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Posts tagged memory stick
Sony bloggie goes Snowbombing
Apr 12th
Sony shows off its “bloggie” HD camcorder at the 2010 Winter Music Festival and features interviews with Fatboy Slim, The Enemy and others, all shot with the pocket-sized camcorder
Sony MHS-CM5 Bloggie HD Camcorder (black) in use
The revolutionary Sony bloggie MHS-CM5 HD Camcorder is the official camera partner for Snowbombing 2010, the winter sports and music festival, which is currently taking place in Mayrhofen, Austria.
According to its maker, the bloggie’s unique shooting capabilities allow HD video clips and super-sharp still images to be taken for quick and easy uploading to the web – and that makes it ideal for widespread use at the event, we’re told.
Exclusive footage from the festival has been made available which features interviews with Fatboy Slim, The Enemy and many more, alongside clips from the celebrity road-trip and the slopes.
Road Trip mash-up
In this clip, follow Barry Peters and Son, the alter ego of the Cuban Bros, as they go on the road trip to Snowbombing with Sony bloggie joined by Tom from The Enemy and Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers (all shot with bloggie cameras):
Fatboy Slim talks about babies. And David Byrne. And Imelda Marcos. And shoes. Is it an age thing?
In this clip, Fatboy Slim is interviewed by Barry Peters, the alter ego of the Cuban Bros. In it, they discuss such things as Norm’s collaboration with David Byrne in creating a musical about Imelda Marcos (the wife of the Philipino Despot and collector of shoes). They also discuss really important stuff like babies – and neither of them says “ahhh bless” once during the chat. Obviously, Norman leaves that to his missus (Zoe Ball):
About bloggie
From the slopes to après-ski parties the new MMC camera from Sony is (according to the company) “the perfect match for Snowbombing” which offers a fusion of youth, music, dance and snow sports such as boarding and skiing. The innovative 360 degree lens attachment of the Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie HD Camcorder offers intriguing 360-degree video recording designed to allow users to shoot their tricks on the slopes from a unique perspective.
What is Snowbombing?
Founded in 1999, Snowbombing is fast becoming Europe’s biggest winter music festival, and with social networking a key part of life for a generation whose experiences are shared online, Sony is doing its bit to ensure that the bloggie will help this phenomenon to grow even more. The line-up at this year’s festival includes Fatboy Slim, Editors, Doves, The Enemy, 2Many DJs and Friendly Fires.
Source: Sony UK Press Release. Additional text by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
New SD Memory Cards from Sony
Jan 8th
For a few years now we’ve been watching Sony’s new product announcements carefully in the hope that one day they might actually concede that they’re wasting time, effort and money on their continued commitment to Memory Stick when the rest of the world has adopted SD in all its forms. Well, it looks like they’ve jumped ship at last.
Sony Class 4 MicroSDHC 4GB and SDHC 32GB cards
Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with Memory Stick, it’s just that almost everyone else had adopted SD (which stands for “Secure Digital”) years back.
SD is everywhere. It’s used in our phones and other mobile devices as well as in digital cameras, SatNavs, car music systems, and even DAB receivers, so the fact that Memory Stick was physically incompatible with SD meant that we mostly stuck with SD.
Well, at long last, Sony is offering SD cards – in both the full-size, high-capacity form of SDHC and also as the thumbnail-sized MicroSD. Hooray! Not only that, but in a very astute marketing move the company is very cleverly giving us not one card slot but two in its latest camcorder range. So you’ll have a choice of using Memory Stick or SDHC or both.
Up to speed for HD video
The new products provide high capacity storage that’s ideal for HD camcorders (such as Sony’s own AVCHD range). SDHC – and its thumbnail-sized partner product, the MicroSD card – use identical storage technologies and differ only in their physical proportions. For 24Mbps AVCHD video recording, SDHC Class 4 offers the data transfer speed necessary for stable HD video recording. You really need Class 4 minimum.
