SimplyDV Camcorder News & Reviews

Flash Memory Marvel: Panasonic's new 64GB HDC-TM350 reviewed

2009-11-03T10:26:00.004Z

Panasonic has at last released its flagship HDC-TM350 3MOS AVCHD camcorder into the UK market - but in its own-brand high street retail stores only.

The new model inherits features of the ground-breaking TM300 but has now been given a whopping 64GB of built-in Flash Memory in addition to a high capacity SD (SDHC) card slot. That means that users can be out shooting full-specification 1920x1080 HD video with a potential 96GB of solid-state memory available for the recording and playback of video and stills.

We've had a play with this exciting new model and we're very impressed; the increased flash memory capacity is very welcome indeed - flash memory is the future of camcorder movie-making, for sure, but there's a host of other welcome features like special accessory shoe adaptor (for mics and lights), good manual controllability and also dedicated headphone output and microphone input sockets.

Like other models in the Panasonic "300" and even "200" series 3MOS AVCHD camcorders, the TM350 handles beautifully and will be welcomed by enthusiasts looking for a higher level of functionality - even if that means forking out more than £1000 for the privilege. A word of note, however; the HDC-TM350 will only be available in a Panasonic Store near you, and is limited in quantity to 200 in total. When they're gone they're gone so get in quick if you're tempted by its professional-quality recordings and comprehensive functionality.

See what we think of it in our exclusive Panasonic HDC-TM350 Review.

(CB)

Wireless transfers with Eye-Fi memory cards

2009-10-08T10:18:00.013+01:00

The job of transferring your photos or movie clips from camera to computer and onwards to the internet has now been made a whole lot easier thanks to a true mobile wireless file transfer solution from a US technology company.

The introduction of three new products from Eye-Fi Inc. now make it possible to say goodbye to all the awkward cables required to connect your camera or camcorder to the Wi-Fi router or hub in order to copy across your files. Eye-Fi uses a SDHC memory card to do this wirelessly.

Available in the UK for the first time, the 4GB Eye-Fi cards will make saving and sharing memories effortless by allowing users to wirelessly upload photos and videos to their computer and the web.

Eye-Fi cards allow users to take photos and videos anywhere (like their existing memory card) and automatically upload their photos and videos as soon as the camera is within range of either the user’s Wi-Fi network or one to which he/she has access.

Three Eye-Fi cards will be available in the UK with a range of features: the Eye-Fi Home Video, the Eye-Fi Share Video and the Eye-Fi Pro, offering easy uploads and feature sets for every photo lover, from the simple snapper to the photography enthusiast. The cards will bring similar benefits to video camera users as well.

Eye-Fi Home Video – automatic photo and video backups to the computer
The Eye-Fi Home Video card is intended to save users time by wirelessly uploading JPEG photos and videos from their camera to their PC or Mac. Eye-Fi is designed to make file organisation easy since it will upload to any folder on their computer and arrange photos by date, and Mac users can even upload directly to iPhoto.

With its 4GB of flash memory, the Eye-Fi Home Video stores up to 2,000 photos or 90 minutes of video (depending on the recording format used) and facilitates automatic backup to the computer thanks to its wireless capabilities.

Eye-Fi Share Video – wireless saving & sharing on the Web
The Eye-Fi Share Video card makes saving and sharing effortless by automatically and wirelessly uploading photos and videos to the user’s computer and to the web.

Users can choose to upload their files to popular websites like Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, MobileMe or YouTube – all without the need for the computer to be turned on; Eye-Fi simply accesses the web via the user's Wi-Fi router connection. Privacy is assured by its Selective Transfer option - available with all Eye-Fi cards - giving users control over exactly which media files will be wirelessly uploaded.

Eye-Fi Pro – streamlining the professional's workflow
Professional users will benefit from Eye-Fi Pro card, which wirelessly uploads JPEG, RAW and video files to any folder on a computer (PC or Mac) and to the Web. Whether working on location or in the studio, busy photographers can also take advantage of its direct to computer (ad hoc) connectivity capabilities for direct uploads from camera to the computer without the need for a router.

File management is made easy thanks to lifetime, automatic geotagging (using Wi-Fi Positioning System or WPS), which enables users to view, search and share photos on maps and take advantage of a seamless integration with (for example) iPhoto ‘09.

The Eye-Fi cards range in price from £49.99 - £119.00 and are available at Amazon, Apple, Computer Warehouse and Dabs from October 19th 2009.

More info: How the Eye-Fi Wi-Fi cards actually work

Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.

64GB flash memory for limited edition Panasonic HDC-TM350

2009-10-07T09:07:00.007+01:00

Panasonic has just announced that its HDC-TM350 AVCHD high definition camcorder will be made available in the UK after all.

Although this companion model to the successful HDC-TM300 was to be made available in mainland Europe only, the company has now agreed to bring it to the UK - but as a limited edition product only.

Sharing many of the award-winning features of the HDC-TM30 - such as its larger capacity flash memory, new Advanced O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilisation) and improved low light performance - the HDC-TM350 will be available exclusively from mid October at Panasonic Stores for a limited period only.

