4K is no longer reserved for theatrical cinema presentation; it is in demand at all levels of production. With Ultra HD recording, the JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Professional Camcorderfrom JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Professional Camcorderis designed to fulfill the requirement for professional functionality. It offers ND filters, custom-assign buttons, and professional audio inputs with manual gain control in a form-factor closer to a consumer camcorder. The camera records 3840 x 2180 UHD 4K in 24 or 30p, at a bit rate of 150 Mb/s, encoding the file in an .MOV-wrapped H.264 codec. With two SDHC/SDXC card slots, the camera supports dual, backup, and continuous recording. Besides 4K, it can also record 1080p at up to 60 fps in an 8-bit 4:2:2 50 Mb/s .MOV file, or in AVCHD for compatibility with consumer editing software.

For monitoring, there is a flip-out LCD screen with a 920,000-pixel panel, plus a 0.24" viewfinder with 1.56-megapixel resolution—the latter being especially helpful when working in bright daylight. For an external monitor, connecting to a live switcher, or recording video externally, there is an HDMI port with live 4K output. The included top handle audio unit features two XLR audio inputs for use with external microphones, offering switchable Mic/Line/Mic +48 inputs with independent gain control. It attaches to your camera's accessory shoe and secures with a slotted thumbscrew. It features electrical contacts on its foot that enable audio signal transmission to the camera without any cable required. An accessory shoe and shotgun mic clamp are available on top.

1/2.33" CMOS Sensor    Ultra HD 4K 24/30p Recording at 150 Mb/s    4:2:2 1080p Video up to 60p at 50 Mb/s    Dual SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slots    Live UHD 4K Output via HDMI    12x Optical Zoom Lens    Two-Position ND Filter    Nine User-Assignable Function Buttons    Two XLR Inputs for External Microphones    Independent Gain Control

With dual card slots, the GY-HM170 is capable of recording UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) to either SDHC or SDXC cards that are at least UHS-I Class 3 or faster. It records at a bit rate of 150 Mb/s, encoding the footage in an .MOV-wrapped file suitable for editing in a number of applications.

You can output 4K live through the HDMI port for monitoring or connecting to a 4K switcher or external recording system. The HDMI port also allows you to preview previously-recorded content in its full Ultra HD glory.

Since you may still need to deliver in HD, two HD codecs are offered as well. There is an .MOV-wrapped 50 Mb/s format that gives you 4:2:2 color space for compliance with many broadcast standards, as well as an AVCHD setting for shoots where file size takes precedence, or the footage needs to be edited using consumer editing software that only supports AVCHD.

Two SDHC/SDXC memory card slots support the following modes:

• Dual recording: Recording a high resolution "master" to one card and a low resolution "proxy" to the other
• Backup: Recording the exact same format to both cards
• Continuous: Once the first card fills up, the camera rolls over to the second, allowing you to shoot indefinitely

The 3.5" LCD panel features a 920,000-pixel resolution, while the 0.24" viewfinder—great for outdoor shooting—has a 1.56 million-pixel resolution. A focus assist overlay can be enabled when using either display to help ensure critical focus—essential when recording 4K with manual focus.

Taking you beyond the 12x optical zoom is dynamic zoom. Although this is a type of digital zoom, it can take advantage of the fact that the sensor is over-sampled, enabling a seamless transition from optical to dynamic with minimal quality loss.

Helping cut light to enable the use of a slower shutter speed for more natural motion blur, the ND filter offers two settings, 1/4 and 1/16, plus Off.

User-assignable buttons allow you to program infrequently accessed settings so you don't have to dive into the menu every time a change is needed. When unassigned, these buttons revert to their default settings, which are helpfully labeled alongside each number.

The camera incorporates an HDMI output, and standard definition video is available through the AV port.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How do you consider the video quality that is made in low light conditions? In front of the competition this item is in negative rating in the reviews. Thank you.

A: Not bad for the price, low light needs improvement

Q: 2. Recently bought this camera and updated to firmware 2.05 to try the high-speed video at 120fps. I'm using a PNY Elite 64gb card, u3, class 10, 95mb/s. Yet when I switch to 120fps, the camera says !incorrect and will not allow recording. What could be the problem? The card exceeds the requirements for high-speed work.

A: Me neather try to use another brand sanddisk

Q: 3. Maximum size of sdxc memory card

A: The largest capacity memory card for the JVC GY-HM170UA 4KCAM Compact Professional Camcorder with Top Handle Audio Unit is 256GB.

Q: 4. does it have an sdi output? if yes can it output 3g sdi and also, does it have a micro usb port?

A: I bought 5 of the JVC GY-HM170 and I love them but also have needed SDI output. The 170's do not have an SDI output like the more expensive 200's but I found a cheaper work around, I bought the DECIMATOR MD-HX Miniature HDMI/SDI Cross Converter with Scaling & Frame Rate Conversion (B&H # DEDDHX MFR # DD-HX) for $295 and it works great. It is still cheaper than buying a HM200 and the Decimator does more. I believe the 170's do have a micro USB port, but I have not needed that. Hope this helps.

Q: 5. I am trying to install the hood using the lines marked on the hood and the camera but when I rotate the hood is not straight. I can't seem to get the hood to rotate enough so that it sits correctly. What could be the problem?

A: Page 16 of the user manual goes over how to attach and detach the hood. It may just be a bit tricky at first to pick up. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/118754.pdf

Q: 6. I am having trouble using the Aux input with my Audio-Technica ATR3350 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone. The volume level is too low to use with the Aux input. I have been told that the Aux input only records at a line in level not a mic level. Does that explain why my lav mic is at a -30dB, but my XLR input is at a -6dB.My research indicates that a Rode VXLR - 3.5mm mini jack to XLR converter would be the easiest way to adapt my condenser lav mic to work properly with my JVC GY-HM170U. What am I doing wrong?

A: The AUX input on the camera is for LINE LEVEL devices (such as a audio mixer), that is why the volume is too low. If you use the ROVXLR converter to plug in the mic to the camera, you must switch the phantom power ( +48v) off and select the input as MIC.

Q: 7. Can this camera use the 128g card? I read somewhere the max is 64.

A: Yes, I've got a 256GB card in it and it works great. A 64GB limit wouldn't make much sense in a 4K camera! Just make sure you get the appropriate speed rating SD card (U3)

Q: 8. Which tablets is this camera compatible with for streaming? Will an ipad recognize this camera?

A: The HM170 does not have WiFi capabilities. You will not be able to connect it to an iPad for streaming.

Q: 9. Rolling shutter or global shutter?

A: The JVC GY-HM170UA has a rolling shutter.

Q: 10. Can I change the ISO on this camcorder? I know it’s not a low light camera but can I do anything to help the issue?

A: Unfortunately no. If you are looking to set your light meter, you can set it to ISO 800.