Tag: Stabilization

by David Burgess on April 8, 2023 0

The Sony Action Camera Users Are Loving Right Now

We all know that Sony makes great cameras. But did you know that they also make some of the best action cameras on the market? That’s right, Sony’s line of action cameras are loved by users for their great image quality, rugged design, and easy-to-use controls.

If you’re in the market for a new action camera, then you should definitely check out Sony’s offerings. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Sony action cameras on the market right now.

Sony FDR-X3000

The Sony FDR-X3000 is one of the best action cameras on the market right now. It’s got 4K video recording, SteadyShot image stabilization, and a wide-angle Zeiss lens. It’s also got built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing of your videos and photos.

Sony HDR-AS50

The Sony HDR-AS50 is another great action camera from Sony. It’s got Full HD video recording, a Zeiss lens, SteadyShot image stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. It’s also got a waterproof housing that’s good for depths up to 30 meters.

Sony FDR-X1000V

The Sony FDR-X1000V is another great action camera from Sony. It’s got 4K video recording, a Zeiss lens, SteadyShot image stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. It’s also got a waterproof housing that’s good for depths up to 60 meters.

Sony HDR-AS200V

The Sony HDR-AS200V is another great action camera from Sony. It’s got Full HD video recording, a Zeiss lens, SteadyShot image stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. It’s also got a waterproof housing that’s good for depths up to 30 meters.

Sony HDR-AS100V

The Sony HDR-AS100V is another great action camera from Sony. It’s got Full HD video recording, a Zeiss lens, SteadyShot image stabilization, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. It’s also got a waterproof housing that’s good for depths up to 30 meters.

These are just some of the great Sony action cameras on the market right now. If you’re in the market for a new action camera, then you should definitely check out Sony’s offerings.

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by David Burgess on April 8, 2023 0

Best Action Cameras For Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it’s also a lot of fun. If you’re thinking about taking up mountain biking, or if you’re already an avid mountain biker, you may be wondering what kind of camera you should use to capture your rides.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a camera for mountain biking. First, you’ll want to make sure that the camera is durable and can withstand a few bumps and bruises. Second, you’ll want to choose a camera that is easy to operate while you’re riding. And finally, you’ll want to make sure that the camera you choose can capture high-quality video and photos.

The best action cameras for mountain biking

With those things in mind, here are a few of the best action cameras for mountain biking:

GoPro Hero7 Black

The GoPro Hero7 Black is one of the most popular action cameras on the market, and for good reason. It’s durable, easy to use, and it takes great video and photos. The Hero7 Black is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet if you take a spill.

DJI Osmo Action

The DJI Osmo Action is another great option for a mountain biking camera. It’s durable, easy to use, and it takes great video and photos. The Osmo Action is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet if you take a spill.

Sony FDR-X3000

The Sony FDR-X3000 is a great option for a mountain biking camera. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and it takes great video and photos. The FDR-X3000 is also splash-proof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet if you take a spill.

Yi 4K Action Camera

The Yi 4K Action Camera is a great option for a mountain biking camera. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and it takes great video and photos. The Yi 4K Action Camera is also splash-proof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet if you take a spill.

No matter which camera you choose, you’re sure to have a blast capturing your mountain biking adventures on film.

How to Choose the Best Action Camera for Mountain Biking

When it comes to mountain biking, having the right action camera can
make all the difference. After all, you want to be able to capture all
the amazing scenery as you speed down the trails. Not to mention, it’s
always nice to be able to re-live those moments of glory (or, let’s
be honest, embarrassing wipeouts). But with all the different action
cameras on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for
you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best action
camera for mountain biking:

What‘s Your Budget?

One of the
first things to consider when choosing an action camera is your budget.
There are a wide range of prices when it comes to action cameras, so
it’s important to find one that fits within your budget. Of course,
you’ll want to make sure that you don’t sacrifice quality for price,
but there are some great options out there that won’t break the bank.

What Features are Important to You?

When
it comes to action cameras, there are a lot of different features to
consider. Do you want a camera that’s waterproof? One with built-in
image stabilization? What about a camera that comes with a mount so you
can attach it to your bike? Think about which features are most
important to you and look for a camera that has them.

How Easy is it to Use?

You
don’t want to spend your time fiddling with your camera when you
could be out on the trails. So, it’s important to find an action
camera that’s easy to use. Look for a camera with a simple interface
and easy-to-use controls. That way, you can focus on your ride, not your
camera.

What Kind of Quality are you Looking for?

When it
comes to action cameras, there are a lot of different options when it
comes to quality. Some cameras can shoot in 4K, while others are limited
to 1080p. Think about the quality you’re looking for and find a
camera that can deliver it.

