News posts from 2004 Q1 at DVinfo.net

Chris Hurd · December 31st, 2003, 03:29 PM

Thanks to Tommy Haupfear for the link. I don't think this has been discussed here in the News area but I could be wrong.

"Improvements to CCD imaging devices and the use of high-efficiency coding technology will achieve 1.3 million pixels at 30 frames per second by 2006."

See http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/nea/20031...le_278989.html for the complete article.

Glenn Gipson · January 1st, 2004, 11:18 AM

Yeah..film is in its twilight.

Chris Hurd · January 7th, 2004, 01:03 PM

For those reading over the press material and tech specs on the new Canon ZR 80, 85 and 90 models, here are a few points to consider.

The product positioning for the ZR line has changed, which alters the feature set on these camcorders. Previously, last year's ZR 60 / 65 / 70 as well as the earlier ZR 40 / 45MC / 50MC were designed to be full-featured camcorders at entry-level prices. This year the entry-level prices across the market have dropped even further. In an effort to reduce the pricing on the new ZR line and to meet the consumer demand for smaller form factors, Canon has altered the ZR 80 / 85 / 90 compared to last year's models.

The overall size of the new ZR is reduced 20% from last year. Also, power consumption is reduced by about 20%, resulting in an increase in battery performance (now 125 min. with the included BP-508). The long zoom lenses are retained, FireWire jacks are still there of course, but most importantly, the built-in mics are now much better insulated from noise produced by the tape transport and zoom motor. There's a one-button toggle for the various color night-shot modes, a new option for skin detail, and simultaneous photo & video recording on the models equipped with an SD card. The motion JPEG capture limit has been removed (now allowing up to 24 minutes of 320x240 video on a 512mb SD card).

Thanks to the advent of comb filters on consumer television sets which show no visible difference between sources coming in from S-video and composite inputs, the S-video jack is now gone from the ZR 80 & 85 (but for those who must have it, the ZR 90 is S-video equipped). The mic jack is gone as is the advanced accessory shoe or "hot" shoe (standard shoes are still there). Very few consumers were mounting a $180 mic to a $450 camcorder, so that's understandable, I guess. The tripod mounting socket is now plastic on all three of the new ZR's. The ZR 80 does not include a wireless remote nor does it have an IR receiver for such a remote. Finally, the "light-up buttons" of the old ZR 70 and ZR 50 are gone as well.

When considering these changes, keep in mind that Canon's goal is to reduce the retail price (and size) as much as possible on these entry-level camcorders. With no need to bundle a remote with one model or an S-video cable with two models, they're able to set the MAP (maximum advertised price) to $399, $499 and $599 on these three new ZR's. If the past is any indicator, these prices can be expected to drop even further as the year wears on. For those value-shoppers looking to buy a DV camcorder for the least amount of money, the ZR 80 / 85 / 90 models are targeted directly at the entry-level market.

For those who are looking for an enhanced feature set and a stronger tripod mounting socket at well under $800, I recommend the Canon Optura 20. For those expecting new HDV-format camcorders at CES 2004, remember that the format was only recently announced and agreed upon, and that it takes generally 12 to 18 months to bring a design concept to the consumer market. Hope this helps,

Robert Jackson · January 7th, 2004, 07:16 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : For those expecting new HDV-format camcorders at CES 2004, remember that the format was only recently announced and agreed upon, and that it takes generally 12 to 18 months to bring a design concept to the consumer market. Hope this helps, -->>>

That might explain Sony and Canon not having any new offerings, but since JVC already has an HDV offering it certainly seems like they might be ready to upgrade it. I mean, we'll all know tomorrow, right? Still, it just seems like JVC should be ripe for an upgrade either at CES or NAB.

Brian Standing · January 8th, 2004, 04:24 PM

Check this out:
www.shining.com

$599.00 at the Apple Store

Still a bit pricey, but looks sweet!

Ken Tanaka · January 8th, 2004, 04:30 PM

Brian,
We've had some discussion on the CitiDisk. It has some issues and limitations. See this thread for example. Do a search on "Citidisk" to see the other threads.

Glenn Gipson · January 8th, 2004, 04:58 PM

I don't see why new DV cameras can't just come with an HD anyway. Maybe they're too fragile for rugged shooting, I don't know. Panasonic is coming out with DV cameras that use Flash Memory Cards, that will be neat.

