JVC GY-HC500U User Manual

4K Memory Card Camera Recorder

GY-HC500

4K 4:2:2 10-bit Recording
For Professional UHD Productions

Product photo shown with optional microphone.

The Best Productions Begin with Uncompromising Quality

1

The GY-HC500 is a handheld 4K professional camcorder for production that offers uncompromised

image quality. Shoot 4K UHD with HDR, J-Log 1, and record to SSD (solid state drive) media in 10-

bit Apple ProRes 422 at 4K UHD up to 60p/50p frame rates. You can also record UHD 30p/25p/24p,

full HD or proxy files to SDHC/SDXC media. The GY-HC500 CONNECTED CAM features high

performance FHD live streaming with low latency and a full complement of IP remote control and

viewing features. It's truly the most advanced and versatile camcorder in its price range.

Product photo shown with optional microphone.

4K UHD 60p/50p Apple ProRes 422 10-bit Recording

2

Product photo shown with optional microphone.

The GY-HC500 can record in Apple ProRes 422 for attention-grabbing 4K 60p/50p

Estimated recording time

image creation. Apple ProRes 422 HQ offers virtually lossless intra-frame compression,

which speeds up post-production. Footage is recorded in native file formats that are

understood by most major editing applications without transcoding. This is helpful

(at highest bit rate)

Apple ProRes 422 HQ 151/18 0 75/90 38/45

for efficient workflow of editing and post process. The 4:2:2 format also provides

richer color information and 10-bit recording delivers rich gradations—a definite

advantage for grading work after recording.

Apple ProRes 422 LT 324 /388 162/194 81/97

Note:
Apple ProRes 422 recording req uires SSD media and
the optional K A-MC100G media adapter.

SSD Enables Extended Time 4K UHD 60p/50p Shooting

Large-capacity, readily-available SSDs (SATA M.2 SSD Type2280) are compatible,

so extended-time 4K UHD up to 60p/50p video recording is possible. Just plug it

into the camera’s extended slot (using the optional SSD adapter KA-MC100G). SSD

media delivers excellent sequential read speed to tackle professional workload.

High-speed transfer of huge amounts of recorded footage is possible.

(Approx. min.)

4K UHD 60p/50p

Apple ProRes 422 226/271 113/13 5 56/68

SSD Capacity

2TB 1TB 500GB

(SATA M.2 SSD)

SSD

SSD Media

SSD Media Adapter KA-MC100G (optional)

Note: • Approved SSD media should be us ed. More detailed infor mation is available on the JVC website.

• HD forma t recording to SSD i s a planne d future u pgrade.

Inser t into an

extended slot (SSD slot)

GY-H C5 00

HDR via HLG/J-Log 1

3

The GY-HC500 is equipped with a HDR compatible

HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) mode and JVC’s proprietary

J-Log 1 Gamma mode. These enable high dynamic

HLG & J-Log 1 Color Gamut

range capture of a broad color spectrum with 10-

bit recording for better color grading and to avoid

banding. Footage recorded in HLG mode will deliver

a full HDR image when viewed on HLG-compatible

monitors. The J-Log 1 mode delivers wide latitude

and a high dynamic range of 800%. In the field, it’s

possible to record while checking the image on the

GY-HC500’s LCD screen or viewfinder to get a grasp

of the final output.

[ HLG Workflow ]

GY-HC500 supports HLG recording which enables simple HDR workflow without color grading. Avoiding clipped highlights or shadows, images are more
realistic and vibrant. BT.2020 which offers wider color gamut is also supported.

