I just received this in an email from Martin Kravagna at IBC. Translated:

Thunder weather, there stands nevertheless at the JVC conditions of the IBC in Amsterdam already the new entering he model of JVC Profesional, which could go through exactly the same as Top model of the Konsumerliga. It reminds [us] in the form at the first Hp-Boliden of JVC, which JY-HD10, with which JVC introduced a HDV booming at that time with the Semiprofis.

It is a genuine Leichtgewicht Camcorder, which would be to be served also still without Schulterstützen and wrist cramp and is clearly smaller, than for instance the Panasonic beginner HMC151.

Much was over the model advised for in the middle of 2009 not yet to experience - also not whether it will give a abgespeckte Konsumerversion. The 3-Chip-Modell is to remain faithful also for the 720p-Format, which will be safe to find in the 25 and 50p-Variante.

The two SDHC Card modules on the very clearly arranged broadside were extremely remarkable. Thus it is clear that the commitment of JVC might not in the future only lie in the SxS range. 72 Giga Günstigspeicher [affordable memory], perfect a 2-Kanal-Soundabteilung with manual rejection, manual glare and time adjustment at the tail and a abnehmbarter handle including clay/tone department. Much more was not to be recognized. As price JVC indicates - Professional a conception between 3000 and 4000 euros.

I wonder if it is being released through the Pro division or consumer or variants for both (as with HD1 and HD10?) I can't quite see if it carries the ProHD logo.
I hope they will have 720p24 in the North American version.

In "English" (according to babel.yahoo.com)

Considerações Steve worthy! Your translation of the Japanese is thus very logical that a whale on rad three. Who corner German to finish in superior part in it? E wasn' ; t it right to more simply give to us to the heart it and not uninterpreted of the translation?

George/

Any idea where we can get any more information on this unit? There's very little info in his press release.

This the only link I can find.

VIDEOAKTIV DIGITAL - die Zeitschrift fr aktive Filmer - IBC-Studie: JVC mit Mini-Profi-Cam (http://www.videoaktiv.de/200809141941/News/Camcorder/IBC-2008-JVC-mit-Mini-Profi-Cam-Camcorder-News.html)

ProHD label seems to likely to mean MPEG-2. At 19Mbps, HDV can certainly go to SD cards just like AVCHD at 17Mbps. I think JVC would be crazy not to offer 24p -- although 25p/30p is proven to be useful when the end product is not film -- which increasingly is the case. 30p nicely goes to 60i Blu-ray and the net.

My real questions are three chips or one? CCD or CMOS?

And, does it include a tape transport?

Thanks for the link.

Looks like tapeless acquisition. I can't see any tape carriage, but then guessing specs from an image is always dodgy!

My first questions are;

What is JVC's aim here?
Is supposed to be an EX3 rival or something?
Why no 1080p?
What's the chip(s) and what size is it?
What on earth is it and why?

The heading says that this is an entry level camcorder from JVC Pro which also fits into the best 'Prosumer' bracket. This to me implies that this is indeed a Prosumer camera aimed at both markets to increase sales?

Who knows!? What is certain is that a little speculation is always fun!

Maybe it also has a built in coffee machine! That would be nice.

Was this on public display in JVC's booth at IBC?

I know some words in german and this is what I could understand from the german magazine

It is a 3 chip camcorder

720P/25 and 50

I think "72 Giga-Günstigspeicher" means 72GB memory and you can also use SDHC-Card

Manual Aperture

ProHD label seems to likely to mean MPEG-2. At 19Mbps, HDV can certainly go to SD cards just like AVCHD at 17Mbps. I think JVC would be crazy not to offer 24p -- although 25p/30p is proven to be useful when the end product is not film -- which increasingly is the case. 30p nicely goes to 60i Blu-ray and the net.

My real questions are three chips or one? CCD or CMOS?

And, does it include a tape transport?

Wow, thanks Steve!

I have waited 4 years for the successor to my JVC GR-HD1 (and thanks for the manual years ago).

