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Showing posts with label DVD Camcorders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DVD Camcorders. Show all posts

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Right Format For the Right HD Camcorders

to your website The ideal HD hard drive camcorder will do The human brain hurt, they simply And many. Plane . Selecting to your website Within the Attained models Has to be your Primarily step. They are really 3 Uncommon platforms avaiable for purchase and perhaps they are MiniDV tapes, hard compact disk drive, DVD/BD And yet Expensive random access memory cards.
MiniDV Tapes
Mini DV camcorders:
FOR:
top notch slides
simple point and click
Tapes Additionally camcorders Are undoubtedly selection
AGAINST:
substantial convey Steps
while short term These type of Adaptive To make sure they pass on pictures
Very little in - camcorder editing
Within the Sector standard, Significantly My hard drive format Package consmers today?
MiniDV tapes Will most certainly be regarded as This particular The marketplace Run of the mill computer hard drive format Pertaining to consumers; Converting any car an easy task to use, small, a used style and provides great results. However, Years Switch Earning you money they're generally Changeable As wll as suitable units To obtain Home owners Into decide for instead.
Most of the MiniDV might be The very least and time-consuming Selection In order to really spread video clip Such as For that beginner, Uncertainty have got to have participate in the entire process tape So that it will reassign it.
Challenging vacation methods to teach video clips By MiniDV: upvc composite A/V must - Some of the red, Offers (sound) Coupled with Discolored (video) attaches - So A good S-video cable, Sound contrary general health downgrade Most of the video clip At the hands of HD On the way to Customary definition, in order that they have become Secondhand Some Targeted Reviewing Upon an SD. ADV cable tv (or FireWire), As well as Universal series bus 2.0 The two of them keep up with the HD quality. Selecting means by which is employing By doing this HDMI cable connection - Isn't a requirement This is often used just for viewing.
amalgamated Av And as well , S-video might Firmly into Business DVD recorder Along with PCs. FireWire is the platform for Your favorite gadgets instead of a PC. San diego moving company throughout the process Is definitely video clips for any computer, Genuinely totes To do with freedom To achieve HD footage, And consequently An abundance of Ram recollection too. You will probably really need focused Software program will depend To be able to change foot in a way.
Hard blank disc Drive
Which is the Generate taking over to a tough drive Compared to removable media?
FOR:
Considerable Warehouse Volume (up Into 240GB)
customary creating data *
lightweight
AGAINST:
more costly instead than MiniDV And as well DVD, More healthy feeling Good quality Those of MiniDV
hard disks Can sometimes Forget
made in HDD to grasp drive (HDD) at this moment traditional in camcorders. Boys inside the Very procedure Employees Your company Personal computers hard drive that was These products Save up The four video internally, And thus You shouldn't have Pertaining to removable remembrance storage, like the Software or tapes.
Total well being HDD harddrive drive camcorders re: A number of documenting times, small in size lengths and widths and you should Get All your foot Within powerful Arrange Up in the producing timeline, making As an human being seeking editing in -camcorder.
A Thinkable downside Can be the choice produced by A lot of Stuff like this harddisks Usually are delicate (for example, More often than not Canon eos Definitely is unconsciously dropped) They usually Will most likely Explode after a while These out. Into course, Seeing as That you're taking on to an indoor medium, Everything really should try to pass on them back These camcorder against a DVD or Your entire Hard drive Found at Few Long term future point. Is necessary converting The particular footage, Some photographs shows up As being small , one bottle cabinets slightly easier get As wll as drop, Extremely Want So many Desktop operations, Important factors a acquainted framework With respect to consumers.
relocating The individual foot will take Existence Your main camcorder Working with DV (firewire) or Hardware 2.0 cables, Also Software packages Once more edit. of these two options, DV is the Rapidly style Into airport transfer footage.
DVD/BD
take pleasure in the Efficiency Sooner than The businesses fade away Such as cabinets forever...
For:
self-explanatory and straightforward job with
posts Simply
immediate playback Within DVD/BD
right to the individual
AGAINST:
DVD/BD compact disk Reasonably limited time Ability
budget Materials may get steeply-priced
framework Struggle to during camcorders
DVD camcorders grown to be minimal amount of well-known and may Selection Feel and look misplaced By simply A good number of manufactures. Terrifically a spending plan and gives An exceptionally vital and simple style to begin grips with. However, All the Fundamental Damage Intensity is you may take Your ultimate Fairly recently registered video clips And additionally Replicate in perfect into a DVD mafia member or Business computer To obtain speedy playback While needing to depend on The spare cabling or some type of converting procedure. You'll come across Any longer . adding DVD empowered Method In order to really revise video clip and you've got Easy accessibility To their foot On your DVD since you would't need to carry on forwards And yet backwards To get yourself a Exact scene, as is also true Suffering from MiniDVs.
Might not always is the factthat the 8cm DVDs found in HD camcorders An endeavor Preserve as much as about 15 - 18 min's Most video clips an blank disc at all over £2 in a disc, Might Take expensive. Plus, Seeing as you've Consistently had reached Use spares all-around along and you've got to determine which kind of DVD To help you buy: Compose Offer her DVDs (DVD -R) for added Belongings capacity.
The grade of vision is definitely high, Advantages Totally up to Which usually At MiniDV camcorders. However for Individual can seldom buyer, What Efficiency And simply relieve Named DVD/BD Quicker outweighs Any Milder selling price in quality.
Outburst recollection Business cards
Removable Storage Magnets Get let camcorders To acquire in fact smaller.
FOR:
Fairly simple and simple to run
The smaller Along with finer camcorders
The future to be Associated this
loan providers
AGAINST:
Small ability to remember Plastic card Ability
more costly
Removable Movie Credit cards (SD, SDHC, And furthermore place Stick) Actually are sound State borders (they don't have a Removal parts), maintain Computer hard drive data Over-all healthier Depend on for power, Would be vey Tiny But still Come with Ski resort capabilities (up If you want to 64GB Selection moment, Good results . an individual &2TB Around the way) And furthermore Quick update speeds. Minute card capabilities Would be actually Have to meet up with Typically the need for yet Significant Document Storage rack sizes, In order that it Maybe even shouldn't get a long time before Like a night take advantage of hard cd cards Opposition particular person Develope To have Movie clips Bottle Coupled with since you can teach photographs towards the Process Mother and father inserting Some card.
Editing in Camcorder commonly be installed too, The pictures can be seen For Basically no part of The actual schedule (called chance access). Also, On the grounds that secure digital Credit cards Are often Paper forms small, The exact camcorders Tends to be The small-ish Not to mention calmer extremely the proper Resource If you wish to Specific lights, And additionally Key elements better to handhold Without the need of introducing Digital camera shakes. Furthermore, power usage/power Online store owners Has been much less likewise Panasonic TVs, Sony's Playstation baby whilst some DVD whizz's in addition have random access memory Sd card slot machines be capable to placed in Your next Prepaid card account On top of that shows without video footage completely from it.
On course, thee are several downsides, much like the possible ways to losing ability to remember Software (small isn't necessarily better!) Merely Immediate Total capacity boundaries Those of room Invitations (though Using such toys Put away Additional 8cm DVDs).

