Panasonic HDC-HS60K reviewed

The good: Manual shutter-speed and iris controls; comfortable size; smarter-than-average autofocus; lens focuses relatively closely; decent battery life.
The bad: Soft video; cramped, low-resolution touch screen.
The bottom line: Panasonic's quartet of entry-level HD camcorders--the HDC-HS60, TM60, TM55, and SD60--deliver a nice manual feature set and good performance, as well as solid video quality for their class.

Buy a Panasonic HDC-HS60 Hi-Def Camcorder with 120GB HDD & 35X intelligent Zoom (Black)

Via Cnet Reviews

Kodak Zi8 reviewed, compared to Flip MinoHD

Chad Sapieha at Globetechnology.com said:

The popular Flip camcorder might have been the device that brought pocket-sized point ‘n' shoot video cameras into the limelight, but it's now facing some stiff competition from the Zi8, a snappy little HD recorder from Kodak which, if it could speak, would probably say “everything you can do I can do better.”

Kodak Zi8 Specs

Sensor type	1 / 2.5-type 5 MP CMOS
Lens	6.3 mm, f/2.8, fixed focus 35 mm equivalent: 61 mm (1080p), 46 mm (720p/60 fps, 720p, WVGA), 42 mm (still)
Zoom	4X digital
Display size	2.5 in.
Storage	128 MB internal memory[1], SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Focus modes	normal, macro
Focus range	normal: 100 cm–infinity macro: 15 cm
White balance	auto
File formats	video: H.264 (MOV), AAC LC still: JPEG
Capture mode	1080p (1920 × 1080, 30 fps) 720p/60 fps (1280 × 720, 60 fps) 720p (1280 × 720, 30 fps) WVGA (848 × 480, 30 fps) Still (5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen, interpolated)
Microphone	yes (monoaural)
Speaker	yes
I/O interface	USB 2.0 (high speed), AV out, HDMI, DC in, external microphone jack (support stereo)
Tripod mount	1/4 in. standard
Power	KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-7004, AC adapter
Dimensions	2.4 × 4.5 × 0.9 in.
Weight	110 g (3.9 oz) without batteries

Buy a Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Black) NEWEST MODEL


Flip MinoHD Specs

Internal Memory:	4GB (60 minutes)
Screen Size:	1.5” (transflective TFT)
Screen Resolution:	528 x 132 pixels
Video Resolution:	1280 x 720
Frame Rate:	30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
Video Bitrate:	9.0Mbps (average - auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format:	H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type:	Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture:	f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom:	Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface:	8 Touch-Sensitive Capacitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
Dimensions:	3.94” x 1.97” x 0.63” (H x W x D)
PC Connection:	Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed)
TV Out:	Composite Video (cable included)
Battery Life:	Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges on both USB and Flip Video power adapter (buy now).
Tripod Mount:	Yes
Operating Systems:	Windows XP, Windows Vista
	Mac OSX

Buy a Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL


Via theglobeandmail.com

Kodak ZI8 HD Camcorder reviewed

Kodak's Zi8 high-definition pocket camcorder ($180 as of 9/14/2009) is the superpowered follow-up to the company's cult-favorite Zi6 model. It's also the most full-featured pocket-size camcorder we've seen, thanks to three unique features: the ability to record 1080p full-HD video, digital image stabilization, and a microphone-in jack that lets you use standard headphones or earbuds as an external mic.

Buy a Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Aqua)

The Zi8 also serves up a range of shooting options. In addition to the 1080p setting (1920-by-1080 videos recorded as .mov files at 30 frames per second), you can also capture images in a number of resolutions and frame-rate counts: 720p at 60 fps, 720p at 30 fps, 848-by-480 standard-definition WVGA video, and 5-megapixel still photos. That's a wider range of options than some full-size camcorders offer, let alone most pocketable devices.

Read the full review at PCWorld

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 Review

CamcorderInfo.com has reviewed the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10.

Though it may be in the same price category as the Flip UltraHD and its clones, there are plenty of things that set the CG10 apart, for good and for bad. While the sometimes mystifying interface isn't nearly as simple to use as the Flip cams, the Xacti offers a wealth of manual controls, digital image stabilization, and 5x optical zoom. It also has superior bright light video performance and impressive still photos that far outstrip the competition. If you want the easiest video recording possible, the Flip series may be a better choice. But our experience both inside and outside the lab proved that you get a lot more camcorder for your money with the VPC-CG10.

