JVC GY-HC500ESB Connected Cam 4K Camcorder

The GY-HC500ESB is a handheld 4K production camcorder that is an updated version of the JVC GY-HC500 - providing the same premium live and recorded image quality and connectivity. This Connected Camcorder stands out with its 4K ultra-HD with HDR shooting capabilities and can record to SSD SDHC/SDXC media in a variety of formats to include ProRes. This means you can record directly to SDD media in Ultra-HD ProRes 422 10-bit at 50/60p. With the latest firmware, you now have the ability to record HD (1920x1080) in the ProRes 422 and 422HQ formats. The GY-HC500ESB is all about live shooting - featuring high performance 1080 60/50p streaming capabilities with impressive Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) QoS. This 4K camcorder is further optimised with IP remote control and viewing features, whilst being compatible with the KA_EN200G encoder (sold separately). This encoder makes streaming possible with efficient HEVC/H.265 compression.

JVC GY-HC500ESB Connected Cam 4K Camcorder Key Features:

• New Sports Score and Broadcast Overlay function - ESB
• 1" (effective) CMOS sensor with high picture quality
• F12 Sensitivity
• 4K UHD 60p/50p ProRes 4:2:2 10-bit recording to SSD*
• 4K UHD 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 8-bit recording to SDHC/SDXC card
• HDR recording, HLG or J-Log1 (10-bit)
• 4K lens with 20x zoom and 40x lossless dynamic zoom
• 4K Rec + HD streaming + 4K HDMI output
• Low latency and high-quality streaming up to 20Mbps
• High performance 1080 60p/50p live streaming
• Auto FTP to upload native video clips automatically
• Return over IP (Return video and IFB)
• LAN terminal (Streaming/IFB/Remote) in addition to USB host (v3.0)
• 4-inch high-resolution LCD monitor
• Ideal for live sport, news and event coverage

Expanded JVC GY-HC500ESB Connected Cam 4K Camcorder Key Features:

Firmware V020-0210

JVC has released a new firmware update with a whole host of new features and functions. These include Facebook Live and Youtube Live connection, new streaming aspect ratios of 9:16 and 1:1, 720p Web Proxy REC resolution, and Stream ID and an FEC at SRT protocol. That's not all, with the addition of VITC to the streaming Time Code system, new "Field" interlace format, key improvements to the Remote Zoom Ease function, and the colour matrix is now able to auto-adjust under LED lighting.

SSD Efficiency

Extended 4K UHD/HD up to 60p/50p video recording is now possible because of the GY-HC500ESB's compatibility with larger-capacity SSDs such as the SATA M.2 SSD Type2280 (sold separately). To simplify, this means that read speeds are massively improved to deal with professional workloads, and high-speed bulk transfers can be completed with ease. The best way to go about this is to plug your SSD into the camera's extended slot using the additional SSD adapter KA-MC100G (sold separately).

The GY-HC500ESB offers dual SDHC/SDXC card slots to record 4K 30p/25p/24p or HD video on accessible, affordable media. By being a dual-slot input instead of just one single input, you can implement Series (relay) recording mode to continuously record card by card. It also allows you to record to two cards simultaneously in the same format for backup or multi-purpose use. This is a great way to minimise the risk of losing footage during live-broadcasting.

Going Live in 3,2,1…

When IP is connected, you can remotely control camera operations via wireless or wired LAN from a tablet, smartphone, or computer system anywhere in the world. This encompasses lens and camera settings, alongside the ability to register zoom presets and IP connection settings - for a truly seamless live broadcast. It is also now possible for the person in front of the camera to engage in a 2-way interview with return video and audio while streaming live to air via a secure IP network. This essentially gives reports the ability to receive directions from the newsroom, and camera operators to re-adjust framing from a separate location.

Multi-camera applications are also supported, making the GY-HC500ESB an ideal setup for high-quality news broadcasting and field journalism. When combined with the KM-IP6000/KM-IP4100 CONNECTED CAM switchers (sold separately), multi-camera synchronisation can occur via the Network Time Protocol. This allows for compact live production and at-home switching, providing a much smoother and more efficient workflow. Further to this, NTP synchronisation is a much cleaner and hassle-free setup as it does not require sync cables.

Dynamic Zoom Lens

The GY-HC500ESB is now equipped with a wide-angle 20x optical zoom lens that provides optimal magnification for live production shooting. When in HD mode, Dynamic Zoom amalgamates optical zoom and pixel mapping from a 4K image sensor to form seamless and lossless 40x zoom. Other additional features include triple large rings for zoom, focus, and iris - achieving a more user-friendly feel over some other 4K camcorders. Optical image stabilisation and chromatic aberration correction help to create an even sharper final image.

Accurate Auto Focus And Assist

4K shooting requires accurate and stable focus, and that is exactly what the GY-HC500ESB provides. Auto Focus and Focus assist functions are both customisable to work in a variety of shooting situations, with One-Button Control allowing you to lock focus, or engage AF whilst the button is pressed down. Other custom options include AF speed, AF sensitivity, AF area, and Near Limiter adjustments.

What's in the box?

• 1 x JVC GY-HC500ESB Connected Cam 4K Camcorder
• 1 x Battery (BN-VC296)
• 1 x AC adapter
• 1 x Power cable
• 1 x Lens hood

JVC GY-HC500 Connected Cam 4K Camcorder Product Video:

FAQs:

What are the key differences between the GY-HC500ESB and the GY-HC550ESB?

The JVC GY-HC550ESB has a couple of really impressive additional features compared to this GY-HC500ESB. These include Wireless LAN antennas, built-in broadcast graphics overlays, and Zixi protocol support for live streaming applications.

Can this camera shoot at 120 fps full HD?

Yes, the GY-HC500ESB can shoot 120fps at 1920 x 1080 resolution to achieve dramatic slow-motion effects.

Is it possible to synchronise the time code of a GY-HC500 with another camera?

Yes. This camera is equipped with a time code input/output (TC) terminal. To synchronise the time code with another camera, you must connect both cameras via the TC connections. Simply select "Free Run(Ext)" in the menu of each camera and when the time code is synchronised, the "L" icon will light up in the viewfinder screen.

Is it possible to live stream while recording in 4K HD?

Unfortunately not, as when the system is set to "4K" or "4KEXT (SSD)," live streaming, remote viewing, return over IP, and Overlays (500SPC, 550) are not possible.