Skip to Content

WoW Insider is getting ready for BlizzCon!
AOL Tech

Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC

by Darren Murph posted Oct 6th 2009 at 11:29PM Featured Story


We can't say for certain how good it feels to hoist this big-faced behemoth onto one's shoulder, but it's the first time we've seen Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 3D camcorder out and about since its fabled introduction at NAB earlier this year. Strategically placed beside a 3D Avatar trailer demo, the camcorder looked exactly like the press shot we saw of the prototype before, though there's still no formal word on when it'll be used to film your friend's Bar Mitzvah (or anything else half as cool). A boy can dream, yeah?
Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC

Flip Video remote control shows up at FCC -- bigger things to come?

by Vladislav Savov posted Oct 2nd 2009 at 5:52AM

A brand spanking new filing with the FCC shows a Flip Video-branded RF remote control, produced by Foxconn, which frankly raises more questions than it answers. Looking at its robust size, which is comparable to that of the Flip Ultra Video HD, we can be pretty sure this isn't meant to remotely control anything that's out at the moment. Head honcho Jonathan Kaplan has already expressed a definite interest in expanding the brand, and Cisco's acquisition of Pure Digital was said to be "key" to its strategy of expanding its presence in the "media-enabled home." So, given the parent company's somewhat unsuccessful history of building media hubs, and the simplified control scheme that just screams for an on-screen menu, this may well be the prelude to a new Flip-branded whole-home DVR setup, an idea that Cisco discussed over the summer. Or it could be something entirely different -- we just know it's something. See more pictures after the break.

Continue reading Flip Video remote control shows up at FCC -- bigger things to come?

Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 1st 2009 at 3:56AM

We've said it before and we'll say it again, sports, not movies or video games is 3D's killer app, and this prototype camera from Sony is designed specifically to help bring the two closer together. Set to debut at CEATEC next week, the HFR Comfort-3D records at 240 fps through just one lens instead of two thanks to a new half-mirror system that takes left and right eye images at the same time, better for capturing fast motion and providing viewers lacking polarized glasses a 2D picture with minimal blurring. One of our few complaints during last year's BCS National Championship 3D experience was occasional benefits caused by fast left-right motion which this system could make a non-issue. Check after the break for a detailed (in Japanese) diagram that should help make things clearer -- for those that can read the language -- the rest of us are waiting for ESPN or someone else to tote a few of these down to the Super Bowl in 2010 and make magic happen.

[Via AV Watch thanks Derek for English PR]

Continue reading Sony single lens 240 fps camera is great for 3D (& 2D) sports

GoPro releases first footage from 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam

by Tim Stevens posted Sep 29th 2009 at 8:51AM

GoPro releases first footage from 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam
GoPro announced its 1080p HD Hero Wide helmet cam earlier this year, back when people were jumping off of high things and speeding around other things whilst wearing helmets. Now the summer adventure season is drawing to a close, the winter one is starting to develop, and the company has released a series of high-def, high-adrenaline clips to show what that camera can do -- most filmed when the days were still long and the sun still high. Sadly the videos are not embeddable, but click on that read link for your morning dose of speed. The company has also released a good bit of information about the cam, that it's 30fps at the full 1080p or an optional 60fps mode at 720p. 720p footage is recorded at a particularly wide 170 degrees, while 1080p footage is slightly less wide (though still rather broad) 127. Also, the company promises that the microphone will actually be usable at speed, a rarity in this sort of device. It's all slated to ship this fall, and we look forward to putting one through its paces then.

JVC brings $1,000 HD Everio GZ-HM400 camcorder to America

by Darren Murph posted Sep 14th 2009 at 10:22AM


JVC introduced its HD Everio GZ-HM400 in Japan way back in late July, but at long last, the time has come for the Yanks in attendance to grab one as their own. Shipping now (as in, right now) here on US soil, the Full HD camcorder packs a 10.3 megapixel sensor, 32GB of internal storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot and the ability to capture stills at 9 megapixels. Over on the video side, users will have access to a trio of slow-motion recording modes (600fps, 300fps and 120fps), though we can't express in mere words how disheartened we are to hear that this thing utilizes the thoroughly worthless AVCHD format. If you aren't bothered in the least by that, you can pick yours up now for a nickel shy of a grand.