[ J-log 1 Workflow ]

Shooting at 4K J-Log 1 color space mode Converting to ITU709/HLG/DCI Distribution

J-Log 1 and Rec709+Knee Gamma

120

100

80

60

40

OUTPUT (I RE)

20

0

0 100 200 3 00 400 500 60 0 700 800

TONE CURVE

INPUT (%)

HLG

J-Log1

ITU709+KNEE

GY-H C5 00

4K J-Log 1

SSD

4K 4:2:2 10-bit Apple ProRes

SD Card

4K 30p/25p/24p

4:2:2 10-bit

32-bi t

floating-point

processing

Non-linear editing and grading

3D- LUT fil e which converts

J-Log 1 file to HLG HDR

High-Speed Recording for
1080p Slow Motion Playback

High-speed recording (1920x1080) at up to 120fps (59.94Hz)/100fps (50Hz) is

available for smooth slow motion playback (up to 1/5 slow at 24p mode). It helps

create artistic effects and lets you watch replays to examine sporting skills.

Various Codecs and
Recording Formats

With a variety of recording formats, the

GY-HC500 provides professionals with

unprecedented flexibility to meet production

standards through a wide range of workflows.

Note: Apple ProRes 422 is recorded to only SSD.

Video Codec Mode (Bit rate) Resolution File format

4K UHD 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p

Apple P roRes

422

MPE G- 4 AVC/

H.264

Apple P roRes 422 HQ 10- bit

Apple P roRes 422 10-bit

Apple P roRes 422 LT 10-bi t

4K UHD 29.97p/25p/23.98p

4:2:2 10 -bit / 4:2:0 8- bit

4:2:2 10 -bit / 4:2:0 8- bit, ot hers

For Sports System

MPE G- 4 AVC/

H.264

Exchange (U model)

MP4 (E/EC model)

HD

SD

Web (Proxy)

ITU709

HLG

DCI

384 0 x 2160 QuickTime

384 0 x 2160

(150M bps / 70Mbp s)

1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720

(70Mb ps / 50M bps /

35Mbps)

720 x 48 0 / 576

(8Mbp s)

960 x 540, 48 0 x 270

(3 to 1.2Mb ps)

1920 x 1080 (12Mbps)

1280 x 720 (8Mbps)

QuickTime

MP4

1" CMOS 4K Image Sensor

4

The GY-HC500 features a 1-inch CMOS 4K image

sensor for uncompromised cinema and video

production. This large sensor delivers a superior

dynamic range, high S/N ratio and high sensitivity (F11 at 2000lx), contributing

artistic visual expression including shallow depth of field ’bokeh’ capability.

20x Optical/40x Dynamic Zoom Lens with Manual Functions

The GY-HC500 is equipped with a newly developed wide-angle 20x optical

zoom lens to offer optimal magnification for shooting. When shooting in

HD mode, Dynamic Zoom combines optical zoom and pixel mapping from a

4K image sensor to create seamless and lossless 40x zoom. Take total control

of the scene with triple large rings for zoom, focus, and iris for smooth

shooting. Other features include an optical image stabilizer and chromatic

aberration correction.

Original image at wide end

Extremely Practical Auto Focus and Assist Functions

The Auto Focus and Focus Assist functions of the

GY-HC500 provide the highly accurate, stable

focusing that is essential for 4K shooting. Moreover,

its broad customizability enables it to perform in a

variety of shooting situations.

• Customizable AF: AF speed, AF sensitivity, AF area,

and Near Limiter can be adjusted as needed.

• Customizable AF A ssist: Turning the focus ring varies

the function depending on the Focus/Assist mode

status to fully control focusing.

Robust Body and Excellent in
Weather Resistance

• One Button Control: “PUSH AUTO/LOCK” but ton enables you to lock focus, or

engage AF for as long as you keep the button pressed, etc., for one-but ton focus

control according to the focus mode you have selected.

• Advanced Face Detec tion

Face Only AF: OFFFace Detection: ON Face Only AF: ON

When the face turns away
and fac e detec tion f ails, focus
comes into the subjec t in the
background.

Its robust body makes the GY-HC500 ready to work in harsh environments

and situations. Excellent construction in weather resistance enables image

gathering in the field with confidence.

