4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

???4K????????????????GY-LS300CH????????4K/60p?????? | JVC

Apart from the new external recording options it also seems like the camera will be able to record 4:2:2 4k internally at up to 30p.


Via Google translate:

Business use 4K memory card camera recorder "GY-LS300CH"
About 4K / 60p correspondence by function enhancement

Enable external output of ~ 4K / 60p signal, realize recording solution compatible with 4K broadcast standard ~
Go to product information page
"GY-LS 300 CH"


JVC KENWOOD Corporation implements function enhancement by upgrading the version of "GY-LS 300 CH" for commercial use 4K memory card camera recorder currently on sale from JVC brand.
With this function enhancement, it is possible to output a frame rate 60p signal at 4K shooting, and in combination with the corresponding recorder, it will realize operation as a recording system compatible with the mainstream 4K broadcast standard for broadcasting business in the future .
In addition, this version upgrade is available by downloading the firmware "Version 4.0" (released from May 29 th) from our website and (free of charge) and installing it on the camera body.

Additional function by upgrading "GY-LS 300 CH"

Operation of recording system linked with external recorder is realized by adding external output of 4K / 60p signal corresponding to 1.4K broadcast standard

"GY-LS 300 CH" currently on sale has gained popularity as a camera system for 4K / 30p recording, but by applying this firmware, domestic broadcasting company companies set it as the standard of 4K broadcasting Also for 4K / 60p signals, it enables output from the main unit HDMI terminal. ATOMOS integrated monitor recorders "SHOGUN INFERNO" and "NINJA INFERNO" correspond to the recorded 4K / 60p signal recording * 1. In addition, the camera side is equipped with a dedicated REC trigger enabling recording control of "SHOGUN INFERNO" "NINJA INFERNO", realizing operation as a portable recording system.
※ 1: As of March 24, 2017. An optional SSD memory is required for recording.
2. 4: 2: 2 sampling record of 4K / 30p, 4K / 24p possible on SD card

Up to now, sampling at 4K recording was only 4: 2: 0, but with this version up, 4: 2: 2 sampling recording of 4K / 30p, 4K / 24p is possible on the SD card mounted on the camera It becomes ※ 2.
* 2: In the 4K 4: 2: 2 recording mode, the image output from the HDMI / SDI terminal is HD signal only.
3. Additional function addition

· It is possible to use it even when the camera operation by web browser is 4K / 30p (or 4K / 24p) recording. (Conventionally available only when recording HD).
· You can use the network function * 3 by connecting the machine to a computer or tablet via a network and using a web browser.

* 3: In the 4K network function effective mode, the image output from the HDMI / SDI terminal is HD signal only. Also, among various network functions, streaming function can not be used.
About ATOMOS "SHOGUN INFERNO" "NINJA INFERNO"

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

For me, the 4:2:2 4k is better news than 60p - although that's also nice, rent a recorder for the times you need 4K slowmo. This little camera seems to keep on giving. I've only had it for 6 months and already had a couple of valuable updates.

Edit: this doesn't make any sense to me 'An optional SSD memory is required for recording.' - How can something optional be required?

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

The SSD is for the Shogun/Ninja unit - not the camcorder. With the SW upgrade, 4K/60p can be recorded to an external device... like the Shogun/Ninja.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

This brought it to a new level! I am assuming that it is 8 bit 422 internally. I'm also thinking if it will be 10 bit 422 externally.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Great news!

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Thank you, it seems to be real now, great news.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

With the GH5 released, I imagine JVC felt they needed to update to stay competitive, but give credit where it's due. Bravo, JVC! LS300 still has the form factor advantage.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Very nice! Thanks for the update Duncan.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

I'm curious about the excitement for this one, don't think it's something I'll get much out of because I don't generally shoot in 4k.

-Do you guys always shoot in 4k 30p 4:2:0, and now will always shoot in 4k 4:2:2?

I ask because I lean toward shooting in 1080 so I don't get the excitement as much I guess, I thought 10-bit was the next big step.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

I'm in PAL land so always shoot 4K25p - but I mostly shoot interviews with musicians, actors and directors, so for our library it's best to have it in 4K. That way we can use it well into the future. At the moment, we broadcast in 1080p. That also means, for now at least, we can crop into interviews to help hide any cuts or just to have a bit of variety in the composition, while still only using the one camera. Of course, 10bit would be fantastic, but shooting J-LOG in a 4:2:2 colour space will give even more room for grading, which is always nice.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Have you tried to crop in a 4K project? To my surprise that works just as well as cropping in a 1080p project if the source footage is 4K, I could not see any difference in IQ after cropping into the image.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Wow that's cool. But no, I've not tried, we edit in a 1080 timeline so everything is extra crispy anyway haha.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Maybe I should shoot 4k more, one reason I don't is using the prime zoom, to me it counters the benefit of being able to crop in 4K. Also most of what I deliver is viewed on youtube or a computer so I don't know if the benefit is really there.


Theoretical question- Is an image shot in 4:2:2 1080p better quality than an 4K image shot in 4:2:0?

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Prime zoom is certainly an amazing thing. It's effectively the same as cropping in post though. The main difference is, if you do crop in post, it only works if your focus os dead on, but with prime zoom you have a bit of leniency to lock your focus during or after the zoom.

4K is better quality, as there are many more pixels creating the same image.
4:2:0, 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 describe the way the colour is recorded.

