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CES 2012: Whats new in Camcorders

SmartReview — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:55:25 +0000

Consumer Electronics Show 2012

Smart-Review attended the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas (CES 2012) to bring back information on the latest products for 2012. Here is a short overview of what caught our attention at the show in regards to the latest Camcorders. For 2012 we are seeing unique innovations and technologies, including camcorders with a built-in projector, 4K camcorders, WiFi connectivity, Upload video to mobile devices, advanced image stabilization, and more 3D camcorders. We expect to see the 2012 models arrive in the March/April time frame. In the meanwhile 2011 camcorders are being heavily discounted.

Sony Projector Camcorders

Sony Handycam Camcorders for 2012: Sony has revamped its line, and now offers built in projectors in most of its line of consumer camcorders. When we saw this, we found it hard to believe that a projector could be put into a small camcorder. The projector window is located on the outside of the flip out LCD and can project an image up to 100 inches from 15 feet. Its actually a tiny window, but its very bright when activated. Sony had a demonstration of the projector in a darkened room. We were quite impressed by this little projector. Sony claims these projectors are twice as bright as last year’s models. Sony for its higher end camcorders has also created a new type of image stabilization called Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ that goes from the lens to the imager, giving a much stabler picture, up to 13 times better than regular image stabilization. (Available on the 760V models). The higher end HDR-PJ760V and HDR-CX760V models can capture full HD 24p and 60p recording with 24.1-megapixel still images, 96GB Flash Drive, and wider 26mm lens. For 2012 Sony has rolled out a new 3D camcorder, the HDR-TD20V which is 34% smaller than last year’s model. Up to 720p in 3D mode.

Canon's New HF M50 WiFi Camcorder

Canon Camcorders for 2012: Most of Canon’s high end consumer camcorder line will remain the same as 2011 (at least for now). In the mid-range, Canon has introduced new models that have a newly designed HD CMOS Pro sensor that improves resolution, low light performance, and expands dynamic range. Canon for 2012 is introducing 6 new flash memory camcorders. Three HF M-Series models and Three HF-R series models (see Smart-Review’s video below). Some of the models are able to connect to internet by WiFi, allowing you to share your pictures and video to media sites including Youtube and Facebook. You also have the ability to connect to an iphone or ipad using a free upload App. These camcorders also give you the option to record in AVCHD or MP4. AVCHD is best for HDTV viewing, while MP4 is best for sharing on mobile devices and social media sites. The 2012 vixia line improves low light performance by 20%.

Panasonic HC-X900 Camcorder

Panasonic Camcorders for 2012: Panasonic for 2012 has introduced three new Full HD camorders a single 1MOS imager. They are the HC-700, HC-V500, and HC-V100. The HC-V700 has a high sensitivity sensor for better low light shooting. The top of the line for Panasonic consumer camcorders is the HC-X900 (which replaces last year’s TM900). This model has features not on the other models. This includes a 3MOS sensor (3 imagers), which improves image quality, a three chip processing engine, and LCD screen resolution that has almost tripled from last year to 1.15 million pixels. Panasonic has discontinued making HDD (Harddrive) camcorders in 2012, in favor of those with built-in memory. Panasonic’s 3D camcorders for 2012 no longer need an adapter ring, as the new 3D lenses mounts directly onto the camcorder. Smart-Review got a demonstration of this at the show. Eliminating the adapter ring reduces misalignment that can occur when mounting the 3D lens.

JVC GY-HMQ10 4K Camcorder

JVC Camcorders for 2012: For 2012 the biggest news for JVC is its 4KCam camcorder. The GY-HMQ10 is the first 4K camcorder of its kind, and will sell for about $5,000.00 which is hefty for consumers, but actually reasonable for a Professional device that can take video at this resolution (3840 x 2160) which has a resolution 4 times regular 1080p video. The footage we saw on a Toshiba 4K hdtv was absolutely stunning. This was the best video that Smart-Review has seen to date. Smart-Review Also got to see JVC’s GS-TD1 3D camcorder which was showing on the monitor in realtime with 3D glasses. This was the best 3D video we had seen taken by a 3D camcorder. JVC claims this to be the first consumer camcorder to offer 3D recording in Full 1080p HD.

