Sony HDR-CX100

1920×1080 HD video recording, 4.0 MP still image capture, 8GB embedded memory, Face Detection technology, Smile Shutter technology, 2.7″ touch panel, 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom

1920×1080 high definition video recording:
1920 x1080 high definition resolution lets you record your memories in exceptional Sony Full High Definition quality.

4 megapixel still image capture:
4 megapixel still image capture lets you take high resolution digital photos.

8GB embedded memory:
8GB of embedded memory can record and store up to 3 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode), or up to almost 6 hours of standard definition footage (SD LP mode).

Ultra-compact, lightweight design:
The ultra-compact, lightweight HDR-CX100 is designed for maximum portability. Measuring just 2 1/4 x 2 3/8 x 4 1/2 inches and weighing just 11 ounces, the HDR-CX100 makes an ideal travel companion.

Best Price Sony HDR-CX100 Camcorder

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Face Detection technology for Video Footage and Digital Still Photos:
Made possible by the BIONZ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly. Face Detection technology also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. On AVCHD models, the camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity.

Smile Shutter technology for still and dual capture:
Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity and choose child, adult, or auto priority.

2.7″ wide touch panel
Clear Photo LCD Plus display: 2.7″ wide (16:9)3 touch panel Clear Photo LCD Plus display provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution (211K pixels). The display rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles, as well as provides sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback. The convenient touch panel allows easy access to menus and additional functionality such as spot focus and spot metering.

1/5″ Exmor CMOS Sensor with ClearVid array
A 1/5″ Exmor CMOS Sensor with ClearVid array delivers bright, vivid, and exceptionally detailed 2.3 megapixel (effective) video footage, as well as 4 megapixel still images. Exmor technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity, while the advanced Sony BIONZ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible.

Power On by opening LCD display: Power on your camcorder by simply opening the LCD display.

10X Optical / 120X Digital Zoom:
10X optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, Digital Zoom Interpolation means that digital zooming (up to 120X) is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with SteadyShot image stabilization:
The HDR-CX100 features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens designed specifically for compact camcorders. Precision ground optics help maintain the sharpness and contrast of larger lenses, and SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake.

Built-in zoom microphone:
The built-in zoom microphone focuses audio recording on your subjects with the camera’s zoom lens, helping memories ring true with clear dialogue and crisp, discrete sounds.

Smooth Slow Record:
The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

Available in silver, black, or red:
The HDR-CX100 is available in your choice of silver, black, or red.

Dual Record with 2.3MP still image capture:
Dual record capability lets you capture 2.3MP still images while shooting high definition video, so you can capture those special moments without having to switch recording modes.

x.v. Color technology for superior color:
x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-CX100 to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on the big screen when you connect your camcorder to x.v. Color capable displays, including a wide range of Sony BRAVIA HDTVs.

HDMI connection output:
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on consumer HDTV, camcorders and high-end digital still cameras.

USB 2.0 interface:
A USB 2.0 interface provides an easy way to connect your camcorder to a compatible PC for fast transfer of video and still images for editing.

Includes Sony PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software:
Sony Picture Motion Browser software offers a simple, intuitive way to transfer, sort, and view your video and still images on your compatible PC. In addition, multiple output options let you burn your memories to DVD, AVCHD, and Blu-ray Disc media (sold separately), as well as take advantage of one click upload to a number of popular video and photo sharing sites (compatible PC and internet connection required)

Specifications for Sony HDR-CX100 Compact Camcorder

Panasonic HDC-SD9

World’s Smallest and Lightest* 3CCD Full-HD Camcorder
Use of the super-small SDHC/SD memory card helped us to create the world’s smallest and lightest* 3CCD full-HD camcorder. The SD9 fits comfortably in the hand and can be used for long periods without causing fatigue.
*For 3CCD camcorders complying with with AVCHD standards, as of Janaury 6, 2008

Never Miss a Detail with 1920×1080 Full-HD Recording
Panasonic full-HD camcorders record horizontal pixels at an HD resolution of up to 1920 pixels, which results in a total of around 2,070,000 pixels. And with progressive scanning, our hi-def camcorders provide twice as much data per picture as conventional interlace scanning. This means you get breathtaking images with exceptional resolution and detail. Combine that with a 1080/24p format, which lets you capture scenes with a rich, film-like quality, and you can see why Panasonic full-HD camcorders take visual expression to the next level.

