Move over HD, the next big spec consumer electronics makers are aiming for is 4K — four times the resolution of HD 1080p — and now it’s available on a handheld camcorder for “prosumers.”
“We’re witnessing the birth of what is destined to become a broad market for full 4K end-to-end production,” said Edgar Shane, general manager of engineering at JVC, whose company has just announced the availability of the GY-HMQ10 camcorder.
“The GY-HMQ10 is a breakthrough product that opens up 4K imaging to users who previously wouldn’t have considered it,” said Shane.
The GY-HMQ10 delivers real-time 3840x2160p footage at frame rates of up to 60p as well as offering an 8.3MP imager, a 3.5in touch LCD monitor, a built-in F2.8 10x zoom lens with optical image stabilizer, and up to two hours of 4K video recording to SDHC or SDXC memory cards.
4K DSLR cameras have been available for several years but have traditionally used a lower frame rate of around 24p. If you prefer super high-resolution images over a faster video frame rate (and you have a spare US$11,700 to spare), professional camera maker RED offers a 5K camera called the RED Scarlet-X.
In November Canon announced it was working on a new-concept EOS-series DSLR that could capture 4K video with a frame rate of 24p. Canon said the camera should be available in the market within 12 months.
The JVC GY-HMQ10 will be available in March for $4,995.