My reports from the CES start below - you can also click the links at the left for specific news grouped by interest.
Here is a snap-shot of the professional level video camcorders from Canon, their 2011 Professional camcorder line-up. I spent some time withe the XA10 and it's little sister, the new top of the Canon consumer camcorder line-up (the HF-G10) at CES 2011. I am very impressed with the feature set and it's lower light performance.
The HF-G10 with an MSRP of $1,499 is essentially the same camera as the HA10. The camcorder itself, I should say. They have the same imaging chip (CMOS) and the same lens (x10 magnification) and the same camera body. What's different is the size of the internal Hard Drive, with a 32 GB HDD in the HF-G10 and twice that at 64GB in the HA10 and the removable handle which is only available on the HA10.
I really like this feature and believe many others who shoot some pro video will prefer this as well -- for only $500 more, you get the handle which includes two XLS (Pro-audio) inputs as well as a microphone shoe (holder) for an externally mounted shot-gun microphone. More info to come along with videos of these new products.
For those who remain committed to the work-flow and stability in SD (Standard Definition) camcorders using DV Tape, it is interesting (and refreshing) that Canon continues to offer their very popular Canon GL-2 camcorder.
* This is not to say anything at all (yet) about Canon's increasingly popular HD-DSLR cameras (High Definition-Digital Single Lens Reflex) camcorders that are capturing the interest of many a video professional with their great depth of field performance. Canon introduced a new model in that line-up, the Canon EOS 7D.
Note: All prices above are Canon's MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested List Prices)
Skype has a broad goal as outlines by their new CEO at CES 2011 "to connect every person on the planet, on every device"
They kicked off their press conference with news that their 10-Way Group Video Calling service is not full speed ahead. The service had been in beta (testing) mode for the past couple of months but is now a full-fledged service on the very popular internet voice and video calling service.
Skype has become so popular that the new Skype CEO revealed that Skype is THE leading provider of international calls. Twenty-five percent of international calls are made through/with Skype... and 40% of those Skype calls involve video-calling.
For some time Skype has provided 2-way video calls but this newer service allows connection between 3 persons and up to 10 callers on the same call. For all parties to see each other, they would each need to have the Skype Video Calling Service enabled (which is part of the Skype Premium Service at $8.99 per month).
You can still use the Skype standard person to person (total of 2 callers) video calling service with the basic (free) Skype service.
Skype also announced their service is being embedded on all internet ready TVs manufactured by Samsung, Panasonic, Vizio and Sony (the last 2 manufacturers are new this year). You will also find Skype included as a service in Panasonic's internet ready Blu-ray players -- specifically designed for those who may not have an internet ready TV.
It was also announced that Skype just this morning acquired the company 'Qik' which is a leading mobile video sharing service - no announcement yet on the outcome for Skype users but I expect some interesting outcomes in the months ahead.
For several years, Canon's PowerShot cameras have been a go to brand for many folks just beginning their move into digital photography. At CES 2011 Canon is showing four new models in this product line with many new user-friendly and creative features.
Spotlight on one of the new models - the Canon PowerShot A3300 is being billed by Canon as "the ultimate camera for the entry-level user" with features that include 720p HD video capabilities and 32 Smart AUTO Modes.With Canon adding video to it's popular, entry level line up of digital cameras that speaks volumes as to the growing importance of the convergence between digital still and video technologies.
The camera also has new scene modes, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome, in addition to the Super Vivid, Miniature Effect, Fish Eye Effect and Poster Effect scene modes found on previous models. This 16-Megapixel camera has a 5X-Wide Angle Optical Zoom with Image Stabilization and a 3.0-inch LCD screen further adding to its feature set.
Look for a price tag at $179 MSRP - further details: Canon PowerShort A3300
In the Canon Consumer camcorder line-up, new for 2011 are the Vixia HF-G10, the HF-S30, HF-M51, MF-M40, HF-M400, HF-R21, HR-R20 and lastly the Vixia HF-R200. An analyst at Camcorderinfo.com indicates the modifications to most of these Vixia models are minor upgrades and not to be considered a major product release -- that is with the exception of the first model on this list, the Vixia HF G10.
In Canon's Pro line-up new for 2011 are the XF105, the XF100 and the new XA10. I am going to focus on the Vixia HF-G10 and the XA10.