1. The picture in your post says 3 CCD on the side of the camera.

2. Judging from the design of the old HD series (which looks incredibly similar), the area where the tape used to go is now too small for a tape transport mechanism and dosen't appear to have the switch to open the tape door.

3. This is a compact camera compared to the XH-A1 for instance.

It almost looks a little too much like the old camera. Same zoom rocker switch and similar looking controls.

I still can't wait to hear more since I prefer 720P.

I just received confirmation that this mystery camera is indeed on public display in the JVC booth at IBC.
There is no official press release but JVC Europe staff are answering questions.

Is anyone at IBC today who could go on a fact-finding mission? I'd like to see some better photos, especially a frame from the top with a hand or those SD cards to determine the size.

PURELY speculation but the three position gain switch on the front left leads me to believe this is a pro-sumer/light professional as opposed to a full consumer model. Great find! Interesting stuff coming from JVC these days...

Moved from JVC Pro Hd to Industry News... at least until we can find out more about this camcorder.

Wow, I'm having bad HD10 flashbacks! I think if the camera is fully manual and has better controls + 24p, it may actually be a winner.

Heath

This camera was on display at IBC. The staff was very mysterious about it though. What I could see:

- 2 XLR inputs
- ND filter
- 3CCD logo on the side, but the spokesman said it would be CMOS (???), 1/3" CCD
- no info about framerates and resolutions, but 720p will be there
- 1 ring on the front (focus and zoom?)

....The staff was very mysterious about it though....because they truly have no more information. The camera has no model number yet.

The camera is showing publicly at IBC but not at the front. You have to ask a JVC representative to show you the camera, or just ask where the refreshments are then look at you right hand side :)

By the way, I am not sure it was mentioned here but JVC is apparently not any more under the Panasonic umbrella. It was sold to Kenwood not so long time ago.


Thanks.

Johnnie

And, does it include a tape transport?

If they want it to wear the official HDV logo it has to have either a mini-dv or full size dv cassette transport. But I'm guessing that may not happen here.

-gb-

It has a ProHD label so I guess JVC can do whatever it likes. I really think it is tapeless because that gives it a "different from Sony" marketing niche.

I think it's been clear since HDV that Sony and JVC feel comfortable -- which is critical in Japan -- working together. IMHO the original Beta vs VHS battle indicated that both companies feel they are leaders in technology -- while everyone else is second string.

My experience of JVC in Japan and Asia is very different than here in the USA. The USA took very quickly to Sony Trinitron TVs while Asia went for JVC audio equipment. Then when S-VHS came out -- it failed in the USA, but was the norm in Japan. You can't believe the monster editing VTRs JVC built for the Japanese consumer. Essentially pro VTRs in gold colored boxes. About $3000 each! Plus $500 for an edit controller.

Sony finally responded with DVE boxes and edit controllers in the early `90s, but America was switching to computers and almost none of their wonderful equipment came to the USA. Just like today -- BD recorders are sold in Japan for recording HDTV, but none of these get to the USA.

Mysterious? Sounds like the JVC staff at NAB 2003 with the HD10. My friends went there specifically to see it, but they had very little info and the footage shot appeared to be an afterthought.

heath

then that's a good thing, if it has the same imager as the 110 - 250 series, then it's the perfect B camera, especially as when you kit out the 251 for example, and you got matte box and drdh100 etc, it's quite a long beast, and tricky to use in confined spaces, if you had the 'jetpak' then you could timecode lock etc it'd be a treat, hope they have with SDI as well so then you'd have the SDI monitoring and can use this like the XDR. If they go a step further and have interchangeable lenses like the new Sony, then we could share lenses with out existing cameras!

JVC was not sold to Kenwood but it was merger: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/digital-video-industry-news/97607-jvc-merging-kenwood.html

Kaushik

I hope this is a real product by JVC. There is certainly very little information about it.

I will never understand the reasoning to keep new product releases of this type a total secret.

I hope this is a real product by JVC. There is certainly very little information about it.

