Competitive pricing and TV campaign for Panasonic's HDC-SD9 this summer?

Fri, May 16 2008 11:49 | ad, hdc-sd9, avchd, tv, panasonic | Link to Item
Users considering buying a Panasonic HDC-SD9 high definition camcorder for use this summer might welcome the rumour that the company is set to offer the 3CCD, full-HD, memory card recording camcorder at "competitive prices" as a means of driving holiday-season sales. As a further means of hitting targets during the all-important summer season, we understand that buyers will benefit from a free 3-year warranty.

Details are a bit skimpy at present (we'll have to wait until we get something official from the company) but what we can show you is a new TV commercial for the SD9 that will debut in the first episode of the watching-paint-dry show Big Brother on Channel Four TV in the UK on June 6th.

Here's the commercial:



Feel the need to discuss this topic? See our Forum thread.

Note: Adobe Flash Player 9 or upwards required to play the clip. If you can't see the video poster frame above, it's either because you don't have Flash installed/enabled or your network is blocking Flash for all the usual reasons that company networks tend to block this stuff. Get Flash Player here
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Canon's "fabulous" HF100 AVCHD camcorder reviewed

Mon, May 5 2008 11:25 | sdhc, vixia, avchd, canon, review, hf100, camcorder | Link to Item
Canon's much-awaited HF100 (known as the Vixia HF100 in the USA and Japan) is not just a truly solid-state memory card camcorder but one that produces superb quality, full-specification 1920 x 1080 high definition video and has all the inputs and outputs we associate with a serious camcorder.

Using the increasingly-popular MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression system to record and playback AVCHD format movies and digital stills to high capacity memory cards, the HF100 provides us all with a clear indication as to the future of high definition digital movie-making for the consumer. Thanks to some advanced features - including Progressive Cinema Mode recording and playback - and superb handling, the HF100 is a camcorder that will delight both the beginner and the more serious video-maker alike.

We think that the HF100 deserves our fullest attention, so take advantage of the complete SimplyDV review of this remarkable new camcorder here, and don't forget that you can discuss this and other matters of a camcordery nature in our free SimplyDV Forums, where complete newbies and experienced users are all equally welcome.
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Apple's iMac gets faster processors, faster graphics

Mon, Apr 28 2008 02:32 | Core 2, hdv, avchd, iMac, Apple, Intel | Link to Item

Apple has given a major performance bump to its range of all-in-one iMacs with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and the most powerful graphics ever available in any iMac model, the company has just announced.

With UK prices starting at £799, the iMac includes faster processors with 6MB L2 cache, a faster 1066MHz front-side bus across the whole line and 2GB memory as standard in most models. The 24-inch iMac now offers a 3.06 MHz Intel processor and the high performance NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics as options. So, if you're looking for a brand new system that will handle your high definition AVCHD and HDV video clips straight out of the box, then look no further - the iMac can do it even if others can't!

For more information and the opportunity to discuss this story more, see the official press release.
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It's curtains for MiniDV!

Mon, Apr 28 2008 01:24 | Reviews, MiniDV, Standard Definition, dv, DVD | Link to Item

In response to the major shift that is taking place in the market, and to the fact that - in the consumer field at least - people are turning their backs on both standard definition tape-based and DVD-based formats in favour of products that record to solid-state and hard-disc-drive media, I've decided that SimplyDV will no longer feature reviews of MiniDV or standard-definition DVD camcorders.

In addition to the reasoning outlined above, there are two other reasons behind this decision:
  • There's a lot of HD product now coming to market, and even if I were to concentrate on this alone I wouldn't have enough time to review everything;
  • Up to the launch of the new-look website at the beginning of April, the number of clicks to pages containing reviews and news of HD camcorders far exceeded those to standard-definition camcorders to the point where it became obvious that the interest in them is on the decline quite significantly. 
However, standard definition is by no means on the way out - yet - and given that a number of companies are coming out with products that record standard def video to smaller, lighter "gadget" style devices, it's appropriate that we still feature them on the site.

But, as I've stated many times, tape-based standard-definition and even DVD-based recording is on the way out - and it's for that reason that I've decided that I won't be reviewing any more products that fall within those categories.

This does not include HDV, by the way; camcorders that use this tape-based format to record high definition video are still in demand and will continue to be featured on the site - in the short/medium term, at least.
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Panasonic's tiny SDR-S7 gets the review treatment

Mon, Apr 14 2008 02:39 | sdhc, panasonic, memory card, sdr-s7, usb, mpeg-2 | Link to Item

You might have noticed just how many small, pocket-sized video cameras and camcorders are coming to market these days, not least because the major manufacturers are in direct competition with others who are including increasingly-better video camera modules in their latest mobile phones. It all begs the question as to why you should in fact bother with a camcorder when you have pretty much everything you need in a single device.

Whilst that issue is worthy of a debate all of its own, it's worth noting that the major camera and camcorder brands are fighting back with smaller-than-ever camcorders that are, for the time being at least, capable of turning out picture and sound quality that will look better when output to DVD or even to YouTube.

