The Liquid Image Underwater Digital VideoMask allows you to keep your hands free as you dive. It’s the world’s only dive mask that has an integrated waterproof digital video camera plus photographs at 5mp. Operates to a depth of 33 ft (10m) and eliminates the need to hand carry an underwater camera.

The Digital VideoMask is ideal for snorkeling, snuba, spearfishing, free-diving, shark cage diving and shallow scuba diving. The goggle lenses are made of tempered glass and have integrated crosshairs that help you to line up shots. Turn the Camera on, and choose a mode with the upper button. Simply press the shutter button to record pictures or videos. An LED inside the mask tells you if you are in still image or video mode. Downloading images is as easy as plugging in the mask to your PCs or Macs USB port (cable included) and pressing the power button. The bundled software (PC only) allows you to edit your content.

The built-in 16 MB memory can store approximately 27 pictures or approximately 40 seconds of video. A microSD/SDHC card slot allows you to expand memory up to 8GB for additional pictures or videos. Requires two AAA batteries (included).

Find out more at Liquid Image.

Liquid Image 5.0MP Underwater Digital VideoMask (Mid size)
Price: USD 140.73

15 suppliers – prices from USD 121.99

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. has announced the Xacti VPC-WH1 – Waterproof, High-Defintion Dual Camera. The Xacti VPC-WH1 has earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating (IPX8/IPX5) allowing users to capture high-definition (1280×720px) 30fps video without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The Xacti VPC-WH1 is operable down to a water depth of 3 meters (10 feet). Unlike the Xacti VPC-CA9, the Xacti VPC-WH1 has the shape of compact camcorder.

The Xacti VPC-WH1 acts as a high-definition video camcorder and a high-resolution camera. It retains full still photo functionality which has been improved from previous models to allow shooting of 2MP photos at 13fps.

Features

• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• 2 megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
• Hi-speed sequential shooting at 13fps
• 30x optical zoom, aperture: F=1.8(W) – 4.3(T)
• 50x digital zoom (playback 25x max.)
• 2.5″ LCD monitor (approx. 150,000 pixels, 7-level brightness, 285 degrees rotation)
• Photos: Digital Image Stabilizer (electronic)
• Videos: Digital Image Stabilizer (electronic)
• Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
• ISO Stills: Auto (ISO 50 – 400), Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600, Switching system)
• Microphone: Built-in stereo, Speaker: Built-in monaural (L+Rch mixed output)
• Internal memory: Approx. 43 mb
• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card (up to 32GB)
• Lithium-ion battery x 1 (DB-L50 included: 1900mAh)

Languages

English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Price and Availability

Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 will be available in blue and yellow colors for US$399.99 (MSRP). Not available in white color!

For Amazon UK, go here. For Amazon USA, see below.

Sanyo VPC-WH1 HD Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 30x Optical Zoom (Yellow)
Price: USD 282.90

23 suppliers – prices from USD 246.99

Creative has followed the introduction of the Creative Vado with a HD version. The new Creative Vado HD is the only pocket video cam to feature HDMI connectivity (includes a HDMI cable that provides 1080i output to an HDTV). It also features a wide-angle precision glass lens for ’stunning’ video quality.

The Creative Vado HD captures H.264 AVI videos at 30fps using a 1,280×720 CMOS sensor. You get about 2 hours of battery life from its removable rechargeable battery. You can also shoot 640×480 VGA video.

Included is 8GB of built-in memory to carry up to two hours of HD video and is available only in carbon black. The built-in software allows posting videos to YouTube, Photobucket or Box.net. Also includes Muvee software for video editing and customization, and capturing snapshots.

Features

• Slim, lightweight, pocket-sized design
• 720p HD video capture
• 8GB of built-in memory
• HDMI connector provides 1080i video output to HDTV
• Built-in 2-inch color antiglare LCD screen
• Removable rechargeable battery
• Wide-angle precision glass lens
• Built-in USB cable for PC
• Built-in Creative Vado Central software

What’s in the box?

• Vado HD Pocket Video Cam
• HDMI Cable
• USB Extension Cable
• Silicon Skin
• Rechargeable Battery

Accessories

Optional accessories include a Waterproof Pouch, Mesh Pouch, Spare Rechargeable Battery and a Battery Charger.

Price and Availability

The MSRP is $229.99 although Amazon is selling the Creative Vado HD for $199.99. Pricing seems a bit steep given the fact that non-HD version can be purchased for $79.99.

Also, see our Vado eBay Listings page!

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black) OLD MODEL
Price: —

53 suppliers – prices from USD 67.99

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. has done it again with the introduction of the Flip Video MinoHD. At just 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63″ (H x W x D) and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the Flip Video MinoHD is marketed as “the world’s smallest HD camcorder”.

Features include a simple user interface; flip-out USB connector; rechargeable internal Li-ion battery; built-in editing and sharing software; instant uploads to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video; plus crisp, clear HD-quality video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen).

The Flip Video MinoHD comes equipped with FlipShare software which lets you save and organize videos, upload and publish videos online, email videos, and edit/create movies.

