GY-HM600E, the new camcorder from JVC

 

 

 

 

JVC has announced the immediate availability of its new GY-HM600E camcorder, the entry-level model of the new ProHD generation; a generation of handheld, solid-state cameras intended for news, sports and independent production recording.

The GY-HM600 series was already introduced last April, during NAB 2012, and is the first JVC series (of camcorders) to incorporate 3 Full HD sensors.

Main characteristics

Among the most outstanding features are its built-in 23X zoom lens and its great ability to work in low-light environments, thanks to its excellent sensitivity: F11 at 2000lux.

It is a camera designed to be versatile, so it is light (weighing 2.4Kg) and manageable, so it can be used both in scenes on a tripod or shoulder camera. The integrated handle has a second shutter release and servo zoom control, to make it easier to record while holding it at high or low angles.

The camera has a 1.22 Megapixel color viewfinder and a 3.5 inch LCD panel, located next to the microphone, next to the handle.

And now let’s get to the inside, which is what matters. The GY-HM600E is equipped with 3 CMOS sensors, 1/3″, with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), and 12 bit signal processing.

Its Fujinon optics offers a wide focal length of 19-667mm, equivalent to 35mm, and features manual focus and zoom and three rings for diaphragm adjustment. It also includes 3 ND filters: 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64.

Other features include an autofocus function with face detection and an optical image stabilizer.

Recording modes

It records on SDHC or SDXC cards, which are not included, Class 6 or 10; and is capable of recording in various file formats:

– MOV: in HD or SD and does so with the H.264 codec.
– MTS: AVCHD
– MP4: XDCAM EX.

 

For specifications on the recording modes with each of them, please refer to this page.

It also has a repeat recording mode on two SD cards (two slots are available), so that a backup or a copy for the client can be obtained immediately.

Its PRE REC (retro cache) mode can store up to 20 seconds of recording in the cache memory continuously, preventing loss of material if there is any problem.

Connectors

The camera has HD-SDI and HDMI outputs, and includes an input for timecode synchronization. There is also a LANC connector for remote control and it is compatible with JVC’s 7″ monitor for studio setup.

Sound

It incorporates two XLR inputs with phantom power, a built-in stereo microphone, a clip for an optional shotgun microphone, an additional input for a wireless microphone receiver and headphone jack.

JVC has announced that it will soon release another new camera in this series, the GY-HM650. It has similar specifications, but is capable of generating files in two codecs simultaneously, so it will allow proxies to be created. It also includes an FTP function and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Here is a video presentation of the GY-HM600 series:

Its introductory offer price is 3.995€ (+VAT), although with online purchase it is 3.820€ (+VAT).