Posts filed under 'Digital Imaging'
Creating High Definition (HD) home movies is now super-simple with the introduction of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder from Canon U.S.A., Inc. This Canon HD camcorder calls on the Company’s optical heritage, proprietary CMOS image sensor and HD expertise to help users effortlessly create and share High Definition movies on convenient DVD discs.Consumers who are looking for the ideal camcorder to interface with the ever-expanding home entertainment environment and provide more High Definition content, need to look no further. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder offers the benefits of top-notch broadcast quality lenses and photographic heritage by providing users with a Genuine Canon 10x optical zoom lens, a Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and the AVCHD video format. The HR10 HD Camcorder also helps users obtain the sharpest High Definition video possible, with the assistance of Canon’s exclusive Instant AF focus system and Super Range Optical Image Stabilization to help provide “rock solid” images at any focal length.
The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder features the ability to capture three megapixel still images, the new Multi-Angle Vivid LCD and the look and feel of film with the 24p Cine Mode. The smooth curves of the Camcorder fit snugly into the user’s grasp, allowing for easy, smooth, one-handed operation of nearly every function of the camcorder.
“Research shows that consumers are looking for the convenience of DVD, as well as high-quality HD video when choosing a camcorder. With the introduction of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder, we provide consumers with a better way to record and preserve their memories in High Definition,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder enhances our offerings to the home theater aficionado, who demands nothing but the best in image quality, expands our product portfolio and strengthens our market leadership.”
The Easiest Way to HD…
Consumers should not be fooled by the small stature of the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder. Even though the HR10 Camcorder may be dwarfed by a wide-screen HDTV, the handheld camcorder holds its own among high-end home theatre hardware, including towering surround-sound speakers, Blu-ray players and game consoles. Through the use of the ultra-efficient Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD), the Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder records 1080 HD video to conventional 3-inch (8cm) DVD discs. The AVCHD codec allows HD video to be captured in a variety of compression rates, using less storage space, and recorded to DVD discs, including high-capacity dual-layer discs for longer recording time. This allows consumers to play back their footage on many AVCHD compatible DVD players, including most Blu-ray disc players2.
Through a single cable, the HR10 HD Camcorder can connect directly to the latest High Definition televisions through the all-digital HDMI interface for convenient playback of High Definition video on HDTVs.
While it is true that the image quality from the HR10 HD Camcorder can be described as stunning, the camcorder includes many advanced features to help users make their videos even more impressive. The Canon HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s 24p Cine Mode enables aspiring moviemakers to achieve a professional “film-look” by changing the camcorder’s frame rate to 24p, which provides the same frame rate as movie film. In addition, the Canon HR10 Camcorder’s Cine setting changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking the look and feel of a theatrical film. For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently. Users will also be able to shoot with confidence knowing that they have the support of Canon’s Instant AF System and Super Range Optical Image stabilization.
Canon HD Optical Technology
Focus is a critical component when shooting in High Definition, which Canon addresses with the potent one-two punch of a powerful 10x optical zoom lens with aspherical elements and coatings that reduce flare and ghosting, as well as the revolutionary Instant AF focusing system for sharp focus of moving subjects. The Instant AF system uses an external sensor, to help users achieve crisp focus, even in extreme bright or low light conditions.
Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps correct camera shake during hand-held filming or when the camera is in motion. Canon’s OIS is even more beneficial while zoomed in on a subject when even subtle camera movement can rattle an image. In addition, the OIS system is operational when shooting still images, which helps to produce sharp and blur-free pictures when photographing as well.
Canon’s Full HD CMOS Image Sensor (1920 x 1080) and DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor
Designed, developed and manufactured by Canon, the 1/2.7-inch CMOS image sensor, similar to the EOS line of digital SLR cameras, acquires image information at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, producing life-like High Definition movies and photos. Additionally, Canon’s Full HD CMOS Sensor features on-chip noise reduction technology, to help ensure the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal “noise” or other image distortion even in dimly lit scenes. What’s more, the CMOS sensor incorporates an RGB Primary Color Filter with a Bayer placement to help deliver sharp, High Definition images in true vibrant, accurate color.
