Aside from looking good on the outside, crack it open and you’ll find an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that records at 16.1 effective megapixels. The Exmor sensors are famous for their low-light recording (even in the models they put in phones), so expect great night-time performance.

Video recording comes in the AVCHD format, in a choice of 50p and 25p frame rate options. For 25p, you can chose Cinema Tone Gamma and Cinema Tone Colour to give a more filmatic effect to your recordings.

The NEX-VG20E has a comprehensive range of manual controls to let users really get stuck into the settings, with a redesigned handgrip to offer excellent stability and allows manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings

The camcorder also boasts the “E-Mount system” which lets users take advantage of the existing range of seven E-Mount lenses from the older cameras in the range.

The demands of sound enthusiasts often go unheard on video cameras, but the NEX-VG20E has a Quad Capsule Spatial Array mic, which supports stereo and 5.1 channel sound, so it should do quality audio recording right out the box.

It’s also got ports for an external mic and monitoring headphones though, so audiophiles can really get stuck in.

The Handycam NEX-VG20EH comes with the SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens. With a wide 11x optical zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot.
Get it November 2011.

[Source: Sony NEX-VG20E Handycam: Fun for video and audiophiles]

Samsung has been quick off the blocks with the announcement of the HMX-Q10 camcorder, an SDHC/SD card HD video camera that promises to make filming easier and more affordable than ever before. Let’s face it, the last thing we want when we’re out and about is to have to fiddle around with exposure settings, we just want to grab that moment in the best possible way. Thankfully, Samsung who has been known for a tidy camera or two has produced a model that offers intuitive 1920×1080/60i HD quality no nonsense recording straight out of the box, with many features more normally associated with higher end cameras.

The HMX-Q10’s range of features are all easily accessed via the 2.7’’ LCD touch screen for a start, so there’s no searching for those little switches often hidden away in places you can never find, whilst the list itself is impressive. It has the world’s fist ‘Switch Grip’ for example, a G-magnetic sensor that recognises the angle you are holding the camera and adjusts the LCD display accordingly. So whether you are left or right handed or shooting in unusual positions, you’ll be able to see the screen easily. You’ll also be able to pause recording too, a very handy addition which will cut down on all those clips that need merging later. A very welcome addition.There’s an improved stability system to compensate for a shaky hand (particularly useful in cold weather or when you’re on the move) and the new CMOS audio sensor dramatically reduces distortion and ambient noise.

Samsung has been a pioneer in scene recognition technology, where key elements of your footage such as motion, colour and brightness are all adjusted automatically and the HMX –Q10 features a new improved version which promises to make full use the HD quality available. For those of you looking for photos too, the 5MP Schneider-Kreuznach lens will provide decent enough stills, although lovers of an SLR may choose to scoff at the very thought.

The Samsung HMX-Q10 Camcorder will be available from March 2010.

By Andy Mossack

[Source: Samsung gets to grips with the latest camcorder technology.]

That must be why they are greeting the new year not with a hangover but with a new lineup of five new cameras and 10 – yes 10 – new camcorders. Surely with such a raft of products coming on to the market, there must be something for everyone, from the snapper to the professional? Well, let’s take a look and find out.

Moving images first, and Canon’s collection of 10 camcorders. The professional videographer is catered for with the XA10, which promises full manual control and professional audio features, along with a price tag of just a smidge under two grand. But you’ve time to save up as it isn’t released until April. For enthusiasts with time and money (around £1,400) to spare, and who can wait for its release in March, the LEGRIA HF G10 has been created to offer features and technologies taken from the professional range of camcorders. All of these feature the Canon HD CMOS Pro sensor, offering better performance in low light and a wide dynamic range.

