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Canon's CES 2009 VIXIA camcorder lineup gets priced and dated
Like most everyone else at CES, Canon failed to disclose pricing and availability for its 11 new VIXIA camcorders. Now, however, CamcorderInfo has the details you've been craving, and the good news is that most of the models should be on store shelves before April draws to a close. The flagship HF S10 will ring up at $1,299 in early March, while the low-end ZR960 will sport a $249.99 sticker and an early April ship date. For everything in between, give the read link a look.[Via GadgetReview]
Panasonic's HDC-HS300 HD camcorder reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed
Panasonic's HDC-HS300 was unleashed amidst a flurry of other camcorders at CES this year, but according to Trusted Reviews, it won't be hiding under the shadows of everyone else for long. Rather than bogging you down with details, we'll just get right to the punch -- critics didn't hesitate to suggest that this "could well be the best [consumer] camcorder released all year." The most important aspect (yes, we're talking about image quality) was said to be "nothing short of stunning in virtually all conditions," and low light performance was deemed "particularly amazing." There were plenty of outputs, a swank touchscreen LCD and a very impressive cross-shaped array of microphones that could record 5.1 audio. Add all that up, and you've got a real winner; in fact, these guys suggested that even Canon's stellar line of VIXIA camcorders should watch closely, 'cause the HS300 is stepping all up in that rarefied air.
Ask Engadget: Best flash / HDD-based camcorder under $400?
With CES over and done with, there's really just one thing left to do: wait for all those wares that were announced to actually ship. To that end, we reckon this question is particularly timely being that a whole slew of camcorders were introduced in Vegas. Feel free to suggest an oldie-but-goodie, though."I am currently in the market for a new digital video camera. I currently have one of those ancient cameras that use tapes, and I haven't decided between an HDD or flash-based one just yet. I'm looking for something small and compact with USB connectivity, and I'd like to stay under $400 if possible. Any help would be really appreciated."Thanks for the question, Patrik. We presume those little pocket camcorders are out of the question due to their awful low-light performance, yeah? Yeah. Oh, and if any other reader has a question they'd like hosted up, send it in to ask at engadget dawt com.
Toshiba readies three 1080p Camileo camcorders for Europe
We can't say with any level of certainty why Toshiba chose to announce its new Camileo after CES and before CeBIT, but whatever the reason, we're sure it's a good one. Introduced today over in Germany are three new camcorders, all of which boast simple controls for the technologically challenged and easy uploading to YouTube. The whole lot captures in gorgeous 1080p, and they all feature a handy HDMI output for showing off clips as soon as you snag them. The higher-end Camileo P30 arrives with 128MB of internal storage, an SD card slot, a 3-inch LCD monitor and a 5x optical zoom; the H20 steps down to a 2.5-inch display, while the S10 remains mostly mysterious. As for the bits that matter most, the S10 and P30 will be available early next month for €149 ($197) / €199 ($263), respectively, while the H20 can be snapped up now for €249 ($329).[Via Stuff]
Sony's Webbie HD reviewed: cheap but not a bargain
With everything going on at this year's CES we didn't get a chance to do more than take a few pictures of Sony's unfortunately named Webbie HD (aka the MHS-CM1), a tiny little camcorder that shoots in high-def yet costs just $200. Michael at Diffusion had the opportunity to review one and, while he liked everything on the camera's spec sheet, in practice found it to be a "low priced, low quality disposable HD camera." It shoots 720p and not-quite-1080p video (maxing out at 1440 x 1080) as well as 5 megapixel stills through a 5x optical zoom lens. Overall image quality was found to be poor, thanks in large part to exposure settings that could never settle on the right values themselves yet couldn't be manually tweaked. Given the price really there's not much reason to complain, as it seems perfectly serviceable for those who worry about cost more than image quality, but if you were hoping for a prosumer cam at a plaything price, keep searching.
Creative's Vado HD pocket camcorder sails to Europe
Creative's 720p pocket camcorder, better known as the Vado HD, has been shipping for months now here in America, but if you're parked in one of those glorious European countries, you've been missing out. As of this week, said camcorder is shipping in Europe, though Creative fails to mention how many euros / pounds it'll take to procure. Any early adopters care to share the deal they received?
