HD Camcorders

Panasonic HDC-SD60K

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:24:57 +0000

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The Panasonic HDC-SD60K is a pretty impressive little camera in the mid range space for HD camcorders.  The picture quality is impressive, the battery life good, and the stabilization is very good.  People like the price too, to state the obvious.

Sanyo VPC-GH4 Full HD 1080 Camcorder with 10X Dual Range Zoom (Charcoal)

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:53:29 +0000

The first thing I have to say is that it is ridiculous that you can buy an HD camcorder like this for around $130. The Sanyo VPC-GH4 features full HD capability in the palm of your hand.

Can you say full HD 1080p in MPEG4/H.264 recording format?  Yep, that allows for great rendering in a much smaller file footprint.  The Sanyo VPC-GH4 can also take 10 megapixel stills.  5x optical zoom isn’t the greatest, but it’s pretty good for the size of the camcorder.  Image stabilizer, high speed sequential photos, and a 2.7 LCD screen add up to great vids and photos.

Another great feature of the camera is the Eye-Fi wireless card support.  This allows for wireless transfers and storage.  Check out Eye-Fi if you haven’t seen it!  Start up time is around 1.7 seconds.  And the one hour battery will keep you going on the run.

Sony HDR-CX110 HD Camcorder

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:52:06 +0000

Sony is no stranger to quality.  This is especially the case when they turn out a new HD camcorder like the HDR-CX110.

So, let’s start with price.  You can expect to pay around $400 for the Sony HDR-CX110 HD camcorder.  So, let’s start with some snapshot features:

• 1920×1080 Full HD Recording w/3MP still image
• Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot
• 1/4″ back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
• 1080/60p playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV
• 30mm CZ Vario Sonnar T* with 25x Optical zoom

For the casual video user who wants really good quality for a good price, it’s hard to go wrong here.  It’s easy to use and has an attractive price for the quality.  It has 25x optical zoom and 300x digital zoom.  Most people who get this are amazed at the quality.  This is especially true if you haven’t had a HD camcorder before.  Here’s a sample video take with it:

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Remember to choose 1080p to see the quality of this amazing HD camcorder.

Toshiba Camileo S20 HD Camcorder

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:05:28 +0000

It’s amazing how small a HD camcorder can be.  Just take a look at the Toshiba Camileo S20 and you will say, “Zoinks.”

What you see in the Camileo S20 HD camcorder, as well as others, is a move to push to consolidate all these devices into one.  I think we will see convergence into the smartphone.  Of course, we are seeing this to varying degress, but it’s only a matter of time when the quality is on par to these standalone devices.  But that’s another post.  Back to the S20.

The first thing you notice is that it is a measly 2/3 inch wide and weighs 3.5 ounces.  If you are old enough, do you remember how huge video devices used to be?  Amazing.  It supports full HD video (1920x1080p) and 5MP stills.  It has four modes: motion activated, slow motion, time elapse, and macro.  It also features a very nice 3 inch LCD viewer.  The biggest draw back is that image stabilization and zoom aren’t available in the 1080p mode.

At around $150 it’s just an unreal bargain for what it is!

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Kodak PlaySport Zx3 HD Video Camcorder

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:33:26 +0000

The Kodak Playsport Zx3 HD video camcorder shows that you can look good and bring good function as well.  Yeah, it’s the HD video camcorder that other ones envy.

It can be submerged into up to 10 feet of water and still go on working.  That a good thing if you do a lot of outdoors video, especially in areas that are prone to rain.  Of course, it supports 1080 HD video and 5 megapixel (16:9) stills.  It also has a nice 2 inch lcd display with glare screen options to keep you working while the sun is out.  And the expandable SD card slot can give you up to 10 hours of video time.  Pretty insane.  And at $149, it is hard to beat.  People love the small size, the price, the image stabilization, and the overall convenience.  It seems Kodak went for simplicity in this sporty package and it works.  Here’s a short vid.  Btw, this guy is pretty hip to the Kodak Playsport Zx3 HD video camcorder, not so much the Flip:

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Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:58:22 +0000

Price: @ $200

Flip HD camcorders continue to push the envelope with ease and portability for the consumer.  Again, Flip video cameras are extremely popular and for good reason.  They provide people with what they want.  The Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL is no slouch in that regard.  User continually rate this at the top of their list.

