Sony HXR-NX30 camcorder: built-in projector, 96GB storage for $2,500

Don't worry, lone gunslingers, today isn't just about the NEX-FS700. Sony's pro range has also been bolstered with the HXR-NX30 for videographers who need to travel light. This model sacrifices interchangeable lenses in favor of a palm-friendly form factor with a 26mm-260mm (35mm equivalent) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T fixed lens. The camera sports Sony's ‘Balanced Optical SteadyShot' technology, which means both the lens and the sensor assembly are floated as a single element to minimize camera shake. Unlike that of the larger NEX-VG20, the HXR-NX30′s sensor is shrunken too: it's an Exmor R CMOS that's only slightly larger than 1x3-inch. The North American NX30U variant handles 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 30p and 24p, as well as 60i and 720x60p, stored as AVCHD on the camera's 96GB of internal memory. A detachable XLR unit takes care of pro-quality audio. Weirdly, the HXR-NX30 even houses a built-in projector that plays back 100-inch footage from a distance of 16 feet. It's an interesting feature, but will it be worth its weight?

Sony outs NEX-FS700 cinema camera: does crazy slow-mo now, 4K coming later

Sony stole our hearts with the NEX-FS100, which brought large-sensor filming into the reach of low-budget productions. When we heard rumors of a 4K-capable FS700 model coming for $9,000, known in North America as the NEX-FS700U or in Europe as the NEX-FS700E, we got ready to hand over our kidneys too. Now that the FS700 is official and scheduled to land in June, we're faced with a couple of caveats. The price seems to have shifted slightly to “less than $10,000,” but more importantly the camera's 4K superpowers have been delayed until a promised firmware upgrade that will enable a 4K bitstream output from the 3G HD-SDI port to a compatible Sony recorder. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons to get renal right away: The camera can shoot Super Slow Motion of up to 120 frames a second in a 16-second burst, or 240 fps in an 8-second burst. If you need even crazier time-suspension, the FS700 does 960 fps too, so long as you're prepared to sacrifice 1080p. It takes E-mount interchangeable lenses, has built-in ND filters and a packs a Super 35 sensor with 11.6 million pixels — ready to spring to life once that new firmware arrives.

Samsung's ST200F goes on sale in Korea, wants you to know it exists

Having trouble remembering Samsung's ST200F? You're forgiven as it was announced during the feed-busting monster that is CES, and alongside three other (arguably more interesting) Sammy WiFi-enabled shooters. No matter, as today the company's jogged our memory by letting us know the 16 megapixel shooter will soon soon grace Korean shelves for ₩249,000 (or around $200). Those buying will also be granted to a 10x optical zoom, 802.11 antennae and 720p video recording. And best of all, a quick perusal of online retailers reveal it's already up for preorder and will likely ship stateside in mid-April. Considerably later than the previously promised "February" ship date, but beggars can't be choosers. Right?

Thanko releases its Mini Canon 5D MK III clone with the Mame Cam XL DSLR

Here you are another "Chobi-Cam" from Thanko with this time the Mame Cam XL DSLR. With its Canon 5D MK III like shape this compact camera is, unlike what its name wants us to believe, not a DSLR but a compact toy camera (154x135x105mm) with a 1.5" (480×240) screen capable to shoot 720x30p video as well as 5Mpix Photos with a 2560×1920 resolution! The Mame Cam XL DSLR Also come with an x4 digital zoom and support miscorSD cards up to 64GB in just 155g worth of camera! Anyway this little wonder can be yours for just 185 USD via GeekStuff4U.

Samsung ST200F WiFi-Equipped Camera Now in Korea

After being introduced at this year's CES, we haven't heard much about Samsung's ST200F. Not anymore. Samsung Korea has announced that its WiFi-enabled camera will grace domestic shelves soon. The Samsung ST200F features a 16-megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, and 720p video recording. The device is already available for pre-order with a ₩249,000 (around $200) price tag. Samsung fans in the US will have to wait mid-April for its retail launch.

