New Panasonic Camcorders Offer Leica Optics, Three CCDs and DVD Recording
January 09, 2004
Las Vegas, NV - Panasonic has announced several new video camcorders, with digital video, Web streaming and DVD recording capabilities, aimed at entry-level and experienced users. Expected to ship over the next few months, no price information has yet been announced by the manufacturer.
The new PV-GS120 and PV-GS200 camcorders feature Leica Optics and three CCD technology, the company described.
With built-in digital still camera feature, the new camcorders can also record high-resolution digital still images utilizing the versatile SD Memory Card. Both the 1.2 mega pixel PV-GS120 and 2.3 mega pixel PV-GS200 feature a 10x telescopic optical zoom lens; a 700x digital zoom; and a Macro Zoom feature, which lets users shoot extreme close-ups at distances as close as 40cm.
The PV-GS200 features MPEG-4 movie recording capability. Users can transfer MPEG-4 video clips with audio to a PC to create clip libraries and presentations, or to attach to an e-mail. Used as Web cams, these models are ideal for video conferencing with friends or family, or as a simple monitoring device when users are away from home.
New compact models — the PV-GS9, PV-GS12, PV-GS14 and PV-GS15, and Ultra-Compact PV-GS55 Palmcorder Multicam - were designed to simplify camcorder operation for the video novice and professional videographer alike, and include:
·High-definition optical zoom and digital zoom capabilities (up to 24X on the PV-GS15).
·Ease of operation through newly designed layout and controls.
· A new Direct Mode Dial: for use in the digital still camera mode, this easy-access dial control lets users quickly select the desired digital camera mode, such as Record, Playback, Card Record or Card Playback.
·An LCD screen that can be opened a full 120 degrees away from the camcorder’s body, making it easier to view motion images as they’re being captured.
They also feature image-enhancing MagicPix for rich videos under low-light conditions, and Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), to help take jitter out of hand-held video recording and compensate for unintentional hand and camcorder movement.
Other features include:
·A built-in digital still camera feature for capturing crisp digital images to an SD Memory Card (except PV-GS9) or tape.
·Web cam capability, which is ideal for video conferencing with friends or family, or use as a simple monitoring device when consumers are away from home.
·MPEG-4 Movie recording (PV-GS55)¾ lets users easily transfer MPEG-4 video clips with audio to a PC to create clip libraries and presentations, or to attach to an e-mail.
·Soft Skin Detail function, which detects skin’s different tones and softens the focus to create a realistic blend.
The new camcorders also include a Quick Start feature, which lets these models begin taping in 1.3 seconds after turning the power.
DVD camcorders were also introduced.
The VDR-M50 DVD camcorder weighs 1.15lbs and has an 18x optical zoom for dynamic shooting. It has a 1/6" 680,000 pixel CCD which allows sharper and vibrant recording. And the unit's 240x digital zoom allows users to capture that perfect moment, no matter how away they are. The VDR-M70 DVD camcorder weighs a mere 1.10lbs and has a10x optical zoom. It has a 240x digital zoom and a 1/4" 1,020,000 pixel CCD.
Both the VDR-M50 and VDR-M70 slim, compact design camcorders have a 2 1/2 inch color LCD monitor for easily capturing or playing back images. These DVD camcorders use either DVD-RAM or DVD-R discs and offer a variety of recording and playback selections. The Digital Electronic Image Stabilization helps compensate for unintended hand and/or camcorder movement.
Other features of the VDR-M50 and VDR-M70 include:
-Thumbnail scenes display lets users select scenes recorded on a disc and arrange them to play back in any order the users want.
-Built-in SD Memory Card Slot for recording still pictures on SD Memory Cards.
-USB 2.0 (High Speed) Support allows users to transfer video and motion images back and forth between the camcorder and PC.
-Quick Scene Search and Rapid Playback
For more information, visit
www.panasonic.com
# # #
For a listing of all the WEVA News Stories...
Click Here |
