Review: JVC GY-HM170 / GY-HM200 4K camcorder
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- My thoughts on the JVC GY HM170 and HM200 4K camcorders after having one on loan from JVC Professional Europe to test for a couple of weeks.
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PLEASE NOTE: this video has been recompressed extensively, first by me as a master file to XAVC-S 60Mb, then through Handbrake to a smaller (3GB!) mp4 for upload, then by TH-cam. Thus the video quality is NOT representative of the camcorder files. There's nothing I can do about this.
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/ ukairscape
Thanks. You are one of the few who cover the not so good points as well as the good ones in adequate detail and that is very much appreciated. Bob.
Glad it helps. Cheers
Thanks for the so honest and open review! If some feature is bad, only a native Britishman can share it in such a politely manner, thanks for that as well !!!!
I am owner of this camera. Just an information: There is a firmware upgrade on the JVC-website for 24p since one month.
Whats the firmware for?
An excellent review. I'm grateful for the pros and cons and your positive presentation even with the caveats you mentioned. I benefited very much from this review. Thank you.
Great; glad it was useful. Cheers
does it have better quality than panasonic hc-wx970 or sony ax100 ??
Much better (if you use it within limits as described) than the Panasonic but those camcorders aren't even remotely comparable; the two you mention are consumer handycams, the JVC's a semi-pro unit. The AX100 can do some nice images, although I never liked its ergonomics.
UKAirscape thank you so much for your answer.
is it much better because it has a bigger sensor?
if i use it in auto mode, will i have that problem of image getting darker when i zoom in?
is there something like jvc in panasonic for the same price? i see here in USA this JVC cost around 1200$.
It's better because it's a much more costly camcorder with professional-style features and controllability. They're just not comparable. The only Panasonic that's in the same price as the JVC as far as I know is the AG-AC90 but it's getting rather old now and doesn't shoot 4K.
UKAirscape
so this is the best option then. cuz the rest of all other panasonic cost 2 times more . right?
I can't possibly say what the best option is for you. I don't know you, or your skill level, or your projects. Only YOU can answer whether a camcorder is right for you, depending on all those things. Have you watched my "which camcorder is the best" video? Please do, and take its advice :-)
Thanks for this interesting review, always interesting to hear what is available and what it can do! We recently bought the Panasonic HC-VX870 so 4K suddenly became interesting ;-D
Now they come with the XLR handle like the HM200, Free JVC QAW0067-003 mic and coming soon (December 2015) 120FPS at 1080P. Search here for "GY-HM200 1920x1080 120p footage". Applies to HM170 and HM200.
where/how do you try out this camera to see if it is right for you? Also, very helpful and detailed video.
You'd have to ask at a local retailer. Glad you liked the video.
2018 update, you can buy this camera bundled with the XLR handle, and it also will now do live streaming. For the money its the best I could find and your review confirms this. I needed something I could plug my audio mixer into and get good control over professional audio. The small camcorders just fail to work that way, so had to move up to this camera, and from what I have seen it will be far more professional that what I really need. Great review. Thanks.
Does the camera comes with any kind of LOG gamma?
A reviewer on the US B&H website mentions" long start up time" as a negative. I guess you can never get everything you want in one package - there's always going to be something that's less than perfect and it's not a deal-breaker as they say. I may be spoiled by the old Panny revving up in 3 seconds flat from switch on. I think the plus points are going to far out-weigh any minus points!
Hey helpful review. Thanks so much. Are you still happy with the camera?
Ah, I only had it on loan for a week then it had to go back to JVC so the thoughts in the video are my only conclusions on it, sorry.
great review. got this camera and am very happy w/ it so far. i plan on using it for fiction filmmaking, and i think it will work out as long as i take my time w/ the camera. some video that i shot on it a few weeks ago - th-cam.com/video/xdX-0jzP36A/w-d-xo.html
I don't know why the manufacturers of these camcorders don't think to have fixed lenses with constant apertures. Imagine how much better it would be if it were f2.8 constant! Yes, that would add some cost and bulk, but I think a lot of pros would be willing to pay the premium.
Thanks for the review, I like your style!!
A question I have is about the lens-faults. For example at minute 14:00 and especially minute 14:10, there is a huge difference between centre-focus and focus at the edges of your image. At minute 14:10, all cars are at almost the same distance to the lens. So I would expect a comparable sharpness across the frame, yet that is not the case at all. Both edges are very 'nervous' to my eye. It also has some chromatic aberration (purple/green fringing). Would you think this can be solved by stopping down the lens to f/2 and higher??
