Hands On With The Sanyo Xacti HD1000 and HD700: "
Akihabara News got to have a little hands-on time with the new Sanyo DMX-HD1000 and HD700 camcorders. Their reaction was, ‘Well done Sanyo!’ Though they make the disclaimer that the camcorders do not have ‘stunning’ image quality, they do call it ‘decent,’ and seem to think that Sanyo has come up with a killer product. Check out the link for dozens of hands-on pics.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
VIO POV1 Review at Helmet Cam Central: "
Helmet cams aren’t really my forte, but I figure there are a lot of you out there looking for a quality helmet cam system, so perhaps you will find Helmet Cam Central’s VIO POV.1 review helpful. The VIO POV.1 records video to SD card in DivX format at 720x480 resolution and 3Mbps. It is completely waterproof and runs on 4 AA batteries.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
Canon PowerShot S5 IS Camera Reviewed: "
Trusted Reivews gives us a review on the Canon PowerShot S5 IS digital camera. Canon PowerShot S5 IS features a 8 Megapixel CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom, an ISO rating up to 1600, and a 2.5-inch LCD display. It supports SD and SDHC memory cards.
Comments from Trusted Reivews:
The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is unquestionably the most versatile digital camera on the market, with a powerful high quality zoom lens, superb image stabilisation, class-leading performance and what may be the best AF system on the market. It has a huge range of features, including a video mode with full zoom lens and stereo audio. It is slightly let down by the small sensor and its inherent noise problems, but it is still an outstanding camera by any standard.
(Via iTech News Net.)
BenQ intros 8-megapixel C840 point-and-shoot: "
Continue reading BenQ intros 8-megapixel C840 point-and-shoot
(Via Engadget.)
The good: Camera is waterproof to 10 feet; shock resistant to short drops and mild impact; freezeproof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit; nifty Perfect Shot Preview function.
The bad: No manual exposure controls; slightly soft images.
The bottom line: If you need a camera that you can take snorkeling or skiing, then the Stylus 790 SW might be just the ticket, but you can find better image quality for the same price.
Do you like to drop your digital camera on the floor? Dunk it in water? Bury it in snow? Who doesn't? But usually, that can cause some problems, since most cameras hate water, won't operate in freezing cold temperatures, and don't take well to falls. However, Olympus' Stylus 790 SW, like the Stylus 770 SW before it, is tough enough to shoot in 10 feet of water or when it's 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it can withstand drops of up to 5 feet, so if you're klutzy, you won't have to worry quite as much. If you swim deeper than most, the 770 SW might be better for you than this model, since it can operate down to about 33 feet. Other than that, a slightly different body design, and a new feature or two in the 790 SW, the two cameras are basically the same.
If it didn't say so on the front of the camera, you might not think that the Stylus 790 SW is a waterproof camera. While last year's 770 SW's body design screamed rugged, with its all-metal construction and tougher-than-nails look, the 790 SW has a softer look, with plastic accents on the top, side, and front. Also, the 790 SW is about 1 ounce lighter and comes in five bright colors, while the 770 SW only had three, more-muted colors.
All of the camera's buttons are on the right side of the camera back except the shutter and on/off button, which are on the top. The mode dial, also accented with black plastic, is on the back, and in my opinion, a bit small. The plastic has little notches in it, though, so it's thankfully not all that hard to turn. Menus are separated into the shooting menu, accessed by pressing the OK button in the center of the four-way rocker, and the main menu, which you get to by pressing the Menu button. The main menu lets you activate silent mode quickly, but makes you choose a submenu before proceeding to anything else. This slows things down a bit, but Olympus does organize the menus well and the shooting menu and four-way rocker let you quickly change anything you need while shooting.
In our lab's performance tests, the Stylus 790 SW had decent shot-to-shot times, but otherwise didn't impress. The camera took 1.3 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG. Thereafter, it took 2.3 seconds between images with the flash turned off. With the flash turned on, that wait increased to 3.2 seconds. Shutter lag measured 0.6 second in our high-contrast test and 1.6 seconds in our low-contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In burst mode we were able to capture an average of 1.5 full-resolution frames per second.
Image quality isn't the 790 SW's strong point, but it isn't particularly bad either at lower ISOs. Colors aren't quite as saturated as they can be on some other cameras, but they do look fairly accurate. The images also aren't as sharp as I'd like to see, but not terribly so, and given that this is a waterproof camera, that's not totally unexpected. The 790 SW's automatic white balance leaves photos shot under incandescent lights slightly warm, but does a good job with fluorescent lighting and, of course, natural sunlight.
