Hasta La Gadget!

After its mid-summer reveal, JVC’s entry into the booming action sports camera market is now shipping and we got to spend some time with the questionably-named GC-A1 ADIXXION at the company’s CEDIA booth. To compete with offerings from GoPro, Sony and our most recent favorite, the Contour+2, the GC-A1 brings its “Quad Proof” housing that makes it waterproof (to 5M) and shockproof (for falls of up to 2M), dustproof and freeze-proof, as well as built-in WiFi, integrated microphone, image stabilization and a 1.5-inch LCD on the side. It can use WiFi to make a video link with nearby Android or iOS devices as well as PCs so the wearer can check where the camera is pointing, and even stream video directly to Ustream via a hotspot, no PC necessary. For the $349 asking price a goggle mount, flexible mount, two lens protection covers, USB cable and a single battery are included. We didn’t have a motocross track or snowmobile handy on the show floor, but in-hand it felt every bit the ruggedized, compact device that its advertised to be and the LCD was decently viewable. Check out a few more pics of it in our gallery below and some sample footage in the video embedded after the break.

Continue reading JVC’s $349 ADIXXION camcorder is shipping now, packs LCD, WiFi and live Ustreaming (hands-on)

Filed under: Cameras

JVC’s $349 ADIXXION camcorder is shipping now, packs LCD, WiFi and live Ustreaming (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just over a year later, Contour has released the Contour+2 camera as the follow up to its Contour+ model. Like its predecessor, the +2 shoots video at up to 1080p and 120fps, though that max frame rate’s only available at 480p resolution. It also sports the same rail mounting design, a sliding power/record switch on top and a 270-degree rotating lens. Naturally, the camera comes with a waterproof case, for filming in hostile environments, and a couple of adhesive mounts, so you can get those super gnarly POV shots. The +2 stores clips on an included 4GB microSD card, but it can also stream live video using the mini-HDMI port round the back. GPS is onboard to track the location and elevation of any epic runs, and you can add a map of your route with speed and distance data and edit your videos using the free Storyteller app for PC and Mac. Once you’ve tweaked things, the app also does simple sharing of the results directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo. The best part? Contour’s latest will set you back $400, which is $100 less than the original Contour+. Hit the break for a video walkthrough of Contour’s latest action cam courtesy of company CEO Marc Barros, and head on over to our review to see how this thing operates in the field.

Continue reading Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video

Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that itsy bitsy GoPro competitor we spotted at Sony’s CE Week booth earlier this summer? Well, it’s gearing up for an official release late next month. Dubbed Action Cam — a fitting name given that it’ll live mounted anywhere from sky diving helmets to downhill skis — it’ll ship in late September or early October for $199. In a surprising twist, the incredibly small HD shooter will also be getting WiFi — that version will be available for $270. Both cameras are identical save for wireless functionality, but considering that WiFi enables remote configuration and viewfinder capability for framing your shots (there’s no video-capable LCD on the device itself), you’re gonna want to shell out the extra 70 bucks. Regardless of which flavor you choose, you’ll net a very capable camcorder with a 16-megapixel Exmor R sensor (great for low-light shooting) and fixed-zoom Carl Zeiss lens, complete with SteadyShot image stabilization, a 1080/30p capture mode and a 720p option at 120 frames-per-second, enabling some pretty slick slow-motion effects.

The Action Cam is a modular system, so you can count on a bevy of accessories — there will even be a “Handycam Adaptor,” which comes complete with a 2-7inch display and a familiar camcorder interface. More standard options include an adhesive mount pack ($20, though two ship with the cam), a bar/bike mount ($30), angle mount ($30), a replacement housing that’s waterproof to 60 meters and offers a standard tripod socket ($40 — you’ll get one in the box), two head straps ($25-30) and a suction cup ($30). It also uses removable storage (microSD), a swappable battery, and includes HDMI, USB and audio input jacks.

We weren’t able to take the camera out on any wild adventure shoots, though plenty of professionals have, from the looks of the demo reel on display at Sony’s event (and included at the end of our hands-on video after the break). We did get to play with the remote viewfinder feature, however, paired with the Android PlayMemories app (also available for iOS). This tool worked quite well over WiFi, with decent response and a usable framerate (for framing you shot, at least). The Action Cam itself feels quite solid, despite its size, especially when paired with the thick plastic housing (it’s designed for use both underwater, and on land). What we’re not quite clear on is battery life, which will surely factor into any purchase decision — that detail will likely come to light as we near launch. You can take a closer look at the camera and accessories in our gallery below, and the hands-on video (complete with remote viewfinder demo) after the break.

Continue reading Sony’s tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on)

Filed under: Cameras

Sony’s tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s no doubt iPhone accessories are a dime a dozen nowadays, but every now and then we come across one or two that vigorously stand out from the rest of the peripheral pack. Here’s where Mophie’s newly introduced Outride comes in, which clearly — and as the company’s quick to point out — takes a heavy cue from GoPro’s action shooters. All inspirations aside, though, the Outride iPhone companion’s pretty well-stacked on its own, with Mophie offering an integrated polycarbonate case / mounting system that features waterproof and high-impact protection to help the daring folk during those intense, rush-filled adventures. Additionally, Mophie’s taking things beyond the hardware and also announced a free application to pair alongside the Outride unit; this will give people a place where they can create a profile and share their video recordings with other riders. The outfit’s pricing the iPhone 4 / 4S accessory starting at a peaceable $130, and it should be up for grabs around “mid-September.” In the meantime, there’s an extra pic and PR right after the break, for anyone interested in catching a different view and the conclusive word from the Juice Pack maker.

Continue reading Mophie’s Outride turns iPhones into action cameras, comes with dedicated app and starts at $130

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Peripherals

Mophie’s Outride turns iPhones into action cameras, comes with dedicated app and starts at $130 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 07:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s not the only one looking to edge in on the action camera game ruled by the likes of GoPro and Contour. JVC this morning claims to have “upped the ante” with the GC-XA1 ADIXXION — and it’s a hard point to argue. Let’s look at the facts here: Sony’s Action Cam has zero Xs in its name and the GC-XA1 ADIXXION has three. Three! Also on-board is WiFi and a 1.5-inch LCD monitor. The camcorder can do HD video, five megapixel stills and has 5x digital zoom. It’s waterproof up to five meters, dustproof, freezeproof and can stand up to a fall of two meters — all without that extra plastic casing. When it hits in late summer, it’ll run you $350 — or about $117 per X.

Continue reading JVC unveils ADIXXION camcorder — the second X is for ‘xxtreme’

JVC unveils ADIXXION camcorder — the second X is for ‘xxtreme’ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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