Sunday, March 30, 2008

JVC GR-SXM520U Review

The JVC GR-SXM520U palm-size compact VHS-C camcorder offers 400x variable speed digital zoom and 16x optical zoom. This is ideal for catching action at sporting events or just at home in your backyard. The zoom is a variable-speed zoom triggered by finger pressure with numeric zoom ratio readout in the viewfinder/monitor. The GR-SXM520U includes a high-resolution 3-inch LCD color monitor with 112,000 pixels. The monitor rotates 270 degrees so you can view what you are recording from any angle. The camcorder has three recording modes and uses S-VHS recording to deliver up to 60 percent better resolution than standard models. For quality and economy, the S-VHS ET mode lets you take high-resolution videos using any VHS-C tape. For compatibility with any VHS video recorder, standard VHS is also available.

Specifications

Product Features
16x optical, 400x digital zoom
3-inch, high-resolution, 270-degree-rotating LCD color monitor
VHS-C format for easy playback in your VCR
Records in S-VHS for superior video quality
Digital image stabilizer

Technical Details
Video format: VHS-C
Progressive scan CCD: --
Flying erase heads: --
Audio: Mono
Maximum CCD resolution: --
CCD size: --
Eyepiece viewfinder:: Yes
LCD screen size: 3.0 inches
LCD swivel: Yes
Aperture: F1.6
Filter diameter: --
Optical zoom (x): 16x
Digital zoom: 400x
Lens construction: --
Programmed exposure modes: 7 modes
Autolight: Yes
Hot shoe for external light: No
Black and white: Yes
Sepia: --
Solarized: --
Image stabilization: Yes
Infrared capability: --
Remote included: Yes
Digital camera capability: No
Included still memory: N/A
Preset titles: Yes
Custom titling: Yes
Programmed recording: --
Fade options: Black fader, digital fades
Special effects: --
Motion sensor: No
Audio sensor: No
Other special features: Wide mode, tele macro, time lapse and animation, quick review and retake, black fader, digital wipes and fades, digital auto tracking, auto and pro-style recording, self-timer, date/time display with auto date, audio dub, insert editing
IEEE1394 output: --
Connections: --
S-Video output: --
Battery type: BN-V11 battery pack
Included in box: Shoulder strap, compact VHS cassette playback, AC adapter battery recharger, remote control
Width: --
Height: --
Depth: --
Weight: 4.75 lbs
Warranty labor: 90 days
Warranty parts: 1 year

Review

This camcorder is okay. its not very good for making pro movies, but it gets the job done. its pretty cool, you can re-record sound, play it back, all that cool junk.
http://www.amazon.com/

JVC GRDF430U Review

The Ultra-Compact Series' Low Light Plus uses an f1.2 aspherical super bright lens, which offers 2.3 times the brightness of an f1.8 lens and 1.8 times the brightness of an f1.6 lens. That performance is enhanced by JVC's 3D noise reduction that delivers a 2dB improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces video noise by approximately 30 percent. Flicker is eliminated and color reproduction is improved.

Specifications

Product Features
Super High-Band Processor records at 520 lines horizontal resolution
30-percent less noise with 3D noise reduction technology
2.5-inch LCD monitor for clear, bright views during outdoor shooting
New F1.2 super bright lens with 15x powerful optical zoom
Live Slow feature records in slow-motion mode and plays back with real-time sound

Technical Details
Imaging device: 1/6-inch CCD
Effective pixels: 680,000 gross pixels; 340,000 video, 340,000 still
Digital still images: Up to 1024 x 768 pixels
Recording format: MiniDV
Image processing: Super high-band processor
Shutter speed: 1/60 to 1/4000
White balance: Full auto/manual white balance
Zoom: 15x optical / 700x digital zoom
Focal length: 2.6 to 39.00 millimeters
Aperture: f1.2 to 2.8
Filter diameter: 30.5 millimeters
LCD: 2.5-inch clear LCD monitor
S-Video input: Yes
Recording time: 120 minutes maximum
Low-light capabilities: 3-D Noise Reduction (3-D NR) to eliminate up to 30% of noise in low light situations
Dimensions (H x W x D): 3 x 2 15/16 x 4 3/8 inches (75 x 74 x 111 millimeters)
Weight: 0.9 pounds (400 grams)
Included Accessories: AC adapter, battery pack, shoulder strap, remote control, USB cable, AV cable

