CES: Kodak ZX1 Pocket Video Camera on display

The Kodak ZX1 Pocket Video Camera will have a sealed speaker and microphone so a user can record 720p-quality video in rain or snow. (Don't think about totally immersing it in water, however.) It will be priced at $149.95.

The camera will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week in Las Vegas.

The dimensions of the ZX1 will be smaller than their first Pocket HD Camcorder, the Zi6, and it also claims to have improved performance in bright light and in low-light conditions. Along with the overall reduction in size, the screen has also been reduced from a 2.6-inch screen to a 2.2-inch screen; both screens have a 4:3 aspect ratio. The older and larger Zi6 will continue to be sold for $179.95.

The new ZX1 will write HD movies as .mov files using an H.264 codec. These files are compatible for playback in Windows and OS X, though they include video editing software compatible for Windows only. The software is stored on a small amount of internal memory in the camera; video files will be stored to a SDHC card which is expandable up to 32 Gbytes. Direct playback on an HDTV is also possible via the camera's HDMI out.

Via PCMag

CES: DXG-580V HD Camcorder Ultra-Slim Camcorder Records True 1080p Video to Flash Starage

Thanks to DXG USA, (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest-growing digital camera companies in the U.S., consumers can just pull out the new ultra-slim DXG-580V high-definition (HD) flash-based camcorder and immediately capture, edit and share hours of memories for just $179.99.

Featuring a slim, sleek design and the ability to record HD video up to 1440 x 1080 at 30fps -- real 1080p -- consumers will carry the DXG-580V everywhere to capture vacations, sporting events, or birthdays. The DXG-580V also shoots up to 8MP still images and has built-in digital voice recording, which is perfect for personal memos, conferences or lectures. When connected to a PC via USB 2.0, the DXG-580V also doubles as a portable storage device for important documents or data files, and makes uploading to sites like YouTube fast and easy.

Buy DXG HD Camcorders here.

Via MSNBC

CES: DXG-581V High-Definition Mini Camcorder annonced

LAS VEGAS, NV - Consumer Electronics Show -- Video plays a major role in young consumers' everyday lifestyle and video cameras must focus on portability, ease of use and affordability in order to reach these active consumers. DXG USA, (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest-growing digital camera companies in the U.S., is at the forefront of this trend with its next-generation, ultra-mini DXG-581V high-definition (HD) camcorder. Available at retailers nationwide in Q1 2009 for $179.99, the DXG-581V features a stylish, easy to use vertical design, and offers high-quality features, expandable storage, and video editing software at an unbeatable price.

The DXG-581V features the highest level video recording on the market today with 1080p -- or up to 1920 x1080 resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) -- and also shoots up to 8MP still images, making video and photo capture all-in-one. Equipped with built-in flash memory, the DXG-581V also has an SDHC card slot to support up to 8GB or 8 hours of HD video.

DXG Partners with ArcSoft to Provide Video Editing and Sharing Software.

Note: Image of the DXG-569V was used.

Via MSNBC

CES: Panasonic announces high-end hard drive camcorders

The new HDC-HS300 and HDC-HS250 both have 120GB hard drives for up to 50 hours of footage. The HS300 targeted to release in April with a price tag of $1400 offers manual controls, external mic support and electronic viewfinder.

Main features:

• Full HD 1920x1080 Recording
• 3MOS camcorder System
• 120GB HDD and SD card slot
• Manual Ring, Electrical Viewfinder and Cold Shoe
• Intelligent Auto Mode and AF Tracking
• 10.6 Megapixel Still Images

• Lens Brand	Leica Dicomar Lens
  F Value	F1.8(WIDE)/2.8(TELE)
  Optical Zoom	12x
  Digital Zoom	30x- 700x
  Focal Length	4-48mm
  Filter Diameter	43mm
  35mm Film camera Equivalent	44.9-539mm (16:9) [Motion Image] / 41.3-496mm (3:2), 40.8-490mm (16:9), 45.0-540mm (4:3) [Still Image]

The HDC-HS300 is a hybrid camcorder that records Full HD images either on an SD (or SDHC) Memory Card or the built-in 120GB hard disk drive. A 32-GB SDHC Memory Card can hold around 12 hours of recorded video clips (in HE mode). The HDC-HS300 camcorder can copy recorded video images from the SD Memory Card to the hard disk, or vice versa, with easy operation.

Buy Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD 3CCD Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom w/8 GB SD Card

The HDC-HS300 camcorder features the Full HD 3MOS sensor, developed by Panasonic based on its proven 3CCD technology. The Panasonic 3MOS sensor system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colours, greater detail and richer gradation.

Recording Format	MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD standard compliant)
Recording Mode	HA (17Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HX (9Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HE (6Mbps / VBR) , (1440 x 1080)
Playback Mode	HA (17Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HG (13Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HX (9Mbps / VBR) , (1920 x 1080) / HE (6Mbps / VBR) , (1440 x 1080)
Audio Recording System	Dolby Digital (5.1ch)
Microphone	5.1ch Surround, Zoom and Focus Microphone

Also new to Panasonic's HD camcorder line are the new entry-level models: the HDC-HS20 ($800), which records to both an 80GB hard drive and an SD/SDHC card; the HDC-TM20 ($650) records to a 16GB solid-state drive and SD/SDHC card; and the HDC-SD20 ($600), which records to SD/SDHC cards only. All three models will be available in April.

Via Panasonic, networkworld, camcorderinfo

CES: Samsung's new DSLR-like Camera

Samsung have launched the Samsung WB500 at CES - the worlds first 24mm wide angle compact camera with 10x zoom. Also comes with 2 image stabilsation systems (optical lens, and digital) and many of the features that you would expect on a DSLR camera including adjustable shutter speed, auto focus and aperture. The WB500 is also able to record HD video with optical zoom.

Via Unbeatable

CES: JVC Intros First Dual-Memory Card HD Camcorder

LAS VEGAS—JVC's new line of palm-sized Everio camcorders, announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, has a little something for everybody with a variety of storage options (both hard drive and flash memory) and several fashion colors. The line also includes the world's first dual memory card HD camcorder, with dual memory card slots for continuous recording with removable flash memory.

For the first time, JVC's HD camcorders are the same compact size as their standard-definition counterparts and come in a choice of six colors. The GZ-HD300 ($699.95 list) and GZ-HD320 ($799.95 list) feature 60-GB and 120-GB hard drives, respectively. The smallest and lightest camcorder of JVC's trio of new HD camcorders, the GZ-HM200 ($579.95 list), features dual flash memory card slots for continual HD or SD recording. All three HD Everio models all record at 1920x1080 video, feature a new high-performance Konica-Minolta HD lens developed specially for the Everio line, as well as special face-detection technology, which automatically adjusts the focus and exposure when a face is detected in an image.

Via PCMag

CES 2009 news: Vivitar announces new camera lineup

Sakar International has announced a new line of Vivitar products, all set to be unveiled at CES later this week. The line-up includes digital, underwater and video cameras as well as digital SLR camera lenses and a battery charger that accommodates over 300 different camera and other lithium ion batteries.


The products are Sakar's first Vivitar-branded SKUs since Sakar acquired the well-known brand last year in a bid to broaden its camera offerings. They have all been given a rough release guide of spring this year.

Via photographypress