.

Points taken, Robert. I agree, as I have said in previous posts, that the design and functionality of the camera could be improved on a great deal. But having said that, a lot of people reading this thread are being put off by only the negative points of view of the cam. I to, would welcome any firmware updates to improve on an otherwise superb little camera, that gives amazing picture quality.

I agree with all the drawbacks on this camera, especially the zoom ring and rocker zoom, lanc control and something like making OIS a "User" definably button. I guess I have small fingers, I don't really have trouble putting in a filter and removing it, I just carefully drop the filter in place, and screw it on. We are all left speechless on why the filter thread is recessed, perhaps the 46mm thread is only meant for the wa lens and the lens hood 72mm is meant for filters?

For me, even with these drawbacks, and comparing to the other camcorders in the current market, I would buy this again in a heart beat!

JVC - I'd like one of your consumer based cameras to record in .mov at the same rates/modes as the HM100.

I need 3 cheaper cameras to abuse in difficult conditions and it is very hard to record at 50p with the HM100 as no consumer cameras will do this etc etc etc, I don't want to strap a £2800 camera to the chassis of my vehicle as I drive across sand dunes ;-)

Please make my life easier so you have the large HM700, medium sized HM100 and then a smaller consumer based camera or two all recording in the same formats etc!

A good list of requested enhancements.

To add to Andy's list I'd say extra focus aid would be good. The HM100s aid is quite good but sometimes doesn't work for me. I'd like to see focus magnification as in the Sony HD cameras.

With regards the HM100 in general, I don't have the same problems that some others seem to have with this camera. Its got limitations but then so does everything else. It's small, light, it shoots full HD in progressive and it does QT to SDCard – nothing else fits the bill at this time. I'd like to see JVC improve it and continue their commitment to challenge the big three in HD cameras.

This thread has remained unchanged since November 2009. In this thread their are lots of excellent suggestions for JVC to implement in a firmware upgrade, yet, here it is February of 2010 and not one improvement on the original camera.

I am really disappointed with the effort JVC is putting into this product. Compared to Sony or Panasonic, who continually upgrade the EX and HPX lines, the sound of silence from JVC is deafening.

Just my two cents.

Dan, we're always looking into making our products better, but there is a difference between implementing new features and a firmware upgrade.

When products are brought to market, they are built to perform within specifications where all of the components are capable of operating at a optimum functional level.
Firmware upgrades are designed to provide improvements to performance, and we've released a number of since the introduction of our camcorders. I hope you've been able to implement them as most of our users have.

Feature additions and changes are more complex and entails all aspects of the operation as well as the physical capabilities of the product. There are instances where certain features cannot be combined with others. As a reference point, the implementation of the XDCAM EX codec and .mov file wrapping capability is extremely complex.

Yes, this is an over-simplification, but I hope you understand the core of the message.

In my view, contrary to popular beliefs, there is no "conspiracy theory" about manufacturers holding back technology willfully. Having worked for two professional product manufacturers, one of them being Sony and managing the DVCAM line as well as the launch of HDV, I can tell you that the product engineers and designers ALWAYS "give it their all" to bring a model to market to the best of their ability. This is the same understanding and respect I give to all professional product manufacturers.

We really appreciate the constructive input being provided by the participants of DVInfo as it has given us invaluable feedback and insight for our future product design and feature implementation. I believe the progression from the GY-HD100 to the HM Series is a good indication of how far we all have come.

And, yes, we are constantly working to bring a better product to market. Thanks very much for your ongoing interest and support.

Sincerely,
Craig

Thank you Craig for replying with a well thought out explanation. You have reassured me that JVC does indeed listen to it's customers.

The previous 4 pages of this thread indicate many requests and I acknowledge most of them fall outside of the "firmware" upgrade path. They are actual modifications or additions to the original design.

My gripe with JVC has to do with the speed control of the zoom lens. It is virtually impossible to predict the outcome of the zoom speed making it difficult to "pull" the zoom at any speed other than "full out". I need some way to preset the zoom speed. This is a basic function of any prosumer grade camcorder and an absolute necessity for working professionals. Given that the HM100U has three ways to control the zoom (stick, ring, and rocker), it is hard to fathom why the zoom control response curve is so tight.

That's it. The flimsy threads for the filters, no LANC port, low light performance, all of these items I knew about when I bought the camera - and for these items I accept responsibility. But the zoom control issue cannot possibly be "within specs" and it needs to be addressed in a firmware upgrade or as a warranty item.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Yours truly, Dan Thomson

Dan, I contacted the product team in Japan and inquired about the zoom function. The zoom function specifications are tied to the capabilities of the mechanisms you've identified, and the specs cannot be altered. The finite zoom action that you mentioned is something we'll be looking into in our future product design, as well as the other suggestions that have been posted throughout this thread.

This reply may not be satisfactory, but please know that we are aware of the request for a zoom action that has greater control with definable parameters.

Thanks very much again for your interest in the development of our camcorders.

Sincerely,
Craig

Thank you Craig for taking the time to address this question. The result may not be the best, but at least I can move on with the product. I hope that you continue this type of dialogue in the DVinfo forums as it goes a long way to building and maintaining brand loyalty.

Sincerely yours,
Dan Thomson

Move to HM100 Forum
 

Tim, can you move this sticky over to the new HM100 forum?

Thanks.