Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 at DVinfo.net

Chris Hurd · November 28th, 2016, 07:56 AM

It's a Cyber Monday deal from B&H. No idea how long it will last but $995 is an excellent price for the HM170 plus top handle / audio unit.

Run, don't walk, to JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit at B&H

Jim Nogueira · November 28th, 2016, 12:32 PM

Keep in mind that there is no SDI and no live streaming with this cam. Also, takes different batteries than the 200 and LS300. Otherwise, I would have jumped. Great deal for those who don't need the aforementioned stuff.

Lee Powell · November 28th, 2016, 01:11 PM

Even cheaper at Adorama, but the HM170 lacks J-log1 :(

Rob Katz · December 1st, 2016, 07:02 AM

that is such a TINY sensor compared to 1" or m4/3.

has anyone used this camera successfully and if so, can you please share your thoughts on the image quality?

thanks in advance.

be well.

rob
smalltalk.productions

Jeff Pulera · December 1st, 2016, 09:20 AM

Hi Rob,

I got my hands on a demo/loaner unit earlier this year and was not at all impressed with indoor video quality. This camera needs a lot of light or image is garbage.

The specs of the camera look fantastic, has all the right features, but in reality is very lightweight plastic in the hand and I thought the picture (indoors) was very poor. Sent it back.

I've seen video reviews where the camera was used outdoors in daylight and it can make very good images. Note it lacks proper ND filters for bright sun, so you'd have to purchase and screw them on as needed.

There is a funky issue with the lens where you lose several stops as you zoom in, so even in broad daylight, zooming in on distant subject makes a much darker image. Imagine this indoors with mediocre light for wedding, event, meetings, stage productions. Unacceptable.

Was helping a friend choose a new camera, steered away from the HM 170 and ended up with the Sony PXW-X70 unit, with 4K option. A well-built camera that feels quite solid in the hand, not light plastic. The 1" sensor makes absolutely amazing video!! Very happy with this camera.

I guess if you only plan to shoot outdoors, then the JVC is quite a bargain and would do the job (with ND adapters), but I would not consider it myself for indoor work at all.

EDIT: Sony has HD-SDI as well as HDMI out

Thanks

Jeff Pulera

November 28th, 2016, 07:56 AM	#1
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 It's a Cyber Monday deal from B&H. No idea how long it will last but $995 is an excellent price for the HM170 plus top handle / audio unit. Run, don't walk, to JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit at B&H __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

November 28th, 2016, 12:32 PM	#2
Jim Nogueira Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 487	Re: Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 Keep in mind that there is no SDI and no live streaming with this cam. Also, takes different batteries than the 200 and LS300. Otherwise, I would have jumped. Great deal for those who don't need the aforementioned stuff.

November 28th, 2016, 01:11 PM	#3
Lee Powell Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 133	Re: Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 Even cheaper at Adorama, but the HM170 lacks J-log1 :(

December 1st, 2016, 07:02 AM	#4
Rob Katz Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: new york city, new york Posts: 594	Re: Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 that is such a TINY sensor compared to 1" or m4/3. has anyone used this camera successfully and if so, can you please share your thoughts on the image quality? thanks in advance. be well. rob smalltalk.productions

December 1st, 2016, 09:20 AM	#5
Jeff Pulera Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 691	Re: Quite a deal: HM170 with audio unit, under $1000 Hi Rob, I got my hands on a demo/loaner unit earlier this year and was not at all impressed with indoor video quality. This camera needs a lot of light or image is garbage. The specs of the camera look fantastic, has all the right features, but in reality is very lightweight plastic in the hand and I thought the picture (indoors) was very poor. Sent it back. I've seen video reviews where the camera was used outdoors in daylight and it can make very good images. Note it lacks proper ND filters for bright sun, so you'd have to purchase and screw them on as needed. There is a funky issue with the lens where you lose several stops as you zoom in, so even in broad daylight, zooming in on distant subject makes a much darker image. Imagine this indoors with mediocre light for wedding, event, meetings, stage productions. Unacceptable. Was helping a friend choose a new camera, steered away from the HM 170 and ended up with the Sony PXW-X70 unit, with 4K option. A well-built camera that feels quite solid in the hand, not light plastic. The 1" sensor makes absolutely amazing video!! Very happy with this camera. I guess if you only plan to shoot outdoors, then the JVC is quite a bargain and would do the job (with ND adapters), but I would not consider it myself for indoor work at all. EDIT: Sony has HD-SDI as well as HDMI out Thanks Jeff Pulera