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Posts tagged avchd
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.
Apple unveils 12-core Mac Pro, new iMacs and LED Cinema Display
Jul 27th
In addition to a new range of iMacs and a super 27″ LED Cinema Display, Apple has unveiled a new Mac Pro line with up to 12 processing cores and up to 50 percent greater performance than the previous generation.
Featuring the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors that will be of particular interest to video editors looking to acquire every inch of performance to cope with the latest full-spec HD video editing, the new machines feature all-new ATI graphics and the option for up to four 512GB solid state drives (SSD).
New Apple Mac Pro seen here with Apple LED Cinema Display
According to Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, “The new Mac Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac we’ve ever made.” He points out that, with up to 12 cores, the new Mac Pro outperforms Apple’s previous top-of-the-line system by up to 50 percent, and with over a billion possible configurations, customers can create exactly the system they want.
At the heart of the new Mac Pro’s performance are next generation quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 3.33 GHz. These multi-core processors use a single die design so each core can share up to 12MB L3 cache to improve efficiency while increasing processing speed. These systems feature an integrated memory controller for faster memory bandwidth and reduced memory latency; Turbo Boost to dynamically boost processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz; and Hyper-Threading to create up to 24 virtual cores. The Mac Pro now comes with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics processor with 1GB of memory and customers can configure-to-order the even faster ATI Radeon HD 5870 with 1GB of memory.
For the first time, Mac Pro customers have the option to order a 512GB SSD for the ultimate in reliability and lightning fast performance. With the ability to install up to four SSD drives in the system’s internal drive bays, the new Mac Pro can provide ultra high-speed disk bandwidth and random disk performance, two times faster than the average performance of a standard disk drive. Mac Pro also now features two Mini Display Ports and one dual-link DVI port. The additional Mini Display Port output allows customers to connect two LED Cinema Displays without an additional graphics card or adapter and the dual-link DVI port supports legacy DVI-based displays up to a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
New 27-inch LED Cinema Display
Also announced by Apple today is a new 27-inch LED Cinema Display with 2560 x 1440 resolution and a claimed 60 percent more screen real estate than the 24-inch LED Cinema Display. Featuring a built-in iSight video camera, microphone and speakers, powered USB 2.0 hub, and universal MagSafe connector, the new LED Cinema Display is a potential companion for the MacBook family or a Mac desktop, and is available in the USA for $999.
Apple’s iMac product line updated
Apple has also updated its all-in-one iMac line with the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and powerful new graphics. Starting at £999 in the UK, the new iMac line is claimed to be the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz, quad-core speeds up to 2.93 GHz and discrete graphics including the powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750. The new Magic Trackpad, with a smooth glass and aluminium design, gives iMac users the same intuitive Multi-Touch gestures that Mac notebook customers become used to and is available separately for £59 inc VAT.
Apple's new 27inch iMac
The dual-core Intel Core i3 and Core i5, and quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors feature an integrated memory controller to access the system memory directly, allowing the new iMac to take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. New discrete ATI Radeon HD processors deliver smoother, crisper graphics as required for 3D games, creative software and technical applications. The SD card slot on the iMac now supports the SDXC format to handle the latest high-capacity storage cards; these are particularly useful for AVCHD camcorder users wishing to import HD video clips for editing. Customers of the 27-inch iMac have the option to order a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive. The iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.
More information: Apple.com and Apple.com/uk
Canon adds 64GB LEGRIA HF M32 to its AVCHD camera range
Jul 14th
Canon has added a key new model to its range of LEGRIA AVCHD models -the new LEGRIA HF M32 – which it describes as a compact, easy-to-use Full HD camcorder with 64GB extended flash storage.
This new model brings the LEGRIA “HF M” series line-up to four models and provides 64GB internal flash memory and SDXC memory card support for video enthusiasts who require longer recording times.
Canon LEGRIA HF-M32 3D Flip View
The LEGRIA HF M32 incorporates the same Canon technologies as the other models within the LEGRIA HF M series, including a Touch-screen LCD screen for greater user control and support for SDXC memory cards (the first Canon model to do so), providing increased shooting time with up to two terabytes (TB) capacity.
Advanced features and performance
Canon has given the LEGRIA HF M32 a 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 18x Advanced Zoom, Canon HD Video Lens and DIGIC DV III processing technology. In addition, Advanced Face Detection Technology identifies up to 35 faces in a frame, ensuring that friends and family remain in focus and well-exposed at all times. An individual face can even be manually selected to track someone moving around. Canon’s Instant AF technology provides what the company describes as “high-speed, pin-point auto-focus required for HD”.
In addition to its Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser, the HF M32 offers two additional stabilisation modes for tricky shooting situations: its Dynamic Optical Image Stabiliser minimises camera shake when walking or moving, especially for wide angle shots, whilst – at maximum zoom – its new Powered Optical Image Stabiliser mode can be activated at the touch of a button, and is designed to improve image stability when focusing on distant subjects.