Locate Best Price Panasonic HDC-SD9 Competitive Compact Camcorders

New Face Detection Function is a First for Video Cameras
With Face Detection ? offered for the first time for recording moving pictures with a video camera ? Panasonic makes it easy to capture beautiful faces and clear backgrounds even in dim or backlit scenes. This new function, which can detect up to five faces at once, automatically adjusts the exposure and smooths skin tones according to the ambient brightness, so faces are bright and easy to see.

Shoot and View Magnificent Scenes Every Time with Intelligent Shooting Guide/Selection Playback
The new Intelligent Shooting Guide function helps you get magnificent shots by displaying a text message in the LCD monitor, telling you which settings are best for the current shooting conditions. With Intelligent Selection Playback, poor or inadvertent shots (such as shots of the ground or overly dark scenes) are skipped and all normal scenes are played while viewing.

Advanced O.I.S. Reduces Camera Shake
Panasonic’s Advanced Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) suppresses the effects of hand shake as you shoot. The system uses gyrosensors to detect hand shake, then shifts a lens and adjusts the optical axis to compensate. This all happens a remarkable 4,000 times per second. And because the system is optical, no image quality is lost. Thanks to Advanced O.I.S., the images you capture look incredibly clear, sharp and beautiful on a big TV screen.

World-Class Leica Dicomar Lens Delivers Superior HD Images
Developed specifically for full-HD digital camcorders, the world-class Leica Dicomar* lens system is made using a multi-coating process that prevents light reflection and glare, which can make colors bleed and images appear washed out. It also prevents rings of light, or “ghosts.”
*Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystem IR GmbH, and Dicomar is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

Video Review of Panasonic HDC-SD9 HD Compact Camcorder

Specifications for Panasonic HDC-SD9 HD Compact Camcorder

Sony HV10

The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological advancements. Canon’s new High Definition video camcorder is no exception.

The stylish Canon HV10 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality – in the world’s smallest HDV camcorder*. Its 10x optical zoom lens and 2.96 Megapixel CMOS image sensor ensure meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.

Price Canon HV10 Camcorder          Comparable Compact Camcorders

The HV10 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from Canon. It’s the premium quality camcorder that sophisticated and discerning videographers have been waiting for.

• The Image Quality of HD
• Convenience in a Compact Size
• HD Video Lens
• True HD CMOS Sensor (1920 x 1080)
• DIGIC DV ll
• Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization
• Instant AF (Auto Focus)
• Brilliant Video
• Stunning Digital Photography

Canon Compact Camcorder HV10 Specifications

The Canon HV10 has very good video quality while being compact and having a nice feature set.  The unit does have a short battery life and can be a bit awkward to use.

Overall the Canon HV10 camcorder is a great unit for home videos with a few funny quirks.

Canon Vixia HF100

From Canon’s long history of optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation in photographic and broadcast television cameras comes the latest in high definition camcorders.

Now, with the light, compact Canon VIXIA HF100, you can have stunning AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format recording with the ease and numerous benefits of Flash Memory. It’s used in some of the world’s most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones.

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Add to that the VIXIA HF100’s Canon Exclusive features such as our own 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II Image Processor, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus, our 2.7″ Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the Genuine Canon 12x HD video zoom lens and you have a Flash Memory camcorder that’s hard to beat and unmistakably Canon.

1. AVCHD Flash Memory in a Compact Size
2. Canon Exclusive: 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Sensor
3. Full HD Lens-to Screen (1920 x 1080 Capture and Recording)
4. Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Zoom Lens
5. Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor
6. Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
7. Canon Exclusive: Instant AF (Auto Focus)
8. Canon Exclusive: 2.7″ Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
9. Superb Shooting Control
10. 24p Cinema Mode
11. 30p Progressive Mode
12. Stunning Digital Photography
13. Mini HDMI Terminal and Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe
14. Bundled Pixela ImageMixer Software

Researching Camcorders, What you need to know 

Hard drive and flash memory camcorders have really gained headway fast in the consumer camcorder market this year.  There is some confusion as to which way one should go when it comes to a new purchase of a high definition camcorder.

