JVC follows up its popular ProHD GY-HD100U camcorder with the GY-HD200U, released at the show.

According to JVC‘s Dave Walton, the new “Compact-Shoulder” form factor camcorder is targeted at independent filmmakers and stringers. Employing the new “Super Encoder”, the 200U delivers HDV720/60P progressive capture—that‘s 60 frames per second, which can deliver slow motion when the final output is 24P.

Besides the new 1/3in. mount HD lenses introduced at the show, JVC has created the HZ-CA13U, an optional lens adapter that fits on the 1/3in. bayonet mount of JVC ProHD camcorders. Why‘s that? So you can access the thousands of great quality 16mm film prime lenses that use a PL (Positive Lock) mount, such as those from Arri.

Other features of the GY-HD200U include Enhanced Cinema Gamma; the ability to capture in both SD—including 24P and 24PA—and HD; and a focus assist function (users can set focus on each scene by highlighting details in the viewfinder).

The camera also features two XLR connectors for each audio channel and records CD-quality audio at 384Kbps in the MPEG1 Layer 2 format with the audio level indicators visible on the viewfinder and on the flip-out LCD display.

While a final price hasn‘t been settled on, it should come in just less than $8,000. Delivery is expected to begin in October 2006.