Designed for news gathering, field production and cinematography, the GY-HD200 offers multiple frame rate recording including full-frame 720p/60 imaging and real 24p. New image processing puts this camera at a performance level that can be considered for mainstream HD production

• Multiple frame rate recording: 720/24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, and 60p
• Compact Shoulder Professional form factor
• Wide choice of lenses and accessories
• Optional HZ-CA13U Prime Lens adapter
• Built-in image flip recording when using prime lenses
• Built-in 14.4V type Battery Mount
• Dual-media (tape +HDD)recording with DTE
• Next generation super-efficient MPEG-2 encoding
• Enhanced Cinema Gamma
• Advanced 14-bit A/D converter
  • Lower noise in low light
  • Better highlight handling
• BNC connectors

Multiple frame rate recording

The GY-HD200U records full HD in 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p and 60p. When recording in faster frame rates such as 50p or 60p, motion is smooth and retains the "live look" of television while maintaining a frame by frame sharpness superior to interlace signal formats. Furthermore, when the intended output is 24p or 30p, higher frame rate recordings can be slowed down in post production to give an ultra-smooth slow motion effect. Again all the sharpness of the full frame progressive signal is retained. JVC's new "Super Encoder" provides highly efficient realtime MPEG2 encoding of progressive signals resulting in broadcast quality HD recordings that are virtually free of visible artifacts.

Real 24p shooting

The GY-HD200 also offers real HD 24p recording capability — previously available on only the most expensive HD cameras. Ideal for DVD production, HD progressive 24-frame-per-second recording makes it possible to shoot images with film-like quality and smooth motion. Once recorded, those images can easily be transferred without frame rate conversion to 16 mm or 35 mm film with full HD fidelity. ProHD's outstanding image quality is supported by a wide range of powerful features which have great appeal to true film professionals. These include the image inverse function, as required by certain film lens adapters, and a menu to select the appropriate combination of color matrix and film gamma type. Cinema Gamma is deployed to make video look like film, and Film Out gamma is used when the video is to be ultimately transferred to film. This choice of gamma means that the cinematographer, irrespective of whether the final production will be presented as film or as video, can be sure of always getting the best possible film look.

HDV and DV compatible

As the HDV format uses the same recording track pitch as Professional DV, the GY-HD200 can record signals in either standard (576i/60) or high (720p/60) definition, according to the user's needs. Being able to record in DV is ideal for someone migrating to HD, but who may not be ready to produce in HD immediately.

Interchangeable HD lenses

The GY-HD200 features a standard professional 1/3" bayonet lens mount, providing the opportunity to use a variety of other professional HD lenses. In addition to the standard Th16x Fujinon lens supplied, a number of other 1/3" bayonet mount zoom lenses is available. Canon offers a powerful 20x5mm zoom lens and Fujinon similarly an 18x4.2mm, besides a very wide 13x3.5mm lens and 17x5mm lens. Furthermore, lens mount adapters ACM-12 and ACM-17 convert the mount to 1/2" and 2/3" bayonet mount respectively, providing cost savings by way of using existing 1/2" and 2/3" lenses. Also, to enable the use of film camera lenses, special film lens adapters are available.

3-CCD camera system with 720p HD CCDs

The GY-HD200 uses three 1/3" high definition CCD image sensors. Each array has a pixel resolution of 1280 x 720 and uses a micro lens system. Since this native resolution matches that of most HDTV displays, the need for image scaling is eliminated, further enhancing the quality of the recorded images. Another advantage of using these CCDs is their sophisticated circuitry which virtually eliminates both lag and image burn.

Uncompressed 720p/60 live output via component

When required, the GY-HD200 can output a live uncompressed 720p/60 signal in the form of analog component signal, making it an excellent choice as a video server feed.

Uncompressed 1080i/60 output via component

One very important reason why JVC developed the progressive form of HDV was the ease and speed with which a progressive signal can be converted to other formats, irrespective of whether the conversion is up, cross or down. Conversion is always performed in real time because the time-consuming complexity of de-interlacing is not required. The GY-HD200 can be set to output 1080i/60 from any recorded 720p/60 footage, whether recorded on a MiniDV cassette or on the DR-HD100 hard disk drive.

Professional Functions

Compact shoulder mount

JVC's ProHD camcorders are the first fully professional HD camcorders to feature a compact design and shoulder mount. Like its predecessors, the GY-HD200 offers excellent mobility and enhanced usability, while its flexible range of ergonomic adjustments ensures that any camera operator, regardless of stature or physique, can support the camcorder firmly and, above all, comfortably.

Professional functions and switch layout

In addition to the Full Auto Shooting to handle difficult or variable lighting environments, the GY-HD200 is equipped with an array of functions that give professionals creative flexibility. These include, zebra, gain, white balance and full shutter control. Also, the GY-HD200's switches have been positioned where professional camera operators expect them to be. Shooting is intuitive, precise, easy, and error-free, because there is no learning process to go through. The GY-HD200 is the ideal camera for any assignment.

Detachable 230,000-pixel LCD color viewfinder

The viewfinder's eyepiece can be moved backwards and forwards and can also be adjusted laterally for left or right eye shooting, so the viewfinder can fit any operator comfortably. JVC's own developed Focus Assist control ensures fast and easy focusing. It has 3 settings, (high, medium & low) depending on the type of subject in view. To make focusing even easier, a black and white mode is available. Stronger contrast and reduced color noise make visualization and composition easier in this mode and put less strain on the eyes, which allows longer periods of shooting. The eyepiece viewfinder can be used at same time as the LCD display. If it is not required, the eyepiece viewfinder may be detached.

3.5" LCD display panel

This 250,000-pixel 3.5" color TFT LCD monitor provides a high-resolution image during shooting and playback. JVC's own developed Focus Assist control ensures fast and easy focusing. A push button selects three display modes:

1. Video only
2. Video images with text information overlay including time, status, mode and other data are shown on the screen.
3. Only information such as time, status, mode, time code, audio levels and other data is shown on the screen.

Various audio-related functions

When color bars are output, an audio reference level (test tone) can also be output if required. This is requested via the menu. The audio reference level can be set at -12 dB or -20 dB as required. To minimize extraneous noise picked up by the microphone, a "wind cut" function is provided.

Versatility and Flexibility

Camera settings recorded on SD card

Customized settings can be stored on a standard SD memory card and loaded into another GY-HD200 or changed on site, as required.

IEEE 1394 (FireWire) in/out

A convenient IEEE 1394 interface allows easy direct connection to NLE systems or to a PC for capturing, editing and archiving.

Patented "FOCUS ASSIST" function

A JVC patented device, Focus Assist, turns focusing into a fast, easy and accurate process. When Focus Assist is activated, the picture in the viewfinder becomes monochrome and all objects which are in focus take on a colored fringe. In addition to the factory default Middle position, Low and High positions are available. In the Low position, you can limit the area in focus for more precise focusing. This is particularly helpful when using the technique of pulling focus. Focus Assist works equally in the 0.44" viewfinder and the 3.5" LCD panel. There are two Focus Assist buttons, one for each of handheld and shoulder operation.