Digital Camera Reviews

Sony’s HDR-XR550V 240GB Handycam Camcorder provides up to 100 hours of high def recording to an internal hard disk drive (HDD), GPS capabilities, and a myriad of other features and functions. In addition to the large HDD, Sony also gave the XR550V the ability to record to proprietary Memory Stick media, or to SD/SDHC memory cards. Transfer video and still images from the HDD to removable media for easy uploading, and to free up space on the camera when you can’t get to a PC.

The XR550V captures 1920 x 1080i HD video and 12MP stills. The camera also offers up 1080/60p output to HDTV, and features like Dual Recording that allow you to record video and take a still shot at the same time. Other options such as 24Mbps AVCHD video capture help you to get the most out of your memories.

At the core of the XR550V you’ll find a 1/2.88″ back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, a generous 3.5″ Xtra Fine LCD display, a 0.27″ color viewfinder, and other functions like 10x optical zoom, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and a Wide Angle G-Lens. Other features like Sony’s BIONZ Image Processor, BRAVIA Sync technology, and an HDMI connection all come into play as well.

The built-in GPS receiver with NAVTEQ maps, one of the most notable features on the XR550V, gives you the ability to geotag your video or still images for quick retrieval options, geotagging your footage online, and for keeping everything organized according to place. The GPS receiver also automatically adjusts the camcorder’s clock to the proper time zone, making it the ideal partner no matter where in the world you find yourself.

Sony’s MHS-CM5 bloggie Camera (Violet) is a high definition pocket camcorder that sports a pistol-grip design along with a number of features and functions. In addition to 1920 x 1080p MP4 video capture, the CM5 also take 5MP stills. The camera has “Movie” and “Still” buttons for switching between still or video capture as well.

When it comes to what makes the CM5 tick, you’ll find all the same features that the big guys, consumer camcorders, use too. There’s a 5MP CMOS sensor that helps to capture video and still images with clarity, a 2.5″ swivel LCD that rotates up to 270°, and even 5x optical zoom for capturing far off subjects. Other important core features include Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization, which cuts down on blur caused by motion, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Read the rest of this entry »

The Toshiba Camileo S20 HD Camcorder is an extremely budget-friendly way to capture high definition memories. With its pistol grip design and 3 inch swiveling LCD the S20 is designed for capturing your Internet bound adventures with ease. The camera features 4x digital zoom, video stabilization (720p/480p modes), and recording to either the 128MB built-in flash memory or SD/SDHC memory cards. When recording in low light the S20 is prepared with a built-in video light and flash. When it’s time to share your movies the camera provides you with one-touch upload to YouTube or an HDMI out for direction connection to your HDTV.

The Toshiba Camileo X100 HD Camcorder is an affordable way to record in high def. In addition to this camera’s economically-friendly status the X100 also provides 1920 x 1080p recording, 4GB of built-in flash memory, and SD/SDHC memory card slot, and numerous other features.

Among these features is the 3 inch touch screen LCD that pivots for easy recording and review of footage. A built-in light and flash make low light shooting possible, and 16MP still image capture (interpolated) means you don’t have to bring a camcorder and a camera everywhere you go.

When it’s time to share your digital memories the X100 provides you with editing ArcSoft editing software and a direct upload to YouTube button. You’ll be able to share with your online friends in no time. When you feel like watching your footage on the big screen the included HDMI mini cable allows for one-cable viewing on your HDTV.

The Toshiba Camileo H30 Camcorder is a budget-friendly HD video camera with a generous 3″ touch screen LCD display. Designed with the social networker in mind the Camileo features an easy YouTube upload button, or hotkey, that allows you to instantly post movies to the web. In addition to a direct upload to YouTube the H30 also features an HDMI connection to your HDTV for easy HD viewing on the big screen.

In addition to the social media aspects of the Camileo this camera also features 5x optical zoom, 10Mp still images, video stabilization (in 720p mode), and recording to SD/SDHC memory cards. When you’re shooting video or taking pictures in low light the camera has both a built-in light and flash. And when you need to step away from the camera the remote control gives you that option.

The Veho VCC-002 Kuzo HD Camcorder is an affordable way to get high definition recordings of all your memories. In addition to a 5MP CMOS sensor which captures 1920 x 1080p video the camera also captures up to 8MP digital stills (8MP is interpolated). The VCC-002 records to either its 128MB internal Nand flash memory or to removable SD/SDHC memory cards.

The VCC-002 Kuzo has a generous 3″ touch screen LCD for recording, replaying, and navigating the menu. And its “Tacton” soft rubber touch body makes for a comfortable, easy grip. Other bells and whistles include a 5x optical zoom, HDMI output to HDTV, and the option to output to NTSC or PAL analog televisions using the Composite output. The camcorder also features Scene support for Auto, Skin, Night, and Back Light modes.