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor, is the brains behind the HR10 High Definition Camcorder recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos for optimal image quality. The DIGIC DV II processor’s improved color reproduction and noise reduction is what powers the HR10 High Definition Camcorder’s ability to capture stunning imagery in low light, bright light and difficult-to-shoot situations.
Get the Big Picture with the New Multi-Angle Vivid LCD
The enhanced 2.7-inch widescreen LCD screen of the HR10 High Definition Camcorder makes it easier than ever before for users to compose their videos and pictures, thanks to a variety of enhancements. The crisp LCD screen is viewable from up to 135 degrees at any angle and offers the widest color gamut on any Canon consumer camcorder to date. The screen is also treated with a new glare-resistant coating that helps display colors faithfully with minimal darkening or distortion for easy viewing in various light conditions. This is especially useful when shooting a scene such as a wedding reception, where users can view every detail of an ornate wedding dress and the subtle contrast on a black tuxedo directly on the camcorder’s LCD during shooting.
Life does not wait for the camcorder to power up, which is why the HR10 HD Camcorder utilizes Canon’s “Quick Start” feature. Quick Start allows the camera to go from standby mode to shooting in a fraction of a second, helping to ensure that those special moments are not missed.
Adding to the professional look of the High Definition video captured by the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder is the Smooth Zoom Speed Control. Canon’s Smooth Zoom Speed Control provides users with a choice of three pre-set zoom speeds to help control the pace of the zoom no matter how hard the user may press the zoom lever. Furthermore, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder provides an easy-to-read level marker or grid superimposed over the camcorder’s 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display.
Advanced Photo Features for Still Pictures
As a digital still camera, the HR10 HD Camcorder excels with all of Canon’s best digital camera features. Users can accurately focus their shots with nine-point autofocus and then take vibrant 3.1 megapixel images to a miniSD card. While shooting video, users can capture two-megapixel photos to the card, or extract two-megapixel images later from the video itself, providing users with a second chance to snap that once in a lifetime image.
Available in August, the Canon HR10 HD Camcorder will have an estimated selling price of $1199.*
May 7th, 2007
Sony is bolstering its lead in the high-definition camcorder arena with the introduction of AVCHD™ technology-based models.The new Handycam HDR-CX7 model is the world’s smallest and lightest AVCHD high-definition camcorder. It can record nearly three hours of full HD 1080 video on an 8-GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card (LP mode). Weighing just 15 ounces with the supplied battery, it provides ultra-portability as well as a virtually crash-proof recording system, instant archiving to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately), and effortless connection to a PC via USB for editing and back-up.
The new HDR-SR7 AVCHD high-definition camcorder can record more than 22 hours of full HD 1080 video on its built-in 60GB hard disk drive, while the HDR-SR5 model’s 40GB hard drive can hold more than 15 hours of footage (LP modes). In addition to long recording times, these two models offer compactness and Sony’s HDD Smart Protection™ system to safeguard against data loss as well as easy connection to PCs via USB.
“Camcorder users are quickly embracing non-linear camcorder formats, such as hard disk drive and flash media, because they make it easy for anyone to view and access footage quickly,” said Linda Vuolo, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our models offer the added advantages of superior high-definition picture quality. With the widest range of consumer high-def models, we can satisfy the needs of virtually everyone.”
Advanced Browse and Search Functions
The new camcorders debut enhanced functions for easy browsing and searching on their high-resolution, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screens. You can swiftly find scenes via the new film roll button to view footage as a film roll index, which displays multiple scenes as thumbnails within a single movie file. Sony also integrated new face index technology so you can also access specific scenes by familiar faces.
For more advanced searching on a compatible PC, you can use the camcorders’ bundled Picture Motion Browser™ software to access the highlight index. It incorporates a search engine for voices and colors as well as faces so you can quickly get to the scenes you want to watch.
