Canon has today announced two new Canon HD video camcorders, the XH G1S and XH A1S, each of which is designed to add improvements to the two existing handheld, professional-quality HDV1080i camcorders that are the XH G1 and XH A1.

According to information provided to SimplyDV by Canon Europa, enhancements made over the previous models include a redesigned lens for more comfortable operation, enhanced audio features, and an expanded range of creative shooting options. These improvements, we're assured, have been developed and refined based on feedback from existing XH-series users.

Among the improvements to both the XH G1S and XH A1S, we can expect to see professional quality 1080i HD recording with selectable frame rates (50i/ 25F), a high resolution 1/3” 1.67 Megapixel 3CCD sensor system incorporating DIGIC DV II for high-speed HD image processing and a re-designed 20x HD Video Lens with separate Focus, Zoom and Iris rings allowing simultaneous three finger control.

Canon "L" Lens and Super Range OIS
The Canon HD 20x optical zoom 4.5-90mm (32.5-650mm 35mm equivalent) "L" lens incorporates a shift-type Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), helping professionals who shoot handheld achieve reliably steady shots. L-series lenses are "constructed to the very highest standards, drawing on Canon’s experience as the world’s leading manufacturer of lenses for broadcast", the company informs us. Fluorite lens elements and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass provide exceptional clarity, helping to combat chromatic aberrations. Two Neutral Density (ND) filters allow the iris to be opened fully, even in the brightest conditions. Multi-coating is designed to minimise ghosting and flare.

With three separate rings – offering simultaneous, independent control of Focus, Zoom and Iris – the lens offers enhanced operability. Lens ring operation can be modified to suit individual needs, with Focus Limit and Iris Limit being user-selectable. Four Focus Preset speeds are also available, activated via the Focus Preset button. Additionally, three Zoom Preset speeds allow the zoom rocker to be customised.

Improved Audio Options
Users are also promised expanded audio recording and playback options. These include independent limiters in manual mode, simultaneous use of built-in and XLR microphones and independent XLR sensitivity settings.

Users in PAL regions of the world can avail themselves of an optional upgrade to allow access to NTSC shooting modes (60i / 24F / 30F). XH G1S users have the benefit of studio connectivity in the form of HD-SDI output for uncompressed Full HD (1920x1080) video with 4:2:2 colour sampling and embedded audio, Gen lock in and Time code in/out for multi-camera shoots in a studio environment

The operation and layout of the exterior buttons have been altered on both the XH G1S and XH A1S , reducing the chance of accidental operation. Additional refinements include a redesigned belt grip, a tripod screw thread adaptor, improved viewfinder eyecup, and sturdier terminals (including a 6-pin Firewire connection).

Portability of user presets via memory card
Allowing shooting setups to be easily recreated, custom presets can be stored to SD/MMC memory cards and shared with other XL and XH series camcorders, such as the XL H1S, XL H1A (pictured right), XH G1 and XH A1.

Up to nine presets can be stored in-camera or, as an alternative designed to facilitate portability of data between units, high-capacity MMC or SDHC cards (4GB or more) are now supported as well.

To discuss this and other matters of a camcordery nature, visit the free SimplyDV Forums.

SimplyDV has been handed the full schedule for Panasonic UK's Imaging Road Show - and it all kicks off tomorrow (November 1st)! Every weekend between now and Christmas, two roadshow teams will be visiting major shopping malls as far apart as Southampton in the south to Aberdeen in the north.

Drawing upon the apparent success of a similar set of exhibitions through the Summer months at which shoppers got a chance to handle the company's latest digital camcorders - including the very latest High Definition models such as the award-winning HDC-SD9 AVCHD camcorder - in addition to a selection of Panasonic Lumix digital stills cameras, this latest tour will provide an opportunity to check out the company's latest HDR-SD100 and HDR-HS100 AVCHD camcorders as well as a chance to see and handle the company's new Lumix G1 Micro System cameras.

Note that two independent roadshow teams will be touring the country - one up north, the other down south - simultaneously. Here's the schedule:

Northern Team:

• Nov 01, 02: Metro Centre, Newcastle
• Nov 08, 09: Victoria Centre, Nottingham
• Nov 15, 16: Westfield, Derby
• Nov 22, 23: Meadowhall, Sheffield
• Dec 06, 07: Braehead, Aberdeen
• Dec 13, 14: Trafford Centre, Manchester
• Dec 19, 20: Bullring Centre, Birmingham

Southern Team:

• Nov 01, 02: Bluewater, Kent
• Nov 08, 09: Whitgift, Croydon
• Nov 15, 16: Think Photography, Birmingham
• Nov 29, 30: Lakeside, Thurrock
• Dec 06, 07: Oracle, Reading
• Dec 13, 14: Westquay, Southampton

So, if you're curious to get your hands on the sort of stuff we've been rattling on about here at SimplyDV for ages, now's your chance.

