Not one but TWO YouTube movies in latest JVC Everio GZ-X900 review!

On the face of it JVC's new flagship HD Memory Camera represents a shift away from the norm, but does it offer everything the modern HD video enthusiast might wish for?

The company's impressive-looking Everio GZ-X900 has certainly been given a stylish new look that separates it from the company's hugely-successful Everio palm-sized HD camcorders that rely on internal hard disc drive (HDD) recording and replay technology, but is it a risk worth taking?

In the first of our new-look camcorder reviews here on SimplyDV, we've not only provided you lucky readers with a brief Quick Look video but we've also given you - at considerable expense to nobody but ourselves - a sequence containing sample clips that have been shot with the very camcorder in question. Okay, so there are some limitations to bringing you this stuff via YouTube (even with its much-improved HD option) but it's a start, we think you'll agree.

Anyway, find out more about this interesting new product from JVC by taking a look at our extensive and completely independent review right here, right now - and don't forget that you can discuss this and any other matter of a camcordery nature over on our free SimplyDV Forums. They're the best on the planet - and then some!

Is Panasonic's HDC-SD20 the perfect entry-level HD camcorder?

With so many new products competing for our attention here at SimplyDV Towers, it can sometimes take a while for us to get round to looking at products even when they've been around for some time. The SD20 is a good case in point.

On first impressions, it's a great camcorder that many newbies and upgraders-to-HD will appreciate. Everyone who has seen and handled the SD20 we've had for review loves its compactness and its overall form-factor. It's small, but not so small that its main controls are difficult to access; it's big enough to be able to grip properly when in use, but not so big that it won't fit comfortably into a pocket or bag. Its general styling is consistent with lots of other products - past and present - in Panasonic's impressive and expanding AVCHD line-up and everyone here is in agreement that it "feels right" when in use.

What's really nice about the HDC-SD20 (and also its HDC-TM20 sibling, for that matter) is the fact that its reliance on solid-state recording and playback means that it can be powered up and in use in an instant. The recently-revamped graphical menu system will appeal to many users looking for simplicity and ease of navigation, and (for some, if not everyone) the touch-screen operation makes life very easy indeed when deciding which clip thumbnail to tap in order to achieve instant playback or which part of the screen to select when attempting to manually determine the optimum focus, white balance or exposure. As we've already indentified, there are those who really don't like touch-screen - but this reviewer isn't one of them.

Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic HDC-SD20 here

Special QVC one-day deal on Panasonic HDC-SD20 AVCHD camcorder

We've learned that this coming Saturday (25th April) the TV shopping channel QVC UK will be holding another of its TSV - "Today's Special Value" - events throughout the day. Of particular interest to camcorder enthusiasts is that they'll be offering the Panasonic HDC-SD20 at a very special price for one day only!

The day's broadcast starts at midnight Friday and new shows start on the hour. The promotion show is live from midnight until 2am and then repeats until 9am, when a new live broadcast begins and then runs through until midnight. Each TSV is launched in the midnight hour with a typical show featuring between four and five products in an appropriately segmented show. A TSV - such as the SD20 - will typically receive seven live exposures across the day, with three repeats of the midnight hour during the hours where the channel is not broadcasting live.

For the Panasonic HDC-SD20 TSV on Saturday, QVC will be presenting the camcorder in both its black and red colour options. The first demonstration commences at midnight and will then feature in other electronics shows until either the day ends, or the camcorder sells out.

The live show times in which the HDC-SD20 will appear in are: 00.00hrs, 01.00hrs, 11.00hrs, 13.00hrs, 16.00hrs, 19.00hrs and 21.00hrs. The repeats are 04.00hrs, 07.00hrs and 08.00hrs.

If you're interested in picking up one these little beauties on the QVC UK website, take a note of the product SKU (stock keeping unit) number, which is 561659. Note, however, that you won't be able to see the item on the site until it goes live at the start of the first airing.

Update: Customers purchasing the HDC-SD20 from QVC can also participate in the Panasonic UK 16GB SDHC Card or 3-year Warranty Redemption offer, a claim form for which will ship in every box.

The selling price? We haven't yet been told - but it will be offered at a "significant discount" so if you're interested in grabbing one then it's best to keep one eye on QVC on the day.

Source: QVC UK

Canon's Legria HF S10 takes "Best Expert HD Camcorder" TIPA award for 2009

Canon's excellent Legria HF S10 AVCHD camcorder (see our review) has won a top award from the prestigious Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) – Europe’s leading photo and imaging press association.

The TIPA voting panel, which meets annually to select the best photo and imaging products of the year, selected the company's top-of-the-range model as the winner in its Best Expert HD Camcorder in 2009 category.