Sony PMW-100 XDCAM HD422 Handheld Camcorder

Here's a look at Sony's upcoming handheld camcorder, the PMW-100 XDCAM HD422. This light and compact camcorder sports a 1x2.9-inch “Exmor” CMOS sensor, a 5.4-54mm (40-400mm equivalent) zoom lens, a full color 3.5-inch WVGA (852 x 480) LCD screen, The Slow & Quick Motion function and supports Full HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50Mbps MXF recording. The PMW-100 XDCAM HD422 will start shipping in May for unannounced price yet. [PhotographyBlog]

Phase One iXA Aerial Camera

The Phase One iXA is an integrated medium format camera system for aerial photography. Available in a 80-megapixel or a 60-megapixel models, the iXA is designed to easily incorporate into existing or new systems. The camera is capable of superior performance under tough aerial conditions. The 60-megapixel version retails for $53,000, while the 80-megapixel model is priced at $60,000. [Phase One]

Canon EOS 60Da: the DSLR for that astrophotographer in your life

What if all the answers to the universe resided in the stars? What if your real home was in space? What if you had a camera engineered specifically to capture the beauty of the night sky? You do. Canon has just outed the proper successor to the EOS 20Da, with the 60Da “catering to astronomers and hobbyists” who'd rather spend their clicks on galaxies than flowers and Earthlings. According to Canon, there's a “modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity” — something that presumably means the world to astronomers. In more understandable terms, it's packing an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C), a 3-inch Clear View LCD (you know, the flip-out kind), a nine-point autofocus system and TV-out support. The Silent Shooting feature that we already praised on the EOS 5D Mark III is here as well, as is a native ISO ceiling of 6,400 and an expandable range that reaches 12,800. Canon also throws in its RA-E3 remote controller adapter — a vital accessory for those looking to shoot timed exposures greater than 30 seconds — as well as an AC adapter kit for those all-night sessions. It'll hit select dealers later this month for $1,499, and no, this is not a joke.

Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam

Logitech has announced the availability of the BCC950 ConferenceCam. Designed for unified communications (UC), the gadget features an omnidirectional full-duplex speaker phone with echo cancellation audio, a Full HD webcam, a Carl Zeiss optic to provide a sharp image and an included remote controller. The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam connects to your computer via an 8-foot USB cable, allowing you to adjust camera height, distance, and video angles. It is able to capture up to 1080p video with 30 frames per seconds. The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam will be released in May 2012 for $249.99. [Logitech]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 Digital Camera Available For Pre-Order

B&H Photo has begun taking pre-orders for Sony's upcoming Cyber-shot DSC-WX150 digital camera. This compact camera retails for $249.99 and will begin shipping from May 16th. In case you didn't know, the DSC-WX150 packs an 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 25-275mm Sony G lens, a 10x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD screen, an MS Duo/SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a mini HDMI port and 1080x60i Full HD video capture. [Product Page]

Sony outs NEX-FS700 cinema camera: does crazy slow-mo now, 4K coming later

Sony stole our hearts with the NEX-FS100, which brought large-sensor filming into the reach of low-budget productions. When we heard rumors of a 4K-capable FS700 model coming for $9,000, known in North America as the NEX-FS700U or in Europe as the NEX-FS700E, we got ready to hand over our kidneys too. Now that the FS700 is official and scheduled to land in June, we're faced with a couple of caveats. The price seems to have shifted slightly to "less than $10,000," but more importantly the camera's 4K superpowers have been delayed until a promised firmware upgrade that will enable a 4K bitstream output from the 3G HD-SDI port to a compatible Sony recorder. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons to get renal right away: The camera can shoot Super Slow Motion of up to 120 frames a second in a 16-second burst, or 240 fps in an 8-second burst. If you need even crazier time-suspension, the FS700 does 960 fps too, so long as you're prepared to sacrifice 1080p. It takes E-mount interchangeable lenses, has built-in ND filters and a packs a Super 35 sensor with 11.6 million pixels - ready to spring to life once that new firmware arrives. Check out the press release after the break for more specs, including a full list of the 60x50Hz switchable output formats, and make sure you keep something left over for a suitable projector.