Brian Standing · January 8th, 2004, 05:22 PM

There's a new DV Pro model that looks new since the last discussion about this that you pointed me to, Ken. Check the shining.com site for the announcement.

Adds some new features (like in-field scene editing and camera control).

Maybe this technology has finally come of age?

Frank Granovski · January 10th, 2004, 07:47 PM

Look at these cute new Sony cams, some with a 1/5" CCD, and some with a 1/6" CCD.

http://www.grandeye.com.hk/etx/900/index.html

PS: nice colors, huh? :-))

Boyd Ostroff · January 10th, 2004, 08:25 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : nice colors, huh? :-)) -->>>

Somebody should tell Sony that the "fruity" iMacs are no longer in production...

David Sheneman · January 11th, 2004, 09:48 PM

But didn't you notice that the new iPod Mini comes in 5 cool colors?

Will Fastie · January 12th, 2004, 10:19 AM

Canon started this with designer colors for the illuminated buttons on the ZR70. And you don't have to choose when you buy -- you can set one of six colors any time you like!

It's like a moodcam.

Will

Ken Tanaka · January 12th, 2004, 12:22 PM

I suppose that color choice is such a compelling draw for consumer products that it's hard for manufacturers to resist. But it sure can end up breaking a company's heart.

Steve Nunez · January 14th, 2004, 08:11 PM

Hey DVX users- this was passed on to me in an e-mail report from Videography Magazine

== Women's Entertainment Network Shoots 2 New Shows on
Panasonic DVX100 Cameras
WE: Women's Entertainment network has recently shot two
original shows, "New Year, New You" and "A Cut Above" with
Panasonic AG-DVX100 Mini-DV 3-CCD camcorders.

http://www.uemedia.net/CPC/videography/article_6112.shtml

Joe Carney · January 15th, 2004, 03:45 PM

Just a reminder Sundance is starting today.
Plus there are several films being digitally projected using Windows Media 9. (in addition to the online version of the festival).
http://www.digitalproducer.com for the article about
Windows Media and how it's being used.

http://www.sundance.org to go to the festival.

December 31st, 2003, 03:29 PM	#1
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	News posts from 2004 Q1 Thanks to Tommy Haupfear for the link. I don't think this has been discussed here in the News area but I could be wrong. "Improvements to CCD imaging devices and the use of high-efficiency coding technology will achieve 1.3 million pixels at 30 frames per second by 2006." See http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/nea/20031...le_278989.html for the complete article. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 7th, 2004, 01:03 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Canon ZR 80 / 85 / 90 announced at CES For those reading over the press material and tech specs on the new Canon ZR 80, 85 and 90 models, here are a few points to consider. The product positioning for the ZR line has changed, which alters the feature set on these camcorders. Previously, last year's ZR 60 / 65 / 70 as well as the earlier ZR 40 / 45MC / 50MC were designed to be full-featured camcorders at entry-level prices. This year the entry-level prices across the market have dropped even further. In an effort to reduce the pricing on the new ZR line and to meet the consumer demand for smaller form factors, Canon has altered the ZR 80 / 85 / 90 compared to last year's models. The overall size of the new ZR is reduced 20% from last year. Also, power consumption is reduced by about 20%, resulting in an increase in battery performance (now 125 min. with the included BP-508). The long zoom lenses are retained, FireWire jacks are still there of course, but most importantly, the built-in mics are now much better insulated from noise produced by the tape transport and zoom motor. There's a one-button toggle for the various color night-shot modes, a new option for skin detail, and simultaneous photo & video recording on the models equipped with an SD card. The motion JPEG capture limit has been removed (now allowing up to 24 minutes of 320x240 video on a 512mb SD card). Thanks to the advent of comb filters on consumer television sets which show no visible difference between sources coming in from S-video and composite inputs, the S-video jack is now gone from the ZR 80 & 85 (but for those who must have it, the ZR 90 is S-video equipped). The mic jack is gone as is the advanced accessory shoe or "hot" shoe (standard shoes are still there). Very few consumers were mounting a $180 mic to a $450 camcorder, so that's understandable, I guess. The tripod mounting socket is now plastic on all three of the new ZR's. The ZR 80 does not include a wireless remote nor does it have an IR receiver for such a remote. Finally, the "light-up buttons" of the old ZR 70 and ZR 50 are gone as well. When considering these changes, keep in mind that Canon's goal is to reduce the retail price (and size) as much as possible on these entry-level camcorders. With no need to bundle a remote with one model or an S-video cable with two models, they're able to set the MAP (maximum advertised price) to $399, $499 and $599 on these three new ZR's. If the past is any indicator, these prices can be expected to drop even further as the year wears on. For those value-shoppers looking to buy a DV camcorder for the least amount of money, the ZR 80 / 85 / 90 models are targeted directly at the entry-level market. For those who are looking for an enhanced feature set and a stronger tripod mounting socket at well under $800, I recommend the Canon Optura 20. For those expecting new HDV-format camcorders at CES 2004, remember that the format was only recently announced and agreed upon, and that it takes generally 12 to 18 months to bring a design concept to the consumer market. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 7th, 2004, 07:16 PM	#4
Robert Jackson Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 390	Re: Canon ZR 80 / 85 / 90 announced at CES <<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : For those expecting new HDV-format camcorders at CES 2004, remember that the format was only recently announced and agreed upon, and that it takes generally 12 to 18 months to bring a design concept to the consumer market. Hope this helps, -->>> That might explain Sony and Canon not having any new offerings, but since JVC already has an HDV offering it certainly seems like they might be ready to upgrade it. I mean, we'll all know tomorrow, right? Still, it just seems like JVC should be ripe for an upgrade either at CES or NAB.

