Our Mission: Looking into the New Bluetooth function
We have been introducing our developers in interviews over the past 2 weeks on this Everio Fan Blog and, as the Everio Video Hunters, we are so excited to bring to you this product featuring the world’s first camcorder with Bluetooth, the GZ-HM550! So, what exactly can a Bluetooth-equipped camcorder do? We are sure many of you are wondering! Bluetooth enables wireless connection with other communication devices and is a short-distance wireless technology that expands the possibilities of camcorders. Below, find the GZ-HM550 functions that are enabled with Bluetooth Wireless Technology.
World’s First Bluetooth-equipped Camcorder
GZ-HM550 Full HD Memory Camcorder
Main Features using Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Remote Control Function
- Still Photo Transfer Function
- GPS Recording Function
- Monitoring sound from Wireless Headset
So, how does it actually work? I, Ayako, will be testing the GZ-HM550′s Bluetooth functions over the two sessions and giving you a detailed report!
Testing the GPS Recording Function
First I would like to test the GPS recording function on video. GPS is the system in which the devices’ location can be accurately measured, using a satellite mapping function. By connecting a GPS logger or GPS function-equipped Smartphone (you’ll need a special application for BlackBerry or WindowsMobile) with Bluetooth, the GZ-HM550 can input the mapping information into the video and stills. This is a great function for recording memories during a vacation trip. When playing the video on the Everio MediaBrowser bundled with the Everio, it will automatically connect with Google Earth and pinpoint the location on the map. To test this GPS recording function, I challenge myself to a very Japanese endeavour, to capture video of various bridges! My route is: take the Tokyo Bay Aqua Bridge > Stone Bridge at the Imperial Palace Main Gate > Eitai Bridge on Sumida River!
GPS Recording Shoot Preparation
Although the weather was forecast as cloudy and then clear, it’s been raining a little bit since the morning and the clouds are looking very bad…
I’m worried whether the weather will get better, but for now I’ll trust the forecast and move ahead with my pre-shoot preparations!
To use GPS recording, either a GPS logger or a GPS-equipped Smartphone is needed, aside from the actual camcorder.
And so I borrowed a HOLUX m-241 GPS logger from our Tech Team beforehand.
Before using the GPS logger, it is necessary to conduct a "pairing" setup of the GZ-HM550 via Bluetooth. Once the setup has been conducted, all you have to do is turn the Bluetooth function for each device ON before shooting. The GPS information will be imbedded into both video and still shots as you shoot.
Since I heard from our Tech Team that the GPS system may not work well in bad weather, I was pretty concerned about the rain. However, it actually wasn’t a problem. But be warned! The GPS logger can’t receive location information when in tunnels and some buildings! Furthermore, the Bluetooth turns OFF sometimes after a certain amount of time, and so its best to check that the Bluetooth mark and GPS marks are flashing before you start shooting!
GPS Point No.1! Aqua Bridge, Japan’s longest bridge, crossing over Tokyo Bay
The starting point for this bridge-hunting tour is the Kisarazu Aqua Bridge entrance. Opened in 1997, the Aqua Bridge is a bridge that is a true symbol of Japan’s innovative technology. It was still raining, and I was shooting with an umbrella in my hand. But that’s when I recorded my first GPS point! It felt as if I was writing "I was here!" If the weather was better, I am sure I would be able to see all the way from Tokyo to Kawasaki. I am absolutely awestruck at the sheer length of the bridge.
Everio GZ-HM550 with GPS logger (Kisarazu, Aqua Bridge)
If you proceed on the Aqua Bridge in the Kawasaki Tokyo direction, you will eventually come to the "Umi Hotaru" service area, where you can see all of Tokyo Bay, and from there it continues to the underwater tunnel.
To wait out the weather, I decided to take a break at the "Umi Hotaru" stop.
After finishing lunch, I was surprised to see how much the weather cleared up. Time to go back on location! But as I stepped out on to the deck, I felt like I could be blown away with the sheer power of the wind, so I set up my tripod with some weights to steady the camcorder. Doing this, I successfully captured a wonderful shot of the bridge under the blue sky!
I was also able to leave a GPS mark right in the middle of Tokyo Bay!
Everio GZ-HM550 with GPS logger (Umihotaru, Aqua Bridge)
Next point is Main Gate Stone Bridge in front of Imperial Palace. We are going back to the center of Tokyo.
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