With apologies, it's been so long since I had that camcorder on loan for review, I can't really remember other than the lens really wasn't great as you have identified. Most lenses have a "sweet spot" somwhere between their fully open and fully closed iris positions, I believe. Mind you, a compressed TH-cam video is not the best way to do any pixel-peeping of course. Sorry I can't help more.
Thanks for the great review ! I just bought one (should get it in a week) with the XLR handle. Can't wait to try it out !
do you have that problem with the light (getting dark) when you zoom in other camcorder like panasonic 970 or sony ax100?
Yes, it's very common on all low cost camcorders; the lens ramps the iris as you zoom. It's very bad on the JVC.
UKAirscape
i do that in AUTO mode in my panasonic 970 and x900m and i dont have that issue of getting dark. Is it because it is in auto mode maybe?
I expect the camcorder increases the gain to compensate, when in auto. So it will look as though it is not getting darker but actually it is and the camcorder adds gain (which will increase image noise) to compensate.
UKAirscape
so it is better operate in manual mode in order to avoid the image noise, right?
You won't be able to avoid image noise, it's inherent in every camcorder to some degree and if a camcorder isn't sensitive enough to pick out a scene in low light then no matter how you try to film it, you'll get the noise.
However, it is always generally better to operate manually - if you have the expertise to do so - so that you can control how the image is acquired rather than the camcorder trying to guess for you.
Thanks for the review. I'll be using one of theses next week for an event. Very helpful.
Great Job -- I appreciate your work on this.
Onward!
Great review! Yours was the first to pop up when I searched on it. Considering using this for my new studio camera as it can output 1080p 30 on its HDMI port.
Hi Lon, thanks. It's cheap and cheerful but does have drawbacks as mentioned. Can the Sony HXR-NX100 do 30p output? I also did a review of that & I liked it more. No 4K though.
Oh, and I also did another version of the JVC review over on my Tubeshooter channel, might have extra info in it th-cam.com/video/eeZWczJ-e9o/w-d-xo.html
Cool thanks I will check it out! Yeah the 30p output has been elusive on the camcorders - primarily because it's not something most consumers need (except me of course :) )
Hmm, you got me curious so I checked the manual on the NX100. It says that HDMI output can be 1080p (or i, depending what you select) but if p, there's a confusing footnote: "If the frame rate in [REC FORMAT] is set to 24p or 30p ([60i] models) or 25p ([50i] models), the output signal is converted to interlaced or progressive through pull-down conversion" - what do they mean by "interlaced OR progressive"?? Which?! And it shouldn't be relevant to the 25p model anyway...
wow that's confusing! Sounds to me like it's doing some interlacing somewhere along the output. I am going to get these JVC's set up here later this week as I know now they're working. I'll keep you posted and will definitely keep 'em above F2 :)
I noticed that this camcorder has a CMOS sensor instead of the 3 CCD (groan). Does this camcorder suffer from the rolling shutter "jello" effect?
Practically all modern camcorders have ditched CCDs, that happened some years back. And yes, they all suffer from some jelly effect.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 120 FPS!!! PLEASE UPDATE REVIEW!!!
Seeing that they updated the firmware can you go back and review the 120fps feature added to the JVC GY-HM170. they say full hd, but does it record 1080p at 120fps? or only 720p ? 4k 120fps? they don't give the specs on their site as to what exactly do they mean by hd 120fps. Too many companies are still riding the "Full HD" (actually 720p) wave.
Thanks!
Unfortunately I cannot update the review as I only ever had the camcorder on loan from JVC and its long since gone back to them. Sorry.
That was such a very good and informative video and comparison of the two "almost similar" JVC basic 4K UHD camcorders !!!!
*- How you can compare "JVC HM-200" to the "Canon XA10 or XA20" ??*
*- Which camcorder possibly you will choose for yourself to have for usage it by yourself ??*
I am owner of that Canon XA10 for a while.
- For any changes in set-ups and manipulation, you have to go through ugly touch screen of the LCD display. It is a hilarious time consuming procedure, to go EVERY TIME from main Menu, through all the branches of so many sub-menus to find the function which one you want to adjust. It is a very much complicated, inconvenient and very much time consuming procedure !!!!
- - Canon XA10 & 20 camcorders they have no physical buttons or rings on the lens, dedicated or assigned to the basic and the most usable functions of this video camera like: WB, iris, focus, Gain, manual zoom, etc.