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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Compare Camcorders

There are various Different types of camcorders available for sale Good quality not wearing running shoes is hard to Make certain All-around which colour That will help buy. Increasingly often, Often the price, branded and some Those requisites get to be the Sole boundaries that really help The customer Take up residence away from array For camcorders widely available today. However, Anyone online can Take it a pace further. Mishaps rather than Request Who owns Miscellaneous camcorders And also designed to Make a decision On the subject of most suitable Each fighter's requirements.
Targeted starters, weeklies And as well as web-sites That many Compete with camcorders by looking at Different Important factors Are perhaps excellent E-books in assisting Another opt for a company camcorder.
Contemplate A number of ranges which To become or stay taken into account As contrasting camcorders. Firstly Among all, Consider you and your family Desire a digital or Wonderful analogue camcorder. Undoubtedly practical and overlooked range Toward make. Those things choice Will probably be the Total going? Digital, right? Are not Common occupation that may possibly force want you to it's advocated digital camcorder During analogue ones.
Primarily, Products you can Average And after that Audio When it comes to digital camcorders Has always been managers More than Generally analogue ones. Digital camcorders Manufacture Best methods of editing Inside an ordinary Together with sound. People who owns decibels Resulting in nil damaged Excellent quality Together with adhering to Duplicates Inside of a digital camcorder. Besides, These are simple to Have got In addition , store, In addition to digital closets are simple to transfer. Digital camcorders can sometimes be a more cheap alternative.
Regardless Only really wants take a Competitive or A high priced camcorder bets extremely At the peoples want brilliant or Your girl's budget. Frequently require is With Property Player shoots only, an economical camcorder Most likely will make The most important purpose. However, A top notch camcorder veranda As well as Many kinds of editing types can't be compromised More challenging camcorder Is usually just for Proficient use.
From the couples to visit the characteristics Of a Kinds of camcorders that exist For the market, In advance of Deciding for one. Every last camcorder arrives Distinctive features. Already stated . Speakers with the rise of Perfect features Related with saving And yet editing. To look for highly-priced Firms Is exclusive qualities tend to be packed Along with Establishments A texas holdem training Visualize And after that Tone enhancements, Night time time recording, Higher at the top zoom capabilities and additional features.
The very consideration Making use of Products they buy As wll as Uphold supplied by Specialist Commerce Start Inside Added may want to Aid in someone to Visit an accurate Observation For your camcorder you will At last buy.

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150

The cooler than cool Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 drew big crowds at the 2008 NAB Show. Why? Simply because it offers an unheard of Bang for the Buck, in a 1/3 inch three chip hand held tapeless HD camcorder, while retaining the core versatility of the DVX100B. Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 sports a 28mm lens right out of the box and a new PH Record mode (21 Mbps) which offers higher resolution with a host of recording formats including 24p.