What’s in the box?

• Flip MinoHD Camcorder (with built-in FlipShare software)
• TV connector cable
• Wrist strap
• Soft carrying case
• Quick start guide
• Warranty and Product registration

Any negatives?

On the downside, the Flip Video MinoHD has no SD/MMC card expansion slot. Also, the rechargeable battery isn’t removable or replaceable by the user.

Also, see our new Flip Video eBay Listings page!

Availability

Does the world need yet another ultra-compact (a.k.a., portable, pocket, etc) camcorder? Evidently, Creative thinks so as it has launched it’s own its own ultra-compact, ultra-affordable camcorder called the Vado.

The Creative Vado is remarkably similar to the Flip Ultra and its successor, the Flip Mino. All three camcorders offer simplicity, ease of use and lost cost. Just in time for the holiday season, Creative hopes the Vado will be a popular with young, budding videographers.

The Vado can record up to two hours of high-quality video (640 x 480) on its built-in 2GB of memory. It uses a removable rechargeable battery, so you can keep an extra battery on-hand for an additional two hours of recording. You can recharge the battery via USB; that’s nice!

Features

• 2GB Memory size
• VGA CMOS (640 x 480) Sensor
• Video quality (pixels): 640 x 480
• Low light performance: Extremely high sensitivity at 3.8V/lux-sec
• 2″ (50.8 mm) diagonal, 16 million colors LCD
• 640 x 240px Screen resolution
• 2x Digital Zoom
• Recording capacity: 120 minutes (good quality), 60 minutes (excellent quality)
• Digital video format: MPEG-4 AVI at 30 frames per second
• Speaker and microphone Built-in
• TV out
• Tripod mount
• Power saver
• Delete all, Play all
• Set Date/Time
• Set frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz
• Built-in flexi USB connector
• 130 minutes Battery life
• YouTubeâ„¢ and Photobucketâ„¢ Online sharing with Built-in Software
• Weight: 84g (with battery)
• Dimension (H x W x D): 3.9″ x 2.2″ x 0.6″

Available accessories include a customized pouch, a spare battery, A/V cable, and external battery charger.

The Creative Vado is available at leading retailers for US$99.00 (MSRP) in pink and silver colors. Street pricing is a bit lower (ex. $82.87 at Amazon.com).

Just listed Amazon UK: Silver / Pink.

Sanyo has announced the Xacti DMX-HD800, a replacement for last year’s popular Xacti DMX-HD700. The new HD800 has the same compact size as its predecessor, but Sanyo expects improved image quality due to the new three-dimensional digital noise reduction filter and a switch from a 7.38MP CCD sensor to the 8MP CMOS sensor.

Features

• 5x optical zoom lens
• Large, 2.7-inch LCD
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• True random access
• Ergonomic design
• Mac OS compatible
• Includes Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0
• HDMI high-definition output
• Digital image stabilization
• Innovative docking station (optional)
• Playback directly onto a HD or standard TV screen

Price and Availability

This Xacti DMX-HD800 comes in gold, pink, or black. Price and availability in the United States have not been announced yet. However, you can order it from eBay or from Amazon UK.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD800 HD800 Camcorder BLK/GD/PINK+8G-us

US $235.99 End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 2:25:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $235.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

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Kodak has entered the pocket video camera market with the Zi6 Pocket Video Camera. Clearly, the camera (camcorder) is designed to compete against the very popular Flip Video series. Doing it’s best to one-up the Flip Mino which has internal memory, the Kodak Zi6 records to SD or SDHC cards, up to 32GB in capacity. Also, the Zi6 is powered by removable rechargeable AA batteries while the Flip Mino has a non-removable internal battery.

The Zi6 captures video in 60fps 720p HD, the highest quality of any pocket video camera on the market so far. The 720p HD mode is obviously intended for playback on HDTVs. The Zi6 also offers a standard definition recording option (VGA), intended for upload to YouTube and elsewhere. Videos can be uploaded to YouTube directly from the Zi6 or from the video editing software. Unlike the Flip Video series, the Kodak software is installable rather than built-in.

KODAK Zi6 Features

• Records in 720p at 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio (encoded in MPEG 4)
• Upload videos to YouTube using the built-in USB and software
• Slow motion playback
• Can take 3MP still photos
• Macro focusing to 5cm
• 2.4″ LCD screen on the back
• Expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32GB
• HDTV videos in 720P HD quality with included cables
• Edit videos, add pictures and music, and share with included video software (Arcsoft Media Impressions)
• Includes Kodak pre-charged AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and battery charger

Kodak launched the Zi6 with a host of accessories including memory cards, a battery charger, tripods, and camera bags.

What’s in the Box

KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera
(2) AA pre-charged Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and charger
HD and AV cables
Wrist strap
Camera pouch
User Guide
ARCSOFT MEDIA IMPRESSION Software for Kodak (for PC only)

Price and Availability

The KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera will be available in late September 2008 for a price of US$179.99 (US MSRP). You can pre-order the Zi6 to insure fast delivery once it is released.

