2021 and I have just ordered my LS300, should arrive next week. Amazing that a five year old camera is still made, and still offers unique features that make it a useful creative choice for MFT users.
I finally got to experiment with my JVC GY-LS300 with the V3 update. Shooting J-Log with ISO 400 rocks once I learned to overexpose by a stop or two compared to what I would normally shoot video with. There is a LOT of data that looks washed out or clipped in the viewfinder that is recoverable in post as well as it makes the shadows and midtowns NOT have any noise. So with the J-Log its more like shooting with film, expose for the shadow not the highlight. At ISO 400, turn on the spot meter (or if you have a waveform monitor) and open up more than you would ever dream of doing in normal video. Ride the spot meter safely to 300% and retain some detail in post up to 350% and even maybe 400% . On the waveform monitor that is about 90 IRE, maybe 95IRE. Bring into FCP and with a LUT plug in like Color Finale Pro I'm able after just an afternoon to get incredible looking images. So give it a try if you haven't.
Very well put together review of this camera! Thanks for actually looking at practical use instead of just the specs like most other reviewers out there.
Great job, Kelly! Thanks for the positive review and night time footage. This will help me in my selections. I'm a video producer in Buffalo, NY and it's nice to have a Canadian review... so thorough with great diction! :)
Finally! The VG900 in 4K! Without a doubt, this camera has more whiz bang than anything out there for the price. Yep, there are a few work arounds but that will always be the case until the earth explodes. Look at the Pocket Cinema Camera. Everyone was bitching about the battery. WHO CARES! It's totally awesome and changed everything. Buy some extra batteries and shut up. Very realistic overview and presentation based on REAL WORLD applications. Well done Ms. Productions, or may I call you Nice?
Nice review! I hear lots of people complaining about the LCD and EVF, but it can be improved by adjusting the settings in the menu. There's another video on TH-cam explaining how to do this, but basically he matched the colours on the LCD with the colours on his PC to get better monitoring results. It seems to be more of a calibration omission by JVC rather than a fault in the LCD.
The lack of 10-bit color, even to an external recorder, keeps this camera from being all it could be. You can work around most of the other issues (like the viewfinder and side screen being subpar), but not that one.
that was a wonderful video and presentation of jvc gy ls-300, I love jvc I have a camcorder from 2006 that bought new back then and it still works well.
Thanks for this video. Im excited about this camera and i love your reviews... Was chuffed to find that you'd reviewed it! Love your voice over work. Proximity is awesome. What mic do you use? If you do an update after using this camera for a while i'd love to see it. Thanks again.
Great review...I just (today) exchanged my original purchase (GY HM200) for this cam. As a long time JVC camera owner/operator (started with the GY DV500) I like the familiar feel. Looking forward to shooting with this cam. Any other insights to lens/accessories for her?
Hi Nice Lady, thank you for the helpful review-- it was so influential in my decision to purchase this camera! Would you happen to know if and HOW I can cascade the SD cards so that one records on HD and the other 4K? I have not been able to find this info in the manual...
Great voice. Nice enthusiastic review. Been shooting with the af100 and this camera may allow me a second chance with all my mft lenses before having to reinvest in glass.
JVC has traditionally been a good lower price tag alternative. I used their products in both broadcast ENG/EFP and industrial productions for many years. JVC cameras could put out an image comparable to the more expensive Sonys and Ikegamis popular at the time. With software like Davinci, it's easy to grade the footage to match with footage from higher end cameras. Wouldn't think twice about using this as a solid B camera or even A on some projects.
Amazing honest review! I while her tesla agree on your perspective on the camera and it's great to see you use the adaptor and Nikon primes lenses on this camera! I'll be doing t same to not reinvest in lenses! :) thank you for a well rounded honest professional review! Subscribed!
Great video! Can this camera control the zoom of LUMIX G Lens H-FS14140? Just don't know if this lens has the motor on itself to zoom in/out. Really like your reviews!!
Very cool! I think JVC always under reported their specifications. I have the old JVC HD110 and it still holds up well against a lot of the more modern Canon camcorders and usually beats them in dynamic range and more cinema feeling color and image. I'm looking at the JVC LS300 or the Digital Bolex D16. They are very different but have a lot of middle ground from different perspectives. Have you had a chance to try a Digital Bolex? I could see maybe having both if funds permit.
