End User

Flip Jumps into HD Territory

Last night the extremely popular Flip Video unveiled their latest pocket-sized camcorder model: the Flip MinoHD. It includes many of the same features as the Mino: built-in software, flip-out USB arm, internal flash memory (4 GB, for 60-minutes of playback), simple user interface, and an elegant, sleek design. Plus, the MinoHD only weighs 3.3 ounces and records 720p high-def (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen).

According to Flip Video, the MinoHD is currently the world's smallest HD camcorder.

Unlike previous Flip models, the MinoHD isn't optimized for the YouTube crowd, as videos will need to be compressed for sharing online or email. That said, video sharing sites have begun their inexorable march toward enabling HD publishing and sharing... so, perhaps MinoHD is ahead of the curve?
-JB Storey

Arriving in Two Days

For something that can record at 720p, it's pretty darn light... only 3.3 ounces.

-JB Storey

Seeing is Believing

Outdoor enthusiasts are passionate about their pursuits. While some of us (IE: me) take the weekend's to do little more than explore the closest watering hole, your average mountaineering maven is biking a sick trail with 90-degree drop-offs, or kayaking through rapids that would make the average human being squeal in horror.

You can imagine the rush these intrepid adventurers must feel when they surf that killer wave, or go head-over-toes down a slope replete with the freshest, softest powder you've ever seen. Actually, wait a second. No you can't. There's no way to imagine. And there's no way for someone to fully explain what they saw in a way you could fully comprehend.

Then came along ingenious hands-free video cameras, such as the V.I.O POV. 1 and VholdR (vee-holder). Both video cameras were designed specifically to provide action life stylists with a capture and share video solution that complements their lifestyle and interests.

In each case, the recording device was made to see action and then share it with friends, family or other adrenalin junkies. They can withstand numerous weather conditions and take a lickin'. Both record fairly high-quality film, and come with software for simple editing and tagging. Once clipped, the footage is ready to be shipped to most compatible video-sharing Web sites.

So, whether you're the surfer dude, or the surfer dude's cousin listening to surfer dude's countless tales of taming untameable waves, you can relive the action with one of these very handy point-of-view video cameras.

Check out the V.I.O POV. 1 and VholdR (vee-holder). --JB Storey

Photos Come Flying In

The future of digital photo frames has arrived with the Picwing wireless frame. While there's nothing new or innovative about building a digital photo frame with WiFi capabilities, there is something undeniably cool about the Picwing concept.

The frame runs on Linux technology enabling perhaps a greater degree of flexibility in terms of add-ons, etc. Moreover, most frames are purely hardware driven, with little-to-no thought put into the software. Picwing changes that. Furthermore, Picwing uses Flash to display media, which is good in that it allows for higher quality slideshows, and in general, is a better visual experience.

What I like about this frame, is that it sends photos from your photo album (set up on the Picwing site) directly to your digital photo frame or any other frame you have set up. For example, I have family who live far away. I'd love to get them a frame like this, and be able to send them pictures almost instantaneously.

On top of the WiFi capability and superior built-in software, the frame itself is encased in a rather fetching wooden border. Now, this may seem inconsequential, but the fact is, many digital frames on the market today, are, shall we say, aesthetically challenged? The Picwing, may not be a work of art, but it does the trick. - JB Storey

Vixia Family Welcomes New Members

This week Canon announced three new additions to the popular Vixia family of camcorders; the HF11, HG20 and HG21.

In each case, the new models offer greater storage capacity and improved HD image quality. And all of them record in full 1920 x 1020 HD. The enhanced HD image rendering is the result of 24Mbps bit rate recording - the highest possible bit rate today in the AVCHD format. 24Mbps recording ability allows for greater details, refined tonal gradation and better reproduction of moving subjects. Previous models recorded at 17Mbps.

The other major improvement in each of these models, is storage capacity. The dual flash HF11 (successor to the highly popular and well-reviewed HF10) now can record 12 hours of HD video to a 32 GB internal flash drive, and can also record directly to a removable SDHC card for even longer recording time.

The hybrid HG20 and HG21 (not too distant relatives to the HG10), have 60 GB and 120 GB hard disk drives respectively. And the both offer the ability to expand recording to an SDHC card.

