RED’s founder, Jim Jannard, has recently made an announcement about a major problem with their Scarlet and EPIC cameras that has been hindering their launch, and will likely continue to do so. “It has held us up now for two months,” Jannard said in the statement made on the REDuser forum. “The fix could be tomorrow. Or not.” Scarlet and EPIC - the two “brains” of the modular RED camera system - were first announced almost two years ago, and Scarlet got a price tag at the end of last year. However, the company that was going to manufacture Scarlet turned out to have “significant issues”, and RED are now trying to find a new partner.

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras

Sanyo has announced the world’s first waterproof Full HD consumer video camera with optical zoom. The Sanyo DMX-CA100 Dual Camera Xacti has a 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor capable of capturing full-resolution stills at a speed of one frame per second (fps), and 2-megapixel stills at 7fps. The lens has a focal range of 6.8-34mm, equivalent to 38-190mm in 35mm terms, and an almost constant maximum aperture (f/3.5 at wide angle, f/3.7 at telephoto). Waterproof down to a depth of 3m for up to 60 minutes, the Sanyo DMX-CA100 Dual Camera Xacti can be used underwater while snorkelling. As a video camera, it can shoot Full HD footage while taking advantage of Sanyo’s “Double Range Zoom” technology, which changes the size of the video capture area on the image sensor. Compatible with Eye-Fi and SDXC memory cards, the Sanyo DMX-CA100 will be launched at the end of this month. Pricing to be confirmed,

Canon UK has announced a new cashback offer on its Legria camcorders. Those British/Irish customers who buy a Canon Legria FS or HF R model until the end of July are eligible for a cashback of £30 / €35. Those who purchase a Legria HF M or HF S series camcorder in the same period will get £50 / €55 back. Claims must be received by 31st August 2010.

Website: Legria Cashback UK | Legria Cashback Ireland

Flip Video is launching a limited-edition St. Georges Flag Mino pocket camcorder to celebrate England’s place in the World Cup. This standard-definition, VGA-resolution camcorder comes with 2GB of on-board memory, and features a touch-sensitive interface and a 1.5” LCD screen. Like the original Flip Mino, the St. George’s Flag edition uses an internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery that conveniently recharges whenever the camcorder’s USB arm is connected to a computer. There is no optical zoom, but 2x digital zoom is available. The built-in software lets you easily edit video files and upload them to video sharing sites. Available in the UK at a recommended retail price of £109.99.

Sony is developing an interchangeable-lens AVCHD camcorder that will be compatible with the new E-mount lenses developed for the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras. Using the same Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that is at the heart of those models, the new camcorder is planned to hit the shelves in autumn 2010.

Cisco has announced the Flip SlideHD pocket camcorder featuring an all-new form factor and 720p HD video recording at 30fps. The Flip SlideHD is the first Flip Video camera that lets consumers shoot up to four hours of HD video or store up to 12 hours of videos, photos, and content from Flip channels. SlideHD is also the first Flip to enable real-time video sharing on a 3-inch wide transflective touch screen with a unique slide-up design. Also, SlideHD lets users design their own camcorder to make it uniquely their own.  Users can also choose from thousands of designs from artists, leading design firms, celebrities, and iconic brands, or they can easily upload their own image to create a one-of-a-kind camcorder. The Flip SlideHD camcorder is immediately available for an MSRP of $279.99 at major retailers, online retailers and at the Flip store.

Website: Flip Store

Sanyo has announced two Xacti branded Dual Cameras, the DMX-CG100 and DMX-GH1, both of which capture full HD video and 14-megapixel stills. The two cameras differ primarily in their form factor and colour scheme. Otherwise they are very similarly specified. Both have 5x zoom lenses with a 35mm equivalnet focal range of 38-190mm, built-in stereao microphones, 2.7” LCD screens and a sensitivity range of ISO 50 to ISO 1600. Both can capture 1920x1080-pixel Full HD video at 60fps with double-range zoom, and 4352x3264-pixel stills at up to 1fps. The video format is “MPEG-4 AVC / H.264”. The Sanyo Xacti DMX-GH1 features Sanyo’s unique “Double Sub Rec Button” for easier shooting. The price of the new models has not yet been disclosed.

Panasonic Solutions Company has announced the Panasonic AG-AF100 camcorder, which uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount.  The camera offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, dual card slots and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media. The AF100 incorporates a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager. The camcorder records 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps). Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable. The Panasonic AG-AF100 will be available by the end of 2010. Price to be confirmed.

Canon has just launched the XF300 (pictured) and XF305 digital video cameras that are the first models to use the new MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) recording codec recently adopted by the manufacturer. Equipped with a Canon L-series HD Video Lens combining a 29.3mm equivalent wide angle with fast maximum aperture (f/1.6) and 18x zoom, 3CMOS sensor system and a DIGIC DV III processing engine, these cameras record videos industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format) files to Compact Flash memory cards, using data transfer rates of up to 50Mbps and rich 4:2:2 colour sampling. The Canon XF300 and XF305 also feature a 1.55-million-dot EVF with 100% coverage plus a 4” LCD screen with a resolution of 1.23 million dots. Slow and fast motion video recording also expands creative possibilities, with a total of 20 different frame rates on offer. In addition, thes XF305 model features industry-standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera or 3-D productions.These are not found on the XF300.The Canon XF305 is scheduled to be available in late June for an estimated retail price of $7,999.The XF300is expected to cost $6,799.