These are just a few things to keep in
mind when choosing the best action camera for mountain biking. By
considering your budget, the features you want, and how easy the camera
is to use, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect camera
for your needs.

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by Leland Richardson on November 20, 2021 0

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Overview

The JVC Everio GZ-HM1S is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format. It is one of the most expensive models in JVC’s lineup, even though it was introduced in 2010.

The GZ-HM1S carries a suggested retail price of $1199. Full technical specifications for the GZ-HM1S can be found here.

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Video Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080 high definition recording. It supports 24Mbps recording, the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format. The HM1S features the same 10.6-megapixel 1/2.3-inch back-illuminatedCMOS image sensor found on most of the top-of-the-line 2011 Everios. Unlike JVC’s mid-range models, the HM1S cannot record in standard definition (not that you’d really miss it).

The camcorder uses JVC’s “Intelligent Auto” mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments.

You can snap 9-megapixel still photos with the HM1S, and it has a built-in flash to aid in low light photography.

While it’s not quite a replacement for a standalone digital camera, it will deliver sharper pictures than camcorders without a built-in flash.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 10x optical zoom Konica Minolta HD lens on the Everio GZ-HM1S. This optical zoom is joined by two digital zoom technologies: a dynamic zoom can boost magnification to 16x without sacrificing video quality. There’s also a standard digital zoom, which increases magnification to 200x. The lens uses JVC’s “Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer” for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. According to the company, the image stabilization technology can compensate for camera shake at wide-angles and is four times as effective in combating shake than the Advanced Stabilization found on less expensive models in the Everio line. In our experience, JVC has some of the best image stabilization technology in the camcorder market.

The HM1S’s lens is conveniently protected by an automatic lens cap.

Memory and Display

The GZ-HM1S offers 64GB of internal flash memory in addition to a single SDHC memory card slot.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t accept higher-capacity SDXC cards for additional storage capacity, although with 32GB on board, you probably will not find yourself running out of memory. The HM 550 uses JVC’s “seamless recording” system, which automatically switches memory formats when one is full. The camcorder is Eye-Fi ready, so it will automatically recognize when a wireless Eye-Fi memory card is in use.

You’ll frame your recordings on a large 3.5-inch Laser Touch LCD display. The Laser Touch display is something of hybrid – it’s not a touch screen but there are no tactile buttons either. Instead, you’ll find a serious of touch-sensitive controls on the edge of the display, including a swipe bar, for navigating around the HM1S’s menu items. In our experience, this Laser Touch display can be more responsive than small touch screens although it takes some getting used to.

Design

Design-wise, the HM1S cuts an angular (in our view attractive) appearance with nice ergonomics. Thanks to the use of flash memory you’ll still enjoy a light weight body though not as light as JVC’s less expensive HD models (.67 pounds with battery inside). The HM1S measures in at 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.8 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Everios, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV. There is a manual focus wheel adjacent to the lens.

Aesthetically, the HM1S is available in one color – silver, with black accents.

Shooting Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S is outfitted with face detection and a a face flow playback, which highlights faces in a frame in the playback menu so you can search your footage by the people you’ve recorded..

Among the other features you’ll find on the GZ-HM1S is a time-lapse recording function that lets you record one frame at a time for a selectable time interval (between one and 80 seconds). There are several fast frame rate options for recording in slow motion. The effect is very cool but the video files are lower quality, so they won’t look as good on the big screen as they will on your computer.

Finally, you can add basic animated effects to video in the camcorder as well as to still images. JVC’s Everio Media Browser software is built-in the camcorder as well for disc-free loading when you attach the camcorder to a computer via USB. The software supports basic video editing (color changing, clipping, etc.) as well as sharing via YouTube and Facebook.

Connectivity

The Everio GZ-HM1S offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable, which is included.

Impression

At $1,100, the HM1S is geared for video enthusiasts who want to exercise a high level of control over the look of their video. The HM1S has an attractive design and a solid feature set for the price but is getting old, in camcorder years, so you may want to wait to see what JVC replaces it with before purchasing (or wait until its replacement is named and the HM1S gets discounted further).

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by Leland Richardson on November 20, 2021 0

JVC Everio GZ-HD500 Overview

The JVC Everio GZ-HD500 is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format with a built-in hard disc drive.

The GZ-HD500 carries a suggested retail price of $549. Full technical specifications for the GZ-HD500 can be found here.