The newest member of the company's AVCHD range, the TM350 offers a range of technical features that will be attractive to the serious camcorder user, including a manual focus ring, Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), Hot Shoe and mic terminal. The camera is equipped with a 12 x optical zoom lens.

Simultaneous video and stills recording
The TM350 also records still images with a resolution of up to 10.6 megapixels. Additionally, the TM350 allows simultaneous recording of motion images and still images with 8.3 megapixels, which enables users to grab a still image even whilst recording high definition video. As with other models in the range, the TM350 utilises iA (Intelligent Auto) O.I.S functions to maintain tight control over image functions whilst recording and where there isn't time to set camera functions manually.

This new model is also equipped with AF/AE Tracking, which automatically tracks a moving subject in order to maintain consistency of exposure, colour balance, focus, etc. AF/AE Tracking, which was very popular in previous models, differs from normal auto settings in that, once the user touches a selected subject on the touch-screen - the subject can be at the centre of the screen or at an edge - and locks onto the subject, AF/AE Tracking will maintain the focus and exposure even if the subject moves or turns to one side. This records the subject with the optimal AF/AE (Auto focus/Auto exposure) settings.

Totally solid state recording and playback
The TM350 offers a choice of two recording media. For a start, it takes advantage of the near-standard high capacity SD (SDHC) memory card technology, but goes one further by also offering an impressive 64GB (gigabytes) of built-in flash memory media storage. This compares to 32GB for the TM300. Like its sibling models, the TM350 facilitates full touch-screen LCD operation. Unlike its siblings, however, it is offered in a stylish gun-metal body styling.

We understand that the UK allocation for the TM350 is limited to only 200, and available only in Panasonic Shops, so if you're thinking of grabbing one it looks as if you'll need to act quickly.

Colin Barrett, SimplyDV

Ongoing changes to SimplyDV

2009-10-06T15:39:00.005+01:00

Regular visitors to the site will have noticed a few extra-ordinary goings-on of late.

To begin with, we've had ongoing problems with the smooth functioning of the forums - which have been running fine for 7 years but have decided to act up a bit of late - and also the fact that we've moved not only the SimplyDV main website (this one) but a whole collection of other related domains onto a single web host.

The move hasn't been without its problems even though the migration was necessary. It's left us with a bit of a dilemma: what to do about the forums.

The migration of the forums hasn't gone well; the phpBB-based package we use has decided that it doesn't want to include almost 60,000 posts and nothing I (or some experts) can do will persuade it otherwise. So I've decided to drop the forums as of now. Finito.

I know this will disappoint some of our regular users but it can't be helped. It had to be done.

Anyhow, the good news is that the whole SimplyDV website is being treated to a bit of a make-over in order to make it much easier for myself and others to manage - and, yes, there will also be new forums! It's just that they'll be in a slightly different form. You might even be able to have your own!

The new site is already taking shape; it will have a wider focus than just camcorders - taking in stills cameras and mobile phones that shoot video, home media centres, Blu-ray and HDD recorder/players, HDTVs, editing systems and - of course - software designed to help you acquire, edit and share your digital video content with the world. In other words, it'll be much more comprehensive.

In the meantime, if you want to be kept in the loop why not sign up to the SimplyDV Digital Video Newsletter? If you do you'll receive your four daily downloadable PDF "eGuide" documents entitled "Choosing A New Camcorder : The SimplyDV Guide for the Complete and Utter Newbie" absolutely free!

Simply CLICK HERE to sign up now (or click the ad in the right sidebar)

You'll also be the first to know about upcoming changes to the website - as well as some competitions and special offers!

So, sign up now. And thanks for your patience during the recent changes.

Colin
Website Owner / Editor

New Toshiba HD Camileo models to include MAGIX Movie Edit Pro

2009-09-25T15:23:00.012+01:00

The leading European digital media software company MAGIX has announced that a fully-functioning 30-day free trial of its popular Movie Edit Pro video editing software will now be included with all new models in Toshiba's Camileo Full-HD camcorder range.

Since 1993, the Berlin (Germany) based company has been a leading provider of high-quality software, online services, and digital content for multimedia communication.

The new Toshiba camcorders - the Camileo S20, Camileo X100, and Camileo H30 - are attracting a lot of interest from consumers not only because of their extensive zoom capacity and distinctive design features, but also because of their integrated YouTube upload button in each case. The ability to send movie clips direct to YouTube is now seen as a must-have feature on cameras at this point in the market, so its inclusion on these new models will be welcomed. The new models are scheduled to appear in retail stores during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Europe's "best-selling" all-in-one video editing solution
  In Europe, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro is the best selling video software and an all-in-one video editing solution. Targeted at home enthusiasts as well as professionals, Movie Edit Pro (like all other MAGIX software products) are designed to "go beyond the limits of personal computers to seamlessly integrated online and mobile phone applications", according to Berlin-based Dr. Ulrich Hepp, Senior PR Manager at MAGIX AG.

"I'm very pleased about this cooperation between MAGIX and Toshiba, since it bundles the most current level of technology in user-friendly camcorders with equally high-tech and user-friendly video-editing software," he told us.