For anyone wanting to take video of friends and family, Canon has introduced the LEGRIA HF M41, M46 and M406 (from around £750-£600), which takes high-definition movies using a compact chassis. And you can get creative with the Cinema-Look Filters, Story Creator mode and Touch Decoration, which allows for in-camera manipulation. Story Creator suggests scenes for you to shoot under a number of subjects, such as travel or kids and pets. If you want to take HD movies but are on a budget, look out for the LEGRIA HF R28, R26 and R206 (with prices ranging from around £350-£480 and due February) , which are aimed at those just starting out in the world of HD video. And finally if you’re on a really tight budget, standard definition comes from the LEGRIA FS46 and FS406 (around £230-250 and due February).

For stills photography, meanwhile, Canon is plugging its PowerShot A-series as offering a compact camera for everyone. There are five new models just released, most of them powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor.

If you want to get creative, look for the A1200 and A2200, which both offer six creative filters for some fun experimentation. You can also benefit from Live View Control, which allows you to see how changing settings will alter the final picture before you actually take it. Tracking Auto-Focus ensures your subject remains sharp.

Looking for a first digital camera? Then set your sights on the affordable PowerShot A800, which keeps the button layout simple, offers intuitive shooting modes and Smart Auto technology. For a little more versatility, including a wide-angle lens, Blur Reduction and an optical viewfinder, which is great for more traditional photographers, check out the A1200.

The lithum-ion powered A2200 has a 4x optical zoom and a number of shooting functions, while coming in at the top of the range are the A3200 IS with its wide-angle 5x zoom lens, and the A3300, which boasts a 16Mp sensor (the highest-resolution sensor ever to be included in a Canon compact camera) and chic metal chassis.

The A3200 IS (£129), A3300 IS (£149), A1200 and A2200 all now offer 720p high-definition (HD) video capture.
The A2200 is released this month, the A800, A3200 IS, A3300 IS in February and the A1200 in March.

More at www.canon.co.uk

[Source: New year, new lineup from Canon]

The HM-TA1 is very easy to use and I was up and running within minutes. All the software is preloaded on to the camcorder so no CD required here. There are a few more buttons than on the Flip but there are more settings allowing you to tailor the video or picture to how you want it. Video is Full HD and pictures are in average 8MP. Unfortunately, there is no HDMI with the HM-TA1 so connecting to your TV might be a bit tricky. There is an in-built USB arm so connecting to your PC is simply plug and play. The arm can be a bit awkward to get out but once you get the hang of it, you will be fine. A major plus for the TA1 is the SD slot so you can put a 16GB memory card in and record hours upon hours of video, unlike the Flip in-built storage. Why not go bigger if you like?

The camcorder has a 4x zoom so you can video from a distance. For those action shots, the Electrical Image Stabilizer system will minimise blurring and hand-shake. It doubles as a webcam as it is Skype compatible. To upload video you have transfer to your PC first then upload to YouTube using the software which is similar to Flip. You can customise the TA1 from a choice of 40 skins

For Panasonic’s first outing into the pocket side of things, it is a good little camera for people who take a lot of video as you can get a memory card to suit you. Available from £99.99 at Currys. You will need to buy a memory card to go with it which brings it close the Flip Mino HD and Ultra HD in price.

[Source: Hands on with Panasonic’s TA1 Camcorder]

The Flip UltraHD is 25% slimmer than its predecessor, which felt a little like a brick. The video is now 720p resolution at 50 fps. The in-built camera allows you to shoot 2 hours of video. Along with the all-new image stabilisation feature video is now clear and steady.  The camcorders now feature an HDMI port so you can watch videos directly from your Flip on your TV.  The new Flips can conveniently be connected to your PC using the in-built USB arms. The software, Flipshare, also gets an upgrade with the ability to share videos privately by email or share on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can now take still images from videos make a compilation of movies from multiple video clips.

The Flip MinoHD is smaller than the Ultra HD and has all the features to go with it. The Flip MinoHD comes in two sizes to shoot enough video for one hour or two hours. The Flips are easy to use and you can be filming in seconds, which is important to ensure you do not miss those special moments. If you have a camera which shoots video in HD or an iPhone 4, I am not entirely convinced a dedicated camcorder is necessary. Although, I can see this making an amazing Christmas present for budding movie directors and keen holiday makers. Personally, the slimmer the better so I like the Flip MinoHD.

