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Posts tagged full hd
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 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)
Panasonic launches its HDC-SD600 Full-HD 1080p camcorder
Apr 13th
In response to the growing pressure for full 1080 Progressive Frame HD recording, Panasonic has now launched its HDC-SD600 AVCHD camcorder – similar to the HDC-SD700 but no viewfinder or manual controls.
Earlier this year, Panasonic introduced a series of 3MOS Full-HD camcorders with 1920×1080 image resolutions, which the company proudly boasted to be the highest standard resolution available in today’s HD camcorder market. Today, Panasonic has announced a further addition to its already impressive line-up of Full HD AVCHD camcorder models.
Panasonic HDC-SD600 1080p AVCHD Camcorder
Featuring full resolution 1920×1080, 50p (progressive scan) recording and playback, the new HDC-SD600 is claimed by its maker to render every shot “at a level of beauty that far exceeds conventional camcorders”.
The HDC-SD600 uses an advanced 3MOS (three CMOS image sensors), each of which is designed to handle one of the three primary red, green and blue image streams separately for better image rendering, and the camcorder boasts an ultra wide 35mm wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom and 18 x intelligent zoom.
Panasonic’s signature POWER O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilisation) is a primary feature of this new model, in addition to iA (intelligent Auto) mode and Face Recognition. Also of note is the fact that, like models in the 700 series, the HDC-SD600 accepts not only SDHC memory cards but also the high-capacity SDXC cards, too. That gives the product the capability of recording to and reading from 64GB memory cards.
Same performance as “700″ models but less features
Panasonic has confirmed to us that the HDC-SD600 replaces the company’s hugely successful HDC-HS200 and HDC-SD200 AVCHD models, and is designed with a particular emphasis on compactness.
Virtually identical to the HDC-HS700/TM700/SD700 models in performance as well as in physical form-factor, the SD600 merely lacks their manual control functions and EVF (electronic viewfinder). This may prove to be a sensible move on the company’s part, given that lots of HD camera users are willing to sacrifice both manual controllability and the EVF in order to save money and benefit from a product that’s slightly smaller and more portable.
Availability
We’re told that the HDC-SD600 will be available to purchase in Europe from May 2010. We will, of course, post more info when we receive it.
Source: Panasonic UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV. Image courtesy of Panasonic. Used by permission.
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
Review: Canon Legria HF-S21
Apr 9th
Canon’s flagship Legria HF S21 offers full 24Mbps 1920×1080 HD video recording plus 25P progressive scan video and is already grabbing the attention of serious videomakers. But can it improve on its predecessors?
In the last year or so, Canon, Sony and JVC have incorporated the highest 24Mbps bit rate recording option on their premium consumer / semi-professional AVCHD camcorder ranges.
Only Panasonic has so far limited maximum bit rates at 17Mbps due to problems that can exist when copying to DVD and then playing back using other complementary devices. Given that it’s not in the business of selling players or TV displays Canon has no such issues, and has pushed ahead to offer a maximum bit rate that is certain to find continued favour with the more serious videomakers in the market place.
2010 Flagship Model: Canon LEGRIA HF S21 AVCHD Camcorder
The latest flagship AVCHD camcorder from Canon offers five HD video recording modes, ranging from the 5Mbps, 1440×1080 “LP” mode at the lower end to a 17Mbps, 1920×1080 “FXP” mode as well as 24Mbps, 1920×1080 “”MXP” mode at the top end. The enthusiast will welcome the PF25 Cine Mode, which enables shooting in 25P progressive scan (24P in NTSC markets like USA, Canada, Japan, etc).
There’s also a host of standard features like PreREC (the camera continually caches 3 seconds of recording even when in standby in order that you don’t miss an unexpected action), multiple Face Detection, a built-in ability to trim clips or build playlists in-camera, fast start, and so on.
These are supplemented by enthusiasts’ must-have features like an external microphone input, headphone output and a good level of manual control over all main operations thanks to its Control dial which sits snug to the large 58mm diameter lens barrel.
We’ve had a good look at the Legria HF S21 and we’re very impressed with Canon’s new top-of-the-range AVCHD product.
Read our review of the Canon LEGRIA HF-S21 AVCHD camcorder here
Review: Panasonic HDC-SD60
Mar 5th
Offering full-HD movies, SDXC card support, a good lens with 25x zoom and other commendable features designed to appeal to first-time users, does the SD60 set the benchmark for 2010?
Spring has sprung, the days are getting longer and folks are thinking of getting away for the Summer. One thing Summer demands is a good camcorder in order to capture all those golden moments.
Panasonic HDC-SD60 AVCHD Camcorder in Silver
Of course, 2010 is undoubtedly the year of High Definition, and to prove it we’re now at a situation where AVCHD has become the de-facto standard format for consumer (not to say professional in some instances) high definition video. Panasonic was the first company to introduce a camcorder that utilised AVCHD and today the company continues this onward march with some excellent HD camcorder products that are not just great for complete newbies but are offered at the right price.
To that end, the new HDC-SD60 is one of a family of four models that offer great pictures and sound, and which enables the recording of full resolution HD video to SD memory cards. More particularly, it makes use of the higher capacity SDHC and also SDXC memorys cards.
Improved quality image sensor and sleek, easy-to-use design is enough to guarantee the success of this new product in 2010. First-time video-makers looking for superb high definition video in a convenient and easy-to-use design coupled with great price aren’t going to be disappointed.
What do we think?
