SanDisk has outed its latest SDHC memory card, and while the new SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I is targeted at pro-photographers and HD videographers, it thankfully comes in well underneath the $1,500 CompactFlash we played with at CES 2011. The new SDHC supportsUltra High Speed (UHS) as part of the new SD 3.0 specification, promising up to 45MB/sec read and write performance.
The company also reckons it’ll last longer, too, thanks to a proprietary Power Core Controller which distributes data across the flash memory. There’s also UHS Speed Class 1 video support, promising the 10MB/sec minimum sustained write speeds necessary for recording HD 1080p videos or 3D content.
Water, temperature, shock, vibration, x-ray and magnet proof, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I card will come in 8GB to 32GB capacities. It’s available now, priced between $109.99 and $349.99.
Press Release:
SanDisk Announces SDHC Card Featuring UHS-I Technology—Ideal for Capturing High-Resolution Photos and Full HD Videos
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I Card Offers Photography Enthusiasts the Performance, Reliability and Durability They Need to Shoot Like the Pros
MILPITAS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced the SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ SDHC™ UHS-I card. The card features Ultra High Speed (UHS) technology from the newly released SD 3.0 specification and achieves up to 45MB/sec* read and write performance with long-term reliability by distributing data rapidly and efficiently using SanDisk’s proprietary Power Core™ Controller.
“SanDisk has a long history of developing fast, highly reliable cards for photography enthusiasts and professionals,” said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. “Our new SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card lets consumers take their skills to the next level by capturing high-resolution still images, fast-moving action shots and HD videos of the highest quality.”
Designed for the latest cameras
As DSLRs offer increasingly sophisticated features such as high megapixel continuous burst shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture, photographers need advanced memory cards capable of unlocking their cameras’ full potential. The card achieves high performance and efficient power consumption in UHS-enabled cameras such as the Nikon D7000.
Performance
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card’s write speed of up to 45 MB/sec delivers improved shot to shot performance of RAW images using continuous burst mode. The card also adheres to the new UHS Speed Class 1 video class rating, offering 10MB/sec* minimum sustained write speed capable of recording HD 1080p videos or even 3D content**. In addition, the card’s fast read speeds of up to 45 MB/sec let users avoid lengthy wait times when transferring content from the card to a computer.
SanDisk develops its flash controllers and memory chips together, allowing the company to perfectly match and fine-tune the two technologies throughout the testing process. The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card uses an intelligent Power Core controller to achieve its speed. The controller’s data prediction and binary caching features allow for improved overall performance.
Reliability
Featuring an automatic error-code correction (ECC) engine, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card offers long-term reliability that comes from the brand trusted by professional photographers. Advanced wear leveling extends card endurance by distributing data evenly throughout the card. For added protection, the card includes one year of RescuePRO® media recovery software, which lets photographers recover their images in case of accidental deletion.
Durability
Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, the new card offers photographers peace of mind knowing that their photos are stored on one of the most rugged cards in the world. Able to withstand punishment, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card is water proof, temperature proof, shock and vibration proof, x-ray and magnet proof***. The card is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.****
Availability and Pricing
The card is shipping to major retailers worldwide and is available immediately at www.sandisk.com. The card comes in 8GB1 to 32GB capacities carrying suggested retail prices ranging from $109.99 to $349.99.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I SDHC card is fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards. The SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter, designed for high performance SDHC and SDXC UHS-I cards, is available at www.sandisk.com for $49.99.
Kingston has announced their plans for USB 3.0, and how the company plans to leverage the technology with a plethora of new products they will release in 2011. Making the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the company has dedicated their products to USB 3.0, and plan on releasing devices that range in usage for prosumers, consumers, and enthusiasts alike.
The company says that they’ve seen plenty of adoption with their previously released HyperX MAX 3.0 external drive, along with their DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 external drive, and believe that they can further that success with heavy adoption of USB 3.0 in 2011. They will be releasing several USB 3.0 Flash drives, which includes the company’s fastest drive they’ve released yet.