Sony HXR-NX30 a compact professional grade NXCAM from Sony

This is maybe the weirdest combo that we have seen from Sony since quite sometime! I am sure that we all remember Sony's HDR-PJ50V, PJ30V and PJ10, three compact camcorder introduced early January 2011 that came with a built-in video projector? Well Guess what? Sony announced today the HXR-NX30 a "Professional" grade version of the PJ30V that comes with its video projector but also a "Pro" layer of improvements including 26mm-260mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T fixed lens, Sony's ‘Balanced Optical SteadyShot' technology (IS) and detachable XLR input. The HXR-NX30 is handles 1080x60p as well as 60i/30x24p videos all in AVCHD. “This high-quality yet easy-to-use camcorder is an extremely versatile field production tool,” said Chiyoko Yannette, marketing manager at Sony Electronics' Professional Solutions of America group. “It's perfect for documentary makers, video journalists, educational establishments or corporate users, for shooting in many different situations where other stabilization equipment is not practical such as on-board a vehicle or in a crowd.” Conventional image stabilization systems typically “float” an individual lens element with a motor drive to compensate for camera shake. Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ combines the entire lens and image sensor assembly into one floating element that moves as a unit to reduce the shaking effect caused by normal motion during shooting. The new HXR-NX30U records at full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution using a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (35mm equivalent :26.0mm -260mm) for superb optical quality, sharpness and brightness. The camcorder's 1x2.88-inch image sensor uses Sony's Exmor R™ CMOS technology, which significantly enhances low-light performance, speeds image readout, reduces rolling shutter artifacts and enables a range of frame rates – 1080x60p, 1080x30p, 24p, 60i, 720x60p. Using AVCHD recording, the camera has 96 gigabytes of internal memory (approximately 40 hours of HD content), with a slot that accepts either SD or Memory Stick media cards for additional recording capacity. A built-in video projector lets users play back images of up to 100 inches from a distance of about 16 feet (5m) on any flat surface. This feature is ideal for reviewing footage in the field or on a set, when a monitor is either not available or convenient to use. The HXR-NX30U also features a detachable XLR unit and professional-quality audio, record level control, the option of Linear PCM audio recording, time code, and the ability to reset time code on multiple NXCAMs via infrared remote control. The HXR-NX30U is planned to be available in June for a suggested list price of less than $2,500.