We'll try and arrange a test the latest version of Movie Edit Pro with one of the new Toshiba Camileo Full-HD camcorders as soon as is possible.

Sponsored link:

Why not try MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 15 for yourself? Download here

Adobe Premiere Elements 8 is released

2009-09-23T08:19:00.005+01:00

It's the time of year when we can expect Adobe to announce the latest update to its highly-successful Premiere Elements video editing and software and, true to form, today sees the unveiling of Premiere Elements 8.

Together with Adobe Photoshop 8, which is available either separately or as part of a bundle, Premiere Elements 8 is aimed at users who are keen to import their video clips from a variety of sources - camcorder, digital camera, mobile phone, disc, web, etc and from them construct finished movie sequences that can be shared on DVD, played back on computer or uploaded to a media-sharing portal like YouTube.

Improved features
With this latest release, Adobe has provided a completely enhanced Organiser, which serves as a feature-rich media hub for both photos and videos. From the Organiser, consumers can now launch directly into Photoshop Elements 8 to modify photos or into Premiere Elements 8 as a means of creating and sharing movie projects that take advantage of several new, automated features.

Common Organiser Unites Two Powerful Photo-and Video-Editing Solutions
With this new release, Adobe has introduced an enhanced Organiser where users can now conveniently manage all their digital memories in one location, simplifying time-consuming tasks such as tagging and searching. The new Auto-Analyser automatically analyses and tags the most interesting and highest-quality photos and video footage, and People Recognition intelligently identifies people in photos. With new full-screen previews, users can display their photos and video clips in slideshow mode directly in the Organiser and make quick edits to photos or tag video footage while viewing them. In addition, users can now sync all their media on multiple computers automatically.

Motion Tracking is a new feature in Premiere Elements 8

Automation Fixes Video Clips and Provides Greater Creative Control
Adobe Premiere Elements 8 offers new automatic options that are claimed to make it effortless to transform video clips into professional-looking movies. Users can let the software do the hard work with Smart options, which instantly fix shaky footage and colour and lighting problems, identify and trim away all unwanted footage, and intelligently balance audio elements. Taking advantage of new motion-tracking capabilities, Premiere Elements 8 further allows users to easily add graphics, text and effects that follow subjects in scenes.

UK Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 & Adobe Premiere Elements 8 software for Windows is available now at http://www.adobe.com/uk/, and will be available soon at retail outlets such as Amazon.com, Costco.com, Best Buy, Office Depot and Office Max. The bundle is available for £99.29 ex-VAT. Both Photoshop Elements 8 and Premiere Elements 8 software for Windows are available separately for £65.93 ex-VAT. Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac also will be available for £65.93 ex-VAT in October 2009.

Source: Adobe Press Release with additional information by Colin Barrett/SimplyDV.
Images ©2009 Adobe Inc. Used by permission.

Sony's MHS-PM1 Mobile HD camera is a snap!

2009-09-02T17:44:00.005+01:00

Sony's new web-ready MHS-PM1 Mobile HD Snap Camera provides quick photo and video uploads to the web

The current trend is for video cameras that are not only easy to use but which make it possible for users to share their video clips with the minimum of technical know-how and fuss.

With this in mind, Sony has today announced its tiny new MHS-PM1 Mobile HD Snap Camera which makes the capture and uploading of high quality videos quickly to the web a snap.

The camera is obviously geared to Japanese and American markets; rather than record in the 1080/25p format that would be preferred in European markets, the PM1 records its video in 1080/30p High Definition MP4 video (1440x1080/30p). For uploading only, however, this won't be a drawback to its users.

The camera features CMOS Sensor technology to generate 5-megapixel still photos. For those who are keen to involve their computers in the process of tidying up and sharing their movie clips, embedded PMB Portable view-and-share software makes it possible to quickly check and directly upload content in a few simple clicks on Windows and Mac OSX devices.

The new compact, lightweight camera fits naturally in the palm and can be taken virtually anywhere. A 270 degree rotating swivel lens, with 4x digital zoom, flips over so that the user can see him or herself while shooting video and taking photos.

Five scene selection modes – sports, landscape, low light, and backlight – optimise the capture of images in a variety of lighting situations, and dedicated record and photo capture buttons means that there is no need to switch between modes. Images are recorded directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo media, which remains Sony's preferred media card format despite the more widespread use of SD cards these days.

After shooting, favourite photo or videos can be marked using the Sharemark button to pre-select for web upload. By just connecting the camera to a computer via the supplied USB cable, the inbuilt PMB Portable software quickly transfers content to video and photosharing websites (compatible with both Windows and Mac OSX). It includes direct upload to Picasa Web Albums photo sharing site, YouTube and Dailymotion video sharing sites. Of course, it's also possible to simply drag and drop video and still images files to local personal computer folders.

The PM1 is available now.

Story: Colin Barrett, SimplyDV

Apple's Snow Leopard ready to pounce 28th August!

2009-08-24T14:20:00.005+01:00

Apple has now confirmed that its latest operating system, Mac OSX v10.6 Snow Leopard, will go on sale Friday, August 28

Snow Leopard is claimed by the company to build on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange.

