Technology Vessel

On the basis of programming new camcorder from Canon, announced this morning, two things are clear: the company focuses on high definition format and Flash in particular. And if this is the first Canon camcorders with a bit rate of 24 Mbps peak, remains one of the outlets of the top line.

Canon has also introduced a faster DIGIC DV III and a new HD CMOS sensor, which allows instant autofocus (AF). We have seen demonstrations of this past November, the rapid response time is impressive.

As for ease of use, Canon has introduced Video Snapshot Mode that captures clips of four seconds, users can join, with music, create slide shows video. If you’re never sure when to stop filming, this is for you. Note: This feature is only available in flash models.

Canon is trying to decide the price of these models. For now, here’s a summary of the models and their characteristics.

High Definition Models

Except for the HV40, all new Vixia HD camcorders have a bit rate of 24Mbps maxiumum, and they all have optical image stabilization (IS) and Instant AF. As for standard-definition models, each with a 2.7-inch LCD screen that the powers of the camcorder by opening overthrown.

VIXIA-luxury are HFS10 Vixia hf20At (pictured above) and VIXIA HF20 (right), two Full HD flash templates that run on the new DV DIGIC III processor and the latest CMOS sensor. Although both have a 10X optical zoom, video and instant pre-registration modes and face detection, the HFS10 has 32 GB of internal memory, while the HF20 does not (only an SD / SDHC).

The first flash model high-definition Vixia HFS100 has a 10X optical zoom, and shoots 6-MP video and images 8-MP. The Vixia HF200 (right) updates 15x optical zoom, but the MP-2.99 shoots video and 3.3 MP picture. At 12 ounces, the HF200 is 3.9 ounces lighter than HFS100. Both have face detection, movie mode Flash mode, pre-registration, and an LED flashlight.

Read the rest of this entry »

Last year, Kodak Zi6 won the election of our editors, including the Pure Digital Flip Thunder series, which launched the category of pocket camcorders. Now, Kodak has added a second model to its line: the waterproof Zx1 ($ 149).

The rugged camcorder that will not ship until April, is not intended to be submerged in water, but rather lead aerosol. At 2 inches, the screen is much smaller than the Zi6, which is 2.4 inches. The Zx1 not replace the Zi6, the program complete it.

Since the Zi6, the 720p video Zx1 30 or 60 frames per second (Kodak is still the only company that offers 60 frames per second shooting in pocket cams).

It also takes pictures of 3 MP, but lacks the Zi6 dedicated macro mode. AA rechargeable batteries are also read SD cards the size of 32 GB, and an HDMI output, cable included. It will be available in red, black, blue, pink and yellow.

Flip impostors we start rolling in (anyone remember the Creative Vado?), But Kodak Zi6, announced yesterday, is the first handheld camcorder that can give a deadline for Pure Digital cash needed 720p video at 60 frames per second, a slot for SDHC cards with capacity of 32 GB size, and, unlike the Yanks, you can take still images (with a dedicated macro mode, start-up). We were among the first stores to get a review unit, and we’ve had this little (or not so little) spin type. Here are our first impressions.

Design

Compared with the Flip Mino ($ 99.99), the Zi6 is huge, but has a size comparable to most Flip Ultra, which has always been enough light to perform. But while the Flip Ultra looks like a toy Fisher-Price, Zi6 has the same sleek look as the MOTOZINE ZN5 Kodak Camera: It has a satin black (or pink) again, a lens does not protrude, matte silver accents and a sharp 2.4-inch screen. In addition to the lens is a button at the top of the USB connector. The Zi6 comes with 2 AA rechargeable batteries.

Centers around a joystick interface platform five-way navigation which doubles as a joystick red record button. The switching between VGA, HD, HD60, and photo mode still requires the joystick from left to right, are unintuitive. Accompanying the joystick buttons to remove the content, stop reading, and the playback mode input-output.

On the left side of the camera are HD AV ports on the bottom is a tripod port and on the left side is a slide switch mode Macro-and this is our favorite from an SD / SDHC cards can do more than 32GB. Here, Turn!

Read the rest of this entry »

It does not take a camcorder expert to see that the new Vado pocket camcorder from Creative ($ 99 for 2 GB) is very similar to the popular Pure Digital Flip Camcorder (Ultra Series) ($ 149 for 2 GB). While Flip is rumored to come out with a new, smaller “Mino” version of your camera, we could not wait to do more Flip Ultra contras last fierce rivals.

Each camera has its own characteristics, and both offer video recording and easy transfer capabilities, but only one will come out as the winner. We will show our full review of the Creative Vado, but here are our first impressions on the hands. Discover how these types of Vado, round by round, against their old rivals.

Design / Interface

Creative Vado: The design of the money (also available in pink) Creative Vado is certainly cleaner and more elegant than the Flip Ultra Video. The silver cover is soft to the touch and the buttons are easy to handle.

3.9 x 0.6 inches X2.2 Vado is thinner and lighter than the Flip, easily slipped into a jeans pocket, and not cause a booster pump. A USB port swing rows at the bottom of the device.

Vado menus are easy to navigate and the selection of buttons on the device are the same as those found on the flap. There is a four-way D-pad a record button in the center, a play button, and a trash can / delete. ”

Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra: 4.1 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches Flip can no longer claim to be the world easier or small camcorder. Besides the Vado looks like the Flip Ultra model large. Our White Flip Ultra sounds simple, but it lacks the elegant style of the Vado.

Flip the menus are simple enough for a novice user, but the placement of record button in the center of the D-Pad is difficult to press, which accidentally hit some buttons when they simply meant to record a video. We found the same problem with Ford since the record button a little more heart.

Read the rest of this entry »

New Sanyo Xacti CG9 camcorder shoots MPEG-4 and 9.1-Xacti photos mSanyo CG9egapixel, and has a 5x optical zoom and face recognition of up to 12 faces. Users can also take pictures without pause the video.As for specs go, is pretty standard, but the price $ 279, YouTube-friendly high-resolution photo and the frame weighs only 7 oz should the call of the spring break crowd. The CG9, which takes the form of Sanyo launched the classic, is black and silver. Expected to be available in April.