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Pocket-sized pleasures? Panasonic’s new HM-TA1 HD Mobile Camera
Jul 28th
As regular SimplyDV followers will know, we’re a bit undecided about the real value of pocket-sized video cameras – especially the ones that purport to produce HD video clips. However, Panasonic’s new range of HM-TA1 HD video cameras might just bring about a change of attitude.
These little pocket-sized cameras have all the convenience and physical characteristics of a regular digital stills camera or even mobile phone, yet they offer true HD video of a sort that looks good either on YouTube or even on a modest-sized HDTV display.
Panasonic HM-TA1 full-HD pocket video cameras
Stiff competition
Of course, any new entrants into this market have the Flip MinoHD (arguably the market-leader in this sector) to compare with. Not fazed by this at all, several brands have launched their own such products into this market space with varying degrees of success. And, after watching from the sidelines for some time, Panasonic has now joined the party as well.
With pocket-size dimensions and a lightweight design, the HM-TA1 HD mobile pocket camera is (according to Panasonic) designed “to let you capture life on the move”. Indeed, the camera is certainly small enough to pop into a pocket or small bag and offers not only instant full-HD video recording but also high-quality photo shooting wherever you are or whatever you’re doing. Basically, it’s for people who want to grab a piece of the action right now with no messing.
Features
The TA1 has been fitted with a 4 x Digital Zoom; this isn’t a big deal to users of the more serious camcorder products but for the target users of this camera it’s more than adequate. With the ability to record images at a resolution of up to 8MP (megapixels), it delivers clear and vivid images that possess sharp, defined details.
To play back movie clips and images, it’s simply of matter of popping the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card from the camera into the SD card slot of a Panasonic Viera TV where Viera Image Viewer will guide users through the selection and organisation of clip files.
As a complement to the digital zoom, the HM-TA1 sports an effective E.I.S. (Electronic Image Stabiliser) system that helps to minimise the kind of distracting hand-shake commonly associated with home video clips.
Connectivity and Apple Mac compatibility
High definition video clips and images can be quickly and easily uploaded to web portals and social networking sites like YouTube thanks to the TA1’s built-in USB terminal. The camera comes with software allowing users to link directly to YouTube or Facebook so family and friends can immediately share their latest creations.
Supported by Apple’s MPEG-4 based iFrame video format, it’s now possible to load and even perform simple editing of videos and pictures using Apple’s iMovie video software (note that the format used here is not AVCHD, so it’s much easier to import, edit and share the TA1′s video clips on Macs and PCs).
And that’s not all; a unique feature of the TA1 is that it can also be used with the Skype IP phone service, too; simply connect the TA1 to a PC, and it becomes a web camera for free Skype-based video calls helping you to keep in touch with the world.
The TA1′s USB terminal also doubles as its battery charger. Plug it in to a PC at home or on the go in order to recharge the battery.
Style options
According to Panasonic, you can make your camera your own by giving it a personalised skin design. From funky and floral to sophisticated and sleek, Panasonic is offering one free skin per purchase with over 40 cool designs to choose from when using a web-link provided with the product – and if users don’t fancy using one of those on offer they cango ahead and create and upload their own. Additional skins can be purchased online at a cost of £9.99 each.
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.
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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.
New CU-VS100 AVCHD Media Player from JVC
May 5th
Having shot your AVCHD footage with your new camcorder, you’re limited when it comes to showing it on your HDTV display. Never fear, JVC’s new HD media player solves that problem and more.
JVC's CU-VS100 AVCHD Media Player
If you regularly record video sequences with a camcorder or camera, you’ll know what a hassle it can be trying to get a quick and easy playback on your main HDTV screen in order to show off your sequences to family members, friends or even work colleagues.
For many people, the solution is to connect up the camera or camcorder to the TV using one of the cables that are supplied with the product. The alternative is to use a suitable HDMI cable with which to facilitate HD video playback as required, often with the cable remaining connected even when not in use. But even then you need to find the AC mains cable with which to power the camera, because the batteries are always close to running out!