January 8th, 2004, 04:24 PM	#5
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	CitiDisk DV (another tapeless DV recorder) Check this out: www.shining.com $599.00 at the Apple Store Still a bit pricey, but looks sweet!

January 8th, 2004, 04:30 PM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Brian, We've had some discussion on the CitiDisk. It has some issues and limitations. See this thread for example. Do a search on "Citidisk" to see the other threads. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 1st, 2004, 11:18 AM	#2
Glenn Gipson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainfield, New Jersey Posts: 927	Yeah..film is in its twilight.

January 8th, 2004, 04:58 PM	#7
Glenn Gipson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainfield, New Jersey Posts: 927	I don't see why new DV cameras can't just come with an HD anyway. Maybe they're too fragile for rugged shooting, I don't know. Panasonic is coming out with DV cameras that use Flash Memory Cards, that will be neat.

January 8th, 2004, 05:22 PM	#8
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	Citidisk DV Pro There's a new DV Pro model that looks new since the last discussion about this that you pointed me to, Ken. Check the shining.com site for the announcement. Adds some new features (like in-field scene editing and camera control). Maybe this technology has finally come of age?

January 10th, 2004, 07:47 PM	#9
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Cute new Sony cams Look at these cute new Sony cams, some with a 1/5" CCD, and some with a 1/6" CCD. http://www.grandeye.com.hk/etx/900/index.html PS: nice colors, huh? :-))

January 10th, 2004, 08:25 PM	#10
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Re: Cute new Sony cams <<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : nice colors, huh? :-)) -->>> Somebody should tell Sony that the "fruity" iMacs are no longer in production...

January 11th, 2004, 09:48 PM	#11
David Sheneman Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Naperville, IL Posts: 26	But didn't you notice that the new iPod Mini comes in 5 cool colors? __________________ David Sheneman Rockford, IL

January 12th, 2004, 10:19 AM	#12
Will Fastie Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Jarrettsville, MD Posts: 353	Canon started this with designer colors for the illuminated buttons on the ZR70. And you don't have to choose when you buy -- you can set one of six colors any time you like! It's like a moodcam. Will

January 12th, 2004, 12:22 PM	#13
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I suppose that color choice is such a compelling draw for consumer products that it's hard for manufacturers to resist. But it sure can end up breaking a company's heart. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 14th, 2004, 08:11 PM	#14
Steve Nunez Trustee Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 1,418	DVX100 cams used by Women's Entertainment Hey DVX users- this was passed on to me in an e-mail report from Videography Magazine == Women's Entertainment Network Shoots 2 New Shows on Panasonic DVX100 Cameras WE: Women's Entertainment network has recently shot two original shows, "New Year, New You" and "A Cut Above" with Panasonic AG-DVX100 Mini-DV 3-CCD camcorders. http://www.uemedia.net/CPC/videography/article_6112.shtml __________________ Steve Nunez-New York City www.stevenunez.com

January 15th, 2004, 03:45 PM	#15
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	Sundance starts today Just a reminder Sundance is starting today. Plus there are several films being digitally projected using Windows Media 9. (in addition to the online version of the festival). http://www.digitalproducer.com for the article about Windows Media and how it's being used. http://www.sundance.org to go to the festival.