The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 will fall into the HyperXperience family of products, and be the company’s flagship device for the beginning of the year. Kingston will also release a USB 3.0 Flash drive that’s aimed specifically for the entry-level, leveraging the speed of USB 3.0 and the low price range. Check out the full press release below for more information.
Press Release
Kingston Digital Announces USB 3.0 Product Roadmap for 2011
· USB 3.0 Flash Drives Aimed at Enthusiasts, Prosumers and Consumers
· Family to Include High Performance and Smaller, Lower Cost Solutions to
Meet All Consumer Needs
International CES 2011, Las Vegas, NV & Fountain Valley, CA — January 5, 2011– Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, is boosting support for USB 3.0 in 2011 by revealing its roadmap at International CES 2011. Kingston® will develop a comprehensive suite of USB 3.0 Flash drive solutions to meet the needs of users of all levels as the technology becomes more widely accepted.
“We have already seen the successful adoption of our DataTraveler® Ultimate 3.0 and HyperX® MAX 3.0 External drive amongst early adopters demanding faster data transfer rates in portable form factors,” said Andrew Ewing, Flash drive business manager, Kingston. “As USB 3.0 technology grows and more platforms and computers support the USB 3.0 standard, we recognize the need to develop different solutions to address various target markets and help drive adoption.”
For enthusiasts and power users, Kingston will release its fastest USB 3.0 drive to date. The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 will serve as the flagship model and be part of the HyperXperience™ line, a family of high-performance Kingston Flash products that will include SSDs, USBs and cards, to complement HyperX enthusiast memory modules.
In September 2010, Kingston released the DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 (DTU30), its first USB 3.0 Flash drive using a SATA bridge chip to attain high data transfer rates. As single-chip controllers become available, Kingston will release a second generation of the DTU30, available in 16-, 32- and 64GB capacities. Single-chip controllers allow for better USB 3.0 compatibility and speed. Users will benefit from increased performance and lower costs in the next generation DTU30.
As more PCs ship with USB 3.0 capability later this year, particularly in late Q2/early Q3, Kingston will also launch an entry-level Flash drive to go with these systems. It will be aimed squarely at consumers with a lower capacity and price point to help drive mainstream adoption.
For more information visit www.kingston.com.
About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410.
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Kingston Digital Announces SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX
· Data Transfer Rate up to 60MB/sec. Read and 35MB/Sec. Write
· Designed to SD Association UHS-I Speed Class Specifications
· Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB Capacities
International CES 2011 Las Vegas, NV and Fountain Valley, CA — January 5, 2011 — Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX memory cards. The highest speed class available today, the UltimateXX meets standards set by the Secure Digital Association for next-level performance in SD card technology.
Shipping later this month, Kingston’s UltimateXX memory cards are ideal for the serious photographer or videographer. Photographers will appreciate the ability to easily capture sequential shots that were once a challenge due to the speed limitations of memory. The UltimateXX also makes it easy to capture HD video. The performance of SDHC UHS-I memory card is optimized when paired with a UHS-I device, although the card is backwards compatible with Class 4, 6 and 10 equipment.
“Kingston is pleased to be one of the first manufacturers to offer SDHC UHS-I memory cards to our customers,” said Mike Kuppinger, Flash card product manager, Kingston®. “Being a member of the SD Association enhances our ability to bring new technology to market. As the devices that support SDHC UHS-I become prevalent, our UltimateXX cards are at the ready.”
Kingston’s UltimateXX line meets the SD Association standards for the UHS-I speed class with speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write. At this performance level, the write speed of SDHC UHS-I memory cards is more than three times as fast as SDHC Class 10 cards. The UltimateXX product line will offer capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB.