Users of the Sony SD/SDHC and microSD/SDHC cards will get peace of mind thanks to File Rescue software, which is available as a simple, free download. This will facilitate rapid retrieval of photos, video, or music that were damaged or deleted by mistake. Touch wood.
What’s more, your music and pictures can be combined into amazingly wonderful and inspired slideshows thanks to downloadable x-Pict Story software. The software is so easy to use everyone in the family can join in, and a slideshow-sharing function ideal for uploading to video sharing service like YouTube means no-one need miss out on the fun. Granny will be impressed!
We should also add that both File Rescue and x-Pict Story are also available as free downloads for Memory Stick customers.
The new Sony SD/SDHC range
The SD/SDHC range includes 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models, while the microSD/microSDHC line-up offers a choice of 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities (SD Card Adaptor included as standard)
All cards are ultra-resistant to shock and can withstand temperature extremes from -25C to 85C
Availability
Sony SD and microSD products will go on sale in February 2010.
High end AVCHD – Sony’s new HDR-AX2000E
Jan 7th
Sony’s new HDR-AX2000 professional AVCHD camcorder is further evidence that we’re well on the way to a largely solid-state high definition existence. Not only that, but it’s the first prosumer cam to have two Memory Card slots too!
Sharing many features with Sony’s professional camcorder line-up, newly announced HDR-AX2000E Handycam is evidently designed to provide professional and semi-pro videographers with an extensive range of creative options.
Improved optical performance and improved ergonomics are teamed with the necessary manual controls to give fine control over composing richly-detailed, cinematic HD images.
Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Handycam
Reflecting the demands of pro-style workflow, it’s the first Handycam to provide uninterrupted relay recording on dual Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC memory card slots. If one memory card is filled during shooting, the camcorder continues recording automatically on a second memory card inserted in the other slot.
Users switching from tape-based formats, such as HDV or MiniDV will benefit from the reduction of storage space requirements compared with tape; not only that, but shooting on memory card allows videographers to import HD footage directly into a non-linear editing environment without time-consuming tape transfers. The work-flow is radically improved – a great advantage when every minute counts and there’s no time to wait for a real-time tape capture into the editing computer.
Summary of the HDR-AX2000′s main features
Based on information provided to us by Sony, here’s a breakdown of the camcorder’s main features.
- High quality HD imaging, pro-style ergonomics and advanced manual functions
- Superb Sony G Lens with 20x optical zoom (30x with Digital Range Extender)
- 6.0mm (1/3”) Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with ClearVid array
- Highest-quality AVCHD recording at maximum24Mbps in FX Mode
- 25p progressive shooting, with picture profile for rich, filmic tones
- 8.0cm (3.2″) Wide 921k dot XtraFine LCD
- Relay recording on dual memory card for uninterrupted shooting
- High quality audio with internal mic and XLR connectors for external 2ch mic
- Two recording modes – AVCHD (HD) and MPEG2 (SD)
Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder (see-through)
The camcorder’s HD picture quality is provided by the 1/3-type Exmor 3CMOS Sensors with a ClearVid array and powerful Enhanced Image Processor (EIP) resulting in improved detailing and dynamic range due to very high sensitivity. Users will, Sony assures us, be rewarded by superb results with reduced image noise, even when shooting in low-light conditions.
Complementing the Exmor 3CMOS Sensors is a bright, premium quality G Lens with a powerful 20x optical zoom range that covers focal lengths from 29.5mm wide angle to 590mm (35mm equivalent).
There’s also a 1.5x digital extender that boosts zoom range further still for powerful close-ups. Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation is now enhanced with new Active Mode which is intended to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting without a tripod.
For quality-critical productions, new FX Mode captures 1920×1080/50i video at a full 24Mbps – the highest bit-rate specified by the AVCHD format.
