Pro video blog…Produced by Philip Johnston DoP/Editor

Newly announced at IBC 2018 are two new models in the CONNECTED CAM range – the GY-HC500 and the GY-HC550 – which offer unparalleled IP connectivity in a handheld camcorder form factor.

Both models feature a 1” 4K CMOS sensor which is combined with a newly-developed 20x lens with 3-ring control, resulting in excellent imaging performance and shooting flexibility. And with a high-resolution viewfinder, imaging framing and focus control is easily achieved. The GY-HC500/550 can achieve up to 12 stops of dynamic range, with support for BT709, BT2020 and BT2100 HLG colourspaces. 

Using the latest generation codec that’s also used in the GY-HC900 shoulder mount CONNECTED CAM, the GY-HC500/ HC550 can record to SSD media in a wide variety of formats, including 10-bit ProRes 422 at 4K resolution and 50/60p frame rates. A number of other codecs and recording formats are also available, including H.264 and MPEG-2, ensuring a wide range of workflows can be supported.  

Both the GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 deliver an advanced, class-leading set of IP connectivity functions, with both models offering live streaming, FTP file transfer and remote camera control over IP. The latest CONNECTED CAM technology now adds return video over IP, high-quality IFB audio return, and the ability to stream at up to 1080p50/60 at 20Mb/s, giving a uniquely high-quality contribution stream over IP, directly from the camera.  

The GY-HC550 furthermore adds in an additional range of features, including Wireless LAN antennas, built-in broadcast graphics overlays, and Zixi protocol support for streaming applications.   

The GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 add to the first model in the CONNECTED CAM range, the GY-HC900, which is a high-quality shoulder mount camcorder, ideal for a wide range of live production applications. The GY-HC900 has 3 x 2/3” CMOS sensors offering outstanding low high capability, and supports an industry standard B4 mount, allowing a wide range of broadcast lenses to be utilised. The professional shoulder mount form factor of the GY-HC900 will appeal to those users requiring a highly reliable, flexible ENG solution, with all the benefits of the CONNECTED CAM IP technology. The GY-HC900 can also be easily adapted to use as a studio camera, through its unique docking system for fibre studio connection. 

The new GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 are scheduled to ship in early 2019 and add to the CONNECTED CAM range of products, with the GY-HC900 shoulder mount model shipping in October 2018. 

  • 1” 4K CMOS sensor which is combined with a newly-developed 20x lens with 3-ring control, resulting in excellent imaging performance and shooting flexibility.
  • High-resolution viewfinder
  • Can achieve up to 12 stops of dynamic range, with support for BT709, BT2020 and BT2100 HLG colourspaces.
  • Can record to SSD media in a wide variety of formats, including 10-bit ProRes 422 at 4K resolution and 50/60p frame rates.
  • A number of other codecs and recording formats are also available, including H.264 and MPEG-2, ensuring a wide range of workflows can be supported.
  • Delivers an advanced, class-leading set of IP connectivity functions, offering live streaming, FTP file transfer and remote camera control over IP.
  • The latest CONNECTED CAM technology now adds return video over IP, high-quality IFB audio return, and the ability to stream at up to 1080p50/60 at 20Mb/s, giving a uniquely high-quality contribution stream over IP, directly from the camera.
  • Wireless LAN antennas, built-in broadcast graphics overlays, and Zixi protocol support for streaming applications.
author

Having been working in the video business since 1988 I have amassed a great amount of knowledge of both the kit and production values over the last 30 years.

4 thoughts on “NEW…JVC GY-HC500 and HC550 4K 50p camcorders…2995 Euros

  1. Canon XF705 or JVC GY-HC500? The JVC seems very nice on paper but I bet the Canon offers a better construction quality. The price is not the same though.

  2. Fournier, going back to the early 1980s we have used JVC cameras all over the world and their construction has proved sufficiently rugged for every eventuality. We recently used a JVC camcorder (LS300) on a feature film shoot and were very impressed by its solid construction as well as its picture quality. I predict the new models will not disappoint.

  3. Chris A, I hope you are right. With Panasonic not (yet?) updating the DVX-200 with its more modern low-light sensor, I’m hoping JVC will come through. No reviews yet – waiting for someone to get an early production model to evaluate.

  4. In the 90’s and 20000’s we used the JVC KY27’s (Betacam) and then eventually the GY550 (DV Cam) for many years in our SD OB systems and those JVC cameras were outstanding for the day. JVC were extrelemy innovative in allowing ENG recording whist similtaneousy allowing full CCU control via 26pin multicore cable. It took some time before Sony caught up with their product.

    I am interested to see what the low light capabilities are with JVC HC 500/550. I have been serioulsy dissapointed with the noise in my Sony Z90 (low light capabilities) as well as the reports I am reading on the Sony 190 and 270…lets see if JVC raise the bar.

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