We're told that to create Snow Leopard, Apple engineers refined 90 percent of the more than 1,000 projects that make up Mac OS X. Users will notice refinements including a more responsive Finder; Mail that loads messages up to twice as fast; Time Machine with an up to 80 percent faster initial backup; a Dock with Exposé integration; QuickTime X with a redesigned player that allows users to easily view, record, trim and share video; and a 64-bit version of Safari 4 that is up to 50 percent faster and resistant to crashes caused by plug-ins. Snow Leopard is half the size of the previous version and frees up to 7GB of drive space once installed. (Microsoft take note!).

Built-in 64-bit and Microsoft Exchange Server support
For the first time, system applications including Finder, Mail, iCal, iChat and Safari are 64-bit and Snow Leopard’s support for 64-bit processors makes use of large amounts of RAM, increases performance and improves security while remaining compatible with 32-bit applications. Grand Central Dispatch (GCD) provides a revolutionary new way for software developers to write applications that take advantage of multicore processors. OpenCL, a C-based open standard, allows developers to tap the incredible power of the graphics processing unit for tasks that go beyond graphics.

Snow Leopard is the only desktop operating system with built in support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, and it allows you to use Mac OS X Mail, Address Book and iCal to send and receive email, create and respond to meeting invitations, and search and manage contacts with global address lists.

Exchange information works seamlessly within Snow Leopard so users can also take advantage of OS X only features such as fast Spotlight searches and Quick Look previews.

UK Pricing & Availability
Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard will be available as an upgrade to Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard on August 28 at Apple’s retail stores and through Apple Authorised Resellers, and online pre-orders can be made through Apple’s online store (www.apple.com/uk) as of now.

The Snow Leopard single user license will be available for a suggested retail price of £25 (inc. VAT) and the Snow Leopard Family Pack, a single household, five-user license, will be available for a suggested price of £39 (inc. VAT). For Tiger users with an Intel-based Mac®, the Mac Box Set includes Mac OS X Snow Leopard, iLife ’09 and iWork ’09 and will be available for a suggested price of £129 (inc. VAT) and a Family Pack is available for a suggested price of £179 (inc. VAT).

The Mac OS X Snow Leopard Up-to-Date upgrade package is available to all customers who purchased a qualifying new Mac system from Apple or an Apple Authorised Reseller between June 8, 2009 and the end of the programme on December 26, 2009, for a product plus shipping and handling fee of £7.95 (inc. VAT). Users must request their Up-to-Date upgrade within 90 days of purchase or by December 26, 2009, whichever comes first. For more information please visit www.apple.com/uk/macosx/uptodate.

System Requirements
Snow Leopard requires a minimum of 1GB of RAM and is designed to run on any Mac computer with an Intel processor. Full system requirements can be found at http://www.apple.com/uk/macosx/specs.html.
Source: Apple UK Press Release. Additional words by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV
Images courtesy of Apple Inc. Used by Permission.

Two new LEGRIA HD camcorders from Canon

2009-08-19T16:42:00.007+01:00

Canon supplements its LEGRIA high-definition consumer camcorder range with two new flagship models, each possessing 64GB internal flash memory - enough for over 24 hours of continuous recording.

Both LEGRIA HF21 and LEGRIA HF S11 models are claimed to offer a range of improvements over previous models, including an advanced Dynamic Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) system, an enhanced Video Snapshot mode and new low-light shooting capabilities. Both products capture to high capacity Flash memory providing faster lighter operation whilst consuming less power than HDD (Hard Disc Drive) based camcorders.

LEGRIA HF S11: The new flagship of the AVCHD fleet

The new flagship in the range (which still includes the TIPA award-winning LEGRIA HF S10), the LEGRIA HF S11 HD camcorder includes Dual Flash Memory recording, which lets users capture footage on the internal memory and on removable SDHC flash memory cards. At 64GB, the HF S11 features the greatest amount of internal memory available in any current camcorder, enabling users to capture over 24 hours of video when in LP mode.

The LEGRIA HF S11 has been given a genuine Canon HD 10x optical zoom Video Lens, an 8 Megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC DV III image processor. The HD camera system delivers 1920x1080 Full HD video recordings at 24Mbps and up to 8.0MP still photos. The option to use 25p progressive capture for making movies is designed to deliver a film-like quality whilst further improving low-light sensitivity.

The full range of manual controls are included, too; manual adjustment of focus, exposure and audio levels using the camcorder’s built in control dial. In addition, the HF S11 includes Auto Gain Control limits – allowing users to fine-tune the camcorder’s gain in low-light – so the optimum balance between the low light detail and the darkness of night can be found. Zebra patterns and Colour Peaking help to set up shots perfectly, whilst the Colour Bar/Test Tone generator will help pro-users set up their other equipment repeatably.