JVC Everio GZ-HD500 Video Features

The Everio GZ-HD500 uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080 high definition recording. It supports 24Mbps recording, the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format. The HD500 features a 1/5.8-inch, 1.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor. Unlike JVC’s mid-range models, the HD500 cannot record in standard definition (not that you’d really miss it, would you?).

You can snap still photos with the HD500, however there’s no built-in flash so unless you’re operating in plenty of sunlight and keep steady, you’re likely to get blurry pics from it.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 20x optical zoom lens on the Everio GZ-HD500. This optical zoom is joined by a digital zoom which increases magnification to 200x. The lens uses JVC’s “Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer” for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. According to the company, the image stabilization technology can compensate for camera shake at wide-angles and is four times as effective in combating shake than the Advanced Stabilization found on less expensive models in the Everio line. In our experience, JVC has some of the best image stabilization technology in the camcorder market.

The HD500’s lens is conveniently protected by an automatic lens cap.

Memory and Display

The GZ-HD500 offers an 80GB built-in hard drive plus a single microSD/SDHC memory card slot. Unfortunately, it doesn’t accept higher-capacity SDXC cards for additional storage capacity, although with 80GB on board, you probably will not find yourself running out of memory. There is no seamless recording on the HD500, so you will need to manually switch between hard drive and memory card recording.

You’ll frame your recordings on a large 2.7-inch Laser Touch LCD display. The Laser Touch display is something of hybrid – it’s not a touch screen but there are no tactile buttons either. Instead, you’ll find a serious of touch-sensitive controls on the edge of the display, including a swipe bar, for navigating around the HD500’s menu items. In our experience, this Laser Touch display can be more responsive than small touch screens although it takes some getting used to.

Design

Design-wise, the HD500 is bulkier than JVC’s flash memory camcorders and much heavier at 1.82lbs (by contrast, JVC’s flash camcorders usually weigh about half as much). The HD500 measures in at 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.8 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Everios, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV.

The camcorder uses JVC’s two-way grip, which is a dual-purpose strap lets you hold it aloft or dangle the camcorder securely from your wrist.

Aesthetically, the HD500 is available in black.

Shooting Features

The Everio GZ-HD500 is outfitted with face detection and a face flow playback, which highlights faces in a frame in the playback menu so you can search your footage by the people you’ve recorded. There’s also an Auto Record function which starts recording automatically whenever an object moves into the frame. The camcorder will automatically end recording if motion stops after five seconds, so the camcorder can double as a motion-activated video camera (the battery won’t last long enough for it to truly replace a security camera though).

Among the other features you’ll find on the GZ-HD500 is a time-lapse recording function that lets you record one frame at a time for a selectable time interval (between one and 80 seconds).

Connectivity

The Everio GZ-HD500 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable. There is a built-in button for YouTube uploading as well so you can send videos to the online sharing service when you camcorder is connected to your PC.

Impression

Hard disc camcorders are not nearly as popular as they used to be but still serve a niche for those who value large amounts of on-board camcorder storage. In our view, flash camcorders are more attractive options because they’re lighter, more energy efficient and tend to be more responsive. Still, if you want hours upon hours of recording capacity without breaking the bank, a hard drive camcorder is the way to go.

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by Leland Richardson on November 19, 2021 0

Panasonic HDC-TM41H Overview

The Panasonic HDC-TM41H is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format. It represents the entry-level of Panasonic’s high definition camcorder line-up with a retail price of $399.

Panasonic HDC-TM41 Video Features

Video is recorded at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at a bit-rate of 17Mbps in the AVCHD format. It uses a 1.5-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor. Video can also be recorded at lower bit-rates (13Mbps, 9Mbps, 5Mbps) or in the iFrame format of 960 x 540 at 28Mbps. Still photos are recorded at 2-megapixels, which is fairly low-resolution as far as images go. It’s enough to email, but not to print.

The HDC-TM41H features Panasonic’s “Intelligent Auto” (iAuto) mode for automatically matching scene modes to shooting environments.

You’ll also have a choice of several scene modes including sports, portrait, low light, spot light, snow, beach, sunset, fireworks, scenery, night scenery and night portrait (for still images only) and a “soft skin” mode for minimizing blemishes when filming people.

Audio is recorded through a 2-channel stereo microphone in Dolby Digital. Audio can also be recorded in the ACC format when filming in the aforementioned iFrame video format.

TM 41 Optical Features

You’ll find a 16.8x optical zoom lens (42.9 x 721mm, 35mm equivalent) on the Panasonic HDC-TM41H. It uses Panasonic’s Power Optical Image Stabilization for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. In “active mode” the image stabilization can compensate at wide-angles.