In comparison, a lot of camcorders are going the 3D route like the Aiptek 3D HD Camcorder but do you really need 3D? There will be accessories available including a pocket projector allowing you to project your video directly from your Flip to any flat surface. You can also have the Overtime Battery Extender which doubles the battery life to keep you filming on the go.

The new Flips are available from November. The Flip UltraHD will be £159.99, available in black and white. The Flip MinoHD one hour will be £149.99 and The Flip MinoHD two hour will be £179.99. How do you Flip?

[Source: Hands on with Flip UltraHD and MinoHD]

The Playtouch is the latest in the line of ‘Play’ cameras from Kodak, the last being the PlaySport, which was pretty well received.

The Playtouch is obviously relying on its touchscreen facility to attract new users – and it’s pretty nifty. The 3.2in LCD screen is of the capacitive type – that means it’s along the same lines as the high-end smartphones, rather than the cheaper resistive type, which requires hard pressing to get a reaction. The screen allows you to do some on-screen editing of your HD video, before popping it on the web. This is simple – press the Share button, decide where you want your film to go, pop out the USB arm and your video is ready for the world to see on the web.

The screen is also anti-glare so that you can see what you’re shooting in bright light, and your HD clips (maximum quality 1080p) can be recorded to the 128Mb internal memory or removable SD or SDHC cards.

It is also possible to add voiceover to your footage, add pictures and music to videos and get your friends’ best sides with smart face tracking technology. But it’s not all good news; reviewers who have managed to get their hands on the PlayTouch have reported disappointing quality in footage – and audio – although the still image quality (the camera takes stills at 5mp) has got the thumbs up.

The good news for Mac owners is that the camera is both PC and Mac compatible. Its lithium-ion battery can be charged via USB, and an HDMI cable is included so that you can hook it up to your TV to watch your movies on the big screen.

The question is whether the £179.99 price tag is worth paying for the privilege of that touchscreen facility. That’s up to you…

The Kodak Playtouch is available now from Firebox.com.

[Source: Kodak Playtouch camcorder: Capacitive touchscreen, HD footage and much, much more]

As you’re recording, you can also switch the 2.5in screen to view either what’s in front of you, or yourself, and when you go to edit the film on your PC (it’s not Mac-compatible), you can split the screen to watch both video feeds at the same time – or view them picture-in picture.

The Twin Video records 640×480 resolution videos onto a standard SD or SDHC card, has a 3x digital zoom, and films at 30fps.

The makers have designed the weighted handle to allow for steadier recording, and there is also a light on both sides of the camera for filming in dark situations. The lithium-ion battery is charged via USB or mains power.

The Twin Video is about the same size as the hugely popular Flip Mino, and its extra features might just be the deciding factor for many buyers. But how often you’d actually want to use the twin video facility depends on the user – it could be fun on a rollercoaster, we guess.

The ION Twin Video will be available from Firebox.com at £119.99

[Source: Ion Twin Video camera: Perfect for double-takes]

Firstly, why buy a camcorder at all when you have a smartphone like the iPhone4, which can shoot HD video? The iPhone 4 shoots video in 720p and has a pretty amazing lens, making it a serious option for video, especially over a dedicated portable Flip device.

If however you want to capture all your holiday shots in Full HD then Samsung’s HMX E10 has recently been unveiled, which will not only shoot in Full HD but also has a 270 degree swivelling lens, enabling you to put yourself in the picture. It also has a built-in USB port meaning you can attach it to a computer without a USB cable. The HMX-E10 will be available at $199.99 from September at selected retailers. There has been no UK price announced.

Camcorders are currently competing on zoom, so you can achieve close-up images like never before. Panasonic’s HDC-SDX1H offers 23x Intelligent Zoom and is Panasonic’s lightest HD camcorder, (some say lightest in the world), weighing in at 50lbs with the battery and optional SD Card. It is Skype-enabled so you can make calls using it as a webcam and microphone.