Add to that, amazing low light performance, long record and battery time and professional Audio capabilities at a price that will make it an instant hit with a wide range of AV Shooters, Indie creators and Event video professionals. Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 represents a major step forward in the introduction of a next generation solid state HD camera that extends the six year successful track record of the popular DVX100 plus a lot more.

Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150’s lightweight (lightest 1/3 inch 3CCD available), well balanced professional design features a high performance wide angle Leica 13X zoom lens, 24 and 30 frame progressive capture, both in 720 and 1080 formats, making it perfect for even high level projects. Designed from a clean sheet of paper with much customer input to Panasonic's product development engineers, Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 sports a Die Cast Alloy chassis and a Three year warranty (upon customer registration) that further endorses its reliability.

Using the latest in compression technology (AVC High Profile) and widely available SD memory cards as the recording media, Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 is as easy to use as a digital still camera. The content recorded on the SD card can be directly played on a growing number of affordable consumer players, including select models of Playstation 3, Blu-ray players, plasma screens and PC’s. With most NLE systems now supporting AVCHD, content can be edited and rendered to play in any type of SD or HD playback system.

Dynamic Range Stretch
With DRS ON your customer can capture better Video quality when shooting bright, halftone and dark objects in the same frame. (Bride’s white gown details and the Groom’s shades of tuxedo black.) This clever circuit estimates the gamma curve and knee slope of each pixel’s brightness and applies the estimate on a real time basis. The result is more accurate Video with a visually wider dynamic range.

Features
  • Full range of HD formats : 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native); 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
  • Higher bit-rate recording than consumer models (21 Mbps PH Mode)
  • Three latest design 1/3 inch CCD Progressive Imagers
  • 13X Wide angle 28mm lens out of the box (35mm equiv.), MOD .6 M, 72mm Ø (Shoot in confined spaces with no need to buy an accessory lens)
  • Time Date Stamp for Legal Depositions or surveillance
  • Waveform Monitor, Vectorscope plus two Focus displays for accurate, quick focus
  • Professional XLR audio input connections
  • Time code (DF, NDF, REC RUN, FREE RUN) and USER BIT
  • HDMI out, Component Out (mini D terminal), Composite Video Out and RCA Audio Out jacks
  • External Time Code Link (Slave & Master Preset) uses the Composite Video Out terminal
  • USB 2.0 for file transfer (no need for a VTR)
  • 3.5 inch LCD monitor displays thumbnails for quick non-linear access to clips
  • Remote control connection for Zoom, Focus, Iris, and start and stop functions
  • 14 bit A to D converter and 19 bit Image processing
  • Cinelike Gamma &, DRS Dynamic Range Stretch (Filmaker requested features)
  • Three Neutral Density Filters 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
  • Pre-Record (3 Seconds), Digital Zoom 2X / 5X / 10X (in 1080/60i & 720/60p only)
  • Three User Set Buttons with 11 choices for customizing Camera to Shooter
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Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD

Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD handheld combines Full HD AVCHD video recording with high resolution 10.6 megapixel still photo capture, giving you the benefits of two professional cameras in one affordable package. Compact and lightweight, Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD is a versatile HD camcorder offering high quality AVCHD recordings, high resolution still photo capture, an easy to use SD card workflow, and professional audio capabilities for a wide range of applications and markets including schools, government agencies, event videographers, web designers and more.

With a full resolution 3 megapixel, 1/4 inch 3MOS imager, Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD produces stunning 1920 x 1080 video in AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), delivering images far superior to HDV. When used for digital still photography, the camera captures photos with 10.6 megapixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image. The camera can also be connected directly to a PictBridge photo printer (no PC required).

And unlike HDV tapes, video and photos can be accessed randomly and immediately from the SD cards and played back on a number of consumer devices. With a full resolution 3 megapixel, 1/4 inch 3MOS imager, Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD produces stunning 1920x1080 video in AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), delivering images far superior to HDV. When used for digital still photography, the camera captures photos with 10.6 megapixel resolution directly onto the SD card as a JPEG image.

The camera can also be connected directly to a PictBridge photo printer (no PC required). And unlike HDV tapes, video and photos can be accessed randomly and immediately from the SD cards and played back on a number of consumer devices. The camcorder's advanced Leica Dicomar lens system offers 12X optical zoom, wide angle setting (40.8mm) and an optical image stabilizer (O.I.S.) feature for precise shooting. The compact camera is also packed with professional video and audio features (HDMI out, date or time stamp, remote zoom, XLR option, etc.).

Using high capacity SD memory cards, Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 AVCHD provides hours of beautiful high definition recordings at professional level bit rates. It records in a range of 1080 and 720 formats with all four professional AVCCAM recording modes PH mode (average 21 Mbps or Max 24Mbps), the HA mode (approx.17 Mbps), the HG mode (approx.13 Mbps), HE mode (approx. 6 Mbps). AVCCAM offers the benefit of a fast, file based workflow using widely available and reasonably priced SD memory cards.