I will never understand the reasoning to keep new product releases of this type a total secret.

It's been in the works for awhile. I expected it would be announced for shipping at IBC. So this looks like it will either be a surprise in the fall of 2008 -- or it's for NAB 2009.

If it's really the HD10 box -- and its really 3 CCD -- then they fit the whole optical block into the space of a single 1/3-inch CCD. However, the "3 CCD" label could be a fake-out.

I'd be very happy with a single SONY EXMOR CMOS chip. A 4 megapixels with Bayer filter delivers a true 1280x720 image. EZ to clock at 48, 50, and 60Hz.

As an HD7 user the flip out screen appears to be about the same size as the HD7 as does the lens hood, focus ring and lens barrel mounted stereo mic. Switches on left side of lens appear to be an on/off ND filter, three position gain, a zoom/focus for the single ring, focus assist as per HD7 and others I can only guess at.

Rear photos shows more HD7 similarities including battery position, rear bottom flaps to expose input/output plugs, rec and on/off photo/video switch. Only thing I don't see that I would miss are handle mounted rec and zoom controls. Handle appears to be removable.

No idea what that extra cable on right side is, and the large viewfinder looks to tilt up.

Bottom line being I will wait for this before upgrading from my HD7. If it has some kind of OIS or EIS that actually works and has low lite along the lines of even just the Sony 12 then this is my next cam. The fact it has a real zoom rocker, two sd slots is very cool and if it really does shoot 720/60p I will soil myself.

The fact it will be small is perfect for me as I run & gun for upwards of 14 hours a day every weekend and the thoughts of having to go to something the size of a big Sony or Canon is not one I cherish, and has been a large reason why I have stayed with my HD7. It's not perfect, but nothing is. My 7 has served me very well and made me a lot of money.

I also hope it is ccd/TOD not cmos/avchd as right now I love editing native TOD files in Edius.

Larry Pfister
Horsepower Heaven Videos
Horsepower Heaven Homepage (http://www.horsepowerheaven.com)

Newsdetails: Film-TV-Video (http://www.film-tv-video.de/newsdetail.html?&uid=37487&no_cache=1)

Newsdetails: Film-TV-Video (http://www.film-tv-video.de/newsdetail.html?&uid=37487&no_cache=1)

Thanks for the link, I couldn't read it, but did see some good photos.

It looks to me like this will be a very interesting "lower level" Prosumer range camera. I say this in comparing it to another new tapeless Prosumer camera, the Panasonic HMC-150 ($3,499) which has a lot more features.

I bet this will be a $2,999 USD or lower price point camera.

Features that appear to be "lower level" Prosumer

1. The ND switch has an on/off position. Better than nothing, but at least 2 or 3 positions are needed.

2. The single ring on the lens barrel apparently is both the zoom and focus as there is a switch that says zoom/focus. There is a zoom rocker switch on top, so you could leave this on focus all the time. The HD-1/HD-10 at least had zoom & focus on the lens barrel.

3. No iris ring as far as I can see.

4. Same built in mic as on the HD-1. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Why waste money on a built-in mic, but this mic is very poor especially compared to an XH-A1. I know, I have a HD-1.

If the price is right, this will be a nice camera. Above $3,000USD, there are many better options. We will see. Im gonna get a HMC-150 to play with in the meantime.

Mac Video has posted a video interview with Semir Nouri, Product Manager for JVC Europe... Mostly it's about JVC adapting SxS BUT the start of the video is all about this camera MacVideo - Camera Technology - Features - JVC adopt SxS and show off surprise professional palmcorder (http://www.macvideo.tv/camera-technology/features/index.cfm?RSS&ArticleID=105571)

A crude translation of a page on the camera is:

Translation result for http://www.film-tv-video.de/newsdetail.html?&uid=37487&no_cache=1 (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-res&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.film-tv-video.de%2Fnewsdetail.html%3F%26uid%3D37487%26no_cache%3D1&lp=de_en&btnTrUrl=Translate)


It should be interesting to see the JVC Booth at the upcoming DV Expo in LA November 5 - 6. I wonder if they'll have anything more to say or show about this camera or if we have to wait until NAB 2009?