Buy the Sanyo VPC-CG10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Via Camcorderinfo.com

Sony HDR-CX100E "surprisingly affordable"

Techtree India says in their Sony HDR-CX100E review:

Good: Compact, full HD recording, superb price, stylish, swivel touchscreen controls, excellent build, very light, crisp image quality, crystal clear sound, smooth and silent optical zoom, good battery life, SteadyShot, Face Detection, Smile Shutter

Bad: No carry pouch, no optical viewfinder, touchscreen controls may be difficult to use, no wireless controller, awkwardly placed USB port, no headphone jack

Sony - one of the companies at the forefront of manufacturing digital cameras, also manufacturers a large range of camcorders; non-HD and HD. The Flash memory-based HDR-CX100E camcorder bears the stylish looks that are typical of camcorders from Sony. This particular model uses an 8 GB Flash memory as well as a MS Pro Duo card slot for more capacity. It features 10x optical zoom and also 120x digital zoom. We'll see in our review today, how well this camcorder performs and whether what is shown on paper does indeed hold true.

Buy Sony HDR-CX100E "PAL" 8GB HD Memorystick Camcorder with Smile Shutter Technology, 4 Megapixel, 10x Optical Zoom, 120x Digital Zoom, Silver

Sony HDR-CX100E specs:

Video

• Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) SD: MPEG2
• Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
• PhotoTV HD : Yes
• Face Detection : Yes
• Image Stabilization : SteadyShot™ image stabilization
• Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes
• Dynamic Range Optimizer : Yes
• Quick On : Power On by LCD
• Memory Stick PRO™ Media Compatibility : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately)
• Dual Record : 2.3 megapixel
• Still Image Mode(s) : 1190K pixels (4:3)
• Hybrid : Yes
• Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Candle, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow

Weights and Measurements

• Weight (Approx.) : w/o battery: 9oz (280g), w battery: 11oz (330g)
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 2 1/4 x 2 3/8 x 4 1/2 inch (55 x 60 x 114mm)

Hardware

• Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Manual
• Memory Stick slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media¹
• S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes

General

• Imaging Device : 1/5" Exmor™ CMOS sensor with ClearVid™ array
• Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
• Pixel Gross : 2360K
• Video Actual : 1430K pixels (16:9), 1080K pixels (4:3)
• Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080
• Still Actual : 1490K pixels (16:9), 1990K pixels (4:3)
• Still Picture Resolution : 4 megapixel
• Recording Media : 8GB Embedded Flash memory Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (Sold Separately)
• Recording and Playback Times : When using 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media (sold separately): High Definition: FH = up to 115 min., HQ = up to 230 min. SP = up to 280 min., LP = up to 390 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 235 min., SP = up to 340 min., LP = up to 715 min.

Power

• Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FH50)
• Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
• Power Consumption (in Operation) : 3.5W

Optics/Lens

• Lens Type : Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar®
• 35mm Equivalent : 42-497mm (16:9), 52-608mm (4:3)
• Aperture : F1.8-2.2
• Digital Zoom : 120x
• Filter Diameter : 30mm
• Focal Distance : 3.2-32mm
• Focus : Full range Auto / Manual
• Shutter Speed : Auto (Slow Shutter ON), 1/30-1/1000; Auto (Slow Shutter OFF), 1/60-1/1000; Scene Selection, 1/2-1/1000; Smooth Slow Rec, 1/240 - 1/1000
• Minimum Illumination : 5 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed )
• Optical Zoom : 10x
• Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel)
• Resolution : 4 megapixel still

Inputs and Outputs

• Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video / S Video / Audio / Component Out / Remote
• Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
• Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI
• USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
• HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini)
• S-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack)

In the Box

• Component A/V Cable
• USB Cable
• AC adaptor (AC-L200)
• A/V Connecting Cable
• Rechargable Battery Pack (NP-FH50)
• Application Software / USB Driver / (CD-ROM)

DXG-567V gets another poor rating

Macworld editor Christopher Breen reviewed the DXG-567V and said:

Pocket camcorders have made shooting high-definition video affordable for just about everyone. Of course, there are compromises. [...] no image stabilization or optical zoom and their performance in all lighting environments is hardly perfect. Still, these cameras produce a decent picture under typical outdoor lighting conditions.

The same can not be said, however, for today’s least-expensive HD pocket camcorder, DXG’s DXG-567V. This pocket camcorder, which retails for around $100, is pretty awful. Before I describe the depths of its awfulness, here are its specs.

