Sanyo has just released two new full HD camcorders, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A.  Both of these camcorders boast 1080p and 1080i recording at 60 fps, plus iFrame recording at a 960 x 540 resolution and 30 frames per second, as well as 8 megapixel still shooting with including 10x optical zoom.  Theese cameras are the first to offer iFrame compatibility, a format designed for easy editing.  The VPC-FH1A has a 3-inch LCD and HDMI output, while the VPC-HD2000A has a 2.7-inch LCD.  They’re both available now, with the FH1A running $499.99 and the HD2000A $599.99. 

Press Release:

Chatsworth, CA, October 13, 2009 – SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO), today introduces its high-end Dual Cameras, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A, as the world’s first camcorders to offer compatibility with iFrame, a next generation video format designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos. SANYO’s Dual Cameras have always been at the forefront for compatibility with computers as well as online applications and networking. The two models announced today feature the iFrame video mode, which records in the same format used to edit on a computer, dramatically speeding up the processes of importing, editing and sharing movies across multiple platforms and devices. These camcorders will be available nationwide through national and regional retailers beginning October 13, 2009, with a suggested retail price of $599.99 for the VPC-HD2000A and $499.99 for the VPC-FH1A.

“SANYO is proud to be the first manufacturer to offer camcorders that are compatible with the iFrame video format. This format offers a major breakthrough in reducing the time it takes for consumers to import, edit and share high quality video,” said Tom Van Voy, General Manager of the Consumer Products Group for SANYO North America. “In addition to this new video format, our Dual Cameras also offer the ability to shoot 8-Megapixel photos as well as a number of video modes, including Full HD 1080P/60fps, making them the perfect choice for sharing high quality movies with family and friends, for video bloggers or budding videographers.”

iFrame is a computer-friendly video format that has been specifically designed to simplify the process of working with video recorded from a camera. With iFrame, the video recorded in the camera is in the same format that will be used for editing, which means that importing video is fast and file sizes are small. This translates to quick and easy editing and sharing of movies across multiple platforms and devices. This new format can also be used with both Mac and PC compatible applications due to the use of standards-based technologies such as H.264, AAC, MP4 and MOV.

The HD2000A and the FH1A Dual Cameras are automatically programmed to default to the iFrame mode for ultimate ease of use and convenience to the user. In addition to the iFrame video format (960 x 540), the cameras can record in High Definition 1080P (1920 x 1080), as well as high speed video formats for slow motion playback. The two new models are nearly identical camcorders in two different body designs. The HD2000A is in SANYO’s signature vertical form factor while the FH1A is a traditional style camcorder shape (horizontal).

Dual Cameras conveniently record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there’s no need to switch modes, enabling the capture of those once-in-a-lifetime moments as the cameras can take both stills and videos simultaneously. Main Features: VPC-FH1A and VPC-HD2000A These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in an impressive 1080p (progressive) format, offering ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second. The cameras also offer 8-Megapixel still photos, sequential shooting, and a number of modes including macro photo capability.

Other Features include: — iFrame video format H.264 960 x 540 (30fps) — Full 1080p HD Video (60fps) — 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps) — High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback) — 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1A), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000A) for HD Playback — 10x Optical Zoom for photos — 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video — Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills) — ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos — HDMI Output (FH1A); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000A) — Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye — External microphone input (HD2000A) — FH1A and HD2000A are available in Black — Cold shoe mount for external light or microphone (HD2000A)

iMovie, Mac, and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Works with iMovie logo is a trademark of Apple Inc. The iFrame logo and the iFrame symbol are trademarks of Apple Inc.

For more information about the SANYO: VPC-HD2000A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-HD2000A VPC-FH1A, please visit http://us.sanyo.com/VPC-FH1A About SANYO SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar, leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA.’ SANYO North America’s Consumer Solutions Division (SANYO North America is a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, is a service and sales division that markets digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics. For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.sanyo.com. Source: SANYO North America Corp.

JVC has introduced the HD Everio GZ-HM400 to Japan market in late July, and finally, the US consumers can get their hands on this HD goodness (shipping now).  Some of the features of this camcorder are:

• 10.3 megapixel sensor
• 32GB of internal storage
• SD / SDHC expansion slot 
• 9 megapixels still capture

One of the video features that this camcorder has is slow-motion recording (600fps, 300fps and 120fps).  One thing that some people may have mixed feeling about, is the AVCHD format.  Still not a very widely used format, and questionable quality for high end usage, but hopefully all this will be worked out very soon.  This JVC camcorder goodness can be yours for around $1,000.  

Press Release:

WAYNE, NJ, September 14, 2009 – JVC today announced a new video camera that offers the performance, features and handling demanded by video enthusiasts. The new JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400, available immediately, emphasizes image quality and usability in a design that videographers will find allows comfortable extended use.

The HD Everio GZ-HM400, which records to an SD/SDHC card and includes 32GB of internal memory, features a 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers nine-megapixel still images and 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution for Full HD video. High-speed recording of up to 600fps is also possible for slow-motion playback of sports and other fast action. The camera’s features are easily accessible through an intuitive user interface that features analog-like dial adjustment and direct-access buttons.

