Sony recently teased its high-end CineAlta brand and ‘TheNewF,’ implying a high-end PMW-F3-like camcorder could be coming at an October 30th event. It’s now taken some of the suspense out of the announcement on Facebook, saying the upcoming camera will have 4k resolution, broadcast-level 50Mbps data rate, 4:2:2 color space and high frame-rates. That means it’ll likely be a professional product on par with the last F-model, but we’ll have to wait and see if it’ll retain features like the PL lens mount and $16k price tag. We’ll be there on the 30th for the full scoop, so stay tuned.
This week, GoPro revealed its new HERO3 series of action cameras, and this batch could definitely give the competition a run for their money. As the dominant player in the action cam space, GoPro doesn’t look like it will be resting on its laurels anytime soon. At the top of the heap is the HERO3 Black Edition, a gadget that will likely be topping many Christmas lists this year.
The HERO3 Black Edition is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models, but that doesn’t mean it’s less powerful. Taking a page from Apple’s playbook, they’re packing more capability into a smaller package. GoPro claims the camera shoots video at twice the resolution and speed as the HERO2, and captures stills 3 times as fast. It’s also got an improved lens, designed to reduce distortion, and offers selection between ultra-wide, medium and narrow fields-of-view.
The HERO3 can capture 1080p video at a full 60 frames-per-second, and can also shoot 4:3 1440p video at 48fps, or 720p at 120fps, and a DVD+ quality 848×480, 240fps mode for slow-mo shots. It can also capture 12 megapixel stills at up to 30fps, and even has a razor-sharp 4K mode – though it is limited to 15fps. It actually supports many other modes as well, listed below:
The camera has full Wi-Fi control support, and can be operated with an iOS or Android app – or the included keychain Wi-Fi remote (a $79.99 value). It also includes a durable waterproof housing, which will protect the camera down to depths of 197 feet (or 60 meters.) Here’s an overview of the HERO3 Black Edition from GoPro themselves:
And if you care to check out some footage, look below, then go into full screen 1080p mode for the ultimate experience. Keep in mind, you’re looking at a video after its been uploaded to YouTube – so the video directly downloaded from the camera will likely be even higher quality:
The HERO3 Black Edition is available for pre-order now for $399.99(USD) and is estimated to ship around November 14th, 2012. Be sure to go for the Surf Edition if you want the surfboard mount instead of the standard ones. If $400 is too expensive for your budget, you can always go for the less-expensive Silver Edition ($299.99) or the White Edition ($199.99), but these sacrifice image resolution and low-light performance. But if you can afford it, I say go for the Black – and if you can’t, save long enough that you can.
Being an avid road racer, I own several cameras that are designed to use suction cup mounts and stick to a car when you’re racing on the track. One thing about those cameras is that they are generally $300 and up to get a decent HD resolution camera. Contour has announced a new camera called the ContourROAM2 that is a basic action camera costing under $200.
The lightweight (5.1 oz.), waterproof camera is available for pre-order in black, blue, red, and green for $199.99(USD). The main differences between the ROAM2 and its more expensive ($399.99) sibling, the Contour+2 is the lack of Bluetooth, GPS and HDMI outputs. It offers the ability to record full HD 1080p resolution video at 30 frames-per-second or 720p resolution video at 60 fps for slow-motion playback. It can also snap 5MP still photos at pre-determined intervals, ranging from 1 to 60 seconds. It’s also got a handy laser level built in for ensuring straight shots.
The ContouROAM2 is designed to be very easy to use with no power button and a sliding instant-on record switch. I can tell you from experience that trying to find the power button and hit record on an action camera can be a pain when you’re wearing gloves and cinched into a racing harness.
The camera ships with a 4 GB microSD card included, as well as a rotating and a flat-surface mount. The only downside is that this camera doesn’t include a suction cup mount for use in vehicles. The suction cup mount accessory is available for an additional $39.99.
GoPro just revealed its new flagship action camcorder, the Hero3, and we managed to get our mitts on one this evening. First things first, the Hero3 is tiny, particularly when considering that it shoots 4K video (albeit at a paltry 12fps), a resolution usually reserved for much larger, cinematic cameras. Having handled its competition recently — the Action Cam from Sony and the Contour+2 — we can say that the Hero3 feels smaller and lighter than both of them. It’s about the size of a couple of matchboxes stacked together and is quite lightweight, yet still feels sturdy. The textured plastic exterior is finger friendly, and the big round power / mode and record buttons give a reassuring snick with every press. The WiFi remote that comes with the Hero3 Black Edition is similarly solid in its construction, though we wish it had the same textured skin as the camera instead of its smooth exterior. We didn’t get to use the Hero3 for its stated purpose just yet, but we’ll be filming with the thing tomorrow, so stay tuned for all the POV footage. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy a tour of GoPro’s new diminutive hardware and check out its first sample video after the break.
