JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
JVC
GY-HM250
Compact 4K streaming camcorder with 1/2.3-inch sensor, 12x zoom, built-in lower-thirds graphics, 3G-SDI, and RTMP/Zixi streaming.
$2,195
Launch priceReleased Apr 2018
GY-HC500U is 1.4 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
GY-HM250
12 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AGY-HC500U has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AGY-HC500U has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 2,360,000)
- AGY-HC500U has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
- AGY-HC500U has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 15 fps)
- BGY-HM250 has higher Resolution (12.4 MP vs 9.35 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
GY-HM250
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 share virtually identical body dimensions.
GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 72mm GY-HM250
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
GY-HM250
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
GY-HM250
Resolution
12.4 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
GY-HM250
Pros
- ✓Built-in broadcast overlay engine
- ✓4K30 + 4:2:2 HD 50Mbps
- ✓3G-SDI + HDMI outputs
- ✓Dual XLR + dual SD slots
- ✓RTMP / Zixi / Wowza streaming
Cons
- –1/2.3-inch sensor
- –4K limited to 30p
- –12x zoom only
- –Older Connected Cam platform
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
JVC GY-HM250
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, GY-HC500U or GY-HM250?
GY-HC500U scores 9.0/10 versus 8.0/10 for GY-HM250 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and GY-HM250 is 12.4 MP, so the GY-HM250 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while GY-HM250 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the GY-HM250?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. GY-HM250 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. GY-HM250: 4K up to 60p.
Are the GY-HC500U and GY-HM250 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. GY-HM250: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 640 shots for the GY-HM250, giving the GY-HM250 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and GY-HM250 at $2,195. The GY-HM250 is $1,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs GY-HM250 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.