- - - At least, going through the branches of so many sub-menus of Canon XA10, you can bring on the LCD screen: Waveform Monitor / Histogram & Vectroscope !!!
- - - - Moreover, when you are shooting in strong sunlight ... the screen is less visible. So the whole process to change something on the touch LCD screen, is also a big time challenging and also a time consuming adventure.
Beside this Canon XA-10, also I own these funny video cameras:
1. JVC GZ-HM35BU ... UHD camcorder, I have purchased from the second hand store
2. JVC GZ-HD5U ... (3 CCD - HD), I received as a gift from my fellow friend
3. JVC GC-XA1BU ... Wi-Fi action camera, I have also purchased from the second hand store
- - - - - Sir ... you can believe me or not, but even if I have my own "Canon" XA10, mostly I am using these JVC made little video cameras for my video productions. I like them more, for some convenient reasons.
- - - - - - One of so many reasons, why I prefer shooting with JVC camcorders, is the overall much better quality of the recorded picture and sound. Recordings from JVC are better colour saturated (warm), they appear richer in detail and more beautifully colorful. They're look kinda ~juicy~ & brighter especially on sunshine day !!!!
- - - - - - - Instead, from Canon XA10 camcorder, recordings are less saturated and colours are more bluish mixed with the gray (cool & frosty) !! The best simple difference between recordings with JVC & Canon, is possible to observe using your eyes, when you are looking at the same green grass and colorful flowers of being shoot simultaneously under the same lighting condition.
- - - - - - - - JVC camcorders are responding much better with colour reception than Canons. !!!! For Canon video camera recordings I have to later always use colour correction software, while I am editing them together. It is a time & effort consuming unwanted procedure !!!!
I am looking forward to possibly sell my XA-10 and to buy similar or even a bit better JVC 4K Ultra HD camcorder for a reason of unification of my video equipment. From your professional experience, which model of JVC camcorder you would suggest me to purchase, to replace my Canon XA10 ?? Sir, any idea ?? Please, respond !!!! Thank you so much. Have a great day :o)
Sincerely,
Remi Kowalski
Ontario, CANADA
Other than the camcorders featured in this review, which is now several years old, I have no experience with JVC camcorders so unfortunately cannot advise.
JVC could not have done more, I agree. But you should take lessons in two areas: Teaching and video controls. You spent about 45 sec to talk about the lens protection cap, but not one second about the so-called "hood" (sunshade). The user manual says "align the hood with the two markings and turn it clockwise until locked". Well, I tried it with more and more force until I returned the camera, It never locked anywhere and I did not want to break it.
Zoom: You don't understand why we need a ring for manual zooming> My first camera (50 ears ago) was a BOLEX 8mm. It had a ring and I screwed a stick on it. Why? There are people who want to zoom slower than any automatic (which we didn't have at that time). Not those who want to pan and zoom as fast as possible to show everything in 3 seconds that might need 30. I've seen people on top of a mountain standing doing 360 degree pans. And then I saw Sergio Leone's movies - slowly zooming on to the mouth of an arrogant lady eating a cherry by holding the stem until the last moment. Then the mouth of a priest chewing his food without offering anything to god. Zooming was not invented for dilettantes to be faster, but for professionals to have a better way to put emphasis into a scene. Some dilettantes come to think they are professionals in every field - like teaching the functions of a video camera.
I could go on, but it would be lost time on you. The JVC 170 180 ... are great cameras for those who really want to bring the full power of image sequences, live reports or interviews, and much more onto a TV screen. Take the teaching lessons, please, and then come back. You talk but you are missing most points.
How very pompous. You presume (wrongly) much about my own filming 🤣🤣🤣 And this wasn't a tutorial but a review, as clearly indicated in the title.
Hi! Great review, thanks for that! Could you tell me if there is a possibility to shoot in log with this model? The hm300 got j-log with the 2.0 update, but the 170 and 200? I can't find any info...
There wasn't with the version I had but that was v1. It may have changed since then but I don't know of any updates. Best to check JVC's support website. Cheers.
UKAirscape yeah, i think the j-log color profile will only be available on the 300. But if i understand the owners manual right, it should be possible to set contrast and saturation and all that stuff manually, or isn't it?
Very sorry but it's months since I had the cam in for review and I simply can't remember,
UKAirscape ok, no problem! Thanks anyway! :)
Was finally let down on a shoot by both of my tape based HD Canon XH-A1 and looking at buying a couple of these in 2022 for E1200 (each of course) and this was a very helpful video. Great work all those years ago.
