Release issued by JVC:
No Tape. No Disc
14th June 2005 The world of Camcorders is changing…
Just as we are seeing with music – where the progression from tape to disc, then disc to Hard Disk Drive (HDD) devices has revolutionised the way we listen to music – so HDD is now the hottest property in the world of Camcorders. The launch of the Everio™ C Series, in 2004, heralded a new era in the way we use our camcorders – high-quality, long-time recording and instant access into those recordings. And all using a small, removable 4GB Microdrive as the engine of the product, without the need for tapes or discs.
The new Everio G Series takes that concept and moves it on to the next stage. By increasing the capacity of the HDD, this extends the length of time for which you can record. Thus, making it even-more user-friendly. Plus the G Series retains the wide connectivity that the MC Series had, meaning you can connect the camcorder up to your TV, VCR, DVD Recorder or your PC to watch, edit or archive your recordings forever. Leaving the HDD on the camcorder empty once again for your next recordings.
The range to be introduced to the UK will be compact, yet at the same time offer enough step-up features to cater for a broad range of consumer needs. Three models will launch in September (MG20,MG30,MG50).
The lead-in model, the MG20, will house an 800,000 Pixel CCD, huge 25x Optical Zoom and will incorporate a 20GB capacity HDD, which will allow you to record between 4 ˝ hrs – 25hrs of footage, depending on the mode. We expect this model to be ranged by most camcorder retailers.
The first step-up model – for those customers wanting more hours of recording - will be the MG30, the only difference being that it has a 30GB capacity HDD, which will cater for between 7 hrs – 37hrs.
The MG50 will offer 30GB HDD again, but possess a superior picture quality combination of 1.33 MegaPixel CCD with our F1.2 Superbright Lens. This will also enable a higher still image capability, though with a 15x Optical Zoom.
In addition, there will be many standard features which will be common to all models in the line-up – 2 ˝ inch LCD Screen, Built-in Light, SD Card Slot, USB 2.0 interface, Data Battery system and provided Software this time incorporating full Macintosh compatibility.
MPEG-2 Video Recording for DVD-Movie Quality Footage
The MG20 offers 4 ˝ hrs storage at 9 Mbps at a Constant Bit Rate (CBR), which is close to the maximum bit rate for DVD movie quality recording, or 7 hours at 6 Mbps, comparable to DVD Camcorder recordings. Two more modes are available for even longer recording time. The MG30 & MG50 offer an impressive 7 hours storage at 9 Mbps, and 10 ˝ hours at 6 Mbps. Either way, the high quality MPEG-2 recordings are in the same format used to produce DVD software, so no quality will be lost when burning them to DVD.
Shooting time (normal use)
| | GZ-MG50 /
GZ-MG30 | GZ-MG20 | Bit rate
Mbps*
|
| Ultra(DVD Movie) | 7 hours | 4.5 hours | 8.9
|
| Fine (DVD) | 10.5 hours | 7 hours | 5.9
|
| Norm (TV) | 14 hours | 9 hours | 4.5
|
| Eco (Internet) | 37 hours | 25 hours | 1.6
|
*Combined A/V rates, Video Bit rate is fixed for Ultra and Fine modes, variable for Norm and Eco modes.
Random Access to Recordings
The benefits of recording video to a hard disk are the same benefits that have made hard disk-based audio players so popular — random access to quickly locate desired material, the ability to effortlessly delete unwanted material, and easily rearrange the playback sequence. What’s more, there’s no danger of mistakenly recording over something you want to keep.
Scene selection is made easy thanks to on-screen index images, so the large amount recorded won’t become a hindrance to quick accessibility. And with remote control operation, it is possible to connect the Everio G camcorder to a TV and operate it from a distance, just like a DVD deck. Playlist operation allows recording of desired clips directly to DVD, VHS or other analogue input devices with the S-Video or Composite video output, for perfect copies every time.
Hard Disk Protection and Stability
A challenge in designing and building a hard disk camcorder is protecting the disk from shocks and vibrations. One way this is done in the Everio G camcorders is through a unique floating suspension system that effectively dampens vibrations through advanced polymer shock absorbers. Another security measure familiar to notebook PC users is its gravity-like force sensor system that automatically senses sudden acceleration such as in a free fall situation, and turns off the power to defend the hard disk so that a head crash can be avoided even when the unit is dropped
1.33 Megapixel and Image-Enhancing Features
The GZ-MG50 is equipped with a 1.33 Megapixel CCD image sensor that enables capture of high quality video and stills. And for the best possible video and still image quality, JVC’s Megabrid Imaging Engine separately processes video and still signals, providing optimal processing for each and assuring high sensitivity and a high signal-to-noise ratio for moving pictures, as well as clear, high resolution still images.
For all Everio models, encoding of moving images to MPEG-2 data is handled by the world’s smallest MPEG-2 codec chips, developed by JVC.
