JVC GY-HM170UA Camcorder, 3.5", Black

The JVC GY-HM170UA is an impressive camcorder for its size. The image quality is sharp and professional, even in lower light conditions. I love the flexibility of recording in multiple formats and the dual card slots are perfect for long shoots. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and packed with features usually found in higher-end models. Definitely a solid choice for independent filmmakers or event videographers.

SUMMARYThe GY-HM170U is a high-end consumer camcorder with many professional features. It can record excellent video in UHD, has a 12X zoom lens, and, through its attached handle, provides inputs and power for XLR microphones. Feature for feature, it is far less expensive than its competitors.PROSThe lens has very good image quality throughout its zoom range (29.6-355mm in 35mm equivalent).Records in UHD (3840x2160), which is almost 4K, and produces very sharp raw UHD video. Video recorded in UHD then down-sampled to 1080p (in a video editor) is noticeably sharper than native 1080p shot with the same camera (this is true of most 4K cameras).Has a full complement of manual controls for iris, shutter, gain, and dynamic range, but also has automatic modes (Programmed, Aperture-preferred, Shutter-preferred). Zebra can be customized; Histogram can be displayed on-screen.Has a nice high-resolution eyepiece viewfinder that can be tilted up, so the camera can be held chest-high.The detachable (but very solid) handle has a built-in audio mixer that can provide "phantom power" for microphones attached via the XLR inputs. Also has a 3.5mm microphone jack and a headphone jack.Built-in Neutral Density filters (1/4 and 1/16).Zooming is very smooth, and zoom speed can be programmed from very slow to very fast.All manual features can be assigned to almost any of the camera's knobs and buttons.Excellent feature set for the price; really a great value.CONSNo 1/32 Neutral Density filter. Solution: for shooting in bright light, screw in a 1/2 ND filter; this will then give you 1/2, 1/8, and 1/32 ND.Layout of on-screen and physical controls is unlike other cameras (e.g. Canon, Sony); if you're used to those brands, you will have a bit of a learning curve.Battery life is not very good. Solution: buy a couple of extra-high capacity batteries, or three. Or four.The volume knobs on the mixer are tiny and very difficult to adjust with fingers; one needs some sort of sharp little tool to turn them with any accuracy.Lens maximum aperture is very good (1.2) at widest zoom, but this drops off rapidly, reaching 3.5 at highest zoom. Fix: if you zoom during a shot, don't start at f1.2, because the scene will darken as the lens stops down during zooming; instead, start at f3.5.Modes (A, S, P) are not selectable directly (i.e. there are no explicit "A", "S", or "P" settings on a dial somewhere). Setting the modes is a bit circuitous.Low-light image quality is not great, because of the sensor size (1/2.5").

Wow. I just love this thing. The device comes with plenty of auto features that can be used for the not so avid camera operator is capable of going into full manual for the more professional users. The picture quality comes out pretty well providing you have enough light. The handle clamps on securely and has taken some minor beating from use without any incident. The screen is actually pretty easy to read even in outdoor conditions as well. However, the best thing about this camera is not that it shoots 4K. Not that it allows a fully customizable zoom and and focus. But it's $1300. I was about to pay $1800 for a Canon however I would have paid $500 more and not gotten as many features.

I purchased this camera after reviewing lots of other reviews and sample footage. Despite some limitations (after all it is not a $10,000 camera) I am extremely happy with this purchase. The product quality is very good, video quality when configured and used properly absolutely exceed my expectation. It works like a professional video camera because it is a professional camera. Literally all of the features and capabilities I have been missing all this time in the consumer space.The seller in this case also deserves some recognition as the value I received was really good. They shipped promptly, and all the extras were there, carefully packaged. Great professionalism, I will purchase the next one from them with no hesitation.

Very poor performance in Low Light. Works fine in a sun day with shots outside and or good Lighting conditions, otherwise you will have a Lot of Noise. I have made much better videos with my 3/4 sensor Canon Camcorder (D70) in HD than this 4K Camcorder in Indoor environment. The Major reason I bought this camera is because it's one of the few that you can remove the top handle and put it in a small bag, but honestly I was expecting much more quality for being a 4K. You pay less and will get what you pay

Excelente camara

Great addition to my camera arsenal, small and economic with plenty of features! I Love It!

It says 4k but its not 4k.