Here's a great video explaining it.
The thing is if you're shooting 4K at 4:2:0, you're recording less colour but over more pixels. If you're down converting that to 1080 anyway, the colour blocks created by 4:2:0 (see video) get smaller and less noticeable, so it makes sense that you actually end up with a better colour to pixel ratio.

That last bit, I don't know for sure, I'm just going off my own understanding - please correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

You'd think the 4:2:2 color space would be esp helpful if you were doing green screen work.

You'd also think it's give you a tad better ability to push around the grade if you were getting your look in-camera.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

JVC just published an official press release about he upcoming software:
JVC News Release -- New firmware for GY-LS300 adds 4K 4:2:2 recording and 60p output

WAYNE, NJ (April 19, 2017) – JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, today announced the Version 4.0 firmware upgrade for its popular GY-LS300CH 4KCAM Super 35 handheld camcorder that increases color resolution to 4:2:2 in 4K mode recording and expands Ultra HD (3840x2160) output to include 60/50p. JVC will demonstrate the new capabilities during the 2017 NAB Show (Booth C4315), which runs April 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Version 4.0 provides 4:2:2 (8-bit) 4K recording at 24/25/30p onboard to SDXC media cards. In addition, IP remote function will now allow remote control and image viewing in 4K. When using 4K 4:2:2 recording mode, the video output from the HDMI/SDI terminals is HD. The Version 4.0 firmware upgrade is free of charge for all current GY-LS300CH owners and will be available in late May.
The GY-LS300CH will also now have the capability to output Ultra HD at 60/50p via its HDMI 2.0b port. Through JVC’s partnership with Atomos, the GY-LS300CH will operate seamlessly with the new Ninja Inferno and Shogun Inferno monitor recorders, triggering recording from the camera’s start/stop operation. Plus, when the camera is set to J-Log1 gamma recording mode, the Atomos units will record the HDR footage and display it on their integrated, seven-inch monitors.
“The upgrades included in our Version 4.0 firmware provide performance enhancements for high raster recording and IP remote capability in 4K, adding even more content creation flexibility to the GY-LS300CH,” said Craig Yanagi, product marketing manager, JVCKENWOOD. “Seamless integration with the new Ninja Inferno will help deliver 60p to our customers and allow them to produce outstanding footage for a variety of 4K and UHD productions.”
JVC and Atomos will also collaborate on a special promotion when the GY-LS300CH and Ninja Inferno are purchased together at participating resellers.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

This is such good news! Even though it is still 8 bit, users of this camera now have the opportunity to stretch the limits of grading! Nice work JVC! Also I'm hoping they announce a new cinema camera like the rumors allude to.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

What's very pleasing is watching a company continuing to support a product, especially when that product didn't light the world on fire.

Gives confidence to buyers, not just of the LS300 but for future cameras as well. So props to JVC.

Still saving my pennies for a used one.... unless something spectacular happens this week at NAB (which I doubt).

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

The LS300's new and used price is holding steady around $2500 on both Amazon and Ebay. When the Panasonic AF100 started to falter, its resale value dropped dramatically over a few months, from over $3000 to less than $2000. Panasonic's neglect and exhorbitant firmware upgrade policies made it clear that they'd abandoned the AF100 years before it was officially discontinued. JVC's generous and proactive firmware upgrade campaign has made a world of difference in demonstrating their ongoing commitment to this camera.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

I've been trying to download the update but the JVC site won't recognize my camera model; as...

GY-LS300CHU

I haven't had this problem before, so I must be doing something wrong...

Any suggestions?

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

The v4 firmware isn't out until the end of May AFAIK.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Thanks, I discovered that immediately after posting...

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Yup - I wouldn't consider buying it w/o those upgrades, at least of two which have been significant.

Maybe it's because JVC has traditionally not worried so much about the indie market but rather TV stations, or maybe they're just that much different then their brother division Panasonic, but paying attention to those firmware updates has been great to see.

I couldn't agree more about the AF100: Panasonic vastly over-sold the capacities of that camera and worse, when some of the deficiencies came to light, they did nothing to address them. And the AF-100 was a very expensive camera when it debuted - something like $5,000 if memory serves.

So a win for everyone - current owners, future buyers, and JVC themselves.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

While at a Boston area pro video trade show today, I asked Ken Freed, a JVC District Sales Manager, about this 4K60 firmware upgrade. Ken indicated there may be a slight delay in the release of this software. It may be available in June instead of May 29th.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

We paid around that in Canadian funds for an AF100 on release. It was indeed exceptionally disappointing at times and I could never really get over the shockingly bad highlights. It has some pluses - and set us up perfectly for the LS300. On the other hand, the AF100 is built like a tank, and the LS300 feels like it'll snap apart (it won't - but it's something that still crosses my mind.)

The JVC has its own shortcomings, but considering the price and JVC's on-going support it's really hard to fault. 4k 4:2:2 is just a fantastic addition - we've used it for a bunch of Chroma-key work without issue and I hope this will just make it that much more pain-free.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

It's May 30th...I guess the firmware 4.0 update is not ready? Would be nice if JVC would put out a statement about when it will be released.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Read comment #24.

Re: 4k60p firmware release - May 29th 2017
 

Really interested to see the qualitu. I didn't purcjase the camera nrcause I thought 430 jlog files were basically ungradable