Hands-on review: JVC GY-HM100

Solid-state camera records to SDHC cards in QuickTime native format


| Macworld UK |

Hands-on Review, JVC GY-HM100

In January 2009, JVC dropped a bombshell by announcing the GY-HM100. This light-weight professional camera records high quality native QuickTime files direct to solid-state media which can then be edited straight away inside of Apple's Final Cut Pro. There is no need to transcode or change the files from one format to another. The media is ready to edit immediately, either from card or by bringing the files straight into Final Cut Pro.

The GY-HM100 supports all major HD signal formats including 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080 and 1280 x 720.

document.write('');

This is a professional camera featuring XLR audio inputs with phantom powering; records uncompressed high quality audio; features full manual modes of operation, and is light-weight and discrete, and capable of delivering high quality HD images.

The GY-HM100 is capable of recording a variety of frame-rates, including:

35Mpbs

25Mpbs

19Mbps

1920 x 1080/60i

1440 x 1080/60i

1280 x 720/60p

1920 x 1080/50i

1440 x 1080/50i

1280 x 720/50p

1920 x 1080/30p

  

1280 x 720/30p

1920 x 1080/25p

  

1280 x 720/25p

1920 x 1080/24p

  

1280 x 720/24p

1440 x 1080/60i

    

1440 x 1080/50i

    

1280 x 720/60p

    

1280 x 720/50p

    

1280 x 720/30p

    

1280 x 720/25p

    

1280 x 720/24p

This new camcorder is revolutionary in that it records direct to SDHC card in a file format ready for immediate editing within Final Cut Pro.

Verdict

The JVC GY-HM100 is a great little camera, providing full manual control, a range of formats to shoot with instant editing for Final Cut Pro editors. For such a small camera the images shine as being something exceptional. The camera performs admirably in full automatic, with manual control accessible, though somewhat fiddly to access compared to larger cameras. With the ability to record in HQ or SQ modes, one can get a total of up to five hours recording using two 32GB SDHC cards. The availability of this camera propels JVC to the forefront of video acquisition and stands up to cameras produced by the other major players in the acquisition game.

Submit this entry:

back to index