CES2012: JVC Unveils World's First Handheld 4K Camcorder.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

JVC Unveils World's First Handheld 4K Camcorder GY-HMQ10 Records Four Times Resolution of 1080p to SDHC/SDXC Media Cards.

JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced the GY-HMQ10, the world's first handheld 4K camcorder, which captures, records, and plays video images at four times the resolution of high definition television. Powered by JVC's Falconbrid large-scale integration (LSI) chip for high-speed signal processing and a 1/2-inch CMOS imager with 8.3 million active pixels, it delivers real-time 3840x2160 footage at 24p, 50p, or 60p.

"We're witnessing the birth of what is destined to become a broad market for full 4K end-to-end production," said Edgar Shane, general manager of engineering. "The GY-HMQ10 is a breakthrough product that opens up 4K imaging to users who previously wouldn't have considered it."

High resolution 4K still picture imaging has been around for several years in DSLR cameras. Motion video capture with these cameras has always been done at a lower video resolution because of lack of processing power. Likewise, high end digital motion picture cameras may capture 4K images, but often provide a raw data output to an external storage array for later processing—again due to lack of processing power in the camera. There just hasn't been the ability to capture, process, display and record full 4K images in real time until now.

JVC's exclusive Falconbrid LSI processing takes raw image data from the camera's CMOS device and dematrixes (deBayers) it in real time. Unlike many high end 4K cameras, the GY-HMQ10 is able to output 4K images to a monitor or projection system in real time with virtually no latency. This capability opens up applications in cinematography, medical microscopy, telepresence, specialized observation / surveillance, and live wide-view event coverage.

Using MPEG-4 technology and a variable bit rate H.264 codec operating at up to 144 Mbps, the GY-HMQ10 records up to two hours of 4K video to economical SDHC or SDXC memory cards.

In addition to 4K imaging, the GY-HMQ10 also captures and records astonishing 1080i or 1080/60p full HD, with extraordinary detail provided by its 8.3 megapixel imager and superior lens. HD is recorded on a single memory card in a format compatible with most editing systems. This combination of superb 4K and HD imaging was requested by attendees of JVC's 4K forums, conducted throughout North America last year, and is unique in the camera industry.

Another feature requested by forum attendees was the ability to crop an HD image from a 4K frame. This can be accomplished in post production, or in real time during camera playback. The "trimming" feature makes HD cropping easy using the camera's touch panel LCD monitor.

Similar in size to JVC's popular GY-HM150 ProHD camcorder, the GY-HMQ10 includes a build-in F2.8 10x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, as well as a color viewfinder and 3.5-inch touch LCD monitor with a new, intuitive user interface. The GY-HMQ10 is built in a familiar, comfortable and lightweight form factor for hours of field production with minimum fatigue.

The GY-HMQ10 is equipped with manual level controls for audio, with audio metering in the LCD and viewfinder displays. A microphone holder and two balanced XLR connectors with phantom power are located on the handle. The camera is equipped with a built-in stereo mic for ambient sound pickup.

Other features include JVC's patented Focus Assist, as well as manual and auto control of focus, iris, gain, shutter, gamma, color matrix, and white balance. Plus, the camera has the unusual capability of live 4K output via four HDMI terminals.

"Historically, JVC has been a leader in camcorder and display technology, and the GY-HMQ10 is our latest breakthrough," added Shane. "It's part of a larger move at JVC to bring 4K technology to a wide range of customers." In September 2011, JVC introduced an affordable line of 4K projectors to the home theater market. The company's high-end 4K projectors are widely used in commercial flight simulators and planetariums. "4K is the logical step beyond HD," said Shane. "And JVC is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in this new direction."

JVC's innovative approach to professional 4K will be unveiled in a series of industry announcements beginning at CES and continuing throughout 2012.

At a retail selling price of $4,995, the GY-HMQ10 launches today, with market deliveries beginning in March, 2012.

