BBC will purchase over 500 units of JVC Professional’s GY-HM650 ProHD network-enabled camcorder during 2013 for use in their newsgathering operations both throughout the UK and globally. Key features of the GY-HM650 are flexible dual codec capability, network connectivity, and overall ease of operational use.The lightweight camera records HD or SD footage in multiple file formats, including native XDCAM EX (.MP4), Final Cut Pro™ (.MOV), and AVCHD, to non-proprietary affordable SDHC or SDXC media cards. The model also supports MXF files for rich descriptive metadata.JVC’s GY-HM600 series cameras (GY-HM600 and GY-HM650) meet the EBU’s recommendations for journalism use (Tier 2J).
The camera is equipped with three, 1/3-inch 12-bit CMOS sensors, each with 1920×1080 pixels. The built-in 23x Fujinon HD lens features a wide focal range of 29mm-667mm (35mm equivalent) and has manual focus, zoom, and iris rings, along with three ND filters. Other features include auto-focus with face detection and an optical image stabilizer. The built-in stereo microphone is ideal for capturing natural sound, but the GY-HM650 also includes two XLR inputs with phantom power and a shotgun mic holder, as well as a headphone jack and separate input for a wireless mic receiver. The EBU test report for the GY-HM600E and GY-HM650E can be viewed at tech.ebu.ch.