Sony has replaced the HDR-CX7 with the new HDR-CX12, an HD camcorder that captures full 1920 x 1080 HD video in the AVCHD format to MemoryStick Duo cards. New on a camcorder is Sony’s Smile Shutter technology, brought over from its still camera line, which allows for video recording while simultaneously capturing still photos when subjects smile.

In addition to the Smile technology, the camcorder (2.8″ x 5.3″ x 2.8″) is about the size of a can of soda. It’s roughly the same size as its primary competitor, the Canon VIXIA HF100. On the plus side for Sony, Canon does not provide an SDHC card with of the VIXIA HF100, while the Sony HDR-CX12 ships with a 4GB MemoryStick PRO Duo card.

The HDR-CX12 features a 12x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens coupled to a 1/3.13-inch CMOS sensor with a gross pixel count of 5,660,000. Besides full 1920 x 1080 HD video, the HDR-CX12 is capable of taking a 10.2MP still image. Both the new Exmor sensor and Bionz processing technology are included.

The HDR-CX12 also includes a multi-function dial located on the front for controlling exposure, white balance, and other functions. The AVCHD bitrate remains slightly lower than the industry average, with a peak speed of 16Mbps. The Canon VIXIA HF100 records at 17Mbps.

A full set of specifications can be found on the SonyStyle site.

What’s in the box

• HDR-CX12 Camcorder
• Memory Stick PRO Duo 4GB
• Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-835)
• InfoLITHIUM battery (NP-FH60)
• CD-ROM (“Picture Motion Browser” for Microsoft Windows, Handycam Handbook)
• Handycam Station
• AC Adaptor (AC-L200)
• Power cord
• USB Cable
• A/V connecting cable
• Component A/V Cable

Price and Availability

The Sony HDR-CX12 will be available in early August for a price of $900 (MSRP). It can be pre-ordered ordered from Amazon.com. See the link below.

In the UK, see the Sony HDR-CX11 (link below).

One the heals of the very successful Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, Pure Digital Technologies has introduced the Flip Video Mino. With 2GB of on-board flash memory, the Mino allows users to capture up to 60 minutes of high-quality video using the camcorder’s new touch-sensitive buttons to record, play, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete. You can instantly play back video on the Mino’s 1.5-inch anti-glare LCD display. The Mino is smaller (see below) than many cell phones and weighs just 3.3 oz.

The Mino is the first Flip Video camcorder to use an internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery provides more than four hours of recording time on a single charge and recharges whenever the camcorder’s USB arm is connected to a computer. Charge times are a minimum of two hours using Flip’s new power adapter or three hours plugged into a USB port.

Flip Video Mino Features

• Weight: 3.3 oz. H x L x W: 3.94″ x 1.97″ x 0.63″
• One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
• Touch-sensitive buttons for instant recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete
• Built-in software compatible with PC or Mac:
1. Instant upload to MySpace, YouTube, and AOL Video
2. One-click emailing of videos and video greeting cards
3. Custom editing of movie mixes, with the option to set them to your own music
4. Capture of still photos from video
5. Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world
• TV connection for instant viewing (cable included)
• Tripod mount
• Available accessories (sold separately): AC power adapter, tripod, action mount, and pouch
• Available in black or white

What’s the same?

The Mino’s resolution is still 640 x 480px and the lens (2x zoom) is the same as in the Ultra Series. Still no SD/MMC card expansion slot. Still, a lot of fun nonetheless.

Price and Availability

In the USA, the Flip Video Mino camcorder will be sold at Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com, Circuit City, Sears, Walmart.com, and TheFlip.com at a suggested retail price of $179.99.

Flip Mino Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
Price: —

15 suppliers – prices from USD 68.50

Sony has just introduced the Model HDR-TG1 camcorder. It is a full-featured camcorder that can record 1920 x 1080 HD video and 4MP digital photos directly to Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo or PRO Duo Mark2 media cards. Its size (1.3″ wide by 4.7″ tall by 2.5″deep) and full recording capability makes it the world’s smallest full HD camcorder.

The HDR-TG1 is equipped with a high-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 10x optical zoom lens and 2MP ClearVid CMOS sensor with Exmor-derived technology, engineered to minimize picture noise. Sony’s BIONZ processing engine also features noise reduction capabilities in addition to fast processing speeds. This engine powers the model’s dynamic range optimization feature, which automatically adjusts under or over-exposed areas in a picture.

The HDR-TG1’s premium hard coating and titanium body makes it resistant to scratches and highly desirable to fashion-conscious consumers. It also incorporates face detection technology for both video and still images, a technology shared with select Sony Cyber-shot® digital cameras. The HDR-TG1 can identify up to eight faces in the camcorder’s 2.7″ touch panel LCD screen, and automatically adjust focus, exposure, color control for natural-looking skin tones.

The HDR-TG1 features switchable HD/SD Format Recording Record and play back both High Definition (HD)4 and Standard Definition (SD) video. It ships with a 4GB PRO Duo Mark2 media card.