Kodak Zi6 HD for sale: $69.99

Check out woot.com to pick up a refurbished Kodak Zi6 for 70 bucks only today.

Not only does this dazzling imp of a camera capture 720p video at frame rates of up to 60 fps; not only does its SD/SDHC slot take cards of up to 32GB (sold separately); not only does it include batteries and charger; but it fits right into my pocket. And there lies the inspiration for the work that will make me once again the toast of Perpignan: The Pocket Of The Damned. Yes, it will be filmed entirely with the Kodak EasyShare Zi6 in my left pants pocket…or is it my right? This is but one of many enigmas that the viewer must grapple with through five excruciating hours of almost total darkness and barely audible sound. Never before has cinema attempted such a fearless examination of dislocation, of disinheritance, of disappointment. Pompeux, you genius!

Head over to http://www.woot.com/ Hurry, the offer is valid today only!

Woot.com is an online store and community that focuses on selling cool stuff cheap. It started as an employee-store slash market-testing type of place for an electronics distributor, but it's taken on a life of its own.

Nikon D3000 and D300s

The Nikon D3000 replaces the D40 with some impressive specs, occupying a notch above the D60 but below the newer D5000. The 10.2-megapixel starter camera is all about ease of use. It includes a new Guide feature that aims to help novice D.S.L.R. users by explaining camera settings and digital photography basics — and providing an on-screen demonstrations of how they affect images.

The D3000 employs the same DX format sensor as the D60 and is capable of the same 3 frames-per-second image capture. But the D3000 improves the autofocus speed and accuracy of the D60 with an 11-point autofocus system.

At approximately 5 by 3.8 by 2.5 inches, the D3000 it has roughly the same compact measurements as the D40, although Nikon has added softly rounded curves to the chassis. It weighs a relatively light 17 ounces.

Nikon has added some new in-camera retouch features that should appeal to inexperienced users, including a miniature effect, soft filter and color outline, which creates a black-and-white “sketch” that’s Crayola-ready for the kids.

Nikon has included the capability to create stop-motion videos, although the camera cannot capture video. Nor does it have a Live View option, which is typical of entry-level D.S.L.R. models.

The D300s, not surprisingly, is a follow-up to the popular D300, a 12.3-megapixel model that currently sells for about $1,800.

The D300s has many of the same specs as its predecessor — identical resolution and image sensor, 51 autofocus points and Live View — but it adds the ability to capture video in AVI format at a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 frames per second. It also includes an input for an optional stereo microphone.

The D300s is a bit faster than the D300, with a 7 frame-per-second continuous-shooting capability (versus 6 frames per second on the D300). Nikon says that the D300a has 15 cross-type AF sensors that deliver better focus accuracy and tracking capabilities.

It has the same moisture-sealed magnesium alloy chassis body as the D300 but adds dual Compact Flash and SD/SDHC card slots.

Via NYTimes Blogs

JVC GZ-HM400 launched in Japan

JVC revealed a new top-of-the-line camcorder in Japan, the GZ-HM400. The camcorder, which captures Full 1920 x 1080 HD video and contains 32GB of built-in memory, appears to contain the same 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor as JVC's previous top-line camcorder, the GZ-X900. The GZ-HM400, however, has a much larger body design and offers a variety of handling features—including a manual control dial—that are absent on the GZ-X900.
Additional new features on the GZ-HM400 include a revamped zoom rocker that looks like it was lifted straight from JVC's prosumer line, a 10x optical zoom with the Konica Minolta HD lens, and a new K2 technology that JVC claims will produce more faithful, higher-fidelity audio.
Like the GZ-X900, the GZ-HM400 can capture native 9-megapixel still images with a 3456 x 2592 image resolution. The camcorder also includes the same high speed shooting modes featured on the GZ-X900 (600fps, 300fps, and 120fps), as well as multiple continuous shooting modes for still images. The GZ-HM400 will be one of the largest and heaviest members of JVC's Everio HD lineup. According to JVC, the camcorder weighs 485g (including the supplied battery pack), which is roughly 200g more than the JVC GZ-X900 and the GZ-HM200.
Akihabara news has reported the GZ-HM400 will be available in Japan soon (likely the beginning of August) for 110,000 Yen (approx. $1,154 US dollars). The camcorder will be available in black or silver models. No news on a US release date has been verified.

Via Camcorderinfo.com

Canon iVIS HF 21 and Canon iVIS HF S11 camcorders

Canon Japan announced two new camcorders today, the iVIS HF 21 and the iVIS HF S11, both AVCHD models filling out its HD line as mid-year updates.

The HF S11, presumably the new flagship camcorder from Canon, features 64GB of internal flash memory, doubling that of the previously released HF S10. It allows for up to 5 hours and 55 minutes of recording in the highest quality setting. The memory can also be expanded with SD/SDHC cards. Inside, many of the components are the same as the HF S10:  a 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a 8.59-megapixel gross pixel count, a Digic DVIII processor, and AVCHD recording up to 24Mbps. In still shooting mode, the HF S11 can capture photos up to 3264 x 2456. It also has the same f/1.8 - f/3.0, 10x optical zoom lens.

