Tag Archives: camcorder

Squito Throwable Ball Camera: Squito! You Shoot Me!

Posted on by

A wild spherical camera appears! Actually it’s not the first of its kind that we’ve seen, but unlike the previous device, Serveball’s Squito is being designed for both professional and recreational use. Forget about Instagram or Vine, the cool kids will want to get ball shots! Yeah! No.

squito ball camera by serveball

According to Serveball’s press release, the current prototype of Squito has three cameras, an inertial measurement unit, a microcontroller and an image processor. As you’ll see in the video below, the prototype can take 360º panoramic pictures and videos. When taking pictures, the Squito can reorient and stitch the images that its cameras take. When shooting a video, the Squito can stabilize the video, but don’t expect a free falling camera to be as steady as one on a tripod. The Squito will also be able to wirelessly send its pictures and videos to PCs and mobile devices.

The tail end of the video featured a version of the Squito with night vision and thermal imaging capabilities. From what I can tell those features will be on a separate variant of the Squito, which Serveball is calling the Darkball. Fold your browser into a ball and throw it to Serveball’s website for more on its cameras.

[via Engadget]

 

Thanko Mitamanma Megane HD Camera Glasses: Google Glass Minus Google

Posted on by

While there are many futuristic uses for the heads-up display in Google Glass, several people I’ve met who were wearing them used them primarily to capture images and videos from their personal point of view. So if you don’t want to spend $1500 on a pair of real Google Glasses, you can get the camera part for less than 1/10th that cost.

thanko google glass camera

Made by Japan’s Thanko, the Mitanmanma Megane HD Camera Glasses(JP) are designed so you can capture POV video on the cheap. Just place the glasses over your eyes, press the button, and start capturing video to a microSD card. Unlike Google Glass, however, that’s all these glasses do. If you start asking them where the nearest Starbucks is, you’ll be waiting a very long time for an answer. They don’t capture still images, and they won’t make appointments for you either.

thanko google glass camera 2

Unlike other video glasses, these ones are quite minimal, weighing in at just 2.1 ounces (though a regular pair of sunglasses weighs about 1/4 of this). Also, they can’t be worn over other eyeglasses like Google Glass. They’re capable of capturing a (suspect) 1920×1080 resolution AVI format video at 20 to 30fps. They’re supposed to run for about 30 to 40 minutes on a charge. Here’s some craptacular sample video so you can check out the image quality:

I’m not sure if the frame rate gets any better than that, so they look like they’d be good for capturing animated GIFs and Vines more than full-motion video. Still, what do you want for a hundred bucks? You can get a pair of the Thanko Mitamanma Megane HD Camera Glasses from Japan Trend Shop for $112(USD) plus $12 for worldwide shipping.

JVC unveils $18,000 4K interchangeable lens camcorder with Nikon F-mount

Posted on by

JVC unveils 4K camcorder with Nikon Fmount

Lovers of 4K and Nikon glass, rejoice: JVC has just launched a 4K large-sensor camcorder that will use Nikon F-mount lenses. The JY-HMQ30 camera will operate in manual focus mode only -- even with AF glass -- though f-stop settings will be controllable in-camera for modern lenses with no aperture ring. As with the company's fixed lens GY-HMQ10, the interchangeable model will record AVC/H.264 4K video at up to 60 fps onto four separate SDHC cards, each capturing an HD-sized quadrant with a total maximum data rate of 144Mbps -- and also capture 1080/60p video at 28Mbps onto a single card. Other features include a JVC 4K clip manager that'll convert files to Apple's ProRes422 codec, live 4K, 60 fps output to a monitor or portable recorder, 4K time-lapse recording, a focus assist function and stereo XLR microphone inputs. Though the company's taking orders for the 1.7 million yen ($18,000) camera starting today in Japan, there's no word yet on availability or pricing stateside -- but you can probably start polishing up those Nikon lenses soon.

Filed under:

Comments

Via: AV Watch (translated)

Source: JVC (translated)

Polaroid XS80 HD Action Camera Ready to Record Your Outdoor Shenanigans

Posted on by

Polaroid has released a new action camera designed to be mountable on whatever it is you get your action fix on. The camera is called the Polaroid XS80 and it records in 1080p full HD resolution at 30fps.

polaroid xs80

The camera can also capture 720p video, though that doesn’t increase the frame rate. The XS80 is packed inside of a tough waterproof housing – good down to 10 meters. It’s impact-resistant so you can mount it on things like bicycles and motorcycles, and features anti-shake technology. It also has a wide 120-degree field of view for capturing as much of the action as it can. It’s even got a G-Sensor which ensures the image is always upright in case you mount the camera at a weird angle.

