Sony has won two awards from the Technical Image Press Association. The company scooped up the TIPA award for best imaging innovation for its SLT technology, whilst its Handycam NEX-VG10E interchangeable-lens video camera has won the accolade of “Best Expert Camcorder”. Sony’s SLT technology is used in the Sony A55 and A33 cameras, and it will also be at the heart of the upcoming Sony A77. The Sony Handycam NEX-VG10 (pictured) is a Full HD camcorder that has an APS HD CMOS sensor and takes Sony E-mount lenses (as well as A-mount lenses with the LA-EA1 mount adapter).

The Samsung W200 is a pocket-sized, waterproof Full HD camcorder featuring a 5-megapixel CMOS imager. With a bright f/2.2 lens and a tough body that’s waterproof down to a depth of 3 metres, the Samsung W200 is especially well-suited to capturing underwater videos and stills. The lens also features anti-fog coating that lets steam disperse so you always have clear, blur-free videos and pictures even straight after coming out of the pool. The 1300mAh battery provides enough power for up to two hours of continuous recording. The Samsung W200 Pocket Cam will be available from May at a recommended retail price of $159.

In a surprise announcement made today, Cisco unveiled that it is closing down its Flip camcorder business as part of a major restructuring project. The news comes only a week after the company announced an update to its FlipShare software and launched a suite of FlipMobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Promising to “support current FlipShare customers and partners with a transition plan”, Cisco says it will “realign the remaining consumer business” in an effort to focus on its five key company priorities.

Swann Security has launched the Swann DVR-460 SportsCam, a small, standard-definition (VGA) camcorder that ships with a proprietary waterproof case and a myriad of mounting accessories. Video is recorded in AVI format to (optional) MicroSD cards, while the camcorder’s proprietary battery can be charged via the supplied USB cable. The SportsCam is available now at SRP £99.99.

Canon is exhibiting a wide range of products at the 2011 NAB Show, booth # C-4325. Included in the booth’s exhibit will be Canon’s new PL-mount lenses, a new portable 20x HD zoom with a built-in extender (pictured), the company’s robotic pan-tilt HD cameras, the new Canon XA10 professional camcorder, XF300-series and XF100-series professional camcorders, EOS DSLR cameras, the REALiS WUX4000 Installation LCOS projector, and large-format imagePROGRAF printers.  Also on display during the show will be the new Technicolor CineStyle for the Canon 5D Mark II, a custom picture style which provides cinematographers with the image latitude for digital intermediate colour-grading and delivery.

Toshiba has announced two new camcorders with Full HD capability: the Camileo B10 and the Camileo P100. The Toshiba Camileo B10 is a neat, robust yet lightweight and pocket sized camcorder that can be kept close at hand for spontaneous shots, while the Toshiba Camileo P100 is a more advanced model with 5x optical and 8x “advanced” zoom. The B10 features a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the P100 has an 8-megapixel one. Thanks to their high-resolution imagers, both can capture stills in addition to recording Full HD video footage. Furthermore, both devices are SDXC compliant, and each features an Upload Button, which allows easy uploading of videos to social networks.

Canon has announced function-enhancing firmware upgrades for its XF300 and XF305 camcorders, which will enable two units to be easily set up for 3D HD video recording. The firmware upgrades also bring about an updated Scan Reverse function, Double Slot Recording for instantaneous backup, and the option to disable Relay Recording. Canon will be demonstrating the 3D recording functionality at its booth, # C4325, at the NAB Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, starting Monday.

The new Rollei ActionCam 100 is a small and lightweight HD video camera featuring a fast ultra-wideangle lens. Easy to attach to a biker’s helmet or a bicycle’s handlebars, the Rollei ActionCam 100 has a 2.5mm f/2 lens with an angle-of-view of 120 degrees. With a waterproof housing that is depth rated to 30 metres, the camera can even be used underwater. High-definition videos with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and a frame rate of 30fps (as well as 5-megapixel stills) are recorded on a microSD card (not included). The Rollei ActionCam 100 will be available at retail from 1st June for a recommended price of €99.95.

The Sony NEX-FS100 is is an interchangeable-lens camcorder featuring a Sony E mount and a Super 35mm (approximately APS-C) sized Exmor CMOS sensor. “This new sensor is designed with outstanding exposure latitude and sensitivity” for high-definition footage that’s free of “image artifacts typical of HDSLRs”, Sony claims. Capable of 1920x1080 60P recording at 28Mbps, the Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 camcorder enables HDMI output with Embedded Time code for 4:2:2, and also offers simultaneous recording to an optional HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit and an SD or MS memory card, providing instant backup for peace of mind. The Sony NEX-FS100 NXCAM Super 35 digital camcorder carries an MSRP of $5,850.

Sony have also unveiled the HXR-NX70E, the world’s first dust proof and rain proof professional HD camcorder. The NX70 incorporates an ‘Exmor’ R CMOS sensor to deliver superior quality low-light footage and offers enhanced manual controls. Both the NEX-FS100 and the HXR-NX70E will be available between July and September.