Review

JVC's commitment to image quality is further evidenced in its Mini DV camcorders' ability to capture digital stills with no motion blur. This year all models, with the exception of the entry level GR-D250 and GR-DF430, offer a progressive shutter that allows stills to be captured by the entire frame, eliminating the blur that occurs when separate fields are combined to form a frame. In addition, the 1.33 megapixel models can capture 27 percent more visual information than 680,000 pixel cameras, providing images 1600 x 1200 pixels, 1024 x 768 pixels, and 640 x 480 pixels.

http://www.amazon.com/

Sony DCRHC40 MiniDV Digital Handycam Review

The DCR-HC40 MiniDV Handycam gives you all the features you’d expect from a Sony camcorder in an ultra-compact design that’s as beautiful as the images it captures. It features a 1.0 Megapixel Advanced HAD imaging chip and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens which combine to capture video with incredible detail and clarity, making every video picture perfect. It also includes a huge 2.5" hybrid SwivelScreen touch panel LCD display with a 3D menu system, Super NightShot Plus infrared recording, USB streaming, and digital still image capturing on MemoryStick DUO media. Only Sony could pack so many features in a camcorder so small.

Specifications


10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition, the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

2.5" Hybrid SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels):
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light, virtually eliminating the wash-out common with traditional LCD Screens.

Progressive Shutter:
Mechanical shutter system that provides Progressive Scan performance while utilizing an interlace scanning system. Digital still images will be sharp and clear with excellent definition.

Analog To Digital Conversion with Pass-Through:
Convert and/or record any analog NTSC video source to digital video via the analog inputs. Analog NTSC video can also be passed through the digital Handycam camcorder directly into a PC via the i.LINK interface in real-time for easy PC editing of your analog footage.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System:
Charge the battery at any time because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "memory effect." Sony’s exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes in the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization System:
An advanced version of Sony’s SteadyShot system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of video like some other image stabilization systems.

12-Bit/16-Bit PCM Digital Stereo:
16-Bit offers the same outstanding sound quality as compact disc. 12-Bit recording enables you to add an additional audio track with compatible audio dubbing equipment or i.LINK interface compatible computers.


Review


Over the past 35 years that I have been shooting video, it has come a long way. Comparing this to the RCA TK-76 "Minicam" that I shot tv news with on 3/4" in 1977 is fun: 1/100 the cost and double the scan lines. Oh, and 1/80th the weight not including the 40 pound recorder. At first, I didn't think something this size could work this well. I needed something quick and inexpensive to do video cuts for inserting into PowerPoint. My boss was too cheap to buy equipment for the department and I needed training tapes. So I just bought a HC40, shot the material, edited it on my HP a622n and inserted into the PP. And then did it about a dozen more times on other training material. It looks surprisingly well 10' tall through a 2000 lumen projector. A handheld or wireless mic is a must. At least a key light, if not key, base and fill are a must. My Lowell Totalight kit works perfectly with a few scrims. Not broadcast quality of today although surpassing broadcast quality of 30 years ago. Just border line for industrial or PP if lit well with good sound. I am satisfied with it and it travels well.

Source: http://www.amazon.com/




Sony DCR-DVD105 DVD Handycam Review

Capture digital video and still images simply on DVD with the Sony DCR-DVD105 DVD Handycam(R) camcorder. Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects, and get creative with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. For those who find operating a camcorder difficult, Sony makes it easy -- the Easy Handycam(R) Button leaves only the buttons essential for recording operational. SteadyShot picture Stabilization professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens Aperture - f1.8 - f3.1 Touch Panel Exposure Focal Distance - 2.3 - 46mm Shutter Speeds - Auto, 1/4-1/4000 sec. (AE Mode) Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes - Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon Compatible with DVD-R, -RW and +RW White Balance Modes - Auto, Indoor, One-push, Outdoor picture Effects - Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel, and Sepia Fader Effects - Black, Overlap, White and Wipe Onboard battery information (displayed on LCD) Touch-panel Manual Focus Easy Handycam(R) Button Optional S-Video out Built-in microphone InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Battery Life - Continuous recording for up to 8 hours on a single full charge Dimensions - 2-1/5 x 3-7/15 x 5-1/13 (56 x 88 129 mm) Weight - 1 lb. 1 oz. (470g) with disc and battery.

Specifications



20x Optical/800x Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

DVD Format Video Recording
The DVD recording format delivers digital picture and sound quality comparable to that of MiniDV, but on DVD. Playback of the DVDs couldn't be simpler. After finalizing the disc in the camcorder, the disc can play back in most DVD Players, computers and even PlayStation 2 video game consoles.

DVD-R/RW and +RW Compatible
The DCR-DVD105 is compatible with a variety of DVD formats allowing the easy of use and simplicity found in DVD Media. With DVD+RW media there is not a need to finalize the disc (minimum recording required). Simply remove the disc and insert the media into a compatible DVD Player.