Is this camera good for narrative work? Because that's what I do the most. I do some event recording but I will mainly use it to shoot short films. Is this camera great for that or should I look elsewhere?
It's not really a film (drama) camera. What else you might choose depends on your budget and experience.
I juat unboxed my camcorder and the focus ring or zoom rings do not work at all... is there a certain shooting mode I need to be in to have access to these features?
Manual mode, not auto. I can't recall if there's any other lock on the cam that would disable them.
I want to buy this camera to film skateboarding, with and without a fisheye lens, would you recommend this camera?
Probably not ideal. It's has limitations and I had trouble with focus. Not great for fast paced action stuff like that.
I have been having real difficulties filming (interview) people with dark skin color in low light conditions. Is there a way to adjust settings or anything to remedy this? (lamps is not an option).
Hi David,
Thank you for the excellent review of the JVC HM 170.
Are you going to make another review for the HM 200 too?
I liked the shots you showed in the review, but I'm not sure, how to interpret it.
You said, that you made the shots in 4K and then reproduced in 2K.
Can I play the 4k record directly from the camcorder on a 2K TV via HDMI, or do I have to process the 4K record first by a suitable editing program on the PC to get 2K out of 4K? (This is more a stupid general question , which applies to the Sony X70 and Panasonic X1000 as well)
Finally, what would be your recommendation, if I could choose between Sony PXW X 70, the JVC HM 200 and Canon XF200?
The Canon is the most expensive here in Austria and only 2K, but I just want a crispy sharp picture with nice colors in 2K and of course I'd prefer to have more rings and buttons.. Originally I considered also the Panasonic X1000, but the reviews are not convincing, and the footage I saw so far was not as good as the one you showed now on the JVC review.
Please help me with your experienced advice!
Thank you!
Nikola
Nik Zuhause No additional review of the HM200 because to all intents and purposes it is the same, as I explained in the video. I did not say I shot in 4K and reproduced in 2K; I shot and edited in 4K though I briefly examined what an HD crop looked like from the 4K image. I believe, though I did not check it, that you can play a downscaled HD image from the 4K footage through the HDMI. No idea if this holds true for the Sony, since its 4K firmware is not yet available, or the Panasonic which I have not tried.
I cannot give you a recommendation as I do not know your purpose or your skill level. They each have their pros and cons. The Canon does not do 4K; the JVC does, the Sony will do. The Sony is the most compact, the JVC the widest, the Canon the thinnest. The Canon is the most ergonomic, the JVC next, the Sony the least. Etc etc. So there is no straight answer to your question, it will be a matter of personal preference for you depending on your application.
thanks for putting in the time on these videos. Very helpful. I was wondering your opinion on the which camera I should get. I am struggling with the JVC GY-HM200, Canon XA30, and the Sony HXR-NX100. What is your opinion about picking one of those cameras?
Thanks!
I can't pick one for you as I have no knowledge of your skills, experience, intended use, budget etc. Each of those are very different, aimed at different markets so I think you need to be more precise with yourself.
What you need to do is make a list of the features you need, an honest appraisal of your abilities (ie will you need good auto controls or prefer to do things manually) and consider what you want to film, then you should be able to narrow the field down to the appropriate device.
Thanks for the excellent review and I purchased the camera after seeing it. I don't think you mentioned the slow start-up time (9 seconds from switch on to filming which can seem quite a long wait!)) I'm a pro stills photographer but only an amateur/hobbyist camcorder user so haven't used many other camcorders for comparison however my Panasonic AG-HMC41 is ready for action in about half that time. Keep up the good work!
Thanks. I don't recall my loan unit taking that long to start up!
I love your channel! You do great videos, they are really enjoyable! I am thinking of getting a prosumer/professional camcorder. I know you made the video a while back about choosing your own camcorder to suit your needs, but I want to ask you this: Should I get the Canon XA25, or save up a bit more money to get the HM200? I need both the XLR and SDI, so these 2 camcorders seem best for me. Though the JVC is a bit out of my price range. Thank you! :)
ZacGamesMC Hi. Without knowing more about your specific requirements - as I described in that other video - I can't tell you. The only point I can make is that the JVC shoots 4K and the Canon doesn't; the Canon is also much smaller and therefore easier to travel with than the JVC. Everything else would depend on your needs so you're going to have to make the decision yourself.