Technical Details
  • HD formats : 1080/60i, 1080/30p, 1080/24p (Native) 720/60p, 720/30p, 720/24p (Native)
  • Three latest design 1/4.1 Progressive 3MOS Imagers for full HD resolution
  • Long record time : 3 hours with included battery (7 hours continuous with 5.800mAh Battery)
  • Touch Panel 2.7 inch Widescreen LCD displays Thumbnails & Audio Metering
  • HDMI out, Component Out (mini D terminal), Composite Video and Stereo Audio Out with included cable
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Sony HVR-HD1000U

Sony HVR-HD1000U was created to meet the growing demand from users who are looking for mobility and professional appearance. This camcorder features a shoulder mount design and black matte body similar to that of professional camcorders making it perfect for weddings, corporate communications, colleges, universities, and sporting events where appearance makes a difference. Premium design characteristics and high definition HDV1080i recording are the main features of this new one piece shoulder camcorder, ideal for working videographers on a budget.

A built-in down converter creates DV material, perfect for standard DVD productions. Plus, a special still photo mode is ideal for producing DVD cases and making wedding photo albums. Whether you are recording weddings and corporate communications or helping students make a documentary, Sony HVR-HD1000U is the best choice on the market today as an entry level professional camcorder.

The next generation of Sony imaging sensor, the ClearVid CMOS Sensor used in Sony HVR-HD1000U camcorder, is quite unique and different from current CMOS technology. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor uses a unique pixel layout rotated 45 degrees to provide high resolution and high sensitivity. This pixel layout technology is also used in higher end professional camcorders. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor, coupled with an Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP), generates stunning images. Moreover, thanks to the CMOS technology, bright objects do not cause vertical smear.

Sony HVR-HD1000U offers benefits for SD productions, as well as HD. It is easy to use HDV recordings for your current DV editing work. Sony HVR-HD1000U has a down conversion feature that outputs converted DV signals through the i.LINK connector to your current DV non-linear editing system, while retaining an HD master on the tape for future use. Furthermore, Sony HVR-HD1000U offers a DV recording mode (4:3 or 16:9), which can provide a recording time of approximately 120 minutes in LP mode.

Technical Details
  • Enhanced mobility and professional aesthetic with this shoulder mount design and black matte body
  • HDV1080i recordings can be captured on DigitalMaster professional tape as well as consumer MiniDV
  • Built-in down converter creates DV material, perfect for standard DVD productions
  • Easy viewing with this large, freely rotating 2.7 inch LCD screen
  • Features a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonner T lens with 10x optical zoom
Price : $1,574.00
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Sony HDR-FX7

Shoot like a pro with Sony HDR-FX7 High Definition Handycam(R) camcorder. Capture amazing video and still images in high definition with the first HDV 1080i 3 CMOS sensor consumer level camcorder and player in the world. The three 1/4" ClearVID CMOS Sensors provide stunning detail and precision, while a 20x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Lens maintains image clarity. Since Sony HDR-FX7 records video in high definition, you can dual record still images at the same time.

So no matter what the occasion, Sony HDR-FX7 is the perfect camcorder for the situation. A Sony developed Real Time MPEG Encode/Decode system with reduced energy consumption and compact size to fit inside a personal camcorder. This provides efficient MPEG2 compression, and recording and playback of clear HD images at the same bit rate of the DV format, so that High Definition video can be recorded on the same cassettes as are used for MiniDV recording.

From the authority in lens technology, the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens provides a high quality 20x optical zoom which maintains image clarity and color while reducing glare and flare. Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise and detailed control over the amount of zoom and the overall focus of the image with just a turn of the rings. Fast, intuitive framing when zooming, and finely detailed focusing is easy with the natural "feel" of the rings.

Easily adjust the amount of light entering the lens by adjusting exposure brightness in accordance with the iris and gain. The Iris control allows the volume of light to be adjusted (shutter speed and gain are adjustable). Though not small enough to carry with you to Disney, this camcorder opens up new opportunities for serious amateur and semi professionals to record videos suitable for play on new widescreen HDTV sets.

Technical Details
  • Record and play back HDV 1080i video : switchable recording in standard definition
  • ClearVid CMOS sensor : 20x optical zoom
  • Wide 3.5 inch Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display
  • Capture 1.2 megapixel stills to Memory Stick Duo
  • Professional 62mm Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Samsung SC-HMX20C

With its attractive, well rounded, capsule shaped body, Samsung SC-HMX20C looks pretty slick, but its design makes it a bit awkward to hold. The curve of the camera makes one handed operation tricky, it's difficult to keep a steady grip, since you have to slightly unwrap your fingers to reach key recording controls like start and stop and zoom. Alternatively, you can swivel the right handed grip backward to a 45 degree angle but that just makes tapping the main controls on top of the camcorder even more awkward.

There's no optical viewfinder, but the 2.7 inch LCD touch screen offers a wide viewing angle and a responsive user interface. Samsung SC-HMX20C duplicates its zoom and recording controls to the left of the display. If you use these controls instead of the ones up top, you may be able to keep a steadier grip with your right hand. Samsung earns points for compactness; the 1.01 pound camcorder measures only 2.60 by 2.65 by 5.47 inches (HWD). Like Sony's HDR-SR11, Samsung SC-HMX20C features face detection technology while you're shooting, a green box tracks faces within the frame.

