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Posts tagged mpeg-4
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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JVC PICSIO – HD in your pocket!
Jan 16th
Joining the ever-expanding ranks of HD “pocket cams”, JVC’s new range of slimline and pocket-sized PICSIO HD video cameras is designed with easy shooting and easy sharing in mind.
JVC PICSIO GC-FM1V HD Video Camera (Purple Passion)
Okay, we’re a bit late bringing you product information that’s actually been around for a couple of months, but – as you might know – we’ve been busy upgrading the website and some things got delayed!
Anyhow, these JVC Full HD video cameras are yet another indication of just how keen some brands are to grab a chunk of the pocket-camera market.
This, it is assumed, is a key new market for video cameras that not only make it easy to shoot high quality images and video but which also facilitate easy clip editing and uploading to social networking sites like YouTube.
To what extent JVC will succeed in its aims at a time when most people are relying on other mobile devices (and, let’s face it, ones whose stills and video capabilities are improving all the time) to perform this task is too early to tell, but they’re having a go at grabbing a slice of this potentially lucrative market all the same (even if Panasonic and Canon have elected not to join the party at all).
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 options: Black Ice, Blue Steel or Purple Passion?
Each PICSIO is capable of shooting 8MP (Megapixel) native resolution stills without interpolation (ie: it doesn’t cheat) thanks to a single CMOS image sensor, and records 1080P Full HD video for viewing on an HDTV display when connected using an appropriate HDMI cable (not supplied).
Note, however, that what JVC calls Full HD isn’t the 1920 x 1080 video you might be expecting; it’s actually 1440 x 1080 (similar to that used by many broadcasters) and its frame rate is 30fps rather than the 25fps normally used in PAL TV format countries. However, for straight playback to HDTV or even uploading to YouTube this will be fine.
Each camera will also facilitate recording as 1280 x 720p (60fps) video, which might suit the bulk of YouTube uploads since that is the default HD format for the channel anyhow.
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 : You Shoot, You Edit, YouTube!
Video compression format
JVC’s PICSIO models create their HD video clips with today’s now-standard MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression system. This is the most commonly used codec designed to pack a high amount of detail into a small space. Videos are recorded in the Quicktime native .MOV format to assure direct playability on a variety of systems, and clips (and photos) are stored on SD/SDHC memory cards (not provided).
In order to reduce the effects of camera shake, PICSIO is also equipped with electronic image stabilisation when using the GZ-FM1′s 4x Digital Zoom.
Easy for complete beginners to master
JVC has ensured that there are no lengthy menus to scroll through or settings to ponder over, with most people being able to get going without even having to look at the instruction manual. Controls are designed to be up-front and self-explanatory, so even people who would normally shy away from camcorders should be able to shoot movies that will be shared with family, friends and colleagues without any fuss.
Controls and Connections
Power (on/off), Playback, Delete, Video/Still mode switching, and Thumbnail display mode all have their own individual buttons.
JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1: Main Controls
The 4-way controller is comfortably positioned in the middle.
Controls are Zoom (by pressing up/down), as well as enabling users to flip through Images (by pressing left/right); Record start/stop (the centre button).
Connectors include HDMI out (Mini), AV out, and USB 2.0/1.1.
The unit charges via USB connection, so it automatically charges up whenever it’s connected in order to transfer videos and pics to a PC.
USB Cable, AV Cable, Hand Strap and PC Software are provided with the unit.
Key Features Summary
The key features of the JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 HD camera are:
- Stylish Pocket-Fitting Design in Choice of 3 Colours
- “Menu-less” Simple & Easy Operation
- Direct Sending to iTunes/YouTube (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 .MOV file)
- Image Stabiliser
- 8 Megapixel Still Image Recording
- 1080P/30fps HD Video Recording
- 4x Digital Zoom
- Convenient USB Battery Charging
- HDMI and AV Output Terminal
- SD/SDHC Memory Card Compatible (up to 32GB)
- 2″ Colour LCD
UK Availability
The JVC PICSIO GZ-FM1 HD Video Camera is available now.
Review by Colin Barrett. Additional information and images by JVC UK. Used by permission. For more information see: www.jvc.co.uk
