• 1080p max resolution
• Water-resistant
• Compact casing
• Variety of mounts
• MSRP: $329.99

Pros:

• Small and lightweight, can be taped or mounted to nearly anything
• 1080p image quality is good under the right circumstances
• Much more resilient than your average HD camcorder

Cons:

• No LCD means it’s hard to frame shots
• Skew in fast-moving video
• Aside from start/stop, peration isn’t really intuitive

We’ve seen the ContourHD camera in a few guises before: first as the VHoldR, then as the ContourHD proper, and now the ContourHD 1080p. Does a resolution bump really necessitate another post? Well, it’s a cool gadget and there’s no danger of running out of internet, so why not?

Peter demonstrated the ContourHD on his skateboard, and I’ve done the same on my bike. Throwing caution, traffic laws, and my hair to the wind, I raced (-ish) from the top of Capitol Hill (15th) to Cafe Vita on Pike Street. Then we taped this sucker to my friend’s shoe and went for a walk in the park. That part of the footage is nauseating, so I’ve kept it to a minimum. Check out the video below; my comments on quality, exposure, and so on are embedded.

[One correction: I say 640x480 in the video, but it's actually 848x480. There's also a "tall HD" mode, 1280x920, which is handy if you're working in 4:3.]

I had the camera stuck to the frame of my bike with one of the included flat-surface mounts; we also attached it to a headband-mounted flashlight but the end result was too ridiculous to wear in public. The ContourHD comes with a sticky mount for putting on a helmet or, say, car hood, and also a goggle strap attachment that took me a while to figure out. You can order additional mounts and replacement sticky pads from the site for a reasonable fee, or you can just wrap the thing in gaffer’s tape like we did in order to get it on something new.

Build and usability

The camera itself is small, as you can see in the pictures; I tried to have some objects in there for scale (the candy corn was not wasted). I put its weight at about a quarter of a pound, and upon checking the specs… yes, 4.3 ounces. I’m really good at ballparks like that. It’s heavy enough that you’ll notice it on your goggles (or shoe), but light enough that you don’t have to worry about it flopping down or peeling off its mount. It’s mostly aluminum on the outside, and it feels sturdy but not exactly rugged. I’m sure it can survive being banged about, but I wouldn’t trust it in a more punishing situation. It’s water-resistant, as you can see when Mike jumps in the puddle there. The lens has a plastic protector over it, so you don’t have to worry too much about what you wipe it with. The rear door just has a power button on it and the record slider above, but it’s quick and easy to pop it up and switch out the MicroSD card or change shooting modes.

The device is meant to be set up beforehand and simply activated on-site. The switches and flashing lights aren’t exactly user-friendly, so keep the user guide handy if you want to be sure you’re doing it right and not trying to record to a full card. Basically you can switch between two recording modes and either record or stop recording. Beyond that there’s nothing to it.

Video quality

You can activate a little laser level, which is kind of cool, but not really a precision instrument. The two dots, which indicate the horizon of the video, are no more than an inch apart, so if having a really level video is important, be sure to do a test before doing the actual stunt or race. In fact, due to the lack of any kind of feedback or monitor on the device, it’s probably a good idea to do a really quick video every time you set it up, to make sure you’re in the right mode and have the thing pointed in the right direction. My bike video has a lot of sky because I didn’t think to tip the thing down a bit.

Video quality is a mixed bag. Obviously 1080p is the star of the show here, so that’s what I tested. At that bitrate it’ll fill a gig in about 15 minutes, which is perfectly reasonable. Its max file size is, I think, only limited by the file system the MicroSD card is formatted in. It’s encoded in Ambarella something something, “minimal” quality, basically an H.264 .mov file. I was pleasantly surprised by image quality, at least during calm moments and still shots. Fast motion, as is the case with every low-end camcorder sensor, leads to skew and jelly effect. You may notice it in quick turns and during bumpy parts of the ride above: objects sort of distort or stretch briefly. Strangely, it also has a fast exposure speed, as evidenced by the individual drops visible when I ride through the mud puddle after entering the park. Slow sensor pull but short exposure… a strange combination. But it ends up looking fine, and certainly no worse than comparably-priced camcorders. Watch the video above to see how it performs in different circumstances, and click here to download a full-res, unprocessed movie file.

Looking at stills from the above-linked video, it’s clear that the compression hits the wall in areas of intricate detail or very high contrast, and the lens loses a lot of detail at the very edges. That’s really to be expected, though; remember, this is a compact, fixed-focus camera. Compared to, say, the Sanyo I like so much, it’s got nothing to be ashamed of. Exposure is remarkably even throughout; even when I’m pointing the camera more or less into the sun, it retains some shadow detail.