LEGRIA HF21: Canon's "user-friendly HD camcorder for families"

The equally new LEGRIA HF21 boasts 64GB internal flash memory in a pocket-sized and super stylish design and is "packed with intuitive features" - such as Canon’s Video Snapshot mode which allows four-second clips to be captured with a single press of the record button, then easily arranged into a movie and set to music on the camera – enabling complete newbies to put together films without needing to edit on a PC. For the HF21 this has been enhanced to allow capture of four-second clips during movie playback as well as during live-shooting. The HF21 comes pre-loaded with five music tracks, but users have the option to upload their own song selections using the supplied Music Upload software.

The Face Detection feature can detect up to 35 faces in a frame, and controls all the technical settings automatically to ensure friends and family’s faces always appear clearly in the video. It is even able to select a single face to track in crowded scenes.

Like the HF S11, the HF21 also features Canon’s new Dynamic OIS for shake free footage when filming on the move – whether walking, jogging or climbing. Combined with Canon’s 15x optical zoom HD Video Lens, a 3.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV III image processor, the HF21 delivers outstandingly smooth HD quality video footage and striking, rich still images.

For shooting in low light conditions – such as at parties or evening events - Canon has introduced two new scene modes. Night mode automatically reduces light levels so users can faithfully reproduce the darkness of night, whereas Low Light mode makes it easier to capture every detail even in fading light. Whether using these scene selections or letting the camcorder take control in Dual Shot mode, users can always rely on the HF21 to capture outstanding HD footage.

The HF21’s 64GB flash memory is enough to rival many Hard Disk Drive camcorders for recording capacity, in a compact and stylish form. The LEGRIA HF21 will record over 24 hours of HD footage (LP mode) while Canon’s Dual Flash Memory system allows for extended recording - a feature that enables users to extend the recording time by adding an SDHC flash memory cards or share HD movies easily by copying from the internal memory to the SDHC card.

Availability in Europe

We're reliably informed that both the LEGRIA HF21 and Legria HF S11 will be available from September 2009.

Source: Canon UK Press Release. This story by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.

Server problems over the last 36 hours

2009-07-29T10:57:00.004+01:00

Just a note to apologise for the problems with the functioning of the SimplyDV main website over the last day or so. Several people have contacted us to ask why the homepage and other dependent news pages haven't been displaying properly and all we were able to tell them was that the problem was "in hand".

It was due to some changes that had been made to the basic functionality of the web server on which this website is hosted without our knowledge.

Thanks for your patience!

Apple updates Final Cut Studio with over 100 new features

2009-07-23T14:29:00.011+01:00

Apple has announced a significant upgrade to its market-leading Final Cut Pro professional video editing package which is claimed to offer faster all-round operation - complete with new ProRes codec options, time-saving interface improvements, easy collaboration tools and the inclusion of AVC Intra HD editing capabilities.

New features of Final Cut Pro 7, which sits at the heart of the boxed Final Cut Studio collection, include new versions of the Apple ProRes codec that will allow users to edit faster and at higher quality across a wide variety of workflows. The family now includes ProRes 422 (Proxy), ProRes 422 (LT) and ProRes 4444, in addition to the original ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 (HQ).

New delivery options mean that users can now choose the output format in the Share window, whilst continuing to edit as projects are rendered, compressed, and even published to the web in the background. This convenient new Easy Export feature makes it possible to export a file to iTunes for syncing with iPod, iPhone and Apple TV as well as facilitating publishing to YouTube or MobileMe or even burning a Blu-ray disc2 or a DVD using a choice of Apple-designed menu templates. Users can also create custom presets in Compressor for use in the Share window.

iTheater Chat Support
Users can work with clients or collaborators as if they were in the same room - in real time - from anywhere in the world. This is achieved simply by sending the Final Cut Pro video to iChat Theater to let everyone see the same footage in order to view dailies, select shots and make edits.

Change clip speeds with ease in the redesigned Change Speed window, which includes presets that ease in and ease out retimed clips. A new option lets users make speed changes without rippling the sequence, enabling free experimentation without affecting the surrounding clips.

It’s now easier than ever to create dramatic transitions with moving mattes, too, we're assured; simply apply a matte instantly by choosing one of a range of Apple-designed transitions, available through a free download.

Editors can now colour-code clip and sequence markers and use them to search or jump directly to important locations, with the ability to add marker notes and metadata while the clip is playing, create a custom name for each marker colour, and control whether markers of a specific colour are visible in the Timeline.

Of course, when working under deadline, every second counts. Final Cut Pro is now designed to save setup time when clips are being transferred from a wide range of file-based cameras including Panasonic P2 and Sony XDCAM. The files are automatically copied to media storage volumes the moment the media is mounted.

Improved Log and Transfer
A new Log and Transfer option allows the easy set up of custom metadata which can be added to project assets in a single step. Improvements to the interface are claimed by Apple to make handling of file-based media even more robust in Final Cut Pro 7. We're assured that it will now be easy to find and mount missing volumes during batch ingest, and to sort clips to show only the ones that require re-ingest. Improved automatic naming makes it easier to identify clips that span multiple cards.

Native AVC-Intra support
A very welcome piece of news for many HD editors will be the announcement that Final Cut Pro 7 will now facilitate easy integration with the latest high-quality cameras from Panasonic. Native support for the AVC-Intra format means that footage can be directly ingested into Final Cut Pro at high speeds — without transcoding. Editors will be able to work with real-time effects and edit with multiple streams, thanks to ultrafast decoding of both 50-Mbps and 100-Mbps formats.