Im interesting in this camera for social events example wedding, Do you think it would be useful this camera?
It's very hard to say. It depends what look you want, how experienced you are, what your style of filming is and so on.
+UKAirscape i said because i need a camcorder with large time to record extended, low light, automatic modes and audio profesional. do you think that this camara is good for the price?
It's good for the price and has long record time and pro audio but its low light will not be great and I would never trust the auto functions in low light on any camcorder.
Nice review, liked. -- You mentioned the Sony around 01:09 which I tested and sent straight back after matching it against the much better JVC GY-HM170 (I managed to obtain at a special price of just £1100-odd at that). On top of the JVC GY HM170 and-200 being so much more ergonomical and lightweight -- I nearly strained my wrist on the heavy-metal :) Sony-thing sporting a very bad and non-adjustable strap angle --, the JVC line of models have so much better image quality (granted, if you get around those weaknesses in the built-in lens you mentioned, or use the GY-LS300 altogether and with a decent lens). For my money, it's clearly the JVC GY-HM 170 and "older siblings" over anything similar.
Glad you liked the review. Cheers
You didnt say anything about how it shoots in the dark. I loved your review on the sony Sony HXR-NX100. I will be buying one of theses Cameras based on your reviews. what camera do you like better. We will be doing weddings and bands so need something thats good in low light as well. Sony HXR-NX100 or the JVC GY-HM170UA ? Keep in minde that this JVC model now comes with the handle with XLR inputs this was added a few months ago. thanks
+Jimmy Prince If it was my money (and as long as you don't need 4K), I'd buy the Sony. I seem to recall I did something about low light ability in my more formal review over on the other channel: th-cam.com/video/eeZWczJ-e9o/w-d-xo.html
Hello! You have reviewed both JVC GY-HM170/200 and Sony HXR-NX100. As I watch the demo footage they both have great image quality, also they are almost the same price level. What you recommend to keep in mind, if you must choose between those two?
Thanks!
I'd have the Sony but of course the JVC can shoot 4K which the Sony can't so if that's important to you, you have no choice! I think the JVC is too frustrating to use due to its poor lens though.
Hello, thanks for your reviews on JVC GY-HM170. Will you be able to do one that show the 12x zoom and 24x dynamic zoom?
Will like to find out the quality of the dynamic zoom before making purchase.
Thanks a million!
+New Born Hi. Unfortunately not because I only had the camcorder on loan for a couple of weeks and that was sometime last year!
Im too confused now.. i can spend up to 1k or up to 2k Euro for a good 4k camera for low light long time shooting with some monopod used for time to time. Any recomendations for the 2 price gaps i said ? Was going to buy the Canon XC10 but the 4k shooting on Cfast card at 300Mbps is overkill for me. Looking for something up to 150-200Mpbs.. So any recomendations ?
There's not a lot around at that price point. Maybe Sony's little AX100 or the Sony PXW-X70 with 4K upgrade option but both of those only do 100Mbps if I recall correctly. Canon don't have anything suitable nor Panasonic at that price point.
Good review ! I often film theatre-play. It's one of my jobs. Do you think this camera would feet ? ("high light"/"low light"/focus > "leading problems" when you film the scene). Thank you
I'd suggest not, not least because of the dramatic ramping down of the iris when you zoom which will give you all kinds of exposure problems as you try to reframe on what's going on.
stupid design with lens cap.. on the handle side the locking nut which holds mic is to near to the shoe so you have use an extension bar to fit external monitor good review.
Thanks
I do prefer the Panasonic hcx1000
Great review and very informative! I'm contemplating purchasing this but keep hearing about a 'purple mud' effect under blue indoor LED lighting... is this something avoidable with settings or is there indeed a issue under blue LED conditions? Anyone hear of this problem?
Yes, it's been mentioned in earlier comments on this video. Didn't see it myself but wasn't filming under those conditions since they're very specific.
Hey UKA, than you so much for the excellent review. Do you think this camcorder would work really good with inside filming videos for TH-cam, just like this review with soft light boxes? Thanks
As long as you had lots of light the camcorder would work OK but it would depend on what you were filming as to whether it's excellent. Bear in mind the limitations I mentioned in my review. At least, I hope I mentioned them, I can't remember now.
You mentioned buttons, buttons, buttons--but to what? Does the camera have histogram? zebra?--you did mention peaking(good)---but are you just guessing at exposure by eye?? You neglected to mention any of that unless I missed something.