Olympus keeps noise down through ISO 200. While you can see the beginnings of noise at ISO 200, it's only visible as a slight mottling of colors and won't mar prints. At ISO 400, this gets a little more pronounced, but you can still make good prints and there's only a slight loss of fine detail. At ISO 800 noise becomes heavy, there's a significant loss of fine detail (the markings on the measuring tape in our test scene became illegible), but only a mild loss of shadow detail. At ISO 1,600 noise is extremely heavy, fine details are obliterated, and a lot of shadow detail is lost. I suggest staying below ISO 800 when using the Stylus 790 SW and avoiding ISO 1,600 at all costs.
While the Stylus 790 SW is far from perfect, it's one of the few cameras on the market, especially in this price range, that can take a beating and actually operate under water or at the top of a ski resort without worry. If you need a camera that can face up to those challenges, then the 790 SW makes sense. If not, you're probably better off with a regular compact camera that can perform faster and give you better image quality.
Via Cnet
The good: Attractive design; decent photos shot at high ISO sensitivity levels.
The bad: Flat, hard-to-feel buttons; lens too close to camera edge; doesn't zoom or refocus in movie mode.
The bottom line: It's thin, pretty, and reasonably fast, but exposure problems make the Fujifilm Z5fd hard to recommend to its budget snapshooter audience.
With the exception of its admittedly sleek-looking design, there's not a lot to differentiate the ultracompact Fujifilm Z5fd from a crowded field of budget competitors. Granted, it does come in an eye-melting raspberry red and a sophisticated mocha brown in addition to basic silver.
Like most, the 6-megapixel Z5fd offers a 3x zoom lens with a typically narrow f/3.5-4.2 36mm-108mm-equivalent lens. The 5-ounce camera's dimensions are 2.2 inches high by 3.6 inches wide by 0.8 inch deep, which makes it comfortable to stick in your pocket, but not quite as comfortable to shoot with. For instance, because of the combination of the camera's thin profile and the position of the lens so close to the edge, my finger frequently crept into the frame (only once did it actually end up in the photo, though).
The Z5fd's thin profile demands small controls, and the still/video switch can be especially hard to feel. Fujifilm dedicates a button to Face Detection.
The Z5fd's most novel feature is the Trimming for Blog tool, which, in addition to the age-old ability to crop a photo to 640x480, allows you to download the photos to a compatible device via IrSimple. I'm not sure how popular this is in Asia, but as far as I can tell not a lot of phones in the U.S. support it. So as of now, all you can really do is bounce the photos back and forth among select Fujifilm cameras.
Calling out the face detection with a dedicated button (and, of course, the "fd" in the model name) certainly makes it easier to find and use, but I'm still on the fence about how useful it is. It can locate more than one face in a scene but must choose a single face to take priority--usually the one closest to the center of the frame. The algorithm needs to be able to resolve two eyes, which seems to mean a horizontal angle of about 25 or 30 degrees off face front; it seems to have more tolerance vertically. A face must be within roughly 20 feet, and beyond that it starts to struggle. It's not fast enough to keep up with changing positions, and you frequently end up shooting in between face-focus locks (at which point it acts like normal focus).
Another Fujifilm staple is the Natural Light and Flash scene mode, which shoots two consecutive shots, one at a high ISO setting without flash, and one at a lower ISO setting with flash. You can then choose which look you prefer. The rest of the scene modes are pretty standard: Natural Light (high ISO), Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower (macro), and Text. A Picture Stabilization mode merely uses high ISO settings to enable faster shutter speeds. In macro mode the camera can focus as close as about 3.1 inches.
That's about it. The Z5fd completely lacks any manual controls. No shutter- or aperture-priority exposure, no metering choices--not even manual white balance.
Though the 2.5-inch LCD tends to blow out in bright sunlight, it otherwise works very well. Plus, the Z5fd offers the option of driving the display at 30fps, 60fps, or in a standard power save mode. Though denoted by frame rates, the 60fps does make the screen look slightly higher resolution than the other modes. As you'd guess, it draws more power, as well.
