JVC GY-HD200 Looking for User Feedback

[Johnny Clark]

Hey Mark,
The HD200’s are solid cameras. At 24p they are a charm. 60p starts pushing the codec but if you must it works. As far as the work flow is concerned, all of the major players support it. What caused you to take interest in the PROHD Lineup?

Johnny C

[Mark Salloum]

Hi Johnny,

Thanks for the feedback. The only topic you brought up which I’m unclear about is that “60p starts pushing the codec”. Are you implying that this isn’t one of the better format settings to record in? Going to 60p was a big incentive for this unit. I’ve owned JVC cameras for 10 years and been pretty happy, thus the reason I was looking seriously at this unit (for our event and sports shooting).

Thanks,
Mark

[Johnny Clark]

Hey Mark,
My opinion is this:

– (20Mb/s) / (24frames) = .833Mb/frame

– (20Mb/s) / (60frames) = .333Mb/frame

Hope this makes sense. My experience with 60p in the HD250 has been alright as I mostly use it for overcranking footage to use in a 24p timeline. I know that a lot of people like the 60p capabilities of this camera and I in no way am saying it looks bad. Don’t let anyone talk you into or out of this camera. I would say try one out and if it does what you want then get it.

Johnny C

[Sean Adair]

I have the GY-HD200, DR-HD100 drive and 17x lens, and was also motivated especially by the 60p capabilities initially. I’m very pleased with my choice after some 18 months. I also came from JVC “pro” video cameras beforehand. The ergonomics of a “broadcast” or “professional” camera are important to me. Having a servo-operated manual focus lens adds feel and control to my work. The options available such as the awesome 13x lens, Nikon mount conversions for extended telephoto use, or 16mm primes with native 16mm DOF are very attractive. The 720 progressive format makes great technical sense to me. My older model doesn’t have the 1080i capability, but I’d only use it for a specific client compatibility scenario, as the chip and acquisition are 720p and conversion in post is probably superior, although less convenient.

I expected to shoot mostly 60p, but haven’t. 60p can look awesome for accurate motion, and is fantastic for true “overcranking” effects in a 24p project. However, ALL HDV compression is intensive, and this is the weakest link with this system overall. There are some scenarios, not necessarily intuitive, that can prompt artifacts and noise, and these are exacerbated by shooting 60p. Generally, I’d say “non-ideal” or “uncontrollable” light is where challenges begin.
Mind you, still frame analysis of 60p may not look quite as clean, but the frames are changing much quicker, and individual frame issues are less noticeable. Unfortunately, many final presentation scenarios (and all downconversion) ends up throwing out some of your allocated “bits” of information.

After years of fighting the “24p” look as having less motion information, I’ve relaxed my qualifications for shooting it, and even advocate it for more situations than before. People are used to the look, and even unconsciously prefer it, while 30p is neither here nor there. In down-conversion to SD, you aren’t discarding half of your carefully hoarded compressed information to interlace.

Ultimately, for camera choice, much depends on your end needs, and your cinematographer preferred ergonomics. Rest assured that great results can come from this camera, but one caveat is that additional cinematographer knowledge and experience is required to make the most of the qualities it has.

Sean Adair
http://www.adairproductions.com
NYC

[Mike Gorga]

I can’t even get Final Cut Pro 6.0.5 to identify this camera. I’m probably going to have to get out of the camera ASAP.

Also, their tech support is less than stellar.

Mike Gorga, Producer/Director
MEGCOMM Film & Video Prod.
800.816.1884

[Ed Stevens]

In case you are interested.
I have a JVC GYHD200 for sale if you are interested, only 44 hours. The only reason to sell is that one very good client requested the sony format.

ED

[Mark Salloum]

Is this the 200UB? Which lens do you have? What comes with the camera and what are you asking?

Thanks,
Mark

email direct at mark@videomagicpro.net

[Ed Stevens]

THIS is not the 200UB The lens is Fuji 16×1
Included is the camera, lens, view finder, mic and AB Battery mount.
I’m asking 4300.00 OBO

[Glen Vandermolen]

I’m also selling an HD200. Look at my posting in the classifieds forum.
It has the upgraded 17X lens, an 80 GB Firestore (with camera mount), battery mounts for A/B or V-mount batteries, plus tripod plate. I’m asking $4,800, but price is definitely negotiable.

[Matt Rush]

Just a quick question!!! I have the JVC GY HD200U (B).. I’m wondering if anybody else is having this problem… When I try to capture any footage shot in 24p or 60p into (Sony Vegas) it will close the program.. But 30p will load just fine!! Am I missing a codec? I NEED SOME HELP PLEASE!!!!