JVC GY-LS300 4KCAM Handheld S35mm Camcorder (Body Only)

JVC GY-LS300

JVC GY-LS300 Video #1

Adorama

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JVC GY-LS300 

Buy: JVC GY-LS300 4KCAM Handheld S35mm Camcorder (Body Only) Configuration: Camcorder Only, Recording Media: Secure Digital (SD), Resolution: AVCHD, Sensor Size: Super 35mm, Sensor Type: CMOS, Special Features: Interchangeable Lenses, XLR Mic Input

The GY-LS300 is a weird bird, but I like weird birds. When I first got this camera I was looking for a MFT compatible 4k camera. I have a set of SLR Magic Hyperprimes from my BMPCC kit that I wanted to be able to use on a better camera. 

The 4k files aren't that incredible in terms of color rendering and there is often times a lot of artifacting in the blacks. I think the best way to use this camera is with an external recorder like an Atomos because you'll be able to maximize the 4k output and get nicer codec files. 

HOWEVER, this camera is pretty special to me for a few reasons:
1. Battery life - I have 2 batteries and that'll last me an entire day

2. 120fps HD - I shoot a lot of fashion editorial jobs with this camera since budgets are lower and have found the slow gets me out of a lot of pinches by just having options

3. MFT mount - with the right adapter, basically every lens is compatible. I've used PL and EF lenses on this without an issue. There area also a TON of affordable MFT lenses that would work great with this camera. 

4. It looks like a camcorder - this is a pro for me because often times with a bigger rig I'll attract a lot more attention, but when I'm using this camera I'll get overlooked or brushed off as a tourist or something which comes in handy at times. 

CONS:
1. The view finder and clip out screen are terrible. If I had the extra cash I'd pick up an Atomos and use that for an external monitor/4k 60fps recording. 

2. In camera recording - already touched on this, so see above. 

All in all an interesting camera. If you're looking for something with a nicer picture quality in 4k I'd go with the GH5 or Blackmagic's new 4k Pocket Cinema Camera.

Interesting Camera

Limited auto focus performance and a tiny LCD viewing screen are the only drawbacks - otherwise a great tool that gives a better than DSLR look to your shots.  Metabones adapter is a requirement if you have full frame lenses you wish to use at no crop, but that's part of the movie magic game - anything else is a camcorder...

JVC GY-LS300 Review

Many features that you can't get with a camera at this price point.  The ability to use a variety of lenses make this camera very versatile.  We all know Good glass seldom comes with camcorders with fixed lenses.
Planning on buying more of these.

Great value

First of got to thank my outstanding Salesman Mr. Arthur Lewis who always tirelessly provides the best info and support. Adorama Rocks!
As far as the camera this beauty is very underrated if the technology in this cam was offered in CANON SONY or others it would have cost twice the price.
Endless possibilities all in one beautiful camera. The only complain so far is the ND filter selection is very loosely in its place and sometimes w slight touch it could shifted in the middle of the shoot... other than that everything is great I'd buy this camera again and again.
The lens adaptation possibilities are also a unique feature using the MFT mount I have tried many lenses e dapator and all work flawlessly.
Thank you JVS!

Excellent Camera at a fraction of price of RED & ALEXA...

I really wanted to like this camera, especially at the large expense.

For the most part, it performs well. The detail is very good. All of the lenses we have tested with it have had very good results.

It falls short on three main areas.

SPOT METERING - This function is utterly useless, and even though the manual "sort of" tells you how to enable manual spot metering, we have found it impossible, and it has been non functional. All the so-called spot metering function actually does is have two areas on screen that constantly move around. There is no way to have a spot that you can move and lock in like 100% of all camera out there do. The programmers who developed this "feature" should be dealt with severely.

DOCUMENTATION - The manual is very badly written. JVC must have had their worst documentation people write the manuals. Much of it gives vague instructions, and these instructions often lead you down a path that go nowhere.

SUPPORT - We opened up a ticket regarding the spot metering issue, and they have still not contacted us back after 4 days. This is a PRO camera, and support should be better than what we have experienced.

LCD DESIGN ISSUE - The LCD acts like it is going to break off after a shot time. Each time you flip the screen in or out, there is a noticable "popping" or "clicking". I cannot say if this is by design, but it feels like a part on the pivot point may have an issue (bad part internally?). Time will tell if this is the case.

GRAINY EVF - The electronic view finder is very grainy, which makes it difficult to visibly find the proper focus.

Spot metering, support, and documentation are a disaster

Very nice 4K camcorder especially with new firmware

JVC GY-LS300 4KCAM Handheld S35mm Camcorder (Body Only)

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