The core image sensing device for this camera is a 1/2.33-inch 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor with Bayer Array RGB Color Filter. This translates into obvious advantages in digital still photography, as nine-megapixel stills are possible without any need for interpolation.

For video, the high-speed image processing of 5.3 million effective pixels applied by the HD Gigabrid Premium II Engine’s super high-band processor results in 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution — the theoretical maximum level of 1920 x 1080 Full HD. What’s more, the 24 Mbps recording capability of this engine (UXP mode) — the highest bit rate possible for AVCHD video — delivers detailed images with fluid motion.

Optically, the GZ-HM400 features a KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS that provides a high-resolution image source. But perhaps more noteworthy is the JVC-developed optical image stabilizer that uses two active prisms to correct camera shake at the lens entrance before the image enters the lens. The two prisms, compensating in the horizontal and vertical directions, provide the same effectiveness throughout the entire zoom range, from wide to telephoto.

On the top of the camera are three buttons, “A”, “S” and “U”, for selecting shooting modes. “A” selects the Aperture Priority Setting, “S” is for selecting the shutter speed, and “U” is User-Assignable, which lets users assign their own frequently used settings to this button. Positioned next to the lens barrel are controls for manual brightness and focus adjustment; just tilt a lever switch to select either brightness or focus, then turn the manual adjustment dial in the direction desired. This “analog” type control provides more intuitive operation and allows fine-tuning of both settings. What’s more, when used in conjunction with the SET button, this same dial allows easy setting of various other functions with menu-free simplicity.

Zoom is controlled by a seesaw-style zoom lever, which provides smooth zooming. The body is sculpted to offer a sure-grip contour, and size-balanced to afford extended operation with reduced fatigue.

Three different high-speed recording modes are available for slow-motion video playback: 600fps, 300fps and 120fps. For instance, at 600fps, motion occurring over a mere 2.4 seconds is slowed down to 24 seconds (10 times as long), enabling the user to capture crucial moments that are not visible to the naked eye. This function can be used as an effective tool for sport technique analysis, nature studies, and much more.

For still image shooting, up to 60fps 5.3-megapixel stills can be shot in a continuous burst of up to 11 images. Or, if preferred, continuous shooting of up to six nine-megapixel stills at up to 15fps is also possible. It is also possible to shoot 5.3-megapixel stills simultaneously while recording 1920 x 1080 Full HD video.

JVC’s K2 Technology, a proven technology in the audio field that restores fine sound details that are lost during compression, has been incorporated for the first time in a camera.

Other noteworthy features of the GZ-HM400 include Face Detection technology that identifies up to 16 faces to accurately adjust the focus and exposure, as well as One Touch Upload to YouTube™ and the One Touch Export function to easily export videos and stills to an iTunes® Library.

In addition to the SHARE STATION DVD Burner that allows easy AVCHD DVD burning without using a PC, this year JVC offers a new option for playback and enjoyment of GZ-HM400’s recordings. The new CU-VS100 HD Media Player plays back AVCHD video saved on an SD card, with double slots for uninterrupted playback from two cards. HDMI connection to an HDTV assures maximum quality enjoyment without complicated wiring.

PC users will appreciate the GZ-HM400’s Everio MediaBrowser, a single application for everything from simple editing to file playback and management.

The JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400 is available immediately at a nationally advertised value of $999.95.

About JVC U.S.A.
JVC U.S.A., headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment for the consumer and professional markets. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://www.jvc.com or call 1-800-526-5308

Canon Japan announced two new camcorders today, the iVIS HF 21 and the iVIS HF S11.

The HF S11, looks to be a new high end camcorder from Canon, that will have 64GB of internal flash memory, up to 5 hours and 55 minutes of recording time at the highest quality.  The memory can also be expanded by adding more external SD/SDHC cards.  Some other features that the camcorder has are 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a 8.59-megapixel gross pixel count, f/1.8 – f/3.0, 10x optical zoom lens, a Digic DVIII processor, and AVCHD recording up to 24Mbps, and picture resolution up to 3264 x 2456.  Two new features that HF S11 will have are a Night Scene mode and a Dynamic Stabilization mode.

The Canon HF 21 will also have 64GB internal flash memory, optical zoom of 15x, but smaller CMOS sensor, measuring 1/4-inch with a  gross pixel count of 3.89-megapixel.

Source:  Camcorder Info

Samsung has release a new HMX-U10 compact camcorder that can take 10 mega pixel pictures and 1920 x 1080 Full HD H.264 video on SDHC card.  It has a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 2-inch LCD for preview and edit.  You can upload your videos to your PC with Samsung’s built-in Intelli-studio software using USB cable.  There is no mention of feature like image stabilization (probably does not exist).  The camcorder will ship in September at a retail price of $200.  

Source:  Infosync

If both can also can use SDHC cards and use AVCHD Codec.  They are both shock proof (1.7m max) and Dust Proof.  

The TM350 has a 3CMOS Censor and 5.1Ch audio recording, and Line in and Mike in feature. 

There are some differences.  The TM 350 has 10.6MPix censor with a 12x Zoom and TM30 has 2.1Mpix Censor (1CMOS) but a larger 16x Zoom.

Source: Akihabara News

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]