AVCHD
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JVC Everio HD10, HD30 and HD40 hands-on
We got a quick look at JVC's new AVCHD camcorders today, the GD-HD40, GZ-HD30 and GZ-HD10. Of note, the HD40 comes complete with a dock for extra hookups like FireWire, and the HD40 and HD30 can shoot video in MPEG-2 for higher quality and easier editing. JVC has done some serious work on noise reduction on all of the cameras, but from the samples shown, it comes at the cost of detail -- some of the vids we saw looked more like watercolors or 3D renders than true video. Hopefully that's something you'll be able to configure to your liking, and we're glad JVC is leaving MPEG-2 on here to avoid compression that might exacerbate the problem further. That said, most users are going to be very pleased with the kind of color and low noise they can get at night or in badly-lit rooms. The cameras are certainly small for their feature sets, but at about a pound apiece they feel pretty heavy for their size. Otherwise the build is standard JVC fare -- not too fancy, not too plain. We also got a chance to peep some over JVC's other new consumer gear, so check it out in the gallery below.%Gallery-25417%
JVC's trio of AVCHD 1080i Everio hard disk camcorders
JVC's disk-based Everio lineup of HD camcorders are being met by a trio of newcomers this morning. The 120GB GD-HD40 ($1,300) and 80GB GZ-HD30 ($1,000) offer 10- and 6-hours of full 1,920 x 1,080 / 17Mbps AVCHD recordings, respectively, from a 1/3-inch, 2.68 megapixel CMOS sensor -- a first for the previously all-CCD based family. They can also record in an editing software-friendly 27Mbps MPEG-2 TS format if desired. The AVCHD-only GZ-HD10 ($800) model scales back the disk to 40GB, the lens, LCD, and sensor to achieve the lower price tag. All three offer 10x, Konica Minolta HD optical zoom lenses, an accessory shoe, up-converted 1080/60p HDMI out, and a microSDHC slot. Available in August, that's when.
Panasonic's flash-based HDC-SD9 HD camcorder gets reviewed
Although Panasonic's HDC-SD9 is mighty, mighty small, reviewers over at CNET felt that it fell short in a number of key areas. For starters, Panny included a few quirky design choices; for instance, removing the battery requires the LCD cover to be open, but doing so can also turn the camera on unless you place it in a different mode. Granted, the minuscule size didn't leave the outfit too much to work with, but if you're easily flustered by these kinds of niggles, you can run far, far away right now. As for image quality, critics noted that still shots were marginally better than awful, but capturing full motion HD clips was something it did manage to do relatively well. Overall, no one handling this critter was enthusiastically shouting for joy when all was said and done, so do yourself a favor and eye the review down there before clicking that order button.
Sony's $900 HDR-TG1: world's smallest 1080i camcorder
We'll go ahead and let those other guys battle it out for the "world's smallest" camcorder title -- meanwhile, Sony's just cranked out the one to really pay attention to. The HDR-TG1 Handycam checks in at just 1.3- x 4.7- x 2.5-inches and weighs ten ounces, all while boasting the ability to capture those oh-so-precious vacation moments and unannounced streaking episodes in 1080p 1080i. Aside from that, it'll snag stills at 4-megapixels and holds everything on MS Pro Duo / Pro Duo Mark2 cards, while the 2.7-inch touchscreen keeps your eyes glued to the action. Furthermore, you'll find a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, BIONZ processing engine, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio recording and a bundled 4GB Pro Duo Mark2 card for $900. Get ready -- this one's comin' at you next month.[Via AkihabaraNews] %Gallery-19717%
Video: Sony's $900 HDR-TG1 -- world's smallest 1080i camcorder
We'll go ahead and let those other guys battle it out for the "world's smallest" camcorder title -- meanwhile, Sony's just cranked out the one to really pay attention to. The HDR-TG1 Handycam checks in at just 1.3- x 4.7- x 2.5-inches and weighs ten ounces, all while boasting the ability to capture those oh-so-precious vacation moments and unannounced streaking episodes in 1080p 1080i. Aside from that, it'll snag stills at 4-megapixels and holds everything on MS Pro Duo / Pro Duo Mark2 cards, while the 2.7-inch touchscreen keeps your eyes glued to the action. Furthermore, you'll find a 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, BIONZ processing engine, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio recording and a bundled 4GB Pro Duo Mark2 card for $900. Get ready -- this one's comin' at you next month. Video of Japanese model after the break.Update: Will be called the HD TG3E in Europe. %Gallery-19716% [Via AkihabaraNews]
WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray finally supports TrueHD and DTS-HD
The format that some say isn't done, just got one step closer for those with media PCs, as the latest version of WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray -- despite the new name, HD DVD is still supported -- finally includes support for the latest audio codecs Blu-ray has to offer. But improved audio support isn't all it has to offer, as BonusView is now supported, as well as support for the latest HD video camera codec, AVCHD. We had a chance to play around with it early, but unfortunately we weren't able to unlock TrueHD or DTS-HD -- still waiting to hear back from support. We also had a few HDCP errors despite the fact that PowerDVD plays just fine with our Radeon 2600HD video card. Either way, maybe you'll have better luck, and it'll only cost you $99 to find out -- or $69 if you are upgrading.**Update** Thanks to support we got TrueHD and DTS-HD working by messing with the sound card settings, but the HDCP issue is still bugging us.