The LEGRIA HF M32 features a 2.7” gesture-based Touch-screen LCD, providing instant control and ease of use. Touch Focus, Touch Exposure and Touch Tracking each offer the ability to change focus, select exposure levels and track moving subjects simply by touching the screen. Sliding on-screen controls allow users to make fine adjustments to zoom, aperture and exposure.
Video Snapshot for instant video playlists
Canon’s unique Video Snapshot offers one-touch recording to capture clips of two, four or eight seconds in duration. Clips can even be copied from previously-recorded footage, allowing users to create shorter scenes from long videos. They can then be assembled into a video ‘playlist’, which can be played back as a movie montage with background music. Music can either be added by uploading audio tracks to the camcorder memory or playing through the camcorder using an MP3 player. If they wish, users can then export the full playlist – including music – as a single Standard Definition movie to upload to the internet or burn to disc.
Canon LEGRIA HF-M32 LCD Screen
The LEGRIA HF M32 offers an easy way for users to share content online. An in-camcorder HD-to-SD conversion tool combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to allow clips to be transferred to YouTube with the minimum of effort. Supplied PIXELA ImageMixer software automatically locates content and allows users to log-in, upload and annotate their footage in one step. Individual user account details can also be stored for regular use.
Eye-Fi support for computerless uploading and sharing
Support for Eye-Fi connected functions means users can also upload their converted SD video clips direct from the camcorder to YouTube (or other supported websites) at a wireless hotspot, without the need for a computer.
Dual flash memory
In addition to 64GB of built-in flash memory, a memory card slot is also provided – compatible with SDHC and next-generation SDXC cards. Ranging to a maximum capacity of 2TB, SDXC offers storage for hours of additional full HD video content. Relay Recording also complements Dual Flash Memory by automatically switching recording to the memory card when internal memory is full, so there’s no need to miss recording the end of an exciting event.
LEGRIA accessories
The new LEGRIA HF M32 is compatible with a range of Canon LEGRIA accessories, including lens adaptors, video lights and the Canon WP-V2 underwater case, which enables users to shoot under water at depths of up to 40 metres. The integrated Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe also supports the Canon SM-V1 5.1ch surround sound microphone.
LEGRIA HF M32 Key features
Here’s a summary of the Canon LEGRIA HF M32′s main features:
- 64GB Dual Flash Memory, SDXC support and Relay Recording
- Easy HD Shooting
- 6.8cm (2.7”) Touch-screen LCD
- Video Snapshot
- 3.3MP Canon HD Camera System
- Dynamic OIS and Powered IS
- Easy sharing
- Pre REC, 25p Cinema Mode
- Superior audio
- Creative options
Availability
The Canon LEGRIA HF M32 is available from September 2010.
Want to discuss this further? Check out the new-improved SimplyDV Forum (you’ll need to register with the site first).
Source: Canon UK Press Release. Additional material by Colin Barrett. Image supplied by Canon UK. ©2010.
Panasonic’s flagship HDC-TM700 reviewed
Jun 9th
The latest in a line of superb quality HD camcorders from the company that now lays claim to being the UK’s number one HD camcorder brand, Panasonic’s top-of-the-range AVCHD cam offers more facilities at higher quality than any of its previous HD camcorder products. Read our exclusive in-depth review of this new model.
Flying the flag: Panasonic HDC-TM700 3MOS AVCHD
As well as providing Full-HD 1080/50p (60p) progressive frame recording in addition to its default 1080/50i (60i) setting, the TM700 offers users the choice of either 32GB built-in Flash Memory or SDHC/SDXC Card recording and playback. And if users run out of space on one of these, the camera can be told to automatically continue recording onto the other without any noticeable glitches thanks to its handy “Relay Recording” mode.
Serious video-making enthusiasts will, of course, welcome the addition of a microphone input, headphone output and useful accessory shoe adaptor for supporting a mic or video light.
Moreover, it has an electronic viewfinder and generates stunning high definition video images thanks to the incorporation of three 1/4.1″ CMOS image sensors (“3MOS”).
As always, we’ve spent a fair bit of time getting to know this latest flagship camcorder from Panasonic and – true to form – you can now get the full SimplyDV lowdown right here, right now.
Read our exclusive review of the Panasonic HDC-TM700 here.
Panasonic HDC-TM700's viewfinder. Note accessory shoe adaptor.
Sony unveils “NEX” interchangeable lens HD camcorders
May 12th
In an announcement that will please and excite a lot of the more serious videomakers out there, Sony announced the development of a new type of AVCHD high definition camcorder that features an interchangeable lens.
The new “NEX-5” and “NEX-3” camcorders will be equipped with “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensors and will be compatible with “E Mount” interchangeable lenses in addition to the wealth of “A Mount” interchangeable lenses from the existing “á” DSLR camera lineup via a mount adaptor.