The Z5fd's performance falls on the high side of average for its class; in other words, it doesn't set any records, but it's got little to be ashamed about. It's up and shooting within 1.6 seconds, and imposes a reasonable 0.5-second shutter delay under typical bright shooting conditions. In less-than-optimal light, that increases to about 1.1 seconds, good for its type. Unsurprisingly, it follows that it has a very good typical shot-to-shot time of 1.7 seconds. With flash enabled, that time rises to about 2.6 seconds.
Burst shooting represents the Z5fd's weakest performance aspect; maxing out at 0.7fps, it's not very useful. Fujifilm supplies 2.2fps Top 3 and Final 3 burst modes to help compensate: Top 3 simply bursts for three shots while Final 3 shoots up to 40 frames, saving only the last three.
Though its photos can be pretty good, the Z5fd performs inconsistently. On one hand, I see no lens distortion or focus problems, nary a compression artifact and only the occasional case of purple fringing. Photos look relatively sharp and white balance reasonably neutral. If you want that typical vivid snapshot appearance, you'll have to switch into Chrome (as in slide film) color mode, because the standard mode looks a little flat relative to most point-and-shoot models.
Producing consistently correct exposures is the Z5fd's biggest issue. Though not uncommon among budget cameras, poor exposure of backlit subjects is unnecessary; all the manufacturer has to do is link spot metering to the center-point focus setting, an option which many of them, including the Z5fd, provide. It doesn't need to be user selectable. Using fill flash is a poor substitute, especially given the Z5fd's limited range of up to 11.5 feet (wide angle, auto ISO). The Z5fd also has problems with any unevenly lit scene, something that can't be solved by increasing the ISO sensitivity setting.
Furthermore, the Z5fd doesn't fare very well shooting movies. They look okay played at actual size (640x480); they should, given the M-JPEG AVI file's somewhat piggy megabyte per minute of storage. But the camera can't optically zoom during capture, and doesn't even refocus if you pan across a scene.
All of which adds up to a pretty typical, not particularly notable addition to the budget-camera pantheon. The Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd probably ranks as one of the smaller, cuter budget models, but it's ultimately your call as to whether the marginally slimmer build makes up for the missing features and inconsistent photo quality. I don't think it does.
The extended zoom range of the camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon's renowned high-end professional EOS SLR cameras.
The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low-light conditions without a flash.
With Canon's new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon's Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon's Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. Working in concert with Face Detection, the "Red-Eye Correction" feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon's new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of over-exposed faces.
The "brain" of these new PowerShot cameras is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions. Like all of the Canon's new models, the SD870 offers a widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style prints. Additionally, all new PowerShot models support 23 languages (now including Thai and Arabic). The new cameras have an improved direct printing function that permits greater flexibility in print settings, including a face brightener setting for backlit photos. Canon also enhanced the ‘My Colors’ mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where previously, users could only enable ‘My Colors’ while shooting, the current iteration permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software applications or tools. Available My Color playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black & white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects. For those who consider the ocean depths part of the Digital Elph camera line’s “go anywhere” promise, Canon offers individual optional waterproof housing systems. With a depth rating of 40m/130 feet for many of the PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras, these models are a natural choice for underwater photo enthusiasts, SCUBA divers and even snorkelers. As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC and MMC+ memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.Powershot SD870 IS Features:
The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH is available now for an estimated selling price of US$399.99, and ships with PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH Body, Lithium Battery Pack NB-5L, Battery Charger CB-2LX, SD Memory Card (32MB), Wrist Strap WS-DC2, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, and AV Cable AVC-DC300.
Via Steve Digicams
Canon PowerShot SD870 gets reviewed: "
(Via Engadget.)
The new Sony HDR-CX7 review over at DMN sings the praises of this tapeless HD camcorder. The reviewer found that the colors were accurate and the resolution great. Keeping the camcorder steady was a little hard, because of how small it is, and the included software is described as ‘bare-bones.’ Other than that, a very approving review.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
FlipStart mini PC gains sight with Snap Camera: "
(Via Engadget Laptops.)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Reviewed: "
PhotographyBlog has reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 digital camera. Panasonic Lumix FX55 is a 8.1 Megapixel camera with Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens, 3.6x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom, and the MEGA O.I.S. Image Stabilizer and an ISO rating up to 1600. It comes with a 3-inch LCD display, 27MB internal memory and a SD/SDHC card slot.
