REPRINTED FROM SEPTEMBER 4, 2002
W W W. T V T E C H N O L O G Y. C O M

PRODUCT REVIEW

CAMCORDER
JVC GY-DV300 DV Camcorder

by Carl Mrozek

tion can be adjusted a full three stops over or under normal to achieve hot, saturated, shadowy or other looks, while relying on the auto iris ow many of us have the luxury of toting backup cameras while to maintain that level of exposure. Gain level can be adjusted in 1 dB on the road? Once in a while, when a camera increments from -3 dB to +18 dB. goes down, a backup is worth its weight in The JVC GY-DV300 has a variable platinum, especially on location with little or no shutter that can be continuously time to ship in a replacement or to reshoot at a adjusted from 1/60 to 1/2000 of a seclater date. ond to eliminate rolling horizontal lines That is precisely what happened to me when shooting computer and TV screens. recently while shooting a documentary Another handy feature is the flip-out on wolves in Wisconsin and JVC offered screen/viewfinder. Besides flipping out perto loan me its GY-DV300 DV camcorder pendicular to the camera body facing the operato cover the shoot. I was skeptical about tor, it can be mounted flush on the camera using a camcorder with three 1/3-inch body, screen facing outwards. This highCCDs and then matching those shots contrast screen can also be flipped with 1/2-inch and 2/3-inch camaround in the perpendicular posicorders, but daylight was burning tion to face on-camera talent. and the wolves were calling. I The GY-DV300 has a few accepted JVCs offer. other features often relegated to pricier pro cameras, includFEATURES ing a SMPTE color bar generator The GY-DV300 is a lightweight and a four-stage zebra bar display. The camcorder comparable in size, weight camcorder also features a SMPTE time(under 5 pounds) and design to other small pro camcode reader/generator that produces frame corders like the Sony VX2000. Hence, it is extremely data readable on any professional DVportable and travels well. format deck. However, it also packs a lot of features and proAnother important DV feature is the cessing power into its spare frame, like 12-bit proIEEE-1394 (FireWire) connection. The DV300s cessing and a 400 percent dynamic range. The three Two LCD monitors and a carrying simple edit/search functions complement this 1/3-inch 380,000-pixel CCDs deliver a sensitivity of handle give the GY-DV300 a lot of feature by making it fast and easy to review shooting flexibility. f11 at 2,000 lux. footage in the field. While it is a 4:3 camera, it does offer a 16:9 letPCM audio can be sampled at 12-bits/32 kHz terbox option. The non-interchangeable 14x JVC lens is quite wide or at 16-bits/48 kHz. Audio levels for each track are displayed in the at 5.6mm, and an optical stabilizer is built into the lens. viewfinder and can be adjusted automatically or manually via knobs at Focus and iris are either manual or automatic. The auto iris func- the front of the camera. The supplied microphones can be fastened to
Copyright 2002 IMAS Publishing (USA), Inc. Reprinted with permission.
the rubberized shock mount for vibration-free audio recording. The GY-DV300 can be outfitted with a proprietary Webstreaming module but this is not yet available and I did not test it.

IN USE

FAST FACTS

Application

EFP, ENG and event production
I tested the GY-DV300 as a field camcorder, using it as a replacement for my larger, more traditional camera-and-docking-recorder setup. My goal was simply to continue shooting my documentary, while maintaining image quality and continuity. That seemed like a tall order for a short camera, albeit a new and improved one. After some initial difficulties making minor adjustments to the cameras setup using its on-screen menu, the DV300 operated much like the broadcast cameras with which I am familiar. While the unit can save only three white-balance settings, re-balancing proved easy enough with the convenient auto white-balance button. I loved being able to visually check the quality of auto white balance using the color viewfinder. I quickly relaxed, as the white balance seemed consistently to be on the money. Both color monitors (in the eyepiece viewfinder and flip-out external) provided fast, reliable white balance and focus feedback. I especially liked the flip-out viewfinder for handheld shooting because of the expanded range of shot angles it facilitates. Its brightness and high contrast made it feasible to use outdoors, at least in indirect sunlight. It also proved handy for interviewees unaccustomed to talking on camera. The talent or soundman could view the flip-out monitor, while I could simultaneously monitor everything from timecode and battery level to audio levels. Although Im always skeptical about non-changeable lenses, I was pleased with the sharpness and lack of ghosting and other aberrations with the JVC lens. I found the auto focus mostly reliable when I resorted to it, even in fairly fast-changing situations. I especially appreciated being able to quickly set the auto exposure level up or down as much as three full stops. I found it reliable and helpful in backlit and other lighting conditions with a wide exposure range. I relied heavily on the cine-mode gamma setup, which reduces the blacks without affecting chroma, plus a slightly reduced detail level. It rendered a very natural-looking image with rich color, without any hard edges or aliasing. Achieving continuity with more than six hours of footage already shot with a larger-format camera was a key concern. I was afraid that footage shot with the DV300 would have a conspicuous DV look or at least would look very different than video shot with the bigger camera. To my relief, the contrast did not jump out at me and was subtler than I anticipated. Another key concern was audio quality. I used the 16-bit, 48 kHz audio recording mode at all times, albeit with a different mic. The rubberized shock mount gave me vibration-free recording, even when holding the camcorder firmly. It delivered clean, distortionfree audio at various audio levels (including auto level) to record an