All three new Vixias will be available in September. --JB Storey

Pocket Full of HD

Yesterday, Kodak announced they have a new HD video camera coming out in September/October... The Zi6 Pocket Video Camera. Like other pint-sized video recording devices in this genre, the Zi6 is easy-to-use, comes with built-in USB and is designed to enable easy editing and upload to video sharing sites, such as YouTube.

What makes the Zi6 unique, is that it shoots HD video at 720p (60fps with 16:9 aspect ratio) and comes with an expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can handle up to a 32 GB card. Unlike the new Flip mino, the Zi6 does not charge via USB, but instead comes with rechargeable batteries (charger also included). And another feature that separates the Zi6 from the Flip is a resplendent 2.4-inch LCD screen... making it a little easier to see what you're recording.

The Zi6 can simply switch from HD to VGA quality videos... ideal for uploading to video sharing sites. At this juncture, video sharing sites haven't caught-up with the HD market penetration. One assumes eventually they'll get there, but it will probably be at a premium to the customer.

If you're in the market for a pocket-sized camcorder, check out the Zi6... considering it's under $200, it's a superb deal for an HD recording device in this category. -JB Storey

This Will Put a Smile On Your Face

Our friends at Sony recently unveiled their latest camcorder: the HDR-CX12. As of today, this camcorder is the first in the world and universe to feature both 'Face Detection' and 'Smile Shutter' technology in the same video camera.

At this point, you're either thinking, "cool", "bleh", or, "what in the name of George Lucas' beard is 'Smile Shutter' technology"?

Well, if you must know -- (and I know you must) -- this interesting innovation uses Dual Capture to enable the camcorder to take photographs if a smile is detected, even while video footage is being recorded. But wait... there's more... you can manipulate the sensitivity of function so that it detects different levels of smiles. Say, if you had it on the high-sensitivity you could even detect the smallest hint of a smile from the hintiest smiler of them all: Mona Lisa. Speaking of Mona Lisa's smile, if you set the camera to low-sensitivity, you could even capture 'ol smiley face herself, Julie Roberts, grinning from 18,000 miles away. Okay, maybe not that far... but you get the picture.

Additionally, the camcorder offers a Smile Priority Setting so that the camcorder can prioritize between children and adults.

More highlights from the CX12 include:

• 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition video resolution; 10.2 megapixel still image capture
• Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization; Professional Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
• Smile Shutter technology for still and dual capture; Face Detection technology for video and photo
• ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor-derived technology; BIONZ Image Processor
• 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display; Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording; Built-in zoom microphone

So what next? What more innovative new features could they put into a camcorder that would create an even better recording experience?

I have one: 'Scowl Filter'. This would automatically erase anyone scowling from the video I was shooting. Got some ideas? Let's hear 'em.

The Sony HDR-CX12 is now available to pre-order at Amazon.com. -JB Storey

Second Generation HD Camcorder from Sanyo

Sanyo recently unveiled the second generation model of it's HD series pistol-grip camcorders... the HD1010. The new model includes many of the same features as it's predecessor, the HD1000, such as 1080i recording, 2.7-inch LCD display, 4 megapixel camera, and 10x optical zoom. The HD1000 model is by all accounts a sound camcorder -- with a solid 4-star rating on Amazon.com. So, instead of re-inventing the wheel, the HD1010 is an incremental upgrade model. Some of the new upgrades include:

1. Shoots in 1080i and 1080p (12Mbps)
2. Shoots 30fps
3. New 30p format allows playback with Quicktime (60fps still doesn't get along with Quicktime)
4. New web video mode, which allows 300fps in 448 x 336 (shoot it, edit it, YouTube it!)
5. Sequential photo mode allows the user to take 7fps photos
6. Face chaser and face detection options in both video and photo mode (recognizes up to 12 faces at a time)
7. Super slow-motion playback mode. (You too can now watch your own sports videos in super slo-mo, just like on TV. Relive that moment when you missed that open goal, again and again and again!)
8. Matte black model with gold trim. (Sanyo leverages it's already elegant design, and adds some Bond-esque panache.)

