Area 51 deploys JVC GY-HM890 cameras with IP connectivity for an Endemol reality show

Area 51 has acquired eight JVC model GY-HM890 cameras that it has used for filming a reality show for Endemol Denmark on the island of Fuerteventura.

The Madrid producer Area 51 has purchased eight cameras of the GY-HM890 model from JVC. These cameras have already been used in the filming of a reality show for Endemol in Denmark, a production that was carried out in Fuerteventura.

The production was complex due to the space used, it required using many cameras with the highest performance and versatility, and it was also necessary to continuously monitor the scenes, in addition to having to implement sessions on set by quickly configuring the cameras with studio accessories.

Ramón Fernández, director of Area 51, highlighted that “due to the nature of this production, we really considered using Broadcast cameras that would not affect our filming in any working conditions, but that would have more versatility in the field than the traditional 2/3” shoulder cameras that we were used to. We tried and decided on JVC's compact shoulder cameras. They combined the functionality of the cameras we were used to, but added special ergonomics that made them lighter, and above all, they allowed them to be transformed into studio cameras using the brand's own adapters. A real advantage for us in this case, and a significant cost savings. “We purchased eight units after evaluating them and being satisfied with their quality and performance.”

The JVC model GY-HM890 is a compact shoulder camera with a 1/3" optical block; it is a model designed as an ENG camera that also works as an HD studio camera or as an integrable camera in multi-camera productions in the field. It has a connection that accommodates fiber optic CCU or multicore CCU systems. It is compatible with a wide range of studio accessories, as well as multiple studio lenses from Canon and Fujinon.

IP connectivity

"On the set we worked very quickly and in separate but close spaces; the very dynamics of filming forced us to continuously monitor the scenes and we took full advantage of the IP connectivity provided by these cameras. We recorded via SDI and used WiFi for said monitoring. Although we had to configure the router appropriately, this solution not only did not cause us any problems but we saved time and money," added Fernández.

The camera has three 1/3″ CMOS sensors with progressive scan and 12-bit processing, with 2.2 million pixels; captures and records native images at 1920x1080 50p resolution, with a very high sensitivity of F12 at 2000 lux (50 Hz) and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, capturing color with superior quality. The mount is interchangeable 1/3″ bayonet type, which allows you to use other optics on the market according to needs.

"This is the only aspect that should improve in this generation of 1/3" cameras: being able to have the same accessories as the 2/3" cameras, necessary for special filming on steady cam, cranes and other similar elements. Otherwise, we have been very satisfied with the performance and versatility of the GY-HM890. It has been worth the investment," says the director of Area 51.

The GY-HM890 records HD or SD images as native Final Cut Pro (.MOV), XDCAM EX (.MP4), AS-10 (.MXF), AVCHD (.MTS) or H.264 (.MOV) files with bit rates up to 50 Mbps (H.264 It is possible to record using MPEG-2 or H.264 compression with selection of multiple Bit Rate, Frame Rate and different resolution values. The double codec they have allows you to simultaneously record a different resolution and codec on each card (HD+SD, HD+Proxy,…).

The connection to the cameras can be made via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or G3/G4 from any PC, Mac (iPad, Android) device that has a browser, since no additional App or software is necessary thanks to the camera's internal web server. With any of these devices it is possible to edit metadata, control the camera remotely with image viewing or obtain full control of the OCP-type camera parameters.

Area 51: comprehensive projects

Area 51 is a Spanish audiovisual production company located in Boadilla del Monte (Madrid) equipped with the latest technological means and the most prepared professionals aimed at facilitating the complete execution of any audiovisual project, from recording, editing to image and sound post-production.

For this purpose, it has a 900 square meter facility in Boadilla del Monte (Madrid). In particular, its production business area offers an exclusive system in Spain for real-time digital post-production: Airtrack, which allows the viewing and composition of high-definition video simultaneously with filming.

Among his most notable works in post-production and FX, the series stands out Siblings of Telecinco, with the collaboration of his partner Johnny Yebra in the direction of Photography.