Comments from PhotographyBlog:
In summary, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 is a very easy-to-use, fairly responsive compact camera that is particularly well suited to the beginner or anyone who requires a point and shoot camera.
(Via iTech News Net.)
Fujifilm A900 Review at CNET: "
CNET reviewd the Fujifilm Finepix A900, which features 9-megapixel CCD, 4x opyical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD display, 17 pre-programmed scene modes, and 10 MB ofinternal memory.
CNET editors’ review:
The good: A 9-megapixel digital camera; nice lens; accepts both xD and SD memory cards.
The bad: Slow performance; heavy processing artifacts; strangely placed manual controls and settings.
The bottom line: This digital camera puts 9-megapixel stills into an affordable price range, but only if you can put up with its slow speed and confusing quirks.
(Via TRENDY GADGET.)
Crayons: Crayola Releases EZ Grip Digital Camera For Budding Upskirtists: "
Get your child started early on his hobby with the Crayola EZ Grip Camera, a camera that has grips on either side for EZ gripping. Much better than a normal camera, this EZ cam comes with proprietary software with a 'write a story' template to create storyboards out of pics your kids shoot, printable frames, and finger puppet creation abilities. All this for $49.99 means little Jojo can grow up to be the next LaChappelle and charge extravagant prices for extravagant people. [Crayola]
(Via Gizmodo.)
Sanyo's Xacti DMX-HD700 is world's smallest and lightest 720p camcorder: "
(Via Engadget.)
Toshiba Unveils Four HD Camcorders: "
Today, Toshiba, of all manufacturers, announced that it is releasing four HD camcorders. Two of the models, the Toshiba GigaShot GSC-A100F and GSC-A40F, will record 1080i video at Full HD resolution (1920x1080). The other two, the Toshiba GSC-K80H and GSC-K40H, will record HD video at 720P resolution. Like the Sanyo DMX-HD1000, Toshiba’s camcorder forego the more widespread AVCHD format and opt for MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, upon which AVCHD is based.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
Toshiba's 100GB gigashot A100F: world's smallest "Full HD" camcorder: "
(Via Engadget.)
Micro camcorder dubbed the 'world's smallest': "
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(Via Engadget.)
BenQ debuts super-slim DC-T800 8 megapixel fashioncam: "
(Via Engadget.)
Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Review: "
Snip:
'When looking at the front, one of the biggest differences is the missing viewfinder port on the SD870 IS. This new digicam only has a 3-inch LCD rated 230K pixels to view and review your shots instead of the SD850’s 2.5-incher and a tiny viewfinder to help out if the screen wipes out. I held the SD870’s screen to a bright lamp and in direct sunlight and did not have a major problem so I didn’t miss it a bit. In direct sunshine, it was a bit difficult to see the subjects but I could still see most of my target--unlike other screens that completely obliterate. Another major difference is the lens—and it’s a big one in my view. This model has a 3.8x optical zoom that starts at a much wider 2
(Via Digital Trends.)
Designed as semi-pro SLR camera, the Canon EOS 40D features 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch LCD display, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, and stores images on CF cards. more technical specification available at the product page
Review Quote (by PhotographyBlog.com):
‘In summary, the Canon EOS 40D is a hefty, well-made camera with controls aimed firmly at serious photographers. A green ‘Auto’ button offers a foolproof point-and-shoot mode where necessary, and a range of scene modes can help novices get better results, but essentially this is a camera for those who already know how to take good photos and want to be able to do it quickly and without fuss and gimmicks.’
Nikon D3 gets the deep preview: "
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(Via Engadget.)
Clever Stuff has announced the Disgo Video camcorder, a video recording device made with the YouTube fans in mind. To start with, the camcorder is really cheap, only £40, which means that the overall quality will also be below the average.
There is no information about the camera itself, but known details talk about a 2-inch colorful LCD screen, built-in speakers, and a 1GB SD memory card. An interesting choice is the use of 2AA batteries to get some power instead of the expensive batteries.
There’s no software to install and you won’t need any video editing skills - although video editing software is included with the unit if you want to play around with your footage.
As for the quality of the content, the videos are recorded on AVI format and have VGA quality. The data can be transferred to a computer using the USB cable, or displayed on a TV by using the proper cable.
(Via Forever Geek.)