Recording Options*
The AVCHD (MPEG4-AVC/H.264) recording options are:
- FX (24 Mbps) 1920×1080/50i, 25P
- FH (17 Mbps) 1920×1080/50i, 25P
- HQ (9 Mbps) 1440×1080/50i
- LP (5 Mbps) 1440×1080/50i
The Standard Definition (MPEG2) recording options are:
- HQ (9 Mbps) 720×576/50i
- HQ (9 Mbps) 720×576/50i (25P scan)
* Please note that these settings relate to models available in Europe as represented by the “E” suffix in the product name
25P Progressive Mode shooting
Memory card slots at rear of Sony HDR-AX2000 Prosumer AVCHD Camcorder
Creative options are broadened further by 25p progressive mode that captures lush, cinematic HD images. ‘Filmic’ quality of progressive images can be enhanced by adjusting picture profile settings for richly saturated colours.
Serious videographers are able to fine-tune their creative vision with an extensive range of manual functions.
Independent zoom, focus and iris rings facilitate precise, intuitive manual control over shot composition with shutter speed and gain being separately adjustable, too. Dedicated controls are provided for gain, white balance and shutter speed. There’s also a focus switch for quick, positive mode selection and three switchable ND filters.
In what Sony confidently describes as another Handycam first, the integrated microphone is complemented by two professional XLR connectors that allow the addition of a stereo pair of external microphones. Internal and external mic signals can be mixed on board for extra control over capturing foreground and background sounds.
Available Accessories
An extensive choice of compatible accessories is available, too. The VCL‑HG0872X high-grade wide conversion lens provides an effective focal length of 23.6mm and the SH‑L32W LCD hood gives improved visibility of the 3.2-type LCD in bright shooting conditions. As protection whilst on the move, the LCS-VCC is a high-capacity soft carry case that incorporates plenty of space for accessories.
Availability in Europe
We’re told that the Sony Handycam HDR-AX2000E will be available from February 2010.
Sony Bloggie: Mobile HD in a Snap
Jan 7th
The market for these compact and easy-to-use Mobile Snap camcorders was pioneered by the revolutionary Flip camera and caught other brands on the hop somewhat. However, despite their subsequently rushing out with comparable products it’s still an uncertain market – which perhaps explains why neither Panasonic nor Canon have bothered with it at all. So, will Sony’s latest multi-coloured “bloggie” range fare any better?
Mobile HD in a Snap: record yourself on the move with the Sony MHS-PM5 "bloggie"
Sony reckons it’s all about capturing the moment: “It’s the spirit of fun, spontaneous still and video shooting and sharing that comes alive with the launch of bloggie – a fresh concept in style-conscious, premium quality Mobile HD Snap Cameras by Sony”. That’s their words, by the way.
In February the bloggie makes its European debut with two new models, both of which are designed to make it very easy to grab photos and video clips for quick, hassle-free sharing on the web.
Like the Flip models whose success they are undoubtedly attempting to emulate, they’ll slip effortlessly into a pocket or bag and be right there when you need to capture that all-important moment when out with the family or up to no good with one’s mates on a Friday night.
Full HD MPEG4 video with the MHS-PM5/PM5K and MHS-CM5
Colourful, light and easy to carry, bloggie (as Sony affectionately calls the devices) is clearly a spontaneous way to share memories, update a personal blog with a bit of HD video or post to social networking apps while travelling. Just point and shoot: then walk into any internet café, hook up bloggie and upload your life using the camera’s embedded PMB Portable software.
Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie HD Camcorder (Blue) Main panel
Both models are obviously designed with simplicity in mind; the MHS-PM5/PM5K and MHS-CM5 produce images of an effective resolution of 5MP (megapixels) in 1280×720/60p HD video resolution as well as offering Full HD 1920×1080/30p high definition. Note that this isn’t AVCHD; the video clips produced are primarily aimed at users who wish to upload their clips to online content sharing sites like YouTube, MySpace or Facebook so the fact that recordings are consistent with USA standards rather than European ones shouldn’t really matter too much.
However, with YouTube now facilitating 1920 x 1080p uploading, the Full HD option will attract a fair share of takers.
