Videocams and Flash Memory

WITH video camera evolution showing little sign of slowing, two features are appearing in growing numbers of models: flash storage and high-definition recording.

Just as tape gave way to hard drives or recordable DVDs, now solid state memory is emerging as the way to store video footage.

It is rugged, reusable and much easier on batteries.

Meanwhile, standard-definition shooting is giving way to cameras capable of producing eye-popping high-definition output. The resulting footage is often comparable with professional cameras many times the price.

At the same time, thanks to advances in electronics and optics, cameras with these features are appearing in ever smaller sizes. Indeed, some of the latest crop seem to be little more than a lens barrel with a small screen hinged to the side.

Despite their tiny dimensions, HD flash video cameras punch well above their weight. As well as crisp, clear video they produce good-quality still images. In many situations, they remove the need to carry a separate still camera altogether.

Sony CX100

WHEN you first take the CX100 out of its box, the initial reaction is that half of it must be missing.

Sony’s engineers have crammed a very capable HD video camera into a case just 11cm long and 5.5cm high and weighing a little more than 320g. It sits in the hand with plenty of room to spare.

Despite its lack of bulk, the tiny CX100 records video footage in full HD (1920 by 1080) using a high-quality Carl Zeiss lens incorporating a 10x optical zoom.

Footage can be stored either in the 8GB internal memory or on a removable memory stick. This is an improvement on earlier Sony models, which had no internal memory at all, but it means you’re stuck with using Sony’s proprietary (and expensive) storage media.

That said, video shot by this tiny camera is impressive.

Well-lit scenes are faithfully reproduced with great contrast and colour. Low-light performance is good with only a little noise visible in the darkest areas.

On the audio front, as is the case with so many video cameras, there’s no external microphone jack. This means you’re stuck with the in-camera mic which picks up everything from button clicks to a camera operator’s heavy breathing.

All functions are accessed via the small LCD touchscreen hinged on the side of the camera, which includes everything from exposure and white balance settings to focus and pre-set modes.

For those who hate complexity, a single Easy button puts the camera into auto mode and lets you forget about settings altogether.

Canon LEGRIA HF S10

IT comes with a hefty price tag, but the HF S10 represents an important step forward in the evolution of Canon’s consumer video camera portfolio.

Packing an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor, this flash memory-based camera has an impressive 32GB of internal memory to store your precious memories.

There’s also the option of inserting an SD memory card for even more storage.

The camera has a large lens (compared with its overall size) but the bulk is worth it.

Video is sharp and clear and photos are comparable with those taken by a dedicated still camera.

As with other cameras in this category, users have the option of going fully auto or changing settings manually to suit specific requirements. If you’re operating in good light, auto will usually do the trick, but if conditions are dark or changeable, going manual will make a big difference.

The S10 has a facial recognition system that (apparently) copes with up to 35 faces, ensuring they are correctly exposed and focused.

The inbuilt image stabilisation feature smooths out shudders when taking handheld video footage of them all.

Functions are accessed via the LCD screen and a joystick that you’ll either love or hate. If you’ve got big fingers or lack fine dexterity, you might find operating this camera a little tiresome.

That said, there are so many functions and options included in this camera that it would satisfy the high-end amateur or those looking to produce professional-standard works.

You have the option of playing with settings such as aperture and shutter priority and manual focus. There’s also exposure compensation and white balance to tweak and a warning system that tells you if parts of a shot are too dark or bright.

Canon has included an external microphone jack allowing much better sound to be captured with your footage.

JVC GZ HM200

JVC’S GZ HM200 camcorder lists at $1099 but we have seen it on sale at much less than that, which is either the GFC speaking or it indicates where the market in flash memory HD camcorders is headed.

There’s not much missing from this compact, 310g HD camcorder. Its Konica Minolta lens features a digitally stabilised 20X optical zoom—double that of the other two—and it outputs full HD at 50 frames per second at 1920 by 1080 pixel resolution.

There’s also face detection, a remote, an auto lens cover, a LED light for illuminating low-light scenes, HDMI and component output ports, and a handy carry strap cum grip that recesses flush with the camera body when not needed.

There’s no built-in memory, but a pair of SD memory slots means there’s no fumbling when you run out of space, as the camera automatically switches over from the full card to the spare.

It will wake up from sleep mode in less than a second after the LCD screen is opened, although a dry start takes about seven seconds.

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Videocams and Flash Memory

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