A camcorder for all seasons

The ContourHD 1080p is a handy little camera. The question is whether it has $50 worth of advantage over its friend the ContourHD “original flavor.” I’d say that if you’re already working in 1080p, the extra dough is justifiable. That said, the physical limitations of the sensor size and lens clarity mean that you’re not really getting that much more detail. It comes down to what format you prefer to work with. And it’s certain that 1080p downrezzed to 720p will look better than the “plain” 720p. As for the camera itself, if you are willing to accommodate the spartan controls, this little guy will be handy for lots of projects. Since it’s pretty resilient, you can put it in situations you might hesitate to put something like a Flip or a nicer 1080p camcorder.

Like the high-speed Casio I reviewed a while back, the possibilities really open up once you have the thing in your hand. I’d recommend the ContourHD in either of its forms to any amateur videographer looking to expand their oeuvre a little.

Product Page: ContourHD 1080p

P.S. If you’re already a fan of the device, you can vote for it in the Crunchies.

Here is the revised spec list. Of note are the internal motion sensor (good for recording metadata for adding effects later), GPS sensor, and a touchscreen electronic viewfinder (good for adjusting settings, but it also supports… touch focus tracking? -that’s not what I think it is, is it?):

New MYSTERIUM-X 5K sensor
5K (2:1) at 1-100fps
4K (2:1) at 1-125fps
Quad HD at 1-120fps
3K (2:1) at 1-160fps
2K (2:1) at 1-250fps
1080P (scaled from full frame) at 1-60fps
Increased Dynamic Range, reduced noise
Time Lapse, Frame Ramping
REDCODE 250
ISO 200-8000
New FLUT Color Science

Completely Modular System, each Module individually upgradeable
Independent Stills and Motion Modes (both record full resolution REDCODE RAW)
5 Axis Adjustable Sensor Plate
Multiple Recording Media Options (Compact Flash, 1.8” SSD, RED Drives, RED RAM)
Wireless REDMOTE control
Touchscreen LCD control option
Bomb-EVF, RED-EVF and RED-LCD compatible
Multiple User Control Buttons
Interchangeable Lens mounts including focus and iris control of electronic RED, Canon and Nikon lenses (along with Zoom data)
“Touch Focus Tracking” with electronic lens mounts and RED Touchscreen LCDs
LDS and /i Data enabled PL Mount
Rollover Battery Power
Independent LUTs on Monitor Outputs
Independent Frame Guides and Menu overlays on Monitor Outputs
Monitor Ports support both LCD and EVF
True Shutter Sync In/Out and Strobe Sync Out
720P, 1080P and 2K monitoring support
Gigagbit Network interface and 802.11 Wireless interface
3 Axis internal motion sensor, built in GPS receiver
Enhanced Metadata
Full size connectors on Pro I/O Module. AES Digital Audio input, single and dual link HD-SDI
Support for RED, most Arri 19mm, Studio 15mm, 15mm Lite, Panavision and NATO accessories

Dimensions- Approx. 4”x4”x5.5”
Weight (Brain only)- Approx. 6 lbs (2.72kg)

Jim also posted an actual picture of a brain with grips attached still-camera-style, with a Canon EF mount. Whether they’ll actually be able to take a bite out of established still camera makers is questionable, but we’ll see.

The Scarlet also gets an update, a response to serious encroachments by cameras like the 7D. Much better audio capability, increased bitrates and color accuracy, 1080p at 60FPS, and a touchscreen LCD among other things. No word on pricing or how these changes might affect it, but it’s still going to be a professional camera, not a consumer or even prosumer one, so expect it to be at least $3000.

Read the whole thread here; they’re still updating and adding pictures (they’ve added two since I started this post).

A while back I was at AMD’s overclocking challenge, and for shooting video I had a Kodak Zx1 and a Casio Exilim FC-100 for slow motion. Both are great cameras, but 720p on either one is a bit indistinct, and the Zx1 has a fixed focus lens, which makes up-close shots difficult. Vince from SlashGear had a pistol-grip Sanyo, which I had dismissed before as gimmicky, but having gotten a chance to handle it, I decided I liked it and would pick up the next generation when they came out. Well, they came out a while back and I’ve been using it since. And now I’m reviewing it.

There are a few cameras like this one, so let’s be clear: I’m talking about the CG10, which is sort of the lowest-end Sanyo you can get. 720p is its maximum resolution, which is more than enough for any home video or web media. They make a big deal about how “It’s a Dual Camera! Photos & Videos” but really now, camcorders have been taking pictures for years and years, and I don’t advise doing it if you don’t have to.