BenQ introduced its latest C840 digital camera. As a successor of its popular C740i Camera, the BenQ C840 boasts high ISO options, smc PENTAX lens, Face Tracking function, Shake-Free mode, 8MP CCD sensor, optical zoom in video recording and 3:2 and 16:9 special output sizes. The shooter also offers its users various convenient functions like the shake-free mode to prevent blurring caused by shaking of camera while taking Snapshots or making video clips.What you get is distortion free image of remarkable quality. BenQ’s C840 also supports continuous movie recording with optical zoom at wide screen format (720x400) at 30 fps. The Face Detection Technology helps detect and track human faces for great precision. Other market fetching features of the C840 Digital Camera include 15 different shooting modes, the PictBridge function for direct photo printing via a compatible printer and support for SD memory card of up to 4G.
(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)
JVC GZ-HD3 Review at CCInfo: "
JVC’s HD Everio camcorders are definitely a couple of the nicest looking camcorders around. They have the look going for them, but it would seem the rest of the camcorder has not caught up with the style. The same holds true in CCInfo’s JVC GZ-HD3 review, which finds that the latest HD Everio camcorder is closer to hitting the mark, but still falls short in some areas.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
Leaf AFi medium-format cameras: "
Sony HDC-3300 Slow Motion Camera: "
Sony displayed its newly launched HD Super Slo Motion Camera: The HDC-3300 camera. The camera integrates latest technology and unique design to suite your needs. It captures full-resolution 1920 x 1080 HD images at thrice the normal rates (1080/180i). Sony incorporates its state-of-the-art techniques to ensure high quality imaging with minimized flicker. The camera allows easy transfer to companion HDCU-3300 camera control unit through high-quality wideband signals of 10 Gigabytes per second. This high transmission rate is the result of SMPTE standard optical fiber cable which enables high-quality transmission system. The camera can also process normal-speed images due to signal-processing LSI and shows compatibility with RCP-700 series remote controllers, CNU-700 network command units, MSU-900/950 master setup units and HDLA buildup kits.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Sony Displays PMW-EX1 camcorder
Sony presents its new PMW-EX1 camcorder from the Sony’s XDCAM® curve of high-definition tapeless production and acquisition systems, which also includes optical disc-based camcorders and decks. The camcorder integrates three newly designed 1/2-inch type Exmor™ CMOS sensors providing a high pixel count of 1920 x 1080, with tremendous sensitivity of F10, a signal-to-noise ratio of 54 dB, and horizontal resolution of 1000 television lines. Distinctly PMW-EX1 records and stores its content to ExpressCard™ high-speed media, additionally SxS PRO™ solid-state memory can be used as its recording medium on its two SxS memory card slots.
‘The XDCAM EX series – with its full HD picture quality and system flexibility – is a powerful tool for boosting quality and efficiency in an array of HD production applications,’ said Bob Ott, vice president of optical and network systems for Sony Electronics. ‘It’s also compatible with a broad range of non-linear editing systems.
‘Combined with the ability to capture and transfer footage using ExpressCard technology, the new standard of PC card interface, I believe this new camera will prove to be a very reliable and flexible compact camcorder for HD video production.’
The PMW-EX1 features high-definition Fujinon 14x zoom with a wide angle-view of 5.8 mm (equivalent to 31.4 mm on a 35 mm lens), Slow Shutter, Interval Recording, as well a 3.5-inch color LCD screen and HDV™-compatibility through an i.LINK® (IEEE-1394) digital interface.The PMW-EX1 camcorder will be available in the month of November at a price below $8,000.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
More News On Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd Digicam: "
Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd Digital Camera is currently available in five exciting colors; moo-green, red metallic, azure metallic, orange metallic and graphite aubergine. The shooter comes equipped with a 2.5’ LCD screen with 150,000 pixels which is covered by Fujifilm’s own Wideview film for clear and extended Viewpoint. This camera also provides Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology, which automatically identifies up to 10 faces in the frame to produce detailed results. Fujifilm FinePix Z10d red eye correction tool accompanies the camera to recognize and correct the red eyes to ensure better picture quality. The camera xD/SD compatible and it also supports SDHC (High capacity) Card for storage utilities.
(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)
Digital Cameras: 39 Megapixel Hasselblad H3D Goes to Mark II
While a $37K DSLR is out of the range of even most of our dreams, there is some tech here to be admired beyond the 39MP, 48x36mm sensor it shares with last year's v1.0 of the H3D. (So similar otherwise, it shares the same press photo, apparently.) Firstly, it gains a 3-inch LCD, a top-line RAW converter, a heatsink attached to the CCD that lowers the temp of the system, which they claim helps reduce noise.