JVC today announced the availability of a new high definition Everio camera with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing the camera to work with a variety of other wireless devices. Among the capabilities the camera’s Bluetooth technology offers is control of the camera using a smartphone, geo-tagging of videos and stills and use with a compatible Bluetooth headset. In addition, the JVC HD Everio GZ-HM550 features a 10.62-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor for recording high quality Full HD video and nine megapixel digital stills to its internal 32GB flash memory. The integrated Konica Minolta HD lens is currently one of the world’s smallest and slimmest HD lenses, and offers 16x dynamic zoom without any degradation of picture quality, the company says. The GZ-HM500 is also equipped with both an LED light and a flash for shooting in dark situations. The JVC HD Everio GZ-HM550 Bluetooth enabled camera is available now for $799.95.

The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are two new ultra-compact camcorders. Building on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 offer a built-in USB connection, 1920x1080 full HD resolution video, true 3x optical zoom (HMX-U20), and 14 mega-pixel digital still images (HMX-U15). the Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are extremely portable with dimensions of just 2.1” x .61” x 4.09”. The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 will be available in Black, Silver, Blue and Red in Spring 2010 for $249.99 and $229.99 respectively.

Sanyo North America has announced three new Dual Cameras, the VPC-GH2, VPC-CG102, and VPC-CG20, featuring Full HD 1080 60i video and up to 14mp photo resolution. Movies and photos can be saved to SD, SDHC or ultra-high capacity SDXC memory cards. The GH2 and CG102 include a new “double-range zoom,” which combines both a wide-angle and telephoto zoom for videos, switchable at the touch of a button. The GH2 features a compact, horizontal form factor and a 14.4-megapixel CMOS sensor. The CG102 offers the same resolution in a vertical form factor. The CG20 has a 10.7-megapixel CMOS chip housed in a vertically styled body. All three cameras feature a mini HDMI port and all of them are compatible with Eye-Fi cards. Pricing to be determined.

Sanyo has announced a new Dual Camera, the Xacti DMX-CG110, which is a Full HD camcorder and a 14-megapixel digital still camera in one. The video format used for this model is “MPEG-4 AVC / H.264”, which is fully supported by Windows 7. Consequently, video files are displayed in the same thumbnail format as still picture files, and they can also be played back directly with Windows Media Player, are editable with Windows Live Movie Maker, and are Device Stage compatible. The DMX-GG110 has a newly developed 12x “Double-Range Zoom” function that can be used when capturing video. This feature enables a wider range of video capture by allowing users to switch between different zoom ranges with the touch of a button, just like alternating between two lenses with different zoom ratios. When converted to a 35-mm film basis, this equals a capture range from wide-angle 40 mm up to a 12x zoom of 480 mm. Compatible with SDXC and Eye-Fi cards, the Sanyo Xacti DMX-CG110 will be available from the end of February. Pricing is to be determined, and there is no word on international availability at the moment.

Swann Seurity has introduced the ActionCam, a camera designed for high impact, high intensity, extreme sports and recreational use. Durable and able to withstand vibrations, knocks and bumps while still capturing all your activity, th ActionCam comes bundled with a 2GB microSD card. Simply connect the ActionCam to the side of your helmet, the frame of your bike or any other equipment you are using. Accessories included are rubber helmet strap, bicycle stand and stand with suction cup. The Swann ActionCam has a SRP of £89.99 and is available from Maplin Stores.

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 is a new Full HD, Slim Type Dual Camera that can capture both still photographs and Full HD videos. Billed as the world’s smallest, lightest and thinnest super-slim consumer-use Full HD video camera with a zoom lens, the Xacti VPC-CS1 represents an new style of Dual Camera in the Sanyo Xacti line-up. The video format used is MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, and the VPC-CS1 is undergoing official certification to support iFrame, a next generation video format. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 has a 3-megapixel sensor, but as a stills camera, it records interpolated 8-megapixel digital photographs on the memory card. Other highlights of the new Sanyo include a 38-380mm equivalent zoom lens, digital image stabilisation, face tracking Eye-Fi and SDXC compatibility and a mini HDMI port. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CS1 will become commercially available next month at an MSRP of $299.99.

Sanyo has announced the SDXC-compatible Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1 hybrid stills/video Dual Camera with a wide-angle lens and Full HD capture. Breaking with the vertical pistol grip design of earlier Xacti Dual Cameras, the Sanyo VPC-SH1 sports a more traditional camcorder look and incorporates a 35mm equivalent wide-angle lens, which is something new on a consumer-use Full HD video camera, Sanyo claims. The video format used for this model is MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, and the VPC-SH1 is undergoing official certification to support iFrame, a next generation video format that has been designed to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality video. The new Xacti has a 4-megapixel sensor, but as a stills camera, it produces interpolated 10-megapixel photographs. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-SH1 Dual Camera will go on sale in February 2010.