Picture Quality Like No Other
The new models incorporate Sony’s ClearVid™ CMOS sensor technology for stunning detail and clarity. Combined with the Enhanced Imaging Processor™ technology, these models deliver the advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity with low noise, and virtually smear-free pictures.
The HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 models utilize Sony’s 3-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and 6-megapixel digital still photos. They are also equipped with Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization to produce smooth video results, as well as virtually blur-free photos. The HDR-SR5 model integrates a 2-megapixel sensor for full HD 1080 video and produces a 4-megapixel photo.
Additionally, all models benefit from Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optics for increased contrast and true-to-life color saturation.
With Sony’s x.v.Color™ technology, based on the new international xvYCC color standard, the new camcorders reproduce a much wider data range of colors than the conventional sRGB standard. When connected to a compatible HDTV via the camcorders’ HDMI™ outputs, home videos sparkle with vivid, natural-looking results.
The new models support the AVCHD camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby® digital audio. In addition to high-quality video, they provide an exceptional audio experience with built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording.
A Full World of Editing and Playback Solutions
These new high-definition camcorders allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for editing, back-up and playback. Although bundled with software for simple editing, these camcorders are also compatible with the new Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition 7.0e software update, as well as Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition software for more advanced editors that will be available in July.
The models’ supplied Handycam Stations include a One Touch Disc Burn button for easy DVD creation using a PC and the bundled software. These stations now feature HD component output for instant connection to a compatible HDTV set when the camcorders are cradled.
High-definition content recorded on standard DVDs can be played back on compatible Blu-ray Disc™ devices, PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and standard DVD drives on compatible PCs with the models’ bundled software. The next-generation Sony DVDirect® recorder will also be compatible with these camcorders for HD video transfer to standard, 5-1/4-inch DVDs. The HDR-CX7 unit’s Memory Stick PRO Duo or Memory Stick PRO HG™ media cards, featuring high data transfer rates, can also be played back directly on compatible PCs and PS3 by system software update scheduled in summer 2007.
The HDR-SR5, HDR-CX7 and HDR-SR7 camcorders will ship in June for about $1,100, $1,200 and $1,400, respectively, with an array of optional accessories. All will be available online at sonystyle.com, in Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Online pre-orders will begin on April 25 at 1:01 p.m. Eastern Time at www.sonystyle.com/handycam.
April 30th, 2007
Samsung reached another milestone in camera phones by launching 10 megapixel camera phone, which was unveiled at CeBIT in March this year. Samsung has been the first to introduce mobile phone with embedded camera in 2000. Samsung has also launched the world’s first 5 megapixel camera phone in October 2004 ; the world’s first 7 megapixel camera phone in July 2005.
Samsung’s 10 megapixel camera phone (SCH-B600) is 6mm thinner and 10g lighter than the 7 megapixel camera phone (SCH-V770) and sets itself apart from its previous megapixel camera phones by combining mobile TV capability in Satellite standard.
The B600 offers the same level of picture-taking sophistication that a 10 megapixel digital camera offers. The camera function includes 3x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom. It also has auto focus and a flash unit that performs optimally for 10 megapixel photographs.
Also, the B600 comes fitted with a LED autofocus feature which assists users to capture clear, crisp photos even in dark settings. Located next to the lens, the LED autofocus automatically determines the distance and utilizes the appropriate focus setting for optimal photo shooting.
The B600 also supports white balance, manual focus, continuous picture-taking, and interval picture-taking functions.
It also supports Bluetooth which enables users to send pictures wirelessly to other mobile phones, printers or to Bluetooth headsets.
The high color Reproduction TFT-LCD produces the highest possible display for its size. The photo-fine chromic LCD can reproduce 16 million colors, virtually any color found in nature, earning it the “True Color” appellation. Moving pictures can be recorded in QVGA resolution at 15-30 frames per second. Users can watch live TV in crisp picture through Satellite DMB function.
It also supports external memory (MMCmicro) in addition to its internal memory. The mobile phone supports a TV-out function where users can connect their phones to view still or motion pictures.