Kingston SDHC UHS-1 UltimateXX Features and Specifications:
· Performance: 233x – up to 60MB/sec. read, and 35MB/sec. write
· Fast: ultra high-speed bus I (UHS-I)
· Compliant: with the SD Card Association specification version 3.01
· Secure: built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
· Compatible: with SDHC and SDXC host devices, not compatible with standard SD-enabled devices/readers
· Reliable: lifetime warranty
· Simple: as easy as plug-and-play
· Capacities*: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
· Dimensions: 0.94″ x 1.25″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)
· Weight: 0.09oz (2.5g)
· Storage Temperatures: -40° F to 185° F (-40° C to 85° C)
· Operating Temperatures: -13° F to 185° F (-25° C to 85° C)
· Voltage: 3.3V
· File Format: FAT32
* Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.
Lexar. It’s Where Memory Matters. And it’s also the only game in town to introduce a Class 10 microSDHC card. For those currently using an Android phone with a user-accessible microSD slot, you’ve probably gritted your teeth on a number of occasions waiting for your current Class 2 or Class 4 card to catch up with your demands. It’s one of the downfalls to removable storage, but thankfully, the device you see above looks to us like a glistening solution. The 32GB Class 10 microSDHC card promises a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB per second and a read speed of nearly 20MB per second, which should all but eliminate any lag from loading up your favorite playlist. Lexar plans on shipping this guy with preloaded software to manage and sync stored images and videos, and speaking of shipping, it should be available right now on Amazon for $149.99.
Multi-card USB readers – why is this concept more well played? It IS played though, even though it might not be well spread. Here’s a couple for you from Elecom, available in Japan (or over the internet through GeekStuff4U, which is in Japan too, but online, and online is everywhere!) One is the multi-card stand-up reader MR-C27 which reads up to four SD/SHDC or SDXC cards at a time – supporting cards up to 64GB. The MR-SMC06 is a dual-card USB stick or thumbkey which has no internal memory in and of itself but has two microSD or microSDHC slots. Super cute and super handy!
Both of these fine items can be found on GeekStuff4U and I’m sure your everloving nerd friends would just LOVE to have them for a holiday gift – bank on it. The MR-C27 multicard is [here] and the MR-SMC06 seems to be sold out or just gone for the moment, but that link’ll find it for you when it’s back up.
HP’s one of those companies that has their foot in several different markets. And, while there’s plenty of speculation about all of the great products they’ll release with their acquisition of Palm, that’s not stopping them from releasing other things. And, HP needed a Flip competitor. So, they’ve introduced the HP V5020u digital camcorder.
While the title may give it away, the V5020u digital camcorder will provide motion detection, as well as image stabilization. There’s also a 10X zoom, and you’ll be able to see what you’re recording courtesy of the two-inch LCD screen. There’s a 5MP sensor, an SDHC memory card slot, and you can record video in the H.264 video format.
Not only that, but you can hook up the recorder to your HDTV thanks to the HDMI port. You even get a carrying pouch that will come in the box. It will retail for $159 when it hits shelves some time in October.
Toshiba are looking to bring the wireless camera storage fight to Eye-Fi’s door, with the announcement that they’re setting up the “Standard Promotion Forum for Memory Cards Embedding Wireless LAN”. A collaboration with Trek 2000, the SPFMCEWL group would promote a standardized WiFi-enabled SDHC card that would communicate with the camera with cross-manufacturer consistency, wirelessly transferring its 8GB of storage to remote servers or directly to other cameras.
As with the latest Eye-Fi cards, the Toshiba technology would support both JPEG and RAW images, and they reckon their more advanced individual control over which imags were transferred “minimizes power consumption compared with [the] current solution.” Best of all, the rather unwieldy name is only a temporary thing and likely to change – we’d like to proffer RAWsquirt as an alternative – as more companies (hopefully) jump on board.
Toshiba and Trek Establish Forum to Promote SD Cards Embedding Wireless Communication Functions
Tokyo—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO-6502) today announced the launch of an industry forum to promote a new SD card that integrates Wi-Fi wireless communication with data storage capabilities. The forum, the “Standard Promotion Forum for Memory Cards Embedding Wireless LAN”* has been founded by Toshiba and Singapore-based Trek 2000 International Ltd..