You have the option for both automatic and manual focus on the TM41H. There’s also a digital zoom to boost magnification out to 1200x – though a digital zoom should be used sparingly, if at all.

Memory and Display

Video footage is recorded directly to 16GB of internal flash memory.

There is also a slot for SDXC memory cards for adding additional recording capacity.

You’ll frame your recordings on a 2.7-inch LCD display. There is no viewfinder.

Design

Thanks to its use of flash memory, the TM41 is very light weight (indeed, it’s the lightest model in the company’s lineup as of this writing). Without the battery it weighs just .37 pounds and measures in at 2.03 x 2.26 x 4.27 inches. It’s a traditional, barrel-style form factor with a zoom lever and shutter button on the top of the camcorder. Pop open the display and you’ll find buttons for switching between iAuto and manual shooting and activating image stabilization, among others.

Aesthetically, the TM41 isn’t much of a head-turner. It’s only available in black.

Shooting Features

You will have some degree of control over your video when shooting with the HDC-TM41. You’ll be able to automatically white balance the camcorder, in addition to manually adjusting the iris. The shutter is automatic. There is a tele-macro mode available too for focusing on objects up to 50cm away. When the lights go down, you can avail yourself to the built-in LED video light to give you some additional illumination. There is no flash, however, for aiding in still photography. Overall a fairly scant feature-set, but that’s to be expected given the price.

Connectivity

The Panasonic HDC-TM41 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable.

Impression

For those looking for a low-cost camcorder that delivers better video quality than a pocket camcorder with a few extra controls (manual focus, manual iris control and white balance) with a much better zoom lens, the Panasonic HDC-TM41 is definitely worth a look. It’s small design and light weight build ensure it can be carried anywhere without being a burden. It won’t pack the same kind of feature-punch as higher-end models, but if you need a basic, no frills camcorder, give the TM41H a closer look.

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by Leland Richardson on November 16, 2021 0

Nikon Coolpix P900 Review

The Bottom Line

There’s no hiding the key feature that we’ll showcase in this Nikon Coolpix P900 review — an almost unbelievable 83X optical zoom lens. At the time of this writing, the 83X zoom lens is the largest one available in the fixed lens camera market, making the P900 a candidate for one of the best ultra zoom cameras.

And there’s no hiding this feature because it makes the Coolpix P900 a camera that’s larger than even some of the best DSLR cameras on the market. This model weighs almost 2 pounds and measures about 5x5x5 inches with the zoom lens retracted. When the optical zoom is fully extended, the camera measures about 8.5 inches in depth.

So if you need a huge zoom lens, Nikon definitely delivers with the P900. But as with many ultra zoom cameras, sometimes that huge zoom lens can be a detriment. You may have a tough time holding the Coolpix P900 steady when the zoom lens is extended, just because the camera is so heavy and awkward to hand hold with the large zoom lens.

And Nikon only gave this model a 1/2.3-inch image sensor and 16 megapixels of resolution, which will limit your ability to create photos that will result in large and sharp prints. Still, versus other large zoom cameras, the Nikon P900 is a decent performer.

Then there’s the $500-plus price point for the P900. You might be able to find an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless ILC at that price, which will result in far greater image quality. So only those who are sure they need the 83X optical zoom lens will be able to justify the high price tag for this model.

Specifications

Resolution: 16.0 megapixels
Optical zoom: 83X (24-2000mm equivalent)
LCD: 3.0-inch, 921,000 pixels (tiltable)
Maximum image size: 4608 x 3456 pixels
Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 1 pound, 15.8 ounces (with battery and memory card)
Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

Huge optical zoom lens at 83X
Reasonably good performance speeds even when optical zoom lens is fully extended
Offers electronic viewfinder
Articulated LCD screen
Numerous manual control features

Cons

Small image sensor limits image quality results
Images aren’t quite as sharp as they should be
Maximum ISO is limited to 6400
Extremely heavy and large camera
Price point is high, approaching that of entry-level mirrorless ILCs

Image Quality

When you think about spending more than $500 for a digital camera, you expect to receive very good image quality. Unfortunately, this is one area where the Nikon P900 lags behind its price point peers, which can include low-end DSLRs.

The 1/2.3-inch image sensor in the Coolpix P900 is as small in physical size as what you’ll find in a digital camera. Models that cost less than $200 or $150 often have 1/2.3-inch image sensors. Because the physical size of image sensors plays such a key role in determining image quality, having such a small sensor in the P900 makes it tough to justify its high price tag.