Bob Diaz

It should be interesting to see the JVC Booth at the upcoming DV Expo in LA November 5 - 6. I wonder if they'll have anything more to say or show about this camera or if we have to wait until NAB 2009?

I don't know if this adds anything, but the JVC booth at HD Expo in Burbank had the camera.

I talk to an assistant sales or marketing director from the New Jersey office. He was taking "wishlist" requests from people about the camera.

He did say the "guide" model for the camera was the Canon XH-A1, and he said the JVC camera was planned to meet and in many cases exceed the specs of the A1. If that refers to mechanical controls and the ability to use scene files as well as electronic specs, I don't know.

He specifically asked me if I was happy with the idea of recording on SDHC cards. I said yes, but this seemed to be something being considered.

I specifically said I was looking for a small camera to match to my HD110, and he said the new camera was suppose to shoot all the JVC ProHD formats plus 1080i. (However, he did not specifically say anything about 720p60.)

I don't know if both SD slots are for recording video, or if one might be for scene files, etc. I also didn't hear as to whether there was internal memory or not. It would be great if there were 72 gb as suggested above. That's several hours recording time.

Aside from format, one of my interests was the small size, since I already own an XH-A1. I'm looking for a camera to shoot narrative programs for the web, so we can look like tourists during shooting. (There are some great locations of all sorts that lend themselves to such a production style.)

He said the camera should be introduced at NAB 2009.

He asked me what I would be willing to pay. I said the price range of the XH-A1 would be okay for me. He said they were aiming at $4000 or less (which is what the A1s is) as MSRP.

Wow, thanks for sharing, Jack. I'd be thrilled to have an SD card recording camera capable of 60P that cuts well with my 200s that I could throw on a smaller Steadicam or similar, and use as a point of view camera when I don't want to risk my 200s or in colder weather (it gets colder than -40 up here in winter). Also, a lens that goes wider than the stock 16 x 5.5 would sure be nice.

Dec. 15 BandPro in Burbank is having a show and JVC is supposed to be there. I'm going, and I will see if there is any more info on the new, small camera.

Might also be some new info in JVC's booth at Govt. Video Expo next week in WDC.

Looks like this camera made it's debut tonight... GY-HM100 Intro Video (http://pro.jvc.com/pro/attributes/CAMERA/clips/itspossible.html)

Can record XDCAM-EX to SDHC in Quicktime codec. Under $4K. Editblog posted some specs. http://www.scottsimmons.tv/blog/2009/01/07/jvcs-new-camera-is-worlds-first-with-quicktime-format-support/

Here’s the translation:

Selling the HD memory card camera recorder �GY-HM100� for business (http://66.196.80.202/babelfish/translate_url_content?.intl=us&lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jvc-victor.co.jp%2Fpress%2F2009%2Fgy-hm100.html)
Translated version of http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2009/gy-hm100.html (http://66.102.1.113/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2009/gy-hm100.html&usg=ALkJrhj5Jb8lO30qlffWC7460IdtvO0bbw)

So it’s pretty much the HD equivalent of the Canon GL2.

The US website is up... JVC Professional Features page (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101845)
Turns out there are two cameras coming: the GY-HM100 and "Compact shoulder form facter" camera GY-HM700...

There is also a press release on the page:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JVC introduces New Final-Cut-Pro 6™-Ready Solid State Camcorders
Next Generation ProHD Camcorders Natively Record Quicktime for Apple's Final Cut Pro Directly to SDHC Memory Cards

Wayne, NJ (January 8, 2009) -- Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) further expands its ProHD camcorder line-up by introducing two professional solid state camcorders, the industry's first to store files in the native Quicktime format for Apple's Final Cut Pro™ onto reliable and inexpensive SDHC media cards.

