At Canon EXPO 2010 New York, Canon has showcased a range of future technologies including a working prototype for a multipurpose digital camera that supports both video and still image capture with ultra-high definition 4K resolution. 4K is a collective name for several new standards of digital video capture, including Full Aperture 4K (4096x3112 pixels), Academy 4K (3656x2664 pixels), and Digital Cinema 4K (itself coming in different flavours such as 4096×1714 and 3996x2160 pixels). Given that Canon’s new prototype has a 2/3”, 8-megapixel CMOS sensor, we assume it shoots one version of Digital Cinema 4K, as both Full Aperture 4K and Academy 4K require more than 8 million pixels. The camera shoots video at 60 frames per second, and comes equipped with a large 4K LCD screen. Speaking of which, Canon is also exhibiting LCD panels with up to 8K resolution as part of their future technology showcase at the expo.

The Sanyo Xacti PD1 combines a 10-megapixel digital still camera and a Full HD camcorder in one ultra-compact package. With its 3x optical zoom, integrated USB arm and 2-inch LCD screen, the Dual Camera Xacti PD1 is barely bigger than a cell phone. Supporting Eye-Fi memory cards, the Sanyo PD1 comes with an Easy Upload function to facilitate the sharing of videos on YouTube. Video sequences are recorded using the space-saving MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, which means, for example, that a 32 GB card can store more than five hours of film material. You can use even higher-capacity cards thanks to the PD1’s compatibility with the latest SDXC memory cards. The pocket camcorder will be available from September 2010 in black, at a price of €169.

The Samsung HMX-T10 is a new full HD camcorder. Featuring an innovative 20-degree Slanted Lens that removes any discomfort to the user’s arm or wrist, the HMX T10 also offers a 2.7-inch touch screen LCD, a 10x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, and the ability to capture 4.7 megapixel still images and video footage at the same time. The Samsung HMX-T10 will be available in September 2010 for $299.

The Sony Bloggie Touch is a Full HD pocket camcorder that also takes 12-megapixel photos. Available in two versions - the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10 with 8GB and 4GB of embedded memory respectively -, the Sony Bloggie Touch has a 3-inch capacitive touch screenthat automatically adjusts for vertical or horizontal shooting and viewing, enabling customers to shoot video right-handed, left-handed, right-side-up or even upside-down. Equipped with an f2.8 wide-angle lens and a sensitive Exmor CMOS sensor, the Bloggie Touch has SteadyShot image stabilisation for smoother footage and a built-in USB arm for easy charging and uploading to a computer. Available in silver or black, the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10 will be hit the shelves in October for about $200 and $180 respectively.

At this year’s IFA and Photokina Rollei will be presenting two new compact Full HD camcorders in the “Movieline” product range: Both the Rollei Movieline SD-15 and the Rollei Movieline SD-23 have 5-megapixel sensors and can thus capture still photographs as well as videos. The SD-15 (€169.95) has 10x optical zoom, whereas the SD-23 (€199.95) boasts a 23x zoom lens. Both models feature 3” displays, with the one in the SD-23 being of the touch-sensitive variety. Additionally, both camcorders feature Motion Detection and video stabilisation, and both record movies and images on SD and SDHC memory cards. Shipping with bundled HDMI, AV and USB cables, the Rollei Movieline SD-23 and Movieline SD-15 are scheduled to hit the shelves at the end of October.

Canon has introduced two compact professional HD camcorders. The smallest models in Canon’s professional line-up, the new XF105 and XF100 utilise the same Canon XF Codec featured in the Canon XF305 and XF300, introduced earlier this year. The Canon XF105 and XF100 feature 10x wide zoom lenses with a SuperRange Optical Image Stabiliser, and native Full HD CMOS sensors. Each camcorder also features a convenient, freely rotating 3.5-inch, 920,000 dot LCD monitor and 0.24-inch 260,000 electronic viewfinder with approximately 100 percent field of coverage. The LCD can show peaking, edge-monitor-focus and magnify the image, enabling users to confirm critical focus. Additionally, the Canon XF105 and XF100 include an infrared feature enabling the capture of HD video shooting in conditions with little to zero ambient light. The new camcorders support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz with automatic and manual audio level adjustment. Both the Canon XF105 and XF100 are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2011.

