Lots of news on the camcorder front as both Canon and Sony released a slew of new models.
Canon’s announcements include the launch of a new consumer high-definition line dubbed Vixia. The models feature Canon’s Dual Flash Memory technology along with HD video lenses. The Flash memory part of the equation is important when you consider Flash Memory is a solid-state memory format and has no moving parts, thus the camcorder can be smaller, more compact and lighter, allowing it to be carried anywhere. Additionally, Flash Memory is a highly stable method of storage, and as a result, accidental jolts to the camcorder are significantly less likely to result in failure or data loss.
“We are very excited about our new VIXIA family of camcorders, as well as being an innovator by offering Dual Flash Memory,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Consumers are actively investing in HD televisions and they’re discovering the value of capturing memories in HD. Whichever format consumers may prefer, including our revolutionary Dual Flash Memory, all VIXIA camcorders share Genuine Canon Optics and a host of Canon technologies allowing precious moments to be preserved with unrivaled color and clarity.”
On the lower end (MSRPs starting at $249) comes the Canon ZR series (miniDV series) and the new models here include ZR900 (680,000 pixel CCD Image sensor), ZR930 (48X zoom) an ZR950 (SDHC memory slot).
Add a $269 DVD burner to Canon’s rollout as well, the DW-100, that allows a user to burn all, part or previously recorded video from a compatible Canon camcorder. In addition to being able to burn Standard Definition DVDs, the DW-100 can also burn AVCHD DVDs which can be played in compatible Blu-Ray players. The DW-100 DVD Burner has only three buttons: power, record and eject.
Sony’ intros here at CES are equally voluminous, as the company announced 16 new models to their HandyCam camcorder line. Dubbing all the new models as “Hybrid” still/video cameras, Sony added several of the models include 8GBs of internal memory and still photo features such as Face Detection. Five new HD camcorder models were announced as well that feature up to 10MP still capture capabilities.
Sony also lifted the curtain on their latest DSLR, the A200 (10.2MP), a model that features a more compact body, a wider LCD screen (2.7-inch, features new Clear Photo technology) and Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer, a feature that allows for greater shooting flexibility in a wide variety of lighting conditions. It features a media slot for CF Type I/II and offers an adaptor for Memory Stick Duo. Expect a kit (18-70mm lens) MSRP of $699. The company will have more new announcements on the digital imaging side of the equation at PMA in a few weeks.