Build and layout

The CG10 differs from many other cheap camcorders and pocketcams in that it actually has a real lens. It’s far from a real real lens, but it’s not the fixed-focus pinhole crap you see on Flips, Kodaks, and Nanos. This means it has a 5x optical zoom and better light sensitivity than those other options, at the cost of a slightly larger size.

The CG10 is about the size of a large mouse, just to give you a general idea. It feels pleasantly weighty and is well-balanced. Remember, this isn’t a pocket camcorder, it’s merely compact; it’s certainly small enough to bring everywhere, but unlike a Flip (or an iPod Nano, I suppose) it’s not a front-pocket kind of thing. Though it does sit comfortably in your back pocket if your pants aren’t too tight. Just don’t sit down on it.

As you can see in the pictures, it’s got a nice little 3″ flip-out LCD, which is bright and reasonably sharp. Controls are all situated for your thumb to operate; your other fingers have nothing to do but grip. This works pretty well once you get the layout down. The menu layout is the normal sort of thing, though I have to say I searched for ages for a way to delete things on camera before I realized that the “menu” button was taking me to the wrong place. The usual options are there, with several choices for exposure control, stabilization, and face tracking.

Quality and features

One feature I found extremely handy was the manual focus mode. For keeping a device in focus while I or my hand move in and out of the shot, it’s invaluable. I used it (to great effect) in my Zune HD and Sleek SA-6 reviews. Its macro mode focuses down to 1cm, which is fantastic for getting close-ups of components, plus it gives a great depth of field effect. I found the autofocus to be a bit slow in general (though accurate), so I use manual whenever I can.

For a $200 camera, I found color and sharpness to be good, though the small sensor and major compression mean motion will always be kind of smeary. Of course if you whip it back and forth you’ll get that wobbly skew action, but that’s something you can avoid. Exposure was pretty decent, and you can select center-weighted or spot, but not manual. Low light performance is nothing to write home about, but again we’re talking about a $200 camera here. Make sure you have your lights on or you’ll be seeing noise.

Sound is pretty basic, and the microphones are located on the back of the LCD, which is good if you’re filming the thing creating the sound. Bad if you’re filming yourself and you have reversed the LCD so you can make sure you’re in frame. I didn’t have any issue with the sound other than the fact that it was about as medium-quality as you can expect from a budget device.

Battery life seemed normal for a small camcorder with no moving parts. The battery is removable and comes with a charger, as you might expect. No surprises here.

File sizes are manageable. I set it immediately to the highest quality and a 22-second video took up 25MB, for reference. 640×480 should be about half that, though it will also shoot 640×480 at 60FPS, which obviously will take up more space. It uses H.264 and the files are MP4. It has a tiny amount of internal space (40MB) so you’ll be shooting to SD. One annoying thing I found was that the SD slot can’t be accessed without flipping the LCD up and consequently turning on the camera. Not a big deal but vexing nonetheless.

Bottom line

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 can be found for far less than $200, and I think at $200 it was already a good deal. It’s not pocketable, but in every other respect it bests the pocket-cam army. If you’re looking for a basic around-the-house camcorder, I highly recommend the CG10.

The Vivitar does bring a new night vision feature to the table, being one of the first to do so. The DVR-510 also includes a totally waterproof case, meaning you don’t need to worry if you’re shooting at the pool or the beach. The bad news is that the video quality is somewhat lacking, running at a maximum of 640×480. The camera has 2GB of built-in storage, and has an SD card slot so you can add more if needed (though 640×480 video won’t require a lot of space).

Vivitar’s new camera is priced very attractively at $50. For the feature set, it’s a more than reasonable price. Be warned that the picture quality may not be the best, but it should be good enough for family video.

[via ChipChick]

You guys! Remember back on January 5th of this year when I put up a post about these scuba goggles that have a built-in high definition video camera for recording stuff under water? Well, they’re finally available. Ah, January 5th. Those were the days.

Just look at all these video clips of various sea creatures attacking other sea creatures! That could be YOU wearing the mask that captures such exhilarating high definition footage.

The clip of the octopus attacking the crab would have scared the bejesus out of me. You should never mess with an octopus and you should especially never mess with a squid. Trust me, I grew up in Minnesota. I know all there is to know about sea creatures.

Back to the actual goggles, the high definition version records in 720p and can dive to a maximum depth of 115 feet. Pricing starts at $300. There are less expensive, lower-resolution models available starting at $110 as well.

Scuba Video Masks [DiveCamCentral.com]

Here’s the full press release:

Liquid Image Scuba Series HD Camera Mask Now Available

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Liquid Image High Definition Scuba Series HD Camera/Video Mask model 320 has passed FCC and began shipping in the US and internationally this fall.

