JVC Professional Video recently announced two new upgrades to its 600 series of ProHD camcorders. Both of these cameras, the GY-HM660 and the GY-HM620 will be on display at this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas.
The GY-HM660 is the industry’s first streaming camcorder with an integrated IFB return audio channel. Both the GY-HM660 and the GY-HM620 also feature new CMOS image sensors for greater sensitivity and a brighter LCD display for improved daylight viewing. The GY-HM660’s integrated IFB function will make it easier for remote camera operators to communicate directly with the news room during a shoot. This camcorder also has SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for increased stream reliability.
The GY-HM660’s built-in video-over-IP technology delivers high-quality streaming with a choice of resolutions, bit rates, and formats. The camcorder can be paired with a 4G LTE modem in order to stream live. No backpack transmission system or other portable gear is necessary. The camera also includes support for Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), which allows for direct connectivity to a number of content distribution networks (CDNs) including Ustream and YouTube.
Both of these cameras feature three new 12-bit CMOS sensors with improved F12 (60Hz) sensitivity for superior low-light performance. The cameras also come with an upgraded 3.5-inch LCD display, which can be swiveled for use as a talent monitor, as well as a 1.22 MP LCOS color viewfinder. The two cameras can record HD and SD footage in a variety of file formats – including 1080p/60 and XHQ with virtually lossless 50 Mbps H.264 (.MOV) – to SDHC or SDXC media cards. With two card slots, both cameras support relay mode for uninterrupted recording or simultaneously recording to both cards for instant backup or client copy.
The GY-HM660 will be available in April 2016 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,495, and the GY-HM620 is expected to ship in June 2016 at an MSRP of $3,195. JVC will have the cameras on display at Booth C4314 during the 2016 NAB Show.