On-board SteadyShot image stabilisation cuts camera shake when you’re shooting handheld, and Face Detection will help to correctly resolve people’s facial characteristics – but note that these features are available only when shooting in the optional 720/30p shooting mode.
Styled in a choice of four colour finishes, the MHS-PM5/PM5K features a rotating lens that swivels 270 degrees to capture life from any angle: get down low, aim high or turn it around to record yourself.
The bright, high resolution 6.0cm LCD screen (pictured left) shows camera settings in the bottom half of the display while you’re shooting. When you want to see the results, turn bloggie horizontally and play back your clips and photos in landscape format.
The MHS-PM5K also includes a special 360-degree Video lens adaptor that lets you generate panoramic videos. To achieve this, users should slip on the adaptor and start shooting in 360 Video mode. According to Sony, bloggie captures panoramic video as specially encoded files that can be ‘unwrapped’ for PC viewing using supplied PMB software and the 360 Video Player application.
Sony MHS-CM5 Bloggie showing built-in flip-away USB connector
Featuring a pistol grip vertical styling that many people will be familar with, the MHS-CM5 boasts a high-quality 5x optical zoom lens, plus a swivel 6.2cm LCD screen that flips out for comfortable shooting and viewing.
Connectivity
After shooting, both cameras can be linked directly to a Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 PC or Apple Intel Mac using the built-in USB connector that tucks away into the camera’s body when not in use.
The embedded PMB Portable software launches automatically when bloggie is connected to the PC or Mac, allowing users to immediately view, select and upload clips to popular social apps and media sharing sites like Picasa and YouTube.
There’s no need to install any editing or file transfer software on the computer, making bloggie ideal for use in any internet café while travelling. Even an external charger isn’t necessary since the camera’s battery is automatically charged while it’s connected to a computer its USB plug.
The MHS-CM5 also sports an HDMI connector, enabling photos and Full HD clips to be viewed either on a Sony BRAVIA or other HD TV.
Upcoming Facebook content sharing update
The simple integration for sharing content on Facebook will also be available as a downloadable update to this software from April 2010 onwards. This complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums. With the new version, users will have the ability to share photos and videos on Facebook directly from PMB Portable software.
Availability
The bloggie MHS-PM5, MHS-PM5K and MHS-CM5 Mobile HD Snap Cameras are available from Feburary 2010.
Sony reveals new HD and SD Handycams
Jan 7th
For the 2010 digital video-making season Sony has announced a choice of ten compact new Handycam models that shoot on memory card and internal flash memory – but HDD (hard disc drive) still figures strong with the company’s announcement of five feature-packed HDD models as well.
Sony's new HDR-CX350 AVCHD Handycam
Interestingly, the Sony announcement covers everything from a serious professional-quality AVCHD camcorder (the HDR-AX2000) to a new range of easy-to-use and fun Bloggie cameras designed for bloggers and YouTube users.
What’s surprising is that Sony is introducing even more HDD camcorders at a time when the other three major brands – Panasonic, Canon and JVC have all but dropped the format in favour of flash memory recording in the form of either built-in memory or memory card slots.
What’s even more surprising is Sony’s seismic shift away from its proprietary Memory Stick in favour of SDHC and MicroSD memory cards on several of its new products this year. Is this the beginning of the end for Memory Stick as we’ve been predicting for quicte some time?
Sony summarises its new product offer as “optical innovation meets fun, easy-to-use features”.
Premium HD Flash Memory and HDD models
A range of new AVCHD models offer full-specification AVCHD recording and playback. The HDR-CX550V, HDR-XR550V, HDR-CX350V, HDR-XR350V and HDR-CX305 all feature a high quality Sony G Lens, which captures approximately double the shooting area compared with previous Handycam camcorders. Wide angle performance of the HDR-CX550V and HDR-XR550V models is 29.8mm for video and 26.3mm for still images (35mm equivalent) in an even smaller body than their predecessors.