Like the Kodak Zi6 and Flip Ultra, it runs off two AA batteries, which is convenient if you’re out and about and the camera runs out of juice. And, like the Zi6, it stores its video on an SD card. Again, another convenience as you’re not limited to an hour’s worth of shooting as you are with the Flip and Creative cameras. The DXG camcorder is about the same size as the Kodak camcorder, meaning that it’s bulkier than the Flip or Vado. It also uses the same kind of joystick control found on the Zi6.

Even at a hundred dollars, the DXG-567V HD camcorder is no bargain.

Buy a Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera

Via macworld

RCA Small Wonder EZ300HD reviewed

The highlights here are a 720p (1280x720) HD shooting mode, a 2.4-inch LCD with "improved viewing in bright sunlight," and a swiveling lens that gives you more flexibility when shooting. The 2GB of built-in memory gives you one hour of recording time in HD mode or six hours of recording time in the lower-resolution YouTube capture mode. The EZ300HD is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and its memory can be expanded by purchasing a higher-capacity SD card.

Buy RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder (Black)

Via CNet

Flip Ultra HD reviewed

Andrew Nusca at ZDNet Blogs has a fresh review of the Flip Ultra HD. Check it out.

What’s it like?

The most recent generation of the Flip UltraHD camcorder fits in the hand rather nicely, curved on the front end, where your fingers would wrap around (you hold the Flip much the same way as you hold a mobile phone when taking a photograph). The back, front, top and bottom faces all are covered in a thin, rubberized coating, lending a soft and slightly tactile touch to the device (the sides shine, and smudge, with a chrome finish).

The device has a nice heft to it, which isn’t to say that it is heavy. The perceived weight actually makes it slightly easier to hold the device steady while recording — wonderful, since it’s very tempting to move your arm with such a small device (the minor heft is not enough to fatigue a hand or arm during use).

On the front is an enclosed, fixed focus (f/2.4) lens; on the back is a two-inch screen that is both surprisingly bright and crisp, and shows a live image quite well (there is a not-unsubstantial degree of motion blur as you move around; I don’t recommend shooting action scenes with a Flip). Also on the back is a big red (you guessed it) record button, surrounded by up, down, left and right keys for navigating the video menu on playback. Flanking the recording button nucleus are play and delete (”trash”) buttons.

Buy a Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

Read the full review at ZDNet

More Information on Flip Ultra HD

Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom. Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on. Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required. Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software... More Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace.

Six HD camcorder reviewed and compared

PCWorld Senior Editor Tim Moynihan takes a look at six HD, YouTube-friendly pocket camcorders from Creative, Kodak, Sony, and Pure Digital, including the brand new Flip UltraHD. With features ranging from a wide-angle lens to variable frame rates, one of these devices in the $150- to $230-range is bound to be a great fit for your needs.

All camcorders lack an optical zoom and any sort of image stabilization, they also don't have any WiFi or GPS capabilities. But for about $200, there's not much to complain about.

Check out the video review at PCWorld

Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 Video Review

CNet video and text review of the cute little Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 camcorder. Make sure you also read the specs and text verdict.

The good: Attractive design; captures video at 720p and 1080p "HD" resolution; memory-card expansion slot; swiveling lens; component video cables; rechargeable lithium ion battery.

The bad: Price doesn't include an optional memory card (onboard memory is limited to 12MB for capturing video); rechargeable battery doesn't recharge via USB connector; no integrated USB connector; no protective carrying case included.

Buy a Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD Camcorder (Silver)

Check out the Sony Webbie PM1 review.

Canon Vixia HF20 reviewed

Mike Perlman at infoSync has a new review of the tiny yet powerful camcorder Canon Vixia HF20. Check out their summary below and see the full review after the jump. I am pretty busy these days so no time to post review roundups. Sorry for that.

We're beginning to wonder if Canon is capable of manufacturing a bad camcorder. We haven't seen a dud from the company in years, and the Canon Vixia HF20 represents yet another A+ in consumer classroom. We loved the ultra-compact nature of the Vixia HF20, allowing us to transport the little bugger with ease. Its menu system cannot be beat and shooting features were not only plentiful, but also of the highest quality. Speaking of which, the Vixia HF20 cranked out one of the best video performances we've seen to date, even rivaling the Canon Vixia HF S10. We had few complaints at the end of our jaunt, and we're sure future Vixia HF20 owners will feel the same. At $900, the Vixia HF20 is a steal in terms of bang for the buck. Another winner from Canon. Jeez, this is getting old. Release: April 2009. Price: $900.

