Top 5 most promising digital camcorder releases this fall
Following last week's closer look at the most promising digital cameras available this fall, here's a take on the top five intriguing digital camcorders hitting shelves over the next few months.
PANASONIC HM-TA1 Starting off the list is the most competitively-priced gadget of the bunch: the Panasonic HM-TA1.
Weighing only four ounces, this pocket camcorder shoots full HD 1080p resolution video at 30 fps as well as 8-megapixel stills.
It's a simple device ready for beginners and even more experienced videographers just looking for a simple and cheap recording device. This pocket cam has one-touch recording and even a built-in USB connector for transfers on-the-go.
Yet one of the most interesting features on the HM-TA1 is that it can double as a webcam as this plug-and-play device is compatible with Skype along with other IP-based video chat applications.
Now available in the three color options seen above, the HM-TA1 will only cost $169.95.
Sony has added some sophistication to the Bloggie series with the Touch, which will be available in either black or silver with a brushed aluminum finish. The word "Touch" in the name is reflective of the 3-inch capacitive touchscreen on the backside.
But this one is more than just skin deep with that Exmor CMOS sensor and f2.8 wide angle lens with 4x digital zoom. Users can shoot full HD 1080p MP4 video, 12.8-megapixel stills, and expect up to four hours of HD video recording time.
Some of the key shooting features include image stabilization, face detection and auto macro mode. Connectivity consist of a mini-USB port and HDMI output.
The Bloggie Touch will make its debut on shelves this October, retailing for $180 and $200 for the 4GB and 8GB capacities respectively.
The big deal with this camera is the innovative 20-degree slanted lens intended to alleviate discomfort to the videographer’s wrist or arm when filming. It could also offer a unique perspective.
Even if that isn't a problem for you, never fear as there are plenty of other specs to cherish on the HMX-T10. For starters, this compact camcorder shoots full HD 1080/60i video along with 4.7-megapixel stills.
Boasting a BSI-CMOS sensor and 10x optical zoom lens, buyers can also expect a 2.7-inch swinging LCD touchscreen, optical image stabilization, Smart Auto shooting mode and an SD/SDHC card slot.
Announced at IFA 2010 in Berlin last week, the Samsung HMX-T10 HD is expected to launch this month for $299.99. Buyers can opt for either a black or white finish, but both look equally classy.
Powered by a Digic DV III processor, the real treat with the Vixia HF M32 is how much video can be stored. There's already 64GB of onboard storage space, which can be expanded up to 2TB with the SDXC card slot. To make that full 1080p HD video even better, this Canon camcorder also boasts 5.1-channel surround sound.
The HF M32 also sports an HD CMOS sensor with 15x optical zoom, both of which are useful. A downside is that it can only snap 3.3-megapixel stills.
This video camera would be best for family events and outings where you want to record quality video to watch for years, but without killing the savings account for a professional camera. It's also useful for some daily functions, like uploading to YouTube and Facebook, thanks to support for the Wi-Fi enabled Eye-Fi SD card.
The Vixia HF M32 will be available this month for $999.99.
This supposedly-nearly silent machine is something for serious videographers to consider with its Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, 11x optical zoom, a BIONZ processor, and compatibility with both E-mount and A-mount interchangeable lenses.
Both video and still shooting quality are solid. The NEX-VG10 records full 1080p HD video at up to 24Mbps and snaps 14.2-megapixel photos.
Other fine specs include the 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD swiveling display, support for Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards, and a Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo microphone intended to capture nearly every sound around.
Set to be unleashed this month, the Sony NEX-VG10 will retail for a whopping $1,999, with the E-mount 18-200mm kit lens included. Landmark devices are never cheap.
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Any of these pique your interest? Think something is missing or overrated? Let us know below in the TalkBack section!