JVC has released details of their new GY-HM70 camera aimed at camera operators working at weddings, events and a wide range of other contexts. Stand-out features include strong low-light performance and "superior" image stabilisation

The new camera has a 16 x F1.2 lens which when coupled with JVC's Super LoLux technology is capable of working in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Manual focus, iris and shutter controls are available as well as manual and automatic white balance.

Designed to look like a professional ENG-style camera, the GY-HM70 has a 12 Megapixel 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor that can also capture still images. It can shoot at 1920x1080/50p (60p in the US and former NTSC regions).

High frame rates are possible, topping out at 300 fps at 720x480 resolution.

JVC battery first

JVC claims a first with the GY-HM70's hot swappable dual battery system, that allows batteries to be swapped during recordings.

Recording is to SDHC/SDXC cards carried in dual slots, and recordings are switched between slots to ensure continuity.

On-board processing is courtesy of JVC's "FALCONBRID" technology which "handles large amounts of video data at exceptional speeds.

Pricing and availability

The GY-HM70 will be available in May 2013 at an MSRP of US$1,995