Sony announced the NEX-FS700 Cinema Camera

Will 2012 be the year of "affordable" 4K Cameras? Well it seems that maybe true after all! JVC announced its compact 4K Camera last month, the GY-HMQ10 and now its is Sony's turn to announce their 4K Professional Camera the NEX-FS700. Well 4K not really, well at least not today. See the NEX-FS700 is technically speaking a 4K Camera and comes with Sony's 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor, BUT! And yep there is a but, Sony announced however that this new NEX-FS700 will be launch without the support of 4K Video but with a soon to be released firmware update that will unleash the camera true potential. Yep at $10,000 USD I will also be quite disappointed to not be able to use the true power of my camera. However, the NEX-FS700 comes several Slow-Motion features that will allow you to shoot 120fps and 240fps 1080p videos as well as a stunning 960fps mode in 480p. So bottom line, if you are not in rush to shoot 4K video, have some spare cash and want to shoot mind blowing 240fps 1080p videos, well the NEX-FS700 is exactly what you are looking for!! PS: Who's interested in one of my kidney for 10,000 USD or a NEX-FS700? “This camera opens a new door to creative shooting,” said Juan Martinez, senior product manager at Sony Electronics' Professional Solutions of America group. “You can record beautiful high speed full HD movies with the freedom of creative interchangeable lens choice. The NEX-FS700U, with its super slow motion mode, is ideal for promos, TV dramas, commercials and documentaries as well as sports and a variety of event shooting.” The camera delivers full HD quality at 120 and 240 frames per second in a 16 or 8 second burst mode respectively. The NEX-FS700U's high sensitivity and low noise shooting capability makes super slow motion shooting more convenient without the need for additional equipment. Its 480 fps and 960 fps at reduced resolution are available for faster frame rate recording. The NEX-FS700U camcorder uses a new 4K “Exmor” Super 35 CMOS sensor (Total 11.6 million pixels). This high-speed readout chip is optimized for motion picture shooting, giving high sensitivity, low noise and minimal aliasing. The NXCAM line's E-Mount flexibility is designed to accept virtually all SLR and DSLR 35mm lenses, with the use of simple, inexpensive adapters without optical degradation. FS series owners can use their existing lenses and add more lenses without being limited to brands or mounts. Users can capture high-quality still images with the NEX-FS700U. The camera also includes “face detection” and auto focus to help ensure that a subject is always kept in focus. With the NEX-FS700U, operators can take advantage of the camera's built-in ND filters, with a newly designed ND filter wheel that rotates across the sensor like a turret. The wheel includes positions for Clear, 1x4 (2 Stop), 1x16 (4 Stop), and 1x64 (6 Stop). The camera is 60x50Hz switchable to give shooters the freedom of working in any geographic region without being restricted to only PAL or NTSC recording. The NEX-FS700U's 3G HD-SDI and HDMI connectors can output full HD 50p and 60p, in addition to standard HD 60i, 24p, 25p or 30p frame rates with embedded time code and audio. With 3G HD-SDI, it can output native 23.98, 25, 29.97 progressive signals. Users can elect to output PsF over the 3G HD-SDI. Thanks to flexibility of the digital ports virtually any external recorder can be paired. Users can save up to 99 camera profile settings on a memory card, and can copy the same setting to multiple cameras. Compatible media includes SD and Memory Stick cards, and Sony's HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit that attaches to the camera. The NEX-FS700U features a robust detachable top handle, secured by a pair of screws (a cold shoe, plus two sets of 1x4 and 3x8 inch holes) to allow secure mounting for heavy accessories. The handle is attached with a rosette mount. A key element of the handle is an “active grip” that features four buttons for commonly used functions - expanded focus, auto iris, still capture and recording start/stop. Function buttons are also enlarged to make operation easy even while wearing gloves. The camcorder's enhanced design also includes anchor points for compatibility with third-party accessories and a more durable design than previous models. Sony is planning a future firmware upgrade that will enable the NEX-FS700U to output 4K bitstream data over 3G HD-SDI when used with an optional Sony 4K recorder. The NEX-FS700U (body only) and NEX-FS700UK (with 18-200mm zoom lens) are planned to be available in June at a suggested list price less than $10,000.

Sony HXR-NX30 camcorder: built-in projector, 96GB storage for $2,500 (video)

Don't worry, lone gunslingers, today isn't just about the NEX-FS700. Sony's pro range has also been bolstered with the HXR-NX30 for videographers who need to travel light. This model sacrifices interchangeable lenses in favor of a palm-friendly form factor with a 26mm-260mm (35mm equivalent) Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T fixed lens. The camera sports Sony's 'Balanced Optical SteadyShot' technology, which means both the lens and the sensor assembly are floated as a single element to minimize camera shake. Unlike that of the larger NEX-VG20, the HXR-NX30's sensor is shrunken too: it's an Exmor R CMOS that's only slightly larger than 1x3-inch. The North American NX30U variant handles 1920 x 1080 at 60p, 30p and 24p, as well as 60i and 720x60p, stored as AVCHD on the camera's 96GB of internal memory. A detachable XLR unit takes care of pro-quality audio. Weirdly, the HXR-NX30 even houses a built-in projector that plays back 100-inch footage from a distance of 16 feet. It's an interesting feature, but will it be worth its weight?

