Saturday, June 26, 2010

Canon XLH1

On September 18 of 2005, Canon broke new ground in
the digital video camera industry, announcing the
XL H1, which was Canon's first DVC featuring high
definition. Originally developed based on the needs
of professional and enthusiast videographers, the
XL H1 retains the operability of Canon's very popular
XL2 while increasing the professional function and
supporting high definition recording.

The flagship DVC for the company of Canon, the XL H1
is ideal for use all across the spectrum of
professional content making, from film and television
production to filming weddings. The XL H1 also
comes equipped with a HD 20X zoom video lens, the XL
5.4-108 mm L IS II, which contributes to Canon's
development aim of delivering the highest possible
quality of recording available today.

As Canon's first HD video camera, the XL H1 camcorder
and 20X HD video zoom lens will provide broadcasters
with a low budget 1080i resolution option for ENG,
documentary or even reality television productions.

Film makes will also fall for the extensive Cine
controls and 24 frame rate option the XL H1
has to offer. Canon's custom jackpack features
include uncompressed digital HD-SDI output for
seamless integration into broadcast studios or high
quality image transfer to non linear editing systems.

The genlock feature will allow movie sets to
easily synchronize camera settings across multiple
camcorders and SMPTE time codes will allow for
streamlined tape and edit management.

The XL H1 also offers three 1/3 inch 1.67 megapixel
interlaced CCDs that capture images at 1080i
resolution. It also features selectable frame
rates of 50i and 25F, so capturing fast motion and
just about everything else is possible with the
XL H1.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Controls And Features

The central part of a DV camcorder is the CCD, or
Charge Coupled Device. This sensor creates a video
picture by recording the light intensity to recognize
an image or shape, along with the color levels to
reproduce a full color picture.

There are several tape based DV camcorders that have
both color eyepiece viewfinders and a flip out TFT
LCD screen to view the action as well as the previous
recorded footage. Most tape-less models however,
only offer the TFT screen to preview your captured
video and to view while you make a recording.

When you need to get closer to the action, a zoom
lens can be a great feature. Don't get swayed by
the digital zoom figure however; as no matter how
large it may be, you should always base your final
decision on the optical zoom.

The optical zoom will give you a true indication of
the video image, where digital zooms interpolate the
available pixels to zoom in on an image. Optical
zooms will normally range around the 10X mark, with
digital zooms ranging from 100X and above.

The auto focusing systems are great as well, although
manual focus options can be ideal for low light or
when focusing on a subject against a landscape. Being
available on most video cameras, the manual focus
control can be found as either a ring on the lens
or as a dual button system on the body.

Most video cameras these days will provide a tilting
feature in the camera itself, although this feature
should be avoided unless you don't intend to edit
the video on a computer. The title effects on
many cameras are quite limited and cannot be
removed afterwards.

Almost all new high definition video cameras will
use a rechargeable Li-ion battery, even though a
spare battery might be useful as the batteries are
unique to each camcorder maker and normally each
model.

Most of the latest cameras allow you to capture
digital still images onto a removable flash memory
card. The most popular media is SD or MMC, but
Sony and Samsung cameras often capture to a memory
stick.

If your video camera doesn't offer still image
capabilities, you can always perform a capture of
the screen in your editing program. Always remember
that the image resolution when capturing a still
this way will always be 640X480, which is actually
less than 1 MB, or Mega Byte.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Editing HD Video

Working with the video of camcorders such as the Sony
HDR-HC1 can produce a serious business. HD video
contains four times the number of pixels that
standard definition offers, and it's much more
heavily compressed.

Keep in mind that you need a powerful computer with
a lot of memory to deal with the extra data and
compression. Pinnacle for example, recommends a
minimum 512 MB of RAM and a graphics card with 128
MB of RAM for standard resolution video, although
that goes up to a GB of RAM and a 256 MB graphics
card when working with 1080i HD video.

You can find plenty of software available that
supports editing high definition videos. For example,
the latest versions of Pinnacle Studio and Ulead
Media Studio 8 can import and edit files in HDV
format.

Even though the high definition video with these
types of looks great when played back on an HDTV,
at the present time is there is no way store HD
video on a DVD. The only way you can store HD
video for playback is on your PC or the same type
of media you used in your HD camcorder.

There is however, a new generation of high definition
optical media format coming soon. Products that
are based on the HD-DVD and Blu-ray disc formats
are very expensive, and they will remain that way
for the near future.

HD-DVD players were announced a while back that
they will cost $500 and up, and will be available
very soon. You'll also need one of the new HD-DVD
drives to write to the disc, which will cost as
much again. You can expect the same story with the
Blu-ray disc, as both the recorders and the players
are going to be expensive for a while to come.

There is one other option as well. There is a
DVD player from KISS, the DP-600, which can play
back high definition files that have been compressed
to Microsoft's Windows Media 9 format. This can
at least provide a stop gap until the price of the
HD-DVD and Blue-ray disc players and writes come
down to an affordable price.

You can always play back the recorded video you
have through the camcorder itself, although you
shouldn't expect to be able to write it out on a
disc with the current available equipment and
preserve its quality. If you wait it out, the new
generation of available media will be everything
you need for your HD video.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Finding Your Format

It's quite impossible to choose a camera without
knowing which format best fits your needs. Below,
you'll find many of the most popular formats.

