Canon is the first of the major camcorder makers to announce its line-up for 2009 with 11 new models in addition to its new LEGRIA sub-brand for Europe

by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV

Leading an impressive line-up that includes a mix of standard definition as well as high definition products are two AVCHD flash memory models designed to spearhead a new range described by Canon as its professional LEGRIA HF S series - the HF S10 (pictured right) and HF S100 - each of which uses a 8.0 Megapixel 1/2.6" Full HD CMOS image sensor and possesses a 10x optical zoom 58mm Canon HD Video Lens with Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser.

Making its debut in this range is DIGIC DVIII, the latest version of Canon's proprietary digital image processing system. As with some of last Autumn's AVCHD range, both these models utilise an internal data transfer rate of 24 Mbps, which is the fastest possible under the current AVCHD specification.

Other main features of both models include Zebra pattern assist, AGC level limiter, Colour Bar and Test Tone output. There's also the provision of an external microphone input and selectable Headphone/AV output, mini Advanced Accessory Shoe, Pre REC function and Face Detection.

The LEGRIA HF S10 is a dual flash-memory camcorder that facilitates recording to, and playback from, 32GB internal memory in addition to SDHC memory cards. In comparison, the LEGRIA HF S100 offers only SDHC memory card recording and playback.

LEGRIA HF20 and HF200 - updating the HF10/HF100 line

Offering dual format media recording to 32GB Flash memory and SDHC (HF20) and SDHC card only (HF200), these two models supercede the fabulous HF10 and HF100 models so warmly received by SimplyDV.

Both employ a 15x optical zoom Canon Video lens, Super Range Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS), a new 1/4" 3.3 Megapixel Full HD CMOS image processor and new Canon DIGIC DVIII image processing.

New features include Face Detection technology, Video Snapshot - a fascinating mode which enables users to create movie montages (with music!) for easy sharing, Pre REC (a 3-second standby cache meaning that you nver lose a shot that starts unexpectedly) and Instant AF for auto focus precision.

LEGRIA HV40 - taking over where the excellent HV30 leaves off

The LEGRIA HV40 is the latest model in Canon's successful and much-respected line of HDV/MiniDV dual format tape-format camcorders has also been given the new LEGRIA sub-brand.

In addition to providing the option of recording and playing back either the full HDV1080i high definition format to mini-DV tapes or standard definition mini-DV, both of which can be exported to computer via FireWire, the new model possesses a 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens and Super Range OIS.

As with its predecessors (including the HV30, reviewed here) the HV40 also features video and audio input recording via the AV port (SD video only) and FireWire input recording for HDV and Mini DV. An external microphone input and switchable headphone/AV output are also a feature of this new model - something that will continue to attract the more serious video-maker looking for tape-based rather than a solid-state recording solution.

"Smallest ever" SD flash memory camcorders from Canon

Of course, there's still a considerable market for standard definition video, hence Canon's introduction of four new "FS" series models - the LEGRIA FS22, LEGRIA FS21, LEGRIA FS20 and LEGRIA FS200 - all of which offer solid-state recording and playback using either internal flash memory or SD card.


The top of the range LEGRIA FS22 sports 32GB internal flash in addition to a SDHC card slot; the LEGRIA FS21 and LEGRIA FS20 offer 16GB and 8GB flash drives in addition to SDHC card slots respectively, whereas the LEGRIA FS200 offers memory card recording and playback only, although it is offered in a chocie of four colours. Functions include Video Snapshot, Pre REC and 45x optical zoom (on the top three models) and 41x (LEGRIA FS200). Weighing in at a mere 230 grammes, these new LEGRIA FS models are claimed by Canon to be their lightest ever camcorders.

Still hanging on - two new DVD camcorders

Whilst there's no sign of any Mini DV camcorders from Canon in 2009, there are still two models to attract users looking for cost-effective straight-to-DVD disc recording.

The single Megapixel DC420 has a 45x magnification optical zoom in addition to the expected USB connection for quick and easy connection to a computer for transfer of movies and images.

Somewhat surprisingly, the DC410 offers a microphone input in addition to its 41x optical zoom - something that be welcomed in schools, where the use of low-cost models is essential and where DVD enables students to record clips to their own removable media.

Availability in Europe:

• LEGRIA HF S10 & LEGRIA HF S100 will be available from April 2009.
• LEGRIA HF20 & LEGRIA HF200 will be available from April 2009.
• LEGRIA FS22, LEGRIA FS21, LEGRIA FS20 and LEGRIA FS200 will be available from April 2009.
• DC420 & DC410 will also be available from April 2009.