Aimed at high-end consumers, the next generation High Definition (HD) flash memory camcorder features an extensive set of professional-level controls and features which proved a hit with the TIPA judges, claims a company press release issued today.

In selecting the camcorder, the judges appeared to be very excited: “The LEGRIA HF S10 uses a combination of 8.0MP Full HD CMOS sensor, Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom, and the DIGIC DV III processor, to produce video of exceptional quality.”

Full TIPA 2009 Awards list

Does JVC's latest Everio GZ-X900 AVCHD camcorder have the X-Factor?

With simultaneous HD video & digital stills shooting, slow-motion video and multiple MegaPixel stills does JVC's new Everio GZ-X900 have that elusive X-Factor?

Much has already been said about the new full-HD camcorder from JVC, but we've not only seen and handled the new hybrid Everio GZ-X900, or Everio X, as its maker is calling it, but we have one on the desk here at the SimplyDV News office, too.

Yes - it's everything they've been saying about it - it's a small, light, all-in-one camera that offers the powerful shooting combination of Full HD video and 9-MegaPixel still photos, plus creative shooting functions such as slow motion video and high speed motor drive still photography. Moreover, it really does have a brick-like form-factor that seems to harp back to a previous camcorder age - but that's not a criticism; it's actually quite a nice bit of kit.

According to the specifications sheet, the most notable features of the new JVC Everio X are as follows:

• The camera is small enough to slip into a shirt pocket and at just 298 grammes is one of the lightest cameras that can shoot 1920 x 1080 Full HD AVCHD video;
• Shoots 9-MegaPixel (witout interpolation) digital stills and Full HD video with 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution – close to the theoretical maximum horizontal resolution for 1920 x 1080 high definition video for no-compromise images;
• 10x slow motion shooting plays back 2.8 seconds of recorded video over 28 seconds;
• Up to six nine-MegaPixel stills can be shot at 15 images per second – faster than digital SLRs can achieve;
• Simultaneous five-MegaPixel digital still shooting while recording Full HD video – photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording;
• Records video and stills to SDHC memory cards.

In a briefing to a limited number of UK technology journalists today, it was explained that the new Everio X was designed for the consumer who wants to shoot high quality digital stills and HD video, but wants the convenience of a single camera. While most conventional video camcorders shoot digital stills and most digital still cameras shoot video, the secondary capabilities of these cameras don’t offer sufficient quality for many users. Everio X is designed to solve that dilemma by providing high quality stills and top quality HD video.

Above: JVC Everio GZ-X900 seated on its docking station

Unique Design
The design of Everio X is claimed to represent a distinct departure from other camcorders, including other Everio models. Roughly the size of a chunky smart phone, Everio X has been given "a modern minimalist design without the protrusions or indentations found on most camcorders". The design allows plenty of flexibility in how the camera is held – from below, above, or whatever suits the situation and the user’s preference. There are top-mounted zoom and record buttons, and a second set next to the LCD screen for additional shooting flexibility.

The camera is black with silver accents, with the right side featuring a textured carbon fibre-like finish to provide a secure grip and resist smudges. The Everio X weighs just 298 grammes (including the internal battery and a memory card) and measures 66 millimetres tall, 124 mm long and just 37 mm wide.

1000 TV Lines of Full HD and Nine-Megapixel Stills
JVC has given the GZ-X900 a 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. The high quality 9-megapixel digital still photos produced by the camera correlate directly to the un-interpolated performance of this 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. For the first time ever, it is also the source of 1920 x 1080/50i Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution – close to the theoretical maximum of 1920 x 1080 Full HD. JVC’s new proprietary optical image stabilisation (OIS) technology applies camera shake compensation optically at the Everio X lens entrance to ensure effectiveness throughout the zoom range and allow high quality shooting without a tripod. Everio X also uses a new KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with a 5X optical zoom, magnifies up to 8X without any picture degradation thanks to Dynamic Zoom technology.

Further contributing to the camera’s image quality is JVC’s HD Gigabrid Premium image processing engine. In addition, face detection technology assures accurate focus and exposure, and HDMI V.1.3 with x.v.Color provides increased colour accuracy when connected to HDTV displays.

10x Slow Motion Shooting, High-Speed Motor Drive Stills
The camera’s high-speed recording function shoots ultra-slow motion video. Any one of three speeds – 100 frames per second (fps), 250fps and 500fps – can be selected; the faster the recording speed, the slower the playback motion. With this function, approximately 2.8-second bursts of video are recorded that are then played back over a period of up to 28 seconds, a maximum of 10 times longer than normal speed.