CES 2012: Whats new in Digital SLRs

SmartReview — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:27:05 +0000

Consumer Electronics Show 2012

Smart-Review gathered the latest information on Digital SLRs at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES 2012). Here is a short overview of what caught our attention at the show in regards to Digital SLRs and Mirrorless Cameras. For 2012 both Canon and Nikon have released their top of the line full frame digital SLRs at the show. Canon with the EOS-1D X, and Nikon with its D4. We also are seeing a lot of interest in mirrorless subcompact cameras. These smaller cameras have interchangeable lenses like SLRs, but without the size and weight. They are also referred to as a Compact System Camera (CSC). They do not have built-in optical viewfinders, so most of the pictures are taken with the LCD (just like using live view on a traditional DSLR). A few of the cameras had digital viewfinders.

Canon EOS 1D X

Canon Digital SLRs 2012: At CES, Canon introduced the world to the new EOS-1D X Full Frame DSLR. It features 61-Point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF), a better metering sensor, fast 12 frames/second, a brand new 18 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor, Better dynamic range, Better noise level, a dedicated Live View button, standard ISO 100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800), and Full HD recording at higher bit rates. The EOS 1D X upgrades to dual Digic 5+ processors. These processors will not only help in taking pictures, but minimize moir’e and color artifacts, as well as enable less noise when shooting video in low light. The newly designed shutter is rated at 400,000 cycles.

Canon did not introduce a subcompact mirrorless DSLR at CES, but some people felt one was coming. They did introduce a new powershot model, the Canon PowerShot G1 X with the largest imager ever in a powershot model, with an APS-C sized sensor .

Canon EOS C300 Cinema Camera

Canon displayed their EOS C300 digital cinema camera (very expensive unit). This is specifically targeted to the digital cinema market. It was designed for video and includes features not found on the 5D Mark II, such as timecode, XLR inputs, and SDI output. It has a brand new image sensor that is more sensitive. The cinema lenses for this camera are made for video with focus marks and other features that filmmakers desire. It has a Super 35mm sensor, and records in 1080p. The sensor is 3840 x 2160, the dimensions of 4K. Features Reduced Rolling Shutter and Moiré Artifacting. Its compression is at 50 Mbps 4:2:2 codec. It was one of the most unusual looking cameras we have seen. No other new SLR cameras were announced.

Nikon D4 DSLR

Nikon Digital SLRs 2012: At CES, Nikon also introduced a new Full Frame DSLR, the Nikon D4 expected in late February in stores. For the D4 Nikon has improved its 51-point AF System, has a brand new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (up 4 megapixels from the previous model), uses Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine, has a 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter, and an ISO from 100 to 12,800, expandable to 204,800 for low light performance. Its Dual card slots can use the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. On the video side, many improvements. The D4 has full HD recording, and it allows live recording of uncompressed video footage, and can hook up an external monitor, as well as an ethernet port. It has illuminated buttons in the back, so you can see camera settings in low light. Smart-Review got to see the D4′s internal magnesium frame, which is lightweight and strong. The D4 features a headphone jack for monitoring audio levels. You can set and monitor audio levels on the LCD which will also display peak audio levels. The D4 can be Pre-ordered from Adorama.com. Nikon also showcased its Nikon 1 series of compact cameras with interchangeable lenses. Nikon’s 1 series comes as the J1 and V1 models. No other new models were announced. See Smart-Review’s D4 video below:

Panasonic Lumix GX1

Panasonic Digital SLRs 2012: Although not new for 2012, Panasonic was displaying their flagship super compact mirrorless system camera, the Lumix DMC-GX1 mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. The GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor, can record video at (1920×1080) at 60i and 30p. Panasonic also displayed a large amount of lenses available for these cameras.

Sony NEX-7 Compact System Camera

Sony Digital Alpha SLRs 2012: No new models announced, there was a lot of interest in Sony’s feature rich subcompact NEX-7 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The Nex-7 includes the addition of two programmable control dials, a 24 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, high resolution Sony’s Xtra Fine 922k pixel tiltable screen, a 1024 x 768-pixel electronic viewfinder, Ultrasonic dust removal, 25 point AF, full 1920X1080 HD video (24p, 60i, and 60p) using the new AVCHD 2.0 compression. This is quite an impressive camera for its size with features previously only seen in Pro SLRs. This is the best compact mirrorless camera that Smart-Review has seen up to this point. The NEX-7 natively accepts only Sony E-mount lenses. The NEX-7 has had a delayed entry into stores because of supply problems caused by severe floods in Thailand.