Kodak Zx1 pocket HD cam and Z980 zoomer hands-on
Kodak came to CES with the new Zx1 rugged pocket HD cam and Z980 24x zoomer, and we spent some quality time with both. The Zx1 is an interesting repackaging of the Zi6 -- it loses the pop-out USB connector in favor of a sealed waterproof casing, but it gains HDMI out and some fabulous colors. The Z980 is pretty large, but it's super-light, almost surprisingly so. The unit we got to play with here is actually a pre-pro model, so that silver ring will be black on the final model, but otherwise it's the same thing. Pics in the gallery! %Gallery-41035%
Panasonic launches new line of of camcorders at CES 2009
We already caught wind of a few new camcorders from Panasonic today, but now the whole crew is official. We've got too many to call 'em out, but here's a few highlights. First off, the SDR-S26 packs a mighty ridiculous 70x optical zoom. The partnering SDR-H80 and SDR-H90 also include optical image stabilization and varying amounts of internal storage, but truthfully, these really aren't worth swooning over. The half dozen Full HD models, however, are definitely worth peeking. The HDC-HS300, HDC-TM300 and HDC-HS250 all feature the outfit's 3MOS system, but unfortunately, none of these are particularly affordable. If you don't believe us, have a look at the links below.Read - Panasonic camcorders IRead - Panasonic camcorders II
Samsung HMX-R10 HD camcorder is stunning, stunningly small
We've been a fan of Samsung's roundish camcorders ever since we reviewed the SC-HMX20C, and the HMX-R10 somehow manages to improve upon even that. The CMOS-based Full HD camcorder sports a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, a lens that's angled up at 25-degrees (you know, for those spy shots) and a 5x optical zoom. Details beyond that are scant, but you can take a closer look in the read link below.
Sony offers up HDR-CX100 HD Handycam alongside three lowly SD models
If you shuddered at the sight of Sony's GPS-packin' HDR camcorders, the outfit has a much milder, calmer set headed your way. The all new Flash Handycam line strips away most of the dazzling features on the aforementioned family, though one of the four still keeps the most important bit: high-def recording. The flagship HDR-CX100 logs clips at 1,920 x 1,080 and captures 4 megapixel stills, but the privilege will cost you $600. For that, you'll also get Face Detection, Smile Shutter, 8GB of embedded flash memory, a Memory Stick PRO Duo card slot, 10x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD monitor and a choice of black, silver or red. If that's still too far out of your league, it's also introducing a trio of flash-based SD models: the 16GB DCR-SX60, 8GB DCR-SX41 and 4GB DCR-SX40, which will cost about $370, $300 and $270, respectively.
Sony's MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 Webbie HD cams teach your kids to upload
Tired of seeing your child come home from school in tears, only to find that all the cool cats in the playground were telling him / her to get a real pocket camcorder if they wanted to join the clique? Never fear, as Sony has just introduced two new Webbie HD cameras for giving your youngsters the chance to capture spontaneous moments in glorious high-def. The MHS-CM1 and MHS-PM1 both grab live action video in 1,440 x 1,080/30p and take stills at 5 megapixels; uploading the MP4 results are said to be a snap thanks to the embedded software that handles most of the hard work. They're available in two designs and three "stylish" colors (eggplant, orange and silver), and while the CM1 (available now for $200) gets gifted with a 2.5-inch swivel LCD and a 5x optical zoom, the four-ounce PM1 (ships in April for $170) goes screenless and sticks to a 4x digital zoom.%Gallery-40934%
RCA introduces slimmest Small Wonder camcorder ever: EZ209HD
If you were taken aback by RCA's EZ300HD, you'll serious consider marrying the EZ209HD. Said device is the company's slimmest, sleekest and "sexiest" Small Wonder ever, enabling users to grab HD footage and view playback on the 2-inch LCD display. It's also packing an HDMI socket, a rechargeable battery good for two hours of use and a microSD slot. It'll hit this quarter for $119.99 alongside the standard-def EZ207.
Panasonic's SDR-H80 / HDC-TM300 camcorders break cover
Panasonic's press event has yet to go down here at CES, but two camcorders have already surfaced on the outfit's Japanese portal. The entry-level SDR-H80 houses a 60GB hard drive, 2.7-inch LCD monitor, SD recording, face detection capabilities and optical image stabilization. The entirely more riveting HDC-TM300 comes with a 9.15-megapixel sensor to capture Full HD footage, and the internal 32GB hard drive (coupled with the SD / SDHC slot) should give you plenty of room. This one captures in MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, and reportedly it even supports 5.1-channel audio recording. Mum's the word on a US price or release, but hopefully we'll be hearing more real soon.[Via iTechNews]Read - H80Read - TM300
JVC lays out 2009 line of Everio camcorders at CES
JVC's busting out a veritable plethora of camcorders today, with three in particular catching our eyes. The 60GB GZ-HD300, 120GB GZ-HD320 and the dual SD slot-packin' GZ-HM200 all record in Full HD and feature a 3.05 megapixel CMOS image sensor. If you're into the SD gig, it has five other models within the Everio G series and Everio S series, and the whole family will include a One Touch Export function that enables videos to be imported into iTunes and loaded directly onto an iPod / iPhone. Expect 'em all to be available by March at the latest for between $299.95 and $799.95.