DON'T FORGET: You can discuss these new models and anything else of a camcordery nature over on the web's best camcorder discussion forums right this minute!

It's that time of year when all of the hard-working staff at SimplyDV Towers head off to the Dog & Duck and ruminate over which of the year's camcorder products is deserving of the coveted SimplyDV Camcorder of the Year Award. We have deliberated and cogitated and come to a unanimous decision. It is to go to the Panasonic HDC-SD9!

Selection criteria
The reason why the SD9 gets the thumbs-up is that, above all other contenders, it has managed to combine superb full High Definition video images and sound with an unrivalled ease of use, user-friendliness and - just as important in a highly competitive market - price. We've been influenced by what people look at and what they buy - and in the UK the SD9 has seen considerable success in the marketplace; it's been the consistent No.1 seller (we're reliably informed) in addition to its review being the most searched-for and read on the whole of the SimplyDV website.

We like the SD9 because it uses three CCDs for improved picture quality, good quality optics, excellent Optical Image Stabilisation and - needless to say - the convenience of enabling a new generation of camcorder users to record to high capacity SD memory cards. A well-designed menu system, useful "helper" features like Pre-Rec and Face Detection plus the full set of HD and AV connectivity options make this a worthy winner for our coveted award for 2008. Well done Panasonic!

Read our exclusive review of the Panasonic HDC-SD9

Stiff competition
It wasn't easy arriving at our decision. Panasonic has faced some very stiff competition from other AVCHD models; we particularly loved Canon's HF100 and Sony's HDR-SR12, in addition to the excellent (and very small) Sony HDR-TG3, but if a runner-up had to be chosen it would be the fabulous Canon HF11.

Known as the Vixia HF11 in markets outside Europe, the HF11 satisifies all of the criteria set by the more serious video-making enthusiast looking for the best possible quality and functionality at the medium price point.

It uses a generaously-proportioned CMOS image sensor to produce images and sounds that are compressed to a choice of SDHC memory card or 32GB internal memory at the maximum AVCHD data rate of 24Mbps, and offers superb connectivity options that include a microphone input and switchable AV/Headphone output.

The HF11 is a remarkable product - let down in the UK by the fact that it has been obtainable only through independent retailers and therefore difficult to acquire, according to some.

Best Standard Definition Camcorder
Of course, not all of you are rushing out to buy high definition camcorders. There's still a substantial market for standard dfinition, and to satisfy this need all the major brands have been hoping we'll buy a camcorder that offers ease of use and recording and playback using solid-state or hard disc based media.

We've singled out two camcorders for their own awards. One is a fully solid-state model, whilst the other offers recording and playback using both a hard disc and also SD card. The results for 2008 are:

Best Memory Card camcorder: Panasonic SDR-S7
Some will consider this to be an unusual choice, but it's been selected here above all others because it's not only very small but it's about as simple to use as it can get. The S7 is aimed at the sort of user who wants to grab video clips on the spur of the moment and purely for fun. It's tiny enough to fit into a small pocket or bag and will power up almost instantly. Perfect for the YouTube generation of video content creators, in fact!

Read our review of the Panasonic SDR-S7 here

Best HDD/SD Camcorder: JVC GZ-MG330
JVC's Everio-G MG330 has seen considerable success in the UK since its launch, largely due to it being aimed at much the same market as Panasonic's S7. It offers a range of cute colours and whilst bigger than the S7 it's still small enough to carry in a pocket or bag. A rage of hard disc options are provided in addition to the ability to record/playback using high capacity SD cards.

Read our review of the JVC Everio GZ-MG330 here

And that's it. Some of the more astute observers will have already noted that there are no MiniDV or DVD camcorders on the list. That's because camcorders that use tape and removable spinning discs are rapidly approaching obsolescence, and as we have our work cut out to review the increasing number of solid-state and HDD options it figures that the older format models just don't get a look in. And, let's face it, 2009 will see the end of both MiniDV and DVD as camcorder recording formats, so we're just giving them a bit of a shove!

Meanwhile, here's to 2009 - a year that's going to be a very difficult and uncertain one for most of us. We'll do our utmost best to bring you unbiased news and reviews of some of the great new products that are already waiting in the wings.

Meanwhile, congratulations to the above camcorder makers and a big thank you to all of you - both site visitors and industry contacts - who have helped to increase SimplyDV's popularity during the past year.

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!