There is also strong trend towards making sports-friendly camcorders as manufacturers make them tougher or waterproof. We recently covered the Sanyo’s Xacti CA100, which allows underwater HD filming. You can also get rugged camcorders, which will not shatter or have so much as a dent if you drop them, which are great if you are like me, clumsy as hell.

Camcorders are becoming more pocket-friendly and networking is becoming a common feature and all the cameras featured above allow for effortless uploading to Facebook and YouTube. Do any tempt you, or are there any exciting new cameras we’ve missed? Let us know!

[Source: Camcorders in focus: HMX E10, HDC-SDX1H, Xacti CA100 and iPhone 4]

If you’ve ever ruined a gadget by dropping it in the water getting off a boat on holiday, or even if your rugrat has managed to drop it in the bath or a paddling pool, the Camileo BW10 could be the answer to your prayers.

Following on from Sony Ericsson’s announcement of a waterproof phone in the shiny pink shape of the S003 Cyber-shot, it makes sense that a camcorder used to capture action, makes the leap into the great watery deep – well at least to 2m anyway. One suspects that real underwater fans will be hoping that this will lead the way for more cameras to withstand deeper water in the near future.

Whether you’re off on an adventurous holiday, or just want a camcorder that is robust enough for family life, take a look at this. As well as its water, snow, rain and dust-repelling abilities, the Toshiba Camileo BW10 offers 1080p Full HD video and has a rubber exterior cover to help it withstand a bit of rough use.

The 10x digital zoom should get you close to your subject, and quick, two-button operation means the user can switch easily between video and 5mp still photos. (Five mp does seem a bit meager when even mobiles boast upwards of 8mp cameras now, but as we’ve established before, unless you’re enlarging images to massive proportions, there’s no real benefit to having an 8mp pixel camera for most users).

The BW10 is also designed to work in ‘challenging’ ambient light conditions, with a maximum ISO speed of 1600. As is becoming common now, there is dedicated YouTube functionality, allowing you to easily upload your videos to the web.

And with a price tag of just £129.99 for a waterproof rugged camera, it certainly looks like a bargain buy. And if that isn’t enough to persuade you, perhaps the news that it comes in stylish yellow, turquoise or silver and is small enough to fit into a pocket or small bag might be the final temptation for the image-conscious among you.

[Source: Toshiba makes a splash with the waterproof Camileo BW10 camcorder]

The new model promises to be thinner and lighter than any other HD camcorder on the market, but don’t let its size fool you – the diminutive exterior is packed full of features.  It shoots full 1080i HD footage, has a 10x advanced zoom and adjusts automatically to the conditions to give you top quality images whether you’re out in the sun or dancing the night away.

Still shots are captured by a 3-megapixel image sensor then enhanced and recorded as 8-megapixel quality. The fold out 2.7inch TFT LCD screen can be tilted 285 degrees to capture any angle and the familiar-looking pistol grip chassis is easy to keep steady.  Both the video and still shot modes have image stabiliser and face recognition features.

There are three ways to record sound: you can capture everything to create atmosphere, or focus in on noises and speech in the direction that the camera is pointing. You can also set it to change as the camera zooms in on a subject, to focus on the specific sounds around them.

Footage is shot in MPEG4 format, supported by Windows OS and Windows 7 and compatible with YouTube and the social networking sites.  It has a 50MB internal memory and works with SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.  It can also be used with Eye-Fi SD cards for easy wireless transfers to the internet, and there’s a mini HDMI port for top quality TV playback – although you have to buy the cable for this separately.

This is a stylish offering, available in silver or magenta, and sure to be a hit with both sexes – and all ages as it promises to be simple enough to appeal to everyone from teens to grandparents.  And at around £249 it is well placed to tempt a broad group of buyers, so expect to see it coming out of a pocket near you soon.

[Source: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1: ‘World’s smallest’ HD camcorder]