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Sony HVR HD1000P Camcorder

Review:

Sony is adding the entry-level shoulder-mount HDV HVR HD1000P/HD1000N camcorder to its professional HDV line-up to offer integrated HDV and DV formats. The HVR-HD1000P/HD1000N provides HD versatility to customers currently producing in SD including wedding videographers, freelancers and educational video creators.

A highlight of the new camcorder is the HDV1080i / DV recording and playback capability, with the HDV format being capable of recording approximately 60 minutes of HD video on to a miniDV cassette tape.

In addition, the HVR-HD1000P/HD1000N's 1 / 2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensor offers up to 3.2 megapixels using a pixel layout which is rotated 45 degrees to provide resolution and sensitivity similar to professional camcorders. In addition, the Carl Zeiss Vario-SonnerT* lens with 10x optical zoom enables the user to adapt to various shooting situations.

The camcorder's Super SteadyShot image stabilizer uses an active optical lens to minimize deterioration in image quality. Also, its down-conversion feature outputs converted DV signals through the i.LINK connector to the user's DV non-linear editing system, while retaining an HD master tape for future use.

Furthermore, the HVR-HD1000P boasts a powerful range of photo creation functions which can be used to develop materials including DVD inlays, webpages and news releases.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 3.2 megapixels (1 / 2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensor)
Pixels (photo): 4.6 megapixels
Lens: 10x Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
Recording Format:: 1080i/50i, (DV/SP/LP)
Storage: miniDV cassette tape (provided)

Canon XH A1 Camcorder

Review:

For the professional and serious non-professional alike, the XH A1 combines a wealth of features with the outstanding performance of a 3-CCD, high-definition camcorder.

The excellence of the XH A1 begins with its Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens with Professional L Series Fluorite. Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization corrects for a wide range of camera movement and vibration, and Instant AF (Auto Focus) ensures ultra-quick, accurate focus. The DIGIC DV II HD image processor then ensures improved color reproduction and noise reduction - for a final result that is the zenith of image quality.

If you need advanced image control, the XH A1 gives you features that let you make manual adjustments to fine-tune your video. If you prefer to concentrate on your subject and let your camcorder take care of exposure and image controls, the XH A1 let you do that as well.

With a wide range of features and optional accessories, the XH A1 is a versatile, flexible and powerful performer that is sure to meet your uncompromising standards.

Canon XH A1 Highlights

The image quality of high definition The XH A1 captures true 1080 high-definition resolution video at 60i, 30F or 24F frame rates (or, 50i/60i with optional upgrade). It captures a true 16:9 widescreen HD image that is made for your HD broadcast and theatrical projects.

Genuine Canon HD zoom lens The XH A1 comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens that shows why the name Canon is synonymous with optical excellence. This Professional L Series Fluorite lens ensures outstanding resolution, contrast and color reproduction, and delivers clarity and image quality you won't see with conventional optical glass lenses.

3CCD performance The XH A1 is equipped with three 1/3-inch Native 16:9 CCDs (1.67 megapixels), delivering outstanding picture quality, highly accurate color reproduction, and a wide dynamic range with virtually no color noise.

Instant AF With HD, focus is more critical than ever. Instant AF is the next generation of auto focus, designed with HD resolution in mind. It combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time -- even in low-light situations -- and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects.

DIGIC DV II HD image processor DIGIC DV II HD is the next generation of Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology. Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality for HD video, with improved color reproduction - especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also employs a hybrid noise reduction system that integrates two types of noise reduction, for high-definition images that are crystal clear.

Super-range optical image stabilizer Canon's innovative Super-Range OIS combines gyro- and image-sensors to correct camcorder shake instantly - whether it's the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car, the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording, or the slower motion of body sway.

Image control A variety of image control functions give you as much or as little exposure control as you want, and let you fine-tune your exposures for outstanding video.

Technical notes:

Pixels: 16:9 CCDs with 1.67 megapixels (1440 x 1080)
Lens: Canon High Definition 'L series' 20x video lens with 'Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser'
Recording Format:: 1080 resolution HD video at 50i, 25F frame rates
Storage: miniDV cassette tape (provided)

Panasonic DVX102B Camcorder

Review:

The AG-DVX102B is the most recent version of the Panasonic 25-frame standard definition video camera. When initially introduced, the AG-DVX100 (pre-A model) was the first small video camcorder to offer film-like 25-frame per second recording. High-end shoulder mount cameras offer film-speed recording, but operating these cameras requires a large production crew and oodles of money. The next model, the AG-DVX100A added more gamma correction and other cine' picture-look settings than the first model.

