Digital Cameras and Camcorders::News, Reviews, Opinions, Rumors about the Photography Industry

Samsung HMX-H106 and H-Series 1080p Camcorders

[CES 2009] Samsung has just launched its H-Series of digital, full HD camcorders. It features a Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan lens with an optical stabilizer, a 10X optical zoom, and use flash memory (solid state drive) as the recording medium. The H106 top of the line model features 64GB of storage. SSD is a key asset when it comes to size reduction. Gaining more volume can ultimately lead to using a larger lens, which directly affects the image quality. In a camcorder, SSDs can also affect battery life dramatically. unlike laptops which have power-hungry components such as a CPU and a GPU, a hard drive can likely represent an important percentage of the power utilization.

With these camcorders, Samsung has the ability to leverage its semi-conductor strengths: flash memory, optical sensors, LCD display. the lens is the last component that's not from Samsung. More info in the full post.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Canon comes clean with HD camcorder lineup at CES 2009

Just as Canon did last year, it has busted out a plethora of new high-def camcorders for our enjoyment over the course of 2009. Without further adieu, let's take a closer look at the outfit's five newest. Starting things off are the VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 flash models, which offer up to 32GB of internal storage along with an SDHC card slot. Both units tout the DIGIC DV III image processor, an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, face detection, Auto Exposure system and the ability to snap 8-megapixel stills. Moving on, we've got the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 models, both of which include a 3.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and a 15x lens. Closing out the bunch is the HV40 HDV, which offers a 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x zoom lens, native 24p support and a Custom Key Mode that filmmakers should adore. Sadly, the full release is curiously devoid of pricing and availability information.

Gallery: Canon comes clean with HD camcorder lineup at CES 2009

(Via Engadget.)

Samsung HMX-H100 full-HD camcorder

[CES 2009] This is the entry level model from the new Samsung H-series camcorders, unlike the other 3 models it does not have an internal SSD but requires a SD/SDHC card. Thanks to the H.264 compression, users can record up to six hours of full HD video on a 32 GB SDHC card, since on average people record only 30 min of video each time, this less expensive model is a good choice for the regular users.

The Schneider Kreuznach lens features a 10x optical zoom with the new Samsung Optical Image Stabilizer and offers a 37 mm wide-angle focal unlike most of the camcorders available on the market (typically 40-50 mm). Other features include HDMI connections to watch full HD video on a HDTV, a 2.7' swiveling TFT LCD screen and a HD time lapse recording mode, that allows to record each image with a pre-selected time interval.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Pentax's Optio P70 and E70 digicams won't break banks, hearts, or kneecaps

Pentax is kicking its CES festivities into medium gear with a pair of cheapo point-and-shoot digicams that we expect will be a tipping point to a great avalanche of affordable shooters. The $199.95 Optio P70 features a 12-megapixel sensor, can capture 720p video at 15 FPS, ISO from 64 to an astounding 6400 (though only at 5-megapixels), has a 4x zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, and comes in silver, white, or red. The E70, meanwhile, sports a 10-megapixel sensor, a 2.4-inch display, 3x zoom, but delivers the same staggering ISO range as the P70 for a slightly more affordable $129.95. Both models feature 'Pixel Track Shake Reduction' and face-detection, will be available in February, and have put at least one editor to sleep.

(Via Engadget.)

WowWee Spyball Spy Camera

[CES 2009] Think that James Bond is cool? Why not do some spying of your own with the WowWee Spyball spy camera? This tiny remote controlled robotic ball will definitely be a hit with the boys regardless of their age, featuring built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and traverses around on sleek wheels, capable of smooth mobility and quick 360-degree turns. It is able to transform from a ball to a camera and back within seconds, and it goes about its job quietly - perfect for sneaking around the home. We're just a bit worried that this could be used by perverts who would want to capture upskirt shots though, so parents who want their kids to learn about the birds and bees the proper manner would think twice before bringing home the WowWee Spyball. When connected to a home network, the Spyball can actually be controlled remotely via the Internet for added functionality.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Liquid Image's new underwater digital camera masks debut at CES

Looks like Liquid Image -- those wacky underwater digicam folks -- are going to be hitting the ground running at CES with not one, but two HD underwater digital camera masks. Meant for serious professionals (and well-heeled Jacques Cousteau wannabes), the Pro HD350 shoots 720p video, sports 64 MB flash storage, supports microSD / SDHC cards (up to 32GB) and is rated to a depth of 330 feet. Taking things down a notch, the Scuba Series 320 (MSRP around $215) is the other 720p video cam. Featuring the same 64 MB internal memory and 32 GB microSD / SDHC support, this guy is rated at 115 feet. Bringing up the rear is the VideoMask 310, a 640 x 480 / 30 fps video camera, sporting 16 MB internal memory, 8GB microSDHC card support, and is rated to a depth of 33 feet. It is expected to list at $159, while the Scuba Series 320 will list for about $215. The Pro HD350 hasn't been priced just yet; all three cameras take 5 megapixel photos and will get debuted at CES this week.

[Via Helmet Camera Central]

Minoru 3D Webcam ships this week, still looks freaky

In case you haven't noticed, 3D is the topic of this year's CES. And we're not talking about 3D HDTVs exclusively -- we're talking about 3D figurines that double as webcams. To be quite honest, the USB 2.0 Minoru 3D Webcam is ripe for a Billy Mays plug, but considering that he's charging like seven figures per promotion these days, Minoru is settling for the spotlight in Vegas. The device features two cameras spaced 'roughly the same distance apart as human eyes' in order to create a stereoscopic effect, and buyers get five pairs of 3D glasses just in case you lose one (or four). For those interested in seeing even more depth in their video chats, you can snag one from Amazon on January 8th for $89.95. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Minoru 3D Webcam ships this week, still looks freaky