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JVC GETS INTO THE SOLID-STATE CAMCORDER GAME WITH A SOLID WINNER.
The GY-HM700 marks JVC's entry into the important niche of under$10,000 interchangeable-lens so I id-state- media HD cameras. Rather than introducing yet another codec into the mix, JVC licensed the Sony XDCAM codec, with data rates of 19, 25 and 35Mb/s. JVC has also wisely chosen to retain the form factor of the successful GY-HD1 00/200 series cameras, which remain the most ergonomic form factor of any camera in its class.
The HM700 is a 3 ? W CCD device that records .mov files to Class 6 SDHC cards. The addition of the KA-M R1 0OG SxS recorder ($1,000 standalone, or $500 when bundled with camera to create the HM700UXT) allows recording of .mp4 files to SxS cards, to the internal SDHC card orto both simultaneously.
My test unit came with a Canon 14x lens, providing, in my opinion, a superior option to the original Fujinon 17x lens. The 17x remains an option, however, as do a Fujinon 18xand Fujinon 13x wide angle.
The high power draw of the CCD chips plus the optional SxS device required JVC to utilize an Anton/Bauer Dionic 90 as standard battery. A V-mount adapter is optional. Again, this is a wise choice, as the standardization of pro batteries helps position the camera in a more professional environment.
The HM700 records 4:2:0 Long GOP video at 35Mb/s in 1920x1080 24p/25p/ 30p/50i/60i, 1440x1080 50Ì/60Ì (.mov only), and 1280x720 24/25/30/50/6Op formats. At 25Mb/s, it records 1440x1080 50/6Oi), and 1280x720 24/25/50/6Op at 1 9 Mb/s. In-camera over/undercranking is supported only in 35Mb/s 72Op modes.
Just pick up the HM700 and put it on your shoulder. Then go shoot for a couple hours. It's so well balanced and the controls are so properly placed that the only fatigue is induced by shooting itself, not by fighting the camera. While I personally prefer to use a headset to monitor audio, JVC's ear-level speaker is convenient and could suffice in certain situations.
The Canon lens, which...