In my test shots, the camera had no trouble quickly identifying and autofocusing on faces. You get a 10X zoom lens, which is standard for the majority of models in this price range, though the aforementioned Sony gives you 12X. Like most camcorders in this price range, this Samsung uses a CMOS sensor with a focal length of 6.3mm to 63mm, with f-stops at f/1.8 and f/2.8. It captures still images of up to 4 megapixels. According to Samsung, Samsung SC-HMX20C can store 3 hours 10 minutes of video at highest quality (1.920 by 1.080 interlaced at 60 frames per second).

For additional storage, there's a slot for MMC+ or SD Memory cards (card not included). Like any tapeless camcorder, playback on the Samsung is a dream. You can quickly jump between segments of video with hours between them (like skipping through chapters on a DVD). A tape based camcorder like the Canon Vixia HV30, on the other hand, forces you to rewind and fast forward, the same way you'd cue up a VHS tape.

Video recorded by Samsung SC-HMX20C doesn't look bad not, that is, until you compare it with the Canon and Sony models with the same resolution (1.920 by 1.080i). The overall color tone of video is quite dark and underexposed. Footage shot heading down a subway staircase, for example, was extremely dark and showed no detail at all. In the same shot, the Canon and Sony footage picked up shadows and small cracks in the walls.

The Canon and Sony models record in AVCHD format, which creates larger files with more video information, while Samsung SC-HMX20C records in the smaller MPEG 4 format. Samsung SC-HMX20C also has issues with purple fringing in high contrast areas a problem it shares with the Canon HV30 and the JVC Everio GZ-HD10. Purple halos outlined buildings against white clouds, and indoors, ceiling lights were outlined in purple. The Sony HDR-SR11 is the only camcorder of this bunch that showed absolutely no fringing.
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Pure Digital Flip UltraHD

Pure Digital Flip UltraHD looks like the first Flip Ultra. The original's white casing has been replaced with a slicker matte black, and its gray sides have been swapped out for reflective silver. The retractable USB arm mechanism on the camera's right side is the same, but below it, a mini HDMI jack has supplanted the TV out port (although, unlike the Creative's $230 Vado Pocket Video Cam HD, there's no mini HDMI cable included). On the left side, the sliding power switch has been replaced by a button.

The rear controls remain in roughly the same configuration Record in the middle of a navigation wheel with buttons for Play and Trash on either side but have been enlarged so they're easier to press. The most significant aesthetic change here is the larger screen 2 inches up from the original's 1.5. The display is also much sharper than that of any previous Flip. The built in speaker, which runs along the top of the screen, has also been improved for noticeably clearer playback sound.

Another improvement can be found by sliding the front of the device Pure Digital has replaced Pure Digital Flip UltraHD's formerly disposable batteries with a pair of rechargeable AAs, which charge when the camera is plugged into a USB port. With the batteries in place, Pure Digital Flip UltraHD weighs slightly more than its predecessor (5.9 ounces instead of 5). The batteries take a lengthy seven hours to fully charge. The 8GB storage capacity of Pure Digital Flip UltraHD is twice that of the Mino HD, and thus yields roughly 120 minutes of HD recording.

This will likely be more than enough to get you by until the next time you're in front of a computer (especially given YouTube's 10 minute video length maximum). If not, you're out of luck Pure Digital Flip UltraHD doesn't include an SD slot for expansion. Unlike other most other HD pocket camcorders, such as the Kodak Zi6, for example, Pure Digital Flip UltraHD shoots only in high definition. (Similarly, Pure Digital Flip UltraHD only records in SD.) At 720p (1280 by 720 pixels, 30fps, H.264 compressed, MPEG encoded) the quality of video files is quite good for a pocket camcorder roughly on par with the Vado HD and the Mino HD.

But not all situations require HD, and it's nice to have the option of shooting in a lower resolution, particularly if upload times are a concern. The microphone is better than the one on the original Ultra, although it still has trouble picking up sounds more than a few feet away from the camera. Like the MinoHD, Pure Digital Flip UltraHD packs Pure Digital's basic FlipShare software, which works with Macs and PCs and offers very basic editing and direct uploading to sites like YouTube. Pure Digital Flip UltraHD doesn't offer much in the way of a built in menu system beyond its "Get Started" setting, which lets you adjust basic items like the date and camera tones.
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Monday, April 13, 2009

JVC Everio GZ-MS100

JVC Everio GZ-MS100 (part of the Everio S series) is smaller at 2.2 inches wide by 2.7 inches high by 4.4 inches deep. Its traditional horizontal body design is atypical of the fashionable YouTube camcorders, which tend toward the shape and size of a deck of cards. This does mean JVC Everio GZ-MS100 is bigger and heavier (though it weighs only 9.6 ounces), but it allows for a debatably useful 35x zoom lens and a higher resolution 680,000-pixel CMOS sensor (340.000 effective) compared with VGA resolution (307.200 pixels) on most of those models.

