New for 2009 is Canon's AVCHD solid-state sensation offering up to 64GB of internal flash memory. We take a good look at the first LEGRIA HF S10 to arrive in the UK.
Here's a camcorder that seemingly has everything the newbie and serious enthusiast could want - it has dual flash memory in the form of 32gB built-in and a high capacity SDHC memory card slot providing for up to 32GB as well.
Lots of great features are included too - such as a large CMOS imaging chip, 24Mbps data processing, a high quality 10x zoom lens and comprehensive control over manual functions as well as having full connectivity options.
We've had a chance to check out the first review sample to arrive on UK shores, so check out what we think of one of the first products to bear the new LEGRIA sub-brand.
SimplyDV Review: Canon Legria HF S10
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Solid state sensation? Canon's Legria HF S10 tested.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hard drives and Memory Stick feature strong in Sony's 2009 Handycams
Hard drives still feature strongly in Sony's 2009 Handycam range alongside Memory Stick and even DVD
by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
Sony appears to be swimming against the tide as it unveils a healthy range of camcorder options that use Hard Disc Drives (HDD) as their primary recording medium alongside the inevitable Memory Stick and even DVD in its Handycam offerings for 2009.
Among the 11 models (including colour variations) available from February onwards are the dual-format AVCHD/MPEG2 SD flagship HDR-XR520 (pictured right) with its choice of 240GB HDD and/or Memory Stick recording and playback media for movies and images.
In common with all the high definition models in the line-up, the XR520 uses a 6.63 Megapixels (gross) 1/2.9" Exmor R CMOS image sensor, a Sony "G" Lens and - interestingly - Automatic Geotagging by GPS for still images metadata. A large 3.2" Fine LCD Plus monitor screen, Face Detection and Smile Shutter are also features of this top-of-the-range model as well as 12x Optical Zoom and Steadyshot optical image stabilisation (OIS).
The HDR-XR200 and HDR-XR105 dual format (AVCHD/MPEG2) models have 2.36 Megapixels (gross) 1/5" Exmor CMOS sensors and possesses 120GB and 80GB HDDs respectively. The XR200 has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 15x optical zoom lens, Steadyshot OIS and GPS Geotagging. Like the XR520, it also features Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound, whereas the HDR-XR105 has a standard Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 10x optical zoom lens and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). Both have 2.7" Clear Photo LCD screens.
Further down the AVCHD line, the HDR-CX105 (left) also offers both AVCHD and MPEG2 standard definition recording and playback and utilises a 2.36 (gross) Megapixel 1/5" Exmor CMOS image sensor.
The unique feature of this model is its twin memory recording and playback option; users have a choice of recording to either 8GB internal flash memory (much less than equivalent offerings from both Canon and Panasonic, it should be noted) or to Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Pro DUO cards, which currently allow capacities up to 32GB.
The totally solid-state camcorder also features a 1/5" Exmor CMOS sensor and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 10x Optical zoom lens with EIS. As with the top models in the range, audio benefits from Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround Sound recording.
Whilst the HDR-XR520, HDR-XR200 and HDR-XR105 models are available in Europe in Black only, the HDR-CX105 has Black, Silver and Red colourways options.
HDD and Memory Stick take standard definition centre stage - but DVD still clinging on
The new Handycam range features three standard definition product lines.
The DCR-SR37 is a Hybrid model which offers both 60GB HDD and Memory Stick recording and playback, whilst the DCR-SX30 offers twin-memory recording; in addition to its Memory Stick slot it also has 4GB internal flash memory which facilitates MPEG2 recording and playback (movies and stills).
Both models use 1/8", 800,000 pixels CCD sensors and Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lenses with 60x Optical Zoom, EIS, 2.7" wide LCD screens and Dolby Digital 2ch stereo sound recording.
The models are both available in Silver, though the DCR-SX30 is also available in Blue and Red options (see image above right).
Last, but definitely not least, the DCR-DVD150 provides evidence that there's still life in DVD as a camcorder format - for a while anyhow! This 1/8" 800,000 pixels CCD camcorder is the sole surviving Sony camcorder to facilitate recording to DVD video, DVD-VR, DVD+RW Video 8cm discs in MPEG2 format in addition to Memory Stick provision. A Carl Zeiss vario-Tessar, 60x Optical Zoom lens with EIS is also a feature of this model that features a 2.7" wide LCD screen and Dolby Digital 2ch audio.
Archiving direct to disc with USB Host DVD burner
In common with all the other major camcorder brands, Sony is offerring the compact new VRD-P1 DVDirect Express (seen here on the right). Connecting via USB to ‘09 Standard Definition HDD and Memory Stick Handycam models, DVDirect Express is capable of filling a blank DVD with camcorder footage in as little as 20 minutes - depending on the recording mode and number of scenes.
The device also remembers the last time a user has burned onto DVD, creating discs only with new footage that hasn’t previously been archived.