The AG-DVX102B is the improved version of the "A" camera with some 20 new features like a higher resolution viewfinder, Scene Files and Time Code transfer through the FireWire cable, greater power efficiency with newly developed battery pack, more delicate zoom control and more. An all-black paint job on the new DVX-102B camera actually hides finger marks and smears and reduces reflection compared with the older silver bodied "A" model.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 470,000 pixels (3CCD Image System)
Lens: Leica Dicomar Lens 10x with Optical Image Stabiliser
Recording Format:: 50i, 25F frame rates
Storage: miniDV cassette tape (provided)

Panasonic AG-HMC72 Camcorder

Review:

The Panasonic AG-HMC72 is the industry's first professional AVCHD shoulder-mount camcorder. Professional camcorders using standard consumer SD cards offer a highly affordable HD video recording solution with tremendous advantages over older tape based products. Unlike HDV, AVCHD content can be captured on a standard SD card and played immediately via a growing number of consumer products such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, computers, and Plasma displays.

Now supported by most of the leading NLE products, AVCHD content can also be edited and rendered to almost any format or media. It is a fast and easy way for businesses and markets such as education, to enjoy the advantages of high definition video recording.

AG-HMC70 series boasts high reliability against vibration, impacts and temperature change, for up to 360 minutes of recording. It allows a wide range of users to get a start in tapeless HD image production.

Canon HG-10 Camcorder

Review:

The Canon HG10 AVCHD hard disk drive camcorder delivers high definition technology with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk. Incorporating the latest AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format, it puts superb image reproduction and advanced features at your fingertips in a compact AVCHD Format HDD camcorder, which means you'll carry it everywhere you want to capture the special moments in your life in true HD.

Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HG10 are Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. More exclusives are SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus and our new 2.7-inch widescreen multi-angle vivid LCD. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features, the HG10 is the right choice in HDD camcorders.

AVCHD-format - The HG10 is Canon's first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) hard disk drive camcorder. AVCHD uses an MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video codec, recording true 1080 high-definition resolution video. It allows you to capture more video onto a hard disk using less storage, for extended recording time. You can play the video directly from the camcorder on your HDTV, or easily download it onto your Windows XP or Vista system computer for playback, editing or sharing with friends and family.

Full HD on a 40GB hard disk drive - The HG10 captures 1920 x 1080 high-definition resolution video onto a 40GB hard disk drive. A convenient format for anyone who wants to transfer video to a computer for viewing, editing or sharing, it also makes your life easier as you never have to worry about not carrying around enough recording media with you as you shoot your future memories. In LP mode, you'll be able to record up to 15 hours of video. Even when shooting in super high quality mode, five-and-a-half hours of footage is yours without taking a break to change tapes or DVDs.

920 x 1080 full-HD CMOS sensor - The HG10 captures 1920x1080 HD video through its Canon-designed-and-manufactured CMOS image sensor, similar to the CMOS image sensors in Canon's EOS-series digital SLR cameras.

24p Cinema Mode 24p - Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional "film-look." You can change the camcorder's frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the HG10's CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080, Full HD CMOS sensor )
Pixels (photo): 3.1 megapixels
Lens: Canon HD video lens, with 10x optical zoom and Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer
Recording Format:: AVCHD, 24p Cinema-Mode
Storage: 40GB Harddisk

Canon HV-30 Camcorder

Review:

The new Canon HV30 benefits from Canon’s expertise as one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of HD video lenses for broadcast television. Specially designed for HD resolution, its 10x optical zoom lens employs twin aspherical lens elements to combat chromatic aberrations, while special coating reduces ghosting and flare. A graduated ND (Neutral Density) filter allows the aperture to be fully opened in extremely bright conditions. Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer combines two types of shake detection technologies, allowing the Canon HV30 to better compensate for minor vibrations that other IS systems miss - such as the slight body movements associated with breathing. The Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer is effective for both video and still photography.

Canon HV30 HD camcorder - DIGIC DV and miniSD - Designed to handle the increased data rate of HD imaging, Canon’s unique DIGIC DV II processor uses advanced noise reduction technology to deliver sharp, crisp HD video. DIGIC DV II optimizes recorded colours, ensuring that they appear as vibrant and bright as in real life. In addition, DIGIC DV II is the driving force behind the Canon HD Camcorder HV30’s advanced still photography features. Alongside a built-in flash, PictBridge connection and one-push histogram display that monitors brightness levels, it allows users to capture 2.07 Megapixel photographs while shooting video, or 3.1 Megapixel stills in dedicated ‘photo’ mode. Photos are stored to a compact miniSD card.