Well, thanks to a new product from JVC, all that nonsense can be forgotten. That’s because they’ve at last come up with a simple solution that begs the question “Why has it taken so long?”.
Two Memory Card Slots
The new CU-VS100 HD Media Player is a device which houses not one but two SD/SDHC memory card slots that facilitates not only playback of HD video to a suitably-equipped HDTV when using an HDMI connection but also allows users to playback JPEG picture slideshows (taken with a digital stills camera) whilst listening to a musical sound-track accompaniment. All you now have to do to is to remove the card from the camera and slot it into the player, using the supplied remote contol to navigate your way around the choices as its output is displayed on the TV screen. Halleluja!
Card-to-Card Data Copying
Another very welcome feature is the facility to copy movie clips and images from one card to another, thanks to the fact that the unit has dual memory card slots. That means that you can always make a quick and easy card-to-card backup of your files without having to resort to using a computer or whatever.
Moreover, it means that you can sort through the contents of your cards and copy selected files from one and combined them with selected files from another, and so on. It’s this ease of clip file management that’s been a hindrance for users of HD video cameras and even stills cameras for too long.
Specifications
The JVC CU-VS100 HD Media Player has a number of other welcome features which will be found really useful to users not only of AVCHD-format video cameras recording to SDHC memory cards but to digital stills cameras users too.
Here’s a quick summary of its main features:
- Plays back AVCHD video saved on SD/SDHC memory cards for viewing on HDTV
- Compatible with HD and Standard Definition video, stills and music
- Can be used for all SD card-compatible camcorders and digital still cameras
- Dual SD memory card slot for data copying
- Simultaneous playback of JPEG slideshows and music files
- HDMI, audio/video outputs
- High Definition video playback (including AVCHD 24Mbps)
- Standard Definition video playback
- JPEG file playback
- Music file playback
- HD up-conversion with HDMI
- Remote Control provided
UK/Ireland Availability and Pricing
We’re told that the CU-VS100 will be available during May 2010, but we haven’t yet been able to receive confirmation on dates. The likely retail price has not yet been revealed to us, either.
Source: JVC UK Press Information, May 2010. Words: Colin Barrett, SimplyDV. Images courtesy of JVC UK.
Canon launches first MPEG-2 Full HD file-based camcorders
Apr 7th
Canon today claims to have “redefined the professional handheld video camera market” with the launch of the XF305 and XF300 – two new file-based video cameras that are the first models to use the new MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) recording codec recently adopted by Canon.
Designed to offer greatly improved image quality and seamless workflow compatibility for a wide range of professional uses, the new XF models are claimed by Canon to feature technology unrivalled in their class.
Canon's new XF305 Full-HD MPEG-2 file-based camcorder
The all-new camera system comprises a Canon L-series HD Video Lens, 3CMOS sensor system and advanced DIGIC DV III processing. MPEG-2, Full HD video is recorded as industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format) files to Compact Flash memory cards, using data transfer rates of up to 50Mbps and rich 4:2:2 colour sampling, capturing more colour information for post production.
According to Canon, both the XF305 and XF300 models combine excellent imaging systems with a design that delivers advanced mobility and versatility. The broad feature set and adaptability of these models will allow users to shoot in almost any situation and for any given purpose, from independent filmmaking to commercial broadcast.
Market leading performance
We’re assured that the XF305 and XF300 have been designed to provide outstanding image quality. For the first time ever in a handheld professional video camera, the new models utilise the MPEG-2 Full HD recording codec with 4:2:2 colour sampling at up to 50Mbps, capturing very high-quality broadcast-quality footage.
In order to take full advantage of this advanced codec, which offers twice the colour resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 recording formats, Canon has developed a new HD video system combining its DIGIC DV III processing power with an advanced sensor system and specially developed 18x Canon L-series lens, manufactured to meet stringent broadcast standards.
The 1/3 type Canon 3CMOS sensor system offers a high level of colour accuracy, wide dynamic range and low noise. High-speed data readout technology developed by Canon also minimises rolling-shutter skew that can occur in other CMOS camcorders.
