Tech Digest

Mac gets Skype 2.0 beta: free video calls beckon

Mac users are now able to catch up a little with a free download of version 2.0 (beta) of the Skype software. This adds the option of free video calling to other Skype users with a webcam, regardless of their operating system.

These one-on-one video calls can be viewed within the Skype window or in full screen mode. There's also another window so the user can see their own appearance.

Skype have always claimed that their system just works, without messing with settings and hassles with firewalls and such like. Though Apple have been pushing their own multi-chat video system through iChat AV, that's only really good for connecting multiple Mac users. Not many of my friends have Macs (shame) so having Skype with video should make it a lot easier.

Then again, I'm not sure I always want my friends to see me on video...

It needs a G4, G5 or Intel processor running at least 800MHz, and obviously a webcam, as well as the usual requirements. Hopefully beta doesn't equate with unstable - but there's always version 1.5 to fall back on if it does prove unreliable.

Skype web site

Sanyo's splash-resistant VPC-CA6 movie/still camera

For looks, I really rate the Sanyo Xacti movie/still cameras - with a retro-styling that leans heavily towards the look of the old super 8 cameras. Despite that, I'm guessing not everyone wants a device like the new VPC-CA6, which might not be enough of a camcorder and digital camera for your needs.

Saying that, it seems like a solid all-rounder. This latest model is splash-resistant, so you can use it outdoors without the worry of rain or splashing from the pool damaging your device and you're safe to use it with wet hands. It's a 6 megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom lens and a 2-inch flip-out LCD screen. It also records 30fps video in MPEG-4 format, with 640x480 resolution. Storage is to SD or SDHC memory cards - if you can get your hands on one of the new 4GB cards, that's around 4 hours of continuous video.

There's also a Digital Image Stabiliser for sharpening up images, Snow and Beach mode, which optimise settings for difficult conditions, PictBridge functionality and a Lithium-Ion battery for 60 minutes continuous recording . Available later this month, expect to pay around £300.

Product page

Sony launches HDR-FX7E High Definition camcorder

Sony has unveiled a new high definition camcorder - the HDR-FX7E - the first with Sony's 3x ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and an enhanced imaging processor, which it claims will deliver High Definition picture with an exceptional resolution, purity and natural colour reproduction.

Very much in the prosumer category, the HDR-FX7E, which features a 3.5-inch Swivel LCD screen, is 40% smaller and 25% lighter than the first-generation HDR-FX1E and features a Carl Zeiss lens with 20x optical zoom range equivalent to 37.4-748mm in a 35mm equivalent. Its HDMI interface means you can plug right into your HD-ready televisions to see your HD movies. And it can also shoot widescreen 16:9 HDV 1080i video on standard MiniDV tapes, as well as recording and playing back standard definition DV format signals.

Other features include smoother slow recording (thanks again to the new sensor system), good quality still images (1.07 megapixel resolution), extensive manual control over zoom, focus, shutter speed, white balance and gain (for the more expert out there), independent manual zoom amd focus rings and up to eight hours continuous recording time.

Available in the UK from November, a price has not yet been confirmed.

Sony website

Canon's new line of DVD camcorders: DC19, DC21, DC22

Canon have catered to the emerging high-def crowd with their new HV10 camcorder, but they've also announced 3 new regular camcorders.

The DC19, DC21 and DC22 are 2.2 megapixel DVD camcorders that can all record in true 16:9 widescreen or 4:3 mode. As the model number rises, more features are added, so the DC21 has a 10x optical zoom, and the DC22 also has an AV input to transfer content from analogue devices.

Canon already have a DC40 with 4 megapixel recording, but these mid-range offerings are aimed at "busy young families" (I don't think that's a pre-requisite for buying though)

They can handle all the usual DVD formats including dual layer discs, and also feature a SD memory card slot so that still images can be captured even whilst filming. A single-layer disc can hold up to 36 minutes of high-quality footage, or 54 minutes of standard-def footage.

As with Canon's other offerings showcased today, the DC models will be available from September.

Canon HV10: World's smallest 1080i HD camcorder

Hot on the heels of the EOS 400D SLR and new PowerShot digital still cameras comes what Canon claim is the world's smallest 1080i high-definition digital camcorder, the HV10. (If you're not up on high-def lingo, 1080i is approaching the best quality high-def pictures that current technology can produce - 1080 vertical lines but interlaced so it takes two frames each displaying 540 alternate lines to form a whole picture - pretty darn good compared to the UK's current puny 576 line standard though).

Anyway... this is a 2.96 megapixel camcorder and boasts a number of features, some more technical than others.

10x optical zoom and up to 200x digital zoom, with super range image stabiliser. A superior quality 1/2.7” CMOS sensor. DIGIC DV II image processing engine for HD. OK, the acronyms are starting to get to me - but basically this is some impressive kit aimed at the consumer market, bringing the reality of filming in true high-definition.

What else? Instant auto-focus, plus 'Focus Assist' when focussing manually, and the ability to capture still 2 megapixel photos whilst filming.

Films are shot in high-def widescreen as standard (16:9 ratio, 1920x1080 resolution) and the 2.7 inch wide LCD screen lets you see how it will look on a widescreen TV, but it's also possible to shoot in standard definition at 4:3 aspect ratio.

It uses MiniDV cassettes to store footage. I tried to provide some extra technical stuff like how it compresses and stores images, but I couldn't find that in the specs. It's likely to be MPEG-2 compression, which gives good results and more storage, but I'm not sure.

Available from September, price to be confirmed.

Canon unveils DC95 entry level DVD camcorder

Canon has launched what it describes an entry level DVD camcorder - the DC95 - which records to DVD -R/-RW discs.

It's designed to capture your adventures in widescreen, with the camcorder’s CCD capable of capture panoramic movies suited to playback on the latest widescreen TVs. Or, with a push of a button, you can swap between 16:9 and standard 4:3 shooting. In addition, the DC95 also features a 2.7-inch widescreen colour LCD screen, high power 25x optical (770x digital) zoom lens with Electronic Image Stabilisation and variable zoom speeds, Digic DV image processor for improved colour and a built-in sliding lens cover so you’ll never lose the lens cap again.

The DC95 will be available from later this month, price still to be confirmed.

Canon website

More camcorders:
Sony launches high definition HDR-UX1E and HDR-SR1E Handycam camcorders
Sony boosts Handycam range with addition of DCR-SR30E, DCR-SR50E and DCR-SR70E models

Sony launches high definition HDR-UX1E and HDR-SR1E Handycam camcorders

Sony has launched two high definition Handycam camcorders - the HDR-UX1E and HDR-SR1E - both of which can record in full 1080i HD resolution, with the HDR-UX1E using the new AVCHD format to burn high definiton images onto conventional discs.

The HDR-UX1E gives you the option of recording in HD or SD  mode. When you select HD, the AVCHD format  lets you pick between four picture quality options - 5Mbps Long Play option to the super-high quality AVCHD 12M (HQ+) setting, which captures HD video at 12Mbps. AVCHD records onto disc, with all DVD formats supported, imcluding dual layer discs. You can playback by connecting the camera to your HD-ready TV's HDMI port, using your PC along with the AVCHD disc playback software (provided) or on AVCHD-compatible Blu-ray drive, PS3 and a stand-alone Blu-ray player/recorder - when any of those things appear on the UK market.

The HDR-SR1E has a 30GB integrated hard disk and is also switchable between HD and SD modes, so you can always choose which you want. Recording modes are 5Mbps Long Play mode for a full 11 hours, the default 7Mbps setting of 8 hours and 30min , 9Mbps setting which yields 7 hours and a new super-quality 'XP' mode, with a 15Mbps bit-rate. The hard disk can hold up to 4 hours of XP-quality HD video. The SR1E also features One Touch Disc Burn - if you have been filming in SD, content will be transferred to the PC and automatically burned as a DVD; if in HD, content will be burned using AVCHD to create a AVCHD disc instead. Like the UX1E, you can playback on an HD-ready TV by plugging intyo the HDMI port or by using the  AVCHD disc in a compatible player. The SR1E also features Sony's HDD Smart Protection System -  physical shock absorbers and a 3G sensor that can detect a fall,  auto-parking the heads before impact.

Prices and release dates for both models are yet to be confirmed, we'll keep you posted.

Sony website

More Sony:
Sony boosts Handycam range with addition of DCR-SR30E, DCR-SR50E and DCR-SR70E models
Sony unveils DVDirect recorders for PC-free burning

Sony boosts Handycam range with addition of DCR-SR30E, DCR-SR50E and DCR-SR70E models

Sony has boosted its Handycam camcorder range with the addition of three new hard disk models for the European market - the DCR-SR30E, DCR-SR50E and DCR-SR70E - the first two with 30GB drives, the latter with 60GB of storage and all with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens.

The 30GB DCR-SR30E and DCR-SR50E offer recording times from 20 hours 50 minutes in Long Play mode (3 Mbps) to 10 hours 50 minutes in Standard Play (6Mbps). If you want to go with the High Quality 9Mbps mode, you should get around 7 hours and 20 minutes. The 60GB DCR-SR70E obviously offers more - from 41 hours 50 minutes Long Play to 21 hours 40 minutes Standard Play. High Quality mode on this model yields around 14 hours 40 minutes footage.

Downloading is simple for PC owners with the bundled Handycam Station. The Station connects to the PC via USB, creating a high-speed downlink which activates once the camcorder is in place. In addition, the One Touch DVD Burn button begins a completely automatic download-and-burn process. The hard disk itself is multiply protected by the Sony HDD Smart Protection System - specially designed physical shock absorbers, along with a 3G sensor that can detect the sudden acceleration of a fall and instantly auto-park its heads, preventing them or the platters from being damaged on impact.

Battery power is via Sony's Stamina battery packs. which can be boosted via the optional NP-FP90 battery. Using that should keep the SR70E and SR50E models going for 6 hours continuous recording, while the SR30E can run for up to 7 hours.

All models are scheduled for a September release - prices confirmed nearer to the release date.

Sony website

More Sony:
Sony unveils DVDirect recorders for PC-free burning
Sony trials movies on a Memory Stick

Sandisk introduces 4GB SDHC cards

Sandisk has introduced a 4GB SD High Capacity (SDHC) card. It's rated Class 2 for speed and performance and can store around than 2,000 high-resolution images, more than 1,000 digital music tracks or up to 8 hours of MPEG 4 video.

The new cards are designed for the next generation of portable devices that will demand higher storage for our ever-increasing need to carry round our entire media collection. Next generation is the key here - although they look like existing SD cards, the SDHC cards, which could eventually be available with capacities up to 32GB, will only work with devices that are SDHC compatible - which are currently very thin in the ground.

If you want one, they're avaialble now, priced around $200 (around £110).

Sandisk website

More storage:
Memorex goes retro with storage devices
Sony's Micro Vault storage range

Sony unveils DVDirect recorders for PC-free burning

For anyone struggling to transfer all your content off your digital camera or camcorder, Sony has announced two DVDirect DVD recorders, which offer a standalone method of transferring content off cards, video tapes or camcorder hard discs and onto DVD - taking the PC out of the equation.

The models unveiled by Sony are the video- and digital-photo-capable VRD-MC3 and the video-only VRD-VC30, each featuring built-in LCD control screens, multiple interfaces, along with fast real-time DVD recording. And, according to Sony, they're extremely easy to use.

The recorders work with virtually any type of camera or playback device, with various digital and analog video inputs allowing connection to tape, DVD or more recent HDD camcorders. DVDirect can also hook up to HDD-based digital video recorders (DVRs) or VHS video cassette recorders. In addition, the VRD-MC3 has reader slots for five of the most popular digital camera memory cards and connects directly with PictBridge compatible photo printers, so you can back up your camera and do some printing without using a PC. However, if you do want to connect a PC, there's a computer-attached mode, so you can "jazz up" your home movies and digital pictures using the bundled PC software applications.

If you want to get your hands on one of the DVDirect recorders, they will be available in Europe from October 2006. Prices yet to be confirmed.

Sony website

More Sony:
Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems
Sony announces Blu-ray desktop Vaio

Panasonic SDR-S150 - a camcorder to withstand the elements

Pitched as the camcorder ideally suited to the adventurous or sporty type, Panasonic's SDR-S150 records onto SD memory cards, allowing the company to trim down the video camera so it's small enough to slip into a pocket, as well as being resiliant enough to withstand everyday knocks and extreme conditions. 

The SDR-S150 uses a quality Leica Dicomar lens, which features 12 lens elements in 8 groups and low-dispersion optical glass to reduce chromatic aberration. A special multi-coating process is applied to 14 lens surfaces, minimising harmful reflections to deliver clear images free of flare and ghosting.

It also features a 3CCD camera system - the type used in most professional broadcast equipment, delivering strong colour reproduction, finer detail and richer gradation. Panasonic’s Crystal Engine image-processing circuitry processes the signal from each of the three CCDs independently, suppressing noise and enhancing the resolution. And for anyone with an unsteady hand, the Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S) offsets handshake or blurring when you're on the move.

It's also very solid - recently tested on TV "to destruction" for its resistance to moisture, vibration and heat - surviving to film the entire footage. I wouldn't do that at home though if I was you.

The Panasonic SDR-S150 is available to buy later this year - exact price and shelf date to be confirmed.

Panasonic website

More camcorders:
JVC updates camcorder range for 2006
Sony HDR-HC3E HD camcorder

Your day at Alton Towers recorded to DVD

It's nice to look back at a few photos or a video recording of a day or night out, but the hassle of taking the photos or carrying round a camcorder can be a right pain - so what would you think if someone or something spent the day recording you, then presented you with the highlights at the end of that day? That's the idea behind new technology set for Alton Towers.

YourDay Video Technologies will be working with the theme park on the YourDay in the Park system. When visitors enter Alton Towers, they will be given an RFID-enabled (Radio Frequency Identity) wristband. By wearing the band throughout the day, they will be identified and videoed by cameras on every ride. These personalised video clips will be stored and later that day, visitors will be able to pick up a personalised DVD containing 30 minutes of footage, including full-motion video footage of the day.

The system is planned to go live in April 2007, with DVDs selling for less than £20. I just hope the system isn't extended to the pubs and clubs in my area.

Alton Towers

More recording:
JVC updates its camera range for 2006
Sony HDR-HC3E HD camcorder

JVC updates camcorder range for 2006

JVC is launching a new line of Everio G Series hard disk camcorders, with increased features, including the option of direct DVD burning without the need for a PC using a JVC or other compatable DVD burner.

Three new models are being launched for 2006 - one 20GB model and two 30GB models.  Each is compact, lightweight and includes simple editing and DVD burning software. The 30GB GZ-MG77 (pictured) offers a 1/3.9-inch 2.2MP CCD using 1440x810 pixel imaging for full resolution 16:9 shooting and recording including auto stabilisation. The camera provides a bright F1.2 lens, 10X optical zoom, auto flash and up to 1632 x 1224 stills. The GZ-MG36 and GZ-MG77 models also feature a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD for real-time viewing of 16:9 aspect ratio video while shooting and all three offer 16:9 recording. All models offer PictBridge, have an SD card slot and USB compatibility and come with a remote control.

In addition, the GZ-MG77 features a built-in DVD burner control allowing it to be directly connected to the optional JVC DVD burner via USB cable, creating discs that play on most DVD players. Alternatively, when transferring to a computer, transfer speed has been significantly improved for 2006, taking approximately half as long as the original models.

No specific date or price for the new models is available as yet.

More camorders:
Sony HDR-HC3E HD camcorder
The curvy Canon DC40 camcorder

Sony HDR-HC3E HD camcorder

Sony hopes to bring high-definition video to the mainstream with the launch of its compact HDR-HC3E HD camcorder.

The HDR-HC3E features a 2.7-inch LCD screen with an anti-reflection coat to improve viewing in strong sunlight plus a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x Optical Zoom. It uses the ClearVid CMOS sensor, combining with Sony's new Enhanced Imaging Processor for high quality images with both high resolution and heightened sensitivity. You can also capture high resolution 2.3 MP still pictures even while you are shooting movie footage by saving them temporarily on the camcorder’s internal memory. And the HDR-HC3E is also HDMI ready - so you can playback movies and audio through your newly-purchased HD-ready kit.

And the good news if you're out and about is that it's also lighter and smaller, weighing 500g, which is 26 per cent lighter compared to the previous HC1.

The HDR-HC3E is heading for Europe in April. As yet, there's no price available.

Via Akihabara News

More Sony:
Hands on with the Sony Ericsson W950
Sony's new GPS systems

The curvy Canon DC40 camcorder

If you want a camcorder that does away with the hassle of transferring movies by recording it straight to a DVD, you might want to check out Canon's latest model - the CCD DC40.

The curvy DC40, shaped as such for better handling, offers widescreen video straight to DVD plus 4.29MP still photography. It also features a High Resolution 2.7” widescreen colour LCD
10x optical zoom lens and dual path processing to get the best colour reproduction for either film or still. Specific photography functions include built-in flash, Hi-Speed USB image transfer, PictBridge direct printing and one-push Print/Share button

We do this cute little thing will appear in April, we don't as yet know the price. More as we have it.

More camcorders:
Sony DCR-SR90E camcorder
Toshiba's hard disk camcorders

Sony Live 2006: Hard disk camcorder comes to UK first

Sony has also confirmed an April UK launch for its debut hard disk based camcorder the DCR-SR90 (which appears to be identical to the recently announced US model the DCR-SR100, a modle not on sale until the summer!). Set to retail for around £900 the model features a 30 Gigabyte hard drive, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar® T lens (30mm) with 10x optical / 120x digital zoom, a 2.7inch monitor and still image capture in both 4:3 and widescreen modes. The camcorder is larger than the models in rivals JVC's Everio range, which Sony explained is to accommodate a higher resolution 3 mega pixel CCD.

Sony DCR-SR90E compact HDD camcorder

There's certainly been a number of new products in the past week from Sony to compensate for a lack of PS3 activity - the latest of which is the DCR-SR90E compact HDD camcorder with 'One touch DVD Burn' for easy conversion to DVD.

The DCR-SR90E packs a Carl Zeiss®Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x Optical Zoom and 120x Digital Zoom, which minimises reflection and flare. It also features a 30GB hard drive, which offers up to 21 hours recording time with an integrated easy search function, a built-in microphone to record in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround sound, physical shock absorbers to cushion the HDD from impact and internal sensors which detect gravitational force in a fall - disconnecting the HDD write head from the hard disc. The supplied battery offers 110 minutes from a single charge, with an optional battery boosting this to 275 minutes.

Sony claims the DCR-SR90E is easy to use, with a simplified mode cutting out many of the more advanced settings and controls for beginners. It also seems easy to transfer movies too - you can use the One Touch DVD Burn to automatically create your own DVDs or PC HDD back-up to synchronise recordings with your computer. You can also edit and manually burn your movies to DVD if all that seems a little too easy!.

The Sony DCR-SR90E will be available in the UK from April 2006. As yet, we haven't had a price confirmed.

More camcorders:
CES 2006: Tosh's hard disk camcorders
Canon's Widescreen camcorders

CES 2006: Tosh's hard disk camcorders

Toshiba has become the third manufacturer, following JVC and Sony, to debut a hard disk based camcorder. Its pair of models, the 30 Gigabyte GSC-R30 ($799) and 60 Gig GSC-R60 ($999), both work in a similar way to their rivals with users shooting footage which is then stored on the hard disk. Users then transfer the video to a PC hard disk or burn it to DVD.

Just like rival models users can choose the quality of the video with Tosh claming that the 60 Gig model is capable of storing up to 55 hours of footage at its lowest level. The same model can store 13 hours of video at the highest, 9.6Mbps level. Both models feature a two mega pixel sensor, sport a 2.5inch colour screen and include an image stabilisation system. The GSC-R60 also comes with a USB and Ethernet equipped docking cradle. Both models launch in the US in February.

Canon's Widescreen camcorders

Since everything else has gone widescreen it seems only right that camcorders follow suit. Canon's gone for it in a big way, with 6 new camcorders arriving at once. The MV900 series (left) and MV890 are designed with simplicity in mind. The 900 series, which includes the MV960, MV930 and the MV901 come with  2.7” wide colour LCD screen as does the MV890. You can flick between normal mode and shooting in 16:9 widescreen and with only six buttons to use, along with the navigational joystick, and a one-push Easy Shooting mode, plus a Level Marker that helps you frame the shot, these are perfect if you just want to point and shoot. The MV900 range includes a 25x optical zoom; the MV890 has a 22x optical zoom. All cameras sport a 1/6-inch 800,000 pixel CCD, Electronic Image Stabiliser (EIS) and Five Program AE modes.

For more flexibility and a higher-resolution CCD good for HDTVs and stills, the miniDV MVX400 series gives you lots more twiddly-bits but with the same simplified controls. The MVX460 and MVX450 have 1.3-megapixel 1/5.5-inch CCDs and 20x optical zoom lenses. Still images are stored on memory card.

Check out the full specification comparison lists here (890 and 900 series) and here.

CES 2006: Sony to debut hard disk camcorder

One of the big stories from Sony's CES presentation is that JVC is no longer going to have the hard disk camcorder market to itself. Sony has unveiled the SR100 Handycam, which comes with a 30 Gigabyte hard disk. It also boasts 5.1 surround sound and is accompanied by a Bluetooth wireless mic that can act as the centre dialogue channel. Other features include a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar® T lens (30mm) with 10x optical / 120x digital zoom, 2.7inch monitor and still image capture in both 4:3 and widescreen modes. It'll be on sale in May and will retail for $1100. Sony promises to do for hard drive cams what it did for the DVD cam market. Over to you JVC. More details later today.

CES 2006: JVC adds Everio cams

As expected JVC is adding to its line up of Everio hard disk based camcorders. At CES it has announced four new models; a pair of 20 Gigabyte cams – the GZ-MG21 and GZ-MG27 and two 30 Gigabyte models – the GZ-MG37 and GZ-MG77. The big innovation for this year is that all the camcorders can be teamed up with a DVD burner for direct footage transfer even if the owner doesn’t have a PC. JVC has also upped the transfer speed too.

The top-end GZ-MG77 has a 1.9inch 2.3 mega pixel CDD, a 10x optical zoom lens and a 2.7inch monitor. The other three models have lower resolution 680k CCDs, but offer a more powerful 32x optical zoom. The 30 gig models can house between 7-37 hours of video storage with the 20 Giggers having 4.5-25 hours. All four models will be available in the US in February /March. There is however no sign of the promised HD compatible Everio. Maybe that’ll follow later in the year.

CES 2006: Sanyo first with HD SD camcorder

One of the big stories at CES this year is likely to be the explosion in the number of video cameras that can capture footage in high def. Samsung is certain to have a model and JVC has already promised a HD version of its hard disk based Everio. Whether it surfaces this week is another matter though.

Anyhow full marks to Sanyo for getting in first with a camcorder that record HD footage to a memory card (SD). Due in the US in March, with a UK launch expected in the summer, the VPC-HD1 isn't much larger than Sanyo’s standard defintion Xacti cams, yet it shoots footage at 720p at 30 frames per second using MPEG4 compression. It can also take five mega pixel still images and sports a 10x optical zoom lens. There’s no indication yet as to how much HD footage can be archived on card.  More here.

Panny’s SDR-100 Camcorder

Even a staunch camcorder cynic might admit that Panny’s latest camcorder, the tiny SDR-100, has a long list of impressive features that threatens to overshadow the fact that 99% of home videos are achingly dull. First off the device is already extremely compact for a camcorder (97mm tall) and is definitely the smallest one to use 3CCD technology. Unlike most traditional camcorders, which use standard 1CCD, the SDR-100’s 3CCD is more akin to professional equipment and this results in much better picture quality. Added to that is an Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) that is very important accessory when wielding such an undersized camera.

More camcorders
Samsung hard disk based HDTV cam
Sony's futuristic DVD camcorder

Another sensible feature is the use of SD card memory, which should prove a bit more practical than fiddling around with large amounts of complex cabling and makes transferring to and editing on a computer considerably easier. From the website it looks like it comes supplied with a 2GB card that should hold plenty of footage. Also like many more modern camcorders, the SDR-100 has the ability to take 3.1 megapixel still images as well. So what’s the catch? Probably that it costs somewhere in the region of £900; but, if you are a big home movie fan, it undoubtedly has a great combination of picture quality and compactness that is hard to match.

Sanyo reveals ultra-slim XACTI-C6 camcorder

Sanyo appears to be showboating with the new XACTI-C6 as its dimensions, weight and so on seem to defy the scale of technology packed under the hood. Weighing in at only 140g and being just 23mm thick, it claims the title of world’s most compact camcorder that achieves a Megapixel optical sensor and optical zoom. Despite the slight stature, it still manages to pack in a 2” display although it is reliant on SD card memory which could lead to limited recording times. More details as they emerge.

More camcorders
Sony’s futuristic DVD camcorder
Pentax swings its pants

Canon's prototype HD camcorder

At the Canon Expo held this week in Paris, Canon’s CEO, Fujio Mitarai confirmed something that surprised no one - that Canon is lining up a High Definition camcorder. The company even rolled out a mock-up of a future HD cam, but we probably won’t see anything as cool as this for some while.  More at HDTV UK.

Sony's new flash memory cam

Following the likes of Samsung and Sanyo, that other great manufacturer that begins with the letter S – Sony – is also bolstering its range of camcorders that record on to flash memory. Due in the stores in November, the Sony Cyber-shot M2 combines MPEG-4 recording movie mode at 30 frames per second with a  5.1 Megapixel resolution capture and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar folded-path 3x Optical Zoom lens. Apparently the camera can store up to 50 minutes of footage on its accompanying Memory Stick Duo card. Footage can be reviewed on its 2.5in Hybrid LCD screen, The camera also features a stereo microphone and the ability to playback movies in 5 second clips.

Panasonic's DVD cams

You can't accuse Panasonic of bandwagon jumping. It had a DVD camcorder long before they were fashionable. Now it has a pair of new models. Set to launch in the UK this month the (£500) VDR-M55B and (£600) VDR-M75B both archive footage to DVD-RAM discs. The downside of this is that these discs are only compatible with Panasonic (and a couple of other makers) DVD players. The pair, which are smaller and lighter (they weigh around 440 grams) than their predecessors, can also take VGA still images which are saved on to either the DVD-RAM disc or an SD card. The camcorders are fairly similar though the higher specified VDR-M75 has a resolution of 1.3 mega pixels and a 24x optical zoom, compared with 800,000 pixels resolution and 10x optical zoom of the VDR-M55.

Samsung hard disk based HDTV cam on its way

Looks like there could be yet another format war looming this time in the high definition camcorder market. While Sony with its HDR-HC1 is championing mini DV the existing tape based standard, JVC has already made it clear that it sees hard disk models like the Everio as the way to go for HDTV cams. Now JVC looks to have a powerful ally in the guise of Samsung who yesterday revealed to Tech Digest that it will launch its first HDTV camcorder next year and that it will record footage on to hard disk. The company also confirmed that at the upcoming IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin it will debut new models in its Miniket flash memory based video camera (pictured) series.

JVC's top-end Everio camcorder

JVC has announced yet another camcorder in its range of Everio hard disk based models. This time it is heading for the high ground with the GZ-MG70, which combines a 2.12 mega-pixel CCD with a 30 Gigabyte internal hard disk drive. JVC claims that the cam, which will go on sale in the UK in October, can store up to thirty-seven hours of DVD-quality video in extended recording mode. Finished in silver and black it weighs in at 320 grams, boasts a 2.5inch LCD monitor and can obviously capture and store a huge number of two mega pixel still images. Other features include JVC’s Megabrid Imaging Engine that separately processes video and still signals, providing optimal processing for each, a USB 2.0 connection and software for both Mac and Windows PCs. JVC is keeping quite about the price but our crystal ball gazers at TD reckon it will sell for around £750. There are more Everios here.

Canon hops on board the DVD cam bandwagon

With Sony’s DCR-DVD7E DVD based camcorder apparently whooping the arse of its tape based rivals, it is no surprise that other makers fancy a bit of the DVD cam action. Step forward Canon which has announced a pair of new DVD cams, one of which it boasts, is the smallest and lightest one mega pixel DVD digital video camera. Coming in October the 1.33 mega pixel DC10 and 2.2 mega pixel DC20 record both video and still images direct to DVD. They feature a large 2.5in LCD, 9-point AiAF auto focus, a Print/Share button, 16:9 widescreen mode for panoramic widescreen, a powerful 10x optical zoom with built in lens cap and Electronic Image Stabiliser (EIS). The top-end DC20 also features Super Night Mode which is supplemented by a mini video light for shooting even in very tricky light conditions. There’s no news yet on the price of the models.

Hitachi's alien-busting camcorder

I don't want to spoil the plot too much as half of you are probably trundling down your local multiplex to see it this weekend, but War of the Worlds, the Spielberg/Cruise rewriting of the HG Wells classic, has some odd technological moments. Basically as the aliens (doh I have given the plot away now) prepare to land an electro magnetic storm renders all electrical power of any kind dead. So there’s no car batteries working, no mobile phones and locals can't pacify any passing aliens with a cold beer as the fridges go off.

One gadget however manages to soldier on and not only draw power from its magical battery but also capture the moment the aliens started to terrorise a rather shady looking part of New York – a Hitachi DVD camcorder. I suspect that as Hitachi stumped up rather a lot of cash for the movie this was its pay off. So remember next time freak pre-apocalyptic weather conditions occur and aliens crop up on the horizon just reach for your Hitachi products and you’ll be fine. You might not escape the end of the world, but unlike mates with Sony cams, you’ll at least you’ll be able to video it.

JVC unveils the 'iPod of camcorders'

The future of camcorders is… tape (no), DVD (mmm), hard disk (well maybe). As you probably know JVC pioneered the HD camcorder with the Everio C Series models it launched last year. Trouble was its limited 4 gigger hard drive only had enough storage space for around an hour of footage.

Well the Everio is back in the guise of a trio of new models which keep its original shape and many of its features, but boast much larger hard disks, come with an improved specification and most important of all are more competitively priced

Billed by JVC as the iPod of the camcorder world (in company execs dreams at least) the GZ-MG20 features a 1.8inch  20 Gigabyte hard disk that JVC reckons will house up to 4.5 hours of quality video recordings. The camera includes an 800,000 pixel CCD, features a 2.5inch LCD monitor and 25x optical and 800x digital zooms.  It is set to retail for around £600 when it goes on sale in September.

Due around the same time is the GZ-MG30 which has an identical set of features to the GZ-MG20 other than it sports a 30 Gigabyte (up to seven hours of recording) hard disk. It should go for around £650.

Completing the range is the top-end £700 GZ-MGH50 which also has a 30 Gigabyte hard disk, but has a 1.3 mega pixel CCD. Features common to all three models include an SD card slot, digital image capture, a USB 2.0 interface and full Mac, as well as Windows PC compatibility. Another neat feature is a hard disk protection system which automatically stops the hard disk from moving if the camcorder is dropped.

Also on the Everio front Seagate has just unveiled an eight Gigabyte version of its CompactFlash Photo Hrda Drive. So owners of the earlier Everios will soon be able to double the amount of storage on their cams.

Japan’s Personal Video Compo reaches 28th year

Next year will mark no less than the 28th JVC Tokyo Video Festival, an annual event that must be one of the longest running of its ilk. This is a no-holds-barred artistic expressionism contest and with 28 years of experience and I’ll bet the judges don’t shock easily any more. Now that over 3,000 international entries are expected, standards are going to be pretty high; last years highlights included “Grainy Day” and “Road to war: Part 2” so I don’t think sending in your Big Brother application video is going to cut it…

If you think you’ve got what it takes to explore the limits of the handheld video camera as the canvas and brush of the 21st century then get your clips over to Tokyo Video Festival Office, Victor Company of Japan, Limited Victor Building 3F, 1-7-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004, Japan between June 10th and September 30th. First prize is 500,000 yen and winners will be announced next February.

Link

Sanyo's Xacti C5 camcorder goes on sale

We haven't always been overly impressed by Sanyo’s Xacti flash memory based camcorders, but the C5, which goes on sale in the UK this week for £500, might just be the model to change our mind. The company has clearly been doing its home work, jettisoning the slightly tacky colours of the C5’s predecessor the C4 and replacing them with three more contemporary shades– silver, bronze and white. It has also upped the storage and the one Gig SD card can now apparently store around an hour's worth of video.

Sanyo has shrunk the camera with the new model coming in at about 40% smaller than the C4, which makes it only a few cms larger than packet of cigarettes. It only weighs 145g which is not much more than one of the bulkier top-end smartphones. Other features include video capture in MPEG4 standard, five mega pixel still images, a 2.0 inch LCD monitor and 5x optical and 12x digital zooms. It goes on sale in the next week or so for £500.

Compare Sanyo Xacti prices - UK

Sony’s tiny HDR-HC1 camcorder

Must be a busy week in Sony HQ, in addition to the events of E3 this mini camcorder capable of High-Definition picture quality has just been unveiled. The HDR-HC1 Handycam features the CMOS imaging sensor coupled with an enhanced image processing technology to improve colours and detail and reduce glare.  Depending on what type of lens you use the HDR-HC1 will weigh around 500g and has a battery capable of around 90 minutes of continuous recording.

A 2.7” touch-screen LCD display lets you check your recordings in different aspect ratios (16:9 and 4:3) plus you can take still photos at 2.8 megapixel or 1 megapixel if you’re already filming. There seems to be a few fun features built in such as the night-vision mode for very low light levels and Cinematic mode to give it more of a film like appearance.

Connectivity is handled by a FireWire connection and also PictBridge compatibility which is basically a way of trying to get you to buy more Sony stuff. The HDR-HC1 will be available from July and yes, it’s gonna cost an absolute fortune; as Sony’s Director of Camcorder products, Linda Vuolo puts it: “This introduction is a key step in bringing high-definition video recording to a broad cross-section of consumers. For about $2,000, there is now an easy-to-use solution."

Sony’s futuristic DVD camcorder

This quirky looking gadget is the Sony DCR-DVD7E camcorder that records footage straight to DVD (oh that’s why it’s round then). The camcorder supports DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW for direct recording and DVD-RW and DVD+RW for rewriting. It has a 2.5” LCD display and features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens with a 10x optical zoom.

The circular design is apparently easier to hold than tradtional rectangular cams - though we'll believe that when we have tried it. The DCR-DVD7E is set to retail at around £600 and is available now.

Sony releases new HDTV camera

According to those good folk at i4u, Sony has released a high end HDTV camera in its Qualia line, dubbed the Qualia 002, or the Q002-HDR1. The design is apparently based on the Sony HDR-FX1 HDV video camera of last year. The new model shipped today, going on sale in Japan for a considerable 570,000 yen, or about £2800 pounds. Although that’s a little too pricey for the average family holiday movie enthusiast, documentary and budget film makers might be attracted by the 3.5 inch LCD screen, the 1080i resolution and the microphone with a special noise reduction design.

Sanyo releases new Xacti video camera

Sanyo has just announced the release of another Xacti flash memory based video camera. The C4 camera can capture still images up to four mega pixels and record moving images in MPEG4 format with playback at 30fps. All of this is stored onto a one gigabyte SD card, which will allow for one hour of recording. The camera features a 1.8 inch LCD monitor, a 5.8x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, auto focus, a self-timer and flash. You can view the clips by hooking the camera up to your PC or Mac and using the included Quicktime 6.5. Although I think that a tapeless camera would be cool, will an hour really be enough recording time for moving footage?

Pink laptop for Breast Cancer

 
Rock Direct, a UK company that specialises in laptops, has customised a Pegasus Ti especially for the Think Pink Cancer Research campaign. For every sale a proportion of the proceeds go to Cancer Research. The notebook run on Intel's Centrino technology with a Pentium M processor up to 755 (2.0GHz), up to 1GB DDR RAM , up to 80GB Hard Drive and a 15.4-inch widescreen display. It's also got a Built-in Subwoofer and comes, as all Rock's laptops do, with a 3 year warranty. Get the full specs on the site.

Rock Direct [via Shiny Shiny]

Hitachi's 6GB Microdrive goes on sale

Hitachi's 6GB tiny Compact Flash-sized Microdrive is now on sale. The hard disk drive can carry 1500-3000 songs, 6,000 pics or 8 hours of MPEG-4 video. $299 is far below what it was originally expected to retail for, making it are far more appealing prospect. The 4GB version will also be coming out at a reduced price, 60% less, in fact, at $199. The Baby Mikey will be out soon. The 4GB 1-inch Microdrive will be 20% smaller with a capacity of 8-10GB.

JVC's top-end hard disk camcorder

After receiving plenty of plaudits for its first model, JVC is back with the second generation of its innovative Everio hard disk based camcorder. Scheduled to arrive in Europe in the summer retailing for around £800 the GZ-MC500 is different from the original Everio in that it boasts 3 CCD chip technology. JVC claims that when this is paired with pixel shifting technology it can capture footage with a resolution of up to five mega pixels. It also features a 10x optical zoom, a flip up flash and will come with a four Gigabyte hard disk. JVC says that models with larger capacity six or eight Gigabyte hard disks will be available later in the year. JVC has however kept the model roughly the same size.

Hard Drive Camcorder from NHJ

Following the path previously trod by JVC with its Everio, comes NHJ and its painfully monikered D'Zign DV-5. This hard disk drive digital camcorder comes with a 2GB hard drive for storing digital video, allowing you to record MP4s at 640 x 480 pixels and 30fps using the 3.2-megapixel camera. You can also play back MP3s, hence the earphones. Hard drive seems to be the done thing for camcorders at the moment, and we're expecting a good crop to arrive in the UK in the not too distant future. While NHJ don't sell directly over here, the company frequently gets picked up by other retailers, so there's a good chance we'll be seeing this one soon.

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30X optical Zoom Camcorder

At 30X Panasonic must be current record holders for the world's most powerful optical zoom on a consumer digital camcorder. The NV-GS35 has 800,000 pixels and comes with a host of different modes and settings, including "soft skin" mode that puts a bit of colour on your cheeks and stops you looking too pastey. There's also colour night view, which records colour even in low level light conditions. An LED light makes night shooting possible, shedding light on the subject. The NV-GS21 is also being released, which comes with a 24X optical zoom.