Strangely, it also features an integrated GPS for geotagging images, and software on the desktop allows you to map your shots out on Google Earth for flybys of your photos. Weird, and appropriate for the pro who also happens to read Robb Report at $37K. Wannabes who don't need the camera's 5412x7212 pixel shots can opt for the H3D-31II and 22II for with 31 and 22MP respectively. Suddenly, my beloved Canon doesn't feel so good in my hands.
(Via Gizmodo.)
Hitachi DZ-BD70 Available for Pre-order
The Hitachi DZ-BD70 is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com with free shipping. It is set to ship out on October 1st so head on over and get in line for this first-of-a-kind camcorder. To learn more, click here to read the original announcement, or, if you already know you want it, head on over to Amazon.com and order yours now.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
Panasonic's Lumix FZ18K Digital Camera: "
Panasonic launched its top-notch Digital Camera, The new Panasonic Lumix FZ18K. The camera integrates Panasonic’s proprietary technology in its sleek design. Lumix FZ18K includes 8.1 Mega-pixels effective pixels with a 2.5’ LCD screen featuring 28mm wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens for unbelievable shots. The small camera fits in the palm of your hand; it offers 18x of optical zoom with a luminous intensity of F2.8 and focal range of 28-504mm. Through the auto face detection technology the camera identifies up to 15 faces by giving maximum exposure. Its MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilization) prevents blurry, out of focus images ensuring sharper results every time. The intelligent scene detection mode automatically chooses the best mode for the situation so that you can store your memories in JPG or RAW for lifetime. The digital camera is available in the US market for $399.99.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Canon HR10 DVD camcorder adopts Canon’s superior quality in its stylish, sleek design. The video recorder utilities AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format with DVD as storage for great world-class experience. It is also empowered with Canon’s own Full HD CMOS sensor, advanced DIGIC DV II image processor, with Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens. The camcorder is easy to use and increases convenience through its 2.7’ wide Multi-Angle LCD screen. Other features include SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant AF (Auto Focus), Superb Shooting Control, HDMI Terminal and unique 24p cinema mode. Pricing and availability info are still unknown.
(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)
Canon IXUS 75 Digital Camera: "
Canon introduced its unique digital camera from the IXUS series, the Canon IXUS 75 digital camera. The shooter comes with a distinctive black ring around the lens with chic metallic and a touch control dial for enhanced control. The camera is digitally styled and features DIGIC III processor with advanced Face Detection Technology. This 7.1 Mega-pixels camera provides 3x optical zoom, 3.0 inch PureColor LCD with 17 shooting modes to suite your needs. With ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift you can click bright blur-free images in low or dim light situations. Its Face Detection AF/AE/FE automatically detects the subjects in the frame for maximum exposure, red eye correction can be utilized while playback to remove red-eye.
(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)
Here is JVC’s latest camcorder, the GZ-MG77AC, which comes equipped with a 30GB hard disk drive. It is expected to hit stores at $660 (after conversion). This camcorder features 2.18 million picture elements CCD picture photo sensitivity component, and sports 10 time of optics focal variations, 300 time of digital focal variations, 2.7 inches LCD display monitor (1632 x 1224pixel) and SD card support.
(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)
Twenty20 's VholdR Previewd: "
Seattle Internet startup Twenty20 demonstrated their 'VholdR' video camera at the TechCrunch 2007 Conference, held in San Francisco on September 17-18. The lightweight camera is designed with brushed aluminum body to resist rain, mud and snow, the palm sized camera uses internal SD card to record videos.
'Everyone wants to shoot video in motion, but few can do it. It's just too hard,' explains Twenty20 founder Marc Barros. 'VholdR changes all of that. VholdR's 'Hands-free Shoot, Click-to-Share' design will make shooting and sharing video in motion easy for everyone, even the Dad who wants to record the excited faces of his family from the front seat of the corkscrew roller coaster.'
Other features include a single button to turn on and off the camera for convenience, CMOS image sensor with minimum illumination of 0.04 Lux @f/1.2, 1/4' 4G lens with a viewing angle of 90º, Fine Line Hardware Encoding for video processing with a frame rate of 30 fps giving 640x480 pixels and enhanced USB support . Its unique VholdR software allows uploading video to VholdR-TV, the place to share video online.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Fujifilm’s digital camera with seven colors: "
Fujifilm Korea announced the launch of its 7.2M stylish compact digital camera ‘Z10fd’ in Korea market, which features 18.8mm-thick portable design and seven brilliant colors.
