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Posts tagged 1080i
JVC’s Everio GZ-HM1 reviewed
Jul 29th
We’re seeing a flurry of higher-specification high definition camcorders which offer increasingly high capacity flash memory storage, high recording bit-rates and the kind of improved connectivity we’ve been requesting for a long time. Will JVC be able to stand up to aggressive competition with its new Everio GZ-HM1 flagship?
JVC Everio GZ-HM1S High Definition Camcorder
It hasn’t been easy for JVC to keep up with the leading HD video camera brand manufacturers like Panasonic, Canon and Sony, but to give the company credit it’s been turning out some very respectable AVCHD format products of late – especially at the top end of the consumer video camera market.
The impressive new Everio GZ-HM1 is a worthy new addition to the range and earns its place as the head of the family. It compares favourably with major competing products despite there being one or two features that let it down very slightly. That said, many users will be perfectly happy with their new fully-featured full-HD camcorder so we shouldn’t knock it too much.
Read our latest review for yourself right here
Panasonic debuts HDC-SDT750 – world’s first consumer 3D camera
Jul 28th
Panasonic is bringing 3D video content creation a step closer to home with the announcement of the world’s first consumer camcorder to offer full-HD 3D recording and playback – and guess who has already been given a sneaky hands-on preview!
Yes, you’ve got it in one! The HDC-SDT750, announced today, allows 3D movie clips to be recorded by simply attaching a 3D conversion lens to the camcorder body. Without it, the camcorder functions in 2D by default.
A world-first: Panasonic's new HDT-SDT750 3D Camcorder
As a result of Panasonic’s broadcast technology being incorporated into this new 3MOS system camcorder, users are able to create create their own 3D movies for playback on any 3DTV display. This, we’re reminded by Panasonic, is a luxury previously afforded only to professional video producers.
The new SD camera is equipped with a wide range of pretty sophisticated functions; these include the 3MOS System, which features improved noise reduction (NR) technologies, 1080/50p recording, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode in the new HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), together with a wealth of manual controls. Many other features of the sort you’ll find on the company’s flagship HDC-TM700 AVCHD camcorder are to be found on this model, too.
The high-sensitivity 3MOS System provides an effective motion image pixel count of 7.59 Megapixels (2,530,000 pixels x 3), with further-evolved NR (noise-reduction) technology achieving bright images with minimal noise when shooting under low light conditions.
1,080/50p recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 50 progressive frame recording) in the SDT750 produces richly expressive images (we know because we’ve seen them and have created some ourselves!), with none of the detail loss and flickering of conventional 1,080i (interlaced) recording.
3D Image Shooting with the 3D Conversion Lens
The 3D image sequences rely on a difference between the two side-by-side lenses which is referred to as visual disparity. The brain uses this to perceive spatial depth and the appearance of solidity, and this visual disparity is artificially produced for 3D images so that the brain will interpret it as depth and solid-appearing objects.
A modified HDC-SD600 being used to demo the new 3D lens
The SDT750 comes with a special 3D conversion lens (see images above) that records right-eye and left-eye images simultaneously through its two lenses. The right and left images (each with 960 x 1080 pixels) that enter through the lenses are recorded using the side-by-side method. By attaching the 3D conversion lens to the SDT750 3MOS System camcorder, which incorporates a variety of Panasonic broadcast technologies, and connecting the SDT750 to a TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback, vividly colorful 3D image sequences can be viewed on a suitable 3D TV display when using a conventional HDMI connection.
Yours truly modeling 3D specs and - you have to admit - looking decidedly cool
The iA (Intelligent Auto) function, which has proved to be popular on many Panasonic AVCHD camcorders, is also included and is designed to take the thinking out of shooting HD video. In addition, the SDT750 newly incorporates the HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) system to improve hand-held shot stability as well.
Leica Dicomar Lens
This F1.5 lens has a large 46mm diameter and has been engineered to offer brighter images than previous equivalent lenses. In addition, its 35mm wide-angle capability is intended to make it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – such as self-portraits and group photos indoors, and landscape shots outdoors.
1,080/50p Progressive Recording
The SDT75′s 1,080/50p recording (Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 50 progressive mode) conveys approximately twice the information present in a 1,080i (interlaced) recording in which an “ultimately beautiful image quality” is achieved. This, we’re reliably informed, exceeds even conventional Full-HD images. It minimizes afterimages and flickering caused by subject motion and renders crisp, detailed images. A 64GB SDXC card can record approximately 27 hours 30 minutes of 1,920 x 1,080i high-definition video in HE mode, and approximately 5 hours 20 minutes of 1,920 x 1,080p Full-HD video in 1,080/50p mode.
It should be noted that 3D recording is only achievable when the 3D conversion lens is attached. When it is detached, the camera defaults to a 2D recording mode.