The HD1010 is available for pre-order on Amazon.com and is set to start shipping on July 15, 2008. - J.B Storey

Something Small This Way Has Arrived

A week ago I hinted at the forthcoming release of an exciting new camcorder. In case you hadn't guessed by now, that camcorder is the Flip Video Mino (pronounced 'Minnow') -- available in resplendent black and white, and for only $179.00.

Over the last year-or-so, Pure Digital has taken the camcorder world by storm with the introduction of a wee, simple-to-use camcorder called 'Flip'. The last model of the Flip series to be released was the highly-popular, and extremely fun, Ultra.

Instead of re-inventing the wheel, Pure Digital decided to simply augment the current strengths of the Ultra -- compact form factor, ease-of-use, style, and efficiency. The result of this practical thinking, is the Mino. The newest member of the Flip family is 40% smaller than the Ultra, comes with a rechargeable battery that you plug in to your computer for recharging, (a Flip power adapter will be available later this summer), and it features sleek, touch-sensitive back-lit buttons that feel much more contemporary when compared with the Ultra's somewhat arcane push-buttons. Furthermore, the much-heralded pop-up USB cable has  changed position -- moving from the side of the camera to the top. Lastly, the Mino is also the first in the Flip series to allow automatic, unfettered publishing to Myspace, in addition to the current ability to publish to YouTube and AOL Video.

Like the Ultra, the Mino comes with:

• 1.5-inch color LCD screen
• 2 GB of on-board flash memory
• Records up to 60 minutes of video
• 2x digital zoom
• Built-in editing and publishing software
• Records in 640 × 480 mega pixels, at 30 frames per second

All-in-all, Pure Digital have come out with a considerably improved model with the Mino, and if early reviews (and sales) are anything to go by, it would appear they have another hit on their hands. -JB Storey

Something Small This Way Comes

Smaller. Sleeker. Cooler. More dependable. More efficient.  These are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of this new camcorder being released on June 4, 2008. Stay tuned... you're gonna flip out when you see it. -JB Storey

If Vader had Vado

If Vader had a Vado, he’d attach it to the outside of his TIE Fighter and record dog-fights he gets into with rebel scum.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d flip out the USB arm and attach it to his life-support system so that it could recharge.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d record all two hours of his final geriatric lightsaber duel with Obi Wan.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d occasionally get it confused with his cellphone, because it’s about the same size and weight. And then, sadly. in a fit of exacerbated frustration, he’d twitch his fingers and break the neck of any Imperial officer standing within a one-mile radius.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d tape the moment he told Luke he was his father, and then watch over-and-over again on the 2-inch LCD screen, just to see the pained anguish on Luke’s face and to laugh at his feline squeal of agony.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d tape his own version of the Phantom Menace and then edit the footage using Vado’s built in software. He’d edit out all the bits where someone called him Annie. He’d then upload the film to ImperialTube.

If Vader had a Vado, he’d send the pink model to Padme. No wait, she’s dead.

What would you do with a Vado?

-JB Storey

RSS for Professional Video

Attention all pro video enthusiasts-

Firstly, in case you didn't know, Amazon.com has a Professional Video Store. The design of the store was recently refreshed to provide customers with better insight into our entire professional video ecosystem.

From pre-production products like screenwriting software and how-to books to product equipment like pro camcorders, lights, mics, and monitors to post-production necessities like VTR decks, editing software and high-end computers, the Pro Video Store is designed to support the end-to-end production workflow.

Also new to the store is RSS. So you can now receive the latest and greatest information from Pro Video--whether it be details about new products, offers, promos, educational content, etc--straight to your feedreader or however else you're consuming RSS.

Oh, and one more thing: The Pro Video Store is fairly new. I think it was lots of potential, and could grow from being a hungry film school student to a full-blown, award-winning director. However, I need your help to take it to the next level. So with that in mind, please check out the store, and give me your feedback. I'd love to know what you like, dislike and hear about your ideas for improvement. Thanks!
--JB Storey

Of Moms and Magnets

In case you hadn’t heard, Mother’s Day is coming! If you’re anything like me you probably fret for days about what to get mom, and then ultimately default to flowers or chocolates. It’s safe, it’s thoughtful, and perhaps as predictable as mom gifting you with under garments during the holidays.