DVCPRO HD
Based on the standard definition of DVCPRO format,
the DVCPRO HD from Panasonic uses a data rate of 120
MBps and intraframe compression, both of which will
provide strong protection from generational loss.

The DVCPRO HD also has supporting cameras and decks
that use FireWire I/O, which is a very important
feature for keeping an eye on your bottom line. The
cost of the equipment is a bit pricey, as it can
cost upwards of 80,000$.

HDCAM
The HDCAM format from Sony is based on DigiBeta and
can record in 24p, 25p, 50i, and even 60i. It
uses a high data rate of 140MBps, which produces a
great looking picture with few glitches. Because
of the very unusual 17:6:6 color sampling scheme,
the color detail is half of DVCPRO HD. The
picture is top of the line, proving to be among the
best available on the market.

HDV
There is quite a bit of buzz surrounding HDV as
the newcomer to the high definition marketplace.
With high compression rates, HDV has enabled
high quality shooting and editing with low cost
tools, including the convenience of high
definition video to Mini DV tape. This has also
helped to open up the HD field to a wide
variety of videographers and producers who
would never have even considered going high
definition otherwise.

The biggest drawback to going the HDV route is
also the greatest strength - high compression.
Both audio and video can suffer dramatically
from too much compression. The audio in theory
isn't up to CD quality, although some users
report that they are perfectly happy with it.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

HD Based Video Cameras

HD, or high definition, is creating quite a lot of
interest, due to some very high spirited campaigning
done by the cable networks wanting you to buy HD
boxes to watch HD on television. What you may not
be aware of, is the fact that HD is delivered in
a widescreen format of 16:9 instead of the normal
television format of 4:3.

The average everyday customer has every right to be
confused as to what HD really and truly is, as most
companies involved with it can't agree on one simple
standard. The standard getting the most support
with HD is 1080i, which means a resolution of 1080
interlaced lines or 720 progressive lines. The
television signals in general will give you 525
lines so the increasing quality is dramatic, if
you have the HD gear to watch the video the way it
was meant to be.

Cameras that offer HD are simply the best you can
buy. They are obviously more expensive than digital
cameras, with some models reaching upwards towards
90,000$ and above! These types of cameras are
normally for professionals, as the average working
man would never be able to afford such an expensive
type of HD video camera.

The average HD video cameras will run 800$ and up.
HD cameras offer you the chance to shoot high
definition picures and videos, and send them to
friends or family. You can also save your shoots
to disk or memory card, then take them with you
everywhere you go.

If you've yet to see a HD video camera, you'll
probably find yourself amazed. The zoom offered
with these cameras are amazing, as many can get
above 100X! Shooting up close and personal is
never a problem with HD video cameras.

Monday, June 21, 2010

High Definition Has Arrived

A while back, Sony, Sharp, Canon and JVC announced
the creation of a new high definition video standard
for video cameras - HDV. HDV utilizes MPEG-2 image
compression with a definition of 1080 lines and a
16:9 aspect ratio.

Shortly after that, Sony opened the door to high
definition by creating the first HDV camcorder, the
HDR-FX1. This release was on par with the launch
of the first DV camcorder in 1995, which at the
time was a giant step forward for image quality,
marking the break from traditional analog.

At the time, consumers were moving from the Hi8
format to DV, which featured much better image
quality, along with the ability to transfer to a
computer without any degradation of signal. With
HDV, the resolution of camcorders can be doubled,
from 576 lines to 1080. The compression method is
no longer DV, but MPEG 2 instead.

HDV exists in two formats - 1080i (interlaced) and
720p (progressive). With interlaced, the video
camera records 1080 lines in interlaced images,
which is half images of 540 lines each that are
displayed 60 times per second.

With 720 progressive, the video camera records
720 lines in progressive images, which are full
images that are displayed 30 times per second.
Sony chose to use 1080i on the HDR-FX1, where JVC
chose to use 720p for the GR-HD1, which is sold
only in NTSC format in the USA and Japan.

The progressive mode format requires a television
set that supports it, while interlaced mode is
the natural scan mode that televisions use. The
question today is which of the two formats
deliver the best image quality.

With several high definition video cameras on the
market today, the question of image quality all
depends on the camera and features, along with
your television or method of play back. All high
definition video cameras are amazing in quality
and playback, which is why they have become so
popular is such a small amount of time.

With Sony, JVC, and Canon continuing to develop
HDV, you know the technology will continue to get
better and better. When high definition first
hit the market, it was an instant success. With
the integration of HDV, camcorders allow you to
do what you never could before.

If you like to record precious memories, a high
definition video camera is just what you need. They
are very handy to have around, and there are
several out there these days for you to choose
from - all you need to do is pick the best one
for you.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

High Definition Video

HDTV or high definition television normally refers
to any video system of higher resolution than the
standard definition. The original HD specifications
date back to the early 1980s, when Japan first
experimented with a 1025 line television standard.

Japan presented their parameters at an international
meeting of television engineers in Algiers in 1981
and Japan's NHK presented their analog HDTV system
at a Swiss conference in 1983. Except for these
early formats, HDTV is digital broadcast and
therefore it's introduction will sometimes conincide
with the introduction of DTV, or digital television.

