It's great that the Nano now has a video camera, but it really should've been able to do HD.
In the course of testing standard-definition camcorders, more often than not, I stumble upon a user review where the person complains that their cell phone takes better video than--insert model name here. Sadly, that appraisal is probably not far from the truth.
For example, the recently reviewed Sony Handycam DCR-SX41 and Samsung SMX-F34 flash-based camcorders are no great shakes in the video department. I have used smaller, cheaper devices that take as good or better video than these camcorders. The only things they really offer are megazoom lenses, compact, lightweight bodies, and better controls and shooting options--all at sub-$300 prices. However, does any of that matter if the video isn't nice looking, is all soft and fuzzy, and loaded with blocky compression artifacts and noise?
Granted, there are a few advantages to SD digital video, though. The files are smaller than HD files, for one. They're also less taxing on computer resources, so editing and viewing them on even a basic laptop or desktop is possible. Plus, the quality is generally so mediocre that the movies are perfect for sharing online at small sizes where imperfections are less visible or cared about.
All of these things can be addressed by changing settings on any HD camcorder that's available, though, and buying an HD model gives you the headroom to take advantage of the higher-resolution capabilities should you eventually want to use them.
At this point, it's feeling like the only reason manufacturers still make SD camcorders are for up-selling consumers to HD models. This goes for YouTube-type minicamcorders, too. Case in point, the Flip family of pocket camcorders currently has four models: two HD, two SD. The price difference between SD and HD: $50.
The fifth-generation Nano with its built-in 640x480-pixel resolution video camera seems like an eventual up-sell opportunity, too. Apple's giving consumers VGA video now, letting them see how crappy it looks, and then next year it can get them to buy a Touch with an HD camera in it.
So yes, it's time for standard-definition camcorders--in all of their various form factors--to just die. The industry-standard minimum should be 720p at this point and just give consumers an easy, fast, one-button-press way to drop the resolution to VGA if need be. If companies such as Pure Digital, Kodak, and Creative can do it inexpensively, why can't the other companies?
There's a new video out for the Seattle-based Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band song "Albatross, Albatross, Albatross." I know, Crave isn't a music blog, but I figured you guys who are really into gear would appreciate the behind-the-scenes video--not because this stuff is normally interesting, but this particular video features some really awesome gear.
You'll immediately notice a duo of Red One cameras being used. For those not in the know, Red's flagship camera shoots ultra-high-def video that rivals film in most ways. You can't buy a TV to play back its video in its full size yet. But that's not the really cool part.
The real fun comes in around the 49-second mark, when you get a shot of the AerialPan remote control camera mount. The custom-made helicopter does something new: it makes HD cameras fly. If you're a film geek, you're already drooling. I can't imagine there was any boring downtime on this shoot.
This post was updated at 2:45 p.m. PDT to clarify the type of camera mounted on the helicopter.
The ATC3K is both shock-proof and waterproof.
(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)The Oregon Scientific ATC3K Action Camera is a bit like the Jeep Wrangler of digital camcorders. On paper, the bare-bones digicam is only capable of capturing VGA video. In a civilized world filled with pocket HD camcorders, that's not a particularly impressive feat.
However, take the ATC3K into the rough and tumble great outdoors and you'll find that its rugged construction, waterproof design, and compact size allow it to be used in conditions that would instantly void the warranty of more complex and delicate pocket cameras.
Upping the feature set while maintaining its rough and tumble nature is the ATC5K, which adds a full-color LCD viewfinder, an IR remote, and the ability to capture still photos.
The ATC5K adds more features, including a full-color LCD.
(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)The Oregon Scientific Action Cameras aren't as compact as our current favorite, the GoPro Hero Motorsports Wide, and don't have as broad of a selection of mounting options. But the Action Cameras are slightly easier to use--particularly the ATC5K with its color LCD.
Check out the full reviews of the ATC3K and ATC5K Action Cameras.
(Credit:
Ajoka)
There's nothing worse for a spy than being busted just because the voice recorder pen can't be used when the villain tries to sign a check. Which is probably why this lighter/video camera combination might work better--at least you can light a cigarette when you're feeling nervous.
The Lighter DVR from Ajoka is perfect for any Bond wannabe. It records VGA-quality (640x480-pixel) color videos with sound, and the battery can last up to six hours. The microSD slot accepts cards up to 8GB, which gives approximately eight hours of footage. The microphone and lens are hidden along the front of the lighter, which has a torch and eagle motif.
At the bottom of the device are the USB port, media card slot, on/off switch, and record button. Although they may not be located in the most inconspicuous place, the camera's still discreet enough--provided you don't fumble and give the game away.
The price isn't listed on Ajoka's site, but Engadget reports that the Lighter DVR is retailing on the company's Web site for $150 apiece.
(Via Crave Asia)
(Credit:
Superheadz)
The Hidden Book Cam from BrickHouse Security is great for parents who leave their toddlers in the care of the maid while they are out. This inconspicuous video camera blends in well with your encyclopedia collection and can record footage to see if the maid was Snow White or playing the Wicked Witch to your kid.
