HDD Digital Camcorders Features

HDD Digital Camcorders Features
by Bob Brown

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or hard drive or fixed disk drive digital camcorders do not need tapes or discs on which to record data - they record right onto the internal hard drive. The hard drive inside them is usually similar in size to the hard drive in a laptop computer. The video data can then be transferred to your computer and can be made into DVD's quite easily.

Because HDD camcorders uses compression to store huge amounts of video data, they can record from five to seven hours, depending on the size of the hard drive. And that is just the amount they can record in the high-quality setting. In the low-quality setting, they can record up to thirty-seven hours. The recording quality of these types of camcorders is usually quite high, so that you wind up with very good quality videos.

They are smaller and more compact than other types of digital cameras and they have no moving parts, so there is a lot less chance of mechanical breakdown. And a lot of these cameras come with anti-shock shield that protects the hard drive if the camera is dropped. The camera has a sensor in it that can actually tell if the camera has been dropped. In an effort to help you take better pictures, they also come with image stabilization to correct the image if your hand is shaking.

A lot of these cameras come with anti-shock shield that protects the hard drive if the camera is dropped. The camera has a sensor in it that can actually tell if the camera has been dropped. In an effort to help you take better pictures, they also come with image stabilization to correct the image if your hand is shaking.

If you were to actually run out of storage space on a HDD camcorder, they usually come with a memory slot, in which you could use a memory card.

With HDD camcorders, you can easily search through your different video segments, deleting and rearranging footage without rewinding or fast-forwarding. You can sort your videos into categories with icons.

These types of camcorders are often more expensive than other kinds of digital camcorders, but they are a great option.

Overview: Sanyo Xacti HD1010 Digital Camcorder

Overview: Sanyo Xacti HD1010 Digital Camcorder

The Sanyo Xacti HD1010 digital media camera with 10x optical zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines both the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. The HD1010 offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera. This powerful little device is designed to record either 1080P (30fps) or 1080i (60fps) high-definition video and 4-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a convenient SD or SDHC memory card.

Sanyo Xacti HD1010 Highlights

1080P (30fps)
Incorporating the latest high-definition CMOS sensor, the Sanyo Xacti HD1010 camcorder captures either 1920x1080 (1080P) high-definition video at 30 frames-per-second or 1920x1080 (1080i) high-definition video at 60 fields-per-second. Designed to record the rich and vibrant colors of real life, the HD1010 also captures the subtle tones to provide the natural-looking result.
The HD1010’s CMOS sensor provides the responsiveness needed to capture fast moving subjects and Sanyo’s noise reduction technology helps obtain the cleanest signal from each pixel.
The HD1010 records to the latest in MPEG-4 standard MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, delivering exceptional video clarity and detail while maintaining the smallest file size possible.

10x optical HD lens
At the front of the HD1010 is a commanding 10x all-glass HD lens. The HD1010’s fast f/1.8 lens is capable of allowing almost four times more light through to assist in lower light venues. Consisting of eight groups and eleven total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1010's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1010 provides up to 100x total zooming capability.

Large 2.7-inch wide screen display
The Xacti HD1010 features a large 2.7-inch widescreen Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise-difficult-to-view positions, especially useful when shooting in large crowds or in small rooms.

4-megapixel still photos
The Xacti HD1010 enables simultaneous shooting of 4-megapixel still images and HD (1920 x 1080 pixel) movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)

Face Detection/Chaser Technology
The latest in digital still photography -- Face Detection and Face Chaser technology actually monitor the subject’s face and adjust brightness and focus to incredibly clear photos. This technology can be used to recognize up to 12 faces in both video and still photos on Sanyo’s HD1010.

HDMI high-definition output
It’s easy to share your high-definition movies on your HD television with the HD1010. Using the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal built into the base station, just one cable (cable not included) connects your camcorder to your TV for a totally digital output. HDMI carries both the video and audio signals in digital form for the highest quality playback.