In the still mode, Everio X offers high-speed shooting, similar to the motor drive function found in some mechanical still cameras.

As many as six 9-MegaPixel photos can be shot at up to 15 images per second, a speed claimed to surpass that offered by typical 9-MegaPixel DSLR cameras. Everio X also allows shooting of 1920 x 1080/50i Full HD video and fully 5.3 MegaPixel stills at the same time — something JVC's is obviously very proud of. Whilst video recording is in progress, the user can also shoot still photos at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording.

5.3 Mega simultaneous still Shooting speed Maximum limit

• High speed 50 images / sec. 11 images
• Medium speed 10 images / sec. 11 images
• Low speed 1 image / sec. No limit

One Touch Export and Upload to YouTube function with bundled PC software
With the worldwide explosion of interest in online video sharing, Everio X is designed to make it easy to share completed movie projects with others, wherever they are. A One Touch Export function provided by bundled software for Windows makes it easy to export videos into iTunes for playback on an iPod or iPhone. And the One Touch Upload function, when used with the included software for Windows, simplifies uploading videos to YouTube.

The DVD Creation function makes it easy to transfer video to a disc for archiving or sharing. Create a disc directly from the camera using the JVC Everio CU-VD50 burner/player or CU-VD3 burner SHARE STATION. Other direct storage solutions include third party external hard disk drives from LaCie and Seagate, and an external Blu-ray Disc Burner from LaCie.

Availability
The Everio GZ-X900 is expected to be available in June.

Source: JVC Press Information with additional wordage by Colin Barrett

Free video editing with Avid's VideoSpin 2.0

Create and share entertaining videos on the Web with Avid's free VideoSpin 2.0 editing software

Avid has unveiled VideoSpin 2.0, its second-generation solution for consumers with no video editing experience who want to quickly and effortlessly share their entertaining videos on the Web.

Currently available for free download from a dedicated website, version 2.0 supports the popular .MOV file format, providing users with even greater flexibility in how they import videos for editing.

Based on the company's long-running and hugely popular Pinnacle Studio software - which, claims Avid, is ranked the number one consumer video editing solution in the U.S. and in major European countries - VideoSpin has attracted more than 1.5 million users since its initial launch last year.

We're assured that users rate VideoSpin software for its simplicity in allowing them to quickly create fun videos and share them with friends and family, via email or the Web. The best thing about it, of course, is that it's completely free.

Unlike many other free video editing software packages, VideoSpin doesn't require users to connect to the Web to create videos. Users can, we're assured, simply download the application once and edit their work offline.

What this means is that people who have recorded their own video sequences with a camcorder, mobile phone or even digital stills camera can now freely download the software from the VideoSpin website, install it onto a (Windows/Vista only) PC and start to edit and shape the clips right away.

The software itself draws much from Pinnacle Studio and has an interface that's intuitive and quick to master. For that reason it's ideal for complete beginners.

In system terms, we're told that the VideoSpin software doesn’t impose any file size limitations – an important consideration for consumers editing longer videos or videos taken on higher-resolution devices.

Here are some of VideoSpin 2.0's enhancements:

• Support for .MOV file import – now digital still camera and video camera owners can easily import .MOV files and create compelling movies and slideshows;
• Fit-to-Fill Timeline – with a simple click of a mouse, users can automatically remove the black bars that occasionally appear on videos and photos that do not conform to the timeline aspect ratios;
• Added widescreen support for uploading videos to YouTube;
• Improved overall performance that results in faster editing response times; and
• A streamlined registration process for quicker download.

Availability
VideoSpin 2.0 is designed for use with Windows XP and Vista, and is now available for download at no cost. To download VideoSpin or learn more about the supported formats, visit: www.videospin.com.

Of course, there's plenty of opportunity to discuss this and other matters of a camcordery (and software) nature over on the exquisitely unique SimplyDV Forums. But you knew that, didn't you?

Source: Avid Technology Inc. Press Release. Additional wordage by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.

Elgato Turbo.264 HD: Now with AVCHD and YouTube upload support

Convert videos to Mac, iPod and iPhone with Turbo.264 HD. Now supports HD camcorders and direct-to-YouTube upload

Of interest to Intel Mac users looking for a quick, efficient and intuitive means of converting video files to a format that can be played on an iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV, used on a computer, and shared on the web, Elgato's new Turbo.264 HD looks to be an indispensable tool for anyone who owns an HD camcorder. It automatically detects AVCHD camcorders and moves recordings to the Mac or iPod in one fast and easy step. Moreover, Turbo.264 HD comes with an intuitive software application that enables Mac users to quickly convert any popular video format to a high-quality H.264 file in standard or HD resolutions. The processing is carried out by a powerful encoder hardware which resides on a USB dongle and which is claimed by its maker to be faster than even the fastest Mac Pro and can be used to speed up the export function of other Mac applications such as iMovie.

