JVC is out with a new portable pocket HD camcorder device called the PICSIO GC-FM1. Measuring a mere 53 x 97 x 17mm and weighing only 95 grams, the GC-FM1 features:

• 8 megapixel image sensor for digital stills
• 2.03 megapixel video sensor
• Capture 1080p HD video on SD and SDHC memory cards in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format (other video resolutions include 720p, VGA, and QVGA)
• 2 inch LCD display
• HDMI output

The GC-FM1 will be available in three colors – blue, black, and purple.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: JVC PICISIO GC-FM1, Pocket Camcorder, HD Camcorder

Canon also updated their HD camcorder lineup today with the addition of their latest flagship model – the Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder. (HD camcorders are being updated as quickly as digital cameras are updated these days!) The VIXIA HF S11 provides “advanced HD features and professional level manual controls” and is capable of recording 24 hours of HD video to the 64GB internal flash drive as well as removable SDHC memory cards.

Features of the new VIXIA HF S11 include the following:

• Dynamic SuperRange OIS system which reduces camera shake by providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range
• Advanced Video Snapshot Mode records a series of four second clips when in shooting mode as well as in playback mode
• 8.59 megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
• DIGIC DV III Image Processor
• Face Detection, Instant Auto Focus
• Record in 24p Cinema Mode or 30p Progressive Mode
• Manual gain control limits
• Manual focus controls
• 24 Mbps recording
• 2.7 inch Multiangle vivid widescreen LCD
• Nigh Scene Mode
• Intelligent Lithium-Ion batteru
• HDMI terminal
• Microphone terminal with manual audio level control
• includes Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software

The Canon VIXIA HF S11 will be available in the middle of Sept for a suggested retail price of $1399.99.

Technorati Tags: Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder, HD camcorder

The Samsung HMX-U10 is the latest portable digital camcorder to hit the market featuring full HD video recording and 10 megapixel digital stills. Features and specs include:

• One touch upload to YouTube
• 1920 x 1080 video recording
• 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor
• 2 inch LCD display
• Measures 56 x 103 x 15.5 mm
• Weighs 95 grams

No word on pricing or availability but we’re hoping it’s not more than say $200 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung HMX-U10, Digital Camcorder

Sony announces two new flash memory-based high definition camcorders today – the HDR-CX520V and the HDR-CX500V. Both cameras capture full 1920 x 1080 resolution video and up to 12 megapixel photos on internal flash memory with support for up to 25 hours of HD video on the 64GB model (the HDR-CX520V pictured above).

Common features of both cameras include the ability to output 60p video – automatically converting convert to 60 frames per second on compatible HDTV sets.

The camcorder’s Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode now comes with 3 way Shake Canceling. 3 Way Shake Canceling reduces camera/hand shake in three different directions – the vertical and horizontal shake is corrected by optical image stabilization system while the lateral roll shake is now corrected by electronic image stabilization.

There’s also the BIONZ imaging processor which now adds a Face Touch function. With Face Touch, users simply select a person to be prioritized by the camcorder simply by touching a detected face on the screen. Once a face is selected, the camcorder prioritizes and optimizes focus, skin color, and brightness for that selected individual.  There’s also a new feature called Smile Shutter technology which allows the camcorder to detect and capture smiling photos while simultaneously recording video.

Other cool features include:

• Back illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor with twice the sensitivity of current front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0
• Built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ digital maps can geo-tag your videos and photos
• Supports optional DVDirect Express DVD writer
• Built-in zoom microphone with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound
• Instant power-on feature when the LCD is opened
• User interface comes with new operation bar for scroll searching of all menu items and a customizable shortcut menu
• Highlight Scenario which saves up to 8 highlight scenes for viewing again later on
• Record content onto optional Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX media

The HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V will be available in Sept for approximately $1100 and $1300 respectively. The HDR-CX500V comes with 32B of internal flash memory while the HDR-CX520V comes with 64GB of internal flash memory.