The new JVC Picsio GC-FM2 and GC-WP10 pocket video cameras feature Full HD video, 5-megapixel stills, a 3-inch touch screen and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can select from four different recording resolutions: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p). The new PICSIO cameras also offer time-lapse recording, which reduces hours-long segments to mere seconds. The GC-FM2’s special conveniences include a slide-out USB connector, so no connecting cable is needed, while the GC-WP10’s claim to fame is that it’s waterproof to a depth of 10 feet. The JVC Picsio GC-FM2 will be available in early September for $179.95. The GC-WP10 will hit the shelves in late September for $199.95.

Kodak today introduced the Kodak Playtouch pocket sized digital video camera. Featuring a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen, digital image stabilisation and on-camera editing functionality, the Kodak Playtouch can record 1080p Full HD videos and 5-megapixel stills, and save them on SD and SDHC memory cards. A Share Button allows users to easily upload photos and videos to Facebook and YouTube, while a built-in USB arm provides for easy file transfer and battery charging. The Kodak Playtouch digital video camerawill be available this autumn in Smoke Gaze (Black), Chrome, Cabana (Orange) and Spa Blue (Teal) for £199.99 including an HDMI cqable and rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

The Sanyo VPC-PD2BK is a new Full HD pocket-size dual camera. Offering 1920x1080 30p video recording, 10 megapixel stills, and 3x optical zoom, the VPC-PD2BK also has two microphones on the sides of the camera that record stereo sound. The Sanyo VPC-PD2BK will be available for purchase in September for $169.99,

The Praktica DVC 10.4 HDMI is a Full HD camcorder that can also capture 10-megapixel photos. Equipped with a 36-428mm equivalent 12x zoom lens and a touch-screen interface, the Praktica DVC 10.4 HDMI can record 1920x1080-pixel Full HD video at 30 frames per second (fps), 1280x720-pixel HD and 640x480-pixel SD movies at either 30 or 60fps, and WQVGA clips at 240fps. Featuring a 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD screen and both USB 2.0 and HDMI out ports, the Praktica DVC 10.4 HDMI stores movie files in MOV format on Class 6 SD and SDHC memory cards. As regards pricing and availability, Amazon.de quotes a price of €234.50 but does not have the product in stock yet.

Website: Praktica DVC 10.4 HDMI

US camcorder manufacturer DXG has announced that select styles of its high-definition, affordable pocket camcorders are now available to Canadian consumers. DXG’s high-fashion Luxe Collection line of HD camcorders is the first DXG product range being sold in Canada through The Shopping Channel, with additional camcorder models and Canadian retailers to be announced in the coming months. All Luxe products record video in high definition (720p), take up to 8-megapixel still photos, capture up to 8 hours of video on a 16GB card (sold separately), and feature a 3-inch LCD screen on a slim1½-inches-thick casing. The camcorders also ship with a matching clutch case, HDMI cable, AV/USB cable, and video editing software. Each camcorder in the DXG Luxe range is priced at $139.38 according to the manufacturer.

Oregon Scientific has launched the ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera, a waterproof and shock-resistant Full HD video camera can be strapped to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard or snowboard. A laser pointer also helps users line up the camera, while a built-in G-sensor measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time. Apart from recording Full High Definition video at up to 60fps, the ATC9K also captures 5-megapixel still photographs.The ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera is currently available for the suggested retail price of $299.99 at the website below. Through September 30th, ATC fans can also participate in a video competition to win a Grand Prize package valued at $750.

Website: Oregon Scientific

Sanyo has just introduced the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL Dual Camera Xacti, a waterproof Full HD digital video camera that can also take 14-megapixel still photos. Using the widespread MEPG-4/H.264 format to record video, the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL is small enough to be carried in a pocket, backpack, or purse. The camera uses a proprietary “double-range zoom” feature for zoom operation while filming video with 12x zoom available from wide angle to telephoto for capturing distant objects (equivalent to 40mm to 480 mm zoom in a 35mm film camera). In addition, the High-Speed Sequential Shooting mode enables capturing up to 22 photos at 7 frames per second. Waterproof down to a depth of 10 feet, the Sanyo VPC-CA102YL Dual Camera Xacti will be available for purchase later this month with an MSRP of $349.99.