The image quality for the Coolpix P900 might be even worse, other than the fact Nikon gave the camera a very strong optical image stabilization system, which is an extremely important feature to find in an ultra zoom camera. It’s difficult to hand hold a heavy camera steady without a good image stabilization system. Even with such a good IS system, you’ll want to purchase a tripod with this model for best image quality.

Performance

Most ultra zoom cameras operate slower than other types of cameras, especially when the zoom lens is fully extended. You can expect to have problems with shutter lag and shot to shot delays, meaning such cameras don’t have great response times.

The Nikon Coolpix P900 isn’t a fast performer either, but it does offer faster response times that what you’ll find with most ultra zoom cameras. In fact, the P900 has very little shutter lag when the zoom lens is not extended, which is impressive for this type of fixed lens camera.

Start-up is very fast with this model too, as you should be able to record your first photo a little more than 1 second after pressing the power button. And you can move through the entire 83X zoom range of this camera in about 3.5 seconds, which is an impressive level of speed for the zoom motor.

Battery performance is good with the P900, offering 300 to 400 shots per charge. However, if you choose to use the camera’s built-in GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity, you will receive less battery life.

Design

Nikon gave the P900 quite a few desirable design elements. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder is great to find in an ultra zoom camera, as it can be easier to hand hold the camera steady when it’s pressed against your face, versus trying to hold it and look at the LCD screen.

If you choose to frame photos using the LCD screen instead of the handy viewfinder, Nikon gave the Coolpix P900 a sharp and bright display screen. And the LCD is articulated, meaning it’s easy to use this model when attached to a tripod by tilting the LCD to match the angle you need. You can even swivel the display screen 180 degrees to allow for selfies.

A mode dial on the top of the camera allows you to work quickly to pick the shooting mode you want. The P900 offers a range of shooting modes, including full manual control, fully automatic, and everything in between.

There’s a popup flash unit, which is a key design feature for an ultra zoom camera, as it allows the flash unit to gain a good angle to the scene, even when the zoom lens is fully extended. However, Nikon didn’t give the Coolpix P900 a hot shoe to allow for adding an external flash unit.

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by Leland Richardson on November 16, 2021 0

Kodak Zi8 Camcorder Review

Kodak’s Zi8 is a high definition pocket camcorder that records 1920 x 1080p video at 30 frames per second (fps) in the H.264 format. The Zi8 competes with products such as Pure Digital’s Flip UltraHD and Sony’s Webbie HD. Kodak’s pocket camcorder has a few tricks that the others don’t – such as digital image stabilization, face detection, and an external microphone input.

Kodak Zi8 At a Glance

The Good:[ Excellent video quality, easy to use, strong feature set, large LCD screen.

The Bad: Slightly clumsy user interface, little internal memory.

Video & Photo Quality

Using a 1/2.5-inch, 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Zi8 records 1080p HD video.This is one of the first 1080p pocket camcorders on the market and the video quality is definitely impressive for a model in this class.

If you want to extend recording times, you can opt for one of three lower resolution settings: 720p/60fps mode (the faster frame rate is good for shooting motion), a 720p/30fps mode or a WVGA mode.

A nice addition to the Zi8 is face detection, which, when activated, can improve exposure around a face it detects in a frame. This function can be disabled as it will draw down the battery faster when it’s used.

The Zi8 also snaps 5-megapixel still photos when set to photo mode (it can’t snap them while you’re filming).

You shouldn’t expect much from these stills – with no flash and a fairly slow performance, it’s not going to wow you.

Design

Like other models in the pocket camcorder category, Kodak kept the functionality and buttons to a minumum. Four dedicated buttons on the back of the unit let you access menu settings, delete videos and still photos, return to filming and play back stored videos.

The menu, and quality settings, are navigated using a joystick at the center of the unit. All-in-all, a very intuitive design that just about anyone can figure out in short order, even if the buttons could stand to be a bit larger.

The Zi8 weighs in just shy of a svelte five ounces with battery. At 2.4 × 4.5 × 0.9 inches, it’s the size of a nice, lean point-and-shoot digital camera. You’ll have your choice of red, black and blue.

Removable Battery

Another nice design touch is a removable lithium ion batter (accessed by removing the unit’s faceplate). For longer trips where you can run low on battery, you have the option of swapping in a new one rather than finding a spot to recharge. You can charge the battery when the Zi8 is connected to a PC via its flip-out USB connector or by using the supplied AC adapter.

Menus

The menu in the Zi8 consists of nine icons for switching off image stabilization, engaging face detection and accessing other functions. Unfortunately, while Kodak had ample room to add some descriptive wording above each menu icon, in most cases they choose not to. None of the icons are that mysterious, but still, for a novice user it would be nice to use the generous LCD screen to its fullest potential.

