JVC Introduces First Handheld CamcorderTo Record Native Final Cut Pro Files

JVC Professional Products Co. has formally announced the GY-HM100 ProHD camcorder, the industry’s first professional handheld camcorder to record files directly to solid-state media in the native format of Apple’s Final Cut Pro editing system. For the first time, recorded material can be edited directly from the solid-state memory card, dramatically reducing the amount of time required to edit programs. The camera met with rave reviews when it was previewed at the Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet at Macworld in January.

“Traditionally, camera manufacturers have designed their products expecting NLE vendors to conform to proprietary or generic file formats, resulting in an extra and often time-consuming step when preparing to edit,” says Craig Yanagi, national marketing manager for creation products at JVC. “Files created in the GY-HM100 can be edited immediately without conversion. It’s truly the first camcorder designed for postproduction.”

With the development of the new GY-HM100 ProHD camcorder, JVC offers versatility, quality, and value in a handheld, professional 3-CCD format that is both easy to use and on par with broadcast cameras. The GY-HM100 delivers high-bandwidth recordings at 1080p, 720p, and 1080i on affordable SDHC Class 6 memory cards. Weighing 3.1 lbs., the GY-HM100 packs performance and features that until now were found only in larger, more expensive models.

With three progressive-scan CCDs, a newly designed 1080p digital signal processor, and JVC’s proprietary 35-Mbps MPEG-2 encoder, the GY-HM100 outperforms other professional handheld camcorders, delivering rich, accurate colors and full 1920×1080 images in the HQ mode. Additionally, the GY-HM100 can record 720p (19/35 Mbps) and 1080i (25 Mbps) in SP mode, ensuring compatibility with professional NLE systems.

The GY-HM100 comes equipped with an integrated high-definition Fujinon 10:1 lens, which provides manual and automatic control of focus and aperture. The lens features three aspherical elements and a new Electronic Beam Coating that reduces degradation caused by reflection off the lens surfaces. A flip-in cover is integrated into the lens hood, eliminating the need for an external cap. With the addition of JVC’s patented Focus Assist, achieving focus is fast and easy. The macro mode and user-adjustable depth of field supplement the wide array of manual controls available.

The GY-HM100 also boasts tapeless recording to dual SDHC Class 6 memory cards, allowing up to 64 GB of on-board storage — enough for up to 6 hours of continuous HD recording. The added benefit of dual memory slots is that less expensive, smaller-capacity cards can be used, while still offering the combined longer recording time. The camera automatically begins recording on the second card when the first card is full. Unlike with competing proprietary solid-state media, the cost per minute of SDHC media is comparable to professional videotape but with significantly less space required for physical storage.

Workflow through post is streamlined by the GY-HM100, which incorporates JVC’s Native File Recording technology, which stores video in the ready-to-edit format used by Apple’s Final Cut Pro. The .mov files created in-camera can be dragged onto the NLE timeline without conversion or rewrapping. The camera also stores files in the ISO Base Media File Format (.MP4), compatible with all major non-linear–editing systems.

Two channels of uncompressed LPCM audio are available with manual level controls and audio meter. Balanced XLR inputs with phantom power are provided on the handle for an external microphone and/or wireless receiver. A 2.8-inch LCD display, in 16:9 aspect ratio provides a wide array of monitoring and setup indicators. Infrared wireless remote and the ability to capture 2-megapixel still images from either a live grab or recorded video round out the camera’s many features.

The GY-HM100 is scheduled for delivery in April 2009 priced at $3,995.

For more information and high-resolution photos of JVC’s GY-HM100, please visit JVC’s Website, http://www.pro.jvc.com/HM100.