Features:

• All-new MinoHD is the world’s sleekest HD camcorder
• Slim, sleek design fits in any pocket or purse–perfect for shooting video on the go
• Captures 120 minutes of stunning HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed
• Simple user interface–power on and press record to start capturing HD video in moments
• Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software
• FlipShare software makes it easy to email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still-image snapshots, and upload video to Facebook, YouTube and other sharing sites
• Large, 2-inch anti-glare color display to play back and delete videos
• Internal Lithium-ion battery recharges through built-in USB; also recharges when connected to Flip Video Power Adapter (not included)
• HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it easy to watch your videos on your HDTV
• All-new design features a unique brushed-metal front and soft, rounded edges
• Features a flat-back panel with touch-sensitive, backlit buttons
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

Here’s a side by side comparison between the flip MinoHD and the Kodak Zi6:

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Overall Average Amazon Customer Review Rating:

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Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG6 HD Camcorder $169

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:04:33 +0000

The Xacti line of HD camcorders is pretty popular.  The unique, old style handheld design is a decent differentiator.  The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG6 typically goes for around $270.  I found one at refurbdepot for $169.

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Canon Vixia HF S11 HD Digital Camcorder

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:14:22 +0000

The Canon VIXIA HF S11 HD Dual Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom Digital Camcorder allows you to take up to 6 hours of HD video with its 64GB internal memory.  And the DIGIC DV III processor allows you to take some pretty amazing video in a tiny footprint. The Vixia HF S11 also allows you to add SD memory to expand your video time.  1920 x 1080 video resolution, image stabilization, and face detection give you the bells and whistles.  And the 8.5 megapixel stillshot capability allows you to take those stills in a pinch. Specs: Standard Definition or High Definition High Definition Television System NTSC Video Recording system MPEG4-AVC / H.264 Image Sensor 1/2.6-inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter Total Pixels Approx. 8.59 Megapixels Effective Pixels Video: Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840) Still Image: 16:9 Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840) 4:3 Approx. 8.02 Megapixels (3264 x 2456) Maximum recording time 64GB internal flash drive LP (5 Mbps) 24 hours 30 minutes SP (7 Mbps) 19 hours 10 minutes XP+ (12 Mbps) 11 hours 30 minutes FXP (17 Mbps) 8 hours 20 minutes – Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording MXP (24 Mbps) 5 hours 55 minutes – Allows 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording Lens Zoom Ratio 10x Optical/200x Digital Focal Length f-6.4-64mm (35mm equivalent 43.5-435mm) Zoom Speed Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.0 Focusing System Instant AF, Face Priority AF, TTL (through the lens) Manual Exposure Yes Programmed AE AUTO, P, Av, Tv, Cine*, Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night Scene, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks Max Shutter Speed Movie: 1/2000, Still image: 1/500 Minimum Focusing Distance 10mm (wide) / 1m (tele) White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Manual Frame Rate 60i, 24p Progressive (records at 60i), 30p Progressive (records at 60i) Minimum Illumination 0.3 lx (Low light mode) Image Stabilization Dynamic SuperRange Optical (lens shift) / Standard SuperRange Optical (lens shift) Filter Diameter 58mm Viewfinder None LCD Screen 2.7-inch Multi-Angle Vivid widescreen color LCD (Approx. 211,000 dots) Flash Electronic Recording Media Internal Flash Drive (64GB) or SDHC Memory Card ** USB Terminal USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Video Terminal component (output), composite (output) Audio Dolby Digital 2 channels (AC-3 2ch) Accessory Shoe mini Advanced Supplied Video Editing Software Pixela ImageMixer 3SE HDMI Terminal HDMI Mini Connector (output), CEC and x.v. Color supported Microphone Terminal 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only) Dimensions (W x H x D) 2.8 x 2.7 x 5.4in. (70 x 69 x 136mm) Weight (not including battery pack and memory card) 15.9 oz. (450g) Weight (fully loaded) 1.1 lb. (500g) (including BP-807 and memory card) [...]