The signals for high definition require a high
definition television or a computer monitor in order
to be watched or viewed. High definition video
will normally have an aspect ratio of 16:9. The
aspect ratio of the regular widescreen film that is
shot today is normally 1:85:1 or 2:40:1. The
standard type of television has a 4:3 aspect ratio.

High definition television resolution is 1080 or
720 lines. With the contrast, regular digital
television is 480 lines or 576 lines. The current
quality with DVD is not high definition, although
high definition systems such as HD-DVD and Blu-Ray
are both expected to be and ship later on in 2006.

The most noted feature with high definition video
is the fact that it's so life like. There is HDTV,
and HD video cameras. High definition is very
popular these days, with television being at the
top of the list.

High definition video cameras are getting just as
popular, as they offer you the chance to capture
memories like never before. HD offers you video
like never before, making you wonder if things are
this good now - just what will video in the future
actually be like?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

JVC And The First High Def Camera

The amazing company of JVC (Victor Company of Japan)
released the first high definition video camera for
consumers back in 2003. The GR-HD1 high def camera
was the first digital video camera in the world to
record and play back high definition images.

By utilizing a newly developed 1/3 inch type 1.18
million pixel progressive scan CCD and JVC type
processing, the new camera records and plays back
750/30p digital high definition and 525p progressive
wide screen images to mini DV tape.

Features
The GR-HD1 is was the first digital video camera in
the world to record and play back high definition
video and images. The GR-HD1 records digital images
to mini DV tapes using MPEG 2 compression, recording
and playing back digital high definition images
while still maintaining conventional 525i DV
standard recording times.

The GR-HD1 also comes with an optical 10X zoom lens
and a built in optical image stabilizer. It also
uses a newly developed 1/3 inch type 1.18 million
pixel (1.14 million effective pixels) progressive
scan CCD. Due to the JVC original signal
processing circuitry and driving system, it can
record muti format high quality images.

There are three recording modes; HD mode, SD
mode, and DV mode that are based according to
the camera operators requirements.

The HD mode records 750/30p digital high definition
images, SD mode 525p progressive wide images, DV
mode at the conventional 525i DV standard. This
way, camera users can freely choose among the 3
modes according to their specific requirements.

Even though it was the first high definition
video camera to release to consumers, the GR-HD1
is still a very impressive camera. It has a
slew of other features, which are sure to please
camera lovers everywhere.

Friday, June 18, 2010

JCV HY-HD100

At first look, the JVC HD100 looks like any other
high definition camera with a lot of switches, dials,
and places to plug in peripherals. In operation, it
functions like an old regular video camera. You
don't really need to do anything special to make a
high definition recording, just press a button -
although there are differences.

One of the things that makes this camera so nice and
unique is the amount of control you have over pretty
much everything you record. JVC really outdone
themselves here, as you can record all of your settings
on a SD memory card and save them to move on to
another JCV camera, which will save you a lot of time.

Another amazing feature enables the video camera to
automatically record to a hard disk while at the same
time recording to a tape. Recording directly to a
hard drive will save you a lot of time in the editing
process, as you can immediately begin using your
video without having to capture tape to your computer,
which can only be done in real time.

Surprisingly enough, the camera is very easy to use
either mounted on a tripod or on your shoulder. The
shoulder pad is a nice addition, being thickly padded.
To make things even better, the camera is very light.

When it comes to the quality, the GY-HD100 needs to
be seen to be believed. HD video is intended to look
like real life. There is an extended gray scale, a
heightened sense of color - and the resulting detail
is simply incredible.

HD at this incredible level has 720 X 1028 lines of
progressive video, which means that the video is shot
in one entire frame at a time. Also, it can be
recorded at 24 or even 30 frames per second.

The 24 fps resembles film and if you plan to convert
to film, it's a great way to shoot - as you can
quickly and easily go directly to film. The 30 fps
has more data per second, although it is not
appropriate for making a film project.

If you want to experience HD without spending over
70,000$, then the JCV GY-HD100 is more than worth
your time and money. Even though it doesn't record
uncompressed HD video, it does record a picture
that is far superior to the standard picture you get
with an average everyday camera. HD is rapidly
becoming the future, and with the GY-HD100 - its here
and now.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Looking At High Def Cameras

If you've been looking for a high definition video
camera, there are many out there for you to choose
from. In this article, we will take a look at
some of your options available in each of the
different formats.

HDV
JVC, Sony, and Canon all produce HDV cameras of
various stripes and abilities. The JVC HD100U
shoots 720p, offers a true 24p frame rate, and
provides a professional looking form factor, along
with sporting the ability to change out lenses.

The two popular HDV cameras from Sony include the
HDR-FX1 and the HVR-Z1U. Both of them shoot only
1080i and provide 24p. The XL h1 is Canon's
entry to the HDV roundup. It provides HD SDI
output and gives you the option of interchanging
lenses. Like Sony, it shoots 1080i without true
24p capabilities.

All of these cameras are 3CCD models and all
sport level professional XLR audio inputs, with
the exception of the HDR-FX1. Sony also offers
single chip HDV cameras. The consumer HC1,
which is actually a miniature version of the FX1
is an excellent camera.

DVCPRO HD
on the budget end of the Panasonic spectrum is the
AG-HVX200. This widely hyped camera does away with
tape based HD recording and will instead record
HD to either memory cards or even an attached hard
drive. It also offers the ability to shoot all
the above mentioned HD resolutions along with 50
and DV25.

