PROREVIEW
PROS
* * * * * Good price All features at your fingertips Good in low light Wi-Fi connectivity FTP upload
CONS
* * * * No shotgun mic included Still very noisy image on HI Db levels Still not working on 3G or 4G Can’t log on WI-FI hotspots requiring a username as the username is fixed.
WISH LIST
* The delay in iris and zoom ring could be improved * The rolling shutter is very noticeable * The audio controls are hidden behind the screen and there could be a better spot for it on the camera body.
It is important to note that this feature is not live, but it can be useful if you connect multiple JVC 650 cameras and it will allow you to monitor all of the cameras. LIVE STREAMING The camera does have the option of live streaming but we did not have the opportunity to test it out. But this feature opens up incredible opportunities because you can record an event and stream it directly to YouTube, for instance. CLIP TRIMMER The trimming option in the camera enables the end user to shorten their video clips if they do not want to upload the entire footage to the server. FLASH BAND COMPENSATION This camera even has a feature for flash bands. What is this? When you have a strong light source like one from a photography camera coming straight at your lens, normally, the bright light tends to be recorded over two frames, creating a banding effect that is not particularly cool. With this camera, you have a compensation option that restricts the banding to one frame only. So if you are shooting a live event with a lot of paparazzi, you won’t have that issue anymore if you enable this feature in the menu.
FROM TOP: The camera has only one vent unlike most other cameras that have two or even, three. It is, however, nearly noise free and very quiet.
OUTPUTS and BATTERY The battery life on this camera is pretty incredible. You will be able to record for several hours in the field without the need to power up. At the back of the camera near the battery is also a composite output and HDMI output, SDI. At the front of the camera, you will also find a RCA input output for time code. CONCLUSION For run-and-gun shooting or new event gathering, I would say this camera is a great contender. You might not get the cinematic quality that you will potentially get with cameras that have a larger sensor or interchangeable lens, so this camera may not be a top choice for filmmakers. But for documentaries or news professionals, this is a camera that has all of the functions required for a one-man operation making you immediately well equipped to report from the field. You will find all of the tools that you need at your fingertips. The added
advantages of Wi-Fi connectivity, FTPupload and dual-coded recording makes this an instant hit for news professionals. In essence, this is a true broadcast camera that doesn’t need a satellite truck. PRO
Stefan Randjelovic is Head of the Film Department at SAE Institute Dubai
August 2013 | www.broadcastprome.com |
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