Sony HDR-XR520V 240GB HDD High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:57:15 +0000

I seem to say this over and over again, but Sony makes quality stuff.  It’s rare that I am put off by one of their products.  The Sony HDR-XR520V sports a helacious 240GB hard drive, 12.1 megapixel camera, and 12x optical zoom.  The result is impressive. As expected, the Sony HDR-XR520V gives you 1920 x 1080 video resolution.  What I didn’t expect was a geo-tagging feature with an integrated GPS device.  This helps you keep track of all those off road expeditions that you are doing.  Another feature that I didn’t count on was the 5.1 channel rendering.  I would be very interested to hear how that comes out.  You also get a nice, giant 3.2 lcd display (oh, come on OLED).  Sells for around $1149 on Amazon. Specs: Video Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264; SD: MPEG2 Video Signal : HD: 1920 x 1080/60i; SD: NTSC color, EIA standards General Imaging Device : 1/2.88″ “Exmor R” CMOS sensor Processor : BIONZ™ image processor Pixel Gross : 6631K Video Actual : 4150K Pixels (16:9), 3110K Pixels (4:3) Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080 Still Actual : 4500K Pixels (16:9), 6000K Pixels (4:3) Still Picture Resolution : 12 megapixel Recording Media : 240GB Non-Removeable Hard Disk Drive Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately) Recording and Playback Times : 240GB HDD: High Definition: FH = up to 1750 min., HQ = up to 3560 min. SP = up to 4330 min., LP = up to 5770 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 3560 min., SP = up to 5270 min., LP = up to 10100 min. Audio Recording Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1 Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone Convenience Features Low Light Capability : NightShot x.v.Color™ : Yes Face Index : Yes Film Roll Index : Yes Fader Effect(s) : Black, White Photo Capture from Movie : Yes Easy Operation : Yes Multiple Language Display : Yes Slide Show Mode : Yes BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes Inputs and Outputs Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video / S Video / Audio / Component Out / Remote Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal) Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant) Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Supplied (via A/V Remote jack) HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini) Headphone Jack : Yes Microphone Input : Yes S-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack) Active Interface Shoe : Yes [ReviewAZON asin=”B001Q7VXN4″ display=”inlinepost”] Optics/Lens Lens Type : G Lens™ 35mm Equivalent : 43 – 516mm (16:9), 52 – 624mm (4:3) Aperture : F1.8-3.4 Digital Zoom : 150x Filter Diameter : 37mm Focal Distance : 5.5 – 66.0mm Focus : Full range Auto / Manual (Touch Panel) Shutter Speed : Scene Selection, 1/8-1/800; STD, 1/60-1/800; LOW LUX, 1/30-1/800; Smooth Slow Rec., 1/240-1/1000 Minimum Illumination : STD, 11 lux (1/60 Shutter Speed); LOW LUX, 3 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed) Optical Zoom : 12x Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel) Resolution : 12 megapixel [...]

Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:03:45 +0000

The Flip HD Camcorders revolutionized the video camera market. They brought the consumer that was super small and super easy to use. That has resulted in tremendous sales for Flip. Well, Kodak saw those sales figures and perked up. Now, they bring you the Kodak Zi6 HD Mini Pocket Video Camera line. And it’s good. The Kodak Zi6 mini hd camcorders allow you to take 720p video at 60fps. Add up to 32GB of SD memory for hours and hours of video capture. The bright and clear 2.4 LCD screen is really a joy to look at. The included software is, er, less than stellar. But, if you have some other editing software, you should really use that. Overall, a great pocket camcorder for a cool $135. Specs: Sensor type 1 / 4.5–type 1.6 MP CMOS Lens 4.1 mm, f/2.8, fixed focus Zoom 2X digital Display 2.4 in. LCD Storage 128 MB internal memory*, SD/SDHC card expansion slot Focus modes normal, close-up Focus range normal: 27.6 in. (70 cm)–infinity close-up: 2 in. (5 cm) White balance auto Video capture H.264 (MOV), AAC LC Video quality HD60: 720p at 60 fps—16:9 HD: 720p at 30 fps—16:9 (default) VGA Still format JPEG Picture quality 3 MP (stills, interpolated) Microphone mono Speaker yes I/O interface USB 2.0 (high speed); component output; AV output Tripod mount 1/4 in. standard Power (2) AA batteries (Ni-MH recommended) Dimensions 64 × 114 × 23.5 mm (2.5 × 4.5 × 0.9 in.) Weight 107 g (3.8 oz) without batteries [...]

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