Please note that the info published above is as provided to us by Panasonic UK. It may be subject to change so it's always a good idea to check with Panasonic first before setting out on any long journeys to play with the goodies on show.

Perhaps it has something to do with the so-called credit crunch, with people having less money to spend and therefore being forced to be more prudent with their choices, or perhaps consumers are getting more than a bit confused by all this high definition stuff, but whatever the reason it's clear that many of you are now looking for compactness, simplicity of design and value for money where digital video is concerned.

We're still not sure why the S7 has leapt to the top of the list as we approach the end of a year which has been dominated by high definition offerings from Panasonic, Canon and Sony, but if our site visitors are reading the review of the S7 in greater numbers one can only assume that this might translate into increased sales of this and equivalent standard definition models in favour of HD formats.

Here's the SimplyDV Top 5 most popular camcorder reviews for October 2008:

1. Panasonic SDR-S7 (MPEG2 Standard Definition; SDHC card)
2. Panasonic HDC-SD9 (AVCHD High Definition; SDHC card)
3. Canon HF100 (AVCHD High Definition; SDHC and Embedded Flash Memory)
4. Canon HF11 (AVCHD High Definition; SDHC and Embedded Flash Memory)
5. Sony HDR-TG3 (AVCHD High Definition; Memory Stick PRO Duo card)

In case you're wondering why Sony hasn't figured more strongly in our reviews page-views, it's partly due to the lack of availability of products for review by Sony UK over the last 12 months, and this has therefore led to there being fewer of the company's products being given the review treatment. However, this slight problem has now been resolved and you can be assured of seeing more attention being paid to Sony's camcorders in the coming months.

We should point out that our Top 5 list above is compiled on the simple basis of page-views received during the month - and is in no way representative of retail sales. We don't have access to that kind of information so if you're looking for it you'll have to pay a huge sum of money to a market research company like GfK!

Bet you can't wait to see who'll win the "SimplyDV Camcorder of the Year 2008" award, either! Last year it was won by the superb Canon HG10 AVCHD camcorder.

Watch this space....

The new cross-platform video toolset delivers new technologies for creating searchable video content and includes native RED, P2, XDCAM, and AVCHD support

In keeping with the speculation that had surrrounded the latest significant update to its market-leading suite of creative software tools, Adobe has announced Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium, its complete solution for the creation of video, audio, and interactive media—for delivery on‐air, online, and on device. Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium offers improved levels of integration across major new releases of its video, audio, design, and Web tools, including Adobe After Effects CS4 Professional, Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Encore CS4, Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended, Adobe Illustrator CS4, Adobe Flash CS4 Professional, Adobe Soundbooth CS4 and Adobe OnLocation CS4 — now redesigned to natively support Intel‐based Macs.

“With new tools for creating searchable video content in Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium, we’re opening up incredible opportunities for media professionals of all kinds,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “Imagine being able to create world‐class content, distribute it online, and precisely target rich‐media advertising based on the embedded metadata. These capabilities forge a new interactive media paradigm for distributing, differentiating, and monetising content in ways that were not possible until now.”

SimplyDV's Colin Barrett was one of a number of specially-invited press representatives to be given a sneak preview of all that CS4 has to offer in mid-August at the company's London offices. "It's a significant upgrade, to be sure, and I'm impressed at what I've seen" he commented. "Of all the new features, however, the one thing I'm particularly enthused about it the inclusion of native AVCHD support right across the whole Production Premium Suite - and that of course includes Premiere Pro CS4".

"Rapidly Create More Valuable Content for Online Delivery"
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium is claimed to offer unique features for professional production. Powerful new Speech Search in Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 and Adobe Soundbooth CS4 uses spoken dialogue to make video searchable, significantly reducing the time spent searching for clips and creating rough cuts, and makes content searchable when delivered online. With deep XMP metadata support, the production workflow is simplified, resulting in online content that gives viewers new ways to interact with and search for video, while giving content owners new opportunities to track and monetise content. In addition, After Effects CS4 has enhanced support for Adobe Flash CS4 workflows providing new, powerful paths for creating compelling interactive content.

"Get Closer to the Lens with Efficient Direct to Disk and Tapeless Workflows"
With Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium, Adobe has set out to strengthen its support for film and broadcast production, as well as extending its industry leadership in supporting tapeless, cross‐platform workflows.

Editors can work natively with RED, P2, XDCAM, and AVCHD without transcoding or rewrapping, giving them one of the fastest possible workflows to see what the camera captured without loss of fidelity. Adobe OnLocation CS4 enables the capture of DV, HDV and DVCPROHD footage directly to disk and offers powerful on‐set clip annotation and metadata editing, then couples with Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 for a streamlined editorial workflow. For final output, Adobe Creative Suite 4 has powerful workflows for large and small screens, efficiently exporting to film, DVD, Web DVD, Blu‐ray disc, the Web, and mobile devices.

