CES 2013: JVC launches Procision slow-mo HD camcorder, refreshed Everio line at CES

When it comes to launching a groundbreaking flagship video camera at CES, JVC's got previous experience. The company has outed the Procision GC-PX100, a 1,920 x 1,080 camcorder that shoots at 36Mbps, a bit-rate that the company claims makes it perfect for slow-motion and special effects work. Light will be pouring forth into a F/1.2 lens, a 1/2.3-inch 12.8-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS censor with optical image stabilization. JVC is claiming that it's capable of cranking out 600 frames per second and shoot still images in bursts of nine frames a second -- although not at the same time. When you're done, you can push the footage straight to your smartphone or tablet over WiFi and the company is also offering a mobile app that'll let sports coaches analyze their players movement in staggering detail. It'll be available in March, but you'd better all of that athletic scrutiny is worth it, as it'll set you back $1,000.

At the same time, the company's outing a game of Everio camcorders, with the entry-level GX-E100 setting you back $230 for the most basic model the company can offer. At the other end of the range, the $500 GZ-VX815 offers a f/1.2 lens, a 12.8-megapixel sensor and WiFi when it goes on sale in March.

[Source: Engadget]

Panasonic launches tweaked AG-AF105A MFT pro camcorder with 10-bit HD video

Panasonic has just launched the AG-AF105A pro camcorder, an updated version of the AG-AF105 model, and for lovers of fine color gamut, there's good news. You can now output 10-bit HD video through the live view SDI port to an external recorder, boosting the color range to a billion hues and 1024 shades of grey. That addresses one of the main gripes with the previous $6k, 8-bit camcorder: it had to live in a world of Red Scarlets and Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera MFTs, which already have deep color. The revised model also brings a new PS recording mode with 25Mbps data rate, full HD progressive modes (1080/60p, 1080/50p), higher fidelity 16 bit LPCM audio and enlarged focus assist. It'll hit shelves on November 15th in Japan (there's no mention of an international date yet) with pricing up to the dealer, so sharpen up those haggling skills if you want one.

[Source: Engadget]

Sony unveils NEX-EA50EH pro camcorder with nary a dog or pony (video)

Sony is continuing to build out its NXCAM video camera line with the new interchangeable lens NEX-EA50EH, a surprise entrant that's aimed firmly at the run and gun professional crowd. It sports the same APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor as other cameras in the NEX line, and has notably added a rocker-style zoom lever for its brand new SEL18-200PZ 11x E-mount Servo Zoom Lens. That item is one of the first large sensor servo zooms we've seen, and packs continuous variable isis, auto focus and "Optical Steady Shot" active image stabilization. Another eyebrow-raiser is the model's still photo flair, with the ability to shoot 16MP RAW stills, a mechanical shutter with its own release button and a flash hot-shoe all squeezed in. Video is recorded up to 60fps at 1080P in AVCHD 2.0, presumably at 28 or 17 Mbps, toSD/SDHC/SDXC cards, Sony Memory Sticks or Sony's dedicated external SSD unit, which attaches to the camera. All that is topped off by an onboard shotgun microphone, a shoulder mount form factor and $4,500 price point (which has already changed twice on B&H). That means a lot of event or ENG pros who want large sensor results -- without all the DSLR foibles -- may be sorely tempted. See the PR and video after the break for all the details.

[Source: Engadget]

Panasonic AG-AC90 professional camcorder: three CMOS sensors in a handheld package for $2,250

While filmakers have gone gaga over huge sensor'd video cameras, there's still a need for smaller chips and pro features -- to that end, Panasonic has just announced the AG-AC90 AVCCAM. Destined for event and corporate users, it features three smallish 1/4.7-inch CMOS sensors ("3MOS" in company-speak), a 12X zoom, native 1,920 x 1,080 at 60p, 60i, 30p and 24p, and a five-axis image stabilizer. As for video quality, there's a new "premium professional" recording mode with 28 Mbps throughput at 60p, on top of 24 Mbps and 17 Mbps modes. With two memory card slots, the camcorder supports Panasonic's proprietary UHS-1 cards, and fortunately works with SDXC and SDHC to boot. It's slated to arrive in "late fall 2012," according to the company, and will ring the register at $2,250. So, if the first thing that pops into your mind is not DOF, but zebras, timecode and XLR inputs, check the PR for all those specs.

[Source: Engadget]

Canon Launches New Legria (Vixia) Range

Canon today announced many new camcorders to their Legria (Vixia) range. Top of the tables is the new HF M52 which has some superb features. It sports Canons new HD CMOS Pro sensor, which has the exact number of pixels needed for 1920x1080 capture. This featured in some of last years models, including the top of the range and still current HF G10. They also added WiFi support to the HF M52, which allows for wireless streaming to supported devices. The 7.5cm touch screen is still very low resolution, which is a bit of a let down and there is still no 50P or 60P support. Check out the full details here.

LEGRIA HF M52 features:  
   • Wi-Fi with MP4 support 
   • Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor 
   • Optical Intelligent IS 
   • Audio Scene Select 
   • 10x HD Video lens, iris diaphragm 
   • Store direct to external HDD 
   • 32GB memory, SDXC slot 
   • Creative cinematic features 
   • 7.5cm touch screen 
   • Smart Auto (38 scenes), Face Detection, Instant AF

LEGRIA HF M56 features:  
   • Wi-Fi with MP4 support 
   • Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor 
   • Optical Intelligent IS 
   • Audio Scene Select 
   • 10x HD Video lens, iris diaphragm 
   • Store direct to external HDD 
   • 8GB memory, SDXC slot 
   • Creative cinematic features 
   • 7.5cm touch screen 
   • Smart Auto (38 scenes), Face Detection, Instant AF   
  
LEGRIA HF M506 features:   
   • Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor 
   • Optical Intelligent IS 
   • Audio Scene Select 
   • 10x HD Video lens, iris diaphragm 
   • Creative cinematic features 
   • 7.5cm intuitive touch screen 
   • Smart Auto (38 scenes), Face Detection, Instant AF 
   • SDXC card slot