The Liquid Image SCUBA SERIES HD320 Camera/Video Mask allows recreational scuba divers to capture underwater photos and High Definition digital video hands free. The HD video is 720P (1280 x 720) and records at a rate up to 30 frames per second with audio. The camera mode features a 5 MP (2560 x 1920) still image. This model is certified during production to a pressure depth rating of 35 meters / 115 ft. Large lever style buttons allow for greater dexterity while wearing diving gloves.

Video Samples on YouTube

To take a photo or a video, the diver lines up the crosshair marks on the mask with the object, and then presses the capture button. LED lights inside the viewing area indicate the mode. Files may be downloaded to a computer through the High Speed RCA/USB cable provided, or through a Micro SD/SDHC card. A 2GB Micro SD Card is provided. The Micro SD/SDHC Card slot holds up to a 32 GB card.

The hands free aspect of this unique underwater camera is appealing to divers performing additional activities. Markets outside of recreational scuba diving include: spearfishing, search and recovery, evidence collection, military,ecological ocean monitoring, reef monitoring groups, reef rehabilitation efforts, TV Shows and films.

In the US, consumers may purchase the Scuba Series Camera Mask through Dive Cam Central, West Marine,Comp USA, Tiger Direct, Circuit City, Sharper Image and a variety of scuba stores plus online retailers.

The Scuba Series HD 320 model shipped a few months after the release of the VideoMask model 310. These new models meet more rigorous depth certifications along with higher quality video modes and larger storage capacities than the original Explorer Series Camera Mask model 301 & 302.

High Res Images on Flickr
Product Collection and Group Images on Flickr

Light accessories
Filter accessories

Liquid Image Co, LLC, is an international manufacturer of cameras, electronics, toys and games that target sports and outdoor activities. The corporate office is located in Sacramento, CA, with an international office located in Hong Kong.

If you’re still not on the pocketable camcorder bandwagon, you’re missing out! Well, maybe you’re not. It’s all relative, really. The important thing is that if you feel like you’re missing out, then you can get into the game today for around 100 bucks.

Amazon is selling the very Flip MinoHD-like Creative Vado HD camcorders for $130 (8GB version) and $100 (4GB version), today only. That’s down from street prices of about $180 and $140, respectively.

The camcorders feature 720p video recording, two-inch displays, integrated USB connectors, direct YouTube uploading, replaceable lithium-ion batteries, and HDMI output ports.

One-Day Deal on Creative Labs Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorders [Amazon]

But let’s just get these camcorders out of the way, because they’re worth taking a look at. The two cameras are almost the same spec-wise except the horizontally-oriented FH1 has a 3-inch LCD as opposed to the pistol grip HD2000’s 2.7-inch. They appear to be quite versatile camcorders, able to take 12 stills a second or shoot up to 600FPS video at reduced resolution, something which was until recently the exclusive ability of Casio Exilims. They’ll shoot 1080p video at 60FPS, which is pretty amazing, though I don’t recommend you do it. Interestingly, they won’t shoot 720p or 640×480 at 60FPS — a bit odd. SD cards are the medium you record to, and both cameras have a 10x optical zoom. Quite a neat little package for $500! Or $600 if you want the pistol grip.

But to return to the rant. These cameras will also shoot, and in fact will default to, the 960×540 iFrame format. Come on. It can do so much and you’re defaulting it to this random format?

The new MinoHD retails for $229. The older 4GB version is priced at $199 while the standard-definition Mino sells for $149. The on-board software has been slightly revamped too, with a new “Magic Movie” mode that “automatically trims and arranges a user’s selected video content into their own movie.”

Here’s the entire press release:

Flip Video Introduces Next Generation Flip MinoHD
Slim and Sleek Camcorder Delivers New Design, Double the Memory, Larger Screen and Direct Uploading to Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – October 14, 2009 – The maker of the acclaimed Flip Video(TM) family of camcorders – recently acquired by Cisco® – today announced the second generation of its popular Flip MinoHD(TM) line. The premium Flip MinoHD offers consumers an easy and stylish way to capture and share high-definition (HD) video with a sleek new design, up to two hours of recording time, and a large high-resolution screen. Also introduced today was the latest version of the pre-loaded FlipShare(TM) software which now offers consumers direct video uploads to Facebook(TM).

“The original Flip MinoHD has been a hit with the social networking generation because it delivers the perfect combination of sleek design, ease of use, and great video quality,” said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s Consumer Products. “Our second generation Flip MinoHD lets users shoot twice as much video, enjoy a bigger screen, and even share their stories directly to Facebook with the latest version of FlipShare.”