ION Air Pro POV

People are getting more and more acquainted with portable action cameras, especially the sporty types. It allows them to record action video of their exploits from their own point of view of the action. While there can be a limited number wearable action cameras available, it is by any means a growing market that has attracted other makers into the fold. One of those who will be in this mix is ION as it introduces its new ION Air Pro POV Camera. The new ION Air Pro POV Action Camera is an action camera that allows users to shoot HD video while also sharing it with friends online in real time. It is one of the very first smartphone compatible action cameras in the market. It is both compatible with iOS and Android devices. It can be attached conveniently on a bike mount or in any type of helmet via its CamLOCK System. It also comes with a rechargeable battery that's good for up to 7 hours of recording time. WiFi capability allows this camera to wirelessly connect with a smartphone and share what it sees to people online in real time. Consider it as a portable HD Action Webcam that you can connect to your smartphone. The ION Air Pro PIV camera is now available in the market and will go for around 229 UK Pounds or US$365 for only the camera. The full WiFi version of the camera will cost around 299 UK Pounds or US$475 when it comes out next month.

Lensbaby Composer Pro gets Samsung, Sony, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless mounts

Lensbaby faithfuls awaiting a mirrorless-compatible Composer Pro lens need not hold out any longer. The company's high-end creative optic is now shipping for mirrorless mounts of the Samsung NX, Sony NEX and Micro Four Thirds variety - including the Panasonic Lumix G and Olympus PEN. These latest additions join Canon, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax K and Four Thirds versions, which are all available for 300 bucks

ZoomX Superzoom Digital Camera

Check out this newly added superzoom digital camera to Chinavasion's product page. Called the ZoomX, the camera sports a 16MP Sony CMOS sensor, a 21x optical zoom lens (25-525mm), a 3.0-inch HVGA TFT LCD screen, a 128MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a mini USB port, an HDMI port and 1080p Full HD video capture (60fps). The ZoomX will set you back $234.90. [Product Page]

Enlight Photo ioShutter

Enlight Photo's ioShutter will turn your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into a wired remote release. The ioShutter is compatible with Canon, Hasselblad or Pentax digital cameras. It is easy to use. You just need to plug one end of the ioShutter cable into the camera's remote terminal and the other into the device's headphone jack, and then install the ioShutter app on your iOS devices. You can download the free version of ioShutter app from iTunes. The pro version of the app retails for only $9.99. The ioShutter is currently available via the Enlight Photo Online Pro Store for $69.99. [PhotographyBLOG]

Canon EOS 60Da: the DSLR for that astrophotographer in your life

What if all the answers to the universe resided in the stars? What if your real home was in space? What if you had a cameraengineered specifically to capture the beauty of the night sky? You do. Canon has just outed the proper successor to the EOS 20Da, with the 60Da "catering to astronomers and hobbyists" who'd rather spend their clicks on galaxies than flowers and Earthlings. According to Canon, there's a "modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity" - something that presumably means the world to astronomers. In more understandable terms, it's packing an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C), a 3-inch Clear View LCD (you know, the flip-out kind), a nine-point autofocus system and TV-out support. The Silent Shooting feature that we already praised on the EOS 5D Mark III is here as well, as is a native ISO ceiling of 6,400 and an expandable range that reaches 12,800. Canon also throws in its RA-E3 remote controller adapter - a vital accessory for those looking to shoot timed exposures greater than 30 seconds - as well as an AC adapter kit for those all-night sessions. It'll hit select dealers later this month for $1,499, and no, this is not a joke.

