Trying out Remote Recording using Bluetooth Wireless Technology!
The GZ-HM550 is the world’s first camcorder with built-in Bluetooth. In my last blog entry, I, Ayako, introduced some GPS recording functions to you, but the advantages of having Bluetooth technology in the GZ-HM550 are not limited to this. Using a Bluetooth-equipped Smartphone (*1), the GZ-HM550 can be controlled remotely. The recorded video can be monitored on the Smartphone as well. Stills you’ve taken can of course be transferred to your Smartphone, but even more, you can capture your favorite scene from a video you’ve shot to transfer in the same way.
*1 Please check the Internet for compatible Bluetooth-equipped Smartphones.
The World’s First Bluetooth-equipped Camcorder
GZ-HM550 Full HD Memory Camcorder
Remote Control Function via Smartphone
- Record/stop while monitoring
- Zoom in/zoom out controls
- Capture shots from videos and stills as still photos
- Send GPS location data
* Everio Controller software must be installed on the Smartphone
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/download/bluetooth/index.html
Using the remote control function, I wanted to try filming wildlife, such as birds and other animals that are usually tricky subjects. I decided to try it out at Tokyo’s Inokashira Park Zoo!
Shooting from a few meters away, so the birds won’t notice!
The first place I visited was the Tropical Bird Greenhouse.
Here visitors can see birds that live in tropical areas, including helmeted guineafowls, turacos and toucans.
Although it was a cold day, the moment I went through the entrance, it was humid and hot. As the name suggests, this is supposed to be a tropical environment. I spotted a few colorful birds among the lush tropical plants, but they quickly disappeared further into the greenhouse.
Even though they are not completely wild, the birds are still very wary of humans. And they are very quick, making a normal shoot very difficult. Could this be a job for the GZ-HM550′s remote recording function?
Still a bit doubtful, I set the GZ-HM550 on a mini tripod attached to a handrail that was about the height of my waist.
So as not to let the birds notice the camera, I set up the GZ-HM550 with a little something extra: I stuck some paper on the camera so it would be camouflaged as a leaf.
Although it seemed like the paper was actually attracting more attention, I went on to focus on an area where the bird’s food is provided. Preparing for the shoot, I moved a few meters away from the camera to a position where I could monitor the video with my Smartphone.
A few minutes after setting up the camera, a cinnabar-red scarlet ibis was the first bird to show itself.
I was able to see this perfectly with the Smartphone.
And so I immediately hit "Record" on my Smartphone. I even tried zooming in and out!
Everio GZ-HM550 remote recording (scarlet ibis)
I was really surprised at how nature could create such a vivid red.
This is a rare opportunity as birds are usually flying in the sky and there are few chances to watch them carefully.
As the GZ-HM550 Bluetooth wireless technology can be used even through walls (depending on the material), people who watch birds with a food box set up in their yard will be able to record birds from behind a window using a Smartphone, with the camera set up outside. The birds won’t be afraid and you’ll be able to capture video like you’ve never before experienced.
Controlling the camera on the first floor, from the second floor
Other than the scarlet ibis, I also saw a large blue bird called the victoria crowned pigeon, but as it was nestled on a pipe near the ceiling of the first floor, it was very difficult to capture. Just as I was about to give up, my colleague advised me to set the camcorder on the second-floor balcony.
I successfully filmed the bird from the second-floor balcony, even though I was on the first floor!
Although I was worried that I might not be able to shoot any good footage, or that the camera would get stolen, I was able to monitor everything on my Smartphone, so everything turned out fine. This remote control is really useful when setting up the camera in a place you can’t reach.
Everio GZ-HM550 remote recording (victoria crowned pigeon)
Since we were delighted with the footage of the birds, we tried to shoot another animal in the park.
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