For more information, see the full Apple news release.

Source: Apple UK with additional notes by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV

Sony prepares for a High Definition Christmas

2009-07-17T13:02:00.005+01:00

You might be planning a Summer getaway but as far as Sony is concerned it's time to contemplate the purchase of a new HD Handycam with which to capture all that Christmas spirit. Has anybody told them it's only July?

Whatever. Anyhow, the company is keen for us all to think ahead and consider its current range of High Definition Handycams as a way of recording all those important festive memories in glorious HD for playback on its own Blu-ray and HDTV products. Five HD camcorders are on offer. Here they are:

Handycam HDR-CX105
The CX105 Handycam is (we're told by Sony) "perfect for recording Full High Definition on the move". A super compact and lightweight option, it uses Memory Stick for easy transfer of footage to a PC or TV so users can share their footage with friends and family. It also has an 8GB internal memory that can store 3 hours of footage.

Handycam HDR-TG7E
Sony tells us that this model is ultra-compact, light and beautifully styled, and claims the Handycam HDR-TG7VE to be the world’s smallest, lightest Full HD camcorder. It comes with features such as GPS and 6 hour Full HD recording on the 16GB internal memory . We're also assured that the head-turning TG7 redefines the concept of ‘HD to go’ (whatever that means). With its stylish looks, smart shooting features and brilliantly simple operation, the TG7 is perfect for trips abroad, according to its maker. The built-in GPS receiver plots locations as you travel so that family members, friends and colleagues can retrace your journey when back home, with "exciting" online maps displayed on a PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software. We'll assume that it's not Apple Mac compatible, of course!

Handycam DCR-SX30E and DCR-SX30E
Containing a "generous" 16GB internal memory, the SX50E Handycam is aimed at those who like to capture the action wherever they are. With a 60 x optical zoom and "super clear video quality", it’s like packing a telescope with a camcorder. (That's Sony's line, by the way, not ours). Sound quality is said to be as crisp as the picture is clear – the smart microphone zooms in on the action when the picture does, meaning background talking, rustling leaves and off-camera noises are all cancelled out, we're assured (something we'll just have to test). The SX30E is available in red, silver and blue, and features 4GB of internal memory - capacity for up to 2hrs and 55mins of footage. Capacity can be increased as the SX30 features a Memory Stick slot, allowing easy transfer of footage to a PC. Additional impressive features that improve the enjoyment of watching back footage include a 60x optical zoom for clear, high quality image quality and the inclusion of a zoom microphone so that sound, even far away, is clear and precise.

Handycam HDR-XR520VE
The Sony XR520VE (pictured, above right) has a built-in HDD of 240GB, capable of storing up to 101 hours of footage. It also features Sony’s super-sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor that illuminates sensitive areas ensuring bright, low noise-images even in low light. It also features Sony’s new G lens, designed by Sony engineers to work in harmony with the Sony CMOS sensor technology to enhance picture performance. The XR520VE is GPS-capable, allowing travellers and film enthusiasts alike the unique capability of tracking the location of their footage. The integrated GPS means videos are plotted on Navteq-supplied maps on the Handycam’s LCD screen.

So, there you have it. Consumer HD continues its onward march - but it's such a pity that the company continues with its commitment to Memory Stick, which many regular SimplyDV users know is completely different to - and incompatible with - the near ubiquitous SD and SDHC card technology as used by other major brands such as Panasonic, Canon, JVC and co.

We'll bring you reviews of new Sony product as and when it's made available to us.

Ideal for Summer? Panasonic's great little HDC-TM10 HD cam reviewed

2009-06-03T16:30:00.007+01:00

At a time when all the major camcorder brands are bringing us pocket-sized camcorders that shoot full high definition video, Panasonic steps up the pressure even more with a couple of new models that are perfectly timed for the Summer season.

In our latest and exclusive camcorder review, we bring you our thoughts on the HDC-TM10 - a great little AVCHD camcorder that gives users the choice of recording full-specification movie clips and digital still pictures to either a SDHC (high capacity SD) card or to built-in 8 Gigabyte flash memory.

And whilst the camcorder itself - whose launch partner was the the similar-specified but SD card only HDC-SD10 - might be small and easy for complete beginners to pick up and use, it shoots superb HD video that will look and sound great on the latest HDTV displays.

Where will it all go next? Answers on a postcard, please. Meanwhile, check out what we think of this little beauty for yourself:

SimplyDV Review: Panasonic HDC-TM10 twin-media AVCHD camcorder

What do we think of it? Well, the clue's in the picture above!

And don't forget that you can the new TM10 and anything else of a camcordery nature over on the UK's favourite camcorder user forums - the SimplyDV Forums, no less!

Learn to edit video like a pro with our Premiere Elements 7 DVD tutorials

2009-05-29T14:01:00.010+01:00

Do you yearn to give your camcorder movie clips that added professional touch?

Are you a complete newbie who wants to learn video editing without spending a fortune?