CyberLink's PowerProducer 5 available to author Blu-ray Discs
Although CyberLink's PowerProducer software has been certified to author Blu-ray Discs since 2006, the latest and greatest version is offering up a few niceties for those who just can't resist the urge to upgrade. PowerProducer 5 Ultra enables users to create both BDs and DVDs, and even adds in support for the AVCHD video format. Furthermore, it's BD-RE 3.0 certified, supports 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio and on-disc editing, and includes a "simpler, re-styled interface and new design tools for creating customizable disc menus with imported photos and videos." For new customers, PowerProducer 5 Ultra will run you $79.95 (versus just $49.95 for the non-Ultra edition), while existing owners can make the leap to Ultra for $49.95.
Panasonic shows off a pair of pro-level HD camcorders
Looks like Panasonic's trying to get a two-month jump on NAB, holding a press conference last night to announce the AG-MHC150 prosumer HD camcorder. The 3CCD MHC150 is based on the popular DVX100 / HVX200 design, but ditches the tapes in favor of capturing AVCHD to SD. Images are captured through a optically stabilized 28mm Leica lens at up to 1080p/60 resolution, with audio coming through the built-in XLR jacks. We probably won't get pricing until this bad bot gets formally introduced at NAB, but Panny says it'll ship in the fall. There's also a new institutional and event AVCHD-to-SD model, the 1080i AG-MHC70, which offers a 12x stabilized Leica zoom lens and 1080i res in a $2,495 shoulder-mounted package, which Panasonic says will hit in April.
Video: Canon's VIXIA HF10 16GB dual-flash camcorder hands-on
Ready to get up close and personal with Canon's VIXIA HF10 camcorder? Think about it, 16GB of on-board flash with SDHC expansion, Canon's 12x lens with optical image stabilization, and 1,920 x 1,080 recordings in AVCHD format. Right, huh? Canon's all about the camcorders this week, check the video and gallery to see why.%Gallery-13148%
Panasonic's new HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 camcorders shoot 1080p
Panasonic has a pair of new HD camcorders, the HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9 (pictured after the break), that should make any prosumer proud. Both cameras feature 3CCD sensors that record at full 1920 x 1080 to the AVCHD video format. The SD9, which is smaller than last year's SD5, records to SD and SDHC cards, while the HS9 can do SD and SDHC, or record to its built-in 60GB hard disk. Teamed with a 16GB SDHC card, that gives the HS9 29 hours worth of full HD recording. Both cameras feature face detection for auto-adjusting exposure and contrast to best portray skin tone, and Panny's Intelligent Shooting Guide for providing shooting tips on the LCD so users can adjust settings before capturing sub-par footage. Both cameras also have HDMI plugs, 5.1 channel surround sound (with five built-in microphones) and a high-speed burst still shot mode, with 24fps at 2.1 megapixela. The cameras will both be out in March 2008, with the SD9 retailing for $800, and the HS9 selling for $1,100.
