Among the different models and formats of camcorders in the market, some models and formats are better than others. This is because as new technology is developed, camcorders are equipped with a number of features that allow for better recording, better resolution and easier editing. Among the current crop of camcorders, digital camcorders rate the best. However, there are many digital camcorders available and some are better than others. Among digital cameras, the mini digital video camcorders (Mini DV) are at the top of the list.
Mini DV camcorders have a number of advantages over some digital camcorders. One of the most obvious is these camcorders are very compact, making them more convenient to carry around. In addition, they have features that make the editing process easier and faster. Mini DV camcorders can be purchased from electronics stores, catalogs and online. Usually, they are sold by brand and according to r features that make it easier to search for one that fits your need and budget.
Among the different manufacturers of digital camcorders are Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. They offer some of the better mini DV camcorders, with Sony leading the market. Sony offers the best features at very affordable prices. Panasonic has great features, as well including three CCDs. Canon is also a popular brand offer similar features as those of Sony and Panasonic. Purchasing a camcorder from one of these companies will cost around $600 or more, depending on the features you select. The warranties on these brands is also quite comprehensive.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Face Recognition Technology Facts
Camcorder technology continues to evolve as we move into the latter part of the decade. Several new models were introduced at the recent consumer electronics show, and the big news is that face recognition technology has arrived on the camcorder scene. Sony and Panasonic have already released models offering this technology, with more to come later this year.
Face Recognition Technology Facts
Face recognition and face detection technology offers a big plus for still photographers. In essence, it allows the photographer to have an auto correct feature for common facial image photography problems. Introduced a few years ago, face recognition technology is now quite common in digital cameras.
What this means to camcorder owners is that in these new models, facial images will automatically be adjusted for light exposure, thereby clarifying facial features and eliminating under exposure or over exposure. This is done through automatic correcting technology for focus, image balance, and color balance.
Two Companies Introduce First New Models
Panasonic and Sony are the first two companies taking advantage of this technological breakthrough. Sony's high end model HDR-SR10 and Panasonic's HDC-SD9 are two examples of new 2008 offerings with face detection built in. Interestingly, Panasonic was one of the last companies to roll out face detection technology in their cameras, choosing to wait until they felt their models were best in class.
What This Means To You
If you decide to buy one of these new models, you'll notice a great deal more clarity in facial images. Specifically, you can expect the common problem of excess light exposure to be practically eliminated. Other notable improvements will be color balance and overall sharpness in facial images.
While Sony and Panasonic are leading the way, expect other companies to roll out similar models in both 2008 and 2009. It remains to be seen where price points for these models will eventually level off. For now though, the Panasonic HDC-SD9 retails for $799, with Sony's model HDR-SR10 in the same neighborhood.
Face Recognition Technology Facts
Face recognition and face detection technology offers a big plus for still photographers. In essence, it allows the photographer to have an auto correct feature for common facial image photography problems. Introduced a few years ago, face recognition technology is now quite common in digital cameras.
What this means to camcorder owners is that in these new models, facial images will automatically be adjusted for light exposure, thereby clarifying facial features and eliminating under exposure or over exposure. This is done through automatic correcting technology for focus, image balance, and color balance.
Two Companies Introduce First New Models
Panasonic and Sony are the first two companies taking advantage of this technological breakthrough. Sony's high end model HDR-SR10 and Panasonic's HDC-SD9 are two examples of new 2008 offerings with face detection built in. Interestingly, Panasonic was one of the last companies to roll out face detection technology in their cameras, choosing to wait until they felt their models were best in class.
What This Means To You
If you decide to buy one of these new models, you'll notice a great deal more clarity in facial images. Specifically, you can expect the common problem of excess light exposure to be practically eliminated. Other notable improvements will be color balance and overall sharpness in facial images.
While Sony and Panasonic are leading the way, expect other companies to roll out similar models in both 2008 and 2009. It remains to be seen where price points for these models will eventually level off. For now though, the Panasonic HDC-SD9 retails for $799, with Sony's model HDR-SR10 in the same neighborhood.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Guides To Know About Camcorders
If there ever was a product that failed to live up to it's potential, the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder was that product. Small, easy to use, YouTube friendly, and everyone is doing the video thing these days. The Flip Video got all kinds of media love from USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and even Oprah used a Flip Video on her show. It's truly a great idea whose time has come, and people are buying them up, in spite of all their problems. Speaking of their problems, lets have a look shall we.
Shooting videos with the Flip Video, and viewing them on the camera seems to work fine. The problem comes once you attach the the video camera to your PC or MAC. Problems include intermittent uploading of videos. Meaning, sometimes videos upload and sometimes they don't . Sometimes only a few will upload, and sometimes none. In addition uploads can be painfully slow. Some consumers have reported complete computer crashes while attempting to load their videos. Even MAC users have seen their virtually bullet proof systems crash when hooked up to a Flip Video. Pure Digital, the company behind the camcorder has been madly releasing software, and firmware updates for Flip Video. Some of the patches do seem to be helping.