Key Features

Two viewfinders, DV format; FireWire port; 14x lens

$3,495

Contact
JVC 800-582-5825 www.jvc.com/pro
assortment of bird, frog and mammal calls. The cameras compactness, lightness and ease of operation made it more convenient to use and maneuver closer to animal vocalists than my much larger camcorder. I used my Sennheiser ME66 for interviews and it plugged neatly into the XLR audio inputs. The DV300s compactness and fast turn-on let me grab more shots on the run than I might have otherwise, especially wildlife like deer, badgers, raccoons and other mammals visible only momentarily before vanishing into the forest. I was able to get fairly steady shots with the camcorder propped on the roof and body of vehicles, gates, branches and even my knee, sometimes at full telephoto, thanks in part to the shake-compensation built into the lens. The 7.2 V Li-ion batteries powered the camcorder for at least 90 minutes. Two fully charged batteries got me through a typical day. My only negative experience is that the eyepiece viewfinder does not lock into place. It flopped around quite a bit, making me nervous for its safety.

SUMMARY

Although I started out as a skeptic, the GY-DV300s performance convinced me that it is a sophisticated, well-designed and handy camcorder ideal for professional video applications such as special events, industrials, ENG and documentaries. Camera setup is fully adjustable via the menu at the push of a button and makes it possible to match its video output to that of cameras that use larger CCDs. The GY-DV300s edit/search functions and IEEE-1394 port make it ready for basic field editing, as well as for use in the studio. For a small camera, it delivers a lot of punch for the buck. Carl Mrozek operates Eagle Eye Media based in Buffalo, N.Y., specializing in wildlife and other outdoor subjects. His work appears regularly on the Discovery Channel, CBS, PBS and other networks. Contact him at eagleye@pce.net.
Reprinted from TV Technology

NEW PRODUCT NEWS

STREAM THIS.
Introducing the JVC GY-DV300 Streamcorder
A handheld, broadcast quality camera that streams to the Internet.
This truly professional, handheld camcorder with 1/3 3-CCD and 12-bit digital signal processing performs like cameras many times its price. Standard controls are within easy reach on the outside of the camera for maximum usability. With a 14:1 power zoom lens and optical stabilizer and color matrix, the GY-DV300 offers outstanding professional imaging and color reproduction. The optional KA-DV300 attaches directly to the camera. The adapter has a built-in microprocessor, industry standard PC card slot and fully functioning web server that lets the user connect to a network environment and stream to any location, without the additional cost of custom software. The Streamcorder is poised to meet the demands of the broadband era.
3-CCD camera for high-quality picture
To ensure the best possible image quality, the GY-DV300U incorporates three 1/3" 410,000 CCDs (effective 380,000 pixels). Each CCD is equipped with highly advanced circuitry that virtually eliminates vertical smear when shooting bright lights in a dark room. Lag and image burn are also reduced to indiscernible levels, while high sensitivity of F11 at 2000 lux assures creative flexibility and simplifies lighting requirements.

Optical image stabilizer

To minimize jittery images when shooting with the handheld GY-DV300U, an optical image stabilizer is provided.
AE (automatic exposure) function
Brightness is automatically adjusted by combining the gain, shutter speed and iris.
Newly-developed 12-bit DSP
The GY-DV300U incorporates JVCs new DSP with advanced 12-bit video processing to bring out natural details, eliminate spot noise, and accurately reproduce dark areas.

Full auto shooting

When the GY-DV300U is in the Auto mode, iris, shutter speed, gain, white balance, audio rec level and optional image stabilizer are all adjusted automatically according to the shooting conditions. Picture quality can be adjusted manually, with individual settings available for master black, detail, DTL frequency, V resolution, auto knee, black and color matrix.