Here are pictures of the HDR-CX520V:

Here are pictures of the HDR-CX500V:

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, HDR-CX520V, HDR-CX500V, flash HD camcorder

Common features of both camcorders include:

• Weighs 0.5 pounds
• Captures full 1920 x 1080 resolution video
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• Face Detection – adjusts exposure so faces are captured “perfectly”
• Intelligent Contrast Control – helps ensure proper contrast
• Intelligent Scene Selector – selects the best scene given the surrounding conditions
• Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Tracking
• SD/SDHDC memory card recording
• Touch-Screen and Handy function buttons
• 1.9 second quick power-on
• Pre-Rec – camcorder continuously records three seconds of images into an internal buffer memory. When the Record button is pressed, the three seconds are added to the beginning of the clip
• Auto Power LCD
• Built-in video light and flash
• Highlight playback
• One-touch copy of videos to DVD and easy playback with BN1 DVD burner

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, the HDC-TM10 records on both the built-in memory and an SD/SDHC memory card. When the built-in memory gets full, the camcorder automatically starts recording video onto the SD card. Video recorded on both media formats can then be merged within the camcorder and stored onto an SD/SDHC memory card.

What I love about these new HD camcorders – the price. The HDC-SD10 will be priced at $549.95 while the HDC-TM10 at $599.95. The TM10 will be available in black and silver while the SD10 will be available in black only. Both camcorders are expected in September of this yeawr.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic HDC-SD10, Panasonic HDC-TM10, HD camcorder

A bit old.. but since I missed most of last week, I thought I’d write about it anyhow. Sony announced a new high definition camcorder last week called the HDR-TG5V Handycam. Capable of capturing full 1920 x 1080 resolution video as well as four megapixel stills, the HDR-TG5V includes 16GB of flash memory, embedded GPS, and a touch-panel LCD display. Other features and specs of the HDR-TG5V include:

• Titanium body with premium hard coating enhancing durability
• Smile Shutter technology snaps quality photos of people when they smile – even if the device is recording video at the same time
• Face Detection Technology
• built-in GPS with NAVTEQ digital maps let you geo-tag your videos and photos
• 2.7 inch wide LCD touch panel
• Memory Stick PRO Duo support
• BIONZ Image Processor works with Exmor CMOS sensor
• Carl Zeiss Vaio-Tessar lens with 10x optical zoom
• Built-in flash

Sony expects the HDR-TG5V to ship in May for a price of around $1000. Sigh.. Yes.. the HDR-TG5V is darn expensive and as such – you won’t be seeing me with it anytime soon. Anyone need to remind Sony that we’re in a recession these days?

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Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Sony HDR-TG5V HD Camcorder

Now here’s a pretty cool new gadget. It’s the newly announced JVC Everio GZ-X900 (or Everio X for short) “dual-use camera” – capable of shooting both high definition video and high resolution digital still images. This lightweight, compact camera is capable of capturing 9 megapixel digital stills as well as near Full HD AVCHD video. Although it’s not entirely evident in these product images here, the Everio X is indeed a compact camera – capable of fitting into your shift pocket and weighing around 0.66 pounds.

Features of the GZ-X900 include:

• 10.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Shoots 9 megapixel stills (no interpolation) and Full HD video with 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution (ok so it’s not exactly 1920 x 1080)
• 10x slow motion shooting plays back 2.4 seconds of recorded video over the span of 24 seconds
• Shoot at 3 ultra-high speeds – 120 frames per second, 300 frames per second, or 600 frames per second – the faster the speed, the slower the playback motion. At 600 fps, the resolution is 640 x 72.
• Up to six 9 megapixel stills can be shot at 15 images per second
• Shoot 5 megapixel digital stills while simultaneously recording Full HD video. Photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording
• JVC’s new proprietary optical image stabilization (OIS) technology
• KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with 5x optical zoom
• JVC HD Gigabrid Premium image processing engine
• Face Detection Technology
• HDMI 1.3 with x.v.Color
• Records video and digital stills to SDHC memory cards
• Approximately the size of a “chunky smartphone”
• Top-mounted zoom and record buttons with a second set next to the LCD screen
• Camera is black with silver accents with the right side featuring a textured carbon fiber-like finish for a secure grip
• Measures 2.6 x 4.88 x 1.46 inches

All this coolness does come at a price. The JVC Everio GZ-X900 will be coming out in June for a price of $999.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: JVC Everio GZ-X900, JVC Everio X,

One prevalent feature found across all the new 2009 Everio models is the notion of “One Touch” sharing. All models come with a One Touch Export function via a Windows application which makes it easy to export videos directly into your iTunes library – thereby making the content available on your iPod or iPhone. The new models also support One Touch Uploading for easy uploading to YouTube and One Touch DVD Creation for easy burning of content direct to DVD.