Tape based HD camcorders have been the industry standard for years now.  Specifically, the HDV codec that is supported by the great majority of manufacturers, has been the choice for most videographers.  HDV is the most supported format for editing the content on a computer.  Editing software has been designed with this format in mind for a long time.  As long as your computer has a firewire port (also known as IEEE1394, and i-link), you can usually edit all you want with an HDV camcorder.  The only real downside is that if you have an hour of video content on tape, it will take you an hour to import that content to your computer.  The reason for this is that you have to play the content back in real time.  Tapes come in 60 and 80 minute capacities. 

AVCHD is quickly becoming THE format for users wanting hard drive and flash memory HD camcorders.  The advantages of AVCHD camcorders are that they are much smaller than tape based models, they have longer continuous recording times (as much as 30 hours), and they transfer through USB connections instead of firewire.  AVCHD recordings are drag and drop clips so you do not have to sit and wait on real time transfers.  It only takes a few minutes to move clips over to the computer for DVD burning or editing.

The biggest argument about these formats is editing.  Until last year, AVCHD cams were inferior in quality.  This is no longer the issue.  Compression has greatly improved so that artifact and noise have all but been eliminated in the recordings.  On a PC, transfer and editing is supported and most AVCHD cams come with editing software.  On a Mac, you will need the latest operating system, iMovie ‘08, and an Intel based machine.

Cameras to look at in HDV tape based:

• Canon Vixia HV30
• Sony HDR-HC9
• Cameras to look at in AVCHD hard drive based:
• Sony HDR-SR10, HDR-SR11, HDR-SR12
• Canon Vixia HG10
• Cameras to look at in AVCHD flash memory based:
• Canon Vixia HF10, HF100
• Sony HDR-CX12

Canon Vixia HG20

The VIXIA HG20 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD, and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps — the highest AVCHD bitrate –through Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor.

Continuing Canon’s industry-leading reputation for technology and product quality, Canon’s latest high definition camcorders deliver the optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance found in our photographic and broadcast television lenses. With our Canon Exclusives, we bring more advanced features to our camcorders, enabling you to more easily take your video to a higher level than ever possible before.

Among our latest products is the Canon VIXIA HG21 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder. It combines the ease of recording video directly onto an internal Hard Disk Drive with the advanced AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. Its 120GB Hard Disk Drive allows you to record up to 45 hours of crisp, high definition video (LP Mode). It also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well.

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The VIXIA HG21 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD, and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps — the highest AVCHD bitrate –through Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. Other exclusives are a new Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AutoFocus and a host of other advanced features including an HDMI Connector. Enhanced and simplified controls give you more choices and easier operation. Remarkable image reproduction and advanced features are yours in this compact AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive camcorder which easily goes along with you, wherever you are, to capture those unforgettable moments in life- in true HD.

• 60GB Hard Disk Drive
• Record HD Video Directly to SDHC Memory Cards
• Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens
• Canon Exclusive: 3.3 Megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor
• Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor
• 1920 x 1080 Full HD Recording
• Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
• Canon Exclusive: Instant AF
• 24Mbps Recording
• 24p Cinema Mode
• 30p Progressive Mode
• Canon Exclusive: 2.7″ Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
• Superb Shooting Control
• Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal
• Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery
• Capture Razor-Sharp 3.1 Megapixel Photos – Advanced Photo Features
• HDMI Terminal
• Microphone Terminal with Manual Audio Level Control
• Includes Pixela ImageMixer 3SE Video Editing Software

Canon Camcorder Vixia HG20 Review

Canon has released two new Canon camcorder models to go up against the very popular Sony SR11 and SR12.  Both of the new Canon models surpass the capability of the Sony models in a couple very important ways.  First, the new Canon HG20 and HG21 camcorders offer the best compression available in AVCHD today at 24Mbps versus the standard on the Sony models at 17Mbps.  The other advantage is the ability to record at 24p Cinema Mode and 30p Progressive Mode.