The other thing to consider is the quality of the video you plan on creating. The Flip Video, probably creates quality slightly better videos than most cell phones, but not as good as the videos from a decent digital still camera. It seems to be geared to the YouTube crowd, as that's about where the quality of the videos seem to fit. If your looking to shoot family and friends videos you want as keepsakes, it's probably better to go with a dedicated camcorder. If your only a casual video shooter, than maybe you should spend a few extra bucks on your digital still camera, and make sure it's got good video features.
I don't mean to pick on the Flip Video too much, but there are a few other smaller problems as well:
- Small size of unit can be cumbersome for people with larger adult size hands.
- Interface is not as simple to use as it should be.
- Customer service unable to keep up due to the popularity of the camera, and numerous software problems.
- Lens quality and placement make it prone to scratching.
Shooting videos with the Flip Video, and viewing them on the camera seems to work fine. The problem comes once you attach the the video camera to your PC or MAC. Problems include intermittent uploading of videos. Meaning, sometimes videos upload and sometimes they don't . Sometimes only a few will upload, and sometimes none. In addition uploads can be painfully slow. Some consumers have reported complete computer crashes while attempting to load their videos. Even MAC users have seen their virtually bullet proof systems crash when hooked up to a Flip Video. Pure Digital, the company behind the camcorder has been madly releasing software, and firmware updates for Flip Video. Some of the patches do seem to be helping.
The other thing to consider is the quality of the video you plan on creating. The Flip Video, probably creates quality slightly better videos than most cell phones, but not as good as the videos from a decent digital still camera. It seems to be geared to the YouTube crowd, as that's about where the quality of the videos seem to fit. If your looking to shoot family and friends videos you want as keepsakes, it's probably better to go with a dedicated camcorder. If your only a casual video shooter, than maybe you should spend a few extra bucks on your digital still camera, and make sure it's got good video features.
I don't mean to pick on the Flip Video too much, but there are a few other smaller problems as well:
- Small size of unit can be cumbersome for people with larger adult size hands.
- Interface is not as simple to use as it should be.
- Customer service unable to keep up due to the popularity of the camera, and numerous software problems.
- Lens quality and placement make it prone to scratching.
Batteries For The Use Of Digital Camcorder
Digital camcorders of today have come along with highly efficient batteries that last longer and give you the utmost satisfaction. Camcorder makers in the recent years have striven ahead in making the battery life longer and longer. Thus, the hassle of charging your battery every time you need to shoot is minimized.
Reputable camcorder manufacturers like Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and Canon are now competing to give you a better battery performer. Meanwhile, the sizes of these camcorders—whether a DVD format or not–are getting smaller and smaller each day. With miniaturization arises the problem: a small camcorder means a smaller battery that would need to remain charged for a longer time span.
Most of these models, however, run on lithium batteries that not only last longer but also give better results. Professional camcorders, from the Sony or Canon genre for example, do give up to a three-year warranty on their batteries. But the market has something else to offer as well: unbranded but great performers. Lithium batteries made by less-reputed brands also work well. Thus, professional shooters as well as amateurs are increasingly depending upon these versions after the original battery dies out, as the less well-known brands are cheaper and continue to give the same output.
But while purchasing these unbranded batteries from a retail outlet in your city or from an online store, take caution. You need to understand few criteria. You should compare prices and warranties, if available, on the battery. The credibility of the online store or the manufacturer and the longevity of the power provider can be of much help to you. It has occurred many a time that people have simply paid for a particular battery on the web and are still finding it difficult to have it delivered.
Reputable camcorder manufacturers like Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and Canon are now competing to give you a better battery performer. Meanwhile, the sizes of these camcorders—whether a DVD format or not–are getting smaller and smaller each day. With miniaturization arises the problem: a small camcorder means a smaller battery that would need to remain charged for a longer time span.
Most of these models, however, run on lithium batteries that not only last longer but also give better results. Professional camcorders, from the Sony or Canon genre for example, do give up to a three-year warranty on their batteries. But the market has something else to offer as well: unbranded but great performers. Lithium batteries made by less-reputed brands also work well. Thus, professional shooters as well as amateurs are increasingly depending upon these versions after the original battery dies out, as the less well-known brands are cheaper and continue to give the same output.
But while purchasing these unbranded batteries from a retail outlet in your city or from an online store, take caution. You need to understand few criteria. You should compare prices and warranties, if available, on the battery. The credibility of the online store or the manufacturer and the longevity of the power provider can be of much help to you. It has occurred many a time that people have simply paid for a particular battery on the web and are still finding it difficult to have it delivered.
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