2.5-Inch Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Display (123K Pixels)
Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 123K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback.

SteadyShot Picture Stabilization System
Picture stabilization system that uses motion sensors to detect and compensate for camera "shake" without compromising picture quality like some other digital stabilization systems.

InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower Meter System
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subject to a life shortening "memory effect". Sony's exclusive AccuPower meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Super NightShot Plus Infrared System
With Sony's Super NightShot Infrared System you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Record subjects up to 20 feet away using the built-in infrared system, but without the overall monochrome color common with earlier low-light recording systems.

Stamina Battery Power Management System
Using the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium Battery, the DCR-DVD105 can continuously record for up to 8 hours on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life.

Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Mosaic, Pastel and Sepia.

Fader Effects
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black, Overlap, White and Wipe.

Program AE (Auto Exposure) Modes
Program AE modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach and Ski, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Sports Lesson, and Sunset and Moon.

Battery Information
At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.


Review


This camera is a lot of fun to use, it has Great quality (low-end professional), lots of features (widescreen mode, black & white, faders etc), it was very easy to use especially with the touchscreen lcd. I did find one big issue with the functioning of this camera, when you play back the video you can actually hear the sound of the dvd spinning in the camera, pretty hard to overlook or try to tune out.

Source: http://www.amazon.com


PANASONIC NV GS75 DIGITAL CAMCORDER REVIEW




Panasonic's new 3CCD camcorder takes the digital video camera an evolutionary step forward by incorporating 3CCD technology in ultracompact models, bringing professional level technology to the consumer,offering superior ease of use.

Specifications:

Power Supply - DC 7.9/7.2V

Power Consumption - 3.1W(EVF)/3.4W(LCD)

Weight (w/o Battery) - 420g

Dimensions (W x H x D) - 76 x 77 x 120mm

Image Sensor - Total - 1/6" CCD x 3(540k x 3 pixels, Total)

Image Sensor - Moving Picture/Still Picture - 340k x 3, Effective

Optical Zoom - 10 x Variable Speed Zoom

Focal Length - 2.45 - 24.5mm

Filter Diameter - 37mm

Lens Brand - Leica Dicomar

Focus - AF/Manual

High Speed Shutter - Tape Mode:1/50 - 1/8000 sec. Card Mode:1/25 -1/500 sec

Programme AE - Yes (Sports/Portrait/ Low Light/ Spot Light/ Surf &Snow)

Monitor - 2.5" LCD (113k pixels)

Microphone - Stereo Zoom Mic, Wind Noise Reduction

WEB Camera Function - Yes (Motion JPEG 320 x 240 approx. 6fps)

Card Slot - Yes (SD/MMC)

Pict Bridge - Yes

Standard Accessories - AC Adaptor, Battery Pack, Shoulder Strap, AVCable (RCA - 4 pin), Free-Style Remote Controlled, IR Remote, Lens Cap, PC Cable,CD-ROM

Review

Advantages: 3CCD, Firewire Compatability, Near Broadcast Quality, Large Screen, Audio Pickup
Disadvantages: Not a huge amount of manual functions
Recommend to potential buyers: yes

Source:
http://www.ciao.co.uk

Panasonic VDR-D105 Review

Panasonic VDR-D105 Digital Camcorder, 1/6", 680K pixel CCD image sensors. DVD Camcorder with 30x optical zoom and 1000x digital zoom.

Specifications

LENS
Image Sensor (Total) 1/6", 680K
Image Sensor (Effective) 4:3: 340K
Optical Zoom 30x
Filter Diameter 30.5mm
Lens Type Panasonic

CAMERA
Minimum Illumination 12 Lux
Program AE (Auto Exposure) 5-Mode
Viewfinder Color
LCD 2.5" (105k)
Soft-Skin Mode Yes
MagicPix Images Yes
Microphone Zoom
On-Screen Display Language English / Spanish / French
Image Stabilizer Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (D-EIS)
Digital Zoom 1 1000x
Built-in EfficiBright™ LED Light Yes

RECORDING & PLAYBACK
DVD Format Support DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVD-RAM

JACKS
S-Video Out Yes
USB Port 2.0 High Speed (mini B)

GENERAL
Power Supply 1,150mAh
Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.426'' x 2.087''5.079''
Weight 3.53 lbs

Review

This Panasonic VDR-D105 has been a real pain! I can't seem to use the DVD in any of my DVD players and I can't seem to copy it to a DVD that I can play on my DVD Players. Either I am missing something or these are just pieces of junk!

Source:
http://www.camcorder-compare.com