GoPro has announced HD Hero Naked, a wearable 1080p HD camera for sports enthusiasts. The HD Hero Naked is the newest addition to the company’s line of wearable cameras, which already include vertical market specific HD Motorsports Hero,HD Helmet Hero (outdoor sports), and HD Surf Hero. These units come bundled with a variety of mounts ranging from suction cups to vented helmet straps, head straps and adhesive mounts for attaching the camera to cars, motorcycles, bikes and surfboards. The HD Hero Naked, which captures “professional quality” 1080p / 960p / 720p true HD video at 30 and 60 frames per second, differs from the aforementioned HERO cameras in that the HD Hero Naked comes with one mount for attaching the camera to a helmet or other curved surfaces, the camera, and the housing which protects the camera from bumps and keeps it waterproof to 180’/60m. Included are a removable rechargeable lithium-ion battery and cables for attaching the camera to an HDTV or computer, but aside from this the camera comes “naked,” sans the mounts included in the other models. In addition to shooting HD videos, the HD Hero Naked and related cameras also shoot 5MP photos and feature an optional auto-photo mode that captures photos every 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 for the duration of a consumer’s sport or activity. The HD Hero Naked is available for $259.99.

Website: GoPro

RED’s founder, Jim Jannard, has announced the specifications, pricing and launch schedule of their Epic-X modular digital stills and motion picture camera. According to information shared by Jannard himself via the REDuser forum, the Epic-X will be at the heart of a completely modular system, where each module can be upgraded individually. Featuring a new MYSTERIUM-X 5K sensor, the Epic-X will offer various movie resolutions and frame rates, a sensitivity range of ISO 200/24° to ISO 8000/40°, independent stills and motion modes, a 5-axis adjustable sensor plate, multiple recording options, wireless REDMOTE control, touchscreen LCD control option, interchangealbe lens mounts supporting RED, Canon and Nikon lenses with full electronic aperture and focus control, touch focus tracking and more. As you can expect, all this functionality and features galore doesn’t come cheap: the first working prototypes of the Epic-X, dubbed “Tattoo”, will be priced at $28,000 each. Availability of the first “Tattoos” is slated for late 2009.

Website: REDuser

Sanyo today introduced its high-end Dual Cameras, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A, as the world’s first camcorders to offer compatibility with iFrame, a next generation video format designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos. In addition to the iFrame video format (960 x 540), the cameras can record in High Definition 1080P (1920 x 1080), as well as high speed video formats for slow motion playback. Additionally, they can also record eight-megapixel stills. The two new models are nearly identical camcorders in two different body designs. The HD2000A is in SANYO’s signature vertical form factor while the FH1A is a traditional style camcorder shape. These camcorders will be available US-wide through national and regional retailers beginning 13 October 2009, with a suggested retail price of $599.99 for the VPC-HD2000A and $499.99 for the VPC-FH1A.

JVC today announced the launch of its first pocket flash memory camera, the new PICSIO GC-FM1. PICSIO shoots true eight-megapixel stills and 1080p Full HD video with image stabilisation.  Videos are recorded in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format and stored as .MOV files. There is no optical zoom though. The PICSIO camera is about the size of a small cell phone, and is available in three colours - Black Ice, Blue Steel and Purple Passion. It boasts a stylish design with a case that features a tone-on-tone geometric pattern and chrome accents for a jewel-like appearance. The JVC Picsio GC-FM1 is available now for $199.95.

The Panasonic HDC-TM350 is a limited-edition Full-HD camcorder, a sister model to the HDC-TM300 featuring a larger capacity flash memory, new Advanced Optical Image Stabiliser and improved low light performance. Belying its small and compact size, the semi professional TM350 offers a multitude of technical features, including a manual focus ring, 12x optical zoom, electronic viewfinder, hot shoe and mic terminal. Furthermore, the Panasonic HDC-TM350 has three separate colour sensors, and offers 1.6 lux low light recording. The TM350 also records still images with a resolution of up to10.6 megapixels. Additionally, the TM350 allows simultaneous recording of motion images and still images with 8.3 megapixels. In addition to the ability to record stills and movies on SD cards, the TM350 also a generous 64GB of internal memory. The Panasonic HDC-TM350 will become available from mid-October, in very limited quantities (that means only 200 pieces in the UK).