The B600 comes with a design reminiscent of a real digital camera. The front is designed as a bar-type mobile phone, while the back side is used as the digital camera.
Other advanced functions in the B600 include an MP3 player, business card reader, and 128 polyphonic sounds.
The price of B600 is around 900,000 won (about $ 900) in Korea.
October 11th, 2006
Sony is making sure home movies meet the high-def expectations of home theater fans with its new HDR-UX1 and HDR-SR1 Handycam camcorders.These are the first consumer camcorders to record in full 1080i HD resolution and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, offering a choice in recording media. While the HDR-UX1 model records directly to readily-available, three-inch DVD discs for effortless playback and sharing, the HDR-SR1 camcorder’s built-in 30GB hard drive facilitates mass video storage as well as in-camcorder and PC editing.
“With more families adopting high-definition televisions and acquiring HD content, we want to give them a variety of ways to enjoy their home video in the same high quality,” said Linda Vuolo, director of marketing for camcorders at Sony Electronics. “Our HD camcorder line offers people greater functionality and more choice to make high-def video creation fun and easy.”
High-Def is Not Just For Sports
Sony’s new HD camcorders bring home movies fully into the home theater fold. They feature HDMI(TM) outputs for simple, one-cord connection to an HD television with no data conversion and subsequent degradation of picture quality.
Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound assures a life-like audio experience when viewing your home movies. This experience can be further enhanced with the sold-separately Sony ECM-HW1 Bluetooth® wireless microphone, which amplifies the center channel sound of the multi-point surround system and even lets you record them wirelessly up to 100 feet away.
The HDR-SR1 hard disk drive model is the perfect choice for that week-long vacation in Hawaii when the convenience of long recording times and not having to manage removable media is much appreciated. This model records more than ten hours of high-def video in long play mode. You can extend the recording time of the HDR-UX1 model up to an hour in long play mode by using Sony’s new +R double-layer, single-sided DVD.
Effortless HD Playback
HD content recorded on DVDs with either the HDR-UX1 or HDR-SR1 models can be played back on Blu-ray Disc devices, such as the forthcoming Sony BDP-S1 player and PLAYSTATION® 3 video game console. Standard DVD drives on compatible PCs can also play back these DVDs with the bundled software.
Both support the new AVCHD(TM) camcorder recording format based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby digital audio. This technology makes it possible to not only achieve high-quality HD video and audio, but also produce camcorders that are power efficient and compact.
Both models allow for quick data transfer from the camcorder to a compatible PC for playback and editing. The hard disk drive unit also features Sony’s One Touch Disc Burn button for easy DVD creation using a PC.
Imaging Technologies for Like No Other
These lightweight camcorders feature Sony’s ClearVid CMOS Sensor(TM) and Enhanced Imaging Processor technologies. Together, they provide high-resolution and heightened sensitivity for virtually smear-free video with vivid color and clarity.
Other benefits include four-megapixel digital still capture, a Dual Record function that allows you to shoot video and simultaneously capture 2.3 megapixel stills, and a Smooth Slow Record function to shoot video in slow motion.
Both models are also equipped with an advanced Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens to ensure true-to-life color saturation and minimize unwanted glare and flare from reflected light. Even while shooting, the camcorders’ extra-large, 3.5-inch SwivelScreen(TM) LCD screens display video with high-contrast and optimal color due to Sony’s Clear Photo Plus LCD(TM) technology. Video is easy to view on screen from any angle and in virtually any environment. The screens double as touch-sensitive control panels, giving easy access to many of the camcorders’ settings.
The HDR-UX1 camcorder will be available in September for about $1,400, and the HDR-SR1 will hit stores in October for about $1,500. Options will include a full line of accessories, including lights, lenses, microphones, InfoLithium® batteries, chargers and cables.
Both models will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders will begin on July 21st at www.sonystyle.com/handycam.
July 18th, 2006
Panasonic, the brand name for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known and Sony Corporation (hereafter Sony) announced jointly today the commencement of licensing for “AVCHD,” the high definition (HD) digital video camera recorder format, as well as expansion of the format’s specifications.
