JVC's new GY-HM750 ProHD

JVC Professional will be showing its latest GY-HM750E ProHD compact shoulder-mount camcorder at BVE 2011. It is claimed to offer "the industry’s fastest shoot-to-edit workflow by recording native HD or SD footage in ready-to-edit file formats on low-cost SDHC memory cards."

It uses the same 3-CCD imaging system as the GY-HM790E, JVC’s ProHD flagship camcorder, and records HD in 720p, 1080p, and 1080i, as well as SD (576i) at selectable data rates up to 35 Mbps.

It has a dual card slot design that records to SDHC cards and/or an optional SxS recorder. This had been requested by customers and allows simultaneous recording to both SDHC cards, for instant backup or client copy.

Users can record in ready-to-edit file formats for Apple Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere (.mov), or as Sony XDCAM EX files (.MP4). For standard definition work, it can also record DV files (.avi or .mov).

Building on the modular approach of the GY-HM790E, the GY-HM750E includes a 68-pin chassis connector for a clean, direct interface to various modules. The new KA-AS790 ASI output module, for example, provides a direct feed from the camera to a satellite uplink or microwave transmitter via BNC, ideal for broadcasting live HD from the field. The GY-HM750E automatically switches to low-latency mode (less than 300ms delay) when the module is in use.

JVC has also improved its Pre Rec (cache) feature, which continuously records and stores footage in cache memory and helps prevent missed shots of breaking events, which now stores 20 seconds. Other features include variable frame rate recording, extensive image customisation, a high-resolution (1.22 million pixel) LCOS viewfinder and 4.3-inch flip-out LCD monitor, and JVC’s Focus Assist. It also has two XLR audio inputs with phantom power, plus manual audio level controls with an audio meter.

The GY-HM750E includes a Canon 14:1 zoom lens, but accommodates any lens with a 1/3-inch bayonet lens mount.

Because it uses CCDs instead of CMOS sensors, it doesn't suffer from any rolling shutter effects (such as skew or flashes from photographers covering only part of the frame). Combine this with its 20-second cache, quick workflow, and reasonable price (about £6,000) and it seems to be one of the best choices for news or event coverage - CNN bought 177 of its little brother, the HM100 for news use.

By David Fox