The Canon HF G10 is Canon's new flagship consumer camcorder, providing high HD video quality with flash based storage. Incorporating a 32GB internal flash drive, as well as dual SDXC-compatible card slots, it delivers exceptional storage capacity. The HF G10 uses a .
anon's newest flagship model for their professional line -the XA10 - is an affordable compact Professional Camcorder "designed for situations where mobility is critical while shooting". The XA10 records Full HD 1080p using an AVCHD codec and includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached the XA10's functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder. It utilizes a single 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor and records onto the internal 64GB Flash memory (Flash Hard Drive). You can augment this capacity and increase your field recording time by plugging an SDXC card into one of the two SDXC slots on the camera. Video outputs include HDMI, Component and Composite via optional adapter. Suggested retail price $1999.00
Details & full specifications from these new Canon camcorders are available on their website: Vixia HG G10 and the Canon XA10.
In addition to Sony's new 3D Full HD Camcorder, they announced at CES 2011, the new Sony 'Bloggie 3D' (MHS-FS3) which is described as the world’s first HD 3D pocket camera. Like it's big brother (the Sony HDR-TD10) this small camera also has—an innovative model with two lenses, two image sensors; This coupled with it's stereo microphone captures easy-to-share 3D or 2D video and photos. And you can view 3D images without glasses on the built-in LCD.
Sony 'Bloggie' camera with an MSRP around $250.
The 'bloggie' uses Anaglyph 3D technology - which uses the 'Red/Blue' passive 3D Glasses.
One of the coolest things I have personally seen at CES 2011 is the new Sony HDR-TD10, a consumer camcorder that has 2 lenses and 2 processors that can not only shoot in 2D High Definition (HD) but can record true Full Resolution 3D video. I saw that camera last night at the Sony press event then got to play with it after the event and went back again this afternoon. There are smart designs on the camera for starters - the pull-out view screen is a lenticular screen that allows 3D viewing directly from the camera without 3D glasses! Now when you display it at home on a 3D TV your audience will need 3D glasses to get the true 3D experience.
The 1920 x 1080 video signal is recorded on an internal hard drive which is rated at 64 GB of flash memory - the files can be exported via USB or HDMI. Although publicly the word is that there is no present editing system for the product - I am told that the Sony Pro will be capable of editing the 3D video from the HDR-TD10 and burn the 3D program ont a Blu-ray for 3D playback. Sony says the HDR-TD10 will be available in April for about $1,500.
Lady Gaga joined Polaroid CEO Gary DiCamillo at the Polaroid exhibit Thursday to premiere new Polaroid products - 3 new devices were announced: Sunglasses with a camera, portable printer and new Polaroid camera. Each of the new products are part of the new 'Grey Label by House of Gaga'.
The GL20 glasses are "the first UV ray protection sunglasses with a camera embedded to take photos. They were apparently designed by Lady Gaga herself, takes digital photos as well as video. The glasses also feature a screen in front of each eye that can play back recorded images
The data is written to what is essentially a removable flash drive and serves as the earpiece on the glasses. This dis-connects from the glasses and can plug directly into a computer for downloading or you can use the brand new...
'Polaprinter GL10' instant mobile printer. This battery operated (using an rechargeable battery) can receive photos from cell phones, cameras or laptops via Bluetooth or you can use the direct connection via USB to print. Unfortunately it was announced that this printer is not compatible with iPhone (which I imagine also means no iPad as well). The printing is done with what Polaroid is calling 'ZINK - Zero Ink technology. It is small enough to toss into a (large) purse or a travel bag to take with you on the road. With the printer there is a Smart phone app that allows crop and add photo filters and custom designed borders.
The 3rd product announced today is the Polaroid GL30 with what Polaroid says is the 'best of both worlds'. You can create instant prints like the Polaroid Instamatic is known for and at the same time save a digital image for sharing and editing later.
The GL30 has some planned innovations like incorprating filters and borders and the model shown today has a built-in viewscreen that can be positioned and used as a digital photo frame (see pic below).
List pricing or availability of the three new Polaroid products were not announced today.
Here's an edited recording of today's announcements, courtesy of Network World
The Nintendo 3DS - a Nintendo portable gaming system with a 3D screen is not 'officially' on exhibit at CES 2011 but a Nintendo representative is displaying a prototype of the device to some reporters - here's a short video from CNET First Look with a look and some good information on this forthcoming device (looks like an April 2011 release date)
Lenovo is making a big splash at CES 2011 - I had the opportunity to experience their new products this morning on the CES Press Conference Day.