Leading the pack: HDR-XR550 and HDR-CX550 HD cams
The flagship HDR-XR550 and HDR-CX550 models lead the new range with 6.3mm (1/2.9in) Exmor R CMOS image sensors producing a respectable 6.3MP (megapixels) for movie recording and 12MP for digital stills. 10x Optical Zoom is provided, as is Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation.
They also share 5.1ch Surround Sound, 8.8cm colour LCD as well as a colour EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), Face detection, Direct Copy, Accessory Shoe, Microphone Input and Headphone Out together with the full range of connectors such as USB, HDMI, and so on. Where the models differ is in their recording media; the HDR-XR550 uses a stonking 240GB HDD (hard disc drive) whereas the HDR-CX550 employs 64GB internal Flash Memory. Both cameras support the Memory Stick Pro-DUO and Pro-HG Duo variants and SD/SDHC Memory Cards.
Sony HDR-CX305 AVCHD Handycam
The HDR-CX305 has the same CMOS sensor, only smaller at 4.5mm (1/4 type). Movie resolution is 4.2MP with stills at 7.1MP. A 12x Optical Zoom lens is provided with the recording medium being 16GB Internal Memory (in addition to the same card options, above). A 6.7cm LCD panel is provided though there’s no EVF. Neither does it offer headphone out or microphone input.
The HDR-CX115 shares many of the features and specifications of the HDR-CX305 except that it has a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 25x Optical Zoom lens and uses an internal 80GB HDD. It also offers both Memory Card formats.
General features of models in the new Sony HD Handycam range
Entry-level HD models also benefit from SteadyShot Active Mode for up to 10x shake reduction (at wide end of zoom setting) compared with standard SteadyShot.
Improved sensitivity with Exmor R CMOS image sensors
The Exmor R CMOS Sensor is now available in all Sony HD Handycam models, as well as in the Standard Definition flagship product, the DCR-SX73. Its back-illuminated design enables more light to reach photosensitive areas of the device without being obscured by connecting wires within the sensor. This boosts sensitivity compared with sensors that use a conventional front-illuminated structure, and something that users requireing an improved lower-light performance will undoubtedly welcome. This feature is something we’ll certainly check when we review the new products.
New Optical SteadyShot Active Mode is designed to combine optical and electronic stabilisation systems, in order to deliver what Sony assures is the best-ever ‘3-way’ anti-shake performance from wide to telephoto end. With this technology, images are now up to 10x steadier at wide end of zoom settings, we’re told. At the other end of the zoom it’s possible to enjoy up to 2x improved anti-shake performance for clearer, more stable results when shooting on a telephoto setting.
Thanks to the new Quick AF function, Autofocus is claimed to be more accurate and twice as fast compared to previous Handycam camcorders especially when taking advantage of the even faster zooming speeds available on these models.
Highest 24Mbps AVCHD bitrate an option on all HD models
All HD models now support recording at up to 24Mbps, which is the highest bitrate offered by the AVCHD format and an increasingly common option being offered by Canon and JVC. Only Panasonic has yet to offer this option. It’s certainly a valuable addition for serious video-making enthusiasts, although clips recorded at 24Mbps may create problems when it comes to sharing sequences in other media and on other devices.
Ideal for newbies: the Sony HDR-CX115 AVCHD Handycam (Blue option)
Already a feature of Sony Cyber-shot digital stills cameras, Intelligent AUTO (iAUTO) is optimised to remove the guesswork from making camcorder settings manually.
Making its Handycam debut this year, iAUTO combines recognition of Face Detection, your shooting situation (handheld or tripod), and ten different scene types. Based on this information, Handycam automatically optimises shooting parameters to provide improved clarity and image resolution based on up to 90 different scene combinations (60 combinations for 3.1M/1.6M HD model).
Enhanced by a sleek new slim-frame design, the Clear Photo LCD now gives an even better view when you’re framing and reviewing scenes. Pixel count on the 6.7cm screen has been upped to 230k dots (from 210k dots), while the viewing angle is boosted to 170 degrees to give everyone a clearer picture of your shots. The flagship HDR-CX550 and HDR-XR550 models are distinguished by their 8.8cm Xtra Fine LCD screen; this uses the same TruBlack technology that’s incorporated the company’s S-Frame digital photo frames.