Another popular camera for Panasonic is the Varicam
which shoots at 720p. A great feature with this
camera is the ability to shoot at variable frame
rates, which range from 4 - 60fps at 1fps intervals.
These different frame rates will allow you to
achieve a look similar to that of over cranking a
film camera.

HDCAM
Sony couples their HDCAM cameras together under
the name CineAlta. They cover a broad range of
prices and features, ranging from the XDCAM HD
models and the F350 to the widely used and widely
popular F950.

The XDCAM HD cameras record directly to Sony's
professional disc media, which is physically
similar to Blu-ray discs. These cameras can also
record various quality levels of 1080i and 1080p,
along with regular SD DVCAM. Unlike other HD
cameras from Sony, the XDCAM HD supports i-Link
for file access and DV output.

Near the high end of the Sony HD solutions is the
F900. It captures both 1080p and 1080i at
various frame rates, including 25p and 50i. This
is also the most expensive camera from Sony, as
it costs around 80,000$!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Major Components

All video cameras contain 3 major components - the
lens, imager, and recorder. The lens gathers and
focuses the light on the imager, which is normally
a charge coupled device (CCD) or CMOS sensor IC.
Finally, the recorder will encode the video signal
into a form that can be stored. Commonly, the optics
and imager are known as the camera section.

The optic lens is the first component in the camera
section's light path. The optics normally have one
or more the following adjustments:
1. aperture - controls the amount of light
2. zoom - controls the field of view
3. shutter speed - captures continuous motion
In most consumer units, these adjustments are
automatically controlled by the video camera's
electronics, normally to maintain constant exposure
onto the imager.

The imager is the "eye" of the camera, housing a
photo sensitive device or devices. The imager works
to convert light into an electronic video signal
through an elaborate electronic process. The
camera lens projects an image to the imager surface,
exposing the photo sensitive array to the light.

The light exposure is then converted into an electrical
charge. Towards the end of the timed exposure, the
imager will convert the accumulated charge into a
continuous analog voltage at the imager's output
terminals.

The third piece, the recorder, is responsible for
writing the video signal to a recording medium,
such as magnetic videotape. The recording function
involves many steps of signal processing, and
historically, the recording process introduced
some distortion and noise to the stored video,
such that the playback of stored signal may not
retain the same detail as the original live feed.

All but the most primitive of video cameras will
also need to have a recorder controlling section
which will allow you to control the camera. You
can also swich the recorder into playback mode
for reviewing your recorded footage.

The image you recorded doesn't need to be limited
to what appeared in the view finder. For a
documentation of events such as those used by the
police, the fields of view will overlay such
things as the time and date of the recording along
the top and bottom of the image.

As you can probably tell now, a high definition
video camera is very complex indeed. There are
several other parts involved as well, although the
above are the most important. A HD video camera
is very complex in build, making it something
that is more than worth the time it takes to create.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Panasonic AG-HVX200

The Panasonic AG-HVX200 is a handheld HD p2 camera
recorder that's designed to meet the emerging needs
needs in HD content production. The camera debuts
and remains Panasonic's first HD video product to
use P2, the cutting edge memory recording device
that has the potential to revolutionize the entire
production paradigm.

The AG-HVX200 can record HD, in either 1080i or
720p video acquired by a new optical system and
high performance digital signal processor onto a P2
card using the broadcasting DVCPRO HD codec. This
very system achieves a level of image quality that
conventional handheld HD cameras simply can't match,
while also supporting HD/SD multi-format and multi
codec recording capabilities.

The visual frame rate recording is just one of the
many features that makes this camera so very unique
in its class. By using technology that makes the
Panasonic VariCam camera a favorite in movie
production, this powerful function will allow the
overcranking techniques used with film cameras
to create fast motion and slow motion effects.

The P2 card offers you superb reliability, immediate
playback, and amazing cost performance. It will
also allow direct connection to other editing
systems and streamlines the production work flow,
by providing to the editing system data files
ready to be edited, rather than a video tape
that would require the tedious task of digitizing.

On top of all the advanced features and technology,
the Panasonic AG-HVX200 inherits the refined
design and easy operation that seperates it from
the rest. With the AG-HVX200 HD camera,
professionals of all kinds will find a powerful
tool to help them create and bring their creations
to life - helping them achieve things they may
have never thought to be possible.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Panasonic High Definition

With the growing popularity of the variable frame rate
VariCam HD Cinema cameras, HD production is on the
verge of changing HD video cameras as we know it. The
low cost 24p editing and finishing on the desktop, is
what Panasonic likes to call a VariDigm shift.

It all starts inside of the camera. The AJ-HDC27 from
Panasonic replicates several of the key features of
film based acquisition, which includes 24 frame
progressive scan images, time lapsed recording, and a
wide range of film rates for amazing camera effects.
The VariCam also comes with CineGamma software that
permits Panasonic's HD Cinema camera systems to
match the latitude of film stocks and effects.

Even though it all starts inside of the camera, it
doesn't stop there. HD has been showing up in many
more places besides HDTV. Panasonic is leading the
way with compact and affordable HD products. All
across the world, you'll see Panasonic launching
HD products that are among the best and very affordable.

Broadcast
If your digital plans call for a transition to DTV
first then HDTV later on down the road, or if you plan
to take your station HD now, Panasonic has you
covered by making HD both flexible and affordable.

