camcorder reviews, news, how-to and more
Posts tagged camcorder
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.
Sony unveils Handycam NEX-VG10 – world’s first interchangeable lens HD camcorder
Jul 14th
Sony has announced the NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses and the first Handycam to feature a 14.2 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMO image sensor.
Sony CX36000 H-600 HD Camcorder
Aimed at the semi-pro and serious videomaking enthusiast, NEX-VG10E is designed to offer the kind of flexibility currently enjoyed by D-SLR camera users – in terms of their ability to use a choice of lenses as appropriate to the subject in focus – whilst maintaining more conventional “video camera” ergonomics.
Alongside the three currently available E-mount lenses, users of the NEX-VG10E can experience a wide variety of A-mount DSLR optics used on “α” cameras by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adaptor. Picking from a choice of award-winning Sony G lenses, fixed-focal length Carl Zeiss portrait lenses and other models from macro to super-telephoto, videographers will have unprecedented freedom to explore what Sony assures us is “an exciting world in movie creation”.
Using AVCHDTM format for unlimited continuous shoot time
Full HD 1920×1080 video images are captured in the new AVCHDTM format at up to the maximum 24 Mbps bit rate for improved detail and clarity. Unlike many digital still cameras (including D-SLR) that support HD video, there’s virtually no restriction on continuous shooting time. It accepts either Memory Stick PRO DuoTM or SD media cards and captures Full HD video and JPEG still images for easy transfer to existing PC storage and into editing environments.
The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that offers an 11x optical zoom range. Optimised for video shooting, the high-quality E-mount lens is designed to offer smooth, ultra low noise autofocus and iris control. In addition to its Optical Image Stabilisation, the camera also offers Active Mode which, at Wide Angle setting, enhances anti-shake performance, steadying jittery images even while walking. The lens also features a circular aperture for the creation of impressive bokeh effects whether the user is shooting video or stills.
Audio clarity and connectivity
The Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four separate omnidirectional microphone capsules. The result is “exceptionally clear stereo audio” with a highly directional response which should, in theory, allow videographers to capture more sound from the subject they’re shooting, and fewer distracting sounds around them. It has an input jack for adding an optional external stereo mic, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring.
With a photo-realistic 921k dot resolution, the 7.5cm/3 inch-type Xtra Fine LCD features TruBlackTM technology for a detailed, high contrast view of images and menu settings. The LCD is supplemented by a high-resolution (1152k dot) electronic viewfinder.
Intuitive design and manual controls
According to Sony, the NEX-VG10E is “compact, beautifully balanced and easy to handle, even for novice videographers”. An intuitive jog dial and hotkeys make it easy to navigate camera menus and adjust shooting parameters. Videographers can also enjoy precise manual control over Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain and White Balance for professional results.
A range of official accessories includes the ECM-CG50 Shotgun Microphone that attaches to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. There’s also a choice of rechargeable battery options, including the NP-FV100 that provides power for up to 330 minutes of continuous HD shooting. A dedicated soft carrying case the LCS-VCD, is also available as an option.
Offered to customers as a free download, Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 video editing software includes everything you need to produce spectacular HD movies. Powerful tools for video compositing, colour correction and sound mixing make it easy to achieve cinema-quality results. Movies can be uploaded to the web, burned to to Blu-ray Disc or authored as DVDs with custom menus and graphics.
Availability
The Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable lenses Full HD camcorder will be available at the end of September 2010.
Want to discuss this further? Check out the new-improved SimplyDV Forum (you’ll need to register with the site first).
Source: Sony UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett. Image courtesy Sony ©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.
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 HDC-SD600: Unboxed and ready to go!
Apr 14th
Let it not be said that the PR team at Panasonic UK aren’t up for a challenge. After yesterday’s HDC-SD600 announcement, we challenged them to get us a sample within 24 hours. And they did!
Here it is – Panasonic’s latest 3MOS, 1080/50p AVCHD high-definition camcorder. Only yesterday did we reveal the news that it was to join the Panasonic line-up and today we have a brand new sample right here on the SimplyDV editorial desk.
Panasonic HDC-SD600 on the SimplyDV Editor's desk
Perhaps we should be honest and say that at least one member of the SimplyDV editorial team will be schlepping around on the western Algarve in Portugal over the next few days and it was in this context that those nice people at Panasonic were invited to let the newly-announced HDC-SD600 to join the party! They rose to the challenge admirably. Let’s hope it’s not raining in Portugal!
We’ll make sure that we get a range of great 1080/50p AVCHD test shots for you, which will accompany our exclusive review in full-HD as soon as we’re back and hitting the keyboard in earnest.
Meanwhile, if you need more info then please check out the news story posted only yesterday.
Update: Okay, so we’ve given up on the Portugal trip due to the dramatic impact of a certain Icelandic volcano on our flight plans. The camcorder will now get its first UK test drive in Devon and Cornwall where – unlike southern Portugal – it’s not raining heavily! (Editor)