Sony has unveiled two new “bloggie” branded cameras that capture 5-megapixel still photos and Full HD video in MP4 format. Styled in a choice of four vibrant colour finishes, the Sony PM5/PM5K features a rotating lens that swivels 270 degrees to capture life from any angle. The PM5K also includes a special 360 Video lens adapter: just slip it on and start shooting panoramic videos that can be ‘unwrapped’ for PC viewing using supplied PMB software and 360 Video Player application. Featuring a ‘pistol grip’ vertical styling, the Sony CM5 (shown at left) boasts a high-quality 5x optical zoom lens, plus a swivel 6.2cm LCD screen that flips out for comfortable shooting and viewing. The CM5 also sports an HDMI connector. After shooting, both cameras link directly to your PC or Mac via the built-in USB connector that tucks away snugly when not in use. The embedded PMB Portable software launches automatically when your bloggie is connected to your computer, letting you view, select and upload clips to media sharing sites like Picasa and YouTube. The cameras’ battery is automatically charged while it’s connected to the computer. The Sony bloggie PM5, PM5K and CM5 Mobile HD Snap Cameras will be available from Feburary 2010, priced at $169.99, $189.99 and $199.99 respectively.

Canon UK has just launched the new Legria HF R series – a collection of stylish and lightweight Full High Definition camcorders that make it fun and easy to share videos. The complete series is equipped with Canon’s HD Camera System, featuring an HD CMOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, Canon HD Video Lens and advanced DIGIC DV III processing. New Smart Auto technology is also included. First introduced in Canon’s digital compact cameras, Smart Auto has now been optimised for HD camcorders. Canon’s unique Instant AF technology complements Smart Auto with the ultra-fast focusing required for the best HD movies. Face Detection Technology ensures friends and family always look their best, automatically identifying up to 35 faces and ensuring they are in focus and well exposed. All models also feature Pre REC mode, which cleverly captures the three seconds prior to the moment you press Record. The Legria HF R16 (pictured) and R18 feature a new built-in HD-to-SD conversion tool, which combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to enable online sharing. Support for Eye-Fi connected functions means users can also upload their converted SD video clips direct from the camcorder at a wireless hotspot, without the need for a computer. Both models also feature Relay Recording, which prevents interruptions in filming caused by full storage. Relay Recording automatically switches to memory cards when internal storage (8GB on the R16, 32GB on the R18) becomes full, making sure that the camcorder keeps rolling as long as the action does. The Legria HF R106 shoots solely to SDHC cards. All three models are expected to be available from March 2010. Pricing is to be confirmed.

Note: The Legria line is called Vixia in the US.

Canon UK has announced the launch of the new LEGRIA HF M series – a selection of compact, easy-to-use, Full HD digital video cameras, comprising the Canon Legria HF M31 (pictured), M36 and M306 models. These camcorders feature a 3.3-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 18x Advanced Zoom Canon HD Video Lens, DIGIC DV III processor and touch control via a newly developed touchscreen LCD.  Advanced Face Detection Technology identifies up to 35 faces at once, whilst Canon’s Instant AF technology provides the high-speed, pin-point auto-focus required for HD. Steady pictures are delivered by Canon’s Dynamic Optical Image Stabiliser technology. At maximum zoom, users can utilise the new Powered Optical Image Stabiliser mode, which greatly improves image stability when focusing on distant subjects. The Legria HF M31 and Legria HF M36 feature an in-camcorder HD-to-SD conversion tool, which combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to allow clips to be transferred to YouTube with the minimum of effort. Support for Eye-Fi connected functions means users can also upload their converted SD video clips direct from the camcorder at a wireless hotspot, without the need for a computer. The Canon Legria HF M31 has 32GB of internal storage plus an SDHC card slot, the M36 has 8GB of internal memory and can also record to a memory card. Both models feature Relay Recording, which automatically switches recording to the memory card when internal memory is full. The M306 model shoots solely to SDHC cards. All of these camcorders shall be available from March, prices to be confirmed.

Note: The Legria line is called Vixia in the US.

Canon UK has launched the new Legria FS300 series of lightweight and easy-to-use Standard Definition digital video cameras, comprising the Canon Legria FS36, FS37 and FS306 (pictured) models. These camcorders weigh just 225 grams each, but benefit from a number of advanced imaging features, including a genuine Canon Video Lens and DIGIC DV II processor. In order to reduce the effects of camera shake, especially at the far end of each model’s 41x Advanced Zoom, a new Dynamic Image Stabiliser makes the image smoother and more enjoyable to watch. The new series features Dual Flash Memory. In the Legria FS37 and Legria FS36, 16GB or 8GB of internal flash memory is combined with a card slot supporting SDHC memory cards. The Legria FS306 includes an SDHC card slot without additional internal memory. All three camcorders will be available from March, prices to be determined later.