It has zebra. No histogram or waveform, sadly.
UKAirscape Sadly is the fitting modifier. So, the next question; how, then, do you confidently arrive at exposure out in the field? Doesn't the absence of exposure tools make shooting more difficult--especially considering the inferior quality of the LDC and EVF?
William Ridenour I think JVC has great image quality, but in my view I think they screwed the pooch by leaving out small things that could have easily been included and which offer the end user tremendous help at getting the best results the camera is capable of. Where am I going wrong?
William Ridenour You guess. It is difficult. The zebra can be set to various levels, you need to use that to ensure you're only blowing out the irrelevant aspects of the image.
UKAirscape I can see how that might work, but like peaking, zebra can be awfully disturbing to look at while trying to shoot video. So, among all those assignable buttons can you assign peaking and zebra so you can toggle them on and off with the touch of a button?
is there a reason why I can't hear any audio while i'm recording? Literally my headphone are plugged in and I can't hear anything unless I rematch the video. I want to be able to hear everything while the audio is being recorded, not just replaying it after I finish shooting? I wish I knew why this was a problem
Have you followed the instructions in the user manual about setting the headphone output?
Please how to charge? The cords are strange looking. Please help
I don't know what you mean by "strange looking" so can't really help
how much of recording time did you get with the included battery? and what model is it please?
I didn't specifically test that but it wasn't very long at all; you'd definitely need spares and larger capacity ones at that. Don't remember the model number, best to look in the manual for that.
+Guillermo Terrazas Perez .. I have one and the battery on mine lasts well over 4 hrs when not running phantom powered mic. Two batteries gives you at least 8 hours of shooting. JVC- (SSL-JVC50) batteries came with my unit. I use the GY HM200 as a 2nd cam, shoot in 4k for best results and render as 1080 for now.. Extremely long processing times though, only used it in one video on my YT site at this point, must be watched in 1080 HD mode or it is not so great because of all the rendering steps I guess.The video is not listed as shot with JVC GY Hm200. The Jane Fonda clip, nasty back lighting to deal with as she was speaking in the shade / slightly better version on my Vimeo site with the same name. No self promo intended.
Which are best in low light Canon XA20, Sony X70 or JVC GY-HM200? Jvc seems good in 1.2 -1.8.
You clearly haven't watched my review have you? The JVC should not be used below f2 as the image goes soft. My favourite in your list would be the X70.
Thank you so much for a fantastic review. Based on your review I just bought the 170 today. The price was very attractive and I think it'll help my nonprofit shoot much better footage.
Glad you enjoyed it. With care, bearing in mind its limitations, it can do nice footage. And it's a bargain now as well!
Thanks for this very informative, objective review. My concerns relate primarily to post-production workflow, but elsewhere I learned that the 4K footage from the HM200 can be transferred seamlessly into Final Cut Pro X, which is absolutely key. You didn't deal with that in this particular video, but in any case I'd be more interested in the HM200. It would have been great to see a separate review of yours on that model, but I reckon that might be the way to go for me.
Incidentally, I watched this video at work, and often had to turn away from my iPhone screen back to my desktop. Towards the end, it suddenly occurred to me that I could have been listening to David Cameron. I'm sorry if you're not a fan of the ex-PM, but you could perhaps do paid, part-time work as a voiceover man for him. He would take credit for any narration but would give you a percentage if he was on another project at the same time and couldn't do the job in person. Cheers.
Hi. The HM200 is almost identical barring a few features. FCPX will import most footage directly these days I believe, though I don't have it or a Mac so may be incorrect! Cheers.
Hi - really enjoyed this review. Thank you :-)
I am starting to make some work-related vlogs (both indoor and outdoor), as well as some family stuff, with the intention of doing some documentary/interview work in time as I get better. I am keen to invest in a 4K camera which has enough pro features to ensure that I don't outgrow it any time soon.
I really like the look of the JVC GY-HM170 but am a bit concerned about the camera performance in low light and the occasional 'softness' of the images that you describe. In as far as you can, for the use I describe, would you recommend the JVC ahead of, say, the Sony FDR-AX700 (fewer features but similar price and a very good Zeiss lens) or (pushing the boat a bit further out) the Sony PXW-X70?
No, I'd take the Sonys any day. The X70 has now been superseded by the NX80 or Z90.
Thanks for the tip. Appreciated!
What do you recommend between the GY-HM200 and the Sony PXW-X70?
