JVC GY-HMQ10 4K Compact Handheld Camcorder

The groundbreaking JVC GY-HMQ10 4K Compact Handheld Camcorder is a one-of-a-kind camera that employs 4K imaging. It features the Falconbrid high-speed processor for advanced video applications. There's one Falconbrid engine for de-matrixing raw data in real time, while another handles H.264 encoding and formatting into the required MPEG4 format. The GY-HMQ10 uses a single 1/2.3" CMOS 4K sensor, which provides 3840 x 2160 images that are four times the resolution of Full HD cameras and monitors. With single sensor sensitivity, the camera works well over a wide range of lighting conditions. It also simplifies the optical design, which results in more precise images with minimal aberration. Plus, the 3840 x 2160 resolution supports a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio as well.

The GY-HMQ10 uses 4K progressive recording at 144Mbps in the MPEG-4/H.264 format. 4K recording separates the image into four different quadrants and then each quadrant is recorded onto its very own SDHC memory card. After you've finished your shot, all four memory cards are accessed in sync so you can view back your footage in the ultra high-resolution 4K mode. You can also use the software to combine the four separate quadrant files into a single file that is compatible with 4K editing systems. Ideally, you want to play back 4K footage on a native 4K monitor or projector. There are even a few LCD panels that support 3840 x 2160 resolution through 4K inputs.

Usually, 4K monitors have four inputs - one for each recorded quadrant. The GY-HMQ10 conveniently features four HDMI ports for connecting to the 4K monitor's four HDMI inputs. If you only have a Full HD 1920 x 1080p monitor to view your footage, then the GY-HMQ10 sends a down-converted HD signal via a single HDMI interface. The nice thing about having such incredible resolution is that you can window off sections of the image on your screen and blow them up to Full HD resolution with incredible detail. This function is called Full HD trimming because you're cutting out a window of 1920 x 1080 footage to blow up and display on your HD monitor.

The camcorder itself supports both 4K recording and AVCHD 1920 x 1080p recording for more flexibility. While you're shooting, the GY-HMQ10 has a 3.5" LCD touch panel display to frame you shot or you can use the 0.24" viewfinder as you shoot. Both have a 16:9 aspect ratio. For professional audio, the GY-HMQ10 records two channels of 16Bit audio sampled 48kHz. In 4K mode the camera uses the AAC format, while the HD mode uses the AC3 format. To facilitate external connections, the GY-HMQ10 is equipped with dual balanced XLR ports that support 48V phantom power as well. There's also a built-in stereo microphone. Since achieving exact focus in 4K mode is very critical, JVC included a Focus Assist function, which turns focusing into a fast, easy and accurate process.