New JVC ProHD Mobile News Cameras: the GY-HM600 and GY-HM650

JVC has developed two new professional camcorders, branded as “Mobile News Cameras.” The GY-HM600 and the GY-HM650 are nearly identical handheld camcorders, designed for traditional HDTV broadcast productions as well as Internet distribution. Both cameras feature three Full HD 1/3” CMOS sensors and a Fujinon 23x zoom lens, with a 35mm equivalent of 29-667mm and separate controls for zoom, focus and iris. However, the GY-HM650 presents a clear advantage, with Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to upload footage directly to a remote server as an FTP client.

JVC’s FALCONBRID image processing engine enables a range of recording formats and modes, including MPEG-2 Long GOP at up to 35 Mbps and AVCHD. Plus, recording in the QuickTime MOV wrapper is a nice option for generating footage that is ready to edit in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and Media Composer. In addition, the GY-HM650 has an “Ultra High Quality” mode that records in the H.264 format at 35 Mbps.

The GY-HM650 also features dual codec processing, which can simultaneously record a Full HD file to one memory card and a Web-friendly proxy file to the second card. Moreover, the GY-HM650 can also transfer the smaller file—potentially faster than real time—to a website or file-sharing service. The GY-HM650 supports MXF files for embed metadata and interoperability with a wide range of broadcast workflows.

The GY-HM600 and GY-HM650’s recording features include Pre Record mode, variable frame rate recording, time code sync and interval recording. Pre Record—or Retro Cache—continuously stores up to 15 seconds of footage in temporary memory, which can be retroactively recorded when the camera operator presses record. Variable frame rate recording enables an “over-crank” or “under-crank” effect for slow or fast motion.

JVC rates both cameras’ standard illumination for F11 at 2000 lux. Frame rates include 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p or 24p when recording in 1920 x 1080, and recording in 1280 x 720 enables 60p. Other features include a 920K LCD monitor, a 1.22MP EVF, Dual XLR audio inputs, a built-in microphone and an auxiliary input for an optional wireless microphone receiver. Of course, the specs that really stand out are the GY-HM650’s built-in FTP capabilities and both cameras’ Fujinon 23x zoom lens, which is among the largest optical zoom ratios in its class.

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Camera
Image sensor	1/3" 2.2M pixels progressive scan 3CMOS
Synchronizing system	Internal synchronization
Stabilizer	Optical image stabilizer
Lens	Fujinon
Focal Length	4.1 - 94.3mm
35mm Equivalent	29 - 667mm
Max Aperture	f/1.6 - 3.0
Zoom Ratio	23x
Filter diameter	72mm
Shutter speed	1/4 to 1/10000
Gain	-6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB, Lolux, ALC
ND filter	1/4, 1/16, 1/64
LCD screen	3.5” 920K pixels, 16:9
Viewfinder	0.45” 1.22M pixels, 16:9
Video/Audio Recording
Recording media	SDHC/SDXC memory card Class 6/10 (x2, SD slot)
Video Codec	MPEG2 Long GOP(HD), AVCHD, H.264(SD)
Video File Format	MOV (HD/SD:H.264), MP4 (XDCAM EX), MTS (AVCHD), MXF (GY-HM650 only)
Recording mode	MPEG-2 Long GOP (60 Hz)
	HQ mode: 1920 x 1080/59.94i, 29.97p, 23.98p; 1440 x 1080/59.94i,
	1280 x 720/59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p
	SP mode: 1440 x 1080/59.94i
	MPEG-2 Long GOP (50 Hz)
	HQ mode: 1920 x 1080/50i, 25p, 1440 x 1080/50i
	SP mode: 1440 x 1080/50i
	AVCHD (60 Hz)
	HQ mode:1920 x 1080/59.94i, SP mode:1920 x1080/59.94i
	AVCHD (50 Hz)
	HQ mode:1920 x 1080/50i, SP mode: 1920 x 1080/50i
	SD (H.264) (60 Hz)
	720 x 480/59.94i (GY-HM600U/HM650U only)
	SD (H.264) (50 Hz)
	720 x 576/50i (GY-HM600E/HM650E only)
	Proxy (H.264) (60 Hz)
	LP/LV mode:480 x 270/29.97p, 23.98p
	Proxy (H.264) (50 Hz)
	LP/LV mode:480 x 270/25p
Audio recording	LPCM 2ch, 48 kHz/16-bit (MPEG-2 Long GOP/H.264), AC3 (AVCHD)
Interface
Video output	AV output (x1, 3.5mm mini jack)
	SDI output (x1, BNC)
	HDMI output (x1)
Audio input	XLR (x2, MIC,+48V/LINE)
	3.5mm mini jack (x1)
Audio output	AV output (x1, 3.5mm mini jack)
Headphone	3.5mm mini jack (x1)
Time code link	RCA (x1)
Remote	(1x, 2.5mm mini jack)
[HOST] Terminal	USB (x1, GY-HM650 only)
General
Power	DC 12V (AC adapter), DC 7.2V (Battery)
Power consumption	Approx. 12W (with VF and LCD monitor)
Operating temperature	32 ~ 104° F (0 ~ 40° C)
Storage temperature	14 ~ 122° F (-20 ~ 50° C)
Operating humidity	35 - 80%
Storage humidity	Under 85%
Dimensions	7 x 7.8 x 16.4" (178 x 198 x 416mm)
Mass	GY-HM600: approx 5.3 lb (2.4 kg)
	GY-HM650 including battery: approx 5.4 lb (2.45 kg)