If you’re the sort that likes to shoot lots of video to put on YouTube or Facebook, and you don’t want to be tied to your computer for recording Logitech has a new Webcam you’ll like. The new Webcam is called the Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi Webcam and it is aimed at video professionals, bloggers, and other users. The camera offers the ability to live-stream video and shoot from different angles.
The camera supports Mac computers and is able to stream video live directly to Ustream with the touch of a button. Users can also preview or control the video using an iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer. The camera has a special carrying case to protect it when you’re traveling with it. The carrying case also doubles as a stand allowing you to prop the camera up for recording.
The camera supports popular Mac video editing software and works with Skype, FaceTime, and more. The Logitech Broadcaster camera will launch this month at an MSRP of $199.99(USD).
The Contour+2 may well be the best digital action camcorder on the market (though Sony and GoPro would beg to differ), but the company knows not everyone wants a $400 shooter to capture their epic runs this ski season. Thus, Contour has introduced the ROAM2, a $199 model that records 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps video on its included 4GB microSD card. Like the original Roam, it can capture clips up to one meter underwater without an external case, has a 270-degree rotating lens and a laser level to line up your shots. This new Roam, however, sports improved image quality and an aluminum skin of four colors: black, red and blue will be widely available, and green models can be had exclusively from Amazon through the end of the year (other retailers will carry it in 2013). Want one? Best Buy and other retailers will start selling them on October 21st.
If you were thinking of getting a Red Scarlet-X 4K baby cinema cam for that pet film feature, but were on the fence because, well, $11,900 is a lot of cash — there’s good news. The company just announced they would be selling “a whole truckload of Scarlets” for $7,100 each instead, as they had been used on a rental for a “pretty special 3 second shot.” As such, the camera body has less than a minute of recording time, and would come with an SSD module, Canon mount and full warranty for that sum — along with the option to change out the MX sensor to Red’s upcoming Dragon model, presumably. Bear in mind that you’d still lack the SSD drive, LCD, batteries or charger needed to shoot, but even with all that would still be under the regular basic price — meaning you might be able to stop saving up and start shooting.
Ever since my iPhone 5 showed up with its tiny new Lightning connector, I don’t use a dock anymore. Maybe once my overpriced 30-pin adapter shows up, I will, and maybe it’ll be this one.
In one of the more unusual examples of “upcycling” old tech, iasVintage took an old Panasonic Newvicon Omnipro camcorder from the 1980s and transformed it into an iPhone dock. Why? To prove it could be done, I suppose. But wait – there’s more. This thing isn’t just a dock for your iOS device, no. It’s also a lamp! Now all they need to do is turn that weird little fold-out keyboard into a Bluetooth keyboard for the iPhone, and it’ll be perfect.
If you long for the days of camcorders you had to carry on your shoulder, you can grab this oddity over on Etsy for $65(USD). You’ll have to pony up a few more dollars if you want one of those cool vintage filament bulbs like the one in the picture, though.
We’re quite familiar with ruggedized camcorders here at Engadget, be they from GoPro or Contour. However, Sony recently entered the extreme video fray with its Action Cam, and we got the chance to do a little POV recording with one. The videos produced were on par with what we’ve seen from the Action Cam’s competition — a nice wide view and decent quality. While we’ve seen other such cams have trouble with color balance, the Sony’s was accurate both indoors and out and it adjusted to transitions from dim to bright environments quickly. And, while the SteadyShot image stabilization tech didn’t eliminate all the shakes in our videos, it did noticeably reduce them. That said, you don’t have to take our word for it, head on past the break and see the results for yourselves.
If you are one who is always on the go, and have this sense of adventure while loving all activities that are able to result in an adrenaline rush, then you might be interested to record your death defying experiences. After all, it sure as heck beats trying to share what your experiences were in words, when there is a video recording available to keep track of all that you went through which is sure to keep your audiences gasping for air. While there are different kinds of rugged video cameras out there in the market, here is yet another device for your consideration – the ZEAL iON HD Video Camera Goggles.
ZEAL Optics recently announced the ZEAL iON HD camera goggle that is up for purchase. Touted to be the first of its kind in the market, the ZEAL iON is the perfect match for the daredevil in you, where it was specially developed to document adventures on the slopes thanks to its built in HD camera. Capable of capturing 1080p HD quality video with the ability to shoot up to 8-megapixel resolution photos for quick, easy HD imagery without having to remove your gloves, you know that this is a keeper for sure, especially for those involved in the sport of snowboarding.
ZEAL pro snowboarder Kimmy Fasani said, “The ZEAL iON goggle is going to change the way people use POV cameras. With its easy to use playback mode and control placements, there’s never a reason to take your hands out of your gloves. This goggle and camera will be a necessity when I’m filming.”
Not only that, you are able to set up sequence or timelapse shots, while download captured video is a snap, not to mention integrating what you have recorded with a range of social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram among others. Those who are interested will be able to pick up the ZEAL iON goggle for $399 a pop.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
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