I have another model of jvc and this probably will be my new camera, for use its good I already try it and use zuiko Olympus lens and love the image, good review
Thank you for this review, you've hit all the key points that I was looking for… It does appear to not have false color exposure tools which I love… I use a SmallHD 7 inch monitor with false color… that's so helpful.... Are there any tools for exposure besides the histogram? It seems that for the price you would be able to afford an Extertal EVF with false color and use it on an as needed basis… I like that it breaks down so small but yet can be built back up if needed..... One final question I have is are there any autofocus controls for lenses with video focusing? In other words will it autofocus like a camcorder if the lens supports it? Example canon70d w proper lens.... And almost forgot about aliasing and moire effects… Wondering if it down samples the full pixel mapping to 1080 P for standard HD to avoid moire effects.
+Steve Hartman Hi Steve, yes there is the possibility to use the autofocus on the camera with the lens but you need to check compatibility with the converter that you would use. If you used a micro four third inch lens then this should work (it certainly does with the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm)
Hey there Nice Lady. ;) Just wanted to know if you are still using this camera. I've been looking at possibly purchasing and would like to know how it's worked out for you and held up for you over the months. Thanks in advance for your time. Love the work.
Loved your review! Thanks for that! Originally I was looking for the gy-ls170 / 200, but the 300 looks awesome. My Dilemma is that some sony´s are about the same price range and the overall output of the sony´s always looked a bit more appealing to me. Could you recommend me a sony model that fits my needs?I´m shooting for a camera with good low light capabilities (like the LS300 in your video), 4k, wide dynamic range and a good lens. (doesn´t have to be interchangable, i´d go for a fixed lens, too). Oh yeah, my pricerange is about 2000 Bucks (could also be a used one)... Thanks in advance, Stefan
It still doesn't have the best EVF, it's capabilities I would say are still great. If you can get it for a discounted price I don't see why you wouldn't. I almost think the closest competitor in 2018 is the Panasonic EVA1. I've had some issues with the EVA (its LCD is terrible) and it's much more expensive. Like the JVC, the EVA blows out the highlights easily. So, know the camera's restrictions and play within them. I think this is still a great camera for a small camera. It's not a low light king but still great.
Does the prime zoom function work exclusively with primes? I know it sounds dumb, but it would be great if it could be used with the 12-35 and double de zoom, that would make a perfect range for run n' gun situations for example.
+Ivan José Hurtado Barón Prime Zoom works with any lens, not just prime lens. However, in 1080p mode, the zoom range is only about 2x, from 100% (S35) zoomed into 43%. With a native MFT lens, vignetting may further restrict the range to 80-43%. In 4K mode, the zoom range is very narrow, from 100-80%.
H I can't find the specs of the hdmi camera output thus I can't understand the max possible quality that I can get from this camera using an exteenal recorder. I am talking about 4k... Is the hdmi 1.4 or 2.0? Is it 8 bit or 10 bit? Is it 422 or 444? Is the signal coming directly from the sensor or is it just an up-sampled version of the 8bit 420 recorded internally? If we have a true 10bit 422 (from the sensor), using an external recorder, should give an image similar to BMPC camera... don't you think? Same 400 iso 12 stop dynamic range, same 4k (actually this is 4.6k!!!) super35mm sensor. Or no? Thanks
I wish there was a way to get this image quality with a camcorder shooting style. I do sports and while some of it is b roll where I have time to swap lenses and twiddle my thumbs, the rest is quick zooming in and out while the action is happening. Anyway to fashion an old ENG lens on this puppy?
You can put either a micro 4/3 zoom lens or a Nikon or any other lens on this camera, with the right adaptor and get zoom lens capabilities for ENG work.
In 1080p mode, VSM turns any fixed lens into a parfocal 2.3x zoom with electronic rocker switch control. This plus V-Log1 makes the LS300 a major game-changer for ENG shooting.
Nice review and product but i have a question: How works in autofocus?, i have a Canon 70D and the autofocus save me a lot because my right eye have a problem with my retine. The autofocus have face detection or something similar?. Thanks you very much!!.