Still photos can be snapped in resolutions of 16, five, and three-megapixels as well as VGA resolution. The camera offers three different photo modes including single, burst, and time-lapse. Video and photos are written to a microSD card with up to 32GB of storage. Power comes from an integrated lithium-ion battery and it also has an HDMI output. MSRP for the XS80 is $129.99(USD) and while Polaroid says it’s available now, the products page lists it as unavailable at the time of writing.

Sony DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars Are Perfect for Hunters, Spies and Stalkers

Posted on by

Sony has announced a new set of digital recording binoculars called the DEV-50V. The binoculars allow users to take still photos and video of wildlife from afar. That wildlife can include things such as birds and deer (or the hot blonde who lives across the street.) Sony says that these new binoculars are lighter, smaller, and more weatherproof compared to the versions released previously.

sony bino 1

The digital recording binoculars have a magnification range of 0.8x to 12x optical, and up to 25x digital zoom. The magnification can also be adjusted on the fly so you can use the low magnification setting to find your subject and then quickly zoom in. The binoculars also automatically focus themselves and have integrated image stabilization.

sony bino 2

They’re also able to record 2D or 3D images and work in low light conditions as well. Still images can be taken at a resolution of 20.4-megapixels, and video can be captured in Full AVCHD (presumably, that means 1080p resolution). Each eye gets its own XGA resolution OLED “Tru-Finder” and the binoculars have integrated GPS for geo-tagging photos and video. One cool feature is that you can even play back 3D video through the eyepieces. They also have an HDMI output for connecting to an HDTV.

sony bino 3
The DEV-50V binoculars will be available this June for about $2000(USD).

Phantom Flex4K camera unveiled, blasts through 1000 4K frames per second (video)

Posted on by

Phantom Flex4K camera blasts through 1000 4K frames per second video

Vision Research just upped the 4k speed barrier by a near order of magnitude with the launch of its Phantom Flex4K cinema camera at NAB. Starting at $110K, it builds on its Phantom Flex predecessor with up to 1,000 fps in 5-second bursts at 4K, 2,000 fps in 2K and 3,000 fps at 720p resolution -- speeds that'll net you almost three minutes of 4K video when played back at 24 fps. The full 16:9 Super 35 sensor-equipped model can be had with PL, PV Canon EOS or Nikon F/G mounts and will capture RAW or compressed footage in an "industry-standard," but as-yet-unspecified format. The Flex4K will also be available with a Phantom Cinemag IV, which will hold up to 2TB of data, or nearly 2 hours of RAW 4K footage at normal recording speeds. Other features include a Bluetooth transmitter and handheld Phantom RCU for remote operation, 12+ stops of dynamic range, HD-SDI video output and a camera control interface and form factor that hews to industry norms, according to Vision Research. If you're still reading after seeing the six-figure price tag, check the videos or More Coverage link after the jump for more.

Filed under:

Comments

Source: AbelCine

Canon outs VIXIA HF G30 camcorder with premium optics, XA20 and XA25 for pros (updated)

Posted on by

Canon outs VIXIA HF G30 camcorder with WiFi Remote, XA20 and XA25 for pros

While the image of the amateur camcorder user still revolves around a parent recording baby's first steps, Canon knows that at least some of us want high-quality footage without venturing too far into pro camera territory. Witness its new VIXIA HF G30, which rolls in image quality and control that are still rare outside of big shoulder-mounted cams. It includes a larger CMOS sensor than its ancestors, a new DIGIC DV 4 processor and an equally fresh 20X (26.8-536mm equivalent), f/1.8 lens; together, they should cut back on visual artifacts, improve stabilization and produce a gentler depth of field effect. Canon is also expanding its WiFi support to include DSLR-like remote control of the camcorder through the web browsers of most modern devices. The upgrade rounds out with a handful of firsts specific to the G series, such as dual recording in AVCHD and MP4 as well as a 3.5-inch, OLED touchscreen. Be prepared to sacrifice some time and money for the upgrade in home video quality, though -- Canon doesn't ship the HF G30 until June, when it will cost a not-quite-pro-level $1,700.

If you really do make a living from moving pictures, Canon also has a pair of compact pro models that share the same underlying technology. Both the XA20 and XA25 (pictured after the break) carry the same 20X lens, DIGIC DV 4 processing, WiFi and OLED display as their home-oriented cousin, but throw in pro-level expansion such as XLR microphone inputs and holders, independent audio level adjustment and (on the XA25) SDI connectors. The two will ship later in June and should carry premiums that lift their official prices up to $2,699 and $3,199, although we're seeing them on Canon's site for $500 less -- we've reached out and will let you know how much they cost in practice.