DXG has unveiled the rugged and weather-proof DXG-125V high-definition digital video camera. The DXG-125V was designed with sports and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. A durable rubber handgrip makes it easy to securely hold and protects the camcorder against bumps and drops when out on excursions, while the included carabiner and compass keep consumers on track during their adventures. The splash-proof exterior can be rinsed off if it falls in a muddy puddle along the trail or in the snow when getting off a chair lift. The DXG-125V shoots 720p video at 30 frames per secondhas a 2” TFT LCD screen and has a built-in HDMI slot to enable users to instantly share their outdoor activities with family and friends on the plasma or HDTV. The camera can also capture 3-megapixel stills. The DXG-125V is available at retailers today for $139.99.

Point Grey and Fresco Logic have developed a SuperSpeed USB-enabled HD video camera that can stream uncompressed 1080p high-definition video to a USB 3.0 host device. The prototype camera is designed and manufactured by Point Grey and uses the new 3-megapixel Sony IMX036 CMOS image sensor. The sensor also supports an HD 1080p60 mode, which allows the camera to output raw, uncompressed 1920 x 1080 pixel images at 60 frames per second. At the 2009 Intel Developer Forum (IDF), the camera will connected to a USB 3.0 interface card on the host side which is powered by the FL1000, a PCI Express to SuperSpeed USB Extensible Host Controller Interface host controller chip from Fresco Logic. The host PC to be used at the live demonstration from September 22nd to 24th at IDF in the Fresco Logic booth #731 inside the USB-IF Community has an Intel i5-based P7P55D motherboard from ASUS.

MotionTouch and Predator technology have announced the Predator VX360, a wearable, waterproof video camera system. Targeted at the extreme sports market, the Predator VX360 is a rugged system designed to be worn by the adventure sports enthusiast, to capture rider’s-eye footage. It is waterproof to three metres and robust enough to survive impact with rock and the abrasive effects of seawater. The recording unit is worn on the arm and has large ergonomic buttons, which are easy to use on the go. The unit also features an integrated colour LCD screen to play back footage. The eyeball camera, in a fully adjustable mounting, is worn on a headband. The Predator VX360 has a recommended retail price of £549.99.

The new JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400 is an HD camcorder that features high-speed video recording at up to 600 frames per second for slow-motion playback, and can also be used to take 9-megapixel stills at up to 15 frames per second. The HD Everio GZ-HM400, which records to an SD/SDHC card and includes 32GB of internal memory, features a 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers nine-megapixel still images and 1080 TV lines of horizontal resolution for Full HD video. Optically, the GZ-HM400 features a Konica Minolta HD lens and JVC-developed optical image stabiliser that uses two active prisms to correct camera shake at the lens entrance before the image enters the lens. Three different high-speed recording modes are available for slow-motion video playback: 600fps, 300fps and 120fps. For still image shooting, up to 60fps 5.3-megapixel stills can be shot in a continuous burst of up to 11 images. Or, if preferred, continuous shooting of up to six nine-megapixel stills at up to 15fps is also possible. The JVC HD Everio GZ-HM400 is available immediately at $999.95.

Apple have introduced the new iPod nano, which has an onboard video camera complete with a microphone and speakers. Music lovers can now shoot video wherever they are, view it on their iPod nano and use their computers to easily transfer their videos to YouTube. The new Apple iPod nano can even shoot videos with fun real-time effects such as Thermal, Film Grain, Kaleido and X-Ray, and features an ultra-thin and sleek design with a larger 2.2-inch colour display.The video is standard VGA resolution (640x480 pixels) and uses the H.264 codec. You can buy the new iPod nano today for $149 (8GB model) or $179 (16GB version) from the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers..

Sony are showing their newly-announced PM1 camcorder at the IFA show, a new hand-held device that provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. A direct rival to the popular Flip Video range, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens, 1080p video and 5 megapixel still images. Click through for some close-up photos of the Sony PM1.

The Sony PM1 camera provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. Capturing 5 megapixel still images and recording 1080p HD video in MP4 format, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens that instantly switches on camera when rotated. The Sharemark button and built-in Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software enable wuick and easy Web uploads. The Sony PM1 is available now.

The Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG11 is a new, lightweight HD camcorder with 5x optical zoom. The Xacti CG11 can record videos at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, and store them in MPEG4 format, with H.264 compression available. Owing to its high-resolution CMOS sensor, it can also capture 10-megapixel stills. The Sanyo Xacti CG11 boasts a 285° rotating 3.0-inch widescreen LCD for easy composition, a 1cm super macro feature and onboard editing functions. The new Xacti comes in a variety of colours, but seems to be targeted at the Japanese market only,

Website: Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG11 Product Sheet

Via Engadget

Canon has introduced a new flagship model to its 2009 VIXIA high-definition digital camcorder line, the Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder sporting advanced HD features and professional-level manual controls.  The Canon VIXIA HF S11 offers the ability to record up to 24 hours of crisp high-definition video to a 64GB internal flash drive and the option of recording video directly to removable SDHC memory cards for fast and easy sharing of memories. Two new features that help enhance the video capture and viewing experience are Canon’s new Dynamic SuperRange OIS system, which delivers the ultimate in shake correction by providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range, and an Advanced Video Snapshot Mode. The Canon VIXIA HF S11 features a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, Canon designed and manufactured 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor, all of which allow the camcorder to produce hiogh-definition video and 8-megapixel photos. Scheduled to be available in mid-September, the Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder will sell for an estimated retail price of $1,499.