(Via 7Gadgets.com.)
JVC’s latest launch GZ-MG77AC Video Camera with 30GB capacity of 1.8 inch hard disc is expected to hit stores at 4,980 Yuan. The new camera will first target at the Chinese market. JVC GZ-MG77AC features 2.18 million picture elements CCD picture photosensitivity component, supports 10 time of optics focal variations, supports 300 time of digital focal variations, 2.7 inches 112,000 picture elements LCD display monitor, resolution 1632x1224 and support for SD card. Capture and display images and video at 16:9 aspect ratio. Wait till the Camera reaches your country.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Minton Optic Debuts "i75" Digital Camera: "
Minton optic industry rolled out their stylish digital camera i75 at IFA 2007 in Berlin. The camera integrates 1/2.5 image CCD with 7.24 effective Mega-pixels and large 3.0’ LCD screen. It features 3x optical zoom for closer look of distant objects. Mechanical as well as electrical shutters are available with a normal speed from 1-1/2000 sec. Other features include programmed AE for enhanced control, automatic flash with integrated red-eye correction, advanced shooting modes for clear imaging and Anti Hand Shaking technology for reduced image blur and crystal clear photographs. No more news is out from the company yet, keep checking for further updates.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S500: "
Sony presented its innovative Digital Camera with Super HAD CCD. The new Sony® Cyber-shot® DSC-S500 delivers Sony’s high definition technology in its stylish design. The camera integrates 6.0 Mega-pixel Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD allowing greater amount of light for each pixel, increasing sensitivity and minimizing noise. DSC-S500 features 3x optical zoom lens with tremendous wide angle shooting ability for astonishing pictures every time. Additionally a 2.4’ LCD screen optimizes operability with built in shooting modes for different environments. Other features include 25MB internal memory, Stamina Battery Power with optional Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries and built in slot for Memory Stick Duo™ media.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Snip:
'They may only be small numbers now because they cost so much but high-def camcorders are definitely the future of home video. Panasonic is helping out by lowering the cost of entry to below $1,000--$899 USD to be exact for the new HDC-SX5 that’s due any week now. And it’s a rather unique AVCHD camcorder since it records at a full 1920 x 1080i—the upper limit of the format—compared to the usual 1440 x 1080i of models we’ve review before such as the Sony HDR-CX7 and Panasonic’s HDC-SD1 . Now AVCHD matches HDV, the tape-based format whose quality we like so much —at least on paper. We’ll get into this as we dig deeper into the innards of this camcorder. The new 3-CCD HDR-SX.
(Via Digital Trends.)
Sony DCR-SR72E Camcorder Reviewed: "
Trusted Reviews gives us a review on the Sony DCR-SR72E digital camcorder with an integrated 60GB hard drive. Sony DCR-SR72E features a 1 Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD sensor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 25x optical zoom and 2000x digital zoom.
Sony DCR-SR72E has a 2.7-inch LCD display with touch panel and there is a Memory Stick DUO slot for still image recording.
Comments from Trusted Reivews:
If it weren’t for the rapidly decreasing price of high definition hard disk camcorders, the DCR-SR72E would still look like a bit of a bargain, despite its poor low light abilities. No other hard disk-based camcorders in this price range offer so much storage. However, now that AVCHD models are pushing well into the sub-£1,000 category, there’s less and less reason to opt for standard definition if you want a hard disk-based camcorder. The SR72E does store many minutes of video, but the level of video noise evident in virtually all lighting conditions would only be acceptable in a bargain-basement MiniDV camcorder, not in one where you’re paying a £200 premium for hard disk recording as well.
(Via iTech News Net.)
Sony HDR-CX7 Review at CCInfo: "
The Sony HDR-CX7 gets reviewed at CCInfo, who, as usual, give it a good going over to come up with results that give you a much better idea of what you are dealing with. For instance, the review finds that the Sony HDR-CX7 is going to be good for point-and-shoot users who have money to spend, but lacks some of the finer manual controls to which an avid enthusiast would want access.
(Via Digital Camcorder News.)
Triops camera reacts to sound, motion, or manual triggers
(Via Engadget.)