Panasonic's DMP-BD30 Blu-ray player already reviewed
The folks over at CNET aren't wasting a moment getting to know Panasonic's latest Blu-ray player, so why should you? Reviewers started off by praising Panny for getting a Profile 1.1-compliant player out before the actual deadline, and minor gripes about the DMP-BD10A (namely, the remote and the fold-down door) have been addressed satisfactorily. Additionally, it was noted that audiophiles would find lots to love courtesy of its ability to output DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD soundtracks in bitstream format, and sticklers for image quality are likely to be equally impressed. Put simply, this unit "performed excellently by properly deinterlacing 1080i signals to 1080p without artifacts or jaggies," and it managed to measure up quite well with other highly-regarded BD players when playing back films. All in all, the BD30 was awarded a 7.4 out of 10 rating, and we're pretty certain that adding an Ethernet jack and built-in decoders for high-resolution audio formats would've made this thing even more attractive.
Canon's iVIS HG10 AVCHD camcorder packs a 40GB disk
Not to be outdone by Panasonic's flurry, Canon just announced their iVIS HG10 camcorder set to roll in September. Unlike their first AVCHD recorder (the HR10) the HG10 records 1,920 x 1,080 video to a 40GB disk drive instead of a DVD platter. While the HG10 does bump recordings to 15Mbps at maximum setting (compared to the HR10's 12Mbps), the two camcorders are pretty much feature-for-feature identical right on down to the ¥140,000 (about $1,188) price tag. Fortunately, the good folks at Impress do a good side-by-side comparison with Sony's disk-based HDR-SR7/SR8 jobbies if the decision process is causing you too much grief.[Via Impress]
Panasonic's HDC-SD7 dons title of world's smallest HD camcorder
You can add one more "full HD" AVCHD camcorder to that mix of Panasonics announced earlier in the week. The new HDC-SD7 is said to be the "world's smallest and lightest" camcorder to record at 1,920 x 1,080 to SDHC cards. Otherwise, the SD7 is spec-for-spec the same 3CCD camcorder as the HDC-SD5 only in a vertically-held format. Just be careful what you ask for folks: that reduced chassis size comes at the expense of a cut in sensor sizes and drop in optical zoom from 12x to 10x when compared to Panny's earlier HDC-DX3 and HDC-SD3 models. Unfortunately, the HDC-SD7 looks to be Japan-only for now with a September 8 launch for ¥140,000 or about $1,188 with tax.
Panasonic's HDC-SX5 and HDC-SD5 3CCD AVCHD camcorders, again
Panasonic just announced the availability of their HDC-SX5 and HDC-SD5 3CCD AVCHD camcorders for the North American and European markets. Just for the sake of confusion, these appear to be the exact same cameras already announced for Japan under the HDC-DX3 and HDC-SD3 models. As such, we're still looking at 1920 x 1080 recordings direct to SDHC cards (the SD5) or to 8-cm DVDs (the SX5) with built-in optical image stabilization. The only real news then is the date: September 2007 for an undisclosed price though likely around $1,200 (including tax) like their Japanese brethren.Update: Ah, found the differences: the SX5 and SD5 are about 20% smaller and lighter than their DX3 and SD3 cousins.Read -- HDC-SX5Read -- HDC-SD5
Sony's VRD-MC5 DVD burner: one-touch HD copies for AVCHD Handycams
If you're thinking of picking up one Sony's new AVCHD high-definition camcorders then you'll want to give the VRD-MC5 accessory a peep. The burner features PC-less, one-touch HD-quality dubbing when connected to over USB to your new HDR-SR5, HDR-SR7, HDR-SR8, and HDR-CX7 Handycam. The unit packs a 2.5-inch LCD, Firewire and S-Video inputs, and plenty of memory slots including SDHC/SD, xD, and compact flash in addition to Sony's proprietary formats. It'll even write to those wee 8cm DVDs just like Sony's DVD camcorders. Sorry, no Blu-ray Discs here, and it won't run from battery. Available August 10th for an estimated ¥30,000 or about $247. [Via Impress]
Panasonic launches $600 DMP-BD10A Blu-ray player, bundles five films
Not too long after Pioneer went and introduced its second generation Blu-ray player, along comes Panasonic to follow suit, but unlike the BDP-LX70, we've got a pricetag as well as a few tempting reasons to pick this one up over the competition. The DMP-BD10A packs an audio upgrade that brings 7.1, Dolby True HD, and DTS-HD on board, and it incorporates Panasonic's EZ-Sync system for "one-touch operation" of your home theater. The overall design doesn't deviate too far from that seen in the first iteration, but you will find 1080p upconversion via HDMI, a 14-bit DA converter with 4x oversampling, support for BD-J, and compatibility between select HD camcorders via the AVCHD (H.264) codec. Notably, Panasonic is giving users two reasons to seriously considering its new offering, as the fairly reasonable $599.95 pricetag looks even better when you consider the five BD films (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Transporter, Fantastic Four, and Crash) you'll be getting right in the box.[Via Impress]
Canon unveils HR10: its first AVCHD camcorder
Granted, Sony and Panasonic got into the AVCHD game quite some time ago, but you won't catch us griping about more competition. The relatively small HR10 sports a CMOS sensor, Digic DVII processor, optical image stabilization, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, HDMI / component outputs, USB 2.0, and a miniSD slot for saving 3.1-megapixel stills. Additionally, the unit touts Full HD capability, a 10x optical zoom lens, and instant AF, and users can record directly to three-inch DVD-R / DVD-RW discs in a variety of bitrates. Notably, the DVD camcorder won't come bundled with any sort of video editing software, but it will be hitting store shelves for those still interested this August for $1,199.[Via CamcorderInfo]
Sony's 100GB HDR-SR8 AVCHD Handycam: Europe and Canada only?