The all-new Flip MinoHD camcorder offers a stylish new look with brushed metal finish.  True to its heritage, the new MinoHD can be personalized with one of thousands of designs or can be custom designed by the user at theflip.com. The sleek device now has a slightly rounder design, responsive touch-sensitive buttons, and a durable brushed metal finish.  Along with great new looks, the second generation Flip MinoHD includes double the memory for up to two hours of recording capacity, a bright two-inch transflective screen for no-glare viewing even in direct sunlight, and an HDMI jack for direct input to HD televisions with an HDMI cable. The new Flip MinoHD is priced at $229, while the original Flip MinoHD — with one hour of recording time –is priced at $199 and the standard Flip Mino sells for $149.

New FlipShare Software
Like all Flip Video camcorders, the new Flip MinoHD includes FlipShare, the pre-loaded software that leads consumers seamlessly through the process of organizing, editing and sharing videos. The new version of FlipShare software, available soon, has been upgraded across the line to include the easiest way to instantly upload video to Facebook, in addition to YouTube and MySpace. The latest FlipShare software will also include a number of new organization tools and user controls, and debuts Magic Movie, a fun feature that automatically trims and arranges a user’s selected video content into their own movie.

Flip MinoHD, 2nd Generation Camcorder Features:
•       SRP: $229.99
•       Now Available at leading retailers and online retailers
•       Colors: Brushed Metal or personalized at theflip.com
•       Video Resolution: High Definition, 1280 x 720
•       Records: 2 hours (8 GB built-in memory)
•       Screen: 2 inch – transflective (anti-glare); 960 x 240 pixels
•       Audio: Built-in wide-range, omni-directional microphone; built-in speaker with software volume control
•       Battery: Built-in rechargeable (Lithium Ion); up to 2 hours use
•       TV Output: Widescreen with HDMITM output
•       Zoom: 2 x Digital

Flip MinoHD Camcorder [TheFlip.com]

Video is recorded at 1280×720 resolution (30 frames per second) in the H.264 format. You’ll have to supply your own SD cards as it appears the camera only comes with around 32 megabytes of built-in storage. Other than that, this looks to be a decent deal.

Aiptek A-HD 720P Camcorder [Amazon via dealnews]

And now to finally get to the bottom of WHO DRANK MY LAST TAB?! This unassuming little clock tells the time and tells you who’s been breaking into your house at night to eat multiple peanut butter, lettuce, and pastrami sandwiches. It’s definitely not you sleepwalking.

The Tiny Spy Camcorder Clock from Brando sells for $47 and features 4GB of storage. Video is recorded in AVI format at 640×480 pixels, 30 frames per second (audio is recorded too) and you’ll use up about 0.8GB per hour of recorded footage. Don’t worry that you’ll run out of space, though, as the battery only lasts two hours.

Tiny Spy Camcorder Clock [Brando]

Like most compact HD cams, you’re going to get weird motion artifacts whenever you make quick turns, but that’s unavoidable at the moment. The super wide-angle lens also shows a lot of vignetting, but that looks kind of cool anyway. The point is it’s super light, fairly rugged, and super simple to operate. More details are at VholdR’s site. The ContourHD 1080p will set you back $350, as opposed to the 720p version, which was $300 at launch but probably somewhat less now.

The folks over at NewTeeVee took the “Flip SD,” as they called it – no real clarification if it was the bigger Flip Ultra or smaller Flip Mino camcorder – and did a side-by-side video quality comparison against the new iPod nano. You’ll recall that during the Apple presentation last Wednesday, Jobs and company took a few direct shots at the line of Flip cameras.

So what did NewTeeVee find? In a nutshell…

“Overall — the Flip offered a MUCH better picture both indoor and out, providing way more detail in the image. The Flip microphone was also a little more discerning in our test, able to distinguish our subject’s voice in a crowded room much better than the Nano.”

Again, no word on whether this was the bulkier Flip Ultra or more pocketable Flip Mino. Both of those aren’t nearly as tiny as the iPod nano, though. And the nano does all that other stuff, too, like movies and music and whatnot.

Still, it appears that buying the new nano solely based on its video recording feature might be something you’ll want to put some extra thought into.

Hands-On- iPod Nano vs. Flip SD [NewTeeVee]

John noted them briefly in the Toshiba press conference, but the new lineup is worth a closer look. Details are a bit fuzzy due to Toshiba giving these things the same names as some of their projectors (hello?!).

The S20 (not the projector) is the thin one you see up top there. The lens actually looks pretty weedy on it (no zoom, tiny aperture), so I’m not sure it’s got much of an advantage over any given pocket cam. Sure is a good-lookin’ little bugger though, ain’t it? It’ll shoot 1080p, though I’d guess the image quality is pretty god-awful.

The X100 (also not the projector) is the big brother of their compact HD cam lineup, above the already-available H30. It’s got a much nicer lens, with a full 10x optical zoom and a 10-megapixel sensor for taking stills. This would be a great family camcorder, although the 4GB of internal memory isn’t a lot when you’re shooting video of your kid’s birthday party.