Other common features found in all 2009 Everio models include the following:

• Everio MediaBrowser software for easy to search calendar-type GUI for indexing and searching of videos
• Digest Playback – automatically selects highlighted scenes from among the recorded content using proprietary algorithm and plays back content similar to a “coming attractions” movie trailer
• Updated Laser Touch Operation
• Opening LCD monitor automatically opens up the built-in lens cover and powers up the camcorder
• Closing the monitor closes the lens cover and shuts down the power
• Quick Restart feature allows you to record in about one second after the LCD is reopened
• New design for easy and elegant shooting

The new 2009 Everio lineup consists of three Full HD models, three standard definition Everio G series models, and two standard definition Everio S series of memory camcorders. With that said, here’s what you need to know about the new models.

High Definition Everio Camcorders

All the 2009 HD Everios feature:

• 1/4.1-inch 3.05 megapixel CMOS image sensor
• Full HD recording (1920 x 1080p 60 fps progressive signal)
• GENESSA processing technology
• HDMI v.1.3 with x.v.Color
• KONICA MINOLTA HD Lens – developed specifically for Everio
• 20x high optical zoom lens
• New AVCHD UXP mode supports up to 24Mbps for detailed images. This mode is ideal for Blu-ray or external hard drive recording

The three full HD Everio models are as follows:

Everio GZ-HM200

• SD/SDHC Card Dual Slot
• Available in Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue, Garnet Red

Everio GZ-HD300

• 60GB Hard Disk Drive/microSD/SDHC Card
• Available in Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red

Everio GZ-HD320

• 120GB Hard Disk Drive/microSD/SDHC Card
• Available in Onyx Black

Standard Definition Everio Camcorders

For the SD front, JVC unveiled a total of five camcorders – three for the G Series and two for the S Series. Here’s the basics.

Everio G Series Camcorders

All three new models feature:

• Hard Disk based camcorders
• 1/6-inch 800,000-pixel CCD image sensor
• KONICA MINOLTA LENS with a 40x dynamic zoom and 800x digital zoom

The three G Series models are:

GZ-MG630

• 60GB Hard Disk Drive/microSD/SDHC Card
• Available in Diamond Silver, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red

GZ-MG670

• 80GB Hard Disk Drive/microSD/SDHC Card
• HD upconversion converts SD recording to output at 1920 x 1080 via HDMI mini terminal
• Available in Onyx Black

GZ-MG680

• 120GB Hard Disk Drive/microSD/SDHC Card
• HD upconversion converts SD recording to output at 1920 x 1080 via HDMI mini terminal
• Available in Onyx Black

Finally, we have two new Everio S Series memory camcorders. Both models are dual storage memory models. The GZ-MS120 has a pair of SD/SDHC card slots while the GZ-MS130 offers a single SD/SDHC card slot and 16GB of internal flash memory. Both models support continuous recording – allowing you to swap out a card while the other storage medium is being used for recording.

The two models are:

GZ-MS120

• SD/SDHC Card Dual Slot
• Available in Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue, Garnet Red

GZ-MS130

• SD/SDHC Card/16GB Internal Memory
• Available in Onyx Black

OK so what about pricing and availability? Here ya go.

• GZ-MS120 February $299.95
• GZ-MS130 February $349.95
• GZ-MG630 January $429.95
• GZ-MG670 January $479.95
• GZ-MG680 February $549.95
• GZ-HM200 March $579.95
• GZ-HD300 February $699.95
• GZ-HD320 February $799.95

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: JVC, Everio 2009 Camcorders

Finally, we have the new Samsung HMX-R10 CMOS-based full HD digital camcorder. This funky looking digital camcorder can not only record video at full HD resolutions but it can also capture 9 megapixel digital stills.

Speaking of the funky design, Samsung claims the unique form factor allows for a more comfortable user experience. The lens is angled at 25 degrees which allows the user to grip the camcorder in a more relaxed manner.