Sony PMW-100 camcorder brings 50Mbps bitrate in an itty-bitty package

When is full 1920 x 1080 footage not really HD? When a broadcaster rejects it for not meeting its 50Mbps bitrate criteria. There's only a few handheld cameras that can capture video with such gentle compression, and a lot of those require a third-party add-on recorder to achieve it - but not Sony's new XDCAM shooter, the PMW-100. It has a 1x2.9-inch Exmor sensor sitting behind a 40-400mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens and outputs 1080p, 1080i, and 720p at up to 50Mbps using MPEG HD422 compression. SxS cards are the primary media, but there's HD/SD-SDI output too should you still need it. Sound recording is equally data-heavy, letting you hear interviewees dodge questions in four channels of glorious 24-bit uncompressed 48kHz audio - unless of course your diminutive kit fools them into thinking you're harmless. The PMW-100 should start shipping in May for an as yet undisclosed price,

Dropcam HD WiFi monitoring camera now shipping for $149

We've had the opportunity to spend time with an early version of the Dropcam HD WiFi monitoring camera prior to its CES unveiling, and now the company is finally ready to get the product out to the masses. Starting today, the bantam security camera is shipping from the outfit's site for $149, with that tally netting you a USB-powered camera with automatic night vision, HD-quality video, two-way audio support, optional DVR-style recording ($9.95+ per month) and always-on access. As stated in our review, users can access a live stream of what it's watching (or they're watching, if using multiple cams) from any web browser, iPhone or Android-based device, and privacy advocates should know that all streams are "encrypted with bank-level security, and streamed through the cloud, not your computer, so it's safe in case of any computer trouble or theft."

New Canon EOS 60Da DSLR Camera For Astronomy Enthusiasts Captures The True Colors Of The Cosmos

Canon today introduced the EOS 60Da Digital SLR Camera, a long-awaited successor to the EOS 20Da that is optimized for astrophotography. This DSLR caters to astronomers and hobbyists who enjoy capturing the beauty of the night sky by offering a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity. These modifications allow the camera to capture magnificent photographs of “red hydrogen emission” nebulae and other cosmic phenomena. The Canon EOS 60Da camera packs a powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) that produces sharp and high-contrast images of astronomical objects, a major enhancement over the EOS 20Da model's 8.2-megapixel sensor. The improved infrared-blocking filter is a modification suited specifically toward astronomy enthusiasts to achieve a hydrogen-alpha light sensitivity that is approximately three times higher than that of a normal Canon DSLR camera. This produces a 20-percent higher transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or H α wavelength, allowing astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae. Enhanced Features Crisp images of the stars and planets can be viewed on the EOS 60Da's improved 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots for detailed focusing. The flip-out Vari-angle screen allows photographers to adjust the screen for easy viewing without straining even while the camera is mounted to a telescope via a third-party T-ring adapter. Optimized for stargazing with friends or in an educational setting, astronomy enthusiasts can connect the camera to a TV with the provided AVC-DC400ST Stereo AV Video Cable and display the night sky on a TV monitor using the camera's Live View mode. Moreover, the EOS 60Da's Live View mode is equipped with a Silent Shooting feature that eliminates shutter-induced vibration for maximum camera stability when the camera is mounted to a telescope or super-telephoto EF lens. Enhanced noise reduction on the EOS 60Da sensor offers photographers the ability to experiment with the wide array of ISO settings and increased ISO speeds up to 6400 expandable to 12800. Other features include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities. Accessories The EOS 60Da helps capture the wonders of the night sky with its use of Canon's award-winning EF and EF-S lenses along with other EOS accessories. Additionally, the EOS 60Da is packaged with Canon's RA-E3 Remote Controller Adapter, providing the ability to connect a Canon Timer Remote Control such as the TC-80N3 (optional accessory). The TC-80N3 is ideal for controlling time exposures longer than 30 seconds as well as capturing a series of consecutive time exposures that can be composited during post-processing for improved image quality. This is especially useful when the camera body is connected to a telescope or an EF super telephoto lens. Canon has also included an AC adapter kit with the EOS 60Da, allowing the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered inverter, ideal for long exposure image or video capture at home or in the field. Availability As a specialized product, the EOS 60Da is only available to order from select authorized dealers. The estimated retail price is $1,499.00 and it is expected to be available this month.