Canon's VIXIA HF S11 HD camcorder makes its way to the USA

by Donald Melanson posted Aug 19th 2009 at 12:06PM


It's already been available in Japan for a little while now, but it looks like folks in the US will soon finally be able to get their hands on Canon's new VIXIA HF S11 HD camcorder as well. One of the biggest advantages this one has over the previous S10 model is 64GB of internal storage (or twice as much as before), which Canon assures us will let you record a full 24 hours of high definition video -- or more if you toss a few SDHC cards in your bag. You'll also be able to record full HD video in your choice of a 24p Cinema or 30p Progressive modes, capture some 8-megapixel still images, take advantage of features like face detection and a full range of manual controls, and make use of an all new RA-V1 Remote Control Adapter to pair it with various third-party remote controllers. Look for this one to hit in mid-September for $1,399.99, while the remote adapter will set you back $120.

[Via EarthTimes]

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best on the go HD camcorder?

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 6th 2009 at 12:30PM Featured Story


Summer time is in full swing, and we're sure you've got plenty of activities to attend to, but what about capturing those for later viewing on your HDTV? Since we last visited the HD camcorder question, a flood of mini HD capable cams have hit the scene, but which one is the best? We'll let Mariusz lay out his priorities:

"For some time now I've been thinking about getting one of these, but still cannot make my mind up. I'm looking for a camcorder that is portable first of all (will mostly use it outdoors, also for paintball and airsoft games), the quality(720p / 1080p) and functionality will come second and storage options third. I know there is quite a few products on the market from Kodak, Flip and Creative (and probably few more), but still do not know which one to choose... Hopefully Engadget's readers will help me with my decision-making."

We can relate Mariusz, you need something easy to take on the go, with good image quality and settings and last of all easy to play back later. Surely a few of you have faced the same dilemma, let us know which hardware you've picked up and how it's working for you.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 4:14AM


Lookie here -- time for yet another HD camcorder in the quickly expanding Everio family. Launched today in the Land of the Rising Sun, the JVC Everio GZ-HM400 is a Full HD shooter with a 10.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.8-inch flip-out LCD, 32GB of built-in storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot, HDMI output, a 10x optical zoom and a fairly preposterous (in a good way) 600fps slo-mo mode, just like that ultra-sleek GZ-X900 we peeked back in March. The unit can also snap 9 megapixel still shots and hold nearly three hours of Full HD content before needing a USB-led cleansing. Indeed, this here camcorder mimics the aforesaid GZ-X900 in pretty much every way save for design, and it's expected on Japanese store shelves early next month for ¥110,000 ($1,157).

[Via Akihabara News]

Read - JVC press release
Read - Hands-on shots

Continue reading JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan

JVC 4K camcorder set to transmit solar eclipse cameras live July 22

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 17th 2009 at 10:42AM


Not satisfied with just rolling out prototypes and specs, JVC is putting its 4K compact camcorder prototype to work to screen a live solar eclipse throughout several live venues (also in 4K at some locations) in Japan. This camera is the first to deliver its high res, 60p video in real-time, so it can be broadcast a look through the 190-degree fisheye lens shown attached in the picture above in sky domes by 4K projectors. Anyone want to see if they can get Cinedigm on this?

Sony unveils two new 1080p Handycams

by Nilay Patel posted Jul 7th 2009 at 4:33PM


Nothing too remarkable about Sony's latest HD camcorders, but the new 64GB HDR-CX520V and 32GB HDR-CX500V are solid updates nonetheless. Identical apart from the built-in storage, both feature an Exmor R CMOS sensor with BIONZ processing that should offer solid low-light performance and decent 12 megapixel stills, Optical SteadyShot with a new active mode and three-way shake cancellation, Face Touch autofocus that allows you to simply point at faces to prioritize focus in order, and, most notably, 60p output, which'll interpolate your footage to 60 progressive frames per second when connected to a compatible HDTV. Not a bad piece of kit, but they'll cost ya: the HDR-CX500V will run $1,100 and the HDR-CX520V will be $1,300 when they arrive in September.