Anybody know if the servo actually works on any lenses? I think it does on the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm, but I am looking for a quality lens that this will work with. Any thoughts?
Hi that was a really nice, non snobby elitist review. I'm giving up on my gh4 and after years of corporate video saying good bye w dslrs mostly because I'm trying to make things easier on myself. As budgets shrink I want to spend less time futzing and building and more time focused on how to more quickly get in and out of a job. Ergo back to run and gun/camcorder. I'm concerned about noise and low light. As much as I want to pull the trigger on this, so many people complain about the noise and crappy codec... in addition to crappy build blah blah blah. Do you find yourself having to sharpen and or noise reduce in post? I probably neato and sharpen 45-60% of my footage. I'm loosing money by wasting time with low light issues.
You mention low light performance. Are you lighting your footage before you shoot? I didn't run into any low light issues with the JVC but, I know how to expose my image properly and I don't tend to shoot at ISOs that are too high as I'm using fast lenses. Depends what ISO you are looking to shoot at.
HI there. Finally getting back to this...To answer your question, I try to light when I can. If there is budget for it I'll have a whole lighting crew with everything from HMIs to Kino Flos to whatever I have or have rented. At times however, I dont have the luxury of lighting. Currently working on a doc where I am interviewing professors in their homes and or offices. Its just me and a director..almost run and gun style if you know what I mean. In cases like this, My F5 or A7 is smoking in low light where I can open up to ISO 800-1600 at f2.8 with hardly any grain or noise..the JVC is just not very strong in low light..Shooting in J-Log in full daylight however is fantastic. The fast lens option is great. (I have my share of f.95 lenses) however its not always an option when you need a large depth of field. Being able to open up to 800-1600 would have been nice for a super35 sensor. As far as knowing how to light, I've been doing it for over a decade..I only just now started using my light meter again with the JVC.! It helps but the footage is not as good as I was hoping for a super 35 sensor. :-( Other tahn that..great camera for daylight and full lighting setups..run and gun with lower light ..no so much..
2021 and I have just ordered my LS300, should arrive next week. Amazing that a five year old camera is still made, and still offers unique features that make it a useful creative choice for MFT users.
Oh that’s great to hear Lots of great features!!
@@NiceLadyProductions You still using the LS300?
@@artistjoh Not any more but there's literally no reason not to.
I'm more and more impressed with this camera with every review
I finally got to experiment with my JVC GY-LS300 with the V3 update. Shooting J-Log with ISO 400 rocks once I learned to overexpose by a stop or two compared to what I would normally shoot video with. There is a LOT of data that looks washed out or clipped in the viewfinder that is recoverable in post as well as it makes the shadows and midtowns NOT have any noise. So with the J-Log its more like shooting with film, expose for the shadow not the highlight. At ISO 400, turn on the spot meter (or if you have a waveform monitor) and open up more than you would ever dream of doing in normal video. Ride the spot meter safely to 300% and retain some detail in post up to 350% and even maybe 400% . On the waveform monitor that is about 90 IRE, maybe 95IRE. Bring into FCP and with a LUT plug in like Color Finale Pro I'm able after just an afternoon to get incredible looking images. So give it a try if you haven't.
Just bought this and am excitedly awaiting its arrival. Excellent review! Thank you for your real world take on this camera.
Very well put together review of this camera! Thanks for actually looking at practical use instead of just the specs like most other reviewers out there.
Great job, Kelly! Thanks for the positive review and night time footage. This will help me in my selections. I'm a video producer in Buffalo, NY and it's nice to have a Canadian review... so thorough with great diction! :)
Great review and so pleased you love it as I reviewed,loved then bought - waiting for it to arrive today
Finally! The VG900 in 4K! Without a doubt, this camera has more whiz bang than anything out there for the price. Yep, there are a few work arounds but that will always be the case until the earth explodes. Look at the Pocket Cinema Camera. Everyone was bitching about the battery. WHO CARES! It's totally awesome and changed everything. Buy some extra batteries and shut up.
Very realistic overview and presentation based on REAL WORLD applications. Well done Ms. Productions, or may I call you Nice?
Great review!
