Panasonic HDC-DX1 Camcorders

Panasonic has recently announced the HDC-DX1 High Definition video camcorder which designed to keep pace with the ceaseless development in video towards larger TV screens and higher definition video content. Panasonic has set a new image and sound quality standards for today's video cameras by empowering home users with a tool for making their own High Definition recordings. The Panasonic HDC-DXI has a Leica Dicomar lens to minimise harmful reflections with the help of its 13 lens elements in 10 groups, with 21 multi-coated surfaces, and low-dispersion optical glass to reduce chromatic aberration.

Panasonic HDC-DX1 Technical Specifications:

• High-resolution AVCHD format
• Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) to minimize the effect of the slightest shake of the hands.
• World’s first 5.1-channel surround-sound system with 5 microphones
• Zoom Mic function linking the microphone's action to the camera's action.

The Panasonic HDC-DX1 provides about 40 minutes of High Definition recording on a dual-layer DVD-R disc. You can purchase the HDC- DX1 at a suggested price of $1,399.95 in the month of March 2007.

RCA EZ201 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder

RCA continues its love affair with its Small Wonder Line Up and recently exhibited the RCA Small Wonder EZ201, a new, affordable digital camcorder , ideal for the casual shooter.

The Small Wonder EZ201 promises to capture all your precious moments without burning a hole in your precious pocket! It includes an expandable SD memory slot and a convenient rotating display. One can power up this baby by two standard “AA” batteries that last up to two hours of continuous usage.

The Small Wonder sports a 1.5-inch, 180 degree swivel LCD display and is pretty compact, thus offering true mobility. One can hook it up to a TV set or a PC via the USB interface. You can also team up the camcorder with the optional RCA Memory Maker, a new DVD docking and recording system for the EZ201. The RCA EZ201 has a suggested retail price of $129.

"We are committed to providing consumers with superior results and ease of use,” said Dan Collishaw, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson’s Audio/Video business. “The EZ201 Small Wonder represents the next evolution in simplifying video recording and at-home archiving. We’ve listened to our consumers needs, and this product offers a perfect video recording solution for a myriad of users – from moms and students to professionals like building contractors and real estate agents.”

Sony HDR-UX7 High Definition Camcorder

Sony has developed four new high definition camcorders which were shown at the CES 2007 show. Of these four new models, the top of the line model is the HDR-UX7, a professional quality high definition camcorder.

The Sony HDR-UX7 features the three megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, which produces exceptional 1080i HD video quailty, as well as six-megapixel digital still photos. It also features Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, and other hybrid benefits such as blur-free results on digital stills and video.

The ClearVid CMOS sensor also allows you to recorder in slow motion and dual record modes. With the slow record function, you can create slow motion video by playing back short video clips at 240 frames per second. A new feature is voice memo, which allows you to playback those clips with audio recordings. The dual record mode allows you to shoot video while simultaneously capturing a 4.6 megapixel digital still picture.

The HDR-UX7 incorporates x.v.Color technology, which supports a much wider data range of colors compared to the conventional sRGB standard. According to the National Physical Laboratory in the United Kingdom, the x.v.Color technology range is closer to colors that the human eye can recognize.

Videos can be recorded direct to blank 3" DVDs for playback, sharing, and archiving. HD content recorded on DVDs can also be played back on select Blue-ray devices, including the Playstation 3.

You can also expect to experience premium sound with the built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound recording for integration into home-theater equipped living rooms. The HDR-UX7 will be available in stores in March at the retail price of $1,300.

DCR-DVD308 DVD Handycam Camcorder

A part of Sony's newest line of DVD Handycam camcorders, the Sony DCR-DVD308 allows you to easily capture video directly to DVD. Record your videos in crystal clarity and 5.1ch surround sound to a number of DVD solutions, including DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R DL (Dual Layer).

The Sony DCR-DVD308 also includes Active Interface Shoe, which provides for additional powered accessory options. Video can be transfered to your PC via the high-speed USB 2.0 connection.