Commercials
Whether your next commercial is a 30 second spot for
TV or a two minute commercial, shoot it on DVCPRO HD
without having to sacrifice quality. The 24P at 720
progressive resolution from Panasonic makes this
very possible.

Corporate needs
The coporate level presentations demand the highest
level of image quality. Professional presentations
begin with 720p and 1080i cameras from Panasonic.
By starting with the highest image quality available,
Panasonic ensures that you'll have everything you
need to exceed your corporate needs and demands.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Rent Or Buy HD Video Camera

If you are new to HD video cameras, you've probably
found yourself wondering if you really need to have
one around. For a majority of people, a HD video
camera represents the best way to capture memories
and pictures with the best technology available today.

For producers or those looking to start their own
productions, HD video cameras may be easier to rent
than to buy. While most HD video cameras cost quite a
bit of money, they may be easier to rent than just to
go out and buy.

If you only plan to use your camera for a few days
or just a short period of time, then renting may be
your best option. Producers and professional
photographers looking to take things to the next
level, may choose rent a HD video camera to test the
waters before making the purchase. If you've never
experienced HD before, renting a camera may be the
best idea before you sink a ton of money into buying
one of your very own.

On the other hand, if you take a lot of pictures and
enjoy making videos, buying a camera may be the best
option for you. Even though they cost a lot of money,
these cameras are ideal for anyone who is seeking the
absolute best in technology. These cameras are
nothing like cameras of the past, as they can do so
much more - with a lot better quality.

For the average photographer, a HD video camera may
not be the best purchase. If you are on a budget or
don't have a lot of money to spend, then this type of
camera is probably going to be out of your league. If
you have a lot of money on the other hand, this type
of camera is more than worth the purchase.

There are several companies that rent out HD cameras,
from many different manufacturers. Normally, those
that rent are looking to try the camera out, or just
needing it for a brief amount of time. Trying out
the camera is a good thing, although it normally leads
to buying it. It can be very difficult to try out
a camera that is this good then not buy it.

When the time comes to test out HD video cameras,
renting is sometimes the best way to go. If you've
used these types of cameras in the past, then you
may want to go ahead and buy one. There are several
to choose from, and you really can't go wrong with
jumping on the band wagon and immersing yourself in
the amazing world of HD.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Sanyo Small HD Cams

Sanyo has recently brought a new level of credability
to dual use, video and still image cameras with the
introduction of the new Xacti HD1. With measurements
of 3.1X4, 7X1.4 inches and 8.3 ounces, it is easily
the smallest camera to record 720p high definition
video. It will also capture 5.1 MP still images and
has a 10X optical zoom lens as well.

Just like other dual use cameras, it will record
both video and still images on a memory card, or
in this case an SD card instead of video tape.
According to Sanyo, a 1GB SD card can record up to
21 minutes of 720p 16:9 widescreen video. If you
prefer to record in standard definition, the HD1
can also record video at 640X480 pixel resolution
at either 30 or 60 frames per second. Everything
you record is with the popular MPEG 4 compression.

Just in case pocket sized HD recording isn't enough
for you, Sanyo also put a 2.2 inch 210,000 pixel
OLED display in the HD1. The OLED is a display
technology that many thing will end up replacing
LCD very soon. The advantages offered include wider
viewing angles and faster response time.

As you probably already know, Sanyo isn't new to
HD video cameras or digital cameras in general.
Sanyo has been around for years, proving that they
can compete with the bigger industry giants. The
small HD video cameras offered from Sanyo are
among the best as well.

If you've been looking for the best HD video cameras,
rest assured that anything you select from Sanyo
is going to be great. There are a few to choose
from, with the HD1 leading the pack. If you want
the best, the HD1 is everything you need - and
quite possibly a bit more.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Sany Xacti VPC-HD1

This digital HD media camera is small, elegant, and
also lightweight. The Sanyo Xacti will beautifully
capture your memories in high definition. The
stylish vertical design offered by the camera will
make it easier for you to keep an arm steady while
you shoot.

2.2" color OLED
The 2.2" flip out organic light emmitting diode
screen will offer easier viewing of your recordings,
even in bright sunlight.

Video and pictures
The Xacti will simultaneously shoot 5.1 megapixel
still images and high definition video clips. The
HD1 can also record over 21 minutes of 720 pixel
HD video on a single 1 GB SD care, or well over 42
minutes on a 2 GB card.

MPEG 4 format
The HD1 utilizes the high quality MPEG 4 recording
format which will deliver amazing video clarity and
detail. With the files being conveniently small,
you have the ability to record long, high quality
video clips.

Start up
When you close the LCD screen, the camera will go
into standby mode. Open it back up, and you are
ready to shoot in as little as 2 seconds! The
camera also records straight to SD flash memory
cards, so it will skip the long process of getting
the tape deck started.

Image stabilizer
The image stabilizer will accurately distinguish
between the unintentional camera shake and
deliberate camera movement from pans or tilts. It
will then compensate for the camera shaking to
give you more natural results when you shoot.

Zoom lens
The highly effective and bright 10x optical zoom
lens witha maximum aperture of f/3.5 will allow you
to get up close to the action. Coupled with a 10X
digital zoom, it will give you up to 100X of zooming
capabilities.