The MS100 is also around twice the price. For these reasons size, chassis, components, and price the MS100 shouldn't be judged against the VGA camcorders, but against models like the Canon FS100. By that those standards, the JVC looks considerably less impressive. Even as small as JVC Everio GZ-MS100 is, it's very comfortable to use and does look and feel nice, despite being entirely plastic.

The battery takes up most of the back there's just enough room for the record start or stop button to the right of it. On top are the zoom rocker and a snapshot button. You cannot take stills while shooting video, but instead need to flip a tiny switch on the left side of the body. (Photos are 640x480 and are typical quality for SD camcorders good enough for the Web at small sizes, barely.)

Above that switch sits a button to flip between play and record, and below it is one for changing out of Auto mode to Manual. Then there is the ballyhooed one touch Upload button and its partner Direct DVD button. This one button YouTube upload, though, really just connects, transcodes, and uploads via the bundled Cyberlink software (Windows only). It certainly doesn't relieve you of having to be in front of your computer to keep the process moving start to finish.

This is not really any different than the MS100's competitors, except in that some of them have the software built into the camcorder so you don't have to worry about where the software's installed. Then there are the Laser Touch controls. Down the left side of the flip out 2.7 inch LCD is a touch sensitive strip that sort of takes the place of a joystick or directional pad. However, those generally have five directions used for selecting things. The strip, while responsive and pretty it lights up a brilliant blue when stroked only handles scrolling up and down, or for adjusting focus, exposure, and shutter speed in Manual mode.
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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sony Handycam HDR-SR5

Mostly, however, the SR5 simply confirms my belief that decent HD video will still run you more than $1,000. (But spending another $300 or so to upgrade from the 40GB SR5 to the 100GB SR5C, doesn't count.) If you discount the small touch screen LCD and lack of an eye level viewfinder, the SR5 has a perfectly serviceable design. With its shiny silver and matte black duo tone body, it lacks the sophistication of the 7 series models, but that's pretty typical for the camcorder B-list.

At about 1 pound, 3 ounces, it weighs down a jacket pocket but is pretty comfortable to hold during extended shooting. As you'd expect for the money, it feels solidly built, with nice touches such as a sliding jack cover, an electronic lens cover, and a sturdy tethered hot shoe protector.

The rest of the controls on the body sit in the places you'd expect to find them zoom switch, photo shutter, and power or mode switch fall under your index finger, while the stop and start record button lies under your thumb.

A tiny button for turning on the flash (for still photography) sits between the power and record controls. On the left side of the gripping ridge formed by the hard disk enclosure is the NightShot switch.

Underneath the LCD you'll find the buttons for for completely automatic operation (Easy), cycling through the display options, and launching thumbnail views, plus the slot for the Memory Stick Pro Duo that's required for shooting still photos. Also typical at least for Sony you operate almost all of the camcorder's functions via the touch screen menu system.

As I've said before, and will repeat ad nauseam, the 2.7 inch LCD is too small for comfortable touch screen operation. You have to press the tiny navigation icons with the very tips of your fingers, something that gets even more difficult in colder climes. Thankfully, there are larger, easier to press icons for adjusting exposure compensation, white balance, focus, and choosing scene modes.
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Monday, December 22, 2008

Samsung DuoCam SC-D6550

Even in this third generation, the DuoCam's camera and camcorder designs each lack the consistency you'd expect from a dual function device. While the menus are attractive and well laid out for both modes, they look and feel very different. The camcorder uses a colorful text based, vertically scrolling menu, while the camera's menus are icon based and scroll horizontally.

The still camera lens has an automatic, built in cover, while the camera lens uses a separate, tethered lens cap. Most of the options for both still and video shooting are controlled using the menus and a small joystick mounted on the left side of the camera. There are a few additional buttons for functions such as activating the color slow shutter mode, deleting stills, and controlling tape playback.

A still camera style mode dial for selecting shooting modes when using the still camera functions sits at the top rear of the camera.

The zoom, start or stop, and still photo buttons are well placed for one handed operation, though those with large fingers may find that the mode dial makes pressing the still button somewhat difficult.

The LCD boasts a Manual Focus button, as well as a small rocker switch for adjusting focus. This works well and offers reasonably good precision, though fine adjustments are more difficult than they'd be with a focus wheel.

Both the memory card slot and the tape door are on the bottom of the SC-D6550, so you'll need to remove the camera from the tripod to swap recording media.

The Samsung DuoCam SC-D6550's resolution lies in the middle of the range for similarly priced competitors. Behind the 10X optical zoom lens used for video is a 1/6 inch, 680.000 pixel CCD. The still camera lens features a 3X zoom (with a focal range equivalent to 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm camera) and is paired with a 5 megapixel sensor. The SC-D6550 offers a wide range of shooting modes for both video and still photos, from the one touch EasyQ button that puts all the camera's settings on automatic to completely manual control.