Nice review! I hear lots of people complaining about the LCD and EVF, but it can be improved by adjusting the settings in the menu. There's another video on TH-cam explaining how to do this, but basically he matched the colours on the LCD with the colours on his PC to get better monitoring results. It seems to be more of a calibration omission by JVC rather than a fault in the LCD.
The lack of 10-bit color, even to an external recorder, keeps this camera from being all it could be. You can work around most of the other issues (like the viewfinder and side screen being subpar), but not that one.
Awesome review I was thinking about buying the JVC GY-H200, or the Sony PXW-X70 but you have seriously made me consider this LS300. Thank you!
that was a fantastic review very well delivered, the best I have seen of this camera
that was a wonderful video and presentation of jvc gy ls-300, I love jvc I have a camcorder from 2006 that bought new back then and it still works well.
Excellent...pro-practical and above all to the point!
Loved your review. Your comments mirror my own. Let's hope JVC work on the build quality and clean up the menus ; )
Thanks for this video. Im excited about this camera and i love your reviews... Was chuffed to find that you'd reviewed it! Love your voice over work. Proximity is awesome. What mic do you use? If you do an update after using this camera for a while i'd love to see it. Thanks again.
Thanks for your question. I use the Zoom H6, I just use the mic on the recorder. :)
Thanks for a Great LS-300 review !
I have loved the information I think I and my brothers will do a great Movies here in Tanzania with this camera
i really loved it
Nice review. Straight to the point. I had my eye on this but ended up going for my c100 mkii
Great review , many thanks. Im just waiting to use one next week, esp with the upgrades.
Awesome!! I'm really impressed with your review.
Great review...I just (today) exchanged my original purchase (GY HM200) for this cam. As a long time JVC camera owner/operator (started with the GY DV500) I like the familiar feel. Looking forward to shooting with this cam. Any other insights to lens/accessories for her?
Surely they’re due for a sequel now, right? Looking forward to seeing what the next version of that camera can do.
Can't wait to rent this
Thank you for your review of the LS300. Could you tell me what editing software & platform you used? Many thanks.
Kelly, there is so little info out there about the LS300. Can you give an update on your continued use of the camera?
Great to see other women filmmakers. Great video.
Hi Nice Lady, thank you for the helpful review-- it was so influential in my decision to purchase this camera! Would you happen to know if and HOW I can cascade the SD cards so that one records on HD and the other 4K? I have not been able to find this info in the manual...
kelly - thank you for this review! how do you think it stands up in 2018/19
Great voice. Nice enthusiastic review. Been shooting with the af100 and this camera may allow me a second chance with all my mft lenses before having to reinvest in glass.
How do things look in slow motion for weddings, other formal events, and sports team hype videos?
JVC has traditionally been a good lower price tag alternative. I used their products in both broadcast ENG/EFP and industrial productions for many years. JVC cameras could put out an image comparable to the more expensive Sonys and Ikegamis popular at the time. With software like Davinci, it's easy to grade the footage to match with footage from higher end cameras. Wouldn't think twice about using this as a solid B camera or even A on some projects.
if you have to choose today between Ursa mini and this JVC what you take? For a multiple kind of use (news, interview, wedding, corporate ...)
Amazing honest review! I while her tesla agree on your perspective on the camera and it's great to see you use the adaptor and Nikon primes lenses on this camera! I'll be doing t same to not reinvest in lenses! :) thank you for a well rounded honest professional review! Subscribed!
We have a JVC think we are going to go with the BM mini, 10 bit color range to videoish always IMO
Great video! Can this camera control the zoom of LUMIX G Lens H-FS14140? Just don't know if this lens has the motor on itself to zoom in/out. Really like your reviews!!
Thats one cool camera....great video. It is in my wish list on B&H. A DSLR killer for sure.
Very cool! I think JVC always under reported their specifications. I have the old JVC HD110 and it still holds up well against a lot of the more modern Canon camcorders and usually beats them in dynamic range and more cinema feeling color and image. I'm looking at the JVC LS300 or the Digital Bolex D16. They are very different but have a lot of middle ground from different perspectives. Have you had a chance to try a Digital Bolex? I could see maybe having both if funds permit.
Do you know if this camera can use the lens which came standard with the JVC GY-HD100UA - it was a Fujinon zoom lens with a bayonet mount
Like this review a lot. Very practical information.
How has that camera been for you since you made this video?