Panasonic and Sony announced basic specifications for “AVCHD” on May 11th this year, and since then have extensively promoted the format throughout the industry while preparing for licensing. Then, the two companies have decided to include memory cards (SD Memory Card and Memory Stick) and hard disk drives as applicable recording media of the format in addition to previously-announced 8cm DVD. This is for the purpose of broadening the range of applicable media, thereby allowing wide variety of products to be developed by various manufacturers. The new specification was defined as “AVCHD” format Version 1.0.
The two companies have also developed licensing programs for playback appliances and PC software in addition to the one for video cameras, so that environment for playing back AVCHD content will be expanded. This will allow users to enjoy shooting high definition footages with their camcorders and playing them back or editing them on a wide range of products.
July 13th, 2006
Continuing its history of developing digital cameras that look as good as the pictures they take, Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix Z3, the latest model in Fujifilm’s slim and stylish Z-Series of digital cameras and the successor to the FinePix Z1.
With an updated body and a new, funky second color - metallic blue - to go along with the traditional silver, the FinePix Z3 appeals to the most fashion-conscious consumer searching for an ultra-portable digicam that looks good as it takes great pictures.
Taking memorable, high-quality photographs while out on the town with friends at a restaurant or other nighttime spot is a challenging exercise for any owner of a compact digital camera. These picture-worthy moments often are snapped in close proximity to the subject and in low light, conditions that can lead to blurry photos, ‘washed out’ subjects and backgrounds lacking in detail.
With a 6th generation, 5.1 MegaPixel Super CCD sensor and a 2nd generation RP (Real Photo) Processor on board, the delete button may be one of the least-used controls on the FinePix Z3.
The FinePix Z3 combines higher light sensitivities (up to ISO 1600) with faster shutter speeds to stabilize pictures and reduce blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement. To make it easy for FinePix Z3 users to achieve blur-free results, Fujifilm has added a convenient ‘Picture Stabilization’ button to the FinePix Z3.
The FinePix Z3’s Intelligent-Flash system, or “i-Flash”, is more advanced than similar flash systems because it can detect more accurately the subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then light the subject accordingly with a variety of flash intensities. If the subject is off center and standing under a streetlight, the i-Flash system will correct the exposure automatically. i-Flash leads to pictures with more natural looking subjects and backgrounds that are full of bright and crisp detail.
“Natural Light” Shooting Mode preserves the scene mood and enhances background detail by shooting with faster shutter speeds at higher light sensitivities (if necessary) with a suppressed flash. This mode is perfect for low light moments that would otherwise be ruined by a powerful flash or situations where the use of flash is inappropriate.
Users can also experience the benefits of Natural Light through a feature called the ‘Dual Shooting Mode’. In this mode the FinePix Z3 quickly shoots two images in rapid succession - one with and one without the flash - saving both. This convenient function, which is unique to Fujifilm digital cameras, allows for an on-the-spot picture comparison by the user, who can decide which photo is preferred.
In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z3 has a number of other noteworthy features:
* A reinforced, scratch-resistant, 2.5-inch LCD with a 230,000-pixel resolution and Fujifilm’s glare-reducing CV Film for better viewing in direct light.
* A high-quality, non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens from Fujinon that keeps the FinePix Z3 thin.
* Fourteen pre-programmed scene positions that trigger optimal settings based on the surrounding conditions.
* VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
* The FinePix Z3 features 10MB of internal memory, a convenient feature that ensures extra storage space should the user want to squeeze in a couple of additional shots once their xD Picture Card is full.
“The FinePix Z3 has combined Fujifilm’s rich photographic legacy with the style and sophistication that made the FinePix Z1 such a popular digital camera,” explained David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “With industry leading innovations such as Picture Stabilization and the i-Flash system, along with its sleek design and cool new color, the FinePix Z3 is sure to turn heads.”
The FinePix Z3 will debut in July 2006 at a retail price of $279.95.