Convenient SD/SDHC memory card
The Sanyo Xacti HD1010 records high-definition and photos directly to a standard SD or SDHC Memory Card. In fact, the HD1010 is capable of recording up to 1 hour and 27 minutes 1080P (30fps) video on a single 8GB SDHC card or 1 hour and 14 minutes of 1080i (60fps) high-definition video on a single 8GB SDHC card (card sold separately). The HD1010 is compatible with SD Memory Cards up to a 32GB. The SD memory card’s compact size (0.94W x 1.26H x 0.08D inches) and weight (about 2 grams) makes it ideal for the compact size of the HD1010. The minimal power requirements of the SD card also contribute to longer recording and playback times. When connected to the computer via the USB cable, the HD1000 acts as a standard card reader. Transferring images and videos to your computer has never been easier.

Image stabilization
High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That's why Sanyo's HD1010 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer for both stills and video. Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the HD1010 compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement during video shooting, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.

Sequential photo shoots up to 7 frames per second
Shoot pictures like the pros with up to 7 photos in a single second. The perfect solution for action photography.

Random access
Each video is recorded as an individual MPEG-4 and each still as a JPEG file. This allows you to review a specific image or video quickly and easily, without having to rewind or fast forward.

Adjustable resolution modes
Choose from eight different video resolution modes and eight different still photo resolution levels depending on how your images will be used.

Easy camera to PC connection
Sanyo's HD1010 streamlines the confusing and complicated component connection process with an innovative docking station. This doc provides an instant connectivity to HDMI -- (cable sold separately) -- component, composite or S-video connection to a TV, DVD player and computer. The HD1010 even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station.

Robust sound recording
Record 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio). Incredible high quality audio is the perfect match for the stunning high-definition videos. The Xacti HD1010 also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached.

Organization and in-camera editing
With the Sanyo Xacti HD1010’s 9-image display function, users can quickly search for specific images or videos. And, with the slideshow feature, images can be played back continuously. The HD1010 allows users to edit clips right in the camera. Unwanted images can also be easily deleted, freeing up memory card capacity.

Ergonomic design
The Xacti series has become known for the small size and ergonomic design. The HD1010 features a comfortable angle designed to easily fit in the palm of the hand. The HD1010's design adapts a new 105-degree angle research proven to be less tiring to hold and shoot than typical camcorders. Easy-to-hold and easy-to-shoot, the HD1010 raises the bar in compact camcorder design.

Super-fast startup
With the tapeless design, the HD1010 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck or get a DVD or hard drive spinning. When the HD1010 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1000 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1000 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as two seconds.

Manual controls
The HD1010 features versatile manual controls for advanced shooting. The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation: Manual focus adjustment (16 settings); aperture adjustment (6 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (13 settings); and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and color saturation).

Easy HD playback
The Xacti HD1010 enables easy playback of recorded high-definition images directly on a TV screen. Connect the HD1010 to a VCR or DVD recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti HD1010 are played back continuously and in chronological order. Along with MPEG-4 digital recording, the Xacti HD1010 offers convenient connection to a PC. With simple drag-and-drop operation, it's easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer's hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving. The HD1010 also comes with a remote controller to operate the camera at a distance during playback.

Canon VIXIA: a new lineup of consumer High-Definition camcorders

Canon VIXIA: a new lineup of consumer High-Definition camcorders

The new HD camcorder family – the Canon VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory camcorder, VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory camcorder and VIXIA HV30 HD camcorder – reflects Canon's commitment to High-Definition imaging excellence. In addition, the previously released HG10 AVCHD Hard Disk Drive camcorder and HR10 AVCHD DVD camcorder join the VIXIA family, giving consumers a variety of formats to choose from, all of which deliver a superior High-Definition experience. Also being introduced is the DW-100 DVD Burner.

"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."

