Would you buy your GY-HM700 again?

[Lou Caputo]

No one wants to comment? Either we’re all really busy or this does not bode well for this camera. C’mpn folks!

[Jon Leyse]

Lou,

I would buy this camera again. I really like the image, the form factor, the workflow and the price of the media. There are a few things I miss like interval recording, the ability to record in 4:3 and SD and a 1/2″ CCD would be nice. I looked long and hard at the Panasonic HPX 300 and the Sony EX3 but felt the JVC was the best bang for the buck. While each camera has it strengths and weaknesses, I have not regretted my choice.
Feel free to contact me if you have specific questions.
Now back to all the shooting and editing that is keeping everyone else away.

Thanks
Jon

jon@crash31.com
260-223-1922

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

[Lou Caputo]

Thanks for the response Jon. We’re looking at the HPX 300 too, but I’m liking the media costs associated with the JVC 700 more and more. We a have a demo scheduled in weeks, so we should have a better idea what we want to do after that. It is reassuring though to hear that a current owner such as yourself is still satisfied with your purchase AND making money.

[Jeff Heck]

Yes, I would buy it again. Workflow is great. I too wish SD was a more viable option, but that’s about the only drawback I really have. It’s a workhorse with great images. Easy to set up, save a ton with media costs.

Jeff Heck
NaJor Productions
Indianapolis

[Charlie Cogar]

Yes, I too can recommend re-purchase of the 700. We’re using two, each equipped with the FujinonTh17X5BRMU lens and performance is great.

I think its center of gravity is better than our JVC100s making handheld/cradled and on-the-shoulder shooting easier.

I shoot at 720p and the SDHC cards are economical and speed up the workflow.

Keep us posted on your purchase decision.

(Is anyone using the 700 on a Steadicam?)

Charlie Cogar

[Lou Caputo]

Thanks for the responses guys. We had a rep come out a demo a 700 for us the other day and now we’re considering purchasing two, one with the SXS media recorder on it ( as an option should a client want SXS). I’ve got to say, we were VERY impressed by the ease of workflow and the image quality at both 720p and 1080p. I think it’s a winner and the low cost media makes it a”no brainer” for us in these times of format indecision.

I’ll let you know what happens, and if anyone else has any thoughts, please post them!

[Lou Caputo]

Well, I’m going to bite the bullet and buy TWO GY-HM700’s! One is the rep’s demo unit with SXS media recorder and the second will be a brand new camera. Best of all, I’m saving $1500 off of the best price I could find online, which is nice coming from a local rep versus the big guys on the internet. We’re working out the details now, but it looks like this deal is happening!

[Charlie Cogar]

I hope it works out as well for you as it has for us. Did you happen to discuss Steadicam at all? A Pilot was bought for our 700s and doesn’t seem to be the correct model. Any thoughts based on your discussions?

Thanks,

Charlie Cogar

[Lou Caputo]

We haven’t even thought that far yet. We were using a Glidecam V8 with our Z1U, but I always felt as though the camera was too light. With the 700 weighing 8 lbs, it’s double the heft of the Z1U, so I think it might fly better. The V8 works up to 10 lbs, so even with the battery we should be okay.

[Charlie Cogar]

The Steadicam Pilot was bought for the 700 but the cam is too heavy. It may be because it came with the Fujinon 17X lens which brings total weight to #10 11.5 oz. and the Pilot won’t balance. We removed the Anton Bauer cam batt which weighs #1 11.8 oz and ran the 700 from the Pilot monitor batt but it’s still too heavy.

(Steadicam doesn’t loan, demo or buy back rigs, so if you know anyone . . . ) We also have the older JVC GY-HD100 camera which the Steadicam applications guide says is the top limit for the Pilot. I have the 100 workable on it, but the intent was to use the Steadicam with the new 700. The issue remains unresolved, and if anyone has any advice it would be welcome.

Thanks,

Charlie Cogar