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.

Yeah..film is in its twilight.

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,

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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? :-))

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...

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

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

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.

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

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.