In the world of production gear it can sometimes feel like true innovation is drowned out by the tides of incremental improvements. When it comes to video cameras, it's generally well established that certain features can be expected and other capabilities will require external gear. So when a company like JVC comes along with a fresh solution to a well-recognized challenge, it's definitely worth a good, long look.
One of the most exciting things about being involved in ministry is having the chance to help pioneer new and exciting ways to spread the Gospel. As media giants like YouTube and Facebook take live streaming even further into the mainstream, new doors of opportunity are opening up to churches of all sizes and resource bases. In the coming years streaming is poised to become a much bigger, more accessible part of our everyday lives, and forward-thinking churches and ministries can be a part of that evolution.
With the introduction of the JVC GY-HM200HW, church tech and broadcast directors have the ability for the first time to capture and create a live stream broadcast feed, complete with graphic overlays, all within the camera itself. Since the HM200HW's premiere at WFX in September 2016, CPM has kept a close eye on this camera. After spending some time putting it through its paces we came away with a much clearer idea of what JVC had in mind, and who will really get the most out of it.
Feature attractions
Even just on paper, the JVC GY-HM200HW offers a lot to get excited about. At the heart of the camcorder is its 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 4K imagery at both 24 and 30 frames per second. The HM200HW also films full HD in 4:2:2 color space up to 60fps, and is capable of pushing up to 120fps at lower bit rates for slow motion work. Live 4K footage can be output via the HDMI connection, while HD can run out of either the HDMI or SDI output ports.
The HM200HW records internally to Quicktime H.264 for 4K, and Quicktime or AVCHD files for 1080p/60fps in HD. Footage is recorded to dual SD cards, allowing for simultaneous or relay recording. Dual slot recording enables the camera to write full quality files to one card and smaller proxy files to the other at the same time. JVC has also created a new type of two-card recording approach called “Backup Rec,” which allows one card to record continually while the other card can be started or stopped independently.
The camera's built-in lens features a 12x optical zoom that can extend to a 24x “digital zoom” when filming in HD by utilizing the center portion of the 4K sensor. The aperture of the lens is an impressive f/1.2-3.5, which does a decent job of compensating for the smaller-sized sensor's natural light-gathering abilities.
The camcorder also features two built-in ND filters for shooting in brighter environments.
The HM200HW features include a stereo mic built into the camera's detectable handle, as well as two XLR audio inputs for utilizing professional microphones such as shotguns and lavaliers. The XLR inputs incorporate phantom power and manual input level controls accessible on the handle itself.
The camcorder also includes a 3.5-inch LCD display and a .24-inch viewfinder packed with 1.56 million pixels for achieving dependable focus. It also features focus assist tools like peaking and expanded focus, which are almost non-negotiable when filming in 4K. Both functions can be assigned to one of nine available user-assignable buttons.
The headline feature is its ability to create lower-third overlays directly in-camera.
Getting your stream on
Beyond the normal feature set of your typical video camera, what really sets the HM200HW apart from most camcorders is its live streaming abilities. When paired with an optional Wi-Fi network adapter, the camera is capable of streaming directly to the Internet without needing an external laptop or desktop computer. The camera's streaming engine is currently compatible with popular services such as Sunday Streams, uStream, YouTube, and Facebook Live and JVC's new VideoCloud.
The HM200HW creates its own stream in 1920x1080, 1280x720, 720x480 or 480x270 resolutions, utilizing bit rates ranging from .2-12 Mbps. In addition, the camera can stream while also recording a full-quality HD file simultaneously, making quality post-production of your event a breeze. For situations where producers need to broadcast in remote locations lacking local Internet access, the HM200HW is capable of streaming directly to a Verizon 4G LTE adapter.
The headline feature of the HM200HW, however, is its ability to create lower third overlays directly in-camera. This feature will be most effective for communicating names, subtitles, order-of-service, and web links. While scripture references could be easily accomplished, the layout would be less than ideal for displaying the full text of scripture passages.
The text itself is created, modified and cued using a web browser running on a PR, smartphone or tablet. The graphics themselves are fairly basic, consisting of two lines of text with a number of preset two-color backgrounds. The camera also comes pre-loaded with a choice of eight religion-themed thumbnails that appear at the end of the lower third graphic. If the included images don't work in your context, the HM200HW allows your dealer to upload custom content that can be transferred to the camera via SD card.
In action
After spending some time with the HM200HW it becomes increasingly clear that JVC has a very specific intended end-user in mind with this camera. Right away it's easy to appreciate the wide array of features the HM200HW boasts. Filming in 4K, high frame rates, professional audio features, local live streaming, and in-camera graphics—this camera's got a whole lot going on under the hood. Having said that, the times this camera will really shine is when it's functioning as a portable live event streaming solution.
One of the first things users will notice after spending a few minutes filming with the HM200HW is just how lightweight it is. The camcorder is a very minimal 3.5 pounds when fully kitted out with the battery and optional shotgun mic. While there are upsides to having a lightweight camera, it's almost shocking how light it is. This would be a bigger concern were the camcorder designed primarily for documentary work, but for normal transfer and tripod-based event setups this probably won't be a big deal.
All about the footage
The image coming off HM200HW is pretty much in line with what you'd expect from a camera around this price range. The images are sharp and the color fidelity is right on the money, especially when correctly white balanced. With the smaller sensor (compared to DSLRs and cinema-style cameras) the depth of field cannot be described as shallow. But again, for recording a wide range of live events at varying distances with operators of minimal or unknown skill levels, this is likely a good attribute.
The one thing to be aware of with this particular sensor is that it's going to need a lot of light to create solid images. This won't be an issue when filming in daylight or events with stage lighting, but low-light situations could be more challenging. In our tests we found the image starts to suffer when the sensor was pushed beyond 6 dB of gain.
Another highlight feature of the HM200HW is its ability to shoot in higher frame rates in HD. We were very happy with the slow motion achieved from 60fps, but the footage starts to suffer a bit when pushed beyond that. In the same vein, the performance across the 12x optical zoom is rock solid, but you may want to avoid the “digital zoom” function unless it's absolutely necessary.
In conclusion
As always, it's important to remember that there's no such thing as a perfect digital video camera. Some cameras are great for cinematic filmmaking, while others are ideal for run-and-gun documentary. Still others are great for installed studio work, while a different camera is designed for specialty purposes. It's encouraging to see a company like JVC pushing the envelope on what's currently considered possible from a stand-alone camera.
The real selling point of the HM200HW is its ability to live stream with graphics, all without needing any external hardware beyond a smart phone to trigger the lower thirds.
It's going to be an extremely useful feature for tech directors and church video producers who need the ability to stream with titles in remote locations, especially when network infrastructure is spotty or non-existent.
No one's going to mistake the graphics for a full presentation software suite, but the feature makes a strong case for those times when substance trumps style.
Finally, the HM200HW passes the “backpack test” with flying colors. The camera's small form factor and minimal weight means transfer and set up, in most situations, will be a piece of cake. Throw a tiny Wi-Fi adapter and a Verizon 4G LTE adapter in your backpack and you're ready to stream. For churches needing to livecast mobile church services, mission projects, and special events on location, while at the same time communicating names, places, and important information using on-screen graphics, the HM200HW could be just the tool you've been looking for.