20x Optical Zoom

MF

When face dete ctio n fails,
focusing automatic ally switches
to MF while maintaining the
focus on the position of the face.

Switchable IR Shooting

IR filter can be switched disabled (Infrared ON) to increase infrared sensitivity

for shooting in extremely low illuminance.

As a CONNECTED CAM series camcorder, the GY-HC500 features JVC’s latest IP

The GY-HC500 is capable of streaming LIVE HD/SD and proxy video/audio files via network up to

24Mbps with low latency. High quality, stable streaming is possible from the field using just the camera

itself*. No need to carry a heavy backpack or external boxes.

*With an appropriate network connection

It’s possible to upload video clips to an FTP server via IP. Auto FTP function allows you to

start uploading a recorded clip without opening the menu screen.

Versatile IP Functions

It’s possible for the person in front of the camera to engage in a 2-way interview with return video and audio while streaming live to

air via IP network. This allows reporters to wirelessly receive directions from the station, and camera operators to re-adjust framing as

directed from another location. Multi-camera applications are supported as well.

Spec: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 RTSP/RTP 1280 x 720 60p/50p, Audio AAC 88K (IFB: Icec ast A AC 48K)

[ Event/Sports/Concert ]

[ Director ]

[ Transmission ]

Return-over-IP (Video and Audio/IFB)

5

communications engine giving you various IP functions. Use the host USB terminal

with a 4G LTE/3G modem or Wi-Fi adapter connected for wireless communication,

or use the RJ-45 wired LAN terminal for direct IP communication. Fully utilize the

camcorder’s powerful CONNECTED CAM features for quality live streaming and IP

remote operation from anywhere to the world.

HD Live Streaming up to 24Mbps with Low Latency

IP Remote Control with Viewing

When the camera is IP connected, vital camera operations can be remotely controlled via

wireless or wired LAN from a tablet, smartphone, or computer anywhere in the world.

Remote control functions include lens and camera settings as well as registering zoom

presets and IP connection settings.

HLG & J-Log 1 Color Gamut

Came ra Control
and Monitoring

Auto FTP

Return over IP

Return/Camera video switchable

LTE Bonding

WAN

Download metadata

Uploa d video clips

Balance Router Encoder

from the server

WWW.

to the server

Mic

FTP

SFE-CAM

Broadband Router

Switcher

Dual SD Card Slots for Versatility and Efficiency

6

GY-HC500 offers dual SDHC /SDXC card slots to let you record 4K 30p/25p/24p

or HD video on readily available, affordable media. Unique features using two

cards include:

• Series (relay) recording mode: Continuous recording card by card.

• Dual (simultaneous) recording mode: Recording to two cards with the same format for

backup or multi-purpose.

• Backup recording mode: While the Rec trigger is used to REC and STOP recording on one

card, the other card can act as a continuous backup that overrides the pause function*.

*During simultaneous bac kup recording in HD mode, the duplicate f ile records in the same file format and
bit rate as the or iginal.

Usability and
Connectivity

Card slot selector

Dual SD card slots

XLR Audio In (x2)

AUX In

HDMI

Extended Slot
(SSD slot)

Remote

DC In

3G-SDI

Dimensions Accessories

W:

(7-7/16")

188 mm

H: 227mm

(8 -15/16")

437m m

D:

(17-1/4")

Product photo shown with optional microphone.

BN-VC296G/BN-VC2128G

Battery

KA -MC100G

SSD Media Adapter

Headphones

USB Host (2.0)

Time Co de (TC) input /output terminal:

Connect wit h an anot her camera to

synchronize the time code.

LAN (RJ-45)

Product photo shown with optional microphone.