In recent years, as digital cameras have achieved huge rates of market penetration, the need for quick and easy way to share photographs has grown. The new card offers an innovative solution that brings new capabilities to the already very popular SDHC format.
The card is designed to bring Wi-Fi functionality to digital still cameras that have an SDHC slot. Once in a camera, a card can recognize and communicate with the same type of card in another camera (on a one-to-one basis), and users can exchange photographs quickly and easily. It also allows users to upload and download photographs to and from a server without any need for a cable connection or transfers of the memory card.
The new card is compliant with the SD memory card standard, supports IEEE 802.11b/g and has an 8-gigabyte capacity. It can transfer both JPEG and RAW images, the two most widely used digital formats.
Toshiba and Trek will invite the participation of digital camera manufacturers and other interested parties in promoting the card, and in exchanges of technical information toward establishing standard specifications and expanding the use of the card.
Toshiba is a market leader in the development and manufacture of NAND flash memory, which is indispensable for today’s personal digital devices. The company seeks to enhance and expand its memory business by proposing new applications for NAND flash memories.
Features of SD card embedding wireless communication functions
1. The ability to send and receive image data among digital still cameras equipped with an SDHC slot and the card.
2. Upload and downloads of digital photographs between a digital still camera equipped with an SDHC slot and the card, and in a Wi-Fi environment, and a server.
3. User management of image transmission and reception minimizes power consumption compared with current solution.
Card key specifications
Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g
SD card capacity: 8-gigabytes
Applicable formats: JPEG, RAW
Outline of The Forum
Name: Standard Promotion Forum for Memory Cards Embedding Wireless LAN*
Co-Lead Companies: Toshiba Corporation and Trek 2000 International Ltd.
Established: June 29, 2010
* Standard Promotion Forum for Memory Cards Embedding Wireless LAN is a provisional name and may be subject to change.
Silicon Power has officially unveiled its new memory card for recording HD video on cameras and camcorders. The company chose to strap the memory card with a strange name of Full HD Video Card making sound like computer hardware rather than the memory card that it is.
The device is a SDHC Class 6 memory card that features Content Protection for Recordable Media and ECC to help ensure that the video is protected when recording. That is important if the video you are recording is something you want to keep.
The SDHC card is offered in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities. The 32GB card can record up to 320 minutes of video in fine mode or 480 minutes in normal mode. Pricing is unannounced at this time.
Digital SLR cameras generally save their images to one of two different types of memory card: the majority support CompactFlash (CF), while others such as Nikon’s D3000 and the Canon Rebel XS write data onto Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. The latter are inexpensive and favorable for their smaller form factor and better physical contact surface instead of fragile pins. Some DSLRs, however, have dual card slots, such as the Canon Digital EOS 1D Mark II N or the Nikon D300s. Last time around, we reviewed number of UDMA-6 high performance CompactFlash cards on the world’s fastest DSLR, the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, and we promised to put some Class-10 SDHCs through the same tests. That day has come, so read on to find out how Class 10 SDHCs stack against UDMA-rated CF on the Mark IV.
Introduced about a decade ago, the multi-media card (MMC) based SD card has evolved from Standard 1.1 (SD), 2.0 (SDHC) to 3.0 (SDXC) slowly but surely, with capacity and speed improving from 2GB with a minimum sustained read/write speed of 2.2 MB/s to a whooping 2TB of storage space at a maximum transfer speed of 104 MB/s. While we have not seen such cards on the market with that capability, Version 4.0 is already in development and intends to reveal the full potential of SDXC, tripling data throughput up to 300MB/s.
