JVC recently announced a couple of new tantalizing cameras, the GY-HM100U and the GY-HM700.

 The HM100U is a 1/4″  3CCD handheld camcorder with integrated lens, while the HM700 big brother sports 1/3″ 3CCDs in a compact shoulder mount form factor with a nicely spec’d removable Canon lens. Which, by the way, is actually included with the purchase of the camera!

 JVC’s new camcorders are unique as they are the first, as far as I know, to provide an option to record in Apple’s Quicktime format. Pretty cool for Final Cut users who can instantly begin editing the recorded .mov files, but if you don’t use a Mac, they can also record to an MPEG-2 file format for use with every other major NLE.

 Both also have the ability to record MPEG-2 Long GOP at a max 35Mbps to dual SDHC memory cards. That’s right… SDHC! Prior to these new camcorders, the only solid-state format that recorded 35Mbps MPEG-2 was Sony’s XDCAM EX format, which records onto pricey, proprietary SxS cards. JVC also sells the KA-MR100G, an external SxS Pro recording module, which can be used in conjunction with the larger HM700 camera and allows simultaneous recording onto SDHC and SxS.

 Other specs to be noted, the HD700 has HD/SD-SDI out and variable frame rate recording. And audio on each camcorder is recorded in uncompressed LPCM at 16bit/48Khz with balanced XLR inputs.

 JVC is also touting the use of a newly designed 1080p Digital Processor, a JVC original 35Mbps MPEG-2 Encoder, and a recently developed, advanced CCD sensor block, “with resolution comparable to cameras with larger sensors.” Their words in those quotations, not mine. JVC is also surrounding their new CCD with terms like “Diagonal Offset” and “Adaptive Pixel Correlation Technique” which sound like interpolation. Until we see some resolution charts, though, that don’t mean this here sensor ain’t gonna rock. JVC has a history of innovation, but we’ll have to wait to find out.

 I like the fact both cameras offer a low-cost, solid-state format option. The smaller, more affordable HM100U is not compromised on audio and HD recording when compared to the larger and pricier HM700. JVC did a good job dividing camera features among the two different price-points. I think they circumvented the majority of user-end aggravation that come with compromises in lower model purchases.

 But moving up to the HM700 does open the door to some much coveted options, such as HD-SDI out, variable frame rates, and a removable lens to name a few. Typically to get these features, one would find themselves staring down the barrel of Sony’s SxS or Panasonic’s P2 line of cameras. But here is another excellent move on JVC’s part. The use of SDHC on the HM700 allows one to buy into a more full-featured package without locking them into the costly proprietary systems of SxS or P2. Using SDHC means the overall cost of the HM700 is much less than what street prices indicate, since buying something comparable to the HM700 from Panasonic or Sony would incur an additional investment in their high-priced (and reasonably so) solid-state media.

 Of course, the aforementioned high-end formats from Panasonic, Sony, and others are still available through the HD-SDI out on the HM700. One can still float between P2/SxS/AVCCAM/Uncompressed using external recorders that are available now or will be later this year. No more frustrating moments when cruising Craigslist for gigs with your trusty EX-1 in your lap and all you see are requests for P2 shooters. (And versa vice, of course!) It’s the ultimate agnostic camera, with a cheap, universally accepted, MPEG-2 format recorded on cheap, universally accepted solid-state memory cards.

 So bottom line, it looks like the GY-HM100U is a solid, professional little camera. The GY-HM700, though, is even more interesting with its options, flexibility, and pricing, especially set against the backdrop of other comparable solid-state cameras. Yes, it’s exciting times in the world of acquisition, and the choices keep getting more diverse and better! JVC has always been a viable alternative to Sony and Panasonic, but any gaps, perceived or real, are closing in fast!