JVC'S GY-LS300 FIRMWARE UPGRADE ADDS HISTOGRAM, LOG MODE, 4K & 2K RECORDING MODES, TRIGGER OVER SDI/HDMI WITH SHOGUN

JVCKENWOOD has announced new features for the JVC GY-LS300, via a free firmware upgrade available for all current owners of the GY-LS300. New features to include: a JVC “Log” mode designed to duplicate the look of film; new Cinema 4K and Cinema 2K recording modes; a unique Prime Zoom feature that uses the cameras innovative technology to allow zoom capabilities when using prime lenses, and a histogram display for accurate exposure. The upgrade will be available in September 2015.

JVC Log mode
With the new JVC Log mode, the GY-LS300 delivers wide latitude and high dynamic range up to 800 percent to rival the look of film. The cameras Super 35 CMOS sensor delivers a higher contrast ratio between dark and bright areas within the frame without saturation while providing details within highlights and shadows. V2.0 also adds 4096 × 2160 Cinema 4K and 2048 × 1080 Cinema 2K recording modes at various frame rates, each with a 17:9 aspect ratio for digital cinema presentations, along with the ability to output a full HD signal via HDMI/SDI when in 4K recording mode perfect for monitoring in HD.

Zoom with Prime lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, but the GY-LS300s new Prime Zoom feature takes advantage of JVCs unique Variable Scan Mapping technology, which was created to electronically adapt the active area of the cameras image sensor to provide native support of various lenses when paired with third-party lens adapters. When used with a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) prime lens, the image can be adjusted between the maximum scan area and minimum scan area using the cameras zoom rocker. As a result, the camera can deliver 2.3x maximum zoom for HD or 1.25x maximum zoom for 4K. The new Prime Zoom feature can also be used as a lens extender for zoom lenses.

Histogram
Version 2.0 adds a histogram display, which is useful for checking the exposure by showing the brightness distribution of the image. The function is accessed through a convenient user button, and the range can be set to provide top and bottom limits. Beyond a histogram, V2.0 adds a colour matrix adjustment, spot meter for setting exposure values, and black paint setting to precisely adjust colour temperature of master black. There’s a 2:1/1:1 zoom for critical focus, which along with the cameras standard waveform and focal assist features, makes setting up the perfect shot a little easier, with a new 70Mbps recording mode that makes it possible to record 4K on economical Class 10 SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Theres also the ability to trigger recordings via HDMI/SDI and JVC LUT support via the Atomos Shogun external recorder.

“We listened to our customers and made sure this firmware upgrade delivered the features they wanted, as well as recording modes specifically designed for the 4K digital cinema market,” said Gustav Emrich, European product manager, JVCKENWOOD. “The GY-LS300 will also have the unique ability to use a prime lens as a zoom lens, which gives filmmakers even more shooting flexibility.”

Designed for cinematographers, educators, documentarians, and broadcast production departments, the GY-LS300 is the flagship camera for JVCs new 4KCAM product line. It accommodates a variety of workflows with the latest advancements in 4K imaging and efficient encoding for seamless workflow integration. It also includes a built-in HD streaming engine with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity for live HD transmission directly to hardware decoders, the Wowza Streaming Engine and the ProHD Broadcaster server powered by Zixi. With support for various streaming protocols including RTMP, the cameras can stream directly to content delivery networks (CDNs) like Ustream and popular Web sites like YouTube.