 

The Canon Vixia HG21 has a 120GB hard disk drive and is capable of recording up to 11 hours and 5 minutes in the highest quality.  The HG21 also has a viewfinder as well as an LCD monitor.  The HG20 gives you a 60GB hard drive.  Both models have SD memory card slots for added capacity and gives the camcorders the ability to transfer back and forth between the two forms of storage.

The new Canons are a little smaller than the Sony models and the controls are very intuitive.  

Specs Canon Camcorder Vixia HG20

Canon FS10 Flash Memory Camcorder

From Canon’s long history of optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation in photographic and broadcast television cameras comes the latest in high definition camcorders.

Now, with the light, compact Canon FS10, you can have stunning video with the ease and numerous benefits of Flash Memory, at an affordable price. Flash Memory is used in some of the world’s most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers, MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones. Canon offers the best in Flash Memory with Dual Flash Memory- record to both the camcorder’s 8GB internal memory and a removable SD/SDHC card, extending your available recording space and offering added flexibility in file transfer and playback. It’s just the thing for catching more of your life’s most special moments.

Add to that the FS10’s Canon Exclusive features such as Canon 48x Advanced Zoom and our DIGIC DV II Image Processor, combined with a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor, Image Stabilization and a 2.7″ Widescreen LCD — and you truly have a Flash Memory camcorder that’s both hard to beat and unmistakably Canon.

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• Flash Memory in a Compact Size
• Dual Memory Capability- Flash Memory and Memory Card
• Megapixel Performance
• Canon Exclusive: Genuine 48x Advanced Zoom
• Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor
• 2.7″ Hi-Res Widescreen LCD
• Superb Shooting Control
• Stunning Digital Photography
• Share Your Photos
• Pixela ImageMixer Software

New Release of Canon Camcorders

 

For standard definition video, Canon is rolling out three new flash memory card models to replace last year’s FS11, FS10 and FS100. This year, the Canon FS22, Canon FS21 and Canon FS200 are 17% smaller and lighter than last year’s standard-definition flash models.

The Canon FS22 and Canon FS21 are identical, aside from the fact that the Canon FS22 has 32GB of internal flash memory while the Canon FS21 has 16GB.

The Canon FS22 and Canon FS21 camcorders have a 1.07 MP 1/6″ sensor and a 48x Advanced Zoom. The Canon FS200 records to SD cards only, has a 680K 1/6″ sensor and is capable of a 41x Advanced zoom.

All three models are equipped with a new Quick Charge feature that will enable the battery charge time to go much faster and Quick Start, which enables the camcorders to spring to life by the flick of an LCD screen.

Canon FS10 Flash Memory Camcorder Specs

Canon FS11 Flash Memory Camcorder

From Canon’s long history of optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance and technological innovation in photographic and broadcast television cameras comes the latest in camcorders.

Now, with the light, compact Canon FS11, you can have stunning video with the ease and numerous benefits of Flash Memory, at an affordable price. Flash Memory is used in some of the world’s most innovative electronic products such as laptop computers,

MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones. Canon offers the best in Flash Memory with Dual Flash Memory- record to both the camcorder’s 16GB internal memory and a removable SDHC card, extending your available recording space and offering added flexibility in file transfer and playback. It’s just the thing for catching more of your life’s most special moments.

Add to that the FS11’s Canon Exclusive features such as Canon 48x Advanced Zoom and our DIGIC DV II Image Processor, combined with a 1.07 Megapixel CCD image sensor, Image Stabilization and a 2.7″ Widescreen LCD — and you truly have a Flash Memory camcorder that’s both hard to beat and unmistakably Canon.

Canon Camera Repairs

Leasing and Financing

Best Price Canon FS11 Flash Memory Camcorder

• Flash Memory in a Compact Size
• Dual Flash Memory: 16GB Internal Flash Drive & SDHC card slot
• Megapixel Performance
• Canon Exclusive: Genuine 48x Advanced Zoom
• Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II Image Processor
• 2.7″ Hi-Res Widescreen LCD
• Superb Shooting Control
• Stunning Digital Photography
• Share Your Photos
• Pixela ImageMixer Software