They’re only announced over in Europe at the moment, with pricing in pounds, so US prices are only guesses. The S20 is £120 and the X100 is £270. More deets if I get ‘em.

Here’s a mighty fine deal on one of my favorite camcorder lines, the Samsung SC-MX20. This version is available in red or blue for $150 from Geeks.com and features 16GB of built-in storage that can be expanded via SD or MMC.

These are “new open box” models that carry 90-day warranties. Features include 34x optical zoom, 180-minute battery life, 16GB built-in memory, 2.7-inch LCD, charging dock, and more. See my review of the SC-MX20 right here for more info (the one I reviewed didn’t have the built-in memory, but everything else is the same).

Samsung SC-MX20ER (Red)

Samsung SC-MX20EL (Blue)

It’s a refurbished unit, yes, and it’s only got 512 megabytes of storage, but that’s still good for 30 minutes of so-so video. Plus, now you can go to all those sweet Hollywood parties you haven’t been able to get into in the past. That, or film the ever-interesting goings-on at the bus stop every morning.

Pure Digital White Flip Classic 30 Minute Camcorder [Buy.com]

The HMX-U10 is a 1920×1080 high-definition pocket camcorder with a two-inch LCD, USB 2.0 connector, and direct-to-YouTube uploading. It features a seven-degree angled grip which is supposed to be make the camera more ergonomically comfortable to hold for extended periods of time and there’s built-in video editing software that can be used to chop up footage without installing anything when the camera’s connected to a computer.

It’ll be available in September with an MSRP of $199.

The SMX-K40 and SMX-K45 are more traditionally-styled flash memory (SD) camcorders that shoot in 720×480 resolution and then can upscale the footage to “near full HD playback” via an HDMI cable.

The cameras each feature a 52x optical zoom, Schneider-KREUZNACH lens, YouTube uploading, and optical image stabilization.

The SMX-K40 will cost $329.99 and will be available next month. The SMX-K45 will cost $499.99, also available next month. The SMX-K45’s extra features include time-lapse recording and 32GB of built-in memory.

Full press release:

Samsung announces new camcorders that put HD video recording and viewing in the palm of your hand

Seoul (Korea Newswire) July 14, 2009 06:15 PM — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced new camcorders that make recording and viewing video in HD easy. The HMX-U10 is an ultra compact camcorder that records in full-HD and takes 10 mega-pixel still photos. It also allows users to easily share content online with its one-touch “upload” button to YouTubeTM. The SMX-K40, SMX-44 and SMX-K45 record video in standard definition but then upscale the footage to near full-HD when viewing through an HDMI output (cable sold separately). These new models join Samsung’s second-half camcorder lineup for 2009, which includes the recently introduced SMX-C10 and SMX-C14.

“We want to make it easy for everyone, from the young family of four to the tech-savvy professional, to record and view HD footage,” said Sang Ryong Kim, senior vice president of Camcorder Team at Samsung Electronics. “The addition of the HMX-U10 and the K-Series adds strength to an already impressive lineup of Samsung camcorders and offers a digital video recording solution for every consumer segment.”

HMX-U10

The HMX-U10 is the ideal solution for the consumer looking for ultimate portability and ease?of?use in an full HD camcorder. The HMX-U10 offers full-HD video recording with 1920×1080 resolution. The HMX-U10’s 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor also gives consumers the ability to capture impressive 10 mega-pixel digital still images, all which can be reviewed on the camcorder’s clear, two-inch LCD screen. At 56mm x 103mm x 15.5mm, and weighing just 95g including the battery, the HMX-U10 is ultra-compact with an ergonomic design that breaks free of the traditional look and feel of pocket-sized camcorders. Its sleek frame is accentuated by a wave-design that angles the body of the camcorder at seven degrees, allowing users to grip the camcorder more comfortably, reducing any related stress on the wrist or arm. This same ergonomic design philosophy is also found in the HMX-R10 and SMX-C10 camcorders, which feature Samsung’s unique Active Angle Lens.

K-Series: SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45

Advanced Upscaling Technology for Full HD Video Quality

With the new K-Series, consumers can enjoy near full-HD quality video for the price of a standard definition camcorder. The SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 record exceptional standard definition video at a resolution of 720×480, and then can be played back on an HDTV in near full-HD quality thanks to advanced upscaling technology and HDMI connectivity. With a built-in HDMI output on the camcorder and HDMI cable (sold separately), consumers connect the camcorder directly to their HDTV for near full-HD playback.