We're not sure what's going on with Sony, but it looks like they've also loosed a 100GB HDR-SR8 Handycam everywhere but the US. That's 38-hours of LP-mode recording, kids when the camcorder ships in July. Europeans and Canadians at least, will have dibs on the SR8 in addition to the same 1080i goodness loosed in The States: the crazy small HDR-CX7, the 40GB HDR-SR5, and the 60GB HDR-SR7. Other than the bigger disk, the SR8 is feature identical to the SR7. So what gives Sony? Of course, we've seen our Canadian brethren receive special treatment from Sony before. Anyway, next time you cross the Detroit border for smokes and teenage drinking, don't forget to pick up a few US$1670 SR8s for your pals at Engadget. Thanks. [Via LetsGoDigital] Read -- Canada Read -- Europe
Sony cops to HDR-SR5, SR7 and CX7 AVCHD camcorders
Sorry we ruined all the surprises, but in case you were holding out for someone to confirm those three new HD camcorders we spotted yesterday, Sony seems happy to oblige. The HDR-SR5, HDR-SR7 and HDR-CX7 just got official, with the CX7 indeed laying claim to the "world's smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder." At 15 ounces with battery, and recording done straight to Memory Stick PRO Duo exclusively, who are we to argue? The HDR-SR7 does some more heavy lifting with 22 hours of room for 1080i on its 60GB HDD, while the HDR-SR5 does 15 hours on its 40GB drive. All three cameras sport USB connections and 2.7-inch LCD screens. If you're looking for the best resolution, the CX7 and SR7 share 3 megapixel video sensors, and 6 megapixel stills, while the SR5 does 2 megapixel video and 4 megapixel photos. We're always surprised by Sony's change of tune from the "True HD" 1080p of the PS3 to the "full HD" 1080i of its consumer HD camcorders, but it's really plenty of resolution for most consumer uses, and at $1,100, $1,200 and $1,400 price points for the HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7, respectively, it's hard to complain.%Gallery-2797%
Sony's HDR-SR5, HDR-SR7, and HDR-CX7 1080i Handycams outed
So you liked Sony's HDR-SR1 and HDR-UX1 did ya? Well check out these images sent to us by a trusted insider (and confirmed by another) clearly depicting two new HD camcorders: the HDR-SR5 and HDR-SR7. Both camcorders feature built-in hard disk drives, 2.7-inch widescreen LCDs, VZ Vario Sonnar 10x optical zoom lenses, a built-in flash, 5.1ch audio recording, and a 5 hour battery. The SR5 packs a 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor which captures 4 megapixel stills and 1080i, AVCHD video back to its 40GB disk. The SR7 brings a 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor for 6.1 megapixel stills to its bigger 60GB disk as well as optical Super SteadyShot for superior stabilization when recording HD video. Essentially, we're looking at HDD toting versions of Sony's HDR-UX5 and HDR-UX7 DVD camcorders. We expect to see both the £648/$1,294 HDR-SR5 and £849/$1,696 HDR-SR7 up for pre-order as early as Thursday with shipments arriving sometime in June. We're also told that a $1,200 HDR-CX7 camcorder should be launched at the same time (sorry no pics). It will record directly to Memory Stick and is billed as the "smallest high-definition camcorder on the market." Take that Sanyo. Biggie pics for zooming in on the detailed specs in the gallery below.%Gallery-2764%[Thanks, anonymous tipsters]