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Samsung debuts H-Series of HD camcorders, first with 64GB SSD
You should've known that Canon wouldn't be able to introduce a new family of HD camcorders without Samsung hitting back with a crew of its own, so it's with that in mind that we present Samsung's H-Series. The HMX-H106, HMX-H105, HMX-H104, and HMX-H100 all arrive with Full HD sensors and a Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens with Optical Image Stabilization, but it's the H106 that really steals the show. Said device is the first Full HD camcorder to incorporate a 64GB SSD within, while the H105 and H104 offer up 32GB and 16GB SSDs, respectively; as for the H100, you'll be providing your own SD / SDHC card before anything gets recorded. The whole crew utilizes H.264 compression, meaning that the big daddy can hold 12 hours of footage at Full HD resolution. Mum's the word on pricing / availability, but the full release is waiting just after the break.%Gallery-40642%
Canon comes clean with HD camcorder lineup at CES 2009
Just as Canon did last year, it has busted out a plethora of new high-def camcorders for our enjoyment over the course of 2009. Without further adieu, let's take a closer look at the outfit's five newest. Starting things off are the VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 flash models, which offer up to 32GB of internal storage along with an SDHC card slot. Both units tout the DIGIC DV III image processor, an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, face detection, Auto Exposure system and the ability to snap 8-megapixel stills. Moving on, we've got the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 models, both of which include a 3.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and a 15x lens. Closing out the bunch is the HV40 HDV, which offers a 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x zoom lens, native 24p support and a Custom Key Mode that filmmakers should adore. Sadly, the full release is curiously devoid of pricing and availability information.%Gallery-40592%
Kodak's rugged Zx1 handheld camcorder does 720p in the jungle
Kodak's 720p Zi6 has only been out for six months, but already we're seeing what's likely its beefed-up successor. The mighty Zx1 is debuting here at CES, and with it comes a 2-inch LCD monitor, easy upload to YouTube, 720p HD video capture at 60fps, an IP43-certified weather-resistant design and an SD / SDHC card slot that can understand media up to 32GB in size. All told, users can capture up to ten hours of high-def video, and the bundled HDMI cable makes showing off recent grabs as easy as pie. The Zx1 will arrive in five colors (pink, blue, yellow, red and black) and will include pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries alongside a charger. We'll bet Creative and Pure Digital have a little something of their own to show off before this one lands in April for $149.95. Full release is (where else?) after the break.
Sanyo's Xacti technology tapped for Full HD VCC-HDN1 surveillance camera
The unforgettable words of Rockwell have never been truer, and now, those watching you will have one more opportunity to do so in high-definition. Sanyo has just delivered its VCC-HDN1 network surveillance camera, and interestingly enough, it utilizes the same technology that's currently used in its line of Xacti HD camcorders. Predictably, the device has a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 along with a 10x optical zoom and other specifications "comparable to those of the camcorder." Sanyo's offering these up to parking garage owners, governments, spy agencies and all sorts of people with false names for upwards of $3,200 apiece. So much for that birthmark not being noticeable on CCTV, huh?
Ask Engadget: Best consumer-level HDD camcorder?
Seems like the holidays are always good for sparking up a discussion on camcorders -- after all, what better time to have one than when everyone in your extended family's family is gathered together at your house? Take a break from the turkey and gift bags and give Chaz's question some thought. "I've been looking for a decent HDD-based camcorder. I just want to use it for normal everyday use, and maybe to record some live performances, like dance shows and stuff like that. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, and I'm obviously looking for the biggest bang for my buck. Thanks for any advice!" Chaz might just be onto something here, as these memories you're making this week will be lost forevers and evers unless someone pulls out the camcorder and lights up the red light. If you've recently purchased a hard drive-based camcorder, why not toss in your advice? As for us, we'll point to Samsung's SC-HMX20C and simultaneously ask you to send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.
Recommendations for best HDD-based camcorder?
This week's extra special holiday edition of Ask Engadget just so happens to involve some technology that we reckon our HD readers would love to have a say on. Yep, we're talking about HDD-based camcorders, presumably of the high-definition variety. If you consider yourself suitably equipped to give a recommendation on which one is the best for an average consumer, head on over to Engadget Classic and drop some knowledge.