AA-VC20

Battery Charger

RM- LP100

Remote Camera Controller

GY-HC500 / GY-HC550
Comparison

Codec MPEG-2/MXF No Yes

Hardware

IP Zixi p rotocol No Yes
Broadcast Overlay No Yes

GPS No Yes
Wireless LAN 2.4G/5G With optional USB dongle Built-i n

GY-HC5 00 GY-HC550

Specifications

Power DC12V (AC ada pter), DC7.2V (bat tery)

Power consumption A pprox. 24W (Defa ult setting )

Dimen sions (W x H x D) 188mm x 22 7mm x 437mm (wi th lens hood )

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

CAMERA

VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING

LIVE VIDEO STREAMING

INTE RFACE S

PROVIDED ACC ESSORIE S Batt ery (BN-VC2 96G) x 1, AC adapter, power c able, lens hoo d

Weight 3.6kg (w ith lens hood an d battery)

Operation temperature 0°C to 40° C

Storage temperature -20°C to 50 °C

Operating humidity 30% to 80 %

Storage humidity Under 8 5%

Image se nsor 1" (effe ctive) CMOS, e ffective n umber of pixel s: approx 9.35 millio n

Synchronizing Internal synchronization

Stabilizer Optical image stabilizer

Sensitivity F11 at 2000 lx 89.9% reflec tance

Lens F2.8 (wid e) to F4.5 (tele), f=9.43m m to 188.6mm (f=28mm to 5 60mm (35mm e quivalent ))

Filter diameter 82mm

Shutter speed 1/6 (48Hz ), 1/7.5 (60Hz ) to 1/10000

Gain -6, -3, 0 , 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 Lolux (3 0, 36) dB, AGC

ND filter OFF, 1/4, 1/ 16, 1/64

Viewfinder 0.4" LCOS appr ox 3.68M pixel s Quad VGA (1280 x 960), 128 0 x 720 at 16:9

LCD monitor 3.97" LCD a pprox. 1.15M pixels WVG A (800 x 480 ), 800 x 450 at 16:9

Recording media

Video codec Apple P roRes 422, MPEG- 4 AVC/H.264

File format QuickTime, MP4

Audio recording

Protocol R TMP, MPEG2-TS/UDP, MPEG2-TS/ TCP, MPEG2-TS/RTP, RTSP/RTP

Resolu tion and bit ra te

Audio AAC 2ch 128 Kbps (1.5M bps over), 64K bps (0. 8Mbps u nder)

Video/audio output 3G- SDI output (BN C x 1) (up to 1920 x 10 80 60p 4:2:2 10 -bit), HDMI ou tput x 1 (up to 384 0 x 2160 60p 4:2:2 10 -bit)

Audio input XLR x 2 (MIC , +48V/LINE), ø3 .5mm mini jack x 1

Headphone ø3.5mm mi ni jack x 1

Remote ø2.5mm m ini jack x 1

Time code input/output RCA x 1

USB HOST x 1 (ne twork c onnectio n, USB 2.0)

Ethernet RJ-4 5 x 1

Extended slot KA -MC100G and f or future exp ansion purpo se

SDHC/S DXC memo ry card x 2

SSD (Soli d State Drive) Type M. 2 SATA With KA-MC100G (optional)

LPCM 2ch, 4 8kHz/24- bit/16-bi t , μ-Law 2ch (We b), AAC 2ch (Exc hange/MP4),
Detail i nformation i s shown in Record ing Formats c hart below.

HD

SD 720 x 48 0 (59.94i) (U mode l), 720x576 (50i) ( E/EC model) 8 /5/3/1.5/0.8/0. 3Mbps

Low

4K (150Mb ps): UHS-1 U3, 4K (70M bps)/HD (70M bps/50Mb ps): Class 10,
HD (35Mb ps): Class 6, SD: C lass 4, Web: Clas s 4, High-S peed: UHS-1 U3,
Excha nge (U model) /MP4 (E mod el): Clas s 4

1920 x 108 0 (59.94p/50 p) 24/20/16/12/8Mb ps
1920 x 108 0 (59.94i/50 i/29.97p/25p) 20/16/12/8/ 5/3Mbps
1280 x 720 (59.94p/5 0p) 20/16/12/8/5/3 Mbps
1280 x 720 (2 9.97p/25p) 8/5/ 3/1.5Mbps

640 x 3 60 (59.94p/50p) 3/1.5M bps
640 x 3 60 (29.97p/25p) 3/1.5/0.8 /0.3Mbps

Recording Formats

System Video forma t Resolution Frame rate Sampling Bit rate Audio Rec t ime (min.)

