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World’s First Compact High Definition 3-CCD Camcorder with Interchangeable Lenses
Interchangeable lenses with standard bayonet mounting is just one of many features which makes JVC’s new ProHD camcorder a truly professional acquisition tool. As such it sits comfortably in Europe’s predominantly PAL, standard definition production environment, yet can respond also to the increasing calls to provide high definition footage. The GY-HD100 will be on show for the first time at this year’s NAB show in Las Vegas.
In Europe JVC already enjoys the predominant share of the shoulder-style professional camcorder market, and the recently launched GY-DV5100 is set to keep JVC in that No. 1 position. Now, with the launch of its innovative professional compact device, JVC seeks to take up an equally dominant position in the professional video sector for lightweight camcorders.
In the professional camcorder arena lightweight and compact-sized usually means a modified consumer model. However, JVC has taken a completely fresh approach in designing their ProHD professional 3-CCD camcorder model GY-HD100. ProHD itself builds on the strengths of the worldwide high definition standard of HDV adopted by JVC, Sharp, Sony and Canon. By adding to this standard a mix of professional features in the areas of timecode and audio, the GY-HD100 has been designed from the outset as a camcorder strictly for serious video professionals.
More than that, because these same video professionals will be called upon increasingly to produce programmes in high definition video as well as in standard definition, JVC has designed this particular camcorder to respond equally well to both calls. Furthermore, when in standard definition DV, the GY-HD100 has the flexible feature to generate video in either native 16:9 or in 4:3. The high performance levels are due in part to the three CCDs with square pixels and a true native 16:9 resolution of 1280 x 720 as well as to the high speed and sheer power of its progressive video processing engine.
Specially developed by Fujinon for this new 16:9, 1/3” CCD is the new 16xzoom lens which comes fitted as standard to the GY-HD100. This lens has full and precise manual control of all lens functions and utilises mechanical end stops. A wide-angle converter is available for the 16x lens, or a dedicated 3.5mm wide-angle, 13x lens can be fitted. An adaptor from JVC gives the cameraman the facility of using existing ½” lenses.
Still on the subject of lenses, JVC introduces a new patented feature called HD Focus Assist which not only makes focussing even more precise, it also reduces the time needed to achieve focus. It works by exaggerating in the viewfinder the edge detail of the part of the subject that is in focus. A further time-saving feature for the cameraman is the removable SD memory card on which different customised camera settings can be stored for different styles and types of shooting. The cameraman can utilise the same settings on another camera by simply swapping the memory card.
In responding to the needs of cameramen and editors alike, a feature of particular significance is the inclusion of a removable hard disk drive accessory in its new ProHD range. One obvious benefit is that recording durations, in both standard and high definition, can be longer than the 60 minutes of the miniDV cassette. The hard disk can be set to record either sequentially or in parallel with the tape cassette. It also allows automatic buffering of seconds or even minutes of video so that the start of the action is always captured. Time-saving is another advantage of the removable disk, which becomes an operational NLE source within seconds of being removed from the camcorder. There is no other system available at any price level in high definition video that offers this rapid editing facility.
Returning to the GY-HD100 camcorder itself, its magnesium die-cast body and intelligent ergonomic design make it stable and comfortable for on-the-shoulder shooting, while its light weight makes it equally manageable for off-the-shoulder use.
The GY-HD100’s HDTV recording format is selected from 720p/25, 720p/24 and 720p/30 and the 625 PAL recording format from 576i/50 and 576p/25 in either 4:3 or 16:9. From the progressive 720p native recording, the on-board converter provides in real time a further array of signal types from which to choose. These signals are not only delivered in realtime but also free from artefacts. In high definition they are 1080i/50, 1080i/60, 720p/60 and 720p/50 and in standard definition 625 PAL they are 576i/50 in either 4:3 or 16:9.
If the preference is for film-like video the GY-HD100 should be switched to record natively in 720p/24. The resultant recording can then be seamlessly blended in with material originated on 16mm or 35mm film.
Other professional features of the GY-HD100E are the two XLR audio inputs which record high quality digital audio, with independent control of each channel.
“JVC has designed the GY-HD100E to deliver true professional quality video recording in a compact body” said Semir Nouri, product manager for JVC Professional Europe. “For the first time, truly professional features like manual zoom and focus control, with mechanical end-stops, have been implemented through the innovation of interchangeable lenses on a compact camcorder, small enough to be handheld. Professional users no longer have to compromise. The GY-HD100 ProHD camcorder is one more development to emphasise JVC’s position as the leading innovator of professional-grade video equipment within the reach of most budgets.”
30th March 2005
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