Also present on all four models is JVC’s 3D NR (3-Dimension Noise Reduction). Conventional 3D noise reduction offers limited accuracy since it compares field A and field B that make up a frame with different sets of odd and even scanning lines to compensate for noise. JVC’s 3D NR technology compares field A to field A, and field B to field B across two frames so that the scanning lines are identical and noise can be reduced more accurately. As a result, signal-to-noise ratio is improved by 2 dB and noise reduced by about 30 percent. Flicker is eliminated and colour reproduction is improved, enhancing overall picture quality.
JPEG Digital Still Camera FunctionThe GZ-MG50 is equipped with a 1.33 Megapixel CCD to allow digital still shooting at 1152 x 864, 1024 x 768, or 640 x 480 size. At each size, two resolution modes are available: STD and FINE. Digital stills can be stored on either the internal hard drive or removable SD Memory Card (optional), whichever is more convenient. The GZ-MG30 and MG20 offer shooting of 640 x 480 digital stills.
Advanced Interfaces
For quick downloading to a PC, simply connect the camera via its USB 2.0 interface. The Everio range stores each of your recordings as files, so when it comes to transferring to your PC, simply “drag and drop” the files from the Everio onto your PC (approx 4x or better real time speed depending on PC). Naturally, all transfers are digital to digital, so there is no quality lost in the process. And since the camera supports PictBridge, it can be connected via the USB terminal to a compatible printer to easily print stills directly from the camera.
Everio G models also have an SD Memory Card slot for direct transfer of digital still image data. DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) support allows the menus on the camera screen to be used to conveniently select images and quantity before giving removable media to a printing service. The JPEG images themselves conform to DCF, PIM 3 and Exif 2.2 for optimised print quality.
Make Full-length DVDs Easily, With or Without a computer
When working with a computer, JVC includes software for use with both the Windows® and Macintosh platforms. Provided Pixela Capty MPEG Edit EX and optional Capty DVD for making DVD Video software provide seamless integration into the Apple Macintosh computer world.
Of course Everio G is compatible with iPhoto for still pictures.
For Windows® PCs the CyberLink DVD Solution, supplied with Everio G models, comprises three applications that make it easy to make full-length DVD movies. A standard 4.7GB single-layer DVD-R/RW disc holds over one hour of an Ultra mode movie, and over 90 minutes of a Fine mode movie.
PowerProducer™ offers easy saving and authoring of video clips in any order to DVD, even directly from a USB-connected camera, so users can share original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player. The software makes it easy to locate and transfer video files residing on the camera’s hard drive. Saving to DVD requires only a PC with 256MB RAM, 700MHz or above Pentium III, USB 2.0 terminal and a DVD burner.
PowerDirector™ Express offers feature-rich non-linear editing so users can flex their creative muscle with titles and even mix stills with videos. PowerDirector Express also converts movies to a variety of file formats to send via the Web or e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows-AVI®, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video® and RealVideo® that can be streamed uploaded or streamed over the Internet.
PowerDVD™ conveniently plays back video clips and DVDs with Dolby Digital audio.
JVC Everio G Key Features
High capacity 4.5 to 25 hours (Ultra to Eco mode MG20 with 20GB Hard Disk)
High-capacity 7 to 37 hours (Ultra to Eco mode MG30 and MG50 with 30GB Hard Disk)
F1.2 lens, 1.33 Megapixel CCD (MG50)
F1.8 lens, 800k-pixel CCD (MG20 and MG30)
15x optical zoom / 700x digital zoom (MG50)
25x optical zoom / 800x digital zoom (MG20 and MG30)
4x3 and 16x9 video modes
2.5” Clear LCD Monitor
Auto LED Light
High-quality MPEG-2 recording
Megabrid Engine for optimal video and still quality
3DNR (3-Dimension Noise Reduction)
USB 2.0 high-speed interface for high speed transfer
Easy Printing with PictBridge and DPOF support
Data Battery support for on-screen graphical confirmation of remaining power
CyberLink DVD Solution for PC and Pixela Capty MPEG Edit EX for Macintosh software provided (Capty DVD optional), as well as Digital Photo Navigator
Remote control provided
Basic Features
Programme AE with special effects (Sepia, B&W, Twilight, Classic Film, Strobe, Snow, Spotlight, Fixed Shutter and Sports)
High Quality Wide mode (MG50)
User-Friendly GUI for easy operation and setting
Thumbnail Picture for easy & quick viewing
Auto and manual focus
Digital Image Stabiliser
Backlight/Spotlight compensation
White Balance (Auto, MWB, Fine, Cloud, Halogen)
Self-Timer (2sec/10sec)
Motor-Drive Shooting
Macro Shooting as close as 5cm with zoom set to Wide.
Tele-macro Shooting Distance: up to 60cm.