So far, devices supporting the standard are limited and only one DSLR is known to support it, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. Though SanDisk has recently shipped a slower-speed Ultra II SDXC 64GB, the speed is fairly basic at 15MB/s. However, Toshiba showcased its first SDXC memory card at CES 2010 earlier this year with read and write speeds of up to 60MB/s and 35MB/s respectively. With video recording on DSLRs becoming increasingly popular – and not requiring much faster – write-speeds – SDXC is an interesting prospect both in terms of capacity and ability to boost performance when needed.
If you have prior experience with SDHC, you’ve probably guessed that backward compatibility for the SD format can be a hassle. Unlike CompactFlash, where cards supporting improved standards are often backward compatible, SD can be more reluctant to play along. Your host devices must support the newer standard, and it’s often been our experience that mismatching such standards could cause permanent damage to the storage card.
SDHC read and write performances
For this review, we repeated the same tests previously performed on the CompactFlash cards to record time consumed to write data onto the same camera and computer – Canon’s EOS 1D Mark IV and a Mac Pro with a 1TB Western Digital Black Caviar HDD – with six Class-10 SDHC candidates from SanDisk, PhotoFast and Lexar Media.
The SDHC reader used to calculate read speed was the SanDisk ImageMate All-In-One media reader with an advertised maximum speed of 30 MB/s read and 27 MB/s write respectively.
Lexar Professional 133x 8GB SDHC, Class 10, minimum sustain write speed of 20MB/s, $60
PhotoFast 4GB SLC SDHC, Class 10, minimum sustain write speed of 22MB/s, $69**
PhotoFast 32GB MLC SDHC, Class 10, minimum sustain write speed of 18MB/s, $179
SanDisk Extreme 8GB SDHC, Class 10, maximum write speed of 30MB/s, $50
SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC, Class 10, maximum write speed of 30MB/s, $99
SanDisk Extreme 32GB SDHC, Class 10, maximum write speed of 30MB/s, $190
Pricing based on Amazon online. **Manufacturer pricing.
From our last test, we’ve seen that top-tier CompactFlash cards could reach 58MB/s on the Mark IV; disappointingly, though, the camera performed around 3 times slower with the SDHC cards. Results are fairly consistently among the cards, data generally being written at 20MB/s with the exception of the 32GB PhotoFast, which trailed around 5MB/s behind the pack.
Oddly, while read benchmarks are normally significantly faster than write rates, the SDHCs on test performed just slightly faster than their write speeds. Again, no significant performance differences were observed among the cards.
As we found in our last review a UDMA card can help in clearing out the DSLR’s frame buffer, managing up to 30-31 frames before hitting the wall. Take the 32GB version of SanDisk’s Extreme Pro CF and Extreme SDHC 30MB/s for comparison. The former held 31 frames and took 10.33 seconds to clear; the latter only managed 27 frames but took as much as 25.17 seconds to clear. To put the numbers into perspective, it extends buffer depth by adding four frames more in continuous burst mode and writes 2.5x faster to clear the queues onto the card and be ready for the next burst.
In addition, if you’re accustomed to formatting your memory card before you start shooting – as you should, allowing your camera to initialize the file system and help prevent write errors – you would have to wait longer with the SDHC cards. The Mark IV camera formatted the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash in 1.4 seconds but took up to 5.1 seconds on the Extreme SDHC card.
If your priority is camera performance, taking uninterrupted still images of action sequences, you would want to stick with UDMA enabled CompactFlash, preferably a mode 6 card. Our tests show that, right now, DSLRs and card reader compliant with the UDMA standard write and read data far better than with SDHC. Having fast media storage allows for quicker image access, both for capture as well as when formatting. However, with HD video recording increasingly a standard feature for today’s DSLRs, video cinematographers would probably prefer the largest media available, such the upcoming SDXC cards with an outrageous 2TB on offer. Take the Mark IV video recording rate for example: at 5.5MB/s Full HD recording, it would fill a 64GB card in 192 minutes. That’s fine for short interviews, but you’d probably need to pack a few cards to record, say, a short-feature film. Still, for now at least, CompactFlash is ahead of the memory card competition in term of raw performance.