Powerful 65x Intelli-Zoom

The SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 also offer one of Samsung’s most powerful zoom lenses. Consumers have a 65x Intelli-Zoom at their fingertips which drastically enhances their ability to capture any moment they see no matter how far away they may be. Significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom which negatively affects the quality of the image, Samsung’s new Intelli-Zoom allows users to go beyond the camcorder’s 52x optical zoom. The K-Series also features Samsung’s advanced Optical Image Stabilizer, ensuring that video will be shake-free, whether zoomed out or using the camcorder at it’s full 65x Intelli-Zoom. Furthermore, the camcorder’s world?class Schneider?KREUZNACH lens delivers the quality and performance needed to help capture the most impressive video possible.

Built-in 32GB SSD for over 20 Hours Recording

The SMX-K45 offers an internal 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD), providing up to 20 hours and 40 minutes of recording time depending on the recording mode. Samsung’s renowned SSD technology offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder. SSD is more energy efficient, produces very low heat emission, and is faster and more durable than HDD because there are no moving parts. The SMX-K44 offers an internal 16GB SSD and SMX-K40 does not have internal storage and requires the use the of a SD/SDHC card.

Unique Features

The new HMX-U10 and K-Series follow in the footsteps of the newly introduced SMX-C10 and SMX-C14 and boast several unique features which differentiate them from the competition and make video recording even more enjoyable for consumers. Such features include Samsung’s built-in intelli-studio software, animated thumbnails, and a versatile charging system.

No longer do consumers need to worry about being near their home computer in order to edit or share their video. The HMX-U10 and the K-Series all feature Samsung’s play-edit-sharing program called intelli?studio. The camcorders’ built-in intelli-studio program allows consumers to turn any computer into a mobile studio, giving them the ability to edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. Sharing is also simplified using intelli-studio as the program takes the hassle out of uploading content to popular video?sharing Web sites. For example, a one-touch “upload” button, available directly on the HMX-U10, provides a direct connection to YouTube™, further reducing the number of steps needed to upload footage. In addition, the camcorders also allow basic on-camera editing, including the ability to split video files.

Samsung’s animated thumbnail feature simplifies the way users search for video clips. Each video clip saved on the camcorder is represented by a small thumbnail on the LCD screen. When scrolling through one’s videos, each thumbnail will provide a short playback of the video file when highlighted by the user. The HMX-U10, and SMX-K40, SMX-K44 and SMX-K45 also feature a versatile charging system. Users can either recharge the battery by connecting the camcorder to the supplied AC adapter or via USB while the camcorder is connected to a computer.

Right out of the gate, I feel obligated to tell you that the two flash memory camcorders written about in this post will cost $1100 and $1300 when they’re available in September. That being said, they’ll handle full 1080p HD video and feature 32GB or 64GB of internal memory depending on the model.

That money will get you some decent features like 60 frames-per-second output to high-definition TVs, three-way SteadyShot (vertical, horizontal, and wrist roll), built-in GPS for geotagging videos and photos, and a “Face Touch” mode that allows you to touch someone’s face on the viewfinder and the camcorder will prioritize focus and color levels for that particular person.

There’s more: back-illuminated CMOS sensor, six-blade lens aperture capable of producing bokeh effects, direct-to-DVD burning, zoom microphone, and expandability via Memory Stick cards (no SD cards or other similarly popular formats, unfortunately).

So, perhaps maybe not features you necessarily need but if you want them, then the price might not seem that high. And let’s face it, sometimes “want” beats “need” — especially when it comes to gadgets.

The 32GB HDR-CX500V will cost $1100 and the 64GB HDR-CX520V will cost $1300. Both available in September.

Full press release:

SONY UNVEILS NEW FLASH MEMORY CAMCORDERS WITH ADVANCED OPTICS, NEW TECHNOLOGY

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2009 – Sony today announced its new HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V Handycam® camcorders, which capture full1920×1080 high-definition video and up to 12-megapixel photos on a 64GB or 32GB internal flash memory, respectively, offering up to 25 hours of HD video (LP mode).

“These models combine the best in digital imaging technology, strengthening Sony’s industry leadership and meeting demand for both quality camcorders and HD video,” said Kelly Davis, director of the camcorder business for Sony Electronics. “Expanding our lineup to include Handycam camcorders with large capacity embedded flash memory allows us to offer consumers flexible recording solutions concentrated in a very portable, compact body.”

Advanced Features and Performance

For optimal playback, the HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V camcorders feature 60p output, which automatically converts content to 60 progressive frames per second when connected to a compatible high-definition television.

Another notable feature, Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode (which allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion during camera shake) now offers 3-Way Shake Canceling. This feature reduces hand shake in three directions – vertical and horizontal shake corrected by optical image stabilization and the third, by way of electronic image stabilization, facilitates correction for lateral-roll shake. By employing a wider camera shake correction angle and improved compensation algorithms, blur caused by rolling wrist movements is reduced so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move.