Source: Sony

Nearly one in four digital imaging enthusiasts in the US are likely to purchase a 3D digital camera within the next year, according to a new Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) study. The top reasons consumers indicated they were likely to purchase a 3D digital camera included an interest in 3D technology (61 percent), an appreciation for additional photographic options (55 percent), a desire to be on the cutting-edge of technology (23 percent) and a belief that 3D will help them be more creative (22 percent).

The JVC GS-TD1 - billed as the world’s first consumer camcorder to record 3D footage in Full HD - is now available in the USA. The GS-TD1 uses two camera lenses and two 3.32 megapixel CMOS sensors – one for each lens – to capture three-dimensional images. Video shot using the GS-TD1 can be burned to a Blu-ray disc for 3D playback on a compatible Blu-ray player, and viewed on any 3D TV. The JVC GZ-TD1 Full HD 3D camcorder is available now for $1,699.95.

At the annual Panasonic Europe Convention, held today in London, we grabbed some hands-on time with the new WA10 / DC10 dual cameras and the TA20 mobile camera. Born out of last year’s take-over of Sanyo, the WA10 and DC10 are a natural addition to Panasonic’s dual camcorder/camera range, while the TA20 is styled very much like a chunky mobile phone. None of the samples on display were functional, but our photo gallery gives you some idea of the design of the new Panasonic WA10, DC10 and TA20.

The Panasonic HX-WA10 is a waterproof pistol-grip camcorder that records Full HD videos and 16-megapixel stills. Highlights of the new camcorder include a 5x optical zoom, a 2.7” wide TFT LCD monitor, a pair of stereo microphones and SDXC support. Movies are stored in MPEG-4 format, and the included HD Writer VE 1.0 software enables hassle-free videao uploads to Facebook and YouTube. Price and availability to be announced.

Panasonic are releasing the HX-DC10 and the HX-DC1 full HD camcorders. The Panasonic HX-DC10 features bright and stunning Full-HD video shooting with BSI Sensor, 16 Megapixel still picture recording and the highest class resolution among compact digital cameras. With the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode optimal settings can be always in use. The Panasonic HX-DC1 features Full HD Recording in MP4 Format, 14-megapixel Still Picture Recording and a 3.0-inch Wide TFT LCD Monitor.

Panasonic today announced the release of the tough designed new HD Mobile Camera HM-TA20. The Panasonic TA20 features a triple tough design that is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, and Night View mode for shooting in dim lighting. A large 3.0-inch Touch LCD enables easy and intuitive operation anywhere and anytime. The Panasonic TA20 features the MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which is convenient for uploading and editing images with a PC or the Internet.

In addition to the TA20, Panasonic will also introduce the TA2 HD Mobile Camera which features Night View Mode for Bright Movie Shooting, a larger 3.0-inch LCD with Touch Operation and a bundled tripod stand for self-portraits.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 (pictured) Full HD camcorders have now been added to the BBC list of approved HD cameras. This means that they can be used to produce an entire HD programme for broadcast on the corporation’s HD channels. Following recent testing, the broadcaster has opted to buy XF305 camcorders, the first of which were delivered in December 2010, Canon said in a statement.

The JVC GS-TD1 is the world’s first consumer camcorder to offer 3D recording in Full HD. The new GS-TD1 uses two camera lenses and two 3.32 megapixel CMOS sensors – one for each lens – to capture three-dimensional images. JVC have developed a high-speed processor that can produce two simultaneous Full HD images. JVC’s other new HD Everio with 3D capabilities is the GZ-HM960, which turns any 2D footage into 3D. The JVC GZ-TD1 Full HD 3D camcorder will be available in March for $1,999.95, and the HD Everio GZ-HM960 will be available in February for $949.95.

JVC have unveiled ten new HD Everio Camcorders at CES 2011. The new line includes technologies that deliver outstanding low light performance, superior image stabilization and advanced scene analysis for optimum image quality. Other features found on most models include 40x optical zoom and touch panel LCD screens. The line’s top model, the JVC_GZ-HM960, offers on-the-fly 2D-to-3D conversion for 3D viewing on the camcorder’s LCD screen or any compatible TV. Prices range from $229.95 to $949.95.

Sony has announced 7 new Handycam camcorders -the Sony PJ30VE, PJ10E, CX700VE, XR160E, CX130E, CX360VE and SX45E. The new models include a Full HD 3D Handycam camcorder, built-in projector models and a video enthusiast model.

The Sony FS3, FS2, FS1 are three exciting new Bloggie HD camera models. Also known as the Bloggie 3D, Bloggie Duo and Bloggie, all three capture full high definition 1920x1080 MP4 video and 5-megapixel still photos. The Bloggie 3D (MHS-FS3) is an innovative model with two lenses, two image sensors, stereo microphone and built-in LED light to capture 3D or 2D video and photos. The Bloggie Duo (MHS-FS2) offers a dual-screen option with the camera featuring two LCD screens – 2.7-inch on the back and 2.0-inch on the front underneath the lens.  The Bloggie (MHS-FS1) sports an ultra compact, lightweight design, with a large 2.7-inch wide LCD screen, and comes in black and white.