Lenovo was showing a whole line up of new laptops - from a very basic, affordable model to full frills laptops with style and panache (like 3D looking embossed cases). One hallmark Lenovo has over many competitors is that Lenovo uses real metal in their laptops - contrasting with competing, less expensive simulated metal hardware. Lenovo computers also sport the 'Accutpe' to help your fingers stay on the correct key when typing. The models as you move up their product line-up include cosmetic enhancements on the laptop case - for those who wish to make a fashion statement with their technology.
Their Think Pad Edge series of notepad computers are designed as well with a modern design flair. The Lenovo E220 and E440 computers provide "cutting edge computing with a luxurious design" Expected shipping is April 2011 with a prices ranging from $599 to $749.
For me, the two most impressive technology tools exhibited by Lenovo here at CES is the B320k Info Center and the U1Hybrid and LaPad.
The Lenovo B320 is essentially a dedicated powerful multi-media computer coupled with a 21.5" quality multi-touch HD monitor (what some manufactures call an AIO - All In One). Sitting down in front of the display I felt immersed by the beautiful images on the montior in front of me. What sets this product apart from other models I have seen is the quality of the media images on the display.
One of the Lenovo team explained to me how the standard TV signal was displayed beautifully is due to the processing power of the B320, a design Lenovo calls Hardware TV (HWTV) "so the B320 is both a regular HD television and a computer. With HWTV, users don’t need to start up the PC to watch television, and you can easily switch between computer and TV modes at the press of a button, or even enjoy both at the same time with the picture-in-picture function". As he said we used the remote to easily switch from PC view to Media viewing and even place either source in a PIP (Picture In Picture) and adjust the size of the PIP as well as position it in any of the 4 corners of the screen.
So, you could be watching that critical sports contest, or the season finale of your
favorite TV show while finishing that report that the boss wants tomorrow. I asked - and you can also adjust the audio feed from your PIP source (volume or muting if you only wanted to see and not listen to the PIP source).
The other very notable product displayed by Lenovo is their U1 Hybrid, called the Idea Pad.
The Idea Pad or H1 is called a Hybrid as it is an notepad PC running the Android OS... like an iPad running a different OS, but what is really cool (and practical) is that you can mate the H1 into the LaPad Slate (which looks like an acrylic shell attached to a keyboard) and with the quick flip of a switch - the H1 is locked into place with a keyboard and the system switches to a Windows 7 PC Laptop. So - you get the best of both worlds -- a pad PC and/or a laptop, when you want to sit down and do some serious typing.
I should note that all the new Lenovo computing products will take advantage of the improvements in the new, forthcoming 2nd-generation Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 (Intel Sandy Bridge) processors
For further details - see the Lenovo website
At the Pioneer Automotive Division CES Press Conference today, the company announced two new products for 2011 that address the needs of our connected lifestyles but in a safe manner while we're traveling in a motor vehicle. The foundation of the new Pioneer automotive products is that while smart phones and tablets and notepad computers are prevalent and useful -- they require visual, finger interface interaction which is not safe while driving.
All Pioneer In-Dash Navigation AV Receivers this year will include the Pandora internet radio service integrated inside. From the entry level model with radio and CD player starting at $150 to the higher-end systems with mobile audio and video entertainment. As you may know, Pandora Internet Radio allows you to customize your learning experience (and there's no additional fee for the sponsored version of Pandora)
Two of these in-dash navigation/entertainment systems (the AVIC-Z130BT and AVIC-X930BT ) will also provide a rich media experience which includes the ability to listen to updates from your Facebook and Twitter accounts (when the system is connected to your SmartPhone), listen to hundreds of Podcasts, search YELP for reviews as well as access weather and traffic conditions -- all done with voice command.
The other cool innovation announced by Pioneer Automotive this morning was the Pioneer Smart Cradle. This mates with the Apple iPhone and provides solid and stable mounting for the iPhone in your vehicle with power charging built-in. But the real benefit is the integrated microphone and amplified speaker connection as well as the added gyroscope and accelerometer - these devices mounted in the cradle augment the internal abilities of the iPhone which provide a richer, more accurate experience when using one of the many GPS based applications.
I plan on getting up close and personal with the above products during the show this week and plan to have photos, video and more information on this blog-site.