Seamless workflow integration
Both new XF models record industry-standard MXF files, an open-source file format compatible with major file-based workflow systems used by professionals today. At the time of launch, XF camcorders are fully compatible with major editing and processing software packages from Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology Inc. and Grass Valley, ensuring videographers can immediately integrate XF305 and XF300 into their workflow.
Canon XF300 Full-HD MPEG-2 file-based camcorder
Video shot on the new XF camcorders will be written directly to a Compact Flash (CF) card in one of the two available slots.
While recording, the card not in use can be exchanged to ensure hours of uninterrupted video capture.
Both models also support relay recording, allowing capture to seamlessly continue on a second card as soon as the first becomes full.
For easy viewing and management of clips on the move, both models are supplied with Canon’s XF Utility software for PC and Mac, which enables users to back-up clips, edit metadata stored in the MXF files, preview clips and write them back to a CF card.
High quality, L-series lens
Canon lenses are already favoured by the majority of broadcasters, providing outstanding resolution, contrast and low chromatic aberration. The new XF305 and XF300 feature an L-series HD Video Lens, combining a 29.3mm wide-angle with fast maximum aperture (F1.6) and a versatile 18x zoom – providing what Canon assures us is “stunning performance” from the wide to the tele ends of the zoom.
The zoom and focus rings have physical end stops when used in manual mode, for fast and repeatable operation. An independent iris ring allows control of aperture, while two rocker controls are available for manual control of zoom. Canon’s unique Instant AF system also provides fast and accurate auto focus.
Previously only available in Canon broadcast TV lenses, high index, ultra-low dispersion (Hi-UD) glass is placed at the front of the lens path in order to suppress chromatic aberration. Hi-UD combines with ultra-low dispersion (UD), ultra-high refractive index aspherical (UA) and two double-sided aspherical elements, providing sharp, detailed images, free from chromatic aberration.
Engineered using the highest quality Canon optical components, the lens has been designed to perfectly complement Canon’s 3CMOS sensor system, capturing up to 1,000 lines of horizontal resolution. A new image stabilizer (IS) system offers three modes of stabilisation – Standard, Dynamic and Powered – providing impressive camera shake correction.
Easy operation, effective performance, enhanced durability
The XF305 and XF300 also feature a 1.55 million dot Electronic ViewFinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and a front-mounted, high-resolution LCD system that can be easily switched from left to right to suit any individual and shooting situation. The largest LCD in its class at 10.1cm (4”), with a 1.23 million dot resolution, the screen is claimed to offer operators unparalleled clarity and flexibility for High Definition shooting.
The new XF models feature completely revised ergonomics, incorporating feedback from professional users. An enhanced control layout provides intuitive operation and the centrally positioned grip achieves optimum balance. These design enhancements combine to ensure that individual XF operators can film comfortably, over prolonged periods of time and in varying conditions.
Extensive customisation
Both XF models feature a wide range of user customisation options, providing unmatched versatility and flexibility. Users can configure up to 26 Custom Picture parameters, controlling more than 50 individual, image-related variables. XF operators can also assign one of 30 individual functions to each of 13 customisable buttons, allowing them to optimise the camcorder for their personal shooting preferences, environmental or stylistic considerations.
A variety of industry standard gamma curves can be selected, offering videographers the ability to choose the exact style to suit their intended use. For example, footage can be optimised for a specific customer or for transfer to film.
Up to nine customised pictures can be stored to each body, including three protected settings supplied as standard – VIDEO.C, CINE.V and CINE.F. Preferred settings can be saved and transferred from one camcorder to another via SDHC cards – particularly useful for maintaining a creative style across camcorder bodies or for organisations that may want to ensure uniform set-up across multiple camcorder units.
Slow and fast motion video recording also expands creative possibilities. Fast motion shooting allows videographers to speed up recorded action by capturing fewer frames per second. Slow motion recording captures more frames per second, enabling users to slow footage down during playback at the normal frame rate. Videographers have a total of 20 speeds to choose from, providing an advanced selection of options to capture a range of visual effects.