Video can be recorded directly to a 3" DVD in either single or dual layer formats. The discs made by the camcorder, after being finalized, can be played in compatible DVD players, computers, and even the Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 video game consoles.

Widescreen capabilities allow you to record and playback video in widescreen mode, at the 16:9 aspect ratio. Or, if you prefer, you can record and playback in 4:3 aspect ratio. Changing between the different ratios is as easy as a touch of a button. Premium sound recording is available through the camcorders built in 5.1ch surround sound microphone.

The camcorder's Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization system reduces "shakes" without compromising video quality. The professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens offers less glare and flare with increased contrast, resulting in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation, and perfect rendition of subtle tones.

For the film buffs, or those who just want a quality camcorder, the Sony DCR-DVD308 Handycam camcorder is a perfect solution with its ease of use and variety of storage options.

Pure Digital Point & Shoot Camcorder

As more and more customers demand easier- to-use digital photography and video, companies continue to have to manufacture simpler digital video and photography products. The latest is from Pure Digital, a Point & Shoot Camcorder that is probably the simplest digital photography device to date.

The design of the Point & Shoot Camcorder looks remarkable similar to that of an iPod, with an all-white exterior and circular center control. Ease seems to be the keyword for this thing that was made for the iPod generation. As its name implies, all you need to do his point and shoot with the touch of a button.

You also have the option of zooming in or out for better focus with the 2x digital zoom. The screen is 1.4 inch that allows you to see exactly what will be in the final cut. Another feature is the instant playback, including an audio speaker, so you can decide if you want to delete your video or still footage.

The Point & Shoot Camcorder holds up to 30 minutes worth of footage. It runs on two AA batteries, but it doesn’t look like the device is chargeable. It does have one really nifty feature that opens up a whole world to a user: a USB arm that flips right out of it.

From there, you can connect the Camcorder to your computer, and watch the videos from your PC, Mac, or laptop. You can then save them from there, and send them to Google Video or Grouper Networks via the built-in software! You can also use the one-step emailing, video greeting cards, or custom-edited movie mixes. Take your films to an authorized retailer if you want them to make a permanent DVD. You can also watch your videos from your television with the included TV connector.

Sony HVR-V1J Camcorder

Sony Japan unveiled a new camcorder which would be perfect for all the pros. The Sony HDV camcorder 'HVR-V1J has the Sony ClearVid CMOS Sensor under its hood and a 20x HD Optical Zoom Lens. It promises brilliant and stunning imagery and includes features like Progressive Scan, Last Scene Review, Smooth Slow Recording, Interval Recording and 1080/50i. It should be available by the end of the year and should retail for 567,000 Yen. Nothing else is

The Sony HVR-V1U HDV Camcorder

The HDV revolution has begun with much gusto and the new Sony HVR-V1U HDV camcorder carries forward this next generation trend. The new HVR-V1U is touted be the superior version of the equally awe-inspiring HDR-FX7 and this one is strictly for the pros! The cam has a 24p frame rate which is the norm in film-making and as additional bonus there is a 1080p resolution.

The Sony HVR-V1U has a CMOS sensor and promises jaw-dropping video performance! One can also attach an optional hard disk to the top of the camcorder and the hard drive's recording parameters are displayed on the camera's viewfinder. Thus according to Sony this "hybrid recording system is the perfect solution for pros who have both HDV tape and disk backup on their fingertips. Not on does the camcorder support HDTV and XLR audio, it also has a HDMI port. The Sony HVR-V1U doesn’t come cheap and one would need to shell out $4800 to get their hands on this baby. It should hit the shelves by December, so start saving up guys!

Sony HDR-FX7 1080i HDV Camcorder

Sony has achieved another electronic milestone with the creation of the Sony HDR-FX7 1080i HDV camcorder. Like the models before it, the HDR-FX7 can record standard definition DV video and 1080i HDV on miniDV tapes. This is the first high-definition camera to feature Three-Chip ClearVID Sensor Technology.

So what does that mean? In short, it means higher resolution, greater light sensitivity, and more accurate color reproduction. It means that you can use its three sensors to film 6 seconds, and then play them back clearly in slow motion for 24 seconds. You can also take 1.2 megapixel stills while shooting video at the very same time.