Instant access to HD camcorders
Turbo.264 HD automatically detects AVCHD camcorders that are connected to the Mac. The intuitive Turbo.264 HD software makes it easy to preview and trim recordings, combine them into one movie and move them directly to the Mac or a YouTube account.

Converts all popular video formats

Conversion is achieved by simply dragging and dropping any video file into the application in order to then convert it to a high-quality H.264 file in standard or HD resolutions.

Turbo.264 HD provides support for AVCHD Video, QuickTime, AVI, DV, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 Program/Transport Stream, MPEG-4, MP4, M4V, H.263, H.264 AVC, Xvid, VIDEO_TS and many more.

Speeds up the export features of many popular Mac applications
Turbo.264 HD installs a QuickTime Component that enables it to accelerate H.264 exports of other Mac applications. iMovie users can share their projects in less time and EyeTV will move recordings to the iPod much faster.

Suitable for pros as well as novices
Users can preview, trim and batch process videos. The choice of nine handy export presets, ranging from “iPod small” to “HD 1080p”, can easily be expanded by creating custom video output profiles.

About H.264
H.264 is the universal video compression standard that can be played on an iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, gaming consoles, selected smartphones, and on the web. It offers extremely high quality video in small file sizes.

System requirements
In order to use Elgato Turbo.264 HD, it must be installed onto an Apple Mac computer that uses an Intel Core processor, at least 512 MB of RAM, a built-in USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X 10.5.6 Leopard (or later), QuickTime 7.6 (or later). It won't run on non-Intel (eg: PPC) systems.

Availability
Turbo.264 HD ships today and is available to buy online immediately, and we're told it will be available in stores very soon. You can buy direct from Elgato at http://www.elgato.com or most Mac retailers, including the Apple Store. The price in Europe is €149.95 (approx. GB £135.00) including VAT.

Meanwhile, you can of course discuss the Elgato Turbo.264 HD on the SimplyDV Forums right here.

MAGIX unveils Movie Edit Pro 15

MAGIX, one of the very few leading digital video applications companies to be based in Europe, has announced the release of Movie Edit Pro 15.

Available in two versions – Classic for beginners and Plus for more ambitious users, Movie Edit Pro 15 is the latest in a line of products which have a loyal following - not just among beginners but by serious video editing enthusiasts thanks to its novel and intuitive user interface.

With Movie Edit Pro, Magix aims to give the user effortless video capture, straightforward editing, spectacular 3D effects, a large selection of titles and fades, audio track mixing, 32 tracks. As can be expected of all software software applications at this price point, the resulting movie projects can be burned to interactive CDs and DVDs or exported to web hosts or a mobile player.

New Features
A newly-designed user interface improves the ease with which features and functions can be accessed, with the main screen elements able to be freely arranged and moved to suit the user's preferences. Magix has included genuine Dolby Digital Stereo sound, making it easy burn arrangements to DVD or Blu-ray disc.

Using motifs from any video project, it's possible to automatically create DVD menus that are (according to the maker) indistinguishable from those found on store-bought movie DVDs. A selection of high-quality animation effects ensures lots of variety in menu composition. Thanks to a generous supply of high-quality menu templates, Magix is confident that professional animated menus can be applied to Blu-ray disc projects, ensuring that even a complete newbie can show off his or her latest movies on the best high definition TV screens.

MAGIX Movie Edit Pro Classic for beginners
According to Magix, Movie Edit Pro 15 offers ambitious but less experienced users everything they need to edit digital movie clips on their PC without having to worry about all the techy stuff commonly associated with editing video. Absolute beginners can import, edit, and burn with full HD video support. Export options include standard DVD and Blu-ray disc as well as to YouTube or Nintendo Wii. As users' skill increases, improved keyframe control provides precise control over video and audio effects on the timeline.

Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus for experienced users
For the more experienced user, Magix Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus provides added features such as MultiCam editing. This will appeal to users who make simultaneous recordings with more than one camera - such as when recording weddings, family reunions, or maybe even vacation experiences. Having located a synchronization point, such as a camera flash (image synchronisation) or clapping (audio synchronisation), the editor can monitor the recorded scene in different windows and click in real-time to select the particular shot to be compiled in the finished movie. A third track contains the master video track containing the switched shots.

Native AVHCD editing enables movies to be edited that have been recorded with the newest generation of camcorders. Results can be burned to Blu-ray Discs and enriched with matching menus.