Prime Functionality

Sony’s powerful BIONZ™ imaging processor is adding a Face Touch function. With Face Touch, users can select a person to be prioritized by the camcorder simply by touching a detected face on the screen. The camcorders prioritize and optimize focus, skin color, and brightness for the selected individual, even if they leave the scene, for the entire recording session. This new feature is a function of Face Detection, which also incorporates Smile Shutter™ technology to capture candid smiling photos while simultaneously recording video. When Face Touch is activated, the Smile Shutter feature only activates automatically in response to the smiles of the selected person.

These models also have a back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor to provide stunning low light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity compared to Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0. The sophisticated G lens fuses advanced optics and low dispersion aspheric glass elements for accurate color reproduction and sharp, detailed images. A six-blade aperture produces circular “bokeh” defocus effects for creative shooting possibilities.

To effortlessly track your destinations on a map, the camcorder’s built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps geo-tag your videos and photos. Geo-tagged content is marked by a virtual push pin at each shot location and can be played back on the camcorder map index display on the three-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch panel LCD.

Introducing new technology to down-convert from AVCHD™ to MPEG2, Sony eliminates the need for a PC and allows for simple DVD creation with the optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1) DVD writer.
When the camcorders are connected to the DVDirect Express (sold separately for around $150) via a USB cable, they will instantly burn HD video footage onto a DVD. The camcorder can even down-convert content and burn DVDs in standard-definition picture quality, providing familyographers a way to “future proof” their memories. The down conversion feature allows owners of standard-definition players to capture video in the highest quality and have the option of playing in standard-definition now or saving HD content for when they upgrade to a Blu-ray disk player at a later time.

Other powerful features include a built-in zoom microphone with Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and an instant power-on feature when the LCD is opened that lets you capture the moment without delay. The camcorders’ advanced user interface features a new operation bar, which allows scroll searching for all menu items, and a customizable shortcut menu. Improving upon the Highlight Playback feature that personalizes video footage by generating a video slideshow with theme transitions and background music, Sony introduces Highlight Scenario, which saves up to eight highlight scenes for viewing again later. These models also include Picture Motion Browser software to easily view, edit, organize and upload images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites. Mac users can transfer AVCHD recorded data and edit video clips in HD image quality using iMovie software.

In addition to built-in flash memory, the models can record content to optional Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media (currently sold separately in capacities up to 16GB, a 32GB card will be available in September). Using Sony’s PRO-HG Duo HX format, consumers can transfer nearly two hours of full high-definition video to a PC in approximately 13 minutes (using supplied adapter).

Price and Availability

The HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V will be available in September for about $1,100 and $1,300 respectively. They will be available at Sony Style® retail stores, online through www.sonystyle.com and at authorized dealers nationwide.

If you’ve been holding out for a Flip Mino-style camcorder but haven’t been able to justify the $150+ price tag, here’s something that may be of interest to you instead.

Amazon is selling the RCA Small Wonder EZ200 camcorder for just $59.99 with free shipping. The camera uses microSD cards for recording footage and features a swiveling LCD screen for standard and flip-around self-recording — the Flip series of camcorders just have a standard, non-flip screen.

There’s also a built-in USB connection like the Flip has, AV output port, simple one-button recording with direct-to-Youtube uploading, and two quality modes (high resolution 640×480 and web quality 320×240).

Audiovox RCA Small Wonder EZ200 Digital Camcorder [Amazon]

Also available at Buy.com [via dealnews]

Secretly taking photos of people is sort of easy to do with a cell phone but it’s probably even easier to do with a Volkswagen-style car key. For $66, Brando will be more than happy to sell you one too.

The Fake Car Key Security Spy Camera captures images at 1280×960 and full motion video at 640×480. Recording is started by hitting the fake lock button on the keyfob itself. There’s a built-in lithium-ion rechargable battery, 2GB of storage, and a mini-USB connection for recharging and dumping the files onto your computer.

That’s right, a state-of-the-art “vedio” recorder.

Fake Car Key Security Spy Camera [Brando]

For those eXtreme moments in your life, the VholdR Wearable Camcorder attaches to your crash helmet, handlebars, vehicle, safety harness, etc. allowing you to capture up to two hours of “TV quality audio and video in all weather conditions” — that’s a fancy way of saying 640×480.

Video is captured to a microSD card and can be geotagged and uploaded to VholdR’s website (see Peter’s hands-on with the HD version).

Currently selling for $229 and up, Amazon has it as a one-day deal for $99 with free shipping.

VholdR Wearable Camcorder (Black) [Amazon via Fatwallet]