Toshiba have seemingly realised that the US market has an interest in low-cost camcorders, and so has decided to ship its CAMILEO range over from Europe. Announced all the way back at IFA 2009, the CAMILEO S20, H30 and X100 kick off from $180 and all record Full HD 1080p video.
The slimline S20 is probably the most distinctive (and, ironically, the cheapest), with a 4x digital zoom and 5-megapixel still capacity; it also gets a 3-inch fold-out display and supports up to 32GB SDHC memory cards. Next up is the more traditionally-shaped H30, using its extra bulk to accommodate a 5x optical zoom and a 10-megapixel sensor. It has a 3-inch touchscreen and also uses SDHC memory.
Finally, the CAMILEO X100 has a 10x optical zoom, 3-inch touchscreen and 10-megapixel sensor, and can record at 1080p / 30fps and 1080i / 60fps. There are also slow-motion and other recording modes. All three models will arrive on April 19th, with the S20 priced at $179.99, the H30 at $249.99 and the X100 at $349.99.
Press Release:
Action! Toshiba Rolls into the U.S. Digital Camcorder Market with the CAMILEO
New Product Line Meets Growing Consumer Trend for Full HD Camcorders
IRVINE, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Apr 06, 2010 Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced its entry into the U.S. digital camcorder market with the introduction of its CAMILEO™ line. From the pocket-sized S20 to the compact touch-screen H30 and X100, the lightweight, Full HD resolution CAMILEO line is designed for the modern, mobile and digital lifestyle. Prices start at $179.99 MSRP1.
According to IDC, the traditional camcorder market is shifting to HD, as nearly 45 percent of all units shipped in 2009 were HD models and is expected to hit 60 percent in 2010. The easy-to-use CAMILEO line supports 1080p Full HD resolution allowing consumers to capture and edit high-quality video, take still camera photos and view them directly on their computer or TV2.
“The CAMILEO line is a very natural extension of our consumer electronics offerings in the U.S. and provides the quality consumers expect from the Toshiba brand,” said Ron Smith, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “The line is meeting a growing consumer demand for affordable HD camcorders that make sharing memories with friends and family easy and fun.”
Along with delivering 1080p Full HD resolution, key features of the CAMILEO line include a 3-inch LCD monitor, YouTube™ hotkey for instant uploading to the Internet, as well as the ability to take standard SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB, giving users up to 12 hours3 of video at the lowest setting. In addition, users can watch the videos on a big-screen HD TV and charge the camcorders with the included HDMI™ and USB 2.0 cables.
Product line specific features:
CAMILEO S20: At two-thirds of an inch thin and 3.5 ounces, the S20 fits easily into any pocket. It has 4x digital zoom4 and takes 5 megapixel digital still photos. ($179.99 MSRP1)
CAMILEO H30: The compact and lightweight H30 is 8 ounces, has a 3-inch LCD touch-screen, 5x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom5, and takes 10 megapixel digital still photos. ($249.99 MSRP1)
CAMILEO X100: The high-end X100 is 9.5 ounces, has a 3-inch LCD touch-screen, 10x optical and digital zoom, as well as takes 10 megapixel digital still photos. ($399.99 MSRP1)
Pricing and Availability
The CAMILEO line is now available for pre-order at toshibadirect.com starting at $179.99 MSRP1 and will be available for purchase at a variety of major consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide on April 19, 2010.
Detailed product information is available at CAMILEO.toshiba.com
Alright, so most of us would be served best by a humble Xacti rather than JVC’s stonking new GY-HM790 ProHD camcorder, but you’ll have to forgive us for drooling just a little. The latest flagship in the company’s performance range, the GY-HM790 squeezes in three 1/3-inch CCDs for up to 35Mbps 1920 x 1080 HD video recording, storing footage on twin SDHC Class 6/10 memory card slots.