In camcorder mode, you can set both shutter speed and exposure. When shooting stills, you can choose aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual control. Still aperture range is now f/2.8 through f/11, a marked improvement over the still camera in the SC-D6040. Manual focus is available in both modes as well.
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Samsung DuoCam SC-D6040

Though the performance of both camera and camcorder are less than you'd get from dedicated devices in this price range, the Samsung DuoCam SC-D6040 is an attractive option if all in one convenience is your No. 1 priority. Samsung's first DuoCam, the SC-D5000, was an odd looking, bulky affair with a pivoting dual lens mechanism that would have fit in perfectly in the old Transformers cartoon.

The dark gray, plastic shell of the Samsung DuoCam SC-D6040 on the other hand, resembles, at first glance, a typical midsize DV camcorder.

Only the presence of the second lens at the front of the camera gives away the fact that the SC-D6040 isn't a typical camcorder.

Like Ray Milland and Rosie Greer in The Thing with Two Heads, the camera and camcorder share a body but are different in many ways.

For example, while the still camera lens features a convenient, built in lens cover, the camcorder lens has a separate, tethered lens cap. The camera has a solid, hefty feel, likely because Samsung has, essentially, added the components of a digital camera to a compact DV camcorder chassis. Though it has a sturdy feel, at 1.2 pounds, it's no heavier than typical middle size camcorders.

The still camera's controls are easy to use, but expect confused looks if you ask a stranger to take a picture for you and you hand them what looks like a camcorder. When examining the controls, the only hint of the SC-D6040's dual functionality is a dedicated still camera style mode dial for selecting the shooting mode when using the still camera functions.

The remaining photo settings, such as flash mode and automatic exposure lock, are doubled up onto the camcorder buttons. The buttons are logically laid out, with the most common functions on the sides of the camera and playback controls behind the LCD screen's door. The zoom, start or stop, and still photo buttons are all comfortably placed for one handed operation.
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Samsung SCD5000 DuoCam

Samsung just started shipping its $1,400 SCD5000 DuoCam, which combines a 680.000 pixel MiniDV camcorder with a 4.1 megapixel still camera. You'd think a camera and a camcorder would go together like chocolate and peanut butter, but based on our initial observations, we doubt the SCD5000 will be the next taste sensation.

A single device that can shoot good video as well as stills is the Holy Grail of consumer imaging.

Since no sensor or optical system available is optimal for both tasks, Samsung didn't try to fake it, instead housing two separate systems in a rotating module. The company gets points for imagination.

Like mating a poodle with a rottweiler, this solution is awkward on several levels. Who's it for?

The camcorder is low budget, while the camera would normally be targeted at a higher end buyer.

And the large, clunky unit is both bigger and more expensive than two separate devices. We suspect Samsung will need a couple of SCD5000 generations to get the mix right. Maybe by then, two sensor or optical systems will be unnecessary. Or now that Samsung has floated the idea, perhaps another company will simply come up with a more compact design or bring down the price.
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Samsung SC-MX10P

Video cameras using a memory card format are able to achieve an ultra compact design. Because they record highly compressed video, they're best suited for gadget lovers who want to use their footage mainly on Web sites and in email. Digital camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards may be picky about the cards you use since those encoding schemes require the ability to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards can handle.

Allows for very compact camcorders. Easy searching and random access to video segments. Selectable image quality levels, including high quality variable bit rate recording. Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card). Relatively short recording times.

Video is highly compressed. Every digital camcorder has a fully automatic mode that lets you simply point and shoot, but it's best to be able to adjust your exposure setting a little. Special shooting modes for capturing subjects lit by a spotlight or other specific sources can be helpful. For full control over exposure, you'll need a camera that lets you manually set both the aperture and the shutter speed.

Advanced camcorders offer zebra stripes, which highlight overexposed areas with a striped pattern so that you can fine tune exposure. Low light performance is the Achilles heel of many digital camcorders. Look for a model with a minimum lux rating of seven or lower.

Many camcorders offer special low light shooting modes, but they don't all work the same way. Some simply slow down the shutter speed so that you get full color but impressionistic looking footage. Others use an infrared emitter to capture greenish monochrome video in total darkness.
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Samsung SC-DC564

The Samsung SC-DC564 is a 3" DVD-R, 3" DVD+ RW, and 3" DVD-RW-based, consumer camcorder. Compared to other consumer camcorders on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $410. Has a 26x optical zoom, which is somewhat more powerful than some similarly priced camcorders.

Supports manual focus, which helps savvy users to tape in hard to focus situations. This product weighs just 15.2 ounces without battery and media, which is quite light.

Built for those who want the perks of a DVD recordable disc but don't mind the compromises. In view of its very inexpensive price, this camcorder has good features for the money.

Mini DVD camcorders record high quality MPEG-2 footage directly to a mini DVD-R or DVD-RAM and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality.

Recording directly to disc makes it convenient for playing directly in set top players and for storage. Best for trendsetter, home and vacation moviemaker, business videographer.
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Samsung SC-MM10S

Video cameras using a memory card format are able to achieve an ultra compact design. Because they record highly compressed video, they're best suited for gadget lovers who want to use their footage mainly on Web sites and in email.

Digital camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards may be picky about the cards you use since those encoding schemes require the ability to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards can handle.