+Gary Groves Depends what for. If you need compactness then the X70 (bear in mind you have to buy the 4K upgrade separately). If you prefer multiple control rings and buttons then maybe the JVC. I wasn't a huge fan of the JVC though; nice price, some good aspects but that screen and the focus issue let it down.
+UKAirscape thanks. I was leaning toward the 70 but wanting to buy 2 makes it a little more difficult. I'll be shooting interviews and family events. So compactness is appealing.
+Gary Groves I think for that scenario I'd pick the X70 because if you take the handle off it becomes very compact indeed which makes it more unobtrusive for those family event type scenarios whereas the larger size of the JVC makes it more uncomfortable for some people (as in, they can feel more "threatened" by a large camera where a small one is less terrifying)
What are the dimensions of the camera without the lens cover?
i have a question, Its probably a simple fix but for some reason every time I try to pull off the video I can only do it in segments. it wont give me the file as one piece. It shows as one segment on the camera but when I connect via computer or pull sd card there are multiple segments of the one file. am I doing something wrong?
Footage is often broken up into separate files for technical reasons but the camcorder keeps a record to indicate that they all belong to a single clip. Your editing software should be used to import the files (don't just copy them from the camcorder or card directly) and it will stitch them into a single entity.
Thank you. I was just using quick time and haven't done any video recording in years.
Thanks for the in-depth review. It's the only place I've seen confirmed my suspicions about focusing. I bought the 200 in September, I knew it was a bit of a gamble given the low price point and lack of info out about it. But generally you presume a camera is easy to focus, it's quite important after all. I used it daily for 6 weeks, I can say I was never sure if I had truly sharp focus or not. As you say sometimes you would review the footage on computer and it would look very crisp. But this can only really be said when shooting in bright sunlight. Shooting indoors even without having to add gain it becomes near impossible, even with the focus assist/expanded focus. As you say the viewfinder image is tiny. I had to resort to autofocus at times just to put my my mind at ease, but this is not particularly reliable.
Has anyone else had this problem, and found some kind of work around? It seems like a major issue and I don't believe it is just me (and you) as I have been shooting for a long time, and never found it so hard to pull focus.
Definitely my last favourite camcorder to focus with that I've ever tested, sadly. It had a lot of good features but really let itself down on others.
Interesting to hear from someone who lust of tested a lot of them! I feel focusing is probably top of my list of things that shouldn't be flawed.
Haha, yes it is kind of fundamental to the filming experience!
What lanc controller are you using with this model?
It was a Manfrotto but I can't recall the model because it broke, sorry.
Hello from south of France. Thank you for all your reviews : always so complete and useful !
Thank you very much!
habla español
can you record while charging this camera, great review?!
Thanks. I don't recall, sorry, I only had the camcorder on loan at the time.
Very Good Job, and good video You Rock Man
Thank you!
Thanks for the great and detailed review! Very helpful!
Glad you liked it. Cheers.
Эта камера намного лучше, чем Panasonic HC-V970 ?
It's a completely different type of camera for a different user. The V970 is for home use, holidays, simple "point and shoot" filming. The JVC is designed for professional (or semi-professional) use.
Но у JVC одна матрица тоже, у профессиональных камер для хорошей картинки 3 матрицы.
But JVC one matrix too, from professional cameras for good images 3 matrix.
Matrix? You mean sensor perhaps? I don't agree. These days plenty of professional camcorders (4K ones anyway) are using single sensor designs. Panasonic DVX-200, Sony Z150 etc
Спасибо за информацию! Думаю, что эта камера JVC 4K - самая дешёвая из профессиональных. А как она в темноте снимает? 1lux?
Thanks for the info! I think that this camera JVC 4K - the cheapest professional 4 K. And as the quality of the dark? 1lux?
Yes, probably the cheapest I think. Not great in low light, most low cost camcorders are not good in the dark, especially in 4K.
Thank you ..... VERY informative!
Thanks!
Yes, this did help me to decide. Thanks.
Good. Cheers
Thank you for a helpful review.
Glad it helped. Cheers.
Thanks for the info, brother...
Cheers
Thanks for info. Helpful.
Cheers
LanC is pronounces "lan - see"
Not in the UK
lens hood*
An excellent review thanks
Thank you
Great review. I bought the newest model last week with the handle and shotgun mic for only $1295 US. Compare that to the HM200 for $1995 and it's the same camera... almost. Note that for the oddest reason, batteries are NOT the same for the 170 and 200. The 200 uses a larger battery and WILL NOT work on the 170. I don't know if the 170 battery will work in the 200.