MAIN FEATURES:

• 1/2.3" Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor (8.3 million active pixels)
• Ultra high resolution F2.8 10X Zoom Lens
  (F2.8 to 4,5 — f=6.7-67 mm) (35 mm conversion: 42.5 to 425 mm)
• Built-in optical image stabilizer
• 4K Recording: 3,840 x 2,160
  MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(.MP4) 4 Stream Separate Recording 60fps/50fps/24fps Progressive at 144Mbps
• 4K recording for up to 2 hours (32GB SDHC, x4)
• JVC file utility included for combining separate streams into single editable file
• Also functions as fully featured full-HD camcorder
  AVCHD progressive (.mts) 60i/60p or 50p/50i
• Interval (time lapse) recording in both 4K and HD modes
• JVC's patented "FOCUS ASSIST" function
• Full HD (1920x1080) trimming function
• 3 assignable user buttons
• 2 audio channels
  4K mode: AAC, 2ch, 48kHz,16bit
  HD mode: AC3, 2ch, 48kHz, 16bit
• Manual audio level controls with audio meter
• XLR inputs with 48V phantom power
• Large 3.5-inch 920,000 pixel LCD display with touch panel
• 0.24" Lcos 260,000 pixel viewfinder
• Records to inexpensive SDHC/SDXC memory cards
  4 used in the 4K mode
  1 used in the HD mode
• Wired remote control capability

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY

Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment, security products including IP network cameras and recorders, premium front projection systems for home theater use, and projection displays and optics used in aviation simulators. The JVC Technology Center provides advanced technology in support of major JVC business alliances. For further product information, visit JVC Professional's Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800)582-5825.

SOURCE JVC Professional Products Company

New waterproof 1080p JVC Picsio Pocket Video Camera

VC has long been a major force in hand-held camcorders, but last year turned its attention to the world of pocket-cams with the release of the Picsio GC-FM1 which offered full 1080p high definition video and 8 megapixel stills. Now the company has added a couple more models to its Picsio range, the waterproof GC-WP10 and the GC-FM2.
Both of the new Picsio pocket video cameras share many of the same features. The GC-FM2 and the GC-WP10 both record up to full 1080p high definition video, can take 5 megapixel stills and have touchscreen displays taking up much of the rear.
Of the two, the most interesting is undoubtedly Picsio GC-WP10, which caters for the pool-bound tourist (or even those who just enjoy the rain) with waterproof capabilities down to 10 feet (3m). The pocket cam records up to full 1080p high definition video at 30 frames per second with digital image stabilization and has a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor which boasts "excellent low-light performance."

Dominating the rear of the 2.36 x 3.97 x 0.98-inch (60 x 101 x 25mm) WP10 is a 3-inch, 230,000 dot resolution touchscreen display. Other features include face detection, time-lapse recording, in-camera editing and the welcome inclusion of SDXC card support. Connectivity is provided by HDMI-out as well as USB and compatibility with Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi enabled SD cards offers wireless file transfer options. There's a headphone jack for private playback and the facility to record stereo MP3 audio.
The pocket cam comes with onboard LoiLoScope EX for Windows software that is said to offer quick, intuitive editing with numerous special effects and direct upload to sharing sites like YouTube and Facebook. The software can launch as soon as the computer detects a connected Picsio and Apple fanboys will no doubt be pleased to learn that the camera is also compatible with iMovie and offers the option to record to iFrame format.
As for the GC-FM2, apart from not being able to record MP3 audio and the lack of a headphone socket, its feature set is almost the same as the WP10. It's not waterproof though and doesn't offer face detection but does sport a handy pop-out USB connector. Both pocket video cameras are charged via USB, although there is an optional AC charger available.

The GC-WP10 available in late September for US$199.95 and the GC-FM2 is already listed on JVC's online store in a choice of three colors, although won't actually be available until early September for US$179.95
Have a look at the following video demonstrating many of the features on both cameras: