AVCHD
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Sony's new S-Frames touching down with AVCHD video playback
Try as we might, we can't totally dismiss Sony's new digiframes. Sure, we find the things kind of played out, but at least the S-Frame DPF-XR100 and DPF-VR100 models (due in November for $250 and $200) now offer AVCHD video support along with the usual 10.2-inch WSVGA LED backlight LCD display. If that weren't enough, the just announced DPF-D830 will also be out in November ($150), and while it doesn't support hi-def video, the 8-inch device is the company's first with a built-in rechargeable battery (up to 100 minutes). Wild, huh? PR after the break.
Sony Alpha A580 and A560 shoot AVCHD 1080i or MP4 video
Just a few days after seeing the Alpha A580 and A560 leak out onto the DSLR stage, here we are with the official word from Sony. As followup to the Alpha A550, both the 16.2 megapixel A580 and 14.2 megapixel A560 with new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors and the latest Bionz image processors, capable of 7fps continuous shooting and capturing video with stereo audio in both AVCHD 1920x1080 60i or MP4 (QuickTime Motion JPEG) formats, the latter being better suited for consumer-oriented video editing software. Other commonalities are a new 15-point phase-detection autofocus, 3-inch articulating LCD with new Focus Check Live View mode, 100 - 12,800 ISO ranges, support for Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards, and an optical viewfinder with 95 percent frame coverage. Wait, there's more: both cams also feature 3D sweep panorama that can be played back on 3D televisions and a refined Auto HDR mode that combines a burst of three frames into a single ultra-realistic image. The A580 will be available in October for €900 while the A560 will land in the first quarter of 2011 for €800.%Gallery-100225%
Sony Alpha A55 and A33 official: translucent mirror, Full HD video, continuous autofocus
We told you August 24 would be a significant day for Sony, and sure enough, the company has let the translucent mirror cat out of the bag nice and early today. The A55 and A33 offer Sony's brand spanking new Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows for such fine things as continuous phase-detect autofocus while shooting at up to 10fps (7fps on the A33) or recording Full HD AVCHD video. A newly developed 15-point autofocus system is also included, with 16.2 and 14.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors for the A55 and A33, respectively. Both shooters come with a fully articulated, 920k-dot, 3-inch LCD screen, while 3D panoramas, automated HDR shot creation, and an Auto+ mode fill out the software goodies. Prices are set at $750 for the A55 in October and $650 for the A33 in September -- you can figure out if they're worth it by checking out the early previews below.
Sony's Alpha A580 and A560 leak out with 1080i video recording mode?
If Sony's camera division were a ship, the crew would be shiftily eying the rowboats right about now, because yet another pair of Sony Alpha DSLRs have just sprung out another gaping hole. Sony Alpha Rumors brings convincing pictures of two Alpha A550 successors, the A580 and A560, which reportedly feature 16 megapixel and 14 megapixel sensors respectively. Like their predecessor, both feature 100-12,800 ISO ranges, Memory Stick and SD card slots and a fancy tilting LCD display, but now also reportedly sport 15 autofocus points (up from 9) and a 1080i AVCHD video recording mode. Pricing and availability are still in the cards, but don't fret -- we'll find out soon enough.
Panasonic's consumer-grade 3D camcorder leaks out, the HDC-SDT750
We'd heard Panasonic was planning a more affordable stereoscopic 3D camcorder, but it looks like we won't have to wait until a mysterious July 28th Tokyo unveiling to find out for sure -- it's called the HDC-SDT750, and Panny's advertising it as the "World's first 3D Shooting Camcorder." Leaks at all the seams of the company's website afforded us the above picture, and the surprising revelation that the product may not be a brand-new camcorder, but rather an existing high-end 3MOS model (we'd guess the HDC-HS700) with a "3D conversion lens" attached. If the yet-to-be-activated product page's source code can be believed, the SDT750 will shoot in 1080p AVCHD at 60fps, feature Panny's proprietary Hybrid O.I.S. image stabilization technology, and come in a lovely shade of Henry Ford black. That's all we have for now (save a second tiny picture after the break) but rest assured we'll be keeping tabs on this one. Update: Looks as if even more images and purported specifications have leaked out ahead of the official reveal. [Thanks, John]
Sony NEX-5 preview
In every geek's life, the time must come when he or she steps away from the pocket-friendly compact point-and-shooter and straps up with a hefty DSLR to do real photography with. Or such was the received wisdom until not too long ago. It's still the case that lenses, bound by the laws of physics, will protrude more than most of us want them to, but mirrorless Micro Four Thirds shooters from Olympus and Panasonic, along with Samsung's NX series, have shown that prosumer camera bodies don't always have to be that bulky. This is the stage upon which the NEX-5 enters, with Sony predictably aiming to outdo everyone using an ultraslim magnesium alloy body that delivers 1080p video and 14 megapixel stills. Join us after the break to see what we thought of the Japanese giant's latest product.%Gallery-95474%%Gallery-95477%
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 gets firmware hack for higher quality HD video recording
The Panasonic GH1 can do some great video for its size, thanks to that fancy micro four-thirds optical setup, but it's been held back the low bitrates it uses when recording. Now some enterprising hacker named "Tester 13" has reversed engineered the GH1's firmware and unlocked the true power of the camera (much like Magic Lantern has done for the 5D Mark II). In fact, the main trouble now is that Tester 13's firmware uncovers too many options: users are trying out different configurations to maximize quality without bumping into the camera's buffer limitations. The current flavors of choice include 50Mbps MJPEG at 1080p (the stock camera caps out at 720p in MJPEG), to be augmented by 32Mbps AVCHD when the crazy high-end MJPEG causes the camera to buffer overflow. It's all very technical and video-nerds-only in theory, but results speak for themselves: check out a sample video after the break. And try out the new firmware if you dare. [Thanks, Steve]
Panasonic Lumix FX75 takes evolutionary step forward
It's kinda hard trying to keep up with the litany of models in Panasonic's Lumix family, though placing this one near the top of the point-and-shoot pile shouldn't be so difficult. It's equipped with a 14.1 megapixel sensor, a wide-angle F2.2 lens with 5x optical zoom, and the now obligatory HD video (we presume 720p) recording and intelligent picture processing options. A 3-inch touchscreen hogs the majority of controls on the back, including a neat touch-to-focus function that we think all these little shooters should have, which is augmented by the camera's AF tracking a subject once selected. Slick. We're still no big fans of the AVCHD Lite format used here, but Motion JPEG recording is on offer as well, which is kind of nice. No price or availability just yet, but we know it'll be at least a month before you can slather the FX75 with loving fingerprints.
Sony teases high-end camcorder with Exmor APC HD sensor and interchangeable lenses (video)
Like Sony's new NEX3 and NEX5 compact cameras with APC-C-sized sensors? Then check out this tease for a Sony camcorder. The AVCHD shooter will feature the same Exmor APC HD CMOS sensor and E Mount interchangeable lenses. Better yet, it'll also work with A Mount lenses built for Sony's existing Alpha DSLRs. Coming this fall, that's when.
Panasonic's AF100 Micro Four Thirds video camera considers itself 'professional'
We're not sure where Panasonic gets off calling its AG-AF100 a "professional" digital video camera. It's certainly not in the same class as RED or ARRI Alexa. It is, however, a very interesting video rig for shooting flicks on a budget with its Micro Four Thirds sensor and collection of micro 4/3 lenses, filters, and adapters. The AF100 records native 1080/24p using the AVC/ H.264 Hi Profile AVCHD codec to a pair of SD slots supporting both SDHC and newer SDXC removable media. The AVCCAM HD camcorder features a pair of XLR inputs, 48-kHz/16-bit two-channel digital audio recording, and supports LPCM/Dolby-AC3; it also packs USB 2.0, HD-SDI out, HDMI, a built-in stereo mic, and time code recording. So yeah, it won't record the next Hollywood blockbuster but it'll probably do fine by indie filmmakers without breaking the film school budget. Perhaps we'll better understand all this professional talk when Panny reveals its price in time for a year-end launch.
Sony's ultra-compact concept shooter will come with an APS sensor, UI shows up on video
Yesterday we brought you pictures of the touchscreen-loving user interface on Sony's genre-straddling camera concept, so what better way to improve on that than with video and a few specs? Beyond the break you shall find one of those excessively stylized promotional vids you know and love to hate, but tolerating the fluff with reward you with some nice hints about how the shooter is operated plus finally some word on what's inside. An Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor is touted, along with the accompanying capability to shoot 1080p AVCHD video. While we still find the design of these interchangeable lens cameras ridiculously appealing, there is one thing we have to complain about and that's the clunky naming scheme. Please Sony, give us something sexier to call it than an "ultra-compact camera concept" -- how about the Sony Beta, it comes after Alpha and is typically used to denote an unfinished product. You can have that one for free.
Sony Alpha ultra-compact concept hands-off: leaves much to the imagination
We'd love nothing more than to extol the merits of Sony's Alpha ultra-compact concept with an interchangeable lens -- which bears a striking resemblance at face value to Olympus and Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds standard -- but alas, the little device is hidden behind glass. Furthermore, all the Sony reps we managed to corner wouldn't answer our questions. Will the lenses be interchangeable with Sony's current Alpha DSLR line, or any of the MFT lenses? What's been cut from traditional Four Thirds models to accommodate for the drop in size? Radio silence, save for a repeat of this morning's information and a finger point to the adjacent " Exmor APS HD CMOS" sign -- which, as we know from this morning, is larger than a Four Thirds sensor, but we're not sure how much. Still, enjoy the pics we managed to take from behind the glass -- and also be sure to enjoy the shots of this morning's other Sony announcements, the Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) and the prototype Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM. %Gallery-86128% %Gallery-86129%
Sony intros Alpha DSLR concepts, 'ultra-compact' interchangeable lens model included
PMA is just kicking off in earnest down in Anaheim, and it looks like Sony has arrived in a big way. Looking to make a splash in a DSLR world dominated by Canon and Nikon, the outfit has brought a few of its best and brightest concepts to SoCal. Up first is an ultra-compact "interchangeable lens" concept, which is no doubt Sony's attempt to get in on the fledgling Micro Four Thirds game before it blows up big. Few details on the device are available, but we'll be doing our best to pry whatever specifications we can from the booth representatives in short order. Moving on, there's a conceptual model of the Alpha A700 replacement, complete with an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that promises full AVCHD video capabilities. There's also a prototype of a Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) as well as a prototype Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, which ought to make wide angle junkies drool profusely. The company's also dishing out a raft of accessories, including underwater housing devices, HD lenses and output cables, tripods / accessory packs and a Compact PictureStation photo printing kiosk. Stay tuned for some hands-on action from the show floor. %Gallery-86122%
Panasonic churns out DMC-FX66, DMC-TS2, DMC-ZS5, DMC-ZS7 and DMC-ZR3 Lumix compacts
Panasonic's just announced quite a handful of Lumix compact cameras, featuring both the new Venus Engine VI and Venus Engine HD II that claim to perform quicker with better noise reduction. What's more exciting is that these are all compatible with the forthcoming SDXC cards too, but check out their "Happy Mode" -- it makes photos "more vivid and true to the color of the scene you memorized." Yeah, as if we'd want photos that are more, um, real. Anyway, let's break it down here (clockwise from top left; non-US model numbers in brackets): DMC-FX66: This one's a 14.1 megapixel slim camera with an F2.8-5.9 25-125mm (5x zoom) ultra-wide-angle lens (with Power O.I.S lens-shift stabilization). The 720p video capture and 1.06 second start-up time are sweet too, but no AVCHD Lite here. On the back there's a 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen with wide viewing angle. All this is just 5.11 ounces including battery. DMC-TS2 (FT2): This camera has a lot in common with the FX66 above -- same sensor, same image stabilization, same scene modes (but with three extra), same focus modes and same screen. The main differences are its AVCHD Lite 720p video format, F3.3-5.9 28-128mm (4.6x) lens and added ruggedness -- waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and dustproof. It's of course slightly heavier too -- 6.63 ounces including battery. DMC-ZS5 (TZ8) and DMC-ZS7 (TZ10): These two appear to be twins, except the former has a smaller screen (2.7-inch with 230k dots instead of 3-inch with 460k dots) and lacks GPS, AVCHD Lite and mini-HDMI port. Both do 12.1 megapixel pictures and 720p videos, have F3.3-4.9 25-300mm (12x) lens with lens-shift stabilization, and have identical scene and focus modes. With battery these weigh 7.55 ounces and 7.69 ounces respectively. DMC-ZR3 (ZX3): Whoa! Another 14.1 megapixel camera which does AVCHD Lite. The specs are almost identical to the TS2 except for the lens (F3.3-5.9 25-200mm 8x ultra-wide-angle) and lack of ruggedness. It weighs 5.61 ounces with battery. Phew! No prices or availability announced yet, so take your time with picking out your favorite.%Gallery-83904%
Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof camera sprung from a leak
Think Sony would be happy with just making its latest shooter waterproof and calling it a day? Not a chance. Early information on this as yet unannounced compact indicates a 10fps burst mode, 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, an intriguing image stacking mode for reduced noise in high ISO shots, and full 1080p MPEG-4 movie recording. 1080i / 60fps AVCHD video is also possible, apparently, and if recent trends are continued the DSC-TX5 will also be able to store media on SD cards. Hallelujah. You'll find a couple more water-soaked images after the break, and the official launch is expected to take place at PMA 2010.
Panasonic's new AVCHD camcorders put that SDXC memory to good use
So, you've sold a few kidneys and got yourself one of those fancy new 64GB SDXC cards. What do you put it in? Well, how about one of these new HDC-series camcorders from Panasonic? Just launched in Japan, the three cameras shoot 1080i HD with 25x optical zoom, optical image stabilization and 2.7-inch flip-out LCDs. The big difference between the AVCHD shooters is the onboard storage, with 96GB of flash in the HDC-TM70, 64GB in the HDC-TM60, and a 160GB HDD in the HDC-HS60. Of course, who needs internal storage when you've got 64GB in your SD card and a terrible, well-compensated empty feeling in your gut? No word on price for this trio, but they should be out in Japan later next month.
Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD media player gets busy with CinemaNow
Iomega's making a Full HD play for the living room at CES with the introduction of its new ScreenPlay Director device. The 1TB HD media player brings a bevy of TV connectivity options including HDMI composite video, component, and more. It's also DLNA- and DivX-certificated in addition to boasting H.264, WMV, AVCHD and MKV format support at 1080p. A trio of USB ports give you room for external capacity growth while baked in 10/100 Ethernet (or optional 802.11n USB WiFi Adapter) gets the pup online where you can rent or buy movies from CinemaNow or browse content on Flickr, YouTube, Shoutcast radio, and RSS feeds. ScreenPlay Director HD lists for $250 when it goes on sale, well, today if you order through Dell.
New Sony NXCAM is more camcorder than you ever need, but still you covet
Sony's latest professional-grade camcorder probably meets your needs and then some by quite a stretch, recording AVCHD up to 24Mbps and SD quality in MPEG-2 / 9Mbps. We're also looking at a 20x zoom lens, 3 x 1/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensor, and storage options including Memory Stick Pro Duo and an optional 128GB flash memory drive. Don't lie, you want this beast, even if it clearly falls in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" category. Look for more temptation sometime closer to its expected early 2010 launch.
JVC joins the sub-$200 Blu-ray player game with ultrathin XV-BP11
Sub-$200 Blu-ray players certainly aren't new -- heck, some guys have been doing it since the year 2008 -- but you'll never catch us kvetching about a little more competition. JVC has today introduced (in the briefest way possible, might we add) its newest Blu-ray player just ten months after deciding to play the BD game here in the States. The ultrathin (and "now available") XV-BP11 should slide into just about any AV rack, bringing Blu-ray / DVD playback, AVCHD support, HDMI 1.3, a USB socket and compatibility with a slew of audio formats. Curiously enough, the outfit doesn't bother to mention if this thing is Profile 2.0, but we're guessing (read: hoping) that it wouldn't do something as ludicrous as charge two bills for a Profile 1.1 deck in late 2009. Then again, we've seen zanier things go down... Update: Ouch -- this thing is only Profile 1.1. Dud. [Thanks, Aaron!]
Canon VIXIA HF S11 hands-on
Is it just us, or are these flash-only camcorders getting bigger? Or maybe we're just shrinking. Canon's new VIXIA HF S11 AVCHD flagship certainly seems beefy -- both in size and build -- but we suppose that comes with the territory. Canon was showing a demonstration of the new stabilization tech, which can help mitigate the nauseating effects of shooting while walking, and if it works as well in practice as it did in the demo (unlikely), it could be a real lifesaver for part 24 of our ongoing Blair Witch Project remake. It's hard to argue with the shooting time built-in and SDHC expandability on offer, but we suppose the HF S11 serves as a reminder that the gulf between "real" camcorders and their pocket cam brethren is indeed a wide one.