The compact, yet cost-effective Vivitar DVR 865HD Camcorder (Black) is a suitable option for those looking for an easy to operate HD camcorder that won’t leave you eating ramen for the next six months. This flash memory based cam features a 16MB built-in DDR memory and an SD expansion slot for optional memory cards up to 4GB. You can save your 1280 x 720 high def videos and 8.1MP stills to SD cards for easy transfer to your computer for sharing via email and social media sites. When you want to print your photos instead, the 865HD is PictBridge ready, meaning you can print your images out to any PictBridge compatible printer without having to use a computer.

The DVR 865HD’s fixed focus lens, 8x digital zoom, and 2.4″ LCD screen all aid in recording as well. With the fixed focus lens you don’t have to worry about adjusting for exposure or focus; just point the camera and shoot. The 8x digital zoom allows for far off subject capture without leaving your spot, while the 2.4″ LCD gives you a decent screen on which to compose and playback your shots.
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Panasonic unveiled a new Skype Webcam for HDTV in the form of the Panasonic TY-CC10W. This new webcam adds a new Skype option to the HDTV’s on-screen menus so you can browse your contact lists and add new contacts directly from the UI. The Panasonic TY-CC10W is expected to be on sale by June 11, 2010 for about $194.

The Samsung HMX-H205 HD camcorder boasts a new imaging sensor that promises much clearer images, even in low light. This HD video recorder adopts a new BSI CMOS sensor with a 2.7-inch touchscreen display, and a 32GB of solid state storage that is upgradable via an SDHC card slot. The Samsung HMX-H205 also boasts a 20x optical zoom and can shoot H.264 video in 1080i at 60 frames per second. There is also an HDMI port, so you can playback your film on your HDTV.

The Kodak PlaySport ZX3 camcorder is able to capture HD video in 1080p or 720p and 5-megapixel still images. This waterproof camcorder features a 2-inch color screen, a built-in electronic image stabilization, and an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32GB). There is an HDMI out, so you can connect the Kodak PlaySport ZX3 to your HDTV to playback your recoded videos and photos. In addition, you can also share your pictures and videos with a range of websites like YouTube and Vimeo.

Medion has launched its new Medion S47000 rugged pocket camcorder, which is actually a competitor to the Flip Ultra HD and the Creative Vado HD. This portable camcorder can record 720p quality MOV files on the 90MB of internal memory that is upgradable via an SDHC card slot. You can preview the recorded video on its 2-inch LCD display. Measuring 65mm x 105mm x 23mm and weighing at 85grams, the Medion S47000 also has USB and HDMI connections, so you can playback content on your PC or HDTV.

Samsung today introduced the SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 camcorders that can record standard definition video at a resolution of 720×480px, and then can be played back on an HDTV in near full-HD quality thanks to advanced upscaling technology and HDMI connectivity. The SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 adopt a 65x Intelli-Zoom which allows users to use up to 52x optical zoom, advanced Optical Image Stabilizer to capture the moment perfectly even if your hands are shaking, and a Schneider KREUZNACH lens. The Samsung SMX-K45 has an internal 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD), providing up to 20 hours and 40 minutes of recording time depending on the recording mode. The Samsung SMX-K40 does not have internal storage and requires the use the of a SD/SDHC card.

This compact camera is equipped with a 12.2-megapixel Image sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch touchscreen display. Other interesting specs include auto detection, face detection, blink detection, smile detection, an auto adjust LCD, red-eye removal, Pan-capture Panorama and HDTV output.

Tekxon unveiled its palm-sized full high definition digital video camcorder today, featuring a 5x optical zoom and 3 inch touchscreen LCD. Known as the VZT8320, this H.264 video camcorder is capable of shooting digital video for up to 30fps in 1920×1080p video and it doubles as a still digital camera featuring up to 8MP high sensitivity photo, 5X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom. Weighing at only 150 grams, the camcorder also has a built-in HDMI interface that enables easy Plug-and-Play with HDTV.

Sony introduces the two newest members of the Cybershot family, the T100 and T20. Priced at $400, the Cybershot T100 is available from March 2007. The camera has a 3-inch LCD screen, Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens. The Cybershot T20 will be released in April this year with the estimated price of $330. Both cameras use the Bionz image processor and come with the optical image stabilization system Super Steady Shot. They also have a sensibility up to ISO 3200 and are compatible with the Sony VMC-MHC1 HD component cable for simple connection to an HDTV set.