Scene modes
You can create breathtaking pictures with the HD1
by selecting the best suited mode to the subject.
The scene selection mode will work for both still
images and video. The modes to choose from include
sports, portrait, landscape, fireworks, and even
night view.

Easy playback
You can share your pictures and video clips with
family and friends in a snap. Multiple connections
will allow for easy television playback, dubbing
to a VCR or DVD recorder, transfer to a PC for DVD
creation, editing, or just posting on the internet.

With everything the Sanya Xacti VPC HD1 has to
offer, it's perfect for anyone looking for a HD
video camera. You can do many things with this
camera, other than taking pictures or making videos.
If you've never experienced a HD video camera, the
Sanya Xacti is certainly one of the first ones you
should check out.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Sony BRC-H700

The Sony BRC-H700 high definition video camera is
designed for a variety of remote acquisition
applications, especially in television production
for recording programs and for use as a weather
or even traffic camera.

The PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera can display images
onto a large screen in auditoriums, teaching
hospitals, sporting events, trade shows, and even
concerts. This unit is also ideal for distance
learning applications in which clear high definition
images need to be projected onto electronic white
boards during a presentation or other function.

The Sony BRC-H700 also features three 1/3 inch HD
CCDs with 1.07 megapixels, delivers accurate color
reproduction, and is ideal for taking pictures or
videos in low light environments.

The BRC-H700 has a wide pan range of 340 degrees
and a tilt range of 120 degrees. Both the pan
and tilt speeds are variable within the range of
.25 to 60 degrees a second, so the camera can
capture both fast and slow moving objects with
minimal rocking vibration. The camera also
includes a 12X optical auto focus zooming lens,
which allows for a zoom capability of up to 48X
when used in combination with the 4X digital
zoom.

You can also control the BRC-H700 by external
devices which include the optional RM-BR300
remote control via Sony's VISCA protocol. Local
controls such as PTZ settings and any of the 16
presets can easily be accessed.

The BRC-H700 has a card slot that accepts a
variety of optional interface cards, including
the HD-SDI, SD/SD, i.Link, and even connections
for use with computers.

Other features include an image flip function
for installation flexibility on ceilings or other
flat surfaces and up to 16 presets for operational
ease of use.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Sony CMOS Sensor

Beginning with their adoption of cellular phones back
in 2002, Sony's CMOS sensors for megapixel class
camera cell phones, and digital high definition video
cameras have become widely used in commercial products.

The greatest strength of the CMOS sensors is that
by including both digital and analog circuits on
the same chip, their readout speed can be made much
faster than the CCD. Sony is now developing high
speed CMOS sensors for digital cameras that will
provide continuous imaging from all pixels at an
amazing frame rate of 60 frames.

Here recently, the trend towards higher pixel counts
in consumer digital cameras have continued, and now
it's possible to take high resolution still images
conveniently. Until now, Sony focused efforts in
the image sensor area on increasing the pixel count
and improving the characteristics of the pixels to
achieve high resolution imaging that everyone
loves about high definition video cameras.

Sony is also aiming for an image sensor that will
be able to capture and express surprise and emotion,
and is now putting efforts into a CMOS sensor that
can do just that.

Even through image quality will improve as you
increase the amount of information you capture, until
now, the still image quality of pictures has been
improved by spatial resolution increases. The
amount of information however, can be increased
not only by spatial resolution increases, but also
by increasing the amount of information in the
time direction as well.

If anything can be said about Sony technology, it
would be to never doubt it. Sony creates very amazing
products, and are among the leaders in camera
technology today. The CMOS sensor is just another
step for Sony in the world of high definition video
cameras, making it something you can't go wrong with.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Sony HDR-FX1

The Sony HDR-FX1 is the world's first consumer 1080i
high definition video camera. A revolution of form
and function, the HDR-FX1 will allow you to play
and record interlaced high definition video at
resolutions of up to 1440 X 1080 for professional
quality video with plenty of vivid colors and amazing
detail.

The HDR-FX1 also features the real time HD codec
engine, which offers you professional level MPEG 2
video compression, and a 14 bit HD digital extended
processor for increasing the speed of the processor.

The camera images are captured on three chip advanced
HAD CCD system that provides an increased detail along
with improved video performance without the color
blending that is found with other cameras.

The HDR-FX1 also offers an amazing amount of control
for the user, which includes manual zoom, focus, and
iris control. The picture profile will allow you to
create a number of preset video modes for a variety
of shooting. The composing shots are easier than
ever with the 3.5 inch LCD display and the extra
large electronic view finder.

Other features of this amazing camera include:

Manual zoom and focus rings
Dual independent zoom and focus rings provide precise
and detailed control over the amount of zoom and
overall focus of the image. Fast framing when
zooming in and finely detailed focus are easier
than ever with the natural feel the rings provide.

Super shot system
The Sony steady shot image stabilization system
will control a wide range of shake and even vibration
frequencies. This system achieves a very high level
of smoothness without degradation of video like
other types of stabilization systems.

Manual iris control
By turning the iris dial found on the side of the
camera, you can manually adjust the amount of light
that enters the camera. The iris is adjustable
from f1 to f11 in 24 easy steps.

Picture profile
This will allow you to set the manual adjustments
for a shoot into any one of the six available presets,
so you can call them up at any time at the touch
of a button. This is very handy when shooting
under the same conditions frequently, as the options
don't need to be reset each time.