ContourHD helmet cam now shipping for aggro dads everywhere

by Tim Stevens posted Jun 17th 2009 at 7:01AM

ContourHD helmet cam now shipping for aggro dads everywhere
Some dads like grilling, some dads like football, and some dads like tacoing wheels on rocky downhill mountain bike runs. For that latter group (and any other similarly action-oriented folks of either gender), the VholdR ContourHD is now shipping just in time for Father's Day -- and the summer injury season. The 720p wearable cam was announced back in April and we recently received one for in-house testing. We'll provide our full impressions on it soon, but for now enjoy the thrilling red-light footage after the break captured at last week's Brammo Entertia test ride, or go ahead and pick up your own. MSRP is $299.99, but Amazon's selling them for $20 less and throwing in a $50 gift card to boot -- savings that will do little to offset the cost of fixing your broken clavicle if you don't take it easy on the whoopties.

Continue reading ContourHD helmet cam now shipping for aggro dads everywhere

Panasonic's HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 HD camcorders get US price, release date

by Darren Murph posted Jun 8th 2009 at 8:00AM


Right, so these two may not actually be the world's lightest HD camcorders without qualifications, but hey, they're still amongst the least burdensome on the market today. Speaking of which, Panny has just let loose details on US pricing and availability, though it looks as if you'll need to hunt elsewhere if hoping to capture all those summer vacations in 1080p. Indeed, both the half-pound HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 won't hit American shelves until September, when they'll be available for $549.95 and $599.95, respectively. If you're curious as to what the extra $50 buys you in the TM10, it's an 8GB internal flash drive, whereas the other guy requires you to rely solely on your own SD / SDHC cards. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Panasonic's HDC-SD10 and HDC-TM10 HD camcorders get US price, release date

VOOM HD gear goes up for auction

by Steven Kim posted May 22nd 2009 at 9:43PM

VOOM HD auction paddleListen up, aspiring HD content creators -- VOOM HD's demise could be your gain. If the HD video features of the latest crop of DSLRs and DILs (digital interchangeable lens) aren't enough for you, you'll have a chance to pick up some of VOOM HD's gear at an auction on June 16. Among the items up for grabs are a bunch of Sony HD camcorders, Canon HD lenses, and 5 Panasonic PT-AE2000U projectors that we imagine would do a perfectly fine job in the living room. If you've got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, this could be a great way to jump-start your HD rig, but those attending the auction in person will need to watch out for snipers sitting in on the webcast.

Panasonic breaking more arbitrary records with two new 1080p24 camcorders

by Tim Stevens posted May 20th 2009 at 7:03AM

Panasonic breaking more arbitrary records with two new 1080p24 camcorders
Another day, another couple of Panasonic HD camcorders. This pair may not be the "world's lightest" (with an asterisk) like the entrants we saw yesterday, but each sports a dubious record of their own. First is the HDC-TM30 (pictured after the break), another "world's lightest" cam, this one with the caveat that, at 227 grams, it's the lightest with 32GB of internal storage. It sports a 16x (44 - 706mm equivalent) optically stabilized zoom ahead of a single CMOS sensor that can record 1080p24 video. The other player, the HDC-TM350 (above), offers a bit more on the quality front and pledges the "world's largest capacity" full HD camcorder -- with 64GB of storage. That equates to a nigh-ridiculous 16 hours of 1080p24 video shot through a stabilized 12x (45 - 540mm equivalent) lens. It even records 5.1 audio, but with the mics all placed within what looks to be a one square inch patch don't expect great channel separation here. Both are set for release in late-June for undisclosed (but hopefully non-record-breaking) prices.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading Panasonic breaking more arbitrary records with two new 1080p24 camcorders

JVC debuts 8K / 4K prototype camcorders, moviemakers drool

by Darren Murph posted May 12th 2009 at 10:02AM


Aw, snap. Just when you thought the 4K market couldn't get any more dominated by RED and the gang, along comes JVC to shake things up. For reasons unknown, the company has chosen now (and not a few weeks back at NAB) to unleash its prototype 4K and 8K camcorders, both of which boast D-ILA technology and can capture clips at a downright mind-blowing 8,912 x 4,320 or 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. There's also a more "compact" sibling which does 4K only, but even it provides plenty of pixels to zoom and pan in unprecedented clarity on. So JVC -- you, us, CEDIA 2009. It's a date, cool?

Update: More details here. Thanks, Geoff!




AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Joystiq
Download Squad
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
BloggingStocks
Joystiq Xbox
Autoblog
Big Download
Fanhouse NFL Blog