Kodak today introduced the waterproof Kodak Playsport full-HD video camera. The pocket-sized Kodak Playsport is waterproof down to a depth of 3m, and features built-in software and USB cable output so users can edit and easily share with family and friends through sites such as YouTube and Facebook. 1080p full-HD videos are captured at a frame rate of 30fps, with electronic image stabilisation. The Kodak Playsport can also capture still photographs at a resolution of 5 megapixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. Framing and playback are via a 2” colour LCD screen, featuring an LCD Glare Shield. Pictures and clips are recorded on SD/SDHC cards. The Kodak Playsport comes bundled with an HDMI cable, and will be available for £129.99/$149.95 MSRP beginning in April 2010 at major retailers as well as Kodak.com.

Canon today launched the new LEGRIA HF S series – a set of premium, Full High Definition (HD) camcorders designed for cinematographers and amateur video enthusiasts. Features of the LEGRIA HF S series camcorders include an 8 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, Canon HD Video Lens (10x optical zoom) and DIGIC DV III image processing. In addition, all models can record sharp, smooth, detailed AVCHD footage at up to 24Mbps. Steady shots at maximum zoom can be achieved thanks to a new Powered Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS). Activated manually, it works in tandem with Canon’s existing Dynamic Optical Image Stabilizer system for additional shake reduction. LEGRIA HF S series models also feature a new six-blade hexagonal diaphragm, providing a more pleasant bokeh effect in video or stills where shallow depth of field is used. The new LEGRIA HF S series models feature a 922,000-dot Touch-screen LCD measuring 8.8cm (3.5”). New Touch Focus, Touch Exposure and Touch Tracking features allow users to quickly and simply control their shots. The unique gesture-based interface also provides sliding controls, offering an alternative way to manually adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed or exposure. The LEGRIA HF S20, S21 (pictured) and S200 willl be available from April 2010. Prices are to be confirmed.

Note: The LEGRIA line is called VIXIA in the US.

ViewPLUS have introduced the Lumiere 4K x 2K digital camera system that takes standard Nikon F mount lenses and can output 12-bit raw uncompressed 4096 x 2048 images at 60 frames per second to the host PC. Additional features include external frame synchronisation to standard HD formats, such as 480i, 480p, 1080i, and 1080p; CVBS and S-Video bi-level and tri-level input signal synchronisation; and an opto-isolated general purpose input/output connector for synchronising to external devices such as a light source. The Lumiere camera system also includes Lumiere-REC, a software development kit that allows users to record image data and output to movie industry-standard CinemaDNG RAW file format, and Lumiere-RT, an application that can be used in conjunction with CUDA technology to colour process and display full 4K-width colour images in real time on a 4K monitor or four high-definition monitors. Starting at JPY 8,400,000, the Lumiere camera system is available to order now from ViewPLUS.

Website: ViewPLUS

RED has released full specifications and pricing for its Scarlet 2/3” camera “brain”. The new Scarlet 2/3” features a 2/3” sensor capable of recording 3k HD video at 120 frames per second. The captured video is stored in RED’s own raw format, REDCODE. The body-only price of the Scarlet 2/3” “brain” is $2750, but it is also available in a configuration consisting of the “brain”, Side CF Module, wireless REDmote control, 2.8” touchscreen LCD, REDVOLT battery and travel charger, and an 8x zoom lens, for $4750. RED has also announced that the first three lenses in its Mini Primes line-up (50mm, 25mm, 16mm) are complete, with the 6mm and 8mm lenses expected to be finalised in December.

Website: REDuser

Via engadget

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.