Here are the important specs for the HMX-R10:

• 5x optical zoom lens
• Swivel 2.7 inch touch-screen LCD
• 1/2.33” 9 Mega-Pixel CMOS
• SD/SDMC memory card slot
• HDMI, component, composite port

The HMX-R10 will be available this summer.

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Samsung introduced their new H-Series line of full HD digital camcorders at CES 2009 comprised of four new models – three of which feature internal solid state drives – making these camcorders the world’s first to feature a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive. Models HMX-H106, HMX-H105, and HMX-H104 all feature the SSD. Model HMX-H100 lacks the internal SSD but instead features an SD/SDHC memory card slot.

Here are pictures of the HMX-H106:

HMX-H106 is the flagship model of the new H-Series featuring a 64GB solid state drive on the inside. Samsung claims their SSDs consume approximately 1/8th the power of a comparable traditional hard drive (2.5 inch 5400RPM drive). HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 come with a 32GB and 16GB SSD respectively. All three SSD models also feature a media card slot for SD/SDHC memory cards.

All four models utilize H.264 compression which translates to approximately 3 hours of full HD video on the 16GB HMX-H104, 6 hours on the 32GB HMX-H105, and 12 hours on the HMX-H106.

Other common specs include:

• 1/4.5”, 2.2 mega-pixel CMOS imaging sensor
• 10x optical zoom
• High-quality Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Capture 4.7 megapixel stills
• 2.7 inch touch-screen LCD

The HMX-H106 will be available in April while the HMX-H105 and HMX-H104 will be available in March.

Here is the HMX-H105/HMX-H104:

Here is the HMX-H100:

Technorati Tags: Samsung, H-Series, HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, HMX-H100, Digital Camcorder, HD Camcorder, SSD, CES 2009

In any case, here’s their summary:

“Creative follows in Kodak’s and Pure Digital’s footsteps with its own HD pocket camcorder. The camera has all the charm of the original Vado and enough new features to make it best in show.”

Not bad..

Don’t forget – the cam is available for $199 right now (normally at $229)

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder, PC Magazine Review

PC World rated the camcorder an 89 out of 100 (calling it “video good”) and had this to say:

“The Vado HD is a pretty slick package. It lacks the sex appeal of some other camcorders in its class, such as the Flip Mino series, and it lacks a Mac-compatible video-management app. Nevertheless, good overall image quality, a user-replaceable battery, and other niceties make the Vado HD an attention-worthy option for a pocketable HD camcorder.”

Not too bad.. but what did CNET think of the camcorder?

“The Creative Vado HD may fall slightly short of the Flip Video Mino HD in terms of video quality, but it’s stronger feature set may tempt you.”

So what does this all mean for me? At $199.99, it’s definitely hard to pass up. If only the Vado had a built-in memory card reader.. but then again, the 8GB storage space isn’t too bad either. Just make sure you have a netbook lying around to upload videos to!

Well, I’ll make my decisions soon I suppose!

Technorati Tags: Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder, PC World, CNET, Review

The Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Cam is now available for pre-order at Creative’s website for $199 dollars. The Vado HD measures a mere 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches and weighs 100 grams with the battery – certainly small enough to carry in your pocket or hold in the palm of your hand. Features of the Creative Vado HD include:

• Capture video in 720p (1280 x 720)
• Start and stop recording at the touch of a button
• Flexible USB tab
• Included HDMI cable allows you to connect the Vado HD to an HDTV
• H.264 video compression
• 2 inch antiglare screen with 640 x 240 resolution
• 2x digital zoom
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery – rechargeable via USB
• 8GB of memory
• 2 hours of HD+ quality; 4 hours of HD quality, and 8 hours of VGA quality
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• Built-in software
• 2 hour battery life

No word on when Creative will ship the Vado HD.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Cam

[Check it out via GearLog]

Technorati Tags: Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Cam

To help drive sales for the Hitachi DZ-BD10HA Blu-ray camcorder, Hitachi has announced a new direct sales website at www.hitachibd.com. Launched today, the website will allow consumers to purchase the camcorder which sells for $1099. The website also features information to help educate consumers about Blu-ray as well as interactive guides that demo the features of the Hitachi DZ-BD10HA.