Sony introduces a new Professional XDCAM HD with the PMW-100

Here you are another professional camera from Sony, the PMW-100. Announced at 409,500 Yen and schedule for later this may, this new Camera comes with the support of XDCAM HD422 at 50Mbps. Impressed? Well Panasonic with its HVX Series 4 years ago was capable to deliver 100Mbps Videos on its P2 Cards, so finally let's say that Sony is finally catching-up! However, we have to admit that this new camera is coming with some pretty impressive image enhancement thank to its 1x2.9-inch Exmor sensor and its 40-400mm lens! Anyway, The PMW-100 comes with the support of Sony's SxS cards as well as SD and HD SDI. Advancement in digital imaging technology has enabled professional journalists and videographers to cover stories by using portable devices such as mobile phones, DSLRs and consumer camcorders. However, when compared to main-stream shoulder mount camcorders, there is still a significant gap in image quality, ease of editing and data management. The PMW-100 achieves the best of both worlds, by recording full broadcast quality MPEG HD422 video within a hand-held form factor. Equipped with a newly developed 1x2.9-inch “Exmor” CMOS sensor, it delivers excellent picture performance and also achieves the minimum illumination of 0.08lx. Featuring a 5.4-54mm (40-400mm in 35mm equivalent) zoom lens, the versatile PMW-100 allow users to work in virtually any production environment where mobility and flexibility is highly valued. “The PMW-100 combines exceptional picture quality with portability and outstanding manoeuvrability based on the proven XDCAM workflow, taking professional users to a whole new level of productivity. The development of the PMW-100 is a natural step in the progression of the XDCAM range and is a direct response to our customers requirements. Long-time XDCAM users requested a light and compact camcorder that will not only work seamlessly on its own, but also alongside other XDCAM cameras such as the acclaimed PMW-500,” said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Europe. The PMW-100 supports full-HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50 Mbps MXF recording and playback based on the MPEG HD422 codec using the standard MPEG HD422 Long GOP compression technology. It is also switchable to MPEG HD420 35x25Mbps or DVCAM 25Mbps. The PMW-100 can also record high quality 24-bit four-channel audio at an uncompressed 48kHz. It offers utmost flexibility of using a variety of recording media including the high speed SxS memory card as well as Memory Stick, SD card and XQD as the emergency secondly media. The new “SxS Memory Card Management Utility”* software will provide additional operational convenience with SxS memory card, such as the data back-up function and the lifetime indication of the card in use. Focusing on your subject and reviewing recorded footage is a breeze with the full colour 3.5-inch WVGA (852×480) LCD. The Slow & Quick Motion function enables users to create artistic fast and slow-motion footage from 1fps to 60fps in 720p mode and from 1fps to 30fps in 1080p mode. The camera also incorporates HD/SD-SDI output, Composite output, Genlock input, time code input/output, i.LINK (HDV/DV) input/output, and A/V output. The PMW-100 will start shipping in May 2012. * “SxS Memory Card Management Utility” will be available to download from May 10th.

Canon EOS 60Da DSLR Camera

Canon has unveiled the EOS 60Da DSLR camera for astronomers. As a successor to the Canon 20da astronomy DSLR, the new camera features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a modified infrared filter and a low noise sensor, a 3-inch 1,040,00 dot LCD display, a Live View mode and an included AVC-DC400ST stereo AV video cable. The Canon EOS 60Da can be mounted to telescopes with an adapter. The Canon EOS 60Da will be released in the U.S. market later this month for $1,499. [Akihabara]

Vivikai HD-613 HD Pocket Camcorder

Here's another affordable HD pocket camcorder for you to take home from Vivikai, the HD-613. Priced at only $82.99, this video camera sports a 5MP CMOS image sensor, an 8x digital zoom, a 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen, a 32MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 8GB), a USB port, a TV-out and 720p HD video recording capabilities (30fps). [Product Page]