May 30th, 2006
Panasonic has announced that it has begun developing technology to record digital HD (high-definition) images onto SD Memory Cards, following the AVCHD standard for HD digital video cameras. The company is also constructing a new environment for editing and playing back the images.
With the expected adoption of HD broadcasting in many countries and the widespread sales of HD TVs, people will be able to view HD images at home with increasingly enhanced viewing environments. The development of new device technology for the home video market is prompting a major switch in recording media to discs and SD Memory Cards (solid-state memory), which are easier to use and more convenient than tape media.
This new HD video recording technology for SD Memory Cards will conform to the AVCHD standard, which uses a highly efficient compression encoding technology to record 1080i*1 or 720p*2 HD images onto 8-cm DVD discs. It will use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 to compress video files, and Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear PCM for audio files. This combination makes it possible to develop HD video cameras that are compact yet deliver high-quality images and sounds.
Believing that the SD Memory Card is the recording media best suited for video cameras, Panasonic has already released a professional-use HD video camera that uses SD Memory Card technology, said Mr. Akihiro Nakatani, Director of Video Camera Business Unit, Panasonic AVC Networks Company. Panasonic’s efforts to develop the technology to record HD images onto SD Memory Cards and construct a new playback and editing environment, in addition to its establishing the AVCHD standard for 8-cm DVDs, will serve to further stimulate development of products that take advantage of the characteristics of both media.
May 11th, 2006
Makayama Interactive has introduced Digital Camera Media Studio 1.0. With this innovative software, consumers can turn their Sony Cybershot or Casio Exilim digital photo camera into a media and movie playback device.
DVDs, recorded TV-series or any other video can be put on the camera using only three clicks, and can be watched on the LCD screen, or on a connected TV-set. It supports 120 Sony and Casio models.
The software runs on a Windows computer, users pick any video file from their harddrive, CD or DVD and the Digital Camera Media Studio turns it into a compressed movie, which can be played on-the-go from the memorycard. Using a tv-out cable the content can be watched on any TV-set.
Digital Camera Media Studio is the only software on the market worldwide that can encode the Sony MpegMovieVX format. It provides direct DVD-to-Camera transfers and also the speediest. In less than 45 minutes, a movie can be transferred from DVD to digital camera. Digital Camera Media Studio is targeted at DVD and photography enthusiasts, frequent travellers and parents who would like to keep the kids happy in the back of the car. It can be used for video presentations, to watch tv-series on the go, or to take a favourite movie on a holiday or business trip.
The software captures media content from any drive and encodes it to Mpeg HQX/VX (Sony) or Motion-JPEG (Casio). The converted content can be sent to the camera via the cradle or to a memorycard reader. A 512 Mb memorycard is recommended. The online download price is USD 32.95 (EUR 29.95).
May 5th, 2006
If you think that your memories are safe forever, think again! Depending on how and where tapes are stored, the number of times theyre viewed and the quality of the tape itself, permanent noticeable deterioration of video tape can begin to set in within 5 years even if the tape isnt used much. Loss of colour, static sound or complete tape degradation and failure can occur leaving no reminder of those precious moments; a wedding, birthday or other momentous milestone.
The DVD EZ Maker USB Plus is a complete device that easily turns those magical moments caught in analogue format into digital and preserves them forever by burning to DVD or VCD. The DVD EZ Maker USB Plus is very easy to use, via a plug and play USB interface and one step installation, the capture card connects to any notebook or desktop PC as well as home video devices such as DV, V8, VHS, DVD or VCD players and transforms analogue recordings into digital and then records them onto a hard disk drive (16 x burning speed). Users can even edit and restore worn and degraded analogue videos to their former glory.
The capture card also provides a direct to disk function that allows users to record directly from a DV camcorder to DVD without writing to a HDD first and an Auto Calculate feature ensures the highest possible production quality for the available disk space. With just one click of a button users can simultaneously capture and record analogue video to VCD, SVCD or DVD, the bundled software even supports DVD VR formats so that users can re-edit previously recorded video and re-record onto the same DVD.