Memory

The Zi8 comes with a meager 128MB worth of internal memory – barely enough to record a few seconds of HD video or a couple of still images. To enjoy recording of any length, you’ll need to use an SDHC memory card (not included). The Zi8 supports SDHC cards up to 32GB, which would give you close to five hours of recording at the highest quality setting.

The use of flash memory cards helps keep the price of the unit down, but that only helps if you already own a memory card.

Optics

Like all pocket camcorders, the Zi8 does not offer an optical zoom lens. Instead, it features a 4x digital zoom. The zoom itself is of limited utility and when it’s engaged, it isn’t terribly smooth.

The Zi8 also packs digital image stabilization. Again, it’s not as effective as the optical variety, but it’s also not as important a feature in a pocket camcorder because you don’t have an optical zoom lens. You can see it in action here. On the whole, it’s better to have some form of stabilization than none, so Kodak gets the thumbs up for adding it.

Kodak Zi8: A Powerful Pocket Camcorder

Kodak’s Zi8 manages to outdo most of its rivals in the pocket camcorder market by adding some feature-enhancements without burdening the camcorder with complexity. It could stand to tweak its interface, build bigger buttons and make the exterior more resistant to finger prints. If you have no interest in anything but the simplest pocket camcorder for creating Web-friendly videos, the Flip UltraHD would still give you the best bang for your buck. But if you’re thirsting for a pocket camcorder with equal (and in some cases, better) quality than the Flip with more features to boot, the Zi8 is the model for you.

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by Leland Richardson on November 10, 2021 0

Kodak Playsport Zx5 Review

The Kodak Playsport Zx5 is a high definition pocket camcorder capable of recording 1920 x 1080p in the H.264 format. It is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, can survive a drop of up to five feet and is sealed against dust and dirt.

It retails for $179.

Kodak Playsport Zx5 at a Glance

The Good: Slim, rugged design, good video quality.

The Bad:

Sticky center control, no built-in USB plug, mono mic.

Kodak Playsport Zx5 Video Quality

The Playsport Zx5 records 1920 x 1080 HD video at 30 frames per second (fps) in the H.264 video format via a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor. You also have the option to record 1280 x 720 video at 60fps for capturing faster moving action or at 720/30fps.

As with the previous Playsport, the video is quite appealing for a pocket camcorder. Occasionally, the colors would drift a bit but the effect is hard to notice unless you’re really parsing your footage. Compared with last year’s Zx3, the video appeared less noisy indoors, which is a plus.

In addition to video, the Playsport can also snap 5-megapixel still images. Unless you’re working with plenty of natural light and a very steady hand, the photo function mostly produces blurry pics.

Optics

The Playsport offers a fixed focal length lens with a 4x digital zoom. The zoom isn’t much help – it tends to simply ramp up the digital noise in your video, so it’s probably

best to avoid it all together. The Playsport offers digital image stabilization to help keep videos smooth during recordings. The video I shoot wasn’t particularly shake-prone, but it’s hard to tell if that’s the stabilization kicking in or the fact that the Playsport is so small that you can get a real nice grip on it.

One thing you’re likely to notice (and it’s reared its head on other pocket cams) is trouble with the auto-focus. Sometimes it’s slow to lock on, leaving you with a second or two of blurred video. It’s not unusual for a pocket camcorder lens, but it’s something to bear in mind.

Playsport Design

The Playsport isn’t the slimmest and trimmest pocket camcorder on the market, mostly because it’s designed to take a beating. Still, at 2.3 x 4.4 x .7-inches and 125g it’s still light and compact enough to slip into a pocket with hardly a notice. The corners of the Playsport are rounded off with a rubberized bumper which not only protects it from bumps but gives it a sturdier grip. While the camcorder seals away its memory card and connector ports to protect them from the elements, both click open easily so they’re quick to access.

The Playsport has seven external buttons – an on/off switch that sits rather flush on the top of the camcorder and is a bit difficult to engage. It’s backlit though, so you can notice when the Playsport is turned on (in case the live preview on the LCD display didn’t tip you off). On the back of the camcorder, you’ll find controls for switching between still and video, playback, trash, settings and a share button – which lets you tag videos for automatic emailing or uploading once the Playsport is connected to a PC. These controls are quite responsive. The record button sits at the center of a four-way controller, which is a bit less responsive than the other controls.

The Playsport comes in three color choices: red, blue and black. Aesthetically, it’s pretty sharp.