Offering you a slew of other features and benefits,
the Sony HDR-FX1 is truly one of the best high
definition video cameras you can buy. With an
affordable price, this is something everyone who
loves to take pictures and make videos shouldn't
be without.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sony HDR HC3

Home video enthusiasts all across North America are
impressed with the vast range of recording features
offered by the Sony HDR-HC3 handycam video camera.
With both HD and SD modes of recording, you can make
the move to high definition without retaining
compatibility with standard definition equipment.

The HC3 video camera sets the new standard in resolution
quality with its clear vid image sensor, which
captures precise detail and superior color. The dual
record mode will allow you to capture 2.3 megapixel
stills while shooting high definition video.

The smooth slow recording captures fast movement
with precise detail for playing back in slow motion.
Now, you can record what you want however you want
to record it. The HC3 from Sony is everything you could
expect and more.

2.1 megapixel clear vid CMOS sensor
The clear vid CMOS sensor provides a level of stunning
detail and clarity with amazing video and still
image performance. Unlike the traditional CCD
imagers, CMOS sensors require much less power, which
provides better performance for your battery.

Dual record
While you record in HD, you also have the ability
to capture a 2.3 megapixel still image directly to
the memory stick duo media.

HDV/DV format recording
The HDR-HC3 is capable of recording and playing back
both HD and SD video recorded on the standard
Mini DV tape.

Real time HD codec engine
Sony developed a real time MPEG encoding and decoding
system with a reduced energy consumption along with
a compact size to fit inside of a personal video
camera. The codec engine provides MPEG 2 compression,
with the recording and playback of clear HD images
at the same bit rate of DV.

10X optical/80X digital zoom
The optical zoom provided by the HDR-HC3 will bring
the action up close from far away. The digital
zoom interpolation will make the digital zooming
clearer, with less distortion.

Touch panel
The 2.7" wide (16:9) LCD screen will provide an
excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution.
The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees
for multiple viewing angles, while providing a
sharp, detailed image for monitoring or playback.
The widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode
and composing shots easier than ever before.

With amazing features and video quality, the Sony
HDR-HC3 high defintion video camera is truly one
of the best Sony offers. If you've been looking
for the perfect HD camera, the HDR-HC3 offers you
more features than you can shake a stick at.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Sony HDV

Even though you may think high definition video is
just for your television, it isn't. You can get
that very same quality on your home movies as well.
You can turn your home movies and precious memories
into works of art with HD.

Amateur home video producers alike will truly love
the high quality of HD. With HDV (high definition
video), you can record superb high definition video
onto a digital video tape.

Benefits of HDV
You don't really need to understand how HDV works
to truly appreciate the benefits. All you need to
do is spend a few minutes watching a video recorded
on a Sony HDV video camera and you'll see everything
you need to know.

If you already know about HDV, there are many more
reasons as to why you should pick HDV video cameras:
1. The amazing picture quality of HD is no
longer limited to Hollywood and professionals. You
too can now use HDV technology to capture the
important memories of your life with life like color,
vivid contrast, and amazing HD video.
2. HDV recording offers low noise, high
accuracy, rich, and very vivid color.
3. The sound tracks for HDV use MPEG 1
audio layer 2 digital encoding to give your videos
the sound quality of CDs at a much lower bitrate.
4. HDV uses the same tapes that are already
popular for DV recording, with the recording time
being the same as well.
5. HDV also uses MPEG 2 compression, which
is used in digital broadcasts and also DVDs.
6. HDV uses a higher compression rate than
DV, making it more reliable and less subjectible to
errors.

Technology behind HDV
The HDV format handles the same bitrate as the DV
format, although HDV records a high definition
signal. This will allow you to record HD video on
the same tapes used for DV recordings. A signal with
HDV has 4.5 times as much data as a DV signal used
with NTSC. HDV also includes CD quality sound,
MPEG 2 compression, real time encoding, and so much
more.

When compared to other HD formats, HDV is one of
the best, if not the best. Sony has always been
known for quality, which makes HDV no exception to
the rule. This format has been years in the making,
which helps to make it what it is today.

If you've been looking for the perfect type of
video camera, rest assured that HDV is it. If
you buy a Sony HDV type camera, you'll know that
your precious memories will be perfect HD quality -
each and every time.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sony HDW-F900 HD Cine Alta

The Sony HDW-F900 Cine Alta is a ground breaking
digital HD camera that extends both the digital
heitage of the company and it's unrivalled experience
in the art of imaging. The physical resemblance
of the HDW-900 to the very successful Digital
Betacam is intentional, although there are some
subtle but very relevant changes that help to further
enhance operational familiarity and ease of usage.

Because of the outstanding picture quality and
flexibility, this video camera offers a new and
important alternative to 24 frame film origination
for major television productions and even commercials
as well. The HDW-F900 is already known as the
digital movie camera, ideal for exploring new
horizons in the making of digital movies.

What really separates the HDW-F900 from other
HD video cameras is its ability to capture and
record digital high definition pictures - at 24
progressive frames per second, just like a
conventional film camera.

The moving pictures are digitally imaged in
accordance with the common image format standard,
which will specify a sampling structure of 1920
active pixels horizontally by 1080 active pixels
vertically. What makes the HDW-F900 so exciting
is that along with recording at 24p, it is also
switchable to record at 25p, 30p progressive scan,
and also at 50 or 60 Hz interlaced.