The Samsung HMX-E10 is a new point-and-shoot camcorder offering full-HD resolution, 8 megapixel still images and a 270-degree swiveling lens. The HMX-E10’s swiveling lens also brings a new sense of fun to recording video, and gives users the ability to step out from behind the camcorder and put themselves in the frame with their friends and family. The built-in USB port connects the HMX E10 directly to any computer, and can also be used to charge the battery. The Samsung HMX-E10 will be available in September for $199.99.

Panasonic has announced the world’s first 3D consumer camcorder. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 includes a 3D conversion lens that enables the camcorder to shoot true-to-life 3D video content. In addition to shooting 3D, the SDT750 can record full 1080p High Definition in AVCHD, when the 3D conversion lens is not attached, and boasts features such as a 3MOS system, a Leica Dicomar lens and 12x optical zoom. Note that in order to properly view 3D content produced by the camera, you will also need a TV that is capable of side-by-side method 3D playback, 3D Eyewear, and HDMI cable connection. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will be available in October 2010 with a suggested retail price of $1,399.95.

Update: We’ve added some real-life close-up shots of the HDC-SDT750 to the image gallery - click through to see them…

Panasonic has introduced the Panasonic HM-TA1, a new Full HD mobile video camera with pocket-sized dimensions. The Panasonic TA1 features an integrated USB terminal and software that allows for easy PC connection and uploading videos to online sharing sites such as YouTube and Facebook. Beyond its HD video-capturing capabilities, the TA1 can also double as a Web camera and microphone, working with IP-based video chat programs such as Skype, by simply connecting the video camera to a computer. Finally, the TA1 also supports the Apple iFrame video format (960x540/30p), which is quick to import and easy to edit on a Mac. The Panasonic HM-TA1 will be available in August with a suggested retail price of $169.95.

Update: We’ve added some real-life close-up shots of the HM-TA1 to the image gallery - click through to see them…

Sony has released an official sample video shot on a Sony Handycam NEX-VG10 large-sensor interchangeable-lens camcorder, announced yesterday. The five-and-a-half-minute sample movie, entitled ‘Beautiful Bali’, was captured using a variety of lenses. You can watch video, which is hosted on Vimeo, after the break.

The Canon Legria HF M32 is a Full-HD camcorder boasting a touch-sensitive screen and 64GB of internal memory. Featuring a 3.3-megapixel CMOS imager and 18x Advanced Zoom with image stabilisation, it’s also the first Legria model to support SDXC memory cards. Advanced Face Detection Technology identifies up to 35 faces in a frame, ensuring that friends and family remain in focus and well-exposed at all times – an individual face can even be manually selected to track someone moving around. Canon’s Instant AF technology provides the high-speed, pin-point auto-focus required for HD video. Additionally, the Legria offers an easy way for users to share content online. An in-camcorder HD-to-SD conversion tool combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to allow clips to be transferred to YouTube with the minimum of effort. The Canon Legria HF M32 will become available in September 2010. In the U.S.A., the Legria HF M32 is known as the Vixia HF M32 and is expected to sell for $1000.

The Sony Handycam NEX-VG10E is an interchangeable-lens Full-HD camcorder using the Sony E lens mount - the same as the one found on the new Sony NEX digital system cameras - and an APS HD CMOS sensor. The NEX-VG10E comes supplied as standard with an image-stabilised E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens, optimised for video shooting and offering smooth, ultra low-noise autofocus and stepless diaphragm control. Alongside the three currently available E-mount lenses, users of the NEX-VG10E can mount a wide variety of A-mount DSLR optics by using the optional LA-EA1 mount adapter. The Sony NEX-VG10E comes equipped with a 3”, 921,000-dot LCD screen and a 1,152,000-dot electronic viewfinder. Apart from capturing Full-HD video, the Handycam NEX-VG10E can also shoot stills at a resolution of 14.2 megapixels. Availability is slated for September in the U.S.A. and October in Europe. The price is $2,000 including the 18-200mm lens.

Swann Security has just announced the new ThumbCam Mini Digital Video Camera. It is a pinhole video camera designed to create clear, 720x480-pixel colour AVI files. Videos can be recorded manually at the push of a button, or switch to the sound activated recording mode for hands free operation. The ThumbCam has a built in, rechargeable lithium ion battery which can be recharged via USB. The new ThumbCam is now available at SRP £49.99 from PC World including a 2GB microSD memory card, silicon cover, USB cable, wall, magnetic and belt brackets, software CD and operating instructions.