The new Sony Handycam range of High Definition and Standard Definition camcorders will be available from February 2009.
Discuss this and other matters of a camcordery nature over on the free-to-join SimplyDV Forums!
Monday, January 5, 2009
New models and new LEGRIA sub-brand from Canon in 2009
Canon is the first of the major camcorder makers to announce its line-up for 2009 with 11 new models in addition to its new LEGRIA sub-brand for Europe
by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
Leading an impressive line-up that includes a mix of standard definition as well as high definition products are two AVCHD flash memory models designed to spearhead a new range described by Canon as its professional LEGRIA HF S series - the HF S10 (pictured right) and HF S100 - each of which uses a 8.0 Megapixel 1/2.6" Full HD CMOS image sensor and possesses a 10x optical zoom 58mm Canon HD Video Lens with Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser.
Making its debut in this range is DIGIC DVIII, the latest version of Canon's proprietary digital image processing system. As with some of last Autumn's AVCHD range, both these models utilise an internal data transfer rate of 24 Mbps, which is the fastest possible under the current AVCHD specification.
Other main features of both models include Zebra pattern assist, AGC level limiter, Colour Bar and Test Tone output. There's also the provision of an external microphone input and selectable Headphone/AV output, mini Advanced Accessory Shoe, Pre REC function and Face Detection.
The LEGRIA HF S10 is a dual flash-memory camcorder that facilitates recording to, and playback from, 32GB internal memory in addition to SDHC memory cards. In comparison, the LEGRIA HF S100 offers only SDHC memory card recording and playback.
LEGRIA HF20 and HF200 - updating the HF10/HF100 line
Offering dual format media recording to 32GB Flash memory and SDHC (HF20) and SDHC card only (HF200), these two models supercede the fabulous HF10 and HF100 models so warmly received by SimplyDV.
Both employ a 15x optical zoom Canon Video lens, Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS), a new 1/4" 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS image processor and new Canon DIGIC DVIII image processing.
New features include Face Detection technology, Video Snapshot - a fascinating mode which enables users to create movie montages (with music!) for easy sharing, Pre REC (a 3-second standby cache meaning that you nver lose a shot that starts unexpectedly) and Instant AF for auto focus precision.
LEGRIA HV40 - taking over where the excellent HV30 leaves off
The LEGRIA HV40 is the latest model in Canon's successful and much-respected line of HDV/MiniDV dual format tape-format camcorders has also been given the new LEGRIA sub-brand.
In addition to providing the option of recording and playing back either the full HDV1080i high definition format to mini-DV tapes or standard definition mini-DV, both of which can be exported to computer via FireWire, the new model possesses a 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens and Super Range OIS.
As with its predecessors (including the HV30, reviewed here) the HV40 also features video and audio input recording via the AV port (SD video only) and FireWire input recording for HDV and Mini DV. An external microphone input and switchable headphone/AV output are also a feature of this new model - something that will continue to attract the more serious video-maker looking for tape-based rather than a solid-state recording solution.
"Smallest ever" SD flash memory camcorders from Canon
Of course, there's still a considerable market for standard definition video, hence Canon's introduction of four new "FS" series models - the LEGRIA FS22, LEGRIA FS21, LEGRIA FS20 and LEGRIA FS200 - all of which offer solid-state recording and playback using either internal flash memory or SD card.
The top of the range LEGRIA FS22 sports 32GB internal flash in addition to a SDHC card slot; the LEGRIA FS21 and LEGRIA FS20 offer 16GB and 8GB flash drives in addition to SDHC card slots respectively, whereas the LEGRIA FS200 offers memory card recording and playback only, although it is offered in a chocie of four colours. Functions include Video Snapshot, Pre REC and 45x optical zoom (on the top three models) and 41x (LEGRIA FS200). Weighing in at a mere 230 grammes, these new LEGRIA FS models are claimed by Canon to be their lightest ever camcorders.
Still hanging on - two new DVD camcorders
Whilst there's no sign of any Mini DV camcorders from Canon in 2009, there are still two models to attract users looking for cost-effective straight-to-DVD disc recording.
The single Megapixel DC420 has a 45x magnification optical zoom in addition to the expected USB connection for quick and easy connection to a computer for transfer of movies and images.
Somewhat surprisingly, the DC410 offers a microphone input in addition to its 41x optical zoom - something that be welcomed in schools, where the use of low-cost models is essential and where DVD enables students to record clips to their own removable media.
Availability in Europe:
- LEGRIA HF S10 & LEGRIA HF S100 will be available from April 2009.
- LEGRIA HF20 & LEGRIA HF200 will be available from April 2009.
- LEGRIA FS22, LEGRIA FS21, LEGRIA FS20 and LEGRIA FS200 will be available from April 2009.
- DC420 & DC410 will also be available from April 2009.