Apple P roRes 422 HQ

Apple P roRes 422 LT 821/684/410/342/328Mbps 162/194/323/387/403

4K UHD

HD

SD

WEB

(Proxy)

High-

Speed

Product and company names mentioned here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. HDMI, the HDMI logo

and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. Zixi and the Zixi logo are
trademarks of Zixi LLC. The SD, SDHC and SDXC are trademarks of the SD Card Association.

QuickTime

(MPEG-4. AVC/H.264)

QuickTime

(MPEG-4. AVC/H.264)

Excha nge (U model )

MP4 (E/EC m odel)

QuickTime

(MPEG-4. AVC/H.264)

QuickTime

(MPEG-4. AVC/H.264)

QuickTime

(MPEG-4. AVC/H.264)

384 0 x 2160 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 4:2:2 10- bit

384 0 x 2160 29.97p /25p /23.98 p

1920 x 108 0

1280 x 720 59.94 p/5 0p

1920 x 108 0

1280 x 720 59.94 p/5 0p

1920 x 108 0

1280 x 720 8Mbp s (LP) 892

720 x 48 0

(U model)

720 x 576

(E/EC model)

720 x 48 0 59.94 i

720 x 576 50i

960 x 54 0 29.97p /25p /23.98 p 3Mbp s (HQ) 2 518

480 x 270 29.97 p/25p /23.98 p 1.2Mbps (LP) 5392

1920 x 108 0

59.94 p/59.94i /50p /50i /29.97p/ 25p/ 23.98p

59.94 p/59.94i /50p /50i /29.97p/ 25p/ 23.98p

59.94p (U model o nly) / 50p (E /EC model only ) 4:2:0 8-bit

120 fps 5 9.94p

100 fps 50p

120 fps 59.94p/ 29.97p/2 3.98p

100 fps 50p/25p

120 fps 59.94p/ 29.97p/2 3.98p

100 fps 50p/25p

120 fps 29.97p /23.98 p

100 fps 25p

59.94 p/5 0p

59.94i /50i /29.97p /25p/ 23.98 p

59.94 i

50i

4:2:2 10- bit 150 Mbps LPCM 2c h 48kHz/24 bit 56

4:2:0 8- bit

4:2:2 10-bit

4:2:0 8- bit

4:2:0 8- bit 8Mbp s (HQ) LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/16bi t 881

4:2:0 8- bit

4:2:2 10-bit

4:2:0 8- bit

1768/1475/884/737/707Mbps

150 Mbps

70Mbp s 119

70Mbp s (422 XHQ)

50Mb ps (422 XHQ) 162

50Mbps (XHQ)

35Mbps (UHQ) 233

12Mbps (LP)

8Mbp s (HQ)

70Mbp s (XHQ422)

50Mbps (XHQ422)

50Mbps (XHQ)

35Mbps (UHQ)

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/24b it

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/16bi t

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/24b it

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/16bi t

AAC 2ch 4 8kHz/16bi t

μ-law 2c h 16kHz

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/24b it

LPCM 2ch 4 8kHz/16bi t

75/90/150/18 0/188

56

117

165

628

881

(Dif fers by sett ing)

Simulated pictures.

The values for weight and dimensions are approximate.

E.&O.E. Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2019, JVCKENWOOD Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

1TB SS DApple P roRes 422 1178/983/589/492/471Mbps 113/135/225/270/282

64GB

SD Card

DISTRIBUTED BY

"JVC" is the trade mark or regis tered tradem ark of JVCKENWO OD Corporat ion.

KCS-8473