Worry no more, because we have the perfect opportunity to pick up some essential know-how at a great price!

SimplyDV's new 5-DVD set is designed to get you started with Adobe Premiere Elements 7 and is just the ticket. With almost 7 hours of friendly, jargon-free DVD tutorials by SimplyDV's Colin Barrett by your side, you'll be up and running with Adobe's fabulous editing program in no time.

Learn useful tips and tricks with this exclusive collection of 39 video editing tutorials will get you started - fast!

Here's a sample Module from Disc 1 which takes a beginner's eye view of the main Premiere Elements 7 workspace:

Unlike many similar tutorial sets, which seem to assume that you already know the most basic aspects of getting started with video editing programs, these tutorials start at the very beginning (that is, setting up the program for the very first time) and take you through the various processes of importing clips from tape and memory card-based cameras and camcorders, to adding titles, mixing sound and even creating a simple animation under what we call "keyframe" control.

Not only that, but we don't exclude those who prefer to record video on their mobile phones or digital cameras, either. And if you want to mix different video formats, we show you how to do so as well!

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT, ORDER NOW

Special Offer: Buy 5 for the price of 4 when you order online today

Getting started with Premiere Elements 7 is an exclusive set of 5 DVDs that can be bought separately or at a special 5 for the price of 4 bundle price. And if that's not all, you can pay securely and efficiently using PayPal in whatever currency you choose. Remember - we don't charge extra for post and packing to anywhere in the world!

Give yourself a head start. Learn to edit video to a standard that will impress your family, friends and colleagues. Get started with Premiere Elements 7 right now.

To take advantage of our special "5-for-4" deal, click here.

Panasonic's Class 10 SDHC memory cards out soon

2009-05-22T17:47:00.003+01:00

Panasonic has announced a new range of SDHC Memory Cards with Class 10 speed specification which are aimed at users of AVCHD camcorders and DSLRs (Digital SLR cameras) who require consistent and reliable capture of Full-HD 1920 x 1080 video and consecutive high-resolution digital stills respectively. Class 10 is a new speed specification standardized by the SD Card Association as part of its new SD Card Specification Version 3.0.

The new Panasonic GOLD line series will be the world’s first memory cards to adopt this new speed class and will be available in the following four models:

RP-SDW04G (4GB)
RP-SDW08G (8GB)
RP-SDW16G (16GB)
RP-SDW32G (32GB)

With the current range of Panasonic classes 4 and 6 cards already established among video enthusiasts and photographers, the new Class 10 products are claimed to deliver an increase of data transfer speed of 40% over that of existing Class 4 cards, allowing higher-speed transfer of files to a PC or Apple Mac. Its Class 10 speed capability - combined with a maximum speed of 22MB/s thanks to a built-in intelligent controller - is claimed by its maker to be "ideal for large volume data recording and transmission in high definition applications".

At the same time as the launch of the Gold line of products, Panasonic will also introduce a Silver line series with Class 4 speed specification and which provides a maximum data transfer speed of up to 20MB/s. These cards are also designed with high definition video recording in mind. All the new models will come with eco-friendly credentials, too; the plastic used in previous packaging has been reduced by 90%, we're assured.

The new cards will be available in the UK from June 2009.

Panasonic unveils "world's lightest Full-HD" pocket camcorders - HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10

2009-05-19T11:12:00.006+01:00

In a launch perfectly timed for the Summer, Panasonic has announced two new pocket-sized AVCHD camcorders - the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 - claimed to be the world's lightest Full-HD camcorders available.

We were able to see pre-production samples of these two models a month ago and they really are as described - lightweight and ideal for carrying with you at all times.

Weighing in at a mere 227g, the HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are the world’s lightest full high definition camcorders and have each been given an impressive 16x optical zoom, touch screen control, iA with AF tracking and Advanced O.I.S (Optical Image Stabiliser).

The SD10 and TM10 differ only by their recording format. The SD10 records to SD/SDHC Memory Card, while the TM10 offers 8GB built in memory in addition to a SD/SDHC Memory Card recording capability.

Powerful optical zoom with Panasonic OIS
Both models feature a 16x optical zoom, and Panasonic's much-praised Advanced O.I.S. is designed to minimise camera shake whilst zooming in hand-held mode. Advanced O.I.S., which detects and corrects for hand-shake around 4,000 times per second, combines with the 16x optical zoom to produce clear, stable zoom shots. The new Active mode also extends the hand-shake correction range, reducing the kind of hand-shake that often occurs when shooting while walking.

Point and Shoot with AF/AE Tracking
The HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 feature the iA (Intelligent Auto) function, which automatically sets the most suitable Scene mode according to the shooting conditions. These include Advanced O.I.S; Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast; and Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results.

Both camcorders are also equipped with AF/AE Tracking, which automatically tracks a moving subject for consistently beautiful results. AF/AE Tracking, which was very popular in previous models, differs from normal auto settings in that, once the user touches a selected subject on the touch-screen - the subject can be at the centre of the screen or at an edge - and locks onto the subject, AF/AE Tracking maintains the focus and exposure even if the subject moves or turns to one side. This records the subject with the optimal AF/AE (Auto focus/Auto exposure) settings.

