Sony's Latest Entry (HDR-SR5C)

Picture taken from: Sonystyle


Sony's got a new camcorder for those that prefer to capture high definition video and keep things hard drive-based with its new HDR-SR5C model upping the on-board storage capacity to a whopping 100GB. Apart from the notable specs, the camcorder will give you a 10x optical zoom, a 2.1 megapixel "ClearVid" CMOS sensor, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD and of course, the requisite Memory Stick Duo slot (for capturing still images). You'll also get Sony's trademark SteadyShot picture stabilization system, 5.1channel Dolby Digital audio recording, and a couple of cool features like smooth slow video recording for those looking to analyze their golf swing or re-enact their favorite experiment from MythBusters. The HDR-SR5C is expected to ship on or before July 9, 2007 and will retail for a price of around $1300 or RM4500.

Click here for the full list of features and specifications.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two weeks ago, I asked you which camcorder brand do you prefer. Most of you chose 'Sony', which won't come as a surprise to me but what I'm more interested in knowing is, why Sony? Not only is Sony popular with camcorders, in fact, most of the electronic gadgets are dominated by Sony. Tell me what you think, please provide your comments and feedbacks as to why Sony is perceived as the most powerful brand in the electronics world.

Digital Camcorder Formats Unraveled

In my previous post, Say Cheese, I talked about the factors you need to take into consideration when buying a digital camcorder. A lot goes into deciding what camcorder to purchase, including factors as basic as how the camcorder feels in your hand and as complex as how many special effects it can perform, but apart from the physical factors and features, one must also choose the camcorder format that will be best to work with. Choosing a format is not always an easy decision. There are currently a few digital formats available for the camcorder users, all with strengths and weaknesses, but I'm only going to talk about the more popular ones.

Digital-8
This camcorder format takes advantage of existing the HI8 format and pushes it into the Digital realm. It uses either 8mm or HI8 tape. The only way to play the tape back is through the camcorder connected to a VCR or TV or by digitally playing the tape back by connecting the camcorder to a computer via its IEEE-1394, Firewire port (special hardware and software required). These camcorders can also play back previously recorded analog 8mm and HI8 tapes using the regular AV connections. Video resolution approaches 500 lines, which is 20% higher than HI8 or SVHS-C. Tape speed of one hour is currently available, when using a 2hr length HI8 or 8mm tape. Camcorders are the same physical size of 8mm and HI8 camcorders, thus are easily handheld. Sound quality is excellent. The sound is recorded in either 12bit or 16bit PCM Audio for almost CD quality sound. The Digital8 format also allows for still frame capture.

An example of a Digital-8 camcorder : Sony DCR-TRV280

Picture taken from: http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11458949/Sony_Dcr_trv280_Digital_8_Camcorder.jpg



MiniDV
First launched by Sony in 1995, DV or Mini-DV is the most popular consumer digital video format. DV camcorders provide what is arguably the best quality of all of the home video formats, with all models possessing the capability to transfer video signals out to another device (such as a Windows or Apple Mac computer) via FireWire, also known as i.Link. An increasing number of DV camcorders also make it possible to copy edited recordings back to the DV tape in the camcorder using what is known as DV-in.

An example of a MiniDV camcorder : Samsung SC-D363

Picture taken from: http://www.cybertrek.co.za/images/samsungscd363.jpg



DVD
Hitachi first launched camcorders that record to 8cm DVD disks back in 2001, and several other major manufacturers soon followed suit. DVD camcorders use MPEG-2 compression prior to writing the signals to disk. One of the major problems of DVD camcorders has been the compatibility between DVD camcorders and home DVD players, though these are quickly being resolved. If you're planning to import your DVD footage into a computer for editing, you should note that editing DVD (MPEG2) compressed files is much more difficult than it is when working with a tape-based format like DV or Digital-8. Existing editing applications (hose that are bundled with camcorders) aren't that good. However, the format is now very popular, and not everyone wishes to edit their movie projects.

An example of a DVD camcorder : CanonDV22

Picture taken from : http://z.about.com/d/camcorders/1/0/L/-/-/-/CanonDV22.jpg



HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
JVC is one company that is forging ahead with its drive to make Hard Disk recording camcorders more popular and push tape and disk-based formats aside altogether. The Everio G camcorder range is a good example of camcorders, or Digital Media Cameras as they're more properly called which uses tiny internal hard disk drives very similar to the larger HDs used in all computers. The company's GZ-MG50 model enables recording of up to 7 hours at best quality. Apple's iPod MP3 players use very similar technology and provide a similar level of interactivity with the files saved onto them. HDD camcorders save files which can then be deleted, moved and transferred just like those on your computer or iPod. They also provide much more flexibility in terms of the order in which you can produce a playlist of favourite clips when showing people your material.

An example of a HDD camcorder : JVC Everio G

Picture taken from: http://img.timeinc.net/time/gadget/images/jvc_everio.jpg

HDV and ProHD (High Definition Video)
Sony's format uses standard MiniDV cassettes to record video sequences whose resolution is 1080-lines as opposed to the standard definition 625 lines (or 525 in the USA, Canada, Japan, etc). HDV is fast becoming the format of choice for those wishing to shoot professional-quality video footage, not least because it offers the choice of HDV or DV recording on a MiniDV tape. ProHD is the JVC equivalent format of HDV.