Pros: Great video performance. Excellent features. The best menus system in the biz.

Cons: Skimps on external controls. No viewfinder.

Read the full Canon Vixia HF20 review at infosyncworld.com and if you like it, you can support me if you buy a Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Memory w/32GB Internal Memory & 15x Optical Zoom.

DXG-567V gets reviewed and kicked

PC World/Macworld reviewer Christopher Breen had this to say about the DXG-567V (excerpt, important part highlighted):

Pocket camcorders have made shooting high-definition video affordable for just about everyone. Of course, there are compromises. Pocket camcorders such as Pure Digital's Flip MinoHD ( Macworld rated 3.5 out of 5 mice ), Kodak's Zi6 ( Macworld rated 4 out of 5 mice ), and Creative Labs' Vado HD offer no image stabilization or optical zoom and their performance in all lighting environments is hardly perfect. Still, these cameras produce a decent picture under typical outdoor lighting conditions.

The same can not be said, however, for today's least-expensive HD pocket camcorder, DXG's DXG-567V. This pocket camcorder, which retails for around $100, is pretty awful.

If you still want to see the details, head over to PCWorld's DXG-567V review.

Buy a different DXG DXG-506VK 5.0 MegaPixel Multi-Functional Camera with MPEG4 Technology (Black)

MacWorld reviews Creative Vado HD

"Like other pocket camcorders, the Vado HD lacks image stabilization and an optical zoom (it has a 2x digital zoom) and offers no control over white- or color balance. It has 8GB of flash memory and a proprietary removable battery. Like other pocket camcorders it features a single record button and a four-position switch for zooming, adjusting volume, and navigating from one saved clip to another. It also has Play/Pause and Delete buttons on the back of the camera. The 2-inch (measured diagonally) LCD serves as both the viewfinder and the playback screen. The Vado bears a USB connector at the bottom of the camera, a microphone in the front, and a speaker in the back. It includes not only the expected composite video port for connecting the camera to a TV, but also an HDMI port—a feature unique to the Vado. (The HDMI cable is included, but a composite cable isn't.) "

Buy a Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black)

Read the full article at MacWorld.

Canon Vixia HF11 reviewed

Techtree India has a review of the Canon Vixia HF11.

Summer vacations will be starting soon, and most people will be going somewhere for holidays. When it comes to capturing special moments on special occasions, such as a vacation abroad, a wedding, or a birthday, a camcorder can do a lot more than a digital camera. Yet again, we have the review of a brand new camcorder, and this one has full HD recording capabilities. High Definition content or HD is fast gaining popularity these days, and it will not be long before we find it becoming a part of our everyday life. We have all marveled at the quality of HD movies when compared to standard DVD movies, and the sheer prospect of bringing that quality to the videos we capture is an exhilarating thought. We have with us today the Canon VIXIA HF11, which is a HD camcorder from Canon.

Canon is one of the companies in the forefront as a digital camera manufacturer, and are also manufacturers of a large range of camcorders - non-HD and HD. The SSD-based HF11 camcorder bears the standard stylish looks that have been a hallmark of camcorders from Canon. This particular model uses a 32 GB SSD as well as a SD-HC card slot for more capacity. It features 12x optical zoom and also 40x digital zoom, which can be extended to 200x. We shall observe in our review today how well this camcorder performs and whether what is shown on paper does indeed hold true.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HF11 AVCHD 32 GB Flash Memory Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

Read the Canon VIXIA HF11 review.

PCWorld reviews JVC Everio GZ-HD40

A compact model with a beefy 120GB hard drive, the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 records to two formats: the compact and increasingly common AVCHD, and the higher-quality MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS). Although it has decent automatic and manual image control, the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 is like a bilingual exchange student lacking perfect mastery of either his native or secondary tongue. It's a good HD camcorder, but better values abound.

The JVC Everio GZ-HD40 captures 1080i high-definition video onto its 120GB hard drive (or a user-supplied microSDHC card) with a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor. This JVC Everio GZ-HD40 camcorder is compact, but not cheap. And its image quality isn't the greatest.

Buy a JVC Everio GZ-HD40 120 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

Check out the JVC Everio GZ-HD40 review.