Advanced audio and connectivity
Both models record 16-bit linear PCM audio at 48kHz, providing the high quality audio signal required for professional or broadcast content. An integrated microphone records stereo sound, with the option of connecting external microphones or other sources via two in-built XLR terminals.
For enhanced integration in the studio or multi-camera shoots, the XF305 also features an HD-SDI output, GENLOCK input and Timecode input/output.
Canon Professional Services
Owners of both the XF305 and the XF300 will qualify for membership of Canon Professional Services (CPS) Video. The CPS Video service offers professional users of Canon products exclusive, free access to a range of benefits, such as a priority repair service and direct support from Canon Professional Representatives across Europe.
Availability in the UK and Ireland
The XF305 and XF300 will be available in the UK and Ireland from June 2010.
Source: Canon UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV. Images kindly supplied by Canon UK. Used by permission.
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.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 debuts in UK
Mar 3rd
Movie Edit Pro 16, from the innovative German digital media software company MAGIX, is finding increasing favour among serious video-making enthusiasts as well as with complete newbies.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16
MAGIX has at last announced the UK availability of the next generation of its successful and innovative video editing tool, Movie Edit Pro.
Available in two versions – a Classic version for beginners as well as a Plus for more ambitious users – Movie Edit Pro 16 could be the ideal solution for multi-format video editing, sound mixing and multiple-output format sharing.
We’re assured by MAGIX that the new application is designed to give the user effortless video capture, straightforward editing, “spectacular” 3D effects, a large selection of titles and fades and “brilliant” soundtrack building and mixing.
As today’s camcorder users have now come to expect, edited results can be burned to an interactive CD/DVD or exported to the web (eg: YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc) or to a mobile media player, such as an iPhone.
With high definition formats like AVCHD now dominating consumer camcorder formats, it’s essential that video editing products provide full support, and to that end MAGIX claims that it’s even easier to import and edit the whole range of commonly-used video formats in addition to applying any number of impressive visual special effects as well as background music and animated DVD and even Blu-ray Disc (BD) menus.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 – great for video editing newbies?
Here’s a summary of MAGIX Movie Edit 16′s main features:
- Upload videos to YouTube directly in HD quality.
- Free selection of audio track in multi-audio VOBs on DVDs.
- Flexible track number selection.
- Title editor with improved quality and direct previewing.
- Improved audio monitoring option in the timeline.
- Screenshot function.
- Object zoom function for even more precise effects control.
- Countless improvements in details.
Also included with the above is a copy of the brand-new MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2010 – claimed by the company to provide the unique complete solution for intelligent checking maintenance and acceleration for PCs and laptops – something that’s pretty essential when editing complex video projects. The software is included free, even though is has a typical retail value of £29.99.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus – taking on the big guys
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus, claimed by MAGIX to be the best version to date, promises an unlimited selection of high quality editing tools, powerful dubbing instruments and countless special effects. The package offers more ambitious video-makers 99 tracks, full HD support, one-of-a-kind travel route animation, innovative MultiCam editing, expanded menu design, countless special effects ready for the big screen, 5.1 Dolby Digital sound and more.
Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus Features:
- Secondary colour correction for impressive colour effects.
- Blu-ray and AVCHD discs with animated menis.
- Completely revised DVD menu design.
- Title editor with improved quality and direct previewing.
- Object zoom function for even more precise effects control.
- Unique travel route animation.
- Upload videos to YouTube directly in HD quality.
- Flexible track number selection.
- Level display for audio file import.
- Upload videos to the new Vimeo video portal.
- Generation of colour fields/test images.
- PC performance benchmarking for optimized presets.
- Music Editor 3.0 with optimized user guidance.
- Free selection of audio tracks in multi-audio VOBs.
- BONUS! proDAD Adorage starter package (with 155 effects).
- Countless improvements in details.
It’s good to see European software developers facing up to the big names in a field that’s dominated by American brands, so we’re pleased to see MAGIX increasing its foothold in what is undoubtedly a tricky market.
UK Price and Availability
Both products – MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 and Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus – are available now for SRP ￡49.99 and ￡69.99 inc VAT from Amazon and PC World.