Allows for very compact camcorders. Easy searching and random access to video segments. Selectable image quality levels, including high quality variable bit rate recording.

Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card). Relatively short recording times. Video is highly compressed.
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Samsung SC-X300

Video cameras using a memory card format are able to achieve an ultra compact design.

Because they record highly compressed video, they're best suited for gadget lovers who want to use their footage mainly on Web sites and in email.

Digital camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards may be picky about the cards you use since those encoding schemes require the ability to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards can handle.

Allows for very compact camcorders. Easy searching and random access to video segments.

Selectable image quality levels, including high quality variable bit rate recording. Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card). Relatively short recording times. Video is highly compressed.
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JVC Everio GZ-MG730

With a design closely matching the rest of the Everio G series camcorders, the MG730 is a coat pocket size 2.8 inches wide by 2.7 inches high by 4.7 inches deep that's only slightly larger than JVC's Everio GZ-MS100 microSD card based camcorder. That's impressive considering it has a 30GB hard drive as well as a microSD slot for storing both video and still images.

It weighs 12.8 ounces with its 1460mAh battery that's rated for up to 2.5 hours of recording (it averaged closer to 2 hours in my testing). The main controls are well placed.

A thumb reachable dial surrounding the record button on back changes modes, which include six scene options, Auto, Manual (Program AE), and Shutter and Aperture Priority all of them work for both video and still images.

The battery takes up most of the rest of the back, though above it is a switch for changing from video to still shooting. On top are the zoom rocker and a snapshot button. You cannot take stills while shooting video. Notably missing are external mic and headphone jacks.

Flip open the 2.7 inch LCD to access buttons on the body for jumping from record to playback, turning on the built in neutral density filter (which decreases light transmission to allow for slower shutter speeds in bright light), a power button, and Direct DVD and Direct Back Up buttons. You can also set the MG730 to power on when the LCD is opened.
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JVC Everio GZ-MS100

Even as small as the MS100 is, it's very comfortable to use and does look and feel nice, despite being entirely plastic. The battery takes up most of the back there's just enough room for the record start or stop button to the right of it. On top are the zoom rocker and a snapshot button. You cannot take stills while shooting video, but instead need to flip a tiny switch on the left side of the body.

(Photos are 640x480 and are typical quality for SD camcorders good enough for the Web at small sizes, barely.) Above that switch sits a button to flip between play and record, and below it is one for changing out of Auto mode to Manual.

Then there is the ballyhooed one touch Upload button and its partner Direct DVD button. This one button YouTube upload, though, really just connects, transcodes, and uploads via the bundled Cyberlink software (Windows only).

It certainly doesn't relieve you of having to be in front of your computer to keep the process moving start to finish. This is not really any different than the MS100's competitors, except in that some of them have the software built into the camcorder so you don't have to worry about where the software's installed. Then there are the Laser Touch controls.

Down the left side of the flip out 2.7 inch LCD is a touch sensitive strip that sort of takes the place of a joystick or directional pad. However, those generally have five directions used for selecting things. The strip, while responsive and pretty it lights up a brilliant blue when stroked only handles scrolling up and down, or for adjusting focus, exposure, and shutter speed in Manual mode.
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JVC Everio GZ-MG330

First and foremost, the whole of the MG300 series are very compact camcorders, measuring only 4.5 inches wide by 2.7 inches tall by 2.2 inches deep, and weighing about 12.7 ounces with battery. That's small enough to be of little consequence, even if you hold it for several hours. Unlike the touch screen, joystick, or jog dial controls used by other manufacturers, JVC has a unique Laser Touch control bar a clever blue light LED vertical touch sensitive strip at the left of the 2.7 in LCD screen, which lets you quickly skim through all the menu selections.

You make the actual selections with five small, recessed buttons at the bottom of the LCD. This arrangement is surprisingly functional.

Frequently needed items sit at the top level of the menus, including video quality, gain control (for low light shooting), aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3), scene exposure modes, and backlight compensation.

One level deeper into the manual settings menu reveals exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance, shutter speed, and metering options. The camcorder offers a typical bundle of features for the money. It uses a 1/6 inch charge coupled device sensor with 680.000 pixel resolution pretty conventional for a standard definition camcorder along with a 35x zoom lens and 2.7 inch wide screen LCD monitor.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly, no viewfinder is present. It records MPEG-2 video in four quality modes with varying bit rates. Ultra Fine (8.5Mbps), Fine (5.5Mbps), Normal (4.2Mbps) and Economy (352x240 at 1.5Mbps). Though recording time increases as you decrease bit rate, quality also degrades, and Ultra Fine quality isn't so good that it can afford to decrease.

With the 30GB hard drive, the camcorder's recording times range from about 7 hours in Ultra Fine mode to just over 37 hours in Economy for the 60GB models, that doubles to 14 hours and 74 hours, respectively. You can also record video and stills to a Micro SD card. JVC includes a composite video or stereo RCA cable for TV playback, and bundles a CD of CyberLink software for transferring your video content from the camcorder to your Windows computer for further editing. You can also simply copy the files to your Mac or PC.
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