The Full 1080p capable DZ-BD10HA was launched back in September and features a 7 megapixel CMOS image sensor, optical image stabilization technologies, face detection technology, a built-in 30GB hard drive, and support for recording HD video to three separate formats (Blu-ray Disc, Hard Drive, and SDHC cards).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Hitachi DZ-BD10HA Blu-ray camcorder

Hitachi Home Electronics has introduced a new next-generation Blu-ray Disc Hybrid Camcorder called the DZ-BD10HA which seemingly has all the different storage options covered. First off, the DZ-BD10HA has a built-in 30GB HDD which allows you to record up to 4 hours, 20 minutes of full HD video or 8 hours, 40 minutes of 1440 x 1080 video. If you run out of disk space, you can also record videos or still images directly to SD/SDHC flash memory cards via the built-in SDHC card slot. Nice huh? But wait.. there’s more. Hitachi offers yet a third solution – the ability to transfer full HD video recordings from the hard drive or SDHC card to the built-in BD drive – and all this without the need for a computer. The DZ-BD10HA includes editing functions such as splitting, splicing, deleting, merging, and transitions. There’s even a transcoding feature which coverts full HD videos to DVD quality videos. Very Nice.

Other features of the Hitachi DZ-BD10HA include:

• 7 megapixel CMOS image sensor
• Capture videos and image stills at Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• Face detection technology
• Hitachi developed compact, low power consuming, quiet, and reliable 8cm BD/DVD drive
• One-touch dubbing – transfer HD videos from SDHC or HDD to BD drive at one push of a button
• Optical Image Stabilization

The Hitach DZ-BD10HA will have an MSRP of $999 and is available in Japan now and will be hitting the US shores in Sept.

Technorati Tags: Hitachi, DZ-BD10HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid Camcorder

Here are pictures of the VIXIA HF11:

Here are pictures of the VIXIA HG21:

And finally, here are pictures of the VIXIA HG20:

All three VIXIA camcorders feature the following:

• Canon HD Video Lens
• Canon HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• DIGIC DV II Image Processor
• Instant AutoFocus
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization to handle camcorder vibration and image shake

All three HD camcorders will be available in September with the VIXIA HF11 having an MSRP of $1199, the VIXIA HG21 an MSRP of $1299, and the VIXIA HG20 an MSRP of $949. All the camcorders come with Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software which has the ability to create Blu-ray discs.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon, VIXIA HF11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder, VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder, VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Camcorder, HD Camcorders

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Toshiba Camileo H10 HD Camcorder

Now here’s a truly interesting new product from Kodak. It’s the new Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera which is Kodak’s first dedicated pocket digital video camera. This unit is designed to make video capture fun and simple to perform as it captures 720p 16:9 video at 60 fps. According to PluggedIn Kodak blog site, the Zi6 features:

• 2.4 inch TFT LCD screen
• Comes with dedicated ARCSOFT video software
• Built-in USB connector
• SD/SDHC card slot
• Cables for viewing videos on an HDTV
• Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger
• Play back video in slow motion

The ARCSOFT video software allows users to quickly edit, personalize, and share videos as well as easily upload videos to YouTube. It’s due out in September although no word on pricing.

If the price and the video quality is right, this can truly be a compelling product for the average consumer.

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Technorati Tags: Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera

Features of both of these new camcorders include:

• Manual functions for zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed and white balance
• Intelligent Auto mode
• HD Advanced Pure Color Engine
• Leica Dicomar lens
• Advanced Optical Image Stabilization
• Face Detection
• Intelligent Contrast Control
• Intelligent Scene Selection
• Comes with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows
• Compatible with VIERA Link
• Quick Power-on in 1.9 seconds
• Digital Cinema Color mode
• 5 microphone, 5.1 channel surround sound system
• Microphone input and headphone jack
• High speed burst shooting
• Pre-Rec enables camcorder to continuously record three seconds of video content before the actual video begins
• Wide-viewing angle LCD display

So what’s the difference between the two models? The HDC-SD100 records content directly to an SD memory card while the HDC-HS100 is a hybrid system – recording to either an SD card or an internal 60GB HDD.

Both Panasonic models will be available in September with the HDC-SD100 having a retail price of $1299.95 and the HDC-HS100 a retail price of $1099.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic HD camcorder, HDC-SD100, HDC-HS100