New high resolution Lcos viewfinder

New high resolution LCOS viewfinder

The GY-HM700 is equipped with a new, rugged high resolution viewfinder based on a new .45-inch 1.22 million pixel Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) panel (852 x 480 x 3). This new all- digital viewfinder displays images with more than 5 times the resolution of typical color viewfinders. Its sturdy reinforced die- cast aluminum chassis and LED light source ensure years of trouble-free operation. A serial digital interface means there's no quality loss, even with razor sharp graphic overlays. The viewfinder's native aspect ratio is 16:9. Safe area indications are available for popular aspect ratios including 2.35:1. In the record mode, audio level indications, battery remaining "fuel gauge" (when using digital batteries) and estimated time remaining for each memory card are displayed in the viewfinder. The Zebra func- tion now offers 2 patterns (selectable.)

Jumbo size 4.3-inch flip-out LCD panel

Complementing the new high resolution viewfinder is a large LCD flip out monitor that can be used in recording, playback, clip management, and menu operation. Cross-key control makes menu navigation a breeze. The interface is very intuitive, with up down/left-right buttons on the same control disk. Selections are made by pressing the center of the disk. When in the camera mode, a blue LED lamp outlines the disk. When in the media playback/management mode, the color changes to green. A Red

display indicates that the camera is in the USB or IEEE-1394 (slave) mode. (The LED can be turned off with a menu choice.)

Extensive image customization is available. Thanks to the over- size monitor screen, the user see changes to the image as the set- ting is being made, eliminating guesswork. Individual user settings are stored on an SDHC card and may be restored to any GY-HM700 camera. It is also possible to add frequently used controls to a "favorites" menu (which can be invoked by a user button).

Built-in Clip View & Management Functions

When the camera is switched to the playback mode, a clip view- er appears on the large LCD monitor and in the VF. (This signal may also be output through the HD/SD SDI connector.) Clips are identi- fied by time code and with a user defined filename with numeric increments.

Detailed information is displayed about each clip including recording format, resolution, and time code start/stop, user bits, and creation date/time. Clips can be protected from accidental deletion or deleted if no longer needed. Damaged clips (due to improper eject, etc.) may be repaired with the "restore file" func-

tion. Though no special formatting is required, memory cards can be re-initialized in the GY-HM700 to an empty state even while the other card is recording.

The Quick Review function is available in the record-pause mode and allows the videographer to play back the first 5 seconds or the last 5 seconds of each clip, or the entire clip. After playback, the last image is retained (freeze) until the menu is reactivated. If during Quick Review, the record trigger is pressed, playback stops and recording begins immediately.

Spot Exposure Meter

When shooting very high contrast scenes, the Spot Meter can be a very useful tool, letting the videographer monitor the dynamic range of an image on the LCD/VF and adjust the exposure of an object in the frame. There are 4 modes of spot metering: Max/Min, Max, Min, and Manual. In the Max/Min mode, the highest and low- est levels of the image are identified with color markers, red (H) and white (L), along with the video level (before knee and gamma). The same values can be obtained individually with the Max and Min settings. Manual lets the videographer set the portion of the image to monitor. For example, in a scene with varied illumination, the videographer may wish to meter an individual's face, and set the exposure accordingly. As the scene changes, the exposure can be corrected precisely to the desired subject.

Patented "FOCUS ASSIST" function

Achieving exact focus with HD signals is critical. JVC's Focus Assist turns focusing into a fast, easy and accurate process. When Focus Assist is activated, the picture in the viewfinder becomes monochrome and all objects which are in focus take on a colored edge. Focus Assist works equally in the viewfinder as well as on the LCD panel. The Focus Assist function can be invoked by pressing the dedicated button on the control panel, or assigned to the RETURN button on the lens.