Update: Canon tells us that the real pricing sits in between. The XA20 will cost $2,499, while it will take $2,999 to call an XA25 your own.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: Canon (1), (2), (3)

Swann Bolt HD action camera shoots 1080p video, 12MP stills with laser targeting

Posted on by

Swann Bolt HD action camera shoots 1080p video, 12MP stills with laser targeting

We're starting to wonder where introducing lasers doesn't make everything better. Case in point: Swann's just-shipping Bolt HD action camera. While the 1080p video, microSD storage and 135-degree lens will be familiar from the Freestyle HD we saw in 2011, there's now a laser pointer to make sure the camera is on target when it isn't an option to peek through the detachable LCD. A sleeker look and an upgrade to 12-megapixel still photos also give us reason to upgrade. It's not a uniform move upwards from the Freestyle HD, however -- the Bolt HD can only submerge to 32 feet versus the 65 of its ancestor. As long as your scuba dives don't run that deep, however, the lower $200 price for the new camera might prove tempting.

Show full PR text

Swann Security Unleashes Bolt HD[TM], A High Definition Waterproof and Wearable Mini Action Camera

Waterproof camera and DVR combo lets adrenaline junkies capture their most extreme moments

Santa Fe Springs, Calif. - (January 20, 2013) - Swann Security, the global leader in security monitoring solutions, proudly debuts the Bolt HD[TM] mini high definition action camera. Making its debut at the 2013 International CES, this mini HD camera / DVR combo is rugged, waterproof and comes with a myriad of mounting options so outdoor enthusiasts can live and relive their most extreme moments. The Bolt HD is available at www.swann.com for $199.99.

At the core of Bolt HD is a color camera that can record 1080p or Full HD high resolution video at real time or 12 MP still images. With a built in laser pointer, Bolt HD allows the user to confirm the camera is on target and ready to shoot. The protected lens allows the user to record more with a 135 degree angle lens. The Bolt HD has an included stereo microphone that enables audio recordings to not only see but hear the action. The device stores approximately 10 hours of video recordings on a removable MicroSD card (up to 32GB), so users can easily swap out cards while on the go. Bolt HD's mini HDMI connection allows the user to connect right in to their home TV to relive the action in HD right away. Bolt HD is powered by a lithium-ion battery that recharges via USB and gives the user hours of life per charge.

Not only is the Bolt HD shockproof, but it's also waterproof up to 32'. Equipped with a number of mounting options, Bolt HD is an ideal solution for a variety of sports and outdoor applications. With no dials, gauges, knobs or any preferences to configure, users simply turn it on, strap it on and hit record.

Bolt HD Features Include:

* Record professional high definition action videos at 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) in real time (30fps) with stereo audio
* Use the laser pointer to check the camera is on target and shoot in any conditions with waterproof casing to 32ft below the surface
* Relive the action in high definition with mini HDMI connection
* Record footage to MicroSD card (up to 32GB), or use the USB cable to transfer to PC or Mac for easy uploading to your favorite websites
* Convenient lithium-ion battery is rechargeable via USB with hours of recording per charge
* Wearable mounts include: curved surface mount, Helmet mount, flat surface mount
* Wireless Remote

Availability

Swann's Bolt HD (MSRP-$199) is available through Swann's network of retailers and at www.swann.com.

Filed under:

Comments

Source: B&H

Sony handcrafts its CES products in reverse-teardown (video)

Posted on by

Sony handcrafts its CES products in reverse-teardown (video)

If you were following Sony's CES press event in detail, you might recall it launched with a quick video of a new Sony product made by hand. We now know that was to be the Xperia Z, and now the company's released a curiously relaxing video of a (largely) off-camera tinkerer crafting the aforementioned phone, a Cybershot RX1 and one of its HD camcorders. All within five minutes. We doubt this is how the electronics-maker's real production line works, but at least you get a glimpse into how Sony ensures its new flagship phone is kept 'omnibalanced'. (Hint: there's not much space left beneath that glossy back panel.)

Filed under: , , ,

Comments

Source: Sony (YouTube)

JVC Unveils High-End Camcorder

Posted on by

JVC has announced a new flagship camcorder aimed at professional users that want to capture high-quality video of fast action with impressive slow-motion capabilities. The camcorder is called the GC-...