DXG USA has unveiled the new DXG Luxe line of high-definition “couture camcorders” that combine high-quality video recording with fashionable design. The DXG-Riviera features a chic, quilted pattern with silver or bronze details and crystal accents in three colours. The DXG-Soho comes in a hip pink or blue argyle pattern with stylish leather accents. Both models record high-definition (720p) video, take 8-megapixel still photos (apparently interpolated from 5 megapixels) and feature a 3-inch LCD screen—all on a compact form factor only 1 1/2-inches thick. Neither camcorder has optical zoom though. The DXG Riviera and the DXG Soho models each retail for $149.99.

Kodak has just announced the compact Kodak Zi8 high-definition digital video camera. The Kodak Zi8 boasts full 1080p HD video capture in a compact body. It also features electronic image stabilisation, a 2.5” colour LCD screen and a swing-out USB arm for fast sharing and charging. In addition to recording HD video, it can also take 5-megapixel stills in widescreen format (16:9 aspect ratio). The Kodak Zi8 digital video camera will be available from September for £149.99.

This year, sales of digital cameras and HD camcorders are expected to remain strong, as these products proliferate in the market and more manufacturers continue to introduce special-purpose and uniquely featured camcorder models, HDCameraGuide.com says. They have also found that a) many customers have a good idea of which camcorder they want to buy after researching it on the Internet, b) there is a trend toward consumers purchasing either entry-level or sophisticated products, as opposed to mid-priced models and c) Macintosh computer users tend to stick with Canon, JVC, and Panasonic. Read on / click through for their other findings.

The Samsung SMX-K40 and SMX-K44 are two new standard-definition camcorders whose output can be upscaled to “near full-HD” resolution when viewing through an HDMI output. The videos are recorded at a resolution of 720x480 pixels. The SMX-K44 offers an internal 16GB Solid State Drive (SSD), which provides up to 10h20 hours of recording, depending on the chosen mode.  The SMX-K40 does not have internal storage and requires the use of a SD/SDHC card. Samsung’s new Intelli-Zoom, which is claimed to be “significantly more reliable than a standard digital zoom”, allows users to go beyond the camcorder’s 52x optical zoom. The K-Series also features Samsung’s advanced Optical Image Stabiliser. The SMX-K40 and SMX-K44 Camcorders will be available from leading high street and online retailers from August 2009.

Samsung have announced the HMX-U10 ultra compact camcorder that records in full-HD and also allows users to take 10 mega-pixel still photos. A one-touch “upload” button provides a direct connection to YouTube for fast and easy video sharing. At 56mm x 103mm x 15.5mm, and weighing just 95g including the battery, the HMX-U10 is ultra-compact with an ergonomic design that breaks free of the traditional look and feel of pocket-sized camcorders. Its sleek frame is accentuated by a wave-design that angles the body of the camcorder at seven degrees, allowing users to grip the camcorder more comfortably, reducing stress on the wrist or arm. The HMX-U10 Camcorder will be available from leading high street and online retailers from September 2009.

Sony have announced two new Full HD digital camcorders, the Sony HDR-CX500V (pictured) and the Sony HDR-CX520V. In addition to capturing full1920x1080 high-definition video, the HDR-CX500V and the HDR-CX520V can also take 12-megapixel still photos. Moreover, both camcorders feature 60p output, which automatically converts content to 60 progressive frames per second when connected to a compatible HDTV. Another notable feature, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode now offers 3-Way Shake Canceling.  This feature reduces hand shake in three directions – vertical and horizontal shake corrected by optical image stabilisation and the third, by way of electronic image stabilisation, facilitates correction for lateral-roll shake. To effortlessly track your destinations on a map, the camcorder’s built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ digital maps geo-tag your videos and photos. Introducing new technology to down-convert from AVCHD™ to MPEG2, Sony eliminates the need for a PC and allows for simple DVD creation with the optional DVDirect Express DVD writer (sold separately for around $150). The HDR-CX500V (with 32GB of internal flash memory) and the HDR-CX520V (with 64GB) will be available in September for about $1,100 and $1,300 respectively.