The compact hand-held GY-HM100 3-CCD camcorder is introduced in January 2009, while the compact shoulder GY-HM700 is scheduled for introduction in February 2009. Both camcorders record 35Mbps high definition video and uncompressed audio directly to inexpensive SDHC media cards in the native Quicktime format used by Apple Final Cut Pro™.
Product Concept

The growing trend in the professional video market is to record directly from camera to solid state memory, and the current leading solutions have made the workflow quite expensive for most users, relying on proprietary media and file formats. In addition, compatibility with major non-linear editing (NLE) systems requires codec converting or re-wrapping format files, a process that significantly slows down the post production process. Professional users are yearning for a simple, fast solution that allows instant editing of recorded material without file conversion, and a media cost approaching the economy of tape.

To meet this demand, JVC has adopted the Apple QuickTime file format for Final Cut Pro. And, to keep media costs as low as possible, JVC selected the reliable yet inexpensive SDHC media card—one of the most widely-used solid state memory cards on the market today.
“We are pleased to support a seamless experience for professional videographers working with Final Cut Studio 2,” said Hiroyuki Takekura, Managing Director of JVC's Professional Systems Division. “We expect that pro video users will find huge workflow benefits as this optimized workflow bridges the gap between production and post production tasks."

“For the first time, Final Cut Pro editors are able to work with a camcorder that records video as native QuickTime files, eliminating the need to transcode or re-wrap prior to editing,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “With the combination of JVC's new camera and Final Cut Studio 2, the industry’s leading video production suite, the promise of file based acquisition can finally be realized.”

GY-HM100 / GY-HM700 Common Features

Industry’s first native support QuickTime file format for Apple’s Final Cut Pro
Both camcorders natively record the file format used by Apple QuickTime for Final Cut Pro. Video clips are dragged directly from the storage media onto the non-linear editor's timeline, eliminating the need for transcoding that can consume excessive time and disk space while maintaining original first generation image quality.

Enhanced MPEG2 Long GOP Encoder
Drawing from its experience in developing encoders currently used in broadcast applications, JVC developed a proprietary codec capable of providing highly efficient compression up to 35 megabits per second, a bit rate supporting full 1920 x 1080 encoding in the HQ mode. This results in recorded images of extremely high quality. MPEG2 long GOP encoding is the most widely implemented broadcast standard compression and is currently supported by all popular editing systems and broadcast servers. Additionally, both cameras can record 720p (19/35Mbps) and 1080i (25Mbps) in SP mode, assuring compatibility with today’s most popular professional NLE systems.

SDHC Media Card
Both units record on widely available SDHC memory cards, presently available in capacities up to 32GB. The cameras provide 2 memory card slots, for a total of up to 64GB of on board storage—enough for up to 6 hours of continuous HD recording. The cameras automatically begin recording on the second card when the first card is full. Also, unlike other professional solid state media, the per-minute cost of SDHC memory is comparable to professional video tape. Moreover, SDHC media becomes the first practical solid state solution for physical archiving.

GY-HM100 Features

Ultra-Compact 3.0 lb. Handheld Form Factor

The GY-HM100 is the smallest professional format 3-CCD camcorder available at about the size of a lens for a 2/3-inch imager camera. This makes it ideal for applications where a full size camera would be impractical, such as tight quarters and operating in potentially unsafe situations. For a smaller footprint and less conspicuous shooting, the handle can be easily removed and the audio can be recorded via the built-in 2-channel microphone.

Three ¼-inch Progressive CCDs
Three newly developed ¼-inch progressive scan CCDs provide rich, accurate colors. The red and blue pixel locations are spatially off-set relative to green, enabling the sampled luminance information to be significantly increased in both horizontal and vertical directions. This results in higher resolution images compared to prior CCD designs. To separate primary colors, JVC has incorporated a high quality - glass prism and a proprietary mounting technology.

