JVC HD Camera Options

[Dan Magnafichi]

Thanks Jon, it’s good to finally see some good news. I really hope there are more like you out there.

[Chris Mendes]

I got the HM 700 camera a couple of months ago and haven’t had the ” stopping” problem so far. I’m currently working on a doco and have been rolling almost 8 hrs a day nonstop, with 2 cards loaded in the camera at all times. Recorded about 100 hrs so far MP 4 format and haven’t encountered any problems.
I use only Transcend or Sandisk cards. So far so good.

[Dan Magnafichi]

Thanks Chris, in order to record in the MP4 format do you have to use the optional SxS media recorder? Have you done any editing yet? If so what type of edit system are you using?

[Jon Leyse]

Dan,

They released a firmware update for the 700 that allows you to record in .mp4 format without the SxS recorder. The lawyers between JVC and Sony must have decided to get along.

https://pro.jvc.com/prof/support/productupdate.jsp

Jon

Jon Leyse
Crash 31, LLC
http://www.crash31.com

[Chris Mendes]

Apparently you do not need to have the SxS back on to enable M
p4 recording anymore. JVC have firmware update In Sept to allow this so you don’t need the back.
I have had stuff edited on FCP (Real Easy) and the Doc is being edited on an Avid ( little more work due to ingest). I think the Avid Editor had to down load some software for this.

[Byron Goggin]

Don’t get me wrong, I like the camera alot, but I guess I have not had the same results as a few of you have.

As I said, this is the 2nd camera I have had (JVC replaced it after seeing the problem themselves) and the issue remains. The stop times are arbitrary and can happen anywhere from 10 min to 25 when recording in 1920x1080i HQ. Does not have a pattern. I use the recommended Transcend cards. Perhaps I will try sandisc.

In regards to editing. True, you can import native Quicktime files but you will have to edit them in their native Codec ie: XDCAM EX 1080i60 (35Mb/s VBR)

Problem is two fold. If you try to mix footage from other formats into your timeline you will have fits with unplesant render times. Also if you import as ProRes422 you will save drive space by about 2/3.

ProRes422 is most “Post” editors choice as it allows you to take say 1920×1080 video and edit in a codec (timeline) that takes less overall drive space but enhanses the quality to actually look better that the original format…especially graphics..

I dont remember the exact numbers off the top of my head but say you had an hour of material shot in 1920×1080 it would take something like 18g. Drop that same material into a prores422 timeline and it would be like 1g.

This is phenominal for editing, workflow with other formats, delivery and archive purposes.

I now run through about 2Tb of drive space per month. Ouch!

[Marcello Mazzilli]

I recorded a 1hour concert , it didn’t stop and I didn’t loose any frames.. in 1080 50i format. if this helps…

I have this camera since it came out (was one of the 1st to get it here in Italy).. around April 2009. Here is what I like and what I don’t like. I have the optional SxS recorder that was bundled with the camera by JVC-Italy

I like… workflow on digital XDCAM (use MOV for Final Cut and MP4 for Premiere). I like the ability to shoot in many formats. I like the fact that is a real shoulder camera and the overall ergonomics. I like the HD-SDi output. I like the hot swappable SDHC cards (I use transcend). I like the quality of the picture. I like the LCD screen but you can use it only indoors (good resolution and colours but it’s reflective)

I don’t like… the noise in the picture in low light situations. The lenses I got bundled (the 16x and not the 17x). Sure as somebody says a 1/2 CCD would have been better. ND is crap but you can solve this with a mattebox.

I don’t like the quality they made the camera… The SDHC card slots are quite plasticy. The LCD screen woobles (started after a week) and in my viewfinder a screw came out so now I cannot move it back or forward.

Overall I think is a good compromise. Looks and footage quality (with some attention) are good so clients are pleased.. and that’s what counts I think.

Check this footage https://www.siroma.com/areariservata/ccow/hm700_selection.mov.zip It’s converted to flash but I guess you can get the original quality.. Has not been graded

siRoma di Marcello Mazzilli
Corporate video productions in Italy
http://www.siroma.com

[Charlie Cogar]

Dan et al,

I guess I’m last in respondents to Dan’s original post.

I’ve never encountered any of the recording length problems, but I probably haven’t shot anything longer than 30 minutes. I use Panasonic and RiData 16GB SDHC Class 6 cards without any problems, and I can recommend the camera as a good investment.

Yes, there are some “chintzy” aspects of the cam:

• I seperate same-day shoots to Card A and Card B. The changeover toggle switch is too small and I need a positive “click.”
• During PB/shutting of clips on-location the navigation controls are in the way of the LCD panel (yes, of course unless you snap the LCD back into the cam).

The FCP workflow is greatly improved, and it is also my entry into tapeless production.

Hope this helps.

Charlie Cogar