VIXIA Core Technologies

All VIXIA camcorders feature Canon core technologies to create HD video that possesses the highest level of image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens incorporates over 70 years of optics experience in professional broadcast and photography; a Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD (1920 x 1080) image capture; the Canon-developed DIGIC DV II Image Processor for superior color and clarity; Instant AutoFocus for fast and accurate auto focusing, crucial for HD; and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, which corrects a wide range of camcorder vibration for virtually shake-free images.

Dual Flash Memory – The Ultimate Consumer Convenience

Canon's breakthrough use of Dual Flash Memory – the ability to record to an internal Flash drive as well as a removable SDHC memory card - allows consumers to experience a new level of performance, style and flexibility. Dual Flash Memory allows consumers to record video to the camcorder's internal Flash drive even if they do not have a memory card. When the internal Flash drive becomes full, footage can be easily transferred to an SDHC memory card and when it comes time to view their video, the card is simply placed into a memory card reader in a computer or HDTV for instant viewing. Furthermore, having a SDHC memory card slot allows for expandability, since greater capacity can be added in the future by purchasing additional cards.

Flash Memory boasts a number of advantages and end-user benefits for maximum convenience and flexibility. Since Flash Memory is a solid-state memory format and has no moving parts, the camcorder can be smaller, more compact and lighter than ever before, 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. Consumers will also enjoy the camcorder's low power consumption, which leads to longer battery time. Compared with other types of storage, Flash Memory camcorders are able to read and write data faster, so users can start recording faster and have immediate access to their recorded scenes.

VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and VIXIA HF100 Flash Memory Camcorders

Despite their compact size, the VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and HF100 Flash Memory camcorders are packed with advanced technology and a wealth of features to create stunning quality video. The VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory camcorder offers the flexibility of recording up to 6 hours of High-Definition video to a 16GB internal Flash drive, as well as the option of recording to an SDHC memory card. The HF100 Flash Memory camcorder features an SDHC memory card slot only. The SDHC slot provides future storage expandability with both models. These camcorders also offer other sophisticated new features, including a newly designed Genuine Canon 12x HD Video Lens, a robust Canon 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, and Full HD Lens-to-Screen (1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution to capture, record and output).

In addition to 24p Cinema Mode, which allows users to mimic the look of Hollywood-style movies, the VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and HF100 Flash Memory camcorders offer a new feature called 30p Progressive Mode. Canon's 30p Progressive Mode, once exclusive to pro-level camcorders, delivers clarity for fast action events, such as sports or news, and is the perfect frame rate for clips intended to be posted on the Web. A 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD offers a wide viewing angle, making it visible from any direction. It also offers an expanded color range to more accurately reflect what users will see later on their HDTV. The models use an Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery, which indicate the remaining battery time down to the minute. Furthermore, the VIXIA HF10 Dual Flash Memory and HF100 Flash Memory camcorders offer a newly designed Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe, providing cable-free connectivity to an optional Canon microphone or video light. A microphone terminal with manual level control delivers additional audio flexibility and a fully functional 3.1 Megapixel digital camera is built right in, allowing consumers to capture high-quality still images with a wide selection of Advanced Photo features.

VIXIA HV30 HD Camcorder

As the successor to the highly acclaimed, award-winning Canon HV20 HD Camcorder, the VIXIA HV30 HD camcorder provides consumers with the ability to record HD quality video to MiniDV cassettes. Wrapped in a sophisticated black exterior, the VIXIA HV30 camcorder features a Genuine Canon 10X HD Video Lens, Canon 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, DIGIC DV II Image Processor, a 30p Progressive Mode (and 24p Cinema Mode), and a 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. In addition, the VIXIA HV30 camcorder is compatible with Canon's high capacity BP-2L24H Lithium-ion battery.

DW-100 DVD Burner

The Canon DW-100 DVD Burner is the perfect companion for Canon Flash Memory camcorders and Canon Hard Disk Drive camcorders. It allows a consumer to burn all, part or previously recorded video from a compatible Canon camcorder to a DVD. In addition to burning 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, making operation fast and easy. Unlike other similar yet daunting devices, the DW-100 DVD Burner is designed for one-touch operation: connect via USB, set and burn. The DW-100 can also act as a player itself by connecting to an HDTV through the Canon VIXIA HF10, VIXIA HF100 or VIXIA HG10 camcorders.