As well as transforming old analogue video into digital, the easy to use interface included with the AVerMedia DVD EZ Maker USB Plus enables users to become budding film makers and create their own personal movies. Arrange, sequence and add/delete video clips on a storyboard, use a wide selection of editing features to deliver top-quality scene transitions, adjust brightness and colour, create chapters, as well as add text effects with a text overlay feature. Users can even insert audio overlay (MP3/WAV) and edit further with a noise reduction feature. In addition, those still using analogue video cameras will reap all the benefits of editing in digital without a costly upgrade.
The AVerMedia DVD EZ Maker USB Plus is the perfect video companion. Take control of all your home movies and even create your own. Available now from www.mediaatlantic.com/avermedia RRP: 49.99 Inc. VAT
March 20th, 2006
Lexar Media has announced availability of its new Professional CompactFlash and Secure Digital flash memory cards designed to deliver optimal performance in all digital SLR cameras.
Speed-rated at 133X, Lexar’s new flash memory products are capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 20MB per second and signify the company’s continued commitment to providing professional photographers with reliable flash memory cards that deliver fast image read and write speeds, and seamless operation throughout each step of the digital imaging workflow process enabling the user to spend more time taking pictures.
“Our new 133X cards allow digital SLR cameras to perform optimally and support the high speed transfer of images and information, and help improve the photographer’s digital imaging workflow,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. “Lexar’s new 133X cards are ideal for those photographers who require reliable, high-performance flash memory that makes the most of all the professional-level features available in their digital SLR camera.”
Like all of Lexar’s Professional series CompactFlash memory cards, the new 133X cards include Lexar’s Write Acceleration Technology (WA). The WA technology is designed for optimal performance in digital SLR cameras, allowing these cameras to exchange and store images faster, for super fast image-write speeds. In addition, the new 133X CompactFlash and SD cards include Image Rescue(TM) 2.0, Lexar’s award-winning image recovery software, and a trial version of Photo Mechanic(TM) 4.0, the popular image browsing software from Camera Bits. As with all of Lexar’s professional products, each card includes a lifetime warranty and unlimited access to Lexar’s dedicated technical support team for professional photographers.
“Second to reliability, speed is the name of the game in digital photography, and Lexar has a lengthy history providing cards and accessories that are not only fast but also substantially improve workflow,” said professional photographer Vincent Laforet. “Having 133X cards in both card formats allows me to leverage both slots in my Canon EOS 1D Mark II. By storing RAW files on my CF cards and JPEGs on my SD card, I maximize my camera’s technology and reduce administrative time when I’m back in my studio,” he added.
“I am constantly working from remote locations like the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge and the Australian rainforests, so I need fast cards with the maximum capacity,” said professional wildlife photographer Moose Peterson. “I am very impressed with Lexar’s new 133X CompactFlash card because I know that they are capable of rapidly storing and uploading large images, especially those taken during burst mode shooting with the Nikon D2Hs. I love taking as many pictures as I can without changing cards and I shoot confidently knowing that in addition to an immediate write speed, the 4GB 133X has plenty of room for my largest files.”
In addition to a valuable suite of software, Lexar is providing additional value to its 2GB SD flash memory card package by including a high-speed USB 2.0 Card Reader with its 133X cards to proactively address industry compatibility issues that may otherwise arise with some SD card readers. Lexar’s new 133X speed-rated Professional Series CompactFlash and SD flash memory cards are currently available in photo specialty stores and through online resellers.
Additional information regarding Lexar’s new 133X Professional Series flash memory cards can be found on the company’s digital photography website, located at http://www.lexar.com/dp. Lexar’s digital photography website includes valuable information and tutorials to help photographers fully utilize the unique features Lexar products offer and achieve a more rewarding experience shooting and working with digital images. Additionally, this popular site provides detailed information about new photography techniques, products and services, as well as interesting feature stories, a pro blog and background information about the many professionals who count on Lexar’s flash memory cards and accessories to help them succeed.
January 19th, 2006
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