JVC GY-HM600 + GY-HM650

NAB 2012: JVC has launched two new handheld ProHD ENG camcorders, including one with built-in WiFi/FTP for shooting and relaying news back to the studio as quickly as possible.

The GY-HM600 is claimed to be “light, versatile and extremely easy to use” and “designed for fast paced ENG delivering exceptional imagery and features for news, sports, and independent production.” It promises good low light performance (F11 at 2000 lux), and has a 23x autofocus zoom lens.

It records HD or SD in multiple file formats, including native XDCAM EX (.MP4), Final Cut Pro (.MOV), and AVCHD, to SDHC or SDXC media cards. Users can choose relay mode for uninterrupted recording, or simultaneous recording to both memory cards for instant backup or a client copy.

“It sets a new standard of performance for handheld cameras with incredible optics, intuitive operation and the industry’s fastest shoot-to-edit workflow,” claimed Gustav Emrich, European Product Manager.

The GY-HM600 offers a 1.22-megapixel colour viewfinder and 3.5-inch LCD; a second trigger and servo zoom control on the built-in handle make it easy to record while holding the camera at low or high angles; while the Pre Rec (cache memory) feature continuously records and stores up to five seconds of footage to help prevent missed shots of breaking events.

It has: three 1/3-inch 12-bit 1920x1080 CMOS sensors; a built-in Fujinon HD lens with a focal range of 29mm-667mm (35mm equivalent), with manual focus, zoom, and iris rings; three ND filters; auto-focus with face detection; an optical image stabilizer; LANC remote connector; timecode input; plus HD-SDI and HDMI outputs.

There is a built-in stereo microphone plus two XLR inputs with phantom power and a shotgun microphone holder, as well as a headphone jack and separate input for a wireless microphone receiver. It is expected to ship in the Autumn.

GY-HM650

The GY-HM650 is based on the HM600 and will be available late this year. It can record full HD files on one memory card while simultaneously creating smaller, web-friendly files (1/4 HD – 960x540) on a second card. It has built-in FTP and WiFi connectivity to deliver the footage back to a station without a microwave or satellite connection. It also records .MXF files with metadata, optimized for asset management.

“With built-in web connectivity, simultaneous recording of a web-friendly video file, and .MXF files with rich descriptive metadata, the GY-HM650 is ideal for today's file-based workflows,” said Emrich.

[UPDATE: More than 500 of the HM650 camcorders have been bought by BBC News]

By David Fox