Review: For years, video professionals had to undergo a process of digitizing when they wanted to import their shot footage from tape to a non-linear editor (or NLE) such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. This was laborious, time consuming, and prone to glitches and technical problems, not to mention the need for additional (and costly) software, plug-ins and hardware. The introduction of solid-state memory cameras was supposed to do away with this headache, creating what was essentially to be a computer with a lens and sensor attached, seamlessly joining to the worlds of image capture and post-production, allowing the user to effortlessly import footage into an NLE without any add-ons or advanced training needed. However, since NLEs use their own proprietary file structure, this would mean manufacturers would have to pay a licensing fee to allow this seamless integration to happen. Instead, they made their cameras just shoot on their own file structure (which they always assert is for quality reasons) and made people use plug-ins and software to convert the footage to a readable format in post-production. JVC, on the other hand, has decided to bite the bullet and fork over a licensing fee to Apple, with the result being it’s new line of solid-state cameras, notably the GY-HM100U. This camera gives you the option of either “wrapping” your shot footage in a Final Cut readable Quicktime file (.MOV) or an MPEG-4 file (.MP4), readable by most other NLEs. This not only can save a tremendous amount of time and headache later on, but also makes importing your footage into your editing system potentially as easy as dragging and dropping any file into your computer. This option alone has warranted the HM100U to sit on the number one spot on this list. It’s also no slouch on the quality end either. Using Sony’s XDCAM codec, it captures 1920x1080 HD at 35mbps VBR on 3 1/4" CCD sensors (using pixel shift technology to capture 1080p) and records onto inexpensive SDHC flash memory cards (class 6 or better), much like it’s more expensive cousin, the JVC GY-HM700. It shoots 60i/30p 24p, and 25p in both 1080 and 720, as well as 60p in 720, allowing for slow-motion shooting. It sports two XLR audio inputs, HDMI and component output (no HD-SDI) a slew of manual controls and imaging options, including gamma and matrix settings, as well as zebras, gain, ND filter and all sorts of little features found on much more expensive pro cameras. It’s 1/4” sensors, however, end up giving it poorer performance in lowlight and subjecting it to a phenomenon call lens diffraction, which makes images appear slightly hazy at high f-stops. (JVC has limited the maximum stop on this camera to be f8, presumably due to diffraction, so this may not even be an issue) However, a small sensor lets the camera be cheaper, and very importantly, also makes it much smaller and light weight. With the ability to remove it’s top handle, XLR inputs, and mic, many people will appreciate how small and inconspicuous the GY HM100U can be, a huge boon to some documentary and guerrilla filmmakers.
Best Camcorders from our Experts:
Panasonic HDC-HS900K 3 MOS 220GB HDD 3D Compatible Camcorder
Winner of: Best Prosumer Camcorder under $5000
The JVC is okay, you can get all your rebate. I think you may have cranked your settings too high. First reset the camera to factory and try it again, secondly try 800-221 5743 or 800 252 5722, or i can buy the camera from you if you still have the warranty Find me on face book (ibdhwf)..