From time-to-time, you might be in the mood to stretch and get something less disposable or edible. If you’re pre-disposed to finding something original this year, I would humbly recommend the Homebase Digital Message Center and Picture Frame.

The Homebase takes the concept of the digital picture frame and converges it with the family calendar, sticky notes, voicemail and fridge magnets. It’s a 7-inch digital photo frame--with enough internal memory to hold over 150 high-res pictures—ensconced in an erasable white board, replete with a magnetic boarder for holding coupons, notes, pictures, and more. There’s even a wee slot for holding a sticky-notes pad. And to top it all off, the Homebase boasts a voice memory record and playback feature. Perfect for leaving voice reminders, messages, and orders to family members.

Think of this as an opportunity to help mom make aesthetic and common sense of her fridge. In my house, our fridge is a Pollock-esque splattering of pictures, notes, Thomas the Tank Engine magnets, kids drawings, and postcards. The Homebase can potentially streamline this potpourri of personal paraphernalia into something a tad more organized.

If you want to get mom something different this Mother’s Day… definitely check out the Homebase.

 

--JB Storey

Does size matter?

Dear Camcorder Users-

We have formats such as DV, Mini-DV, HD (High-Def), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), Flash Memory, Hi8, 8mm, MicroMv, etc. We have brands. We have prosumer, pro video, and consumer. We have zillion-or-so form factors and other attributes.

In other words, there are myriad ways to find the right camcorder. But is there a form factor that hasn't been adequately addressed yet? Say... size? Actually... not so much size but size and purpose.

In the time of YouTube and omnipresent video-sharing, more and more people are turning to video cameras that are simple to shoot with, and make it easy to share videos. More to the point; anyone can use them. In my mind, it's typically technical enthusiasts, early-adopters, video hobbyists, etc who brandish the video camera. But, now, with these 'shoot-and-share' camcorders, anyone can use them. Heck, even my five year-old can shoot, view, delete and save video files using a camcorder, such as the Flip. If I gave him a Sony SR12 to use, I guarantee, it'll either break, or he'll accidentally convert it into a hydrogen bomb!

Hence the emerging popularity of such brands as Flip. Increasingly we'll see more of these types of compact, easy-to-use video cameras. In fact this year, you'll see new versions from Flip, RCA, Creative, Sony (with the TG1) and others. It's clear that there's a sweet spot amongst consumers for this technology, and I only suspect it will grow.

So, that leads me to my question: what label should we give these camcorders? I mentioned, 'shoot-and-share' above, but I'm not 100% convinced that does the trick. Point-and-shoot video camera? Dummy-proof Camcorder? C'mon people... help me out! Give me some suggestions...

In the meantime, to get you inspired, you can watch a video that was shot using the Flip... (of my aforementioned son darting around a race track in a race car.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGvoI2OyWrw

--JB Storey

Sony Launches ‘The World’s Smallest’ HD Camera -- HDR-TGI

Today, Sony announced the release of the HDR-TG1 -- an ultra-compact, HD camcorder. This stylish little number is constructed of high-quality pure titanium--making it lightweight (only 8oz without the battery) and durable.  The titanium body surface is enveloped with Sony’s Premium Hard Coating, providing some protection against scratches, fingerprints, and spilt porridge. And did I mention it’s small? Like Zoolander cellphone small--this sucker measures just 1.3 x 4.7 x 2.5-inches. The HDR-TG1 also conveniently records to Memory Stick PRO duo media, takes 4.0 megapixel still images, and features Sony’s Face Detection technology--allowing the user to automatically detect and enhance faces while recording video or shooting still pictures. Not too shabby!

Additional highlights include:

• Shoots spectacular high-quality 1920 x 1080 HD video resolution

• 2.3 megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor (with Exmor derived technology) and Bionz image processor

• 2.7-inch touch panel LCD screen

• Integrated microphone

• Ability to automatically adjust focus, exposure, and color control

• Includes a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 10x optical zoom lens

• Also comes with a 4 GB memory stick.

The HDR-TG1 will be released in May. You can pre-order it today at Amazon.com.