Toshiba Camileo H20 review

When the first HD camcorders started making their way onto the market, it was inconceivable that there would ever be a device that ordinary consumers would buy. HD camcorders, it seemed, were forever to be the domain of enthusiastic home cinema buffs.

But then everyone started buying HD TVs, and suddenly HD belonged to everyone, and, at just £169 in UK, the Camileo H20 is a perfect example. It’s not the cheapest HD camcorder out there, but it’s certainly not too far from being.

via iGizmo UK

Genius G-Shot HD55 camcorder

The Genius G-Shot HD55 is a 5.0 Mega Pixel CMOS camcorder that is a high definition video camera (recorded at 30 fps/1280 x 720 pixels) and uses high-compression H.264 format. This allows the G-Shot HD55 to record still images and movies using less memory, and they that can be seen on high-resolution flat-panel TVs using the video cable.

The G-Shot HD55 has a 3.0 inch TFT LCD color display that is adjustable and you can capture still images up to 8 mega pixel resolution by software interpolation. And it can support a high capacity SD up to 4GB so you have much more recording time.

Using a Li-ion battery, the G-Shot includes a battery charger so you don’t have to worry about loss of power. You can capture and take videos anywhere, anytime. The G-Shot HD55 is the first HD device in the Genius family and at a competitive price

Key features:

• 5.0MP digital video camera
• 1280 x 720 pixels/30 fps output to HD TV
• Maximum image resolution up to 8MP by software interpolation
• 2X digital zoom to enlarge pictures
• 3.0 inch TFT LCD color display
• H.264 High compression format for video
• Supports high-capacity SD card up to 4GB
• LED light for dark environments
• Dual battery compartment: Li-ion battery or four batteries (not included)

Specs

G-Shot HD55

Sensor Type CMOS Image Sensor 5.0 Mega Pixel,CMOS sensor Lens F3.2 (f=7.5mm) LCD monitor 3.0" TFT LCD Storage Media Built-in 32MB internal memory; SD Card up to 4 GB, SDHC compatible Image Resolution 3264 x 2448 (Software interpolation ) 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536 Movie Resolution CIF, D1, HD (1280 X 720/30 ftps.) Flash LED light Shutter Speed Electronic, 1~ 1/8000 second File Format Picture: JPEG, Movie: H.264(MOV) Interface USB 2.0 (High Speed), HD TV Out Battery type Casio NP-40 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or four AAA batteries

Buy a Genius G-shot DV5133 at Amazon and support this site :)

ITReviews has a review of the G-Shot HD55 here, and ComputerActive has another one here. Also check the official page here.

Sony HDR-CX12 review

Macworld has a review of the Sony HDR-CX12 camcorder.

Overall, the shooting experience with the HDR-CX12 is quite comfortable. For manual adjustments as you shoot, Sony thoughtfully included a great control wheel. Generally speaking, it’s much faster and more natural to use an analog wheel than it is to fiddle a little joystick or click through menus using buttons when you want to manually adjust focus, zoom, exposure, shutter speed, and so on. The intuitive controls make it much easier to shoot in challenging situations or when you want to do more than just capture basic home movies.

Pros
Excellent image quality; comfortable and easy to use; works with iMovie ’09 without a hitch; cool Night Shot and super slow motion shooting modes; good photo stills.
Cons
External mike input available only through Active Interface Shoe; no headphone jack; requires cumbersome docking base to connect to Mac; no progressive video mode.

Buy a Sony HDR-CX12 High Definition Memory Stick PRO Duo Handycam Camcorder With 12x Optical Zoom

Read the full review here.

Creative Vado HD reviewed

ComputerActive has a short review of the Creative Vado HD here.

They say:

A decent camcorder but it's more expensive than as-good-or-better rivals

Good points Small and easy to use; bright and colourful recordings; software and cables included

Bad points Some video quality problems; more expensive than most

JVC Everio GZ-HD300 HD Camcorder review

TrustedReviews (in UK) has a fresh entry on theJVC Everio GZ-HD300, check it out.


JVC's Everio GZ-MG330 was one of the camcorder successes of 2008. Combining real camcorder abilities with hard disk recording for under £300 proved to be a market-winning formula. But as 2009 draws on, and even pocket Internet camcorders go HD, there is clearly room for a similarly potent but pocket-friendly model in high definition. So now we have the GZ-HD300. It's only 10g heavier than the MG330, a mere millimetre wider, and also comes in a choice of colours, in this case red, black or blue (denoted by the last three letters after the 300).

Read the review here.