INFO button for on-screen graphical confirmation of remaining disk capacity and other details
Playlist Video Clip Playback and Slide Show Still Playback
Playback Scene Transitions (White Fader, Black Fader, B&W Fader, Corner Wipe, Window Wipe, Slide Wipe, Door Wipe, Scroll Wipe, Shutter Wipe)
Provided Accessories
Remote Control
AC Power Adapter
Battery Pack
AV Cable
USB Cable
Software CD-ROM - Digital Photo Navigator, CyberLink DVD Solution for PC
Pixela Capty MPEG Edit EX for Macintosh
Shoulder Strap
Optional Accessories
Pixela Capty DVD for Macintosh
Starter Kit with Battery Pack BN-VF707 and Carrying Bag CB-AM50 (VU-AM50KIT)
Carrying Bag CB-AM50
LCD Monitor Hood CU-AL25
Filter Kit with Multi-coated Lens Protection Filter and Polarizing Filter
for MG20 and MG30 (Ř27mm) GL-A27CPK, for MG40 and MG50 (Ř30mm) GL-A30CPK
7.2V 700mAh Battery BN-VF707, 7.2V 1400mAh Battery BN-VF714,
7.2V 3300mAh Battery BN-VF733
Battery Charger AA-VF7
Video shooting time (approximate, continuous shooting)
|
MG50 / MG30 | MG20 | Image Size /
Frame rate | Video Bit rate Mbps* | Audio Bit rate Kbps
|
| Ultra
(DVD Movie) | 7hr 10min | 4hr 50min | 720x576, 50i PAL
720x480 60i NTSC | 8.5
CBR | 384
|
| Fine
(DVD) | 10hr 40min | 7hr 10min | 720x576, 50i PAL
720x480 60i NTSC | 5.5
CBR | 384
|
| Norm
(TV) | 14hr 10min | 9hr 30min | 720x576, 50i PAL
720x480 60i NTSC | 4.2
VBR | 256
|
| Eco
(Internet) | 37hr 30min | 25hr | 352x288, 25p PAL
352x240 30p NTSC | 1.5
VBR | 128
|
*Bit rate is fixed for Ultra and Fine modes, variable for Norm and Eco modes
Preliminary Specifications
|
Model | GZ-MG50 | GZ-MG30/20
|
|
| Format | SD-VIDEO Entertainment Video Profile: Video: MPEG-2-PS / Audio: Dolby Digital
Still: JPEG (PictBridge, DPOF compatible)
|
|
| Storage Media | 1.8" Hard Disk Drive (Embedded), SD Memory Card Slot (Card not supplied)
|
|
| Hard Disk | 30 GB | 30 GB / 20 GB
|
|
| Image Sensor | 1/4.5-inch, 1.33 MegaPixel CCD | 1/6-inch, PAL: 800k-pixel CCD
|
|
| Effective Capture | Moving images: 690k-pixel
Still images: 1 MegaPixel | Moving images: PAL 400k-pixel
Still images: PAL 400k-pixel
|
|
| Effective Record | Moving images: PAL (720x576) 4:2:0
Still images: up to 1152x864 | Moving images: PAL (720x576) 4:2:0
Still images: 640 x 480
|
|
| Shutter Speed | 1/2-1/4000 video, 1/2-1/500 still | 1/2-1/4000 video, 1/2-1/500 still
|
|
| Lens | F1.2—2.8 (f=3—45mm)
35mm equiv.
Normal Video: 43.3-649.5
16:9 Video: 39.3～589.5
Still: 36.1-541.5 | F1.8—3.2 (f=2.2—55mm)
35mm equiv.
Normal Video: 42-1050
16:9 Video: TBD
Still: 42-1050
|
|
| Zoom Ratios | Optical: 15x, Digital: 700x | Optical: 25x, Digital: 800x
|
|
| Filter Diameter | 30.5mm | 27mm
|
|
| Monitor | 112,000-pixel 2.5-inch polycrystalline silicon colour LCD |
|
|
| Interfaces | SD Memory Card slot, USB2.0/1.1, AV/S-Video Connector Out, DC In
|
|
| Power Consumption | TBD | TBD
|
|
| Power Source | (Battery) 7.2V / (AC adapter) 11V |
|
|
| Dimensions (W x H x L) | Approximately 67 x 70 x 109mm
Less than 512 cubic centimetres | Approximately 67 x 70 x 109mm
Less than 512 cubic centimetres
|
|
| Weight (without battery and lens cap) | Approximately 320g (0.71lbs or 11.3oz)
| Approximately 320g (0.71lbs or 11.3oz)
|
|
| Weight (including battery and lens cap) | Approximately 380g(0.84lbs or 13.4oz)) | Approximately 380g (0.84lbs or 13.4oz))
|
NOTE:
* Design and specifications subject to change without notice
* "Dolby" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
* Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
* Apple and Macintosh and iPhoto are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
* Microdrive™ is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and/or other countries.
* CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
* The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association.
* PictBridge is a trademark.
* All brand names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders.
Product Information:
www.jvc.co.uk