Easy 3D Playback on 3D compatible TVs/AVCHD Compatible Player/Recorders
The 3D images recorded with the SDT750 can be easily played back by connecting the SDT750 to a 3D compatible TV, such as a Panasonic Viera 3DTV. In addition, it’s also possible to play SD Memory Cards that have 3D image sequences recorded onto them by using an AVCHD compatible player/recorder, such as a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player/recorder.
If you’re looking to edit your 3D clips on a Windows PC, you’ll be able to do this thanks to the HD Writer AE 2.6T PC editing software that will be bundled with the camcorder. This software will allow users to easily edit recorded 3D clips and save them onto PCs or BD/DVD discs. HD Writer AE 2.6T features a “Smart Wizard” that starts up as soon as the SDT750 is connected to the USB port of a PC. At the moment, there’s no clear indication of the compatibility of the camcorder with Apple Mac computers running OSX given the issues with 50p (60p in north America, Japan, etc). We’ll certainly be checking this out when we receive a review sample in a few weeks.
Additional Requirements
Effective playback of the SDT750′s 3D sequences requires a TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback. 3D Eyewear, and HDMI cable connection are also required to play the recorded 3D images.
Pricing and Availability (Europe)
We’re told by Panasonic UK that the HDC-SDT750 will be available to buy in readiness for the Christmas 2010 season. We’re guessing at a likely retail price of around GB£1,300.
Source: Panasonic UK Press Office with additional text and supplementary information ©2010 Colin Barrett, SimplyDV Ltd. All images courtesy of Panasonic UK Press Office. Used by kind permission.
Exclusive Review: Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080/50p cam
Apr 29th
Whilst we were all getting ourselves geared up for the company’s “700″ series flagship, Panasonic sneaked the new HDC-SD600 in under the radar. We managed to grab one the second it hit UK shores – and here’s what we think of it.
Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080p AVCHD Camcorder
The new Panasonic HDC-SD600 can, it’s fair to say, be considered as a slight cut-down of the HDC-SD700 model in that it offers just about everything that model has but lacks an external mic input or headphone output.
We can safely assume that Panasonic wishes to attract a market that’s positioned just below the so-called serious enthusiast who wishes to use external microphones and headphones yet seeks the same superb images, thanks to three CMOS imaging sensors. The company has also taken steps to provide users with the option of recording full 50 frame progressive-scan 1920×180 high definition image sequences.
What do we think of it? See our exclusive review of the Panasonic HDC-SD600 right here.
Panasonic’s AG-3DA1 Pro Twin-Lens Full-HD 3D Cam ready to roll
Apr 12th
Panasonic Broadcast used this year’s NAB convention to showcase its new AG-3DA1 – the world’s first professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering high-capacity SD media card recording and playback.
Panasonic AG-3DA1 left slant view
The company is offering video professionals (or enthusiasts with deep pockets) the opportunity to reserve their AG-3DA1 camcorder (list price: US$21,000) by placing a non-refundable US$1,000 deposit at the time of ordering.
At the Panasonic booth visitors have the opportunity to view 3D video content shot with the AG-3DA1 during show hours as well as being able to see the company’s recently announced BT-3DL2550, a 25” professional-quality 3D LCD monitor for field use, and the AG-HMX100, a professional HD digital AV mixer for live 3D event production.
Weighing in at just 2.8Kg, the AG-3DA1 is equipped with dual lenses and two 1/4.1-inch full 1920 x 1080, 2.07-megapixel 3MOS imaging sensors to record 1080/60i, 1080/50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) HD recordings in addition to 720/60p and 720/50p in the AVCHD format.
It can facilitate recording for up to 180 minutes on dual 32GB SD cards in Panasonic’s professional AVCHD “PH” mode, and offers professional interfaces which include dual HD-SDI out, HDMI (version 1.4), two XLR connectors, built-in stereo microphone and twin-lens camera remotes. It is also equipped with a remote terminal for Focus, Iris, Zoom, REC start/stop and Convergence Point (for 3D). Its 3.2-inch LCD screen provides the option to switch from Left or Right viewpoint or select an overlay image display.
Panasonic AG-3DA1 left and right side views
According to information received from Panasonic, the AG-3DA1 3D Professional camcorder will offer the following core benefits:
Easier to Use
Current 3D systems involve large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders, running simultaneously, are also required. In the AG-3DA1, the lenses and camera head – together with a dual Memory Card recorder – are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.
Panasonic AG-3DA1 front and back views
The twin-lens system as used in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point between the two lenses to be adjusted in order to optimise the 3D effect. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided; this differs from conventional 3D camera systems which require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. The new AG-3DA1 camcorder will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, thereby facilitating immediate 3D image capture.
More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers the increased flexibility necessary in order to produce Full HD 3D videos reliably in a wide range of challenging shooting environments. The AG-3DA1 has the advantage of being lighter and smaller than current 3D rigs whilst providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and general film-making projects.
Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
The Right and Left Full HD video streams produced by the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded and distributed as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design should help to reduce maintenance costs considerably.
As a result, its users can expect a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow incorporating instant, random access to recorded content. It is also designed to enable easy plug-in to both Apple Mac and Windows PC-based platforms whilst also providing longer recording capacities.
More Affordable
Using a standard, fully-integrated design, the AG-3DA1 is being offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Not only will transport costs for this handheld unit will be less, but faster setup times will also help to further reduce labour costs at all stages of production. Using the now-ubiquitous standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards, media costs will become virtually negligible.
In addition to the AG-3DA1, Panasonic’s BT-LH2550 3D LCD monitor and AG-HMX100 A/V mixer with 3D support will allow video professionals to create 3D content with greatly increased efficiency – with the result that consumers will be able to enjoy 3D video playback using Panasonic’s own-brand 3D home theatre systems.
Key product considerations:
- Lightweight camera body weighs less than 2.8 kg (Approx. 6.17 lb.) for excellent mobility.
- Equipped with a 3.2-inch (16:9) side-mounted LCD monitor with approx. 921,000 dots. Lch/Rch/overlay switchable display.
- Equipped with HDMI 1.4 (frame and field sequential output) in addition to HD-SDI (x2, simultaneous).
- Built-in Stereo microphone.
- Provided with an XLR Audio input terminal for line recording in halls, studios, etc.
- Equipped with remote terminal for focus iris, zoom, REC start/stop, and convergence point.
- Auto REC function for control of REC start/stop of an external recorder connected by SDI.
Supplementary Information
Differences from conventional 3D camera systems
Conventional 3D camera systems are built from two off-the-shelf film or broadcast cameras. Normally, the two cameras are installed horizontally and side by side, with the right and left camera axes approximately 6.5 cm apart – equivalent to the distance between the human eyes – to create binocular parallax.
A conventional 3D camera system rig
This can be done with small cameras, but broadcast or film cameras cannot be installed side by side since their bodies and lenses are too large.
They must be installed vertically using half-mirrors, or mounted on metal frames called rigs, using prisms. This results in a bulky system that must be carefully adjusted to prevent the right and left cameras from going out of alignment before image capture.
In addition, if the system is moved, the shock or vibration inevitably puts the cameras out of alignment, making frequent re-adjustment necessary.
In the AG-3DA1 that Panasonic has developed, the two lenses, camera head, and memory card recorder are incorporated into a single compact housing. Unlike large 3D camera systems, this camcorder allows video shooting with greater mobility and from all angles; significantly reducing the time required for set up and adjustments, thereby leaving more time for creative activities.
Panasonic AG-3DA Twin Lens Convergence Point
Convergence Point Adjustment
The convergence point is the point at which the left and right cameras’ optical axes converge to produce 3D images.
To take natural-looking 3D video, the convergence point needs to be adjusted to match that of a human’s eyes, whose convergence point varies according to the closeness of the objects being viewed.
Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder adopts a newly-developed twin-lens system that makes convergence point control possible thanks to its integrated design.
Summary: Panasonic AG-3DA1
- Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder
- Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card
- Power Consumption: 16 W (main unit only)
- Weight: Approximately 2.8Kg — main unit only
- Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: US$21,000
- Available: Autumn 2010 (made to order)
For more information about Panasonic’s 3D technology, see: http://3d.panasonic.net/en/#index
Source: Panasonic Broadcast (Panasonic Corporation) Press Release from NAB 2010 in Las Vegas. Images courtesy Panasonic Corporation 2010. Additional copy: Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
New Full-HD, SSD cams from Samsung
Mar 5th
Samsung is pitching up four new full-HD camcorders to compete in a marketplace that’s already bustling with solid-state camcorders that record full-specification high definition video and stills to solid-state media.
Samsung’s newly-announced H-Series camcorders are claimed to offer high-performance internal memory that utilises Samsung’s Solid State Drives (SSD) in addition to providing SDHC memory card slots. In much the same way that we’re seeing the introduction of SSDs in notebook and even laptop computers, such technology is seen by some as offering a significant way forward in providing large volumes of solid-state storage for camcorders.
Entry model: Samsung HMX-H200 Full-HD SSD Camcorder
SSD offering advantages over Hard Disc Drives
It’s widely known that SSDs offer a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD technology has the potential to provide consumers with higher-performing and more durable internal memory. In comparison to HDD, Samsung claims its SSD technology tobe more lightweight and compact, operating silently with very low heat emission, and featuring no moving parts. This, we’re confidently assured, significantly reduces overall power consumption and enhances reliability. The lower power consumption of the H-Series’ SSD technology translates into a battery life of approximately two hours.
