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JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit

BH #JVGYHM170UA • MFR #GY-HM170UA
128 reviews
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JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit
Key Features
  • 1/2.33" CMOS Sensor
  • Ultra HD 4K 24/30p Recording at 150 Mb/s
  • 4:2:2 1080p Video up to 60p at 50 Mb/s
  • Dual SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slots
4K is no longer reserved for theatrical cinema presentation; it is in demand at all levels of production. With Ultra HD recording, the GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit from JVC is designed to fulfill the requirement for professional functionality. It offers ND filters, custom-assign buttons, and professional audio inputs with manual gain control in a form-factor closer to a consumer camcorder. The camera records 3840 x 2180 UHD 4K in 24 or 30p, at a bit rate of 150 Mb/s, encoding the file in an .MOV-wrapped H.264 codec. With two SDHC/SDXC card slots, the camera supports dual, backup, and continuous recording. Besides 4K, it can also record 1080p at up to 60 fps in an 8-bit 4:2:2 50 Mb/s .MOV file, or in AVCHD for compatibility with consumer editing software.
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JVC GY-HM170 Overview

4K is no longer reserved for theatrical cinema presentation; it is in demand at all levels of production. With Ultra HD recording, the GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit from JVC is designed to fulfill the requirement for professional functionality. It offers ND filters, custom-assign buttons, and professional audio inputs with manual gain control in a form-factor closer to a consumer camcorder. The camera records 3840 x 2180 UHD 4K in 24 or 30p, at a bit rate of 150 Mb/s, encoding the file in an .MOV-wrapped H.264 codec. With two SDHC/SDXC card slots, the camera supports dual, backup, and continuous recording. Besides 4K, it can also record 1080p at up to 60 fps in an 8-bit 4:2:2 50 Mb/s .MOV file, or in AVCHD for compatibility with consumer editing software.

For monitoring, there is a flip-out LCD screen with a 920,000-pixel panel, plus a 0.24" viewfinder with 1.56-megapixel resolution—the latter being especially helpful when working in bright daylight. For an external monitor, connecting to a live switcher, or recording video externally, there is an HDMI port with live 4K output. The included top handle audio unit features two XLR audio inputs for use with external microphones, offering switchable Mic/Line/Mic +48 inputs with independent gain control. It attaches to your camera's accessory shoe and secures with a slotted thumbscrew. It features electrical contacts on its foot that enable audio signal transmission to the camera without any cable required. An accessory shoe and shotgun mic clamp are available on top.

Camcorder
Ultra HD 4K Recording at 150 Mb/s
With dual card slots, the GY-HM170 is capable of recording UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) to either SDHC or SDXC cards that are at least UHS-I Class 3 or faster. It records at a bit rate of 150 Mb/s, encoding the footage in an .MOV-wrapped file suitable for editing in a number of applications.
Live 4K Output through HDMI
You can output 4K live through the HDMI port for monitoring or connecting to a 4K switcher or external recording system. The HDMI port also allows you to preview previously-recorded content in its full Ultra HD glory.
Also Records in HD
Since you may still need to deliver in HD, two HD codecs are offered as well. There is an .MOV-wrapped 50 Mb/s format that gives you 4:2:2 color space for compliance with many broadcast standards, as well as an AVCHD setting for shoots where file size takes precedence, or the footage needs to be edited using consumer editing software that only supports AVCHD.
Dual Recording
Two SDHC/SDXC memory card slots support the following modes:
  • Dual recording: Recording a high resolution "master" to one card and a low resolution "proxy" to the other
  • Backup: Recording the exact same format to both cards
  • Continuous: Once the first card fills up, the camera rolls over to the second, allowing you to shoot indefinitely
Viewfinder and Flip-Out LCD
The 3.5" LCD panel features a 920,000-pixel resolution, while the 0.24" viewfinder—great for outdoor shooting—has a 1.56 million-pixel resolution. A focus assist overlay can be enabled when using either display to help ensure critical focus—essential when recording 4K with manual focus.
24x Dynamic Zoom
Taking you beyond the 12x optical zoom is dynamic zoom. Although this is a type of digital zoom, it can take advantage of the fact that the sensor is over-sampled, enabling a seamless transition from optical to dynamic with minimal quality loss.
Two-Position ND Filter
Helping cut light to enable the use of a slower shutter speed for more natural motion blur, the ND filter offers two settings, 1/4 and 1/16, plus Off.
Nine User-Assignable Buttons
User-assignable buttons allow you to program infrequently accessed settings so you don't have to dive into the menu every time a change is needed. When unassigned, these buttons revert to their default settings, which are helpfully labeled alongside each number.
Output
The camera incorporates an HDMI output, and standard definition video is available through the AV port.
Top Handle Audio Unit
XLR Inputs
The top handle unit incorporates two 3-pin XLR inputs that allow you to attach balanced microphones or wireless audio inputs. Each input supports line, microphone, and mic +48 selections with independent gain control for accepting input from different audio sources.
Camcorder Connection
The top handle attaches directly to the camcorder, which provides power for the top handle. Electronic contacts on the top handle audio unit and the camcorder obviate the need for a connecting cable, which makes using the top handle simple and reliable to set up and use.
Mic Clamp
The top handle incorporates a microphone clamp and accessory shoe.
UPC: 046838070853

