JVC HMZ1 ProHD 3D camcorder

JVC unveiled its new GY-HMZ1 ProHD 3D camcorder at NAB, and demonstrated its 4K technology in the smallest ever 4K camcorder.

The HMZ1 is an integrated 3D twin lens design powered by JVC’s new Falconbrid large-scale integration (LSI) chip for high-speed processing of HD video. It can simultaneously record each left and right image in full 1920x1080 resolution.

The handheld camcorder features dual 3.32-megapixel CMOS sensors – one for each lens – and delivers 34 Mbps AVCHD recording in 3D (17Mbps AVCHD for each lens) or 24 Mbps in 2D. Video can be recorded with timecode at 60i or 50i to provide smooth motion (for sports and other fast action) or 24p (probably 25p for European market) for a film-like effect. The GY-HMZ1U can also capture 3D time lapse and 3D digital stills.

“With the new GY-HMZ1U, video production professionals get true 3D with full HD resolution,” said Craig Yanagi, JVC's national marketing and brand manager. “3D production can be extremely complex, but JVC’s new ProHD camcorder makes 3D more accessible to independent filmmakers, commercial and corporate production houses, and even educational markets.”

Equipped with an advanced image stabilizer, the twin F1.2 HD lenses offer a 5x optical zoom in 3D or 10x in 2D. Video is recorded to SDHC or SDXC media cards or to the camera’s built-in 80GB internal memory. The 3.5-inch colour LCD touch panel offers glasses-free 3D viewing and built-in tools like zebra pattern (for checking exposure). Other professional features include a handle with dual XLR microphone inputs and a shotgun microphone mount (mic optional).

The GY-HMZ1 will be available in the Autumn, priced under $2,500. In the meantime, JVC's GS-TD1 full HD 3D consumer camcorder is already available.

4K roadmap

The Falconbrid chip is not only useful for 3D, but also for higher resolution 2D work, and JVC was showing two prototype 4K cameras.

The new LSI enables processing, encoding, and recording of 4K2K images, which have four times the resolution of full HD. However, the cameras are not necessarily planned to become products, but are seen by JVC as a way to find out exactly what users want.

“JVC continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation in our industry. Our new LSI technology can handle data-intensive acquisition, which opens the door to exciting possibilities for the production community,” said Bob Mueller, executive vice president and COO. “Over the next few months, JVC is going to invite innovative cinematographers and other production professionals to help us develop 4K cameras, 3D cameras, and other products that deliver outstanding images and improved workflows at an affordable price point.”

With advanced image codecs and other technologies assembled in a single chip, the new LSI’s camera signal processing enables real-time RGB debayering of 8.3 megapixel video at 60 fps. Plus, the LSI requires 40 percent less power and, compared to previous LSIs, cuts systems costs in half. The result is a high-level processor suited to a wide range of professional products – and with all hardware and software integrated into a single platform, products using the LSI platform can be commercialized quickly.

By David Fox