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Atomos Ninja and Samurai HD video recorder / monitors bring compression jutsu to pro filmmaking
We all drool over the hi-res video shot by cameras like the RED EPIC, but for indie-film types, processing the massive files produced takes a lot of time (and therefore money) and not everyone has an ARRI ALEXA to do native recording compression. Enter the Atomos Ninja and Samurai HD recorder / monitor / playback devices that take your 10-bit video and compress it in Apple's 1080p ProRes QuickTime format to make your post-production life a little easier. The Ninja pulls video through HDMI and deposits it on your choice of 2.5-inch HDD or SDD storage, does playback via a 4.3-inch 480 x 270 touchscreen, and has continuous power thanks to dual hot-swappable batteries (available in 2600, 5200, and 7800 mAh varieties). Meanwhile, the Samurai matches the Ninja's specs, but swaps out the HDMI connection for HD-SDI ports and adds SDI Loop-Through to connect an external monitor, a larger 5-inch 800 x 400 display, and 3D support (if you get two Samurais genlocked together). Both units have FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 and 3.0 connections for offloading your vids. Those with Spielbergian aspirations can pony up $995 for the Ninja right now, or pay $1,495 for the Samurai upon its release this summer.
Philips' new camcorder comes with 23x zoom and WiFi, but no price or release date
Philips makes plenty of audio / video equipment for use when consuming our content, but until now, the company didn't offer many options on the creating end. Well, Philips fanboys (they exist, don't they?), take a gander at your next must-buy purchase -- the ESee HD camcorder touts a 23x zoom, 1080p recording to an SD card, touchscreen viewfinder (of unknown size), WiFi for uploading vids (so as not to keep fans waiting for your next cinematic masterpiece), and an audio zoom feature. Yeah, a zoom for your audio. Details about pricing and availability are nowhere to be found, but not knowing makes you want it all the more, right? [Thanks, Jakob]
RED EPIC shoots birds at 96fps, no dog needed to retrieve them (video)
Forgive us if we take a moment every now and again to relish in some resolution overload courtesy of a RED EPIC, but we just can't help ourselves. The video below (and picture above) come courtesy of Tom Lowe, who filmed a sequence of birds frolicking in the water at Salton Sea, California, captured at 5K resolution and at 96fps. This gives everything a rather majestic air to it -- though the soundtrack certainly doesn't hurt. Click "play" and enjoy, and then wish that your connection were fast enough to handle an uncompressed 5K video stream. [Thanks, Tom]
JVC's GS-TD1 3D camcorder now available for $1,700
JVC promised back at CES that its new consumer-grade GS-TD1 3D camcorder would be available in March and, well, it's now available. While that may not be a surprise, JVC has shaken things up a bit with the pricing since its official announcement -- instead of the full $2,000 that was originally expected, the camcorder will now set you back "just" $1,699.95. That will buy you a pair of 3.32 megapixel CMOS sensor that record 3D video at 1080i, a 5x optical zoom (or 10x in 2D mode), 64GB of built-in flash memory along with an SDXC card slot for expansion, and a 3.5-inch LCD that lets you view your videos 3DS-style without any glasses. Head on past the break for the complete press release.
Superheadz Necono 3 megapixel kitty camera might tolerate you (video)
Wait, this isn't a crapgadget, although you couldn't be blamed for thinking as much about this three megapixel Necono digital camera from Japan's Superheadz. Hell, that's what we thought before digging into the feature list a bit. Based on a design from Lisa Larson, the cat features magnetic feet and a self-timer for creating whimsical self-portraits. A mic and CMOS sensor combine to record VGA videos or 3 megapixel JPEG images to microSDHC cards. The camera is available now for a tax inclusive price of ¥15,750 -- converted, we're talking a whopping $192, a price that doesn't even include the dedicated LCD dock which won't ship until May at the earliest. Sure, it won't be the best digital camera for your money but there's no denying its pure, unadulterated gadget appeal to kitty fetishists or any demographic that hops in place while clapping. See it in action after the break.