Creative Suite 4 "Expands the Creative Workflow"
The Adobe Creative Suite 4 product line, which includes Adobe Creative Suite Design editions, Adobe Creative Suite Web editions, Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium and Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection, offers access to online services to creative professionals and developers who work and collaborate online. Adobe ConnectNow, a service of Acrobat.com, can be accessed from InDesign CS4, Illustrator CS4, Photoshop CS4 Extended, Flash CS4 Professional, Dreamweaver CS4, Fireworks CS4, and Acrobat 9 Pro, allowing real‐time collaboration with two colleagues or clients. Designers can also share colour harmonies with Adobe Kuler, which is now accessible from within InDesign CS4, Illustrator CS4, Photoshop CS4, Flash CS4 and Fireworks CS4. Other online resources include: Adobe Community Help for technical questions; Resource Central for accessing video and audio product‐related news and tutorials, as well as Soundbooth scores, sound effects, and other stock media; and Adobe Bridge Home, a customisable resource for tips, tutorials, news and inspirational content. With a searchable library of more than 450 dynamically updated device profiles from leading manufacturers, Adobe Device Central CS4 enables users to easily test mobile content designed using many of the Creative Suite 4 products.

UK Pricing and Availability
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium for Mac OS X on Intel‐based systems and for Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista platforms is scheduled to ship in October 2008 with availability through Adobe Authorised Resellers and the Adobe Store at http://www.adobe.co.uk/store. Estimated street price for the Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium edition is £1409. Prices for upgrading to Creative Suite 4 Production Premium start from £515.

For more detailed information about features, upgrade policies, pricing, and international versions see http://www.adobe.co.uk/creativesuite.

To discuss Adobe Creative Suite 4 and other related matters, check out the SimplyDV Forums. They're free to join and ever freer to use!

It's been hanging around the SimplyDV editorial office for quite a few weeks and has been subjected to a fair bit of handling by various people curious to see what all the fuss is about. Now that it has been returned to Canon we thought it about time we shared our thoughts on this remarkable new high definition camcorder.

The Canon HF11, which is known as the Vixia HF11 outside Europe for reasons best known to those nice people at Canon, is quite a revolutionary new camcorder in that it offers not only totally solid-state video recording and playback but also incorporates a built-in flash memory whose capacity is a whopping 32GB (gigabytes). That's currently as much as you can get on a memory chip and offers a staggering 12 hours of full-specification, 1920x1080 pixels, high definition recording of the kind that will look fabulous on the very latest HD television displays.

Other juicy features include a slot for SDHC (high capacity SD) cards, enabling users to back up the full contents of the internal memory to an equivalent-sized Class 4 or Class 6 SDHC card; it has the facility to plug in an external microphone and also a headphone socket for monitoring whilst recording.

Well, we won't go on. Instead, why not have a look at the latest in-depth review to be made available here on SimplyDV and get the low-down on this amazing new model.

The one question on many people's lips is "Is it better than the Panasonic HDC-SD100?". That's for you decide; both reviews are now available to read so you can come to your own conclusion.

Link: SimplyDV Review of the Canon Vixia HF11 AVCHD Camcorder

And, don't forget, there's an opportunity to discuss this and other matters of a camcordery nature over on our splendid (and free) SimplyDV Forums. See you there.

Main Image: Nigel Cooper at www.dvuser.co.uk. Used by permission.

Corel has now announced its update to the popular VideoStudio video editing software (formerly Ulead VideoStudio) and is designed to make it easy for people to create and share their digital stories in High Definition.

As you'd expect, the suite of software programs provides support for the import and editing of high definition AVCHD camcorders in addition to Blu-ray disc sources.

HD and SD support
The company, which took over software brand Ulead some time ago, now brings us Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 Ultimate and Corel VideoStudio Pro X2, and has told SimplyDV that both of these new products are intended to attract the growing number of home video enthusiasts looking to shape and share their high definition camcorder footage as well as clips recorded in traditional standard definition formats line MiniDV and DVD.

Described by the company as being the complete digital media solution, the Ultimate version of VideoStudio Pro X2 is an all-in-one solution containing four powerful applications with everything users need to create professional-looking videos, slideshows and DVDs. In addition to the new VideoStudio Pro X2 video editing software, it includes:

Corel WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray – Top of the Corel WinDVD 9 range, the world’s number one DVD and video playback software. Plays AVCHD and Blu-ray discs with advanced menus and even upscales standard DVDs to near HD quality

Corel DVD Copy 6 Plus – Copy and convert discs and video. Supports converting directly for the web or mobile devices like iPhone™, PSP and iPod.

Steinberg WaveLab LE 6 – Edit and enhance audio quickly and easily with this fast and streamlined professional quality audio editor and mastering application.

According the the company, UK/ROI pricing is likely to be £79 / €129 for Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 Ultimate and £59 / €89 for Corel VideoStudio Pro X2. Users of Ulead Video Studio version 6 and above will have a reduced upgrade price option.

Read the complete story in this special SimplyDV Bulletin Board post.

CB/090808