Samsung NX200 Compact System Camera

Samsung Digital SLRs 2012: Samsung featured its flagship mirrorless, NX200 camera with interchangeable lenses that was on display with a 20.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, metal body, and compact size. Features full 1080p video at 30fps, ISO to 12,800, up to 7 frames/second, 3-inch OLED screen with 641,000 pixels, and 18-55mm OIS lens. The NX200 also includes a clip-on external flash.

Smart-Review: 3D TV Buying Guide 2012

SmartReview — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:43:25 +0000

3D Ready TVs

3D Ready High Definition Televisions – The huge popularity of 3D movies in the Theater such as Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and others have created a demand for 3D TVs for the home. The newest 3D Ready TVs are capable of displaying high quality 3D content, with pictures rivaling those in the theater. For 2012 3D content has increased dramatically. 3D content is now available from Comcast, DirectTV, ESPN, Blu-ray discs, PS3 3D games, and others.

What is a 3D Ready TV? The 3D TV is the same as a normal HDTV set except that it has a built in IR (Infrared) or bluetooth transmitter to transmit signals to special 3D glasses. The 3D Ready TV also has special programs to process 3D programming. These sets can also convert 2D (regular TV) into a simulated 3D. There is now 3D content on Comcast, DirectTV, Blu-ray discs, PS3 3D games, and more (Comcast has 3D on Demand). Sports have become a big area for 3D, and ESPN has launched ESPN 3D which has introduced 3D sports programming including world cup soccer, golf, NBA finals, and more. Blu-ray 3D Players have now appeared that can give you full HD in 3D. **3D Glasses are not required to view regular HD programming. So even if you are not going to initially buy accessories (glasses and 3D blu-ray players), you can still enjoy your 3D TV as a normal HDTV for high definition programming. We believe that in the future most TVs will be 3D ready. In 2011 all of the high end sets we have reviewed are 3D Ready. Smart-Review will feature these 3D sets as they become available.

3D Ready LED HDTVs – The most popular 3D TVs, are LED HDTVs. An LED HDTV is an LCD TV with an LED backlight instead of a traditional fluorescent backlight. LED backlights are brighter, improve contrast, and use less power than other HDTVs. Since the 3D glasses reduce some of the brightness of your view, 3D TVs increase the backlight to maximum. This is where LED TVs shine, as they are brighter than other backlight technologies. LED TVs are thinner and lighter HDTVs. Some are only 1.2 inches thin. LED 3D TVs come as small as 32-inch and as large as 65-inch. For 2011 almost all high end LED TVs now are 3D Ready.

Smart Review’s Top 3D LED HDTVs:
Samsung D8000 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)
Samsung D7000 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)
LG LW5600 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)
Sharp LE835U LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)
Sony HX820 3D Series (2011 model)
Panasonic DT30 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model) small screen sizes
Sony EX720 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)

Related Article: 3D LED TV Roundup and Comparison
3D Ready Plasma Displays – 3D Plasma displays are very popular as well. They have higher contrast than LCDs (although that gap is closing), and can display regular HD and 3D with stunning clarity. Plasma sets also display fast action (sports, action movies) better. The disadvantages of plasma are that they take more electricity than LCDs, and can generate more heat.

Smart Review’s Top 3D Plasma HDTVs:
Panasonic GT30 3D THX Series (2011 model)

Panasonic ST30 3D Series (2011 model)

Samsung PND7000 3D Series (2011 model)

Samsung PNC8000 3D Series (2010 Model)

Related Article: 3D Plasma TV Roundup and Comparison

What types of 3D content are available 3D content comes in three forms (the following pictures taken from our reference Sony HX800 3D TV).

3D Frame Sequential Method

Frame Sequential Method - This has the highest resolution of all the 3D methods, but because of bandwidth issues, currently only 3D Blu-ray offers this resolution. The other methods listed below get converted into “frame sequential” but at a lower resolution than that of blu-ray. The picture of the frame sequential 3D method will have a double image appearance when not wearing 3D Glasses. When you do wear the 3D shutter glasses, the image will be crystal clear and be in 3D.