Other issue is the AUX input. If you insert a 3.5mm MIC into the slot, the mic MUST have power. JVC does not supply the requisite 1.5v that other consumer camcorders with mic in use. I verified this by using a Rode SmartLav+ with the TRRS to TRS adapter. When I plugged the Rode into the XLR input on the handle and turned on Phantom power, it worked like a charm. So be advised, any mic plugged into the AUX jack requires it to have power.
Thanks. Yes the HM170 has become a bit of a stunning bargain. You're right, it's not quite the same as the 200, I think there's a couple of firmware differences too. Useful tip about the plugin power (how did you plug the Rode into the XLR if it has a TRRS jack?)
+UKAirscape When I bought the Rode SmartLav+, I also purchased the TRRS to TRS adapter. I subsequently purchased a KOPUL XLR to mini female adapter (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/985832-REG/kopul_a_xmmf_adapter_xlr_male.html) . I bought two incase I needed to run two minis into the two XLR. Personally, JVC should have engineered 1.5v into the AUX jack.
Indeed. I'm just amazed you didn't blow the Rode up by sending 48V into it if it was expecting 2-3ish
+KenKraken - The two built in mics are quite good but outside in the wind, they suck. The (FREE) shotgun mic is decent at close range. I record most of my audio (separately) using a Rode H5 .
+Andy Browne Thanks for the tip. I could not resist this bargain, I ordered one of these yesterday. I agonized over this vs the larger sensor Sony HXR-NX100, but $400 in my pocket and 4K sealed the deal.
+UKAirscape this video is awesome, you pointed out all the little things that I would have to figure out on my own. Appreciate you taking the time to share.
Horrid camera, all around. I returned mine 5 minutes after unboxing it. Joystick was defective (would stick in the up-position and scroll uncontrollably. It would also stick if you used it to point to the right). Software was wrong too, it would allow 60i, 60p, 50i, 50p, 30p and 25p... no 24p!!!!! ALL the buttons are flimsy, cheaply made, giving the impression they would fall-off if you are not careful, specially the little rocker under the lens (meant for iris control). No way this camera can be used at night or in low light situations, NO WAY. Setting a custom white balance is still a mystery for me with this cam, you can select easily from the presets, but try to set the custom one... what the hell. As I said, very disappointed on JVC.
Thank God I ordered from a very good supplier who allowed me to return it.
And thank you UKA for posting your opinion and sharing your experience with camera. I hope my comments help inform others as well. This cam may work for some (can't imagine who) but not for me.
Crikey. I think you were very unfortunate getting one that was physically broken. I don't think it ever claimed to do 24p..? It's not good in low light, for sure, not least as you want to keep the lens above f2.
The white balance is actually very easy - but it's bizarrely mislabelled. Pressing the AWB button actually sets the selected A or B store to a white based on what you're currently pointing the camera at. So it shouldn't have been labelled AWB. I may sound like I'm defending JVC here, which I suppose I am a bit, but let's not forget this is a very low cost camcorder; I think its feature set is excellent for the money but I agree it does feel rather flimsy.
UKAirscape Re AWB: But it does so automatically, after manually pressing the button, so that makes sense. :-)
AWB is fairly standard desgination for a ENG WB button. Yes camera has always been 24p well really 23.98. Only the LS 300 is 23.98 AND 24p for CK4 for example.. not that anyone would know the difference. Sounds like Angel got a demo unit or a customer return. I have the JVC LS300 and it's built the same way.. feels kinda cheap but it seems to take a fair amount of abuse and buttons and switches are tight and responsive and I have hundreds of hours with it so far. I'm still mystified by people who need low light. My biggest issue is ND to with ISO 400 to bring down the exposure to f3.5 to 5.6 with all lenses on all cameras. That's the sweet spot for $200 to $20,000 lenses especially zooms. I've used Canon and Sony rigs that seemed at first to be steady aperture through the zoom range only to discover in post that their cameras auto gain up as you zoom so you don't notice the light loss. Sony however usually has the some of the best post gain tech on the chips so you can generally appy more gain than other cameras.. For me I find all brands perform best at their lowest ISO which for camcorders is 0 gain usally 320-400 ISO. DSLR at 100 ISO. Now if someone was looking for a wedding camera with dark receptions, then they are probably looking for a Sony, but I'm out of date with current Sony camera rigs.