Panasonic

Sanyo's new flash cam

We had a quick wander round the Sanyo stand and after wading past lots of probably US-only TVs and mobile phones we found the VPC-C4, the latest in Sanyo’s flash memory based camcorders.

The new model looks pretty similar to the old ones but improves on the spec by featuring a four mega pixel still camera as well as MPEG4 video capture and playback. The footage and images are stored on an SD card can be reviewed on a 1.8inch screen. No news yet on price or availability.

Two new ranges of digicams for Canon

The MVX300 series and the MV800 series are the two new ranges of digital camcorders from Canon. The 1.33-megapixel MVX300 series is designed to be super-compact, while the MV800 range is more of an entry level spec, with just 800,000 pixel resolution.

The MVX350i, MVX330i and MVX300 vary slightly in features, the 350i offering a 20X optical zoom while the other two both come with an 18X optical zoom. There’s a video light on the 350i, but the 330i and 300 have to settle for a digital still flash. A 2.5-inch LCD screen at 123K pixels lets you view your footage and still images, while digital video can be saved onto SD or MMC memory cards (at 1.23 effective megapixels) or miniDV tape (860k effective pixels).

The rather more chunky looking MV800 series is aimed at a first time user market, which explains why they’ve apparently made less effort on the design front. The cameras all feature optical zoom - 20X for the MV830i, MV830 and MV800 and 22X for the MV850i – and come with an “Easy” button which puts the camcorder in control of the filming process. This means you get to just wander round pointing it at things, without worrying about sorting out the various settings.

The cameras also come with Night Mode (or Super Night Mode in the case of the MV850i) 16:9 letterbox widescreen mode and PictBridge for easy printing (the MVX300s have this as well, incidentally). An 8MB SD memory card comes supplied. Both ranges are out at the end of Feb with pricing still TBC.

Cute cams

Yet another flash-based mini camcorder, the DXG 305V only landed on our radar because a, it is quite cute and b, is available in four colours including a rather fetching blue and a, so hideous it is not true, lime green. There’s nothing unusual about its feature line up which includes VGA (640x480) video, three mega pixel still images, a 1,5inch LCD screen and MP3/MPEG4 playback. Expect to pay around $129 when it debuts in the US in February and around £100 when us Brits get our hands on a model later in the year. More here.

Vivitar's budget cams

You may remember a month or so ago Vivitar debuted the DVR-390H, a digital camera with a 20 Gigabyte hard disk that also played back MP3 and MPEG4 video files. At CES the company has been ramping up its range with a host of budget digital cameras and flash based video cameras. Pick of the bunch is the DVR310, a fairly neat looking cam that kind of reminds us of Sanyo's well received Xacti snappers. The spec is pretty good too with 3 mega pixel still images, a 1.5inch LCD, MP3 playback and VGA (640x480) video resolution. The only downer is rather paltry 16Mb of internal memory – thought this of course can be upgrade by adding SD cards. Still with a price of $199, which ought to translate to around 120 quid in the UK, it seems pretty good value. More here

Digital camcorder meets portable media player

Other than the specs, we haven't got a lot of information on this digital camcorder/PMP device. It can record 30 frames of video a second and has a 5-megapixel camera. While there's no mention of internal memory, an SD card slot supports cards of up to 1GB of memory space. The 1.5-inch colour LCD means you can watch video so presumably you can record films and photos to store and play back on the screen, as well as saving other videos. It will also play music files. But if you're relying on 1GB cards, it's going to limit what you can do with it.

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Oregon's Flash-based Camera

Oregon Scientific's DV100 is the latest flash memory-based video/still camera to be launched in the UK. The 4-megapixel camera costs £200 and has 16MB of internal memory as well as an SD/MMC slot. It can record video footage as MPEG4 or ASF files at 30 frames per second. Other features include automatic white balance, various exposure and focus settings and a 6x digital zoom.

Oregon

4.1 megapixel camcorder at a nice price

Redstore is an online reseller that has entered our radar recently. The company's selling a number of products from Mustek, including this DV5000 camcorder. The digital camcorder has a 4.1-megapixel resolution and costs a very reasonable £98.41. It weighs 110g and comes with a 1.5-inch LCD preview screen. The camera, which can capture both video and still images also works as a webcam, voice recorder, MP3 player and portable hard disk. There's 32MB of internal memory and an SD/MMC slot for when you need more storage space. MPEG-4 clips are shot at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and there's a 4x digital zoom (no optical though).

Redstore

JVC's tiny camcorders

Nice little gadget from JVC. Unfortunately, the Everio GZ-MC200 and Everio GZ-MC100 digital camcorders have only been launched in Japan so far, but we’re hoping to see them over here by next summer (by which time the Japanese will have got something even smaller and nicer-looking and we’ll still feel jealous). The camcorders support MPEG2, Dolby digital audio AC3 and NTSC picture formats, have a CCD chip with 212,000 pixels, an optical 10x zoom and a digital 200x zoom. There’s also apparently a 1.8-inch LCD screen, although we’re not entirely sure where that’s kept. Can’t see it on the pic. Footage is stored ona CompactFlash card with JVC offering a 4GB CF-Card micro-drive from mid October.

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Goodmans £140 camcorder

MPEG4 camcorders aren't exactly new. But here's one for the cash strapped. The Goodmans G-Shot 300cc features MP3 player, voice recorder and 1.5inch TFT display. It's available from today for just £139.99

Full features list:
64MB memory supplied
3.1 Million pixel CMOS sensor
Built in flash
Built in microphone and speaker
SD/MMC card expansion slot
Cables and software to connect to both your TV and PC