3D Side By Side method

Side-by-Side Method - Most 3D content from cable TV (such as Comcast), Satellite, On Demand, and 3D camcorders is available in what is called side by side 3D method. All 3D is achieved by giving each eye a slightly different angle. Just as we see in 3D naturally, the 3D pictures are from the same perspective as your eyes. The image to the left is what you will see if you have not set your 3D TV to the side by side method (available on your 3D settings menu). You also would see this if you tried to view this content on a 2D TV. What your 3D TV does is combine both images into one image that is compatible with your 3D glasses. It is converted to the same type of image as the frame sequential method above. The final image without glasses, will look somewhat blurry and have a double image. The active shutter glasses will make this image into a sharp, full 16:9 clear picture with the 3 dimensional effect.

3D Over and Under method

Over-and-Under Method - Just as the side by side method has the pictures to the left and right, the Over and Under method puts the pictures “Over and Under” each other. These images get combined by your 3D TV into one full screen frame sequential image. Just like the Side-By-Side method, this type of content is available on Cable and Satellite stations.

3D Setting Screen on Comcast 3D on Demand

What is a 2D and 3D? 2D (2 dimensional) is regular high definition programming. (no glasses required). 3D (3 dimensional) gives depth to the picture and requires 3D programming and 3D glasses. 3D content is actually two separate pictures, slightly offset from one another. The 3D glasses bring these together into one image that has width, height, and depth.

Do I need 3D glasses to watch regular HD (2D) programming? No, 3D glasses are only required to view 3D content. Regular SD (Standard Definition) or HD (High Definition) programming are viewed just as they are on regular HDTVs without 3D glasses. There is a common misconception that a 3D TV is only for 3D content, but it is a regular HDTV with the addition of 3D.

Active Shutter 3D Glasses

3D Active Shutter Glasses – The most advanced 3D TVs use Active Shutter Glasses to create the 3D effect for viewers. These work by the TV itself transmitting signals to the glasses to alternatively open and close each lens at high speed (they do this by making one lens opaque while the other is clear). This gives the viewer a look at the left image, then the right at high speed (many times per second). When this is done, a high quality 3D image is displayed on the screen. 3D TVs use either infrared or bluetooth to communicate with the glasses. These type of 3D glasses use either rechargeable or disposable batteries.

Passive 3D TVs & Glasses – Passive 3D TVs do not have active shutter glasses. Their glasses do not require batteries and are lighter to wear. They separate the two images by a process called polarization (like polarized sunglasses). This is the same technology used in Movie Theaters for regular 3D movies (although IMAX uses active shutter technology for its 3D). The passive 3D glasses on these TVs are less expensive and provide a brighter picture. The disadvantage of passive 3D is that the picture resolution is lower than the active shutter TV & glasses combination. Off angle viewing is also better with active shutter. This is why most 3D TVs embrace the active shutter technology. But there is a place for passive 3D as the TVs and glasses are cheaper and the 3D picture is good. Both LG and Vizio are making passive 3D TVs in 2011. Toshiba has switch to passive in 2012.
Top Picks for Passive 3D TVs:
LG LW5600 LED 3D TV Series (2011 model)

Watching 3D video from your Camcorder Recently Panasonic, as well as Sony have introduced 3D camcorders. They record in the 3D side-by-side method (as mentioned above). To view the video, you can either plug in the camcorder’s HDMI cable to your 3D TV, or you may be able to upload the video to a Sony Playstation 3 and play it from that device. The current Panasonic camcorders (that take a 3D conversion lens) record at less than Full HD, while some of the dedicated 3D camcorders record at Full HD.

How do you watch 3D content on your TV? When you are going to watch 3D content, you will press the 3D button on your remote control. This will let your TV know to start transmitting to the glasses and set up the TV for 3D content. If you are watching content from Cable TV, you will need to set what type of 3D programming you will be viewing. (Go to your 3D settings menu). Programming will be either Side-by-Side or Over-and-Under. (See desciption above of these types of programming.) Once this is set, you are ready to go, just turn on your 3D glasses and enjoy. If you are playing 3D Blu-ray discs, you don’t need to set the 3D menu, as the menu usually is defaulted to this type of 3D content. Menu settings will vary from one manufacturer to another.