Panasonic unveils a suite of camcorders of all shapes, sizes, and depths
Well now, leave it to Panasonic to dump a pile of camcorders at once, ensuring every domestic niche is covered. We have five separate models, so bear with us as we break out some bullets: HM-TA20 - This is a Flip-style upright design with a lens on one side and, on the other, an LCD with a big red button beneath it. But, it's durable, offering three meters of waterproof protection and a durable, dust-proof case. It'll do 1080p footage, offers no optical zooming, but does have a night mode that drops it down to 15fps to help it perform well when the lights go out. It can be used as a webcam, too. HM-TA2 - This is basically the TA20 minus the heavy-duty bits. Best to keep it dry. Comes with a tripod for self-portraits. Perfect for your new MySpace profile pic! HX-WA10 - Another durable one, waterproof to three meters, dust and shockproof, captures 16 megapixel stills and records 1080p footage, too. It offers a pistol-style grip and a flip-out, three-inch touchscreen. It's pictured after the break. HX-DC10 - This is basically a WA10 that doesn't like the water, or the dust, or being dropped. HX-DC1 - Another step down the cost ladder, this one backing down to 14 megapixel stills and losing some of the high-tech trickery of the others. Its three-inch LCD isn't touchable. Panasonic didn't grace us with prices for any of these, nor release dates. But, hey, who needs details like that?
Another RED EPIC spotted in the wild, shooting in California and Utah (video)
Ready for a little sexy video of a camera that is, itself, also filming video? Check out the clip below of a RED EPIC capturing some luscious scenery in California and Utah, outfitted with a carbon fiber lens hood -- what else? The camera is being worked by Ketch Rossi Steve Gibby, who indicates the camera is "amazingly light," that "the finish of the stuff is spot-on," and even the menus are "straightforward and easy to navigate." Encouraging? Yes, if you have the money to spend. If you don't, enjoy the video below and then click on the Vimeo source link for a bunch more, including one of the thing coming out of the box and getting assembled. [Thanks, Ben]
Sony releases specifications for E-mount lenses, desperately wants you to build some
Some interchangeable lens standards have been around for ages. Others, however, are rather more modern contrivances, and Sony's E-mount definitely falls in that latter category. We've seen it hit HD camcorders as well as the NEX-3 and NEX-5 compacts, but so far the greatest selections of lenses we've yet seen has come courtesy of a simple adapter. Sony wants that to change, releasing the "basic" specifications for its E-mount interchangeable lens system and doing so for free, a move that lens makers like Carl Zeiss and Sigma have all lauded -- though none went so far as to say they'd actually start making this particular flavor of glass. Oh, and the specs for the NEX-5 Lego viewfinder? Still totally free.
JVC GC-PX1 can't decide if it's cam or camcorder, does 1080p60 video and 10.6 megapixel stills
We missed JVC's GX-PX1 camera when it was at CES, just a concept at that point but now getting more real. Impress got a little hands-on time with the curious model that features an incredibly slim, compact-like body behind a hunky, camcorder-like lens assembly. It'll do 1080p60 at 36Mbps, writing to SDXC or 32GB of internal memory, can capture 10 megapixel stills and, if you don't mind stepping down to 640 x 360, will manage 300 frames per second. There's a tiltable LCD on the back and a 10x optically stabilized zoom lens up front. The camera is due to be released later this month, but JVC hasn't seen fit to tell us how much it'll cost just yet.
Sony's Bloggie Touch software now available for Mac
To the delight of Mac users out there who own Bloggie Touch pocket camcorders, Sony has just released a Mac version of the camera's onboard software, which was previously only available for PCs. It allows you to view and edit video, as well as upload it to multiple online platforms, like YouTube, Facebook or Flickr. This software release is for current Bloggie Touch owners, as well as those who buy from the current line before the new models come later this spring (Psst! Wait for the new models!). Moving forward, Bloggie cameras will include the Mac software onboard, just like the PC version. The software can be downloaded from the Bloggie eSupport page. Just make sure you select your particular camera model, which should be written along its side as pointed out in the video below. Of course, if you're already satisfied with your Mac's ability to handle your Bloggie's video, just continue on doing what you were doing. Nothing to see here...
