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Posts tagged video
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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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.
Canon 1080p EOS 550D unveiled
Feb 9th
With its 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and 1080P full high definition video capability, the new Canon EOS 550D DSLR is already grabbing the attention of HD video-makers as well as stills snappers.
Canon EOS 550D with Flash and fitted with EF-S 18-55mm Lens
There’s no doubt that the new generation of DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras are making further inroads into the HD video camcorder market.
By providing users with the options of shooting full specification 1080P progressive scan high definition HD video as well as professional-standard stills, users now only need one device when shooting.
The new 550D, we’re informed, incorporates technologies and features more commonly found in semi-pro DSLRs into the kind of compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers.
Advanced image processing and fast optical performance
Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also designed to produce smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours that will result in high quality prints and on-screen display.
Up front in the optical department, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps) and will undoubtedly provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.
Canon EOS-550D's 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen
Meanwhile, Canon continues to filter its new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges.
The EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images.
In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.
EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology which the company claims “sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality”. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920x1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.
Bigger buttons, more intuitive design
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.
View from the rear: Canon EOS-550D DSLR
Connectivity
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting high resolution pictures and video is of course just the first step.
Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.
For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption.
Amazon is now taking orders for this camera
Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slim line infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY for free online storage of media
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Canon EOS-550D showing upper-rear controls
Main features summary of the Canon EOS 550D DSLR
Here’s our at-a-glance summary of the main features of the new camera as supplied to us by Canon UK:
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
- Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
- Select maximum value for Auto ISO
- External Microphone socket
- Movie crop function
- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
UK / Europe Pricing and Availability
- The EOS 550D body only is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £799.99.00 / €899.00 RRP inc. VAT.
- The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £899.99.00 / €999.00 RRP inc. VAT.
- The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £1,099.99.00 / €1,249.00 RRP inc. VAT.
- The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS & EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS double lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £1,199.99.00 / €1,349.00 RRP inc. VAT.
- The BG-E8 battery grip for the EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £159.99.00 / €179.00 RRP inc. VAT.
- The LP-E8 battery pack for the the EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £49.99.00 / €49.99 RRP inc. VAT.
- The RC-06 remote price is TBA.
Original Source: Canon UK Press Release 8th February 2010. Additional content by Colin Barrett.
New: Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
Jan 26th
Corel Corporation has announced the latest in a long and established line of consumer video editing software. VideoStudio Pro X3 promises a streamlined interface and new features.
Corel’s new VideoStudio Pro X3 video editing software promises to combine video editing, media authoring, real-time effects and DVD and Blu-ray burning in addition to a newer, simplified and streamlined display workspace.
What’s more, it’s claimed by Corel to perform many common tasks more than twice as fast as the previous version with optimization for new, high-powered chipsets including the Intel Core i7.
The software also offers multi-core and GPU parallel processing with support for new technology including NVIDIA CUDA as a means of enhancing performance and end-to-end production workflow.
Product highlights
According to Corel, the highlights of VideoStudio Pro X3 are numerous, and include the following:
- Enhanced Support for Multi-core processors: Users can now experience a significant suite-wide performance boost as Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 takes advantage of new multi-core processors including the Intel Core i7.
- General Purpose GPU Acceleration: New GPU acceleration adds speed improvements across the application, delivering new Corel FX effects, 3D transitions, Trim and Multi-trim in real time. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 dramatically accelerates render times for video editing, transcoding and effects.
- Enhanced Smart Proxy editing: Now leveraging both GPU and CPU acceleration, HD content can be edited as easily and smoothly as standard definition — even on midrange PCs.
- Attribute and media copying: Now, modifications made to one video clip, photo, title, transition or effect can be copied to another, reducing the time it takes to create a custom, uniform look and feel in movie project elements. Users can also copy media in the Project Timeline and intuitively paste it to a new spot.
- Online sharing: In a couple of clicks, video productions can be uploaded to Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo and YouTube.
- Stunning new visual effects: Unique visual effects make it possible to turn a video segment or image into a simulated drawing, giving a realistic animated appearance to photo or videos. Users can also choose new multi-track overlay effects and enhanced title effects using new multi-layered graphics compositing tools.
- Great Audio and Custom Soundtracks: The new Mood Mapping music generator from SmartSound gives video editors the ability to experiment and control individual instruments in the available music tracks, creating a unique sound for their production. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 also now includes two additional audio tracks.
- Exceptional Content and Third-party Tools: In addition to the enhancements made throughout the application, Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 offers valuable content and features from third-parties such as NewBlue FX Filters including Detail Enhancer, Active Camera and Picture-in-Picture Animator, high-quality project templates from RevoStock, and Quicktracks from SmartSound.
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 on PC display
UK Pricing and Availability
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3, which includes Corel DVD Factory Pro, is now available at a suggested retail price (SRP) of just £79 for the full version or £59 for the upgrade.
The product can be purchased as an electronic software download (ESD), with boxed software shipping throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa in February. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 will be available globally in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Chinese Traditional and Japanese. All prices include VAT.
For more information, see: http://www.corel.com/videostudio.
Source: Corel Corporation press release. Images courtesy Corel Corporation.