What was it that put this camera on your map to begin with?
nice info. ..have you tried matching footage from differing sensors ie a7s gh4
I haven't tested the JVC against others but I'd like to. I think it would match closer to the Sony and possibly the Ursa Mini.
I have another model of jvc and this probably will be my new camera, for use its good I already try it and use zuiko Olympus lens and love the image, good review
great review thank you for making it!!!
Thank you for this review, you've hit all the key points that I was looking for… It does appear to not have false color exposure tools which I love… I use a SmallHD 7 inch monitor with false color… that's so helpful.... Are there any tools for exposure besides the histogram? It seems that for the price you would be able to afford an Extertal EVF with false color and use it on an as needed basis… I like that it breaks down so small but yet can be built back up if needed..... One final question I have is are there any autofocus controls for lenses with video focusing? In other words will it autofocus like a camcorder if the lens supports it? Example canon70d w proper lens.... And almost forgot about aliasing and moire effects… Wondering if it down samples the full pixel mapping to 1080 P for standard HD to avoid moire effects.
+Steve Hartman Hi Steve, yes there is the possibility to use the autofocus on the camera with the lens but you need to check compatibility with the converter that you would use. If you used a micro four third inch lens then this should work (it certainly does with the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm)
Hey there Nice Lady. ;) Just wanted to know if you are still using this camera. I've been looking at possibly purchasing and would like to know how it's worked out for you and held up for you over the months.
Thanks in advance for your time. Love the work.
Loved your review! Thanks for that!
Originally I was looking for the gy-ls170 / 200, but the 300 looks awesome. My Dilemma is that some sony´s are about the same price range and the overall output of the sony´s always looked a bit more appealing to me. Could you recommend me a sony model that fits my needs?I´m shooting for a camera with good low light capabilities (like the LS300 in your video), 4k, wide dynamic range and a good lens. (doesn´t have to be interchangable, i´d go for a fixed lens, too).
Oh yeah, my pricerange is about 2000 Bucks (could also be a used one)...
Thanks in advance,
Stefan
What are your thoughts on this camera in 2018?
It still doesn't have the best EVF, it's capabilities I would say are still great. If you can get it for a discounted price I don't see why you wouldn't. I almost think the closest competitor in 2018 is the Panasonic EVA1. I've had some issues with the EVA (its LCD is terrible) and it's much more expensive. Like the JVC, the EVA blows out the highlights easily. So, know the camera's restrictions and play within them. I think this is still a great camera for a small camera. It's not a low light king but still great.
Can you use zoom lenses with this camera and still enjoy the 'prime zoom' capability?
Apparently you can.
Hi Nice lady, you have such a nice voice.
Did you try JVC log? If so, how did it feel
excellent review. Very passionate!!! thanks.
Does the prime zoom function work exclusively with primes? I know it sounds dumb, but it would be great if it could be used with the 12-35 and double de zoom, that would make a perfect range for run n' gun situations for example.
+Ivan José Hurtado Barón Prime Zoom works with any lens, not just prime lens. However, in 1080p mode, the zoom range is only about 2x, from 100% (S35) zoomed into 43%. With a native MFT lens, vignetting may further restrict the range to 80-43%. In 4K mode, the zoom range is very narrow, from 100-80%.
good review love your voice keep filming.
Very Good Job, and good video You Rock Man
H
I can't find the specs of the hdmi camera output thus I can't understand the max possible quality that I can get from this camera using an exteenal recorder.
I am talking about 4k...
Is the hdmi 1.4 or 2.0?
Is it 8 bit or 10 bit?
Is it 422 or 444?
Is the signal coming directly from the sensor or is it just an up-sampled version of the 8bit 420 recorded internally?
If we have a true 10bit 422 (from the sensor), using an external recorder, should give an image similar to BMPC camera... don't you think? Same 400 iso 12 stop dynamic range, same 4k (actually this is 4.6k!!!) super35mm sensor.
Or no?
Thanks
I wish there was a way to get this image quality with a camcorder shooting style. I do sports and while some of it is b roll where I have time to swap lenses and twiddle my thumbs, the rest is quick zooming in and out while the action is happening. Anyway to fashion an old ENG lens on this puppy?