Panasonic's latest offering is the top-pocket-sized SDR-S7; whilst only a standard definition camera, it's still a great looking device that is capable of making sufficiently good MPEG-2 recordings onto high capacity SD memory cards. Perhaps its most outstanding feature, though, is that it looks really cute.

Read the full SimplyDV review of the SDR-S7 right here.
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Canon unveils two new professional HD camcorders

Thu, Apr 10 2008 11:59 | XL-H1S, hdv, canon, XL-H1A, hd, camcorder | Link to Item

Canon today unveiled two new additions to its high-end High Definition XL series camcorder range: the XL H1S, designed for studio-based professional broadcast cameramen, and the XL H1A, which the company describes as being perfect for independent filmmakers and fieldwork cameramen.

Recording High Definition Video (HDV) to tape, both models share a 1/3” 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD system which provides HD 1080i image capture. In addition, the XL H1S features Canon’s Professional Jackpack: a full suite of studio standard connections comprising HD-SDI output – for uncompressed 1920x1080 HD video – Gen lock input and Time code input/output for multi-camera shoots.

Building on the feature set of its predecessor model, the XL H1, the HD-SDI output of the XL H1S now incorporates embedded audio and Time code data.

Replacing the XL H1, both new camcorders have been constructed using the feedback of professional cameraman from around the world. Key refinements over the XL H1 include a new 20x L-series Video Lens, incorporating three separate focus, zoom and iris control rings. Conveniently mounted on the lens body, each can be operated simultaneously, allowing focus to be pulled while zooming, for instance. Sensitivity of the zoom ring is also customisable. Two-channel XLR audio recording now features independent limiters and auto/manual settings, allowing complete control over sound recording.

The XL H1S and XL H1A models feature:
  • Professional quality 1080i HD output (50i, 25F)
  • High resolution 1/3” 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD system
  • 20x L-series HD Video Lens with separate focus, zoom and iris rings – offering simultaneous control
  • HDV recording
  • Professional Jackpack (XL H1S only): HD-SDI output (uncompressed 1920x1080, 4:2:2 colour space) with embedded audio; Gen lock in and Time code in/out for multi-camera shoots
  • DIGIC DV II processor for fast, accurate HD data handling
  • Full image customisation and Cine Gamma controls; all settings (preset, function and display) saved to SD/MMC card are fully compatible with 
  • Canon XH series camcorders
  • Two-channel XLR audio recording with independent limiters and auto/manual settings
  • Optional NTSC shooting (60i/30F/24F) 
  • Canon CPS Video service: registration required via the CPN website
High Definition quality
Both the XL H1S and XL H1A feature a re-designed Fluorite 20x L-series HD Video Lens. The new HD 20x Zoom XL 5.4-108mm L IS III lens incorporates a high performance Vari-angle Prism Optical Image Stabilizer (VAP OIS); special multi-coating (SR coating) virtually eliminates ghosting and dramatically reduces chromatic aberrations. With new adjustable in-camera Focus Assist (Magnifying, Peaking), three separate manual control rings – for focus, zoom and aperture – offer unparalleled levels of control. The sensitivity of the focus ring can be customised.

Featuring Canon’s XL interchangeable lens mount system, both camcorders are compatible with all XL lenses, including the HD 6x Zoom XL 3.4-20.4mm L wide-angle lens. Using a Canon EF Lens Adaptor (available separately), EF lenses for Canon EOS cameras can also be used with the XL H1S and XL H1A.

Two-channel audio
The XL H1S and XL H1A feature two XLR audio inputs, with each channel now controlled independently. Manual limiters have been added. The supplied stereo microphone can be used as a mono source, recording to one channel.

Advanced image control
The range of advanced image control functions has been expanded, including: improved twin Noise Reduction filters (NR1 and NR2), Colour Matrix, expanded White Balance Colour Temperature (2,000K-15,000K) and Sharpness Detail controls, as well as Auto Knee. Full manual control over an extensive range of settings and shooting variables is available: custom presets are stored to SD/MMC memory cards.

Since picture quality settings and functionality are now perfectly matched with XH series camcorders, cards can be directly transferred to these models. This is ideal for cameramen working on multi-camera shoots, since setups can be easily reproduced across camcorders, streamlining the professional workflow.

Optional NTSC shooting (60i/30f/24f)
The XL H1S and XL H1A can be customised, making both PAL (50i) and NTSC (60i) shooting possible. This optional upgrade can be performed at an approved Canon Service Centre.

Canon CPS Video
Camera operators who purchase the XL H1S or XL H1A also benefit from Canon Europe’s newly launched CPS Video service. The CPS Video membership program offers:
  • Priority repair service (six day turnaround)
  • Free loan equipment for longer repairs
  • Email and phone support
Full details of Canon’s professional HD range, and more, is available on the CPN (Canon Professional Network) website: http://www.canon-europe.com/cpn
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