No moving parts also make SSD technology more durable and resistant to shock and vibrations, which pose a considerable threat to the performance of HDD based digital camcorders – even with their anti-shock “G-Sensor” technology. Additionally, Samsung’s SSD technology is faster than HDD, including quicker boot-up and read/write speeds which is required for the amount of data recorded in full-HD resolution. The internal SSD configurations available on Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders include a 32GB SSD in the HMX-H205, a 16GB SSD in the HMX-H204, and an 8GB SSD in the HMX-H203. Each camcorder’s memory capacity can also be expanded using an SD/SDHC memory card. The HMX H200 does not feature internal SSD memory and requires the use of a SD/SDHC memory card.
Powerful Optics and Touch-Screen LCD
Samsung’s new H-Series full-HD camcorders feature an impressive lens, which offers consumers a versatile 20x optical zoom and 37mm wide-angle. Unlike other camcorders offering a typical angle of view of 40-50mm, the H-Series’ 37mm wide-angle Samsung lens allows users to fit more of their desired scene into the frame, making the camcorder ideal for recording large groups of family or friends, breathtaking landscapes or even capturing all the action at sporting events.
Controls and Ports on the Samsung HMX-H200
The H-Series’ lens is further enhanced with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to help reduce image blur and shaky video, which can be especially helpful when using the camcorder’s full optical zoom. Samsung’s Smart Optical Image Stabilisation is claimed by its maker to be superior to image stabilising technologies found in other camcorders, as it reduces shake and blur across a wider portion of the image frame and produces higher quality images as a result. A 2.7-inch wide, swivelling, touch-screen LCD boasts a 230K-pixel resolution which is designed to give consumers easy access to all of the camcorders’ various controls and settings.
Smart Auto, Time-Lapse and more
The new Samsung HMX-H205, HMX-H204, HMX-H203 and HMX-H200 are also loaded with a range of unique features such as the ability to capture high-quality 4.7 mega-pixel digital still images, Smart Auto mode, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible for the user’s shooting scenario, as well as Time Lapse recording, an innovative setting which will give end-users the ability to take their creativity to a whole new level. When using the camcorders’ Time Lapse mode, consumers can programme the new H-Series camcorders to record a single image at intervals of 1, 3, or 5 seconds, and then save each image as one single movie file (720p resolution).
Availability and UK Pricing
We have so far received no indication as to likely prices or availability in the UK, although there’s little doubt that the models will be available to buy from Easter onwards. We’ll bring you more info when we get it from Samsung.
Words: Colin Barrett, based upon information supplied by Samsung UK. Images courtesy Samsung UK.
Sanyo debuts “smallest, thinnest” HD camera
Mar 2nd
It caused a bit of a stir when first revealed at CES last month and now Sanyo has confirmed its launch plans for what it describes as the smallest, thinnest and lightest full HD camera ever – its Xacti VPC-CS1 Dual Camera.
The tiny Dual Camera shoots both full 1080i HD footage and 8 megapixel still shots, despite having a body thickness of a mere one inch (2.7cm). Available in two colours, metallic silver and magenta, both models will be available throughout the UK from Friday, March 5, with a street price in the region of £249.
Available in 2 colours - the world's smallest, thinnest full-HD camera
Dominic Jones, Marketing Manager for Sanyo UK is confident that the new models will meet the needs of a growing sector of the camcorder market: “The Xacti VPC-CS1 combines Sanyo’s unique technological capabilities with a level of style, simplicity and elegance never before seen in the pocket camera marketplace. We believe this is a watershed product that will prove popular across a broad range of audiences, from teens to grandparents.”
Capture everything wherever you are
The company has given the CS1 a redesigned pistol grip chassis that not only makes it the smallest and most slender full HD camera available but, combined with its 285-degree tilting screen designed to capture any angle, makes it fun and simple to use. We’re reminded that the concept of pocket camcorders is that you should be able to carry your camera with you everywhere, ready to capture the moment wherever you are.
The camera has a 10x Advanced Zoom lens, which Sanyo describes as being “perfect” for snapping the action from a distance and automatic adjustments are made to ensure the best possible image quality whether shooting on a beach or a nightclub. The adjustable, fold out 2.7inch TFT LCD screen is designed to display the action clearly at all times from any angle and in a variety of light conditions. The camera features a mini HDMI port which enables direct connection to a HDTV for full HD playback.
Perfect for Facebook, YouTube and MySpace
Sharing footage taken with the Xacti CS1 is as easy as shooting it and the camera is compatible with Eye-Fi SD cards to allow wireless transfer to the web. Footage is shot in the YouTube-compatible MPEG4 format and can be uploaded easily to any of the major social networks or blogging platforms.
The Sanyo Xacti is available in the UK from 5th March 2010.
Words by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV, from information kindly supplied by Sanyo UK. Picture supplied by Sanyo UK and used by permission.