Frame-by-frame, slow-motion analysis with Golf Shot
Frame by frame analysis on Sony Handycams
If you’re into golfing and keen to analyse your performance, Sony’s new Golf Shot feature makes it easier than ever to check your swing, frame by frame.
In Golf Shot mode, the Handycam starts capturing a continuous stream of high-speed images while you’re still waiting for the action to start.
At the end of the swing, press the Record button – and the entire sequence is grabbed at a rate of 200 frames per second for smooth slow-motion replay. It’s then possible to display the results both as a slow-motion video as well as a composite image with every frame of movement shown by a series of thumbnail-sized images in a single still picture.
Not forgetting Standard Definition
Although the number of standard definition camcorder options are reducing right across the board as consumers switch to shooting high definition on their AVCHD camcorders or mobile devices, Sony’s new Standard Definition models benefit from a CCD with higher sensitivity that is claimed to improve image quality in low light (perhaps the most important consideration for many users). Multiple Face Detection for video and stills has also been added.
Sony DCR-SX33 Handycam in a choice of three body colours
The DCR-SR58 and DCR-SX33 share many specifications and features with the exception that the SR58 uses an internal 80GB HDD in addition to Memory Cards, whereas the SX33 provides for Memory Card slot only.
They both use 2.3mm (1/8in) CCDs (the only models to do so) with gross pixels resolution of 800,000 providing 340,000 for stills. A 60x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens is included with Steadyshot being the electronic image stabilisation employed. A Stereo built-in mic is standard as is a 6.7cm colour LCD. It too has Face Detection and Direct Copy, but no Accessory Shoe or Mic in/ Headphone Out connectors.
All entry-level SD models (Flash Memory and HDD) now sport an on-board video light to improve illumination of clips when recording parties, interiors and other dimly-lit scenes.
Copying to external USB Hard Disc Drives via optional adaptor cable
Featured on all HD and SD models, Direct Copy enables users to copy footage directly from any new Sony Handycam to a compatible external hard disk drive for PC-free back-up and archiving. This immensely useful feature enables the user to connect the camcorder to the external hard disc drive (USB 2.0) using the optional Sony VMC-UAM1 USB adaptor cable in order to transfer all or a selection of clips for safekeeping. With the HDD remaining connected to the camcorder – which is, in turn, connected to a suitable TV display, video clips stored on the external HDD can be viewed easily on SD or HD television by using the various playback modes available on the Handycam, such as Map Index (GPS model only), Visual Index, and Highlight Playback
All new Handycam models are compatible with the VRD-MC6 DVD burner and VRDP1 DVDirect Express. At the touch of a button it’s possible to burn Standard Definition or High Definition clips onto affordable DVD media for archiving, sharing or enjoying with friends via Bluray Disc or DVD. The VRD-MC6 will also allow users of tape-based camcorders to transfer old MiniDV or HDV footage from the camcorder straight to DVD in a touch of a button.
Bundled Software
Supplied with all Handycam models is the latest version of PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. This has been given a new-look user interface which allows users to browse through all video clips (SD or HD) and still images and incorporates a new Calendar view which automatically groups visual assets by date and time. With PMB it’s possible to burn favourites to disc, email them to friends and family, or upload to sharing sites like YouTube.
The simple integration for sharing content on Facebook will also be available as a downloadable update to this software in the Spring 2010. This complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums. With the new version, users will have the ability to share photos and videos on Facebook directly from PMB software.
Memory Stick card slot – and SD/SDHC too!
A Slot for Memory Stick PRO Duo as well as SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences. The addition of SD card slots is a major shift for Sony – how much longer can Memory Stick survive?
Availability
The Spring 2010 Handycam line-up of Flash Memory and HDD camcorders by Sony is available from February 2010.