Fujinon 10:1 Zoom HD Lens
The GY-HM100U utilizes a high definition lens by Fujinon, a world leader in HD lens technology. This lens features three aspherical elements. In addition, the lens surface has a new Electronic Beam Coating (EBC) that greatly reduces degradation caused by light reflecting off the lens surfaces, leading to greater light transmission and reduced flaring and ghosting. To protect the lens, a flip-in cover is integrated in the lens hood, eliminating the need for an external cap.

Focus is controlled manually or automatically. A smooth servo zoom is controlled with a conventional rocker on the handgrip, or manually with the lens ring. For close-up shooting, a macro mode allows for shooting subjects as little as 2-inches away from the lens. Exposure (iris) is manually or automatically controlled, allowing the shooter to adjust the depth of focus by selecting the appropriate F stop. In the manual iris mode, the current F stop value is displayed in the viewfinder.

Professional controls and layout
Despite its size, the camera's hand grip has an ergonomic shape, accommodating hands of all sizes. Control and switches are placed with professional users in mind. To conserve space, a single ring is used for both manual focus and manual zoom. Additional manual controls include white balance, shutter, gain, and audio levels.

Additional GY-HM100 Features

* Newly designed JVC’s original Optical Image Stabilization
* JVC patented Focus Assist
* Color viewfinder and LCD display
* 2-Channel balanced audio inputs, mic/line switchable with built-in phantom power supply
* HDMI output
* USB 2.0 interface
* The GY-HM100 is scheduled for delivery in April 2009, with a list price under $4,000.

Preliminary GY-HM700 Features

1. Compact shoulder form factor of less than 4 kg (8.9 lbs.) in operation
2. High quality 1/3” progressive 3CCD with unique JVC’s H/V spatial offset
3. Newly developed 14x high-quality interchangeable lens by Canon
4. Newly developed high-quality LCOS viewfinder
5. Newly developed large LCD display
6. Double-memory hybrid recording system using optional KA-MR100G SxS memory card recorder
7. HD SDI output, SD down-convert capability over IEEE 1394 interface, USB 2.0 interface

The GY-HM700 is scheduled for delivery in March 2009. More details will be released in February 2009.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
JVC Professional Products Company, located in Wayne, New Jersey, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of broadcast and professional equipment. For more information about this, or any other JVC Professional Products Company product, contact JVC at (800) 582-5825; or Steven DeRosa at PFS Marketwyse 973-812-8883, ext. 259 or visit JVC’s Web site at JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY (http://www.jvc.com/pro).

[Notes]
Apple and Final Cut Pro are trademarks of Apple Inc.

I'm very impressed and can't wait to check it out! Full HD, 3 sensors, XDCAM EX technology; very nice, JVC.

heath

Looks very, very interesting. Especially the shoulder-mount.... though I'm a bit surprised they haven't moved up to 1/2" chips.

I wonder if you HAVE to use the QT wrapper?

If this 1/3" inch is more than EX1 then it would be a mistake....

I wonder if you HAVE to use the QT wrapper?

No, you can also choose to record on another 35Mbps MPEG2 Long GOP platform that's widely available today.

I have to say giving the cameras the option of using the EX codec was an excellent move by JVC.

read the specs its only 1/4 inch chips:( Is there a shoulder mount version?

The HM100 is the 1/4"-chip handheld camera.
The HM700 is the 1/3"-chip shoulder mou nt.

So could the shoulder mount be a HD251 with SD card slots. They mention using H&V pixel shift on the sensors, so unlikely to be 1920x1080 native sensors. I wonder whether the new 1/4" and 1/3" sensors can really achieve the kind of resolution we are seeing from cameras like the EX1/3. I hope they at least get close as I could really do with a smaller camera than my EX1 to replace my aging Sony HC1.

I'm also wondering about low-light sensitivity. I like my HD100, but it really wants a lot of light compared to my old PD150. I'd love to be able to ditch the on-camera lights when shooting indoors.

One of the reasons I was hoping JVC would jump to 1/2" chips.

the HM100 would be a nice B cam for the EX1/3! I'm curious about the HM700's "interchangable lens" by Canon. Could it be the EF interface or B mount like the EX3?