Panasonic prices its 2011 HD and 3D camcorders, options for budgets great and small
Panny dumped a truckload of camcorders on us at CES this year, and now that we've finally dug ourselves out the company just piled on the MSRP and release information for the lot. It's okay, we can deal, and here are the highlights: The new 1MOS full HD models, the HDC-HS80, HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80, HDC-SD80, HDC-TM40, and HDC-SD40 (phew) are priced between $350 and $600, all offering 1920 x 1080 recording, but only the HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 will do 1080p60. All write to SDXC and the HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40 are the lightest full HD models the company offers, weighing just .39lbs. The company's new 3MOS models, the HDC-SD800, HDC-TM900, and HDC-HS900 are priced at $850, $1,100, and $1,400, all managing 1080p60 and, if you add the $350 VW-CLT1 conversion lens, will shoot in 3D as well. All write to SDXC, while the TM900 has 32GB of storage internally, and only the top two models offer a 20x zoom lens with manual focus for "increased creativity." There are a few SD shooters as well, the $250 SDR-S70, $270 SDR-T70, and $350 SDR-H100, all also sporting SDXC support. Full pricing in the PR after the break, and lots more details in the earlier announce post from CES.
LG Optimus 2X 1080p video surfaces, captures a slow day at the docks
Since we reported that the Tegra 2-based LG Optimus 2X was slated to hit Korea and Europe this month, we've been dying to check out its 1080p video recording capability. Lucky for us, someone in Greece has uploaded a video to YouTube that was apparently recorded on the smartphone, and the results, well, decide for yourself. While we're impressed by the video quality (digital zoom excepted) the subject matter leaves something to be desired: a shaky camera slowly pans a port full of docked fishing boats. Sure, we'd like to see some more action, but this sample still has us excited about getting our hands on our very own Optimus 2X. HD video after the jump.
JVC's 4K camcorder inches closer to reality, getting smaller all the time
This most definitely isn't the first 4K camcorder to leak out of JVC's stable, but it sure feels like the company is getting further from fantasy and closer to reality. At CES last week, the outfit's latest prototype was as small as we've ever seen, with that object shown here being capable of logging clips at 3840 x 2160 pixels. It's just barely bigger than the 1080p models already on store shelves, and it's equipped with new internal processors that are over twice as fast as the silicon used in the firm's current lineup. Sadly, we're no closer to learning a release date or price, but the results shown down in the source link have us all kinds of hopeful for something within the next dozen months. Right, JVC?
Looxcie introduces LooxcieLive, enables mobile-to-mobile stream viewing
Vlogging and lifecasting are both things we haven't really gotten into in this new-age of gadget crazed aliens and humans, but the LooxcieCam is a gadget -- and you know us, we kinda-maybe-sorta really love gadgets. Here at the Consumer Electronics Show, Looxcie ousted its new streaming service which it has dubbed LooxcieLive. In addition to the Bluetooth video connectivity to your smartphone, the service allows you to beam the vidcast across mobile networks and WiFi to any other dude or dudette on your contacts list that's got the app installed. Those looking to get started right away will be disappointed -- the service is currently unavailable, but will be live within the first half of 2011. Aside from the newly announced software, we got a chance to play with the LooxcieCam. The headset we looked at was paired (via Bluetooth) to a Droid X using the LooxcieMoments app, and the streaming quality was something we hope to see an improvement on. The unit, stuffed with 4GB of recording memory, can record one hour of VGA quality (and 4 hours of sub-VGA quality). The app is both available in the Market and App Store, and minimum requirements to run it are 2.0 on Android and 4.2 on iOS. Interested in seeing the headset in action? Head past the break and click play. %Gallery-112991%
DXG gets vivacious with 1080p Twist and Luxe pocket camcorders
Surely you made a New Year's resolution, right? Right. What better way to keep tabs on yourself than to nab a new pocket camcorder? DXG has just unveiled a new duo of handheld video cameras, so we won't waste any time getting down to the nitty-gritty. The aptly-named Twist looks an awful lot like LG's now-ancient VX9400 (or pretty much any phone with embedded mobile TV support), boasting a 3.5-inch widescreen swivel display and the ability to capture footage in 720p / 1080p at 30 frames per second. It's also equipped with HDMI and USB 2.0 outputs, an SDHC card slot and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. It'll be available around a month from now in pistol-grip (1080p and 720p) and traditional football grip (720p) variations, with a price point sitting at $169.99. If that's a little too Plain Jane for ya, the 2011 Luxe Collection is bound to provide the sprucing you're after. Available in a half-dozen patterns, this pocket camcorder offers a 3-inch touchscreen, a 1080p capture mode and a one-inch thick chassis. Naturally, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports are included, but before dropping your $149.99 to $199.99, we'd recommend thinking long and hard about what hue fits your personality best. Are you more of Maui hibiscus guy, or a Riviera quilted dude? Decisions, decisions. %Gallery-112241%
Sony announces 3D Handycam, projector HandyCams, boring HandyCams (update: hands-on video!)