(Credit:
BrickHouse Security)
On a lighter note, the Kozika by SuperHeadz is a more fun camera, utilizing the almost-obsolete 110 film format to snap shots. It is similar to the Ikimono shooter we spotted before. Even if you can't find the film, it still makes a great talking point when friends pop by and you get them to spot the fake on the bookshelf. Side note: what's with the Bambi figurine? Does that come with? Quick, someone order it and let us know.
The Hidden Book Cam ships in wired or wireless versions and prices range from $99.95 to $299.95. The Kozika is much more affordable (and cuter, too) at $32.
(Source: Crave Asia)
(Credit:
Crave UK)
We've seen our fair share of Internet video cameras in our time, and the one thing they all have in common is the fact they're all either rubbish, broken in some way or just plain ... sucky.
One Internet video camera that doesn't fall into any of these categories is the Y-cam. Not only is it flippin' gorgeous and built like a brick house, but it's also packed with features and extremely easy to set up--something rival camera manufacturers should note.
The Y-cam connects to networks via Ethernet--you'll have to supply your own cable, unfortunately--or via 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. It runs at a resolution at 640 x 480 pixels, so picture quality is YouTube-esque, but the frame rate stayed high in our tests, in the region of 25 frames per second.
Combine that reliability with the Y-cam's infrared mode, and you have yourself a product that's extremely versatile. We've been using it to keep an eye on our exotic car collection while we're at work--as soon as anyone gets near its field of vision, it begins recording. It'll even send e-mail alerts saying something's up, so you can view--and hear, thanks to the integrated mic--the live stream.
Two versions of the Y-cam are available. There's the all-singing, all-dancing Black version with built-in night vision (140 pounds, or about $276) and a slightly cheaper White version without night vision (100 pounds, or about $197).
(Source: Crave UK)
Advanced Video Technologies lobbed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pure Digital Technology, maker of the popular Flip Video cameras, according to a Reuters report.
Flip Video Ultra
(Credit: Pure Digital)The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in a U.S. District Court in New York, alleges Pure Digital infringed on Advanced Video's patent for its Full Duplex Single Chip Video Codec. The technology is designed to compress the video and allow it to be displayed on small-screen devices.
Advanced is seeking unspecified damages and a "reasonable" royalty, according to a Reuters interview with Stephen Roth, attorney for Advanced Video. He noted Advance is not seeking to halt sales of the Flip Video cameras.
Pure Digital is aware of the lawsuit, a representative for the company said, adding: "The suit is without merit and we will defend it vigorously."
(Credit:
Brick House Security)
Forget those all-in-one car media systems. The automotive convergence device of the future may be the rear-view mirror.
We've already seen versions equipped with built-in Webcams, back-up cameras, GPS tracking, and even heart monitors. And now there's one that comes with a DVR.
The "Camera Recorder Pro" isn't made for drivers who want to catch up on previous episodes of Lost while behind the wheel (we hope). Quite the contrary, it's meant as a safety device to document events at the scene of a fender-bender, according to Gizmodo.
There are plenty of other technologies that provide this service with standalone products, but this is the first we've seen that's actually built into the mirror. We're not sure how effective it is, but it might well be worth it for the accident-prone.
(Credit:
Vavolo)
The pen seems to be the darling of the surveillance set. First we see one with a Bluetooth DVR, and now we hear of another with a built-in video camera.
The "ZRAD" pen camcorder apparently can't store any video but does send images and audio wirelessly to a PC or other receiver for display using "leading-edge stealth camera technology." It also captures only black-and-white images, though presumably this wasn't intended to create any Sundance or Cannes entries.
The pen-cam's $300 price would suggest that it's a serious device, but one never really knows with its manufacturer, Hong Kong-based Vavolo. Although it has developed some interesting products such as video watches and combo mouse remotes, it has also marketed $600 laser pointers and USB knee warmers. We're almost afraid to witness what they do next.
Chalk this up to overkill. The New England Patriots, victors in three of the past six Super Bowls, are accused of using technology to gain an unfair advantage last Sunday.
The NFL's front office has determined that the Patriots swiped defensive signals during Sunday's 38-14 drubbing of the New York Jets, according to a report published Tuesday on ESPN.com. League officials confiscated a video camera and tape from one of the Patriots' assistant coaches after he allegedly was caught taping Jets' coaches sending hand signals, ESPN reported.
A spokesman for the league could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. New England has been accused of stealing signals in the past.
What the league found on the tape convinced them that the Patriots were cheating and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is considering whether to hit the Pats with "severe sanctions," according to ESPN. NFL rules prohibit coaches from videotaping from the sidelines or the coaches booth.
The league is also looking into how the Patriots were using radio frequencies during the game, in which New England racked up 431 yards of offense.
Under NFL rules, only one offensive player, typically the quarterback, is allowed to receive communications from coaches via radio during games. Several teams are pushing for a rule change that would allow coaches to wire a defensive player with a radio helmet as well.