Canon HR10 DVD Digital Camcorder

Canon HR10 DVD Digital Camcorder

The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological advancements. Canon's new High Definition video camcorders are no exception.

The compact Canon HR10 delivers high definition technology with the convenience of DVD, incorporating the latest AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. A host of advanced features are joined with superb image reproduction in the world's smallest AVCHD camcorder, allowing you to create stunning HD to complete your high definition home theater experience.

Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor, advanced DIGIC DV II image processor, Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and new 2.7” Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD are but a few of the tools at your fingertips in the HR10, along with many other easy-to-use features which will make the HR10 the choice of the sophisticated shooter.

The HR10 is Canon's first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) DVD camcorder. AVCHD uses an MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) video codec, recording true 1080 High Definition resolution video. An advantage of the AVCHD format is that it captures twice as much video using less storage onto DVDs which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players. Making this new technology even more convenient to use is the HR10's compact size. Measuring only 2.6" wide, 3.7" high and 5.2" deep, it's the world smallest AVCHD Format DVD Camcorder.

Added to the HR10's handy size is the convenience of shooting high definition on DVD. No more fear of taping over precious moments by accident, since you can only record onto a blank section of the DVD. True random access on a DVD means you can review your footage quickly and easily, without waiting for tape rewinding or fast forwarding.

The ease of DVD and the stunning images of Canon High Definition are yours in the HR10.

Features

• AVCHD DVD in a Compact Size
  
• Full HD CMOS Sensor (1920x1080)
  
• Canon 10x HD Video Zoom Lens
  
• DIGIC DV II
  
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
  
• Instant AF (Auto Focus)
  
• Superb Shooting Control
  
• 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
  
• 24p Cinema Mode
  
• HDMI Terminal
  

Specifications

Digital Video

Power Consumption: Approx. 3.6W-6.4W
Image Sensor: 1/2.7" CMOS Sensor, RGB Primary Color Filter
Total Pixels: Approx. 2.96 Megapixels
Effective Pixels:
HD/SD (wide) mode: Approx 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
SD (normal) mode: Approx 1.55 Megapixels (1440 x 1080)
Maximum recording time - HD Mode:
XP+ = 12Mbps / SL Disc 15 min. / DL Disc 27 min.
XP = 9Mbps / SL Disc 20 min. / DL Disc 36 min.
SP = 7Mbps / SL Disc 25 min. / DL Disc 45 min.
LP = 5Mbps / SL Disc 33 min. / DL Disc 60 min.
Lens:
Zoom Ratio 10x Optical/200x Digital
Focal Length 6.1-61mm
Zoom Speed Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.0mm (when DVDs are used)
Filter Size 37 mm
Focusing System:
Instant AF, through the lens
Manual focusing possible
Manual Focus Assist Functions Magnifying, Peaking
Manual Exposure: Yes
Programmed AE: Auto, Program, Av, Tv, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks
Supported Playback Modes: 1080/60i, 1080/24F
Max Shutter Speed:
1/2000
1/500 (card)
Auto Date/Time: Yes
Record Search/Review: Yes
Minimum Focusing Distance: 10 mm (wide)/ 1m (tele)
White Balance: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H
Image Stabilization: SuperRange Optical (lens shift)
Viewfinder: Widescreen 0.27" Color Viewfinder/ (Approx 123,000 pixels)
LCD Screen: 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD (Approx. 211,000 pixels)
Recording Media: DVD-R/-RW/-R DL discs
Audio: HD/SD - Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2ch)
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 2.6 x 3.7 x 5.2in.
Weight (not including lens and battery pack): 1.2 lbs

Memory Card

Number of Recording Pixels:
4:3 mode: Approx. 3.1 megapixels (2048 x 1536)
16:9 mode: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)