For "spectacular intros or outros", 3D effects have been provided by graphics specialists Xara and ,as a bonus, travel route animation software Vasco da Gama 3 MAGIX Edition - ideal for visualizing animated vacation routes in full HD quality - is available in boxed versions.

Typical UK reseller prices:

Movie Edit Pro 15 Classic: £49.99 inc VAT
Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus: £69.99 inc VAT

More info

Source: MAGIX AG, April 06, 2009

"Free 16GB SD card" on selected Panasonic UK cams

Higher capacity memory cards are great for video but can be expensive. Panasonic's new limited offer helps to solve the problem.

If you're thinking of grabbing a new camcorder that records to solid-state memory cards before heading off for a break in the country or in the sun, you might be interested to know that for a limited period Panasonic UK is offering purchasers of a selected range of camcorders the choice of either a 16GB SDHC card or a 3-year Warranty when purchasing in-store (ie: not online).

The offer applies to the following:

• HDC-SD200 3MOS SD-card only AVCHD camcorder
• HDC-SD20 1MOS SD-card only AVCHD camcorder
• SDR-S26 Standard Definition SD card camcorder
• SDR-SW21 Standard Definition SD card camcorder (waterproof, sand-proof!)
• SDR-H90 and SDR-H80 Standard definition Hybrid HDD (80GB, 60GB) and SD card camcorder
• SDR-S15 Standard definition compact SD card camcorder

Remember, it's in-store only!

For more information see Panasonic UK's website. You'll need to download and complete a redemption form in order to qualify.

The company is also promoting a trade-in offer involving selected independent UK retailers in which a customer can trade in a camcorder or camera and receive upto £50 off a new Panasonic HD Camcorder (£30 off a 1MOS, £50 off a 3MOS).

(Source: Panasonic UK)

HD on the go with Sony’s new GPS-equipped HDR-TG7

Not only is Sony's new Handycam HDR-TG7VE claimed by its maker to be the world’s smallest, lightest Full HD camcorder but it comes with new features such as GPS and 16GB internal flash memory.

As the successor to last year's HDR-TG3 (see the SimplyDV review), its pure titanium body features a special Premium Hard coating designed to protect it against everyday scratches in addition to giving it what Sony describes as being chic, cutting-edge looks.

It has an internal 16GB memory that stores up to 6 hours of full 1920 x 1080 AVCHD high definition video as well as giving users the option to record to removable flash memory. When a 32GB Memory Stick is employed, the HDR-TG7 will facilitate recording and playback of up to 12 hours of solid-state, tapeless AVCHD high definition footage.

If you're a keen traveller, there’s a sensitive GPS receiver inside that will plot your location as you travel around the globe. After shooting, Map Index shows where clips and still photos were taken as ‘map pins’ on the LCD screen. You can also retrace your journey when you’re back home, with a set of on-line maps being displayed on your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software (Windows/ Vista only).

Simple operation
With minimum shooting controls, Sony has set out to make the HDR-TG7 easy for complete newbies to use from the moment they switch on the product for the first time. It’s possible to switch instantly between video or stills mode by simply pressing REC Start/Stop for video, or by touching the adjacent PHOTO button with one's thumb to be instantly shooting 4 megapixel still photos. With no mode dials to worry about, users can capture video or still images with ease.

Intelligent Face Detection helps the capture of clear, well exposed portraits both on video and photos. And, as you'd expect, Smile Shutter automatically captures photos of happy, smiling faces. This works automatically whilst shooting video, with there being no need to switch shooting modes.

The easy to use, high-resolution 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen features a new 'seamless' design that its makers claims to be beautifully easy to use, and provides a newly-simplified menu system.

The power is ON as soon as the LCD is flipped open, with start-up from standby being quicker than ever, we're told.

Standby power consumption is almost zero, enabling the TG7 to be ready for action in a pocket or bag with less battery drain.

After shooting, Highlight Playback creates ‘mini movies’ based on recorded clips with no video editing skills required. The user needs only to touch the icon on the LCD screen in order to see shots automatically selected from the recorded footage and photos and edited together with a choice of musical soundtrack and stylish transition effects.

With the TG7 connected to a Windows or Vista PC, the supplied Picture Motion Browser software (supplied) provides for easy clip management thanks to a unique calendar view. Shots and clips can also be uploaded without fuss to popular sites like YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Daily Motion. Picture Motion Browser is designed to manage this process with minimal intervention from the user.

Availability
The Handycam HDR-TG7VE Full HD Memory Stick Handycam is available from May 2009.

Did you know that you can discuss the new Sony HDR-TG7 in addition to any matter of a camcordery nature over on our free SimplyDV Forums? You do now!