An example of a HDV camcorder : Sony HDR-HC3

Picture taken from: http://www.johnlewis.com/jl_assets/product/230306201.jpg


Just like digital audio, there are many different types of formats out there, but only the populars ones will survive. Even that, sooner or later, they'll become obsolete or be replaced by newer formats. Why so many different types of formats, you ask? Why can't everyone just agree to use one format? It's simply because of marketing strategy, every company strives to make people use their very own format.

Source : http://reviews.ebay.com/Choosing-the-right-camcorder-format
http://camcorders.about.com/od/camcorder101/a/DigitalFormats.htm

Aiptek Offers Cheapest HD Camcorder

In my previous post, I talked about a great High Definition camcorder, the EVERIO GZ-HD7. Well, in this post, I'm going to share with you guys a newly released(introduced by Aiptek on 30th May, 2007) budget HD camcorder, the GO-HD. In fact, not only is it a budget camcorder, it is the cheapest HD camcorder, for now. While it may appear like a low-end digital camcorder, it nevertheless sets a new low price for HD camcorders. Though you may not have heard of the brand before, this model, GO-HD will make a good first camcorder for those who do not want to fork out a lump sum of money for their first ever digital camcorder. This camcorder retails for more or less RM1000. Not bad considering the High Definition feature and it fits the bill perfectly for amateur users wanting to get themselves into some crisp clear video recording.


Image taken from: http://www.aiptek.com



The Aiptek GO-HD records 1280 x 720 images in an H.264 format to SD cards. Meeting the minimum requirements for what can be considered high definition is little more than a camera that can record 1280 x 720 (0.9MP) stills at 30fps for sustained periods. Similar camcorders have tested very poorly for overall video quality compared to more expensive HD camcorders.
The Aiptek GO-HD is equipped with a 5MP CMOS sensor, a 3x optical zoom and captures stills up to 2560 x 1920. A 2.4” TFT LCD extends from the left side of the body. Ports include composite, component, and USB. The GO-HD also offers a built-in LED light for night shooting.


Sanyo VPC-HD2
Image taken from: http://www.quesabesde.com/video-digital/noticias/Sanyo_H2D_2.jpg


The body design looks like it has been liberally lifted from the Sanyo VPC-HD2 (as shown in the picture above). What do you think? You guys be the judge. The tall and thin body has a rear-mounted up/down zoom toggle and joystick. The LCD panel has three playback control buttons.


Image taken from:
http://www.aiptek.com/www2/images/photo-hdv-2_02.jpg


The multiple recording options include 1280 x 720 at 30fps, 720 x 480 at 30fps, and 325 x 240 at 30fps. Files are exported in the .MOV format. Media Player 11 Decoder software comes with the camcorder. Aiptek claims that a 4GB SD card can store up to 120 minutes of the highest quality video. However, no SD card is included but the camcorder does ship with two small batteries and a remote control.

So which would you prefer? Rather leave out quality and style for an affordable price or would you rather pay more for a camcorder bearing a trusted brand that possess great features and design?

EVERIO GZ-HD7 (High Class Definition)

From this post onwards, I'll be referring to Digital Video Cameras as Digital Camcorders. Both are the same thing, just different terms. In my previous post, I provided some tips and guides to help you guys select a digital camcorder. In this post, we'll finally get to the real deal with an insight of the EVERIO GZ-HD7, a camcorder offering full high definition video quality. Lately, the High-Definition (HD) revolution has begun and it won't be long before every household will be equipped with a HDTV set.


Image taken from : http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/digital-cameras/jvc-hd-everio-gz+hd7-hard-drive-camcorder-with-3-ccds-due-next-month-242314.php


Joining the world of HD recording, JVC, a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated audio and video products, has a new addition to its award winning Everio hard-disk camcorder family. The new HD Everio GZ-HD7 is a HD camcorder that provides full HD 1920x1080i video quality combined with the convenience of hard-disk recording. The HD Everio GZ-HD7 camcorder boasts a 60GB built-in hard disk drive, allowing it to provide up to 5 hours of full HD recording, far longer than a digital video (DV) or tape camcorder's capabilities.


The HD Everio GZ-HD7 features three 1/5-inch CCD, one each for red, green and blue - and a Fujinon lens. Fujinon is a trusted name among professional broadcast and motion picture companies and this is the first time it is in a partnership with JVC. Fujinon supplies the HD Everio GZ-HD7 with 10x optical zoom lens which provides superior optical performance and nearly the same brightness(F1.8-1.9) throughout its f=3.3mm -33mm zoom range.


The HD Everio GZ-HD7 also has a wide range of additional features, including a Focus Assist function. This function displays the edge of in-focus elements in colour, while the rest of the image elements are in focus. The HD Everio GZ-HD7 is also equipped with 3 digital interfaces - USB, HDMI and i.LINK - allowing file saving, digital viewing on large screen displays and HD video streaming respectively.


The HD Everio GZ-HD also connects to an optional JVC DVD burner, the HD Everio Share Station, CU-VD40. With the Share Station, HD and still files can be played back without the use of the computer, also, archived files can be retrieved. Oh, I almost forgot, the HD Everio GZ-HD7 has also been made compatible with Blu-ray disc hardware and technology.

Source:
http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=549&pageID=1
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/tapeless-hd/jvc-hd-everio-gz+hd7-hands-on-260308.php