Colorimetry
The HDW-F900 produces picture with amazing color
reproduction accuracy. The Multi Matrix function
will also offer unique possibilities for creating
intervention by allowing selective color
enhancement of alteration. The Multi Matrix will
also allow particular colors to be selected and
the hue changes over a range of 20 degrees.

Contrast rage
The HDW-F900 can handle an amazing contrast
range. For the most demanding of light settings
and scene conditions, a number of useful
operational features are available that allow
image optimization in real time to help capture
the desired mood and setting for a shot.

Soft focus
The soft focus adjustment is extremely convenient
for those who find digital images to be too
shrap and allows cinematic or even film like
images to be created.

Adoptive detail control
This feature allows the image detail enhancement
in the highlight area to look even more natural.

If you've been looking for the best high definition
video camera on the market, the Sony HDW-F900 is
it. This camera offers you plenty of features
and options, more than you could ever use if
you aren't a professional.

For professionals, the HDW-F900 is the way to do
business. The camera offers you everything you
need for professional shoots, taking things to
new levels. When the time comes to get the best
HD video camera on the market - the HDW-F900 is
all you need.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Sony HVR-A1E

The Sony HVR-A1E boasts an incredibly small size,
and providing the 180i standard, the camera offers
you a host of advanced features for professional
use. The HVR-A1E uses technology such as CMOS,
the camera is an ultra compact camcorder that is
capable of providing HDV in the full 1080 line
resolution.

By building on the affordability of HDV, the
HVR-A1E providers you with a migration path from
standard definition while retaining the qualities
of the popular DVCAM range such as ease of use
and multiple connections.

The HVR-A1E is ideal for situations in which space
is limited. The camera also broadens the range
of HDV tools available for professional users,
as it really does deliver HD for everyone.

Afforable
The HVR-A1E really means that high definition is
for everyone. Through the HDV format, this camera
allows you to capture HD pictures on a standard
DV cassette, providing both a cost effective
format and full 1080 line resolution.

The HVR-A1E also offers you the ability to choose
the most appropriate recording format for your
production. With this camera, you are able to
switch between HDV, DVCAM, and DV recording
which gives you full flexibility to record in
standard or HD mode. You can also take still
pictures as well, which adds to the list of
already impressive features.

Professional use
As a professional company, Sony realizes that
your needs are different to that of a consumer.
As a result, the HVR-A1E incorporates many specific
features to help support your needs.

Compact design
This camera helps to bring the realm of HD to
an even wider range of production. A lightweight
and compact design means that HDV shots can be
achieved even when limited on space. No matter
where your shoot may be, you can count on the
Sony HVR-A1E to deliver.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Sony New HD Camera

When Sony first unveiled the H3 to the market, it
staged none of the over the top glitz or glamour
many expected. Held at a tiny theater inside a
Sony office in Tokyo, the event barely even
resembled a minor product launch.

Although many don't think of Sony as a camera maker,
the company is number 1 in video cameras, holding
on to well over 40 percent of the market. Sony
is a leader in many other industries as well, with
cameras helping to add the icing to the cake.

The HDW is the top of the line camcorder from
Sony. The HDW 900 is capable of recording and
playing back 1080 progressive at 23.98 or 24, 25,
29.97, or 30 frames per second. It can also play
back 50 or 60 fields per second at 1080 interlaced.

The camera also offers a memory stick setup system
that memorizes various parameters and enables instant
recall. Once you set the camera up for the first
time, it will remember the settings then go right
back to the previous parameters at the touch of a
button.

A simple switch operation will enable automatic
adjustment and black set, black balance, and even
white balance. You can quickly and easily shift
colors with the video camera, making it easier to
use than most other high definition video cameras
on the market.

The HDW 900 from Sony will come standard with HD
zoom lens, a tripod, AC power supply, and 3 Anton
Bauer Hytron 100 batteries. With everything it
offers you and everything it comes with right from
the box, the HDW 900 is truly nothing short of
amazing. If you've been waiting for the perfect
high definition video camera - rest assured that
the HDW 900 is it.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Why You Should Use HD Cameras

If you own a camera, as millions of us around the world
do, your probably aware of the fact that there are
many to choose from. The cameras of the past were
black and white, enabling you to take a black and
white photograph that printed out from the camera
right in front of your eyes.

From then, cameras evolved. Digital cameras came
out later on, which the ability to put them on your
computer or even take your camera card to a local
store and have the photos printed out on professional
paper. Over the years, cameras have evolved in so
many ways that it isn't even funny.

These days, high definition video cameras are
dominating the market. They are relatively new and
quickly catching on, giving you so much you can do
with your camera. Unlike the past, cameras are
now capable of capturing full videos as well, proving
that they are indeed capable of capturing any
memory you can possibly imagine.

High definition video cameras also offer you 20X
zoom lens or more, meaning that you can zoom in
quite a distance on things that you want to capture
up close and personal. For the most part, you can
do things with these cameras that you may have
never before thought possible.

When you capture a picture or video with high
definition cameras, you'll be very amazed at what
you see. Just like HDTV, the pictures of the
camera are very lifelike. If you have a newborn
baby, a high definition video camera may be just
what you need to capture each and every precious
moment. For this reason and many more, you
shouldn't hesitate to get a high definition video
camera - that is if you don't own one already.