Twin Memory Recording – Relay Recording (HDC-TM10)
In addition to the SD-card recording/playback capability of the Sd10, the HDC-TM10 also enables recording of full-HD images onto either the built-in memory or an SDHC/SD Memory Card (optional), and features a Relay Recording function. When the built-in memory being used to record images becomes full, this function automatically switches the recording media to the SDHC/SD Memory Card to provide uninterrupted recording. When the TM10 with an 8-GB built-in memory is mounted with a 32-GB SDHC Memory Card, it has a total storage capacity of 40 GB to allow extended recording without interruption. Video data that is recorded by being split onto the two media types can easily be merged inside the camcorder after shooting and saved to an SDHC/SD Memory Card. When using a PC/DVD burner, the data can also be automatically merged and saved onto a DVD. This allows important scenes to be seamlessly viewed.

Copying your clips to DVD
By connecting either camcorder to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) using the supplied USB 2.0 cable, the user only has to press a single button to transfer recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or built in memory to a DVD (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R/-R) disc. It's also possible to select AVCHD for HD playback on a large screen TV using a Blu-ray Disc player or DVD burner or choose MPEG-2 for easy playback using a DVD player.

SD Networking with VIERA and Blu-ray Disc Player
Both of the new camcorders are compatible with the VIERA Image Viewer function. This lets the user play videos on a large screen by simply inserting a recorded SDHC/SD Memory Card into the SD card slot of a Panasonic VIERA TV. It provides instant playback of video clips recorded in the AVCHD format in full-HD quality. Similarly, video recordings can be easily played by using a Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player.

Availability and likely price in Europe
The HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 are available to buy from June, with UK prices likely be in the region of £469.99 for the SD10 and £499.99 for the TM10.

Don't forget that you can discuss these new models and any other matter of a camcordery nature over on our free and exclusive SimplyDV Forums right now!

Source: Panasonic UK Press Release. Additional words by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV.

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

2009-04-30T19:52:00.002+01:00

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?

2009-04-23T13:37:00.003+01:00

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

2009-04-22T16:04:00.007+01:00

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

2009-04-20T14:24:00.005+01:00

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?

2009-04-15T22:45:00.010+01:00

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

2009-04-14T18:11:00.007+01:00

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

2009-04-11T15:11:00.010+01:00

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

2009-04-07T14:55:00.005+01:00

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

2009-04-07T12:29:00.005+01:00

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

2009-04-02T09:27:00.007+01:00

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!

Is the HDC-HS300 Panasonic's best HD camcorder yet?

2009-03-03T10:28:00.009Z

Does Panasonic's latest HDC-HS300 prove that AVCHD has at last come of age?

Make no mistake, 2009 is the year of AVCHD. It's taken a couple of years to really get the new high definition format implanted into the consciousness of digital video users, but thankfully the take-up of HDTV displays has helped companies like Panasonic, Canon and Sony enormously when it comes to gaining that all-important critical mass for HD camcorders.

The current new crop of AVCHD models from Panasonic is further evidence that HD has now taken a grip on the market, with a range of product offerings designed to entice everyone from the complete beginner to the dedicated enthusiast.

The HDC-HS300 is aimed very much at the latter. It's a superbly featured 3MOS (three MOS imaging devices) camcorder that has just about everything a user with around £900GB to spend will want - manual controls, mic input, dedicated headphone output, 120GB hard disc drive as well as a SDHC memory card slot, touch screen LCD control and much, much more.

In short, it seems that Panasonic has packed it with the kind of features we've asking for since it first introduced AVCHD in late 2006. How does it handle? How does it perform? Do we like it?

You'll have to read the review to find out.

Claim your free 6GB SDHC Memory Card with this Panasonic camcorder at Amazon.co.uk

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How to copy your DVD clips to iPod and iPhone

2009-02-17T12:10:00.009Z

Need to take your DVD clips with you on your iPod or iPhone? Try a range of software free - and buy whichever takes your fancy.

Have you shot some video with a DVD camcorder or recorded some of your favourite TV shows onto DVD and wondered how you might copy them to your iPod or iPhone in order that you view them whilst travelling or away from home?

Do you fancy downloading your favourite YouTube movies and saving them to iPod or iPhone to show off to others?

Now, thanks to some great low-cost software that can be downloaded right now you can do all that and more! In this new section of the SimplyDV website we're giving you not only the opportunity to get an idea of what various specialised software does, but you'll always be able to try them free. Check out the new SimplyDV Solutions micro-site right now.

See our new pages: http://www.simplydv.co.uk/solutions/index.html

Solid state sensation? Canon's Legria HF S10 tested.

2009-01-20T12:14:00.015Z

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

Hard drives and Memory Stick feature strong in Sony's 2009 Handycams

2009-01-08T14:15:00.010Z

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!

New models and new LEGRIA sub-brand from Canon in 2009

2009-01-05T11:38:00.013Z

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.

DON'T FORGET: You can discuss these new models and anything else of a camcordery nature over on the web's best camcorder discussion forums right this minute!