400% dynamic range

By creating an ultra-smooth gamma curve calculated with a true log scale algorithm, a dynamic range of 400% is obtained, making it possible to accurately reproduce fine details and subtle colors throughout the picture, including shadowed and highlighted areas.
16:9 (letterbox) and 4:3 aspect ratios
The screen can be switched between 4:3 and 16:9, allowing you to record signals with the aspect ratio appropriate to the application.

14x zoom lens

Both auto and manual focus and iris control are available. 14x zoom speed For telephoto and wide-angle shooting without sacrificing lens can be varied as required and the large diameter focus ring ensures smooth, performance, optional telephoto and wide-angle conversion lenses are accurate focusing, allowing you to shoot the intended images. An optical available. image stabilizer (inner focus) helps stabilize zoom images.
Optional wide conversion lens

LOLUX 2.65 lux (F1.6)

One-push auto focus/auto iris
When the focus or iris switch is set to MANUAL, the Auto Focus mode or When activated, the LOLUX mode increases sensitivity with almost no Auto Iris mode can be engaged by pressing and holding the PUSH AUTO increase in noise. LOLUX increases the gain by 45x (+33 dB) so you can FOCUS or PUSH AUTO IRIS button. capture high-quality video footage with excellent color balance in low-light conditions.
GY-DV301E GY-DV300U GY-DV300E KA-DV300U
WEB ADAPTER STREAMING SOFTWARE INSTALL
LAN ADAPTER TO PC CARD SLOT MPEG4 STREAMING PC MPEG4/ASF

Specifications

General
Power requirement: DC 7.2 V to 12 V Power consumption: Approx. 6 W (in the Record mode) Dimensions: 357 (W) x 159 (H) x 130 (D) mm (14-1/16" x 6-5/16" x 5-1/8") Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs.) (without battery) Temperature Operating: 0C to 40C (32F to 104F) Storage: -20C to 60C (-4F to 140F) Humidity Operating: 30% to 80% RH Storage: 85% RH or less Electronic shutter: 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, variable (ALC) Variable scan: 60.1 to 2084.6 Hz Detail correction: Horizontal and vertical dualedged

Camera Section

Image pickup device: 1/3" interline-transfer CCDs Color separation optical system: F1.6, 3-color separation prism Total number of pixels: 410,000 (811 (H) x 508 (V)) No. of effective pixels: 380,000 (768 (H) x 494 (V)) Color system: NTSC (wide-band R-Y, B-Y encoder) Color bars: SMPTE type Sync system: Internal sync (built-in SSG) Lens magnification: 14x (optical) Optical filter: 1/32ND Sensitivity: F11, 2000 lux Minimum illumination: 2.65 lux Horizontal resolution: 750 lines Gain: -3, 0, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB, variable gain in ALC and LOLUX (33 dB)

INTERNET

[Audio]
Audio signal recording format: 16-bit, 48 kHz PCM for 2 channels or 12bit, 32 kHz PCM for 4 channels (recording only for 2 channels) Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (48 kHz mode) Dynamic range: 71 dB or more

Lens Section

Focus length: f = 5.7 mm to 79.8 mm Maximum diameter ratio: 1: 1.6 (wide) to 1: 2.8 (tele) [Connectors] Shortest shooting distance: 1.0 m (all areas for Video output: 1.0 V(p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced (BNC) zooming) (composite video signal) Swaying correction range: 3 Y/C output: Y; 1 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced C; Filter diameter: 52 mm 0.286 V (p-p), 75 ohms, unbalanced VTR Section (4-pin) Microphone input: -60 dBs, 3 kohms, unbalanced, Format: DV format, SD specifications +48 V output for phantom power Signal format: NTSC supply Usable tape: MiniDV tape Audio outputs: -6 dBs, low impedance, unbalanced Tape speed: 18.812 mm/sec. (SP mode), (RCA) 12.555 mm/s (LP mode) Earphone jack: -60 dBs to -28 dBs, 8-ohm Record/play time: 60 minutes (with an M-DV60ME impedance (monaural sound minitape in SP mode), 90 minutes jack) (with an M-DV60ME tape in LP DV connector: 4-pin mode) RS-232C interface: Mini DIN 6-pin FF/rewind time: Approx. 2 min. (with an Built-in microphone: uni-directional, sensitivity M-DV60ME tape) of -40 dBs Time code: Drop, rec run, regeneration Video signal recording format: 8-bit, 13.5 MHz, 4:1:1 GY-DV300UZ package component recording GY-DV300U BN-V428U battery AA-P30U AC adapter/charger