JVC GY-HM170Specs

Key Specs
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 12.4 Megapixel
Effective: 9.03 Megapixel
Image Sensor
1/2.33"-Type CMOS
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Internal Recording Modes
H.264
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [70 to 150 Mb/s]
MOV 4:2:2
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps [35 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 59.94 fps [35 Mb/s]
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 50/59.94 fps [28 Mb/s]
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC [U3/V30 or Faster Recommended]
Video I/O
1x HDMI 1.4 Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
Battery Type
JVC BN-VF823
Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 12.4 Megapixel
Effective: 9.03 Megapixel
Image Sensor
1/2.33"-Type CMOS
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Built-In ND Filter
Mechanical Filter Wheel with 2-Stop (1/4), 4-Stop (1/16) ND Filters
Capture Type
Video Only
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Electronic Rolling Shutter
Shutter Type
Electronic Rolling Shutter 
Shutter Speed
1/10000 to 1/4 Second
Gain
0 to 24 dB (Native)
30 to 36 dB (Expanded)
Lens
Focal Length
4.6 to 56mm (35mm Equivalent: 29.5 to 354mm)
Optical Zoom Ratio
12x
Max Digital Zoom
24x
Maximum Aperture
f/1.2 to 3.5
Filter Size
62 mm
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes
H.264
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [70 to 150 Mb/s]
MOV 4:2:2
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps [35 to 50 Mb/s]
1280 x 720 at 59.94 fps [35 Mb/s]
AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 50/59.94 fps [28 Mb/s]
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
MOV: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC [U3/V30 or Faster Recommended]
Video I/O
1x HDMI 1.4 Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
Audio I/O
2x XLR 3-Pin Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Input
Power I/O
1x Barrel Input
Other I/O
1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Control Input
Wireless
No
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic (LCOS)
Size
0.24"
Resolution
1,560,000 Dot
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Manual Focus
Environmental
Operating Temperature
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Storage Temperature
14 to 122°F / -20 to 50°C
Operating Humidity
30 to 80%
Storage Humidity
85%
General
Battery Type
JVC BN-VF823
Power Consumption
8.1 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
6 x 4.4 x 11.8" / 15.3 x 11.2 x 29.9 cm
Weight
2.4 lb / 1.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.5 x 11 x 9.99"

JVC GY-HM170 Reviews

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What's the max sd card you can use for this ...

What's the max sd card you can use for this camera?
Asked by: Sean
JVC does not currently list a Maximum card size for the JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder. The largest size should be 512GB. SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card BH #SA512GBEPSD
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2023-08-10

question

Whats your opinion on the HM170UA vs the Canon XA20. Obviously the canon is only HD.I like the touch screen for focus and facial recognition. I'm mainly looking to film weddings.So low light is a concern and accurate focus. Can anyone voice an opinion on these questions / concerns?Thanks!
Asked by: John C.
The impression I get with this camera is that it is a deal. It has features that just a few years ago were impossible to get at all, let alone under $1300. It has XLR mic inputs, 4K, 4:2:2 1080p Video up to 60p at 50 Mbps, built in ND filters, and independent gain control. Those features are a steal in this price range. It appears however that the videographer has to bring skill for shooting in low light. You have to recognize the difference between low light and bad light. No camera is going to make bad light look good. Be ready for using an on camera light. You do not have to use it full blast, just enough to a pleasant low key exposure. The Canon XA20, on the other hand, has big fans for it's quality of manufacture, features, reliability and image quality. If you do not want 4K, that might be the way to go.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Can you remove and replace lenses on this model?
Asked by: Anonymous
The lens is removable. Not sure what's out there to replace it with.
Answered by: TOM B.
Date published: 2023-08-25

question

WHAT BATTERY DOES THIS MODEL USE ?
Asked by: Anonymous
Currently, we sell four batteries that this camera can use. As you go up the pay scale, the longer the battery lasts.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

ax100 or this?
Asked by: RSI T.
The Sony FDR-AX100, B&H # SOFDRAX100, has a larger 1 sensor that will give you a better performance in low light situations. However, the HM170UA is considered a professional level camcorder that adds XLR inputs for connecting higher quality microphones and has more manual controls on the camera body itself. It will really just be a matter of which features you prefer.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

I wrote a review of this camera that has never appeared here !!! ????
Asked by: Al
Beware: On my replacement HM170UA the lens hood still doesn't fit correctly. When you attempt to put it on you have 3 choices: It can fit crookedly (at an angle) which looks bad, or it fits with the short sides of the hood on top and bottom so it looks funny but does work but unacceptable for a professional. Or you can not use the lens hood at all which means the lens is not protected in case of fall. Why B&H is not posting my full review is suspicious. Could this camera have flaws and that's why it's on sale. Calling JVC will get you the run around.
Answered by: Al H.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Can you record 4k and use HDMI Out at the same time?
Asked by: Brandon W.
yes I have a HDMI monitor used at the same time while recording 4K, works fine.
Answered by: Richard N.
Date published: 2018-08-26

How do you replace the CR 2025 battery?

How do you replace the CR 2025 battery?
Asked by: Rex
It’s a little tricky, but the replacement (spare) battery just snaps in at the back of the camera.
Answered by: Phil
Date published: 2020-12-31
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