All that is pretty impressive, and that is just the beginning. The Sony InfoLithium L Series battery’s STAMINA technology allows up to eight hours of continuous recording time. The camera is also more compact, easy-to-use, and forty percent smaller than Sony’s other HDV models. At three pounds, it is also twenty percent lighter than Sony’s previous HDV models.

Not only that, the Sony HDR-FX7 features a high-resolution viewfinder, as well as a 3.5-inch LCD viewing screen. Clear Photo Plus LCD technology will give the clearest shots available today, and a low dispersion lens glass to reduce color distortion. Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization helps to keep your video and still shots as non-shaky as possible.

It also has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens that gives a 20x optical zoom range in 16:9 widescreen mode. Even greater magnification can be achieved with a digital extender function that can bring a 30x optical zoom.

Manual controls for shooting include zoom, focus, shutter speed, white balance, iris, and gain. Editing footage is made simple with an HDMI interface and non-linear editing software.

Preorders for the Sony HDR-FX7 should be available very soon, and it should hit the market in October 2006. The expected price should run about $3,500.

Aiptek PocketDV 8900 Camcorder

Aiptek will unveil its new digital camcorder, the Aiptek PocketDV 8900, at the IFA in Berlin. As with any other digital camcorder, the PocketDV 8900 can be used to take digital still images. Connect it to your PC and you've got yourself a webcam, even.

With a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, the PocketDV 8900 offers high-quality video, which is stored in MPEG4 format. The camcorder has a smallish 2" TFT LCD display at 115,200 pixel resolution. The LCD can be rotated up to 270° for ease of viewing, as well as shooting yourself (no, not in the foot).

The PocketDV 8900 allows for 4x digital zoom and 3x optical, and features MMC and SD slots for storage. It's good to know that Aiptek has included an MP3 player on it, with a 15-channel equalizer.

Hitachi DZ-HS303: A DVD and HDD Camcorder

Hitachi is turning into a behemoth. In the quest to make inroads into the Camcorder market, Hitachi, delivered a sucker punch in the form of DZ-HS303 Digital Camcorder. The all new DZ-HS303 is a combination of a DVD and HDD camcorder. It features both HDD and DVD in one single package.

The DZ-HS303 now becomes the first camcorder to combine DVD and HDD video recording media. In addition to accepting 8cm DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and DVD-R discs and SD memory cards, the camcorder has an onboard 8GB hard disk drive. Now the users enjoy the luxury of switching between two modes seamlessly. If your DVD runs out of space, then just with the push of a button you can seamlessly shift to HDD mode which boasts of a memory up to 8GB of hard-disk space, which is unfortunately almost half the size of my existing hardrive!

The DZ-H303 features an impeccable 1/3” CCD imager has 3310K gross pixels and 2180K effective pixels in 4:3 video recording mode, and 3.05 megapixels in still mode. The lens has a focal length of 6.1-61mm, a maximum aperture of F1.8-3.0, and a filter diameter of 37mm. With a 10x optical zoom and a 2.7” LCD, numerous manual control options, and onboard features like a video flash and external microphone jack.

Hitachi’s DZ-HS303 is scheduled for a Japanese release on August 30, and has an expected MSRP of about 130,000 Yen which is approx. US$1138 .

Canon HV10 HD Video Camcorder

Canon today can give it self a pat on the back as it was able to successfully launch its first compact seize HD video camera. This new video camera is pretty unique and will surely get a lot of takers because of its HD CMOS sensor with its impressive resolution of 1920x1080. The HV10 has a 1/2.7 type cmos with 2.96Mpix, which will assure superb picture quality according to Canon.

The Canon HV10 also has what Canon calls Instant Auto Focus which is much superior to the plain old AF systems according to Canon. Canon claims that this is one much faster and accurate and there is a Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization too! It can also take still images in 3.1-megapixel resolution which can be stored on a Mini-SD card. No word on availability but the iVIS HV100 should around 1000.00 EUR.