Guess what I bought!

[MikeRoz]

I just purchased the JVC GR-HD1, the first prosumer HD camcorder.
It records 720p in MPEG 2 format and easily upconverts to 1080i thru either the consumer D-VHS format or the pro D5 HDCAM or DVCPro HD decks. I saw the camera at NAB in Vegas back in April and I was amazed.
The unit has a few limitations because of the relatively low price, However the HD produced by this camera is amazing!
This may be another step closer to the HDTV explosion we've been promised for the last few years!

I deal with D5 HDCAM in my job as a video editor and this camera produces images VERY CLOSE!

[sp44again]

How much?

[MikeRoz]

The camera runs $3500.00 retail, but I've seen it as low as $2650.00

[ReesR]

I'm totally jealous.  Enjoy it.

Rees

[lyonhart]

I have the same RCA HDTV you have Mike.  Glad to hear the camera performs well on it. I've been totally curious about that camera since I first heard about it last year.  Wish I could afford it now!  How will you edit the material?

How does it perform in indoor lighting?  Tell us anything you can about it.

I'm a member of a well known video forum.  People there argue about the smallest differences between two-year old DV cameras.  Up untill a few months ago they were all arguing about how the JVC GRHD-1 was a fake, a wooden prop, a technical impossiblity that would never come out, etc.  Of course these are all seasoned "experts".  Now that it's out, no one say's a word about it and it's totally ignored.  They seem to agree with themselves that someone told someone else that the camera is a joke, and all it's reviews are bad. If you even dare mention it in the forum, you are instantly derided and flamed by the status quo, as though you have some kind of "agenda".

Every review I've read about it so far has been mostly positive, considering it's built in limitations.  The raw footage I've seen from it took my breath away.  It looked nothing like video from any expensive DV camcorder.  I can't imagine how anyone could have any interest (beyond paid production work) in pursuing another SD DV cam after seeing a local, over the air digital PBS broadcast, showing handheld HD traveloges.

I once posted a poll in there asking how many people had access to an HDTV.  Turns out almost nobody (even people claiming to be producers in Los Angeles), had one.  I think that explains a lot.  Some said I wasted my money on HD (it's a gimmick for rich people, and no one really cares about it), and that I should have spent my money on a better SD cam with more manual controls to adjust the black edge "enhancement". (!)  I find this pretty strange for a group of people who are after all spending their money on a technical, visual medium.  Maybe it's sour grapes for the three grand they spent recently for a PD150 or a DVX100 (non-16/9 cam).

Anyways, congrats on being one of the first ones to own a consumer HD cam.  Enjoy it, and please tell us more about your tests and experiances.

[Skipjack]

Now if TWC would open up a HD public access channel, Mike, you could keep us all entertained!

Congrats on the camera purchase.... can I borrow it?

[lyonhart]

I just ordered one!  Got a very good deal from Abe's Of Maine.  I've been waiting a long time for this - have lot's of experiments and tests in mind.  Should be getting it at work Thursday

[lyonhart]

This is very embarrasing, but I'll be honest here:  AAAAARGH! there was a screw up with my credit card - wasn't quite what I thought was in there, gulp - so I will have to wait awhile untill I can get the camera.

Mike, please do not keep us in suspence - you are a video professional.  Tell us more about this cam!  You just happen to have the same RCA HDTV that I have, and I have been looking for a camcorder that matches it's display quality.  I hear totally opposite things about the JVC GR-HD1.  Alot of video guys on the forums hate it, but either have'nt seen it (or more likely don't want to ), or have just made up their minds ahead of time that it's a technical impossibility.  Others have given it a run through, or purchased it, and are saying that once you get around it's limitations, it can be a quantum leap over todays prosumer DV cams.

Do you think the image looks oversharpened?  How does it handle in indoor or lower light settings?  Does it show Mpeg2 artifacts?  Does motion look blurry on it?  How can so many people be seeing such opposite things from the same camera?

Sorry to be so wordy here, but I am really curious.  Hope you make it back here

[MikeRoz]

Since I have been getting requests to give the verdict on this camera , here it is.

Any so called "professional" that says this camera is worth hating is foolish. Of course it has it's limitations,  it's a $2600 camera for pete's sake! The DV format rivals the clarity of the XL-1 in good light. The 480p setting gives great NTSC widescreen for making Widescreen DVD's and the 720p setting is outstanding, for the money. The HD has a kind of 24p look to it and doesn't handle quick movement very well, (like quick hand-held swish pans). The clarity of the 720p is quite acceptable and once the limitaions of low light and extreme light is overcome, the camera performs better than any prosumer camera I have used and better than a couple of pro cameras I've used.
I hope this helps with any questions anyone had!!

Thanks for listening!!!

[lyonhart]

Thanks Mike!  and.....one more question...what do you think of it's color response compared to a three chip?  

I currently have a single chip Sony D8, and have no problems with the color.  I had a Panasonic PDV953 three chip for awhile, but got rid of it because everything looked gray-green even in good light.

[MikeRoz]

Color response is good! The new chip technology really makes a difference. Obviously, with the right filters (polorizer, UV, etc.) the image improves. I still think a 3 chip camera has it's advantages in terms of color separation, but I shot some HD of my wife's flower beds in our backyard when I first got the camera and the color response, separation and clarity was the best I've ever had on any camera I've ever owned.

Thanks for the interest!