DV Info Net - JVC too is the game: Everio GZ-X900

LAS VEGAS, March 3, 2009 – JVC today announced a new dual-use camera that shoots high definition video and high resolution digital still images. The new hybrid Everio GZ-X900, or Everio X, is a small, light, all-in-one camera that offers the powerful shooting combination of Full HD video and nine -megapixel still photos, plus creative shooting functions such as slow motion video and high speed "motor drive" still photography.

The camera is small enough to slip into a shirt pocket and at just 0.66 pounds is one of the lightest cameras that can shoot 1920 x 1080 Full HD AVCHD video.

Shoots nine-megapixel (no interpolation) digital stills and Full HD video with 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution –- close to the theoretical maximum horizontal resolution for 1920 x 1080 high definition video for no-compromise images.

10x slow motion shooting plays back 2.4 seconds of recorded video over 24 seconds;
Up to six nine-megapixel stills can be shot at 15 images per second – faster than what digital SLRs can achieve.

Simultaneous five-megapixel digital still shooting while recording Full HD video – photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording.

Records video and stills to SDHC memory cards.

The design of Everio X is a distinct departure from other camcorders, including other Everio models. About the size of a chunky smart phone, Everio X is a slab-sided rectangle without the handgrip, protrusions or indentations found on most camcorders. The design allows plenty of flexibility in how the camera is held – from below, above, or whatever suits the situation and the user's preference. There are top-mounted zoom and record buttons, and a second set next to the LCD screen for additional shooting flexibility. The camera is black with silver accents, with the right side featuring a textured carbon fiber-like finish to provide a secure grip and resist smudges.

Small enough to easily slip into a pocket or purse, Everio X weighs just 0.66 pounds (including the internal battery and a memory card) and measures 2.6 inches tall, 4.88 inches long and just 1.46 inches wide.

>>> A 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor is at the heart of the camera's superior image quality. The high quality nine-megapixel digital still photos the camera shoots correlate directly to the un-interpolated performance of this 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. For the first time ever, it is also the source of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD AVCHD format video. <<<

JVC's new proprietary optical image stabilization (OIS) technology applies camera shake compensation optically at the Everio X lens entrance to ensure effectiveness throughout the zoom range and allow high quality shooting without a tripod. Everio X also uses a new KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with a 5X optical zoom.

Further contributing to the camera's high image quality is JVC's HD Gigabrid Premium image processing engine. In addition, face detection technology assures accurate focus and exposure, and HDMI™ V.1.3 with x.v.Color™ provides increased color accuracy when connected to HDTV displays.

Slow motion video recording is a key Everio X feature. The camera's high-speed recording function shoots ultra-slow motion video. Any one of three speeds: 120 frames per second (fps), 300fps and 600fps – can be selected; the faster the recording speed, the slower the playback motion. With this function, approximately four-second bursts of video are recorded that are then played back over a period of up to 24 seconds, a maximum of 10 times longer than normal speed.

600fps >>> 640 x 72 pixels

300fps >>> 480 x 116 pixels

120fps >>> 480 x 270 pixels

In the still mode, Everio X offers high-speed shooting, similar to the motor drive function found in some mechanical still cameras. As many as six nine-megapixel photos can be shot at up to 15 images per second, a speed that surpasses what's offered by typical nine-megapixel DSLR cameras. Everio X also allows shooting of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD video and fully 5.3 megapixel stills at the same time -- a unique advantage of this all-in-one camera. While recording video, photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording.

The Everio GZ-X900 will be available in June at a nationally advertised value of $999.95.