There’s a 4.3-inch LCD preview display, two XLR audio inputs and the ability to record in native Apple Final Cut .mov format for easier editing. Still, none of this comes cheap: expect to pay $11,995 for the JVC GY-HM790 ProHD (complete with a Canon 14x HD ENG lens) when it arrives this Summer, or more again for the upcoming low-light version.
Press Release:
JVC TO INTRODUCE GY-HM790 PROHD CAMCORDER AT NAB 2010
WAYNE, NJ, April 5, 2010 – JVC Professional Products, a division of JVC U.S.A., will introduce the new flagship of its ProHD camcorder line, the GY-HM790, at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev., April 12-15 (Booth C4314). With an innovative modular design and a full complement of accessories, the new camera supports multicore or fiber-based production. Plus, as a shoulder-mount camcorder, it delivers outstanding ENG and sports production performance with more features than ever.
The GY-HM790 features three 1/3-inch CCDs, which allow a lighter, more compact form factor for better maneuverability in the field and more flexibility with robotic camera control systems in the studio. It produces 1920×1080 images and can record in 1080i, 720p, and even SD (480i) for operations that have not yet made the move to HD. The camera records at 35 Mbps (HQ mode/variable bit rate) or 19 Mbps/25 Mbps (SP mode/constant bit rate). The camera ships with a Canon 14x zoom lens or without lens, as accommodates a variety of lenses with its 1/3-inch bayonet lens mount.
Adopting the successful tapeless workflow introduced in the GY-HM700 camcorder, the GY-HM790 features a dual card slot design that records to low-cost, non-proprietary SDHC Class 6 or 10 solid-state media cards. JVC’s native file recording technology allows recording in ready-to-edit file formats for Apple Final Cut Pro (.mov) and other major NLE systems (.mp4) that are compatible with Sony XDCAM EX™ workflow.
An optional ASI output module provides a direct feed from the camera to a satellite uplink or microwave transmitter via BNC – no “black box” interfaces required – for live HD video from the field. Other ENG features on the GY-HM790 include an analog SD pool feed input, 4.3-inch LCD screen, and a high-resolution, 1.2 megapixel LCOS viewfinder. Two XLR inputs with phantom power offer uncompressed LPCM audio recording with manual level controls.
“The excellent image quality of the GY-HM790, coupled with its versatility for both studio and ENG use, makes it an attractive camcorder for broadcasters in any DMA,” said Craig Yanagi, manager of marketing and brand strategy. “Plus, our optional ASI module makes it easier than ever to produce true HD reports from the field. The GY-HM790 does more than shoot great pictures, it literally changes the way live news reports can be produced.”
With its HD/SD-SDI port, the GY-HM790 provides an uncompressed 4:2:2 full HD signal for live monitoring, and a FireWire port provides output of SD signals or the HDV transport stream, so footage can be backed up economically with an HDD recorder. An optional SxS media recorder module attaches directly to the camcorder and allows simultaneous recording to SDHC cards and SxS media.
The new GY-HM790 also builds on the studio capabilities of JVC’s popular GY-HD250 camera with its improved picture quality and cleaner studio integration. Its redesigned studio adapter sled incorporates a modular approach to multicore or fiber connectivity for a cleaner interface. Modules connect directly to the camera without external cabling, so they can be used either with the studio sled or handheld. Plus, JVC’s modular approach allows the creation of additional modules to accommodate future technologies.
Other new features for studio or multi-camera use include built-in time code in/out and genlock. JVC also offers a full complement of accessories, including a remote camera control unit, remote shader panel, 8.4-inch studio viewfinder, and multi-input special effects generators.
The GY-HM790 will be available this summer with an MSRP starting at $11,995, including the Canon 14x HD ENG lens.
A specially configured low light version of the camera, the GY-HM790LL, has JVC’s patented LoLux function that provides ENG users with image capture in an extremely low light environment. The LoLux version will be available to broadcast direct customers beginning in the Fall of 2010.