Sony has revealed a slew of new camcorders touting cutting-edge specs. While three 3D camcorders were announced, the HDR-TD10 is the flagship model and is touted by Sony as the world's first "Double Full HD" 3D consumer camcorder thanks to its double Sony G lenses, double "Exmor R" CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ image processors. The camera also sports 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD 3D touch screen that enables users to view 3D footage sans glasses. Storage-wise, the unit will ship with 64GB of flash memory and hit shelves this April for around $1,500. Sony also introduced three Handycam models featuring video projectors built-in to their 3-inch flip-out LCD panels which can display footage in sizes of 60 inches diagonally from 18ft. away. When combined with the integrated stereo speakers with so-called Clear Phase and S-master digital amplifiers, these cameras are designed to provide an ideal playback experience without a TV. The HDR-PJ50V features the largest amount of storage in the series with a 220GB hard drive and will be available this April for $1000. The 32 GB HDR-PJ30V and 16GB HDR-PJ10 will be available slightly later in March for $950 and $700 respectively. Rounding out the camcorder news is the HDR-CX700V video enthusiast-level unit, featuring a 16:9 Exmor R CMS image sensor, wide angle Sony G lens, and 60p/24p recording. This unit will ship with 96GB of flash memory and also be available in March for about $1,300. The reality is that these models are just the tip of the Sony Camcorder announcement iceberg though, so for all the details feel free to read the PR below and browse through the gallery. %Gallery-112825% %Gallery-112849% %Gallery-112861%
Panasonic's CES 2011 camcorder launch: 3D, HD, 3MOS and 1MOS all present
Panasonic already rolled out the red carpet to issue a gaggle of new cameras, but now it's time to tickle the fancy of those who prefer full motion video. The company is introducing a metric ton (we checked, trust us) of new camcorders here at CES in Las Vegas, so we'll be giving you the highlights just below. For those that yearn for more, the press releases can be peeked in full after the break. Panny's "full roster" of Full HD camcorders includes a half-dozen newcomers: the HDC-SD40, HDC-TM40, HDC-HS80, HDC-TM80, HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD9, all of which are stacked with a 1MOS sensor capable of capturing clips at 1920 x 1080. The SD90 and TM90 are even capable of shooting at 1080/60p, and if you toss on the optional CW-CLT1, you'll instantly gain the ability to record in 3D. The whole lot is designed to handle low-light scenarios like a champ, and the each feature a 28m wide-angle lens. The aforementioned power duo also have a 40x intelligent zoom, and we're told that these can withstand up to 135 minutes of continuous recording before the battery keels over. A select few also feature touch-screen operation, but absolutely none of them have a price or release date just yet. What's better than 1MOS? 3MOS, naturally. The HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800 are also making their debut here in the desert, with 1080/60p recording, support for capturing 3D (when using the CLT1 conversion lens) and a manual ring on the TM900 and HS900. Those two also tout a 20x zoom and a 3.5-inch touchpanel, and Panny claims that these guys are good enough to handle "professional-level video shooting." The whole bunch can record to SDXC / SDHC / SD cards, while the TM900 adds 32GB of internal memory. You'll also find an optical image stabilizer, a Crystal Engine Pro processor and an Eco-Mode function on all three, while the TM900 and HS900 get gifted with five internal microphones for 5.1 recording. Per usual, your guess is as good as ours when it comes to a price and release. Bringing up the rear are a handful of SD camcorders -- the SDR-H100, the SDR-T70 and the SDR-S70 -- all of which are on the lean side and boast a 78x zoomer. These three offer a 33mm wide-angle lens, optical image stabilization and an Active mode, the latter of which helps to reduce blur when zooming. The group stores clips on SDXC / SDHC / SD, but the H100 also has an 80GB hard drive and the T70 a 4GB slab of flash memory. All three will be available in March, but pricing won't be determined until sometime next month. %Gallery-112596%
Samsung intros HMX-H300, SMX-F50, HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 camcorders
