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
Z CAM
E2-M4
Compact MFT cinema box with 4K 120p, ZRAW, ProRes, and interchangeable MFT lenses.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Jun 2023
E2-M4 is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
E2-M4
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BE2-M4 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 0)
- BE2-M4 has higher AF frame coverage (100 % vs 0 %)
- AGY-HC500U has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BE2-M4 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BE2-M4 has lower Weight (370 g vs 580 g)
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
E2-M4
91 × 66 × 72 mm
370 g (0.82 lb / 13.05 oz)
GY-HC500U is 43mm wider and 25mm taller than E2-M4.
GY-HC500U is 210 g heavier than E2-M4.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 72mm E2-M4
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
E2-M4
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
GY-HC500U: mount data unavailable
E2-M4
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
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
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134
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
E2-M4
AF low-light limit
-6.5 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
AF points / zones
1053 vs 0 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 0 % — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ZRAW
Weight
370 g vs 580 g — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 66
Resolution
10.28 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
E2-M4
Pros
- ✓Tiny MFT cinema box
- ✓4K 120p
- ✓ZRAW internal
- ✓Affordable cinema entry
Cons
- –No screen
- –MFT sensor
- –Manual focus workflow
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and E2-M4 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
Z CAM E2-M4
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, GY-HC500U or E2-M4?
E2-M4 scores 9.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for GY-HC500U — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and E2-M4?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and E2-M4 is 10.28 MP, so the E2-M4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and E2-M4 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while E2-M4 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the E2-M4?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. E2-M4 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and E2-M4?
GY-HC500U weighs 580 g and E2-M4 weighs 370 g, so the E2-M4 is 210 g lighter.
Do the GY-HC500U and E2-M4 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. E2-M4: 4K up to 120p.
Are the GY-HC500U and E2-M4 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. E2-M4: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 640 shots for the E2-M4, giving the E2-M4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and E2-M4 at $1,299. The E2-M4 is $2,096 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs E2-M4 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.