Nice Video Overview of the Upcoming 600 Series Cameras

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Shaun Roemich

Told Craig if they produced a 1/2" version, I'd buy three of them. Making sum total of all 1/2" versions sold worldwide... 3!

If we used 1/2" imagers, a 28-667mm lens would be too large and long for a handheld (hint)...

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Glen Vandermolen

Plus, it has F11 sensitivity, which if I'm not mistaken, is better than the 1/2" EX1/3s.

Our internal testing showed that the actual sensitivity was closer to F12. The European version of the GY-HM600 which runs at 50Hz is spec'd at F12.

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Glen Vandermolen

Does anyone know if the HM600's XDCAM video can be viewed on a computer with Sony's XDCAM viewing program?

We are licensed by Sony for the XDCAM EX file recording, so there shouldn't be any compatibility issues.

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by George Kilroy

When I bought the 700 it was a toss up with the EX1 (just before the 3 came out) and the deciding factor for me was the ergonomics; the 'natural' feel on my shoulder and ability to hold steady something I found difficult with the EX style of body.

George, the HM700 Series camcorders are extremely successful models for JVC Professional for the exact reasons you've mentioned, and also for two other key elements, workflow and media. These models have and continue to do very well in broadcast, corporate and education. We've established ergonomics as one of the main design considerations in our camcorders, including the new GY-HM600 and GY-HM650, without compromising on features or performance.

JVC will continue to listen, observe and research what products and features should be brought to market to fill the void for professional photogs such as Phill, Chris and yourself.

We also want to keep Don smiling when he picks up a JVC...

- Craig

[Glen Vandermolen]

Originally Posted by Craig Yanagi

Our internal testing showed that the actual sensitivity was closer to F12. The European version of the GY-HM600 which runs at 50Hz is spec'd at F12.

That is ....amazing.
If you need volunteers to do some beta testing, I'll volunteer!

[George Kilroy]

Thanks for taking time to read my comments Craig. Yes as well as the form factor, the cost of media has been a real positive compared with the EX's SxS system. At first I was somewhat dubious of the robustness and reliability of SD cards but I can honestly say that in over two years of operation and hundreds of hours of use it has never been an issue. Only once did I have a heart stopping moment when power was pulled whilst it was still recording. When I switched back on there was a 'problem with media' warning but the 'repair media' function sorted it out.

[Glen Vandermolen]

Originally Posted by Craig Yanagi

If we used 1/2" imagers, a 28-667mm lens would be too large and long for a handheld (hint)...

Hmmm...this is intriguing. Hinting at a new form factor, or a bigger sensor camera?

[Shaun Roemich]

Originally Posted by Craig Yanagi

If we used 1/2" imagers, a 28-667mm lens would be too large and long for a handheld (hint)...

Perhaps I'm looking after your bar tab at NAB at the <location deleted> next year...

It WAS great chatting with you and I look forward to seeing if I can remain a JVC user, given my business considerations...

Hint huh? Hmmmmm....

[Craig Yanagi]

Okay, before we fly off the handle, the comment was made to infer that a larger sensor would require a longer, larger lens to obtain the same focal length, such as a 1/2" sensor (hint). So, to keep the same real estate, with a longer zoom, the imager would have to be reduced (hint).

I'm always thankful for being treated, but only fairly...

Not that we've stop thinking about future designs, though.

Cheers,
- Craig

[Mike Beckett]

Philip Johnston has just posted his review of the camera here:

HD Warrior Blog Archiv Exclusive 1st Review of the new JVC GY-HM600

It's looking good. An impressive, well-designed piece of kit. I had better get saving now!

[Glen Vandermolen]

Good video, I'm really impressed with the low light level comparison with the XF305.
This camera is looking better all the time.

[Chris Harding]

Hi Craig

Current Panasonic AC-160 owners seem to be expressing much interest here especially on the auto-focus front. The Panasonic gets into focus lockup situations when at 22X zoom and running in auto and it has been put down as an physics issue due to the massive zoom and big sensors.

Have you tried the 600 series in autofocus at full zoom either with a subject moving towards the camera ..example videos were a horse galloping inside a paddock..also being at full zoom and panning between two objects where the Panny camera has either very slow AF and now and again simply locks up on one object and refuses to focus.

It would be really interesting to see if the 600 series can handle situations like this??

Chris

[Michael Warren]

I'd be all over this camera if only it had 1080p50/60. It ticks all my boxes except that and shoulder mount, which I have grudgingly learned to forgo.

The LCD is in a great position. The built-in lens shutter is something all cameras should have by now. Looks like a mechanical zoom lever. Good audio control, although I can't see the eq being all that useful. I wouldn't trust any eq changes I made in the field without good monitor speakers.

The Philip Johnston review is interesting. I notice the image is very soft at the telephoto end when he's filming the crane at 12:41. I hope that is not typical, but was rather either that he just wasn't focused properly, or it was in digital zoom (which is actually what it looked like to me).

Another odd thing is it looks from the pictures that you need to remove the lens hood to fit a filter.

[Craig Yanagi]

Originally Posted by Chris Harding

Have you tried the 600 series in autofocus at full zoom either with a subject moving towards the camera ..

I've tried the latest firmware units, and the autofocus was extremely responsive at the zoom end. We've not had an opportunity to test the unit in situations such as you've mentioned.

The GY-HM600U is shipping shortly, so I'm sure we'll be hearing about the reviews soon.

- Craig

[Chris Harding]

Thanks Craig

Mike?? I wonder if this might be a better tool for our ELN614 and his horses?? 'extremely responsive' at full zoom sounds encouraging???

Chris