3D Comptatible Games

3D Compatible Games Game consoles such as the Sony PS3 now support both 3D Blu-ray movie discs, and 3D compatible games. Now you can play games on your 3D Ready set that have true 3-dimensional qualities for more realism. We expect more 3D titles to be introduced as 3D TVs grow in popularity.

3D Blu-ray Disc Players – In order to view 3D Blu-ray discs, you will need to purchase a 3D Blu-ray player, or Sony PS3 (they support blu-ray 3D). Blu-ray discs will give you the best 3D picture of any other source of 3D programming. There are a small and growing number of 3D titles available. We believe this will greatly increase as more 3D TVs are installed in homes.

Smart-Review Top Picks: 3D Ready TVs

Hands-on Review: with the Canon Rebel T3i Digital SLR

SmartReview — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:09:36 +0000

T3i with external microphone

Smart-Review did a hands-on test in a very demanding environment. We took a Rebel T3i with the stock 18-55mm lens to the consumer electronics show (CES 2012) this January in Las Vegas. Our goal was to get both video and pictures of the latest electronic gear. We purchased the T3i specifically for this show, as we knew that we wanted both high quality pictures and video in one camera as lugging around both a camcorder and SLR would be cumbersome, especially squeezing around the 150,000 people who attended the show. Canon makes it easy to do both, when you set the dial for the movie setting, you can also snap pictures without changing the dial. We used both the autofocus of the T3i, and also used manual focus for really demanding situations (such as items behind glass, and some items where we wanted closeups). When in video mode, you can use the autofocus to intially focus on the subject, but then you must manually focus if your subject moves, or you move the camera to other subjects. This is true of most video modes on DSLRs. The professional videographer manually focuses at all times.

T3i Lens set to manual focus

We found after a while, manual focus got easier as we got used to the lens, and actually preferred it to autofocus at times. For pictures, the autofocus is quite good and fast, although once in a while in low light it can at times hunt for the focus point. When the focus is locked in, the T3i focus point (on the Live View screen) turns from white to green and emits a tone to let you know its locked in. Smart-Reviews’s evaluation of the T3i is that it did an excellent job at both still pictures and video, which is what we had hoped for. All of our coverage of CES 2012 was done with this camera. We recommend a class 10 card with 30mb/second speed if you are going to use the video mode. The camera was quick on startup, and the stock lens that came with the camera did a very good job. You can of course buy more expensive lenses that will give you even better picture quality, however we wanted to test it with the kit lens, because most people buy this camera with the kit 18-55mm lens.

Rebel T3i Built-in Microphone

While filming video, we were especially impressed by the sound of the built-in microphone. It was very clear and picked up sound well, much better than we expected. Although we had external microphones, we decided to use the built-in microphone for testing purposes and to keep our camera light and easy to use in this demanding environment of the trade show. The only thing we might bring next year would be a video light, as there are times when lighting was poor and a small light would have helped, but even in these conditions the camera did well. The camera took about 900 pictures and video without a hiccup. We went through about 1 1/2 batteries a day, so make sure to get a spare battery, especially if using the Live View and video. Speaking of Live View, we found it easy to focus the camera while in Live View because of the high resolution LCD, and rarely used the viewfinder. One reason was the odd angle that we had to position the camera to get shots. The articulating screen came in handy when holding the camera above our head to get shots above the crowd, or down low where you would have to get on the floor to get the shot. The video quality of the Rebel T3i will be similar to the Canon 60d and 7d as they all share the same APS-C imaging sensor.

Conclusion: The Rebel T3i is the perfect camera to get for both pictures and video at a reasonable price. The kit lens and built-in microphone gave a solid performance, while allowing for upgrades to external microphones and more expensive lenses. Keep in mind that manual focusing while taking movies will be required should your subject move.

Related Article: Canon Rebel T3i Digital SLR Review

Rebel T3i Sample Video: Here is a video taken by Smart-Review with the Canon Rebel T3i, with the stock 18-55mm lens, built-in microphone