Sony NEX-5 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder
In a move that’s seen as another step towards convergence of HD camera and camcorder technologies, Sony has told SimplyDV that it will be introducing its new models with leading-edge technologies that include the following:
- New Alpha digital cameras with DSLR picture quality and responsive shooting
- World’s smallest and lightest1 interchangeable lens digital camera (NEX-5)
- 14.2 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
- 1080i HD movie recording (NEX-5) with stereo sound, fast and silent autofocus
- Intuitive new interface with Help Guide and Shooting Tips
- E-mount lens system compatible with α DSLR lenses (with optional Mount Adaptor)
- Sweep Panorama with 3D capability
Joining the Alpha family, the NEX-5 and NEX-3 models are designed to combine DSLR-quality imaging with the convenience of interchangeable lenses in a sleek new easy-to-use and portable design. In contrast to conventional DSLR models, the ‘mirrorless’ construction shrinks the thickness of the cameras to just 24.2mm (NEX-5 excluding grip and mount) and 25.4mm (NEX-3, excluding grip and mount) at their slimmest points. The NEX-5 features a tough yet light-weight magnesium body, enabling Sony to lay claim to its being the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.
14.2 Megapixel Exmor HD CMOS image sensor
At the heart of both cameras is a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels. This is larger than the sensors commonly found in conventional compact cameras, and is key to achieving the low image noise and creative defocus effects that consumers have come to expect from DSLR cameras.
Still and video image quality is further achieved by the powerful BIONZ processor that ensures speedy DSLR-style shooting reflexes with quick, precise autofocus and minimal shutter lag. Both cameras are also designed to capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to 7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).
A new ‘never get lost’ menu interface has been developed by Sony to enhance the “powerful creative possibilities of the NEX-5 and NEX-3 accessible to photo enthusiasts and snap shooters alike”. Shooting parameters are accessed via an intuitive control wheel and two soft keys. Turning the control dial, for example, allows depth of focus changes to be previewed ‘live’ on the LCD3, giving improved control over professional-style image composition. Further help for photographers developing their skills is provided by a library of on-screen shooting tips and a friendly help guide.
Images and camera settings are displayed on the large, bright 3” Xtra Fine LCD screen with TruBlack technology that tilts up or down for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. The screen features an auto-brightness function for excellent visibility, even when you’re outdoors. TruBlack screen technology enables an even more vivid, high-contrast view of images and camera settings.
E-mount lens system compatibility
Described by Sony as being ideal for everyday shooting, the low-profile E 16mm F/2.8 ‘pancake’ lens (SEL16F28) is designed to minimise bulk when the camera is carried in a jacket or bag. Its field of view can be boosted even further by the VCL-ECU1 Ultra Wide Converter and VCL-ECF1 Fisheye Converter that deliver high-definition optical performance in a sleek, co-ordinated design.
Featuring in-lens Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld images, the E 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 zoom (SEL1855) is perfect for every day shooting. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are available in kit form with either lens, or as a double-lens kit that provides even greater shooting versatility.
Sony NEX-3 APS HD CMOS AVCHD Camcorder
The E 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 zoom (SEL18200) lens is also available and offers a powerful 11x magnification range. It also features Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation in the lens and Active Mode ensures steady movie capture even when on the move.
An optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor extends compatibility to the α family of 30 lenses, plus a huge range of other legacy A-mount lenses (Manual Focus only).
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are also the first α cameras to offer the extra convenience of HD video recording. At the touch of a dedicated Movie REC button, both NEX-5 and NEX-3 shoots Full HD (1920 x1080) video as high-quality AVCHD files that can be enjoyed by connecting to an HD television. HD video (720p) can also be captured by NEX-3 as compact MPEG4 files that are ideal for PC storage and web sharing. As an option, the smart accessory terminal on both cameras accepts the compact ECM-SST1 Stereo Microphone (optional) that captures a high-quality soundtrack for your HD videos.
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the first Alpha cameras featuring Sweep Panorama. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera horizontally or vertically. A high-speed burst of frames is stitched together automatically to create detail-packed 23 megapixel panoramas with a 226 degree effective angle of view4. As a world’s first, Sweep Panorama files can also be enjoyed in stunning 3D on compatible Bravia 3D television displays.
As previously introduced on the DSLR-A550, Auto HDR has been further refined. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 can now shoot a high-speed burst of three images at different exposure values that are then combined in the camera. This produces a single High Dynamic Range image with extended highlights, more mid-tones and shadow detail.
Both cameras come supplied with a super-compact clip-on flash that attaches via the smart accessory terminal when needed for low-light shooting. Other optional accessories include the FDA-SV1 Optical Viewfinder plus colour coordinated cases and shoulder straps.
The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras from Sony will be available in the UK from June 2010. No pricing indications have yet been received.
Source: Sony UK Press Release. Images Courtesy Sony UK. Used by Permission. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.