To say that Samsung had an unforgettable day here at CES would be understating things dramatically. The company has introduced dozens upon dozens of new products, and now it's dishing out a few more before letting everyone else grapple for a share of the limelight. On deck? A handful of new camcorders. The SMX-F50 ($199) / F53 ($249) / F54 ($299) is the latest in the outfit's family of SD camcorders, offering a 65x intelligent zoom, 720x x 480 (60i) recording capabilities and your choice of black, silver, red and blue hues. The HMX-H300 ($399) is being hailed as the "ultimate HD family camcorder," offering a three-inch touchpanel, 30x optical zoom, a battery that lasts up to three hours, optical image stabilization and the ability to capture clips at 1920 x 1080 (60i) / 1280 x 720 (60p). Lastly, the HMX-P300 ($199) and HMX-P100($149) both record to microSD / microSDHC, with the primary difference being the sensor -- the P300 gets an eight megapixel CMOS sensor and a 3x optical zoom, while the P100 goes with a five megapixel CMOS sensor and a 1x zoom. More details on the whole lot await you after the break. %Gallery-112772%
Kodak intros Easyshare Touch, Mini and Sport cameras, Playfull and Playsport camcorders
Things are just getting underway here at CES in Las Vegas, and Kodak's on-hand in order to serve up its latest smorgasbord of optical treasures. Without further ado, allow us to present to you the Easyshare Touch -- a $149.95 offering with a three-inch capacitive touchpanel, a dedicated video record button, a 14 megapixel sensor, 5x Schneider-Kreuznach lens and an HDMI output. Next up is the $99.95 Easyshare Mini, described as Kodak's smallest camera yet. It's "around the size of a credit card," offering a 3x wide-angle optical zoom lens, a built-in front mirror (you know, for those glorious self-portrait sessions), a ten megapixel sensor and a 2.5-inch rear LCD. Moving right along, there's the $79.95 Easyshare Sport, which is the outfit's first waterproof camera that can go up to ten feet underwater without any significant consequences. It'll also shrug off dirt and dust while snapping 12 megapixel shots and previewing them on the 2.4-inch LCD. Sashaying over to the video realm, there's the $149.95 Playfull camcorder, which touts an ultraslim design (it'll "fit in the pocket of your skinny jeans," according to Special K), a 1080p capture mode and an unmistakable 'Share' button to get your footage onto YouTube or a social network without any wasted time. The company's also using CES as an opportunity to launch the next generation of its Playsport video camera, with this $179.95 model being waterproof up to ten feet, shockproof, dustproof and capable of logging clips at 1080p. You can also snap stills at five megapixels, and that previously mentioned 'Share' button is predictably tacked on here as well. Speaking of revisions, the Pulse digital photo frame is also seeing a gentle refresh, with this one available in 7-inch ($129.95) and 10-inch ($199.95) sizes. The newcomers add the ability to comment on the pictures you receive from friends and family, with our favorite predetermined response being "Such a KODAK MOMENT!" Seriously. Oh, and these also have an ingrained activity sensor that turns the frame off when you walk away, and brings it back to life when you re-approach. Finally, the ESP C310 all-in-one printer will be selling for $99.99, but so far as we can tell, Kodak would rather extol the virtues of its ink-saving abilities than drum up interest in its cutting-edge feature set. Further details can be spotted in the full release after the break. %Gallery-112240% %Gallery-112328%
Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down
Lefty? We feel ya -- sometimes modern camcorders just aren't built for those with alternate dominant proclivities, but Samsung's HMX-Q10 most certainly is. Though, really, it'd be great for anyone who has felt the need to keep on filming while using their right hand to cling desperately onto a grabrail or the like. It offers a compact design with a prominent record button right on its fanny, about the only physical control you really need to worry about. The rest displayed on the 2.7-inch touchscreen, which automatically flips itself if you hold the camera upside down. Images are beamed through a 10x (2.75 - 27.5mm) optical zoom and then splayed across a 5 megapixel sensor, which enables full HD recording -- albeit at 60i. If you want progressive you'll have to drop to 720p, but that's not such a bad deal considering the cost of $299 when it ships in February. Besides, the lower res will make your SDHC card feel a little more roomy. Update: Samsung just hit us up with revised recording times: HD -- SF: 4h10m / F: 5h / N: 6h30m and SD -- SF: 17h30m / F: 23h10m / N: 34h %Gallery-112343%