Canon HV30 - Full HD CMOS sensor - The Canon Full HD CMOS video sensor captures HD footage at a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels - the same resolution as the latest Full HD TVs. Developed from technology pioneered for Canon EOS - the world’s most popular D-SLR camera system - the sensor incorporates on-chip noise reduction circuitry and a Bayer Placement RGB Primary Colour Filter for accurate and vivid colour reproduction.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 2.1 megapixels (1920 x 1080, Full HD CMOS sensor )
Pixels (photo): 3.1 megapixels
Lens: Canon HD video lens, with 10x optical zoom and Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer
Recording Format:: HDV, Cinema-style 25p progressive shooting
Storage: miniDV cassette tape, miniSD

JVC Everio GZ-MG70 Camcorder

Review:

The JVC Everio GZ-MG70 is ideal for shooters looking for an easy to use, compact and lightweight hard disk camcorder. It's one of the simplest camcorders to operate, yet it still offers some manual controls to entertain beginning videographers.

The GZ-MG70 has a nice balance between a small size and a comfortable design. It's not much bigger, nor heavier than a coffee mug. The absence of a tape transport helps keep this camera very compact, as the JVC Everio hard disk camcorder line only records to either its hard disk and/or memory cards.

The GZ-MG70 is equipped with a 30GB drive, which is capable of storing MPEG-2 video for a little over 7 hours at the Ultra Fine quality (8.5Mbps CBR), 10.6 hours at Fine quality (5.5Mbps CBR), a little over 14 hours at Normal quality (4.2Mbps VBR) and about 37.5 hours at Economy quality (1.5Mbps VBR). So, should you need to literally shoot "A Day in the Life of" in one long take, here's a solution for you.

In the still photo mode, you can take a maximum of 9,999 photos at any of the supported resolutions, the best being 1600x1200. If that's not enough for you, the GZ-MG70 supports SD cards, too.

Gripping the hard disk camcorder and accessing the buttons is simple. The zoom rocker is tiny, but it's easy to control the variable speeds. The GZ-MG70 has a 10x optical zoom, plus, up to 200x in digital zoom. At the long end of the 10x zoom lens, the electronic image stabilization performs well.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 2.12 megapixels
Lens: 10x optical, 200x digital zoom
Recording Format:: MPEG-2
Storage: 30GB harddisk (internal) + SD card

JVC GR-D720 Camcorder

Great for:

Weddings! Let your wedding guests have a hand at capturing your wedding moments! We have a dozen of these little camcorders which you can distribute amongst your guests. A sure delight for your guests, and more memories to keep for yourself!

Review:

This is a neat, well-crafted palmcorder. Although it has more height than you would expect from a mini DV shooter, the chassis is slimline and slips effortlessly into your grip. Key controls fall easily to hand, making this a straightforward camcorder for the beginner or casual user.

All the work, in terms of feature selection and adjustment, is done by a four-way joystick housed on the frame of the LCD. Alongside this is the all-important menu access which lets you navigate around the array of shooting and playback functions. The rest of the chassis is relatively bare with just the zoom and the snapshot button at the top of the cam.

There are few surprises in terms of features, with perhaps the only one being the sheer number of features and functions actually available. A selection of Program AE modes work in conjunction with a full selection of manual overrides (shutter, exposure, white balance) giving you control over your footage. And if you want to get just a little more funky, you can pick from the digital effects and wipes onboard, which include the useful and creative, such as sepia and monotone, and the absurdity and garishness of mirror and strobe effects.

The zoom is also a key talking point, and while you will want to steer well clear of the 800x digital variety, the 28x optical zoom is usable and garners impressive results with minimal shake.

Technical notes:

Pixels (video): 400,000 pixels (Max. 720 x 576)
Pixels (photo): 800,000 pixels
Lens: 28x optical, 800x digital zoom
Recording Format:: 25 fps, DV format
Storage: miniDV cassette tape (provided)

JVC Everio GZ-MG575AS Camcorder

Review:

JVC's latest offering, the 5-megapixel Everio GZ-MG575 packs in a 40GB hard drive, allowing for up to 50 hours of recording at the lowest quality setting. If you're looking for an easy and convenient camera with a reasonably large amount of storage, then this is a viable option. The camera has a 'nightscope' mode which nicely brings out colour and detail in extremely dim situations. It primarily does this by slowing down the shutter speed, which means any fast motions severely blur the shot. But the option is still there for those dark moments!

JVC GR-D850 Camcorder

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