Buy a Canon VIXIA HFS100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder + Deluxe Value Accessory Kit

Canon HF S11 specs:

• 8-megapixel CMOS sensor
• 12x optical zoom
• DIGIC DV III image processor 
• 1080p HD recordings at 24Mbps
• 8-megapixel still images 
• manual focus, exposure and audio levels
• gain control limits
•  zebra patterns, color peaking 

 Canon HF21 specs:

• family-oriented
•   face detection technology for up to 35 faces in one frame
•  15x zoom lens
• 3.3-megapixel CMOS sensor  
• DIGIC DV III image processor

Both cameras will be available from September 2009.

Via Camcorderinfo.com

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)

JVC Everio GZ-HM400 announced

JVC Japan announced a new full HD camcorder from their Everio series, the Everio GZ-HM400. The device features a 10.3MP CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom, 32GB of built-in storage, a 2.8-inch flip-out LCD screen, SD/SDHC support, a YouTube and iTunes upload function, a USB port and an HDMI interface.

Buyers will be able to store around three hours of full HD footage in the camera (at 24fps) but can also use SD/SDHC cards (up to 32GB). The Everio can also shoot pictures in 9MP resolution. It weighs 485g (including the battery).

Buy a JVC Everio GZ-HD30 80 GB AVCHD High Definition Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom

The JVC Everio GZ-HM400 can also capture in three different high speed modes: 600fps, 300fps and 120fps at reduced resolution.

Available models:
JVC Everio GZ-HM400(S) - Silver
JVC Everio GZ-HM400(B) - Black

Via CrunchGear

Kodak Zi8 coming this fall

Kodak's new HD pocket camcorder is very slick, and it offers a few features that are rarities in this genre. Most pocket HD camcorders can capture video at 1280-by-720 at 30 progressive frames per second, aka 720p30. The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera can double the frame rate by capturing 720p60 as well as bump up the resolution to capture 1920-by-1080 at 30 progressive frames per second, aka 1080p30.

The Zi8 also offers electronic image stabilization, a rarity among pocket camcorders. This type of stabilization reduces jerky video via onboard software that automatically adjusts the video while recording. More expensive camcorders and cameras use optical or mechanical image stabilization, which is more desirable but more expensive, but this stabilization physically adjusts the lens or image sensor to combat jerky movements.

Even though the digital stabilization isn't as good as optical or mechanical, digital stabilization is better than no stabilization.

Other highlights of the Zi8 include:

-2.5 inch LCD
-Face tracking
-Mini-HDMI out (cable included)
-Swing-out USB port
-Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery
-Charging over USB

Buy a 8GB Patriot SDHC Memory Card For KODAK HD Pocket Camcorder Zi6. High Speed, class 6 with life time warranty.

Via PCMag.com

Samsung HMX-U10, SMX-K40, SMX-K45

On Tuesday, Samsung introduced its first Pocket HD Camcorder, the HMX-U10. Like some of Samsung's ergonomic camcorders, the U10 will include a unique design Samsung calls a "seven-degree angled grip". In addition to the pocket HD camcorder, the company also announced two standard-definition camcorders and two digital cameras.

Buy a Samsung HMX-U10 Ultra-Compact Full-HD Camcorder w/10MP Still (Black)

The HMX-U10 Pocket HD Camcorder will capture HD video at 1920 x1080 at 30 progressive frames per second (1080p30). Like other pocket HD camcorders, it won't offer any optical zoom or optical image stabilization. It does offer a 2-inch LCD and writes video to an SDHC card (not included.) The HMX-U10 will retail for an estimated selling price of $199.99 in September.

The new camcorders are the Samsung SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 standard-definition camcorders; they're identical except for the way they store video. The K45 will have a built-in 32-GB solid state hard drive, while the K40 will offer no built-in storage. Instead, it will write video to an SDHC card (not included). Both will record video in widescreen standard-definition (720 by 480), offer 52x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD and an HDMI out port to connect and upscale video to an HDTV. The SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 will retail for an estimated selling price of $329.99 and $499.99, respectively, in August.

Buy a Samsung HMX-U10 Ultra-Compact Full-HD Camcorder w/10MP Still (Red)

Samsung HMX-U10 Specs

Image Sensor 1920×1080 / CMOS
Lens Fixed Focus
LCD 2-Inch LCD
Image Stabilizer Nope
Memory None (Card Slot)
Interface USB 2.0
Estimated Selling Price $199.99
Availability September 2009

Unique Features:

• 1920×1080 Full-HD Video
• 10MP Digital Stills
• Ultra-Compact Design
• Seven Degree Angled Grip
• Time-Lapse Recording
• USB Charging
• Built-In intelli-studio Software
• H.264 Video Format
• One-Touch Upload to YouTube

The HMX-U10 is the ideal solution for the consumer looking for ultimate portability and ease‑of‑use in an HD camcorder. The HMX-U10 offers full-HD video recording with 1920×1080 resolution. The HMX-U10’s 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor also gives consumers the ability to capture impressive 10 mega-pixel digital still images, all which can be reviewed on the camcorder’s clear, two-inch LCD screen. At 56mm x 103mm x 15.5mm, and weighing just 95g including the battery, the HMX-U10 is ultra-compact with an ergonomic design that breaks free of the traditional look and feel of pocket-sized camcorders. Its sleek frame is accentuated by a wave-design that angles the body of the camcorder at seven degrees, allowing users to grip the camcorder more comfortably, reducing any related stress on the wrist or arm. This same ergonomic design philosophy is also found in the SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders, which feature Samsung’s unique Active Angle Lens.

Buy the Samsung HMX-U10 Ultra-Compact Full-HD Camcorder w/10MP Still (Red)

Via pcmag.com, Samsung press release