You can put either a micro 4/3 zoom lens or a Nikon or any other lens on this camera, with the right adaptor and get zoom lens capabilities for ENG work.
In 1080p mode, VSM turns any fixed lens into a parfocal 2.3x zoom with electronic rocker switch control. This plus V-Log1 makes the LS300 a major game-changer for ENG shooting.
Nice review and product but i have a question: How works in autofocus?, i have a Canon 70D and the autofocus save me a lot because my right eye have a problem with my retine. The autofocus have face detection or something similar?. Thanks you very much!!.
It does focus peaking on the monitor
Hi ,could you test it with aputure DEC canon x0.75 and fulll and aps c lenses ?
Sorry, no. I don’t have those things.
Anybody know if the servo actually works on any lenses? I think it does on the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm, but I am looking for a quality lens that this will work with. Any thoughts?
I have spent hours trying to find PRACTICAL help. I have moved into the Pro. but do not have the knowledge. Where can I go? Audio selections?
+Paul K lynda.com
Another Fab review thank you. so tempted this camera GH5 was my plan but larger sensor and price are interesting. But then that IbIs arrghhhh..
Yeah, I have a GH5. It is handy having everything built into the body. Totally depends how you like to film. Price is good on the JVC.
what mic can i use for it??
The JVC camera comes with an external shotgun mic.
This os good for documentarys
Hello, can anyone help me how to update the firmware of the camera?
is the codec xvac? is it 4.2.2 10bit color?
Lotfi KAZ 8 bit
is it 4k internal?
Yes, the JVC records cinema 4K & UHD 4K to SD cards.
As good as RED?
Hi that was a really nice, non snobby elitist review. I'm giving up on my gh4 and after years of corporate video saying good bye w dslrs mostly because I'm trying to make things easier on myself. As budgets shrink I want to spend less time futzing and building and more time focused on how to more quickly get in and out of a job. Ergo back to run and gun/camcorder. I'm concerned about noise and low light. As much as I want to pull the trigger on this, so many people complain about the noise and crappy codec... in addition to crappy build blah blah blah. Do you find yourself having to sharpen and or noise reduce in post? I probably neato and sharpen 45-60% of my footage. I'm loosing money by wasting time with low light issues.
You mention low light performance. Are you lighting your footage before you shoot? I didn't run into any low light issues with the JVC but, I know how to expose my image properly and I don't tend to shoot at ISOs that are too high as I'm using fast lenses. Depends what ISO you are looking to shoot at.
HI there. Finally getting back to this...To answer your question, I try to light when I can. If there is budget for it I'll have a whole lighting crew with everything from HMIs to Kino Flos to whatever I have or have rented. At times however, I dont have the luxury of lighting. Currently working on a doc where I am interviewing professors in their homes and or offices. Its just me and a director..almost run and gun style if you know what I mean. In cases like this, My F5 or A7 is smoking in low light where I can open up to ISO 800-1600 at f2.8 with hardly any grain or noise..the JVC is just not very strong in low light..Shooting in J-Log in full daylight however is fantastic. The fast lens option is great. (I have my share of f.95 lenses) however its not always an option when you need a large depth of field. Being able to open up to 800-1600 would have been nice for a super35 sensor. As far as knowing how to light, I've been doing it for over a decade..I only just now started using my light meter again with the JVC.! It helps but the footage is not as good as I was hoping for a super 35 sensor. :-( Other tahn that..great camera for daylight and full lighting setups..run and gun with lower light ..no so much..
i love my duzi!
Thanks for the review....seems like a stout little camera
cool
It probably increases the dynamic range TO 800%, not by 800%.
realy cool video, my channel about old vintage video technic
🙋♂
i doubt this camera is pulling 14 stops of dynamic range let alone 12....
probably 10 or 11 stops of real world dynamic range
Anyine knows if BHPHOTO>COM or anyother pro company offer a credit
They have $1000 off this camera at the moment. bhpho.to/1QmvhK4
4K Camera reviews recorded and posted in 1080p -__-
The 4K footage I shot with the JVC is on my TH-cam page on 4K.
Cool Cool. What's in store for your next gear review?
+
ParihaAL
Thiago 😊😊😊
Do you have a face?
Yes, I do, thanks for asking. ;)