Playsport Zx5 Features

In addition to its rugged, waterproof design, the Playsport Zx5 has several video effects that can be applied to videos including vivid color, sepia, black and white, high saturation and “1970s film look” if you want a retro feel to your videos. There’s an underwater setting as well to optimize your exposure if you take the Playsport beneath the waves. You’ll also find face detection, and the aforementioned share button, which lets upload videos automatically to Facebook, Flickr, Kodak Gallery , Twitter, YouTube and several other sharing sites. The share function is definitely a plus, but the Playsport doesn’t have a built-in USB plug, so you’ll have to fish around for a cable when you’re ready to connect.

Menu & Display

Kodak has updated – and improved- the menu system from the Zx3 on the new Playsport Zx5. Good thing too, as the older menu was difficult to understand. The new menu trades vague icons for simple text. It’s not the most dynamic thing in the world, but it certainly gets the job done.

The Playsport’s 2-inch display features a glare-shield, which you can activate in the menu to compensate for bright sunlight. The display itself is bright but doesn’t have a great viewing angle, so you need to be holding it straight-on to get the sharpest preview of the video you’re recording.

Playsport Memory

The Kodak Playsport Zx5 comes with 128MB of internal memory so you’ll need to opt for an optional SD/SDHC card to record video of any length. The camcorder supports SDHC cards up to 32GB in capacity – enough to store about six hours of HD footage.

Kodak Playsport Zx5 Bottom Line

The Playsport Zx5 is a very versatile pocket camcorder – it not only takes sharp video but is designed to go underwater and take the odd fall off a table. Despite its sturdy build, the Playsport is sharply styled and not at all cumbersome to carry with you. The lack of a built-in USB plug and a lapse in autofocus top the very short list of quibbles with the Playsport Zx5, which continues Kodak’s tradition of leading pocket camcorders.

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by Leland Richardson on November 9, 2021 0

Panasonic HC-V100 Camcorder Overview

The Panasonic HC-V100 is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format.

The HC-V100carries a suggested retail price of $349. Full technical specifications for the HC-V100can be found here.

Panasonic HC-V100 Video Features

The HC-V100 uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080p high definition recording. It supports 17Mbps recording, not the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format (24Mbps).

The HC-V100 features a 1.5-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor. The HC-V100 can also record in standard definition if you want to save space on your memory card. The camcorder also supports iFrame recording (at 960 x 540) for movies that can be easily edited on most computers.

The camcorder uses Panasonic’s “Intelligent Auto” mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments.

The mode employs various technologies – including image stabilization, face detection, an intelligent scene-selector and contrast control to optimize your exposure.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 34x optical zoom lens on the VC100. This optical zoom is joined by a 42x Intelligent zoom (iZoom), which can enhance the magnification of your footage by using a smaller portion of the sensor without losing image resolution. Finally, there’s a 2000xdigital zoom which will degrade resolution when in use.

The lens employs Panasonic’s Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. The image stabilization technology has an active mode which can be enabled when walking or when you’re otherwise in an unstable position to provide extra shake reduction.

The V100 lens is protected by a manual lens cover. It’s not as convenient as the automatic covers found on higher-end Panasonic models.

Memory and Display

The V100 records video to a single SDHX memory card slot. Using just internal memory, the HC-V100 can store approximately three hours and 45 minutes worth of the highest quality HD footage.

You can also record to SDXC cards, although there is no relay recording.

The HC-V100 offers a 2.7-inch LCD display. There is no optical or electronic viewfinder.

Design

Design-wise, the HC-V100 cuts a fairly conventional, if somewhat boxy, figure. Thanks to the use of flash memory you’ll still enjoy a light weight body at .4 pounds. The HC-V100 measures in at 2 x 2.3 x 4.4 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Panasonic camcorders, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV.

Aesthetically, the HC-V100 is available in a black.

Shooting Features

The HC-V100 is outfitted with a fairly minimalistic feature set. It offers face detection a pre-record function which records three seconds worth of video before you hit the shutter. The V100 also offers an auto ground-directional standby mode, which detects if the camcorder is being held in an unusual position (say, upside down) and automatically stops recording. A low light/color night recording mode preserves colors even in dim lighting.

As far as scene modes go, you’ll find sports, portrait, low light, spot light, snow, beach, sunset, fireworks, night scenery, night portrait and soft skin mode. You can snap 2-megapixel photos while recording video on the V100. Still photos can also be isolated from video footage played back on the camcorder and saved as a separate file. There is a two channel stereo microphone.

Connectivity

The HC-V100 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable.

Impression

At $349, the HC-V100 is Panasonic’s bid for the budget dollar, and the feature set reflects that. You’ll get a high-powered lens for an entry-level high definition camcorder, but you won’t get the full 24Mbps HD recording available on higher-end models and you’ll sacrifice features like a touch-screen display, relay-recording and manual modes, increasingly making their way down the camcorder food chain. That said, it packs a more potent video punch than a pocket camcorder (or smartphone) and the retail price will undoubtedly be discounted to make it an even more attractive buy for the budget-minded.The Panasonic HC-V100 is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format.

The HC-V100carries a suggested retail price of $349. It is a close cousin of the $449 GZ-HM320. Full technical specifications for the HC-V100can be found here.

Panasonic HC-V100 Video Features

The HC-V100 uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080p high definition recording. It supports 17Mbps recording, not the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format (24Mbps). The HC-V100 features a 1.5-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor. The HC-V100 can also record in standard definition if you want to save space on your memory card. The camcorder also supports iFrame recording (at 960 x 540) for movies that can be easily edited on most computers.

The camcorder uses Panasonic’s “Intelligent Auto” mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments. The mode employs various technologies – including image stabilization, face detection, an intelligent scene-selector and contrast control to optimize your exposure.

Optical Features

The V100 lens is protected by a manual lens cover. It’s not as convenient as the automatic covers found on higher-end Panasonic models.

Memory and Display

The V100 packs 16GB of internal memory and a single SDHX memory card slot. Using just internal memory, the HC-V100 can store approximately three hours and 45 minutes worth of the highest quality HD footage. You can also record to SDXC cards, although there is no relay recording.

The HC-V100 offers a 2.7-inch LCD display. There is no optical or electronic viewfinder.

Design

Aesthetically, the HC-V100 is available in a black.

Shooting Features

Connectivity

The HC-V100 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable.

Impression

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by Leland Richardson on November 8, 2021 0

Panasonic HC-V10 Overview

The Panasonic HC-V10 is a high definition camcorder that records 1280 x 720p video in the MPEG-4/H.264 format.

When the HC-V10 first hit shelves, it carried a suggested retail price of $249. This camcorder has since been discontinued, but now it can still be found used from some online retailers. The HC-V10 It is a close cousin of the Panasonic HC-V100. Full technical specifications for the HC-V10 can be found on the Panasonic website.

Panasonic HC-V10 Video Features

The HC-V10 uses the MPEG-4 format for 1280 x 720p high definition recording. It supports 15Mbps recording. You can also drop the resolution to 840 x 480 resolution, 640 x 480 or iFrame recording (at 960 x 540) for movies that can be easily edited on most computers. The HC-V10 features a 1.5-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 63x optical zoom lens on the VC10. This optical zoom is joined by a 70x “enhanced optical zoom,” which can enhance the magnification of your footage by using a smaller portion of the sensor without losing image resolution.

Finally, there’s a 3500xdigital zoom which will degrade resolution when in use.

The V10 lens is protected by a manual lens cover. It’s not as convenient as the automatic covers found on higher-end Panasonic models.

Memory and Display

The V10 records directly to an SDHX memory card slot. There is no relay recording.

The HC-V10 offers a 2.7-inch LCD display. There is no optical or electronic viewfinder.

Design

Design-wise, the HC-V10 cuts a fairly conventional, if somewhat boxy, figure. Thanks to the use of flash memory you’ll still enjoy a lightweight body at 0.47 pounds. The HC-V10 measures in at 2.1 x 2.5 x 4.3 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Panasonic camcorders, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV.

The HC-V10 is available in a black, silver and red.

Shooting Features

The HC-V10 is outfitted with a fairly minimalistic feature set, which is not surprising given its price. It offers face detection a pre-record function which records three seconds worth of video before you hit the shutter. The V10 also offers an auto ground-directional standby mode, which detects if the camcorder is being held in an unusual position (say, upside down) and automatically stops recording.

A low light/color night recording mode preserves colors even in dim lighting.

As far as scene modes go, you’ll find sports, portrait, low light, spot light, snow, beach, sunset, fireworks, night scenery, night portrait and soft skin mode. You can snap .9-megapixel photos while recording video on the V10 (not a great resolution). Still photos can also be isolated from video footage played back on the camcorder and saved as a separate file. There is a two channel stereo microphone.

Connectivity

The HC-V10 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable.

The Bottom Line

The HC-V10 compensates for the lower resolution specification with a super high-powered lens. If sharper video quality is more important to you than a long zoom, consider Panasonic’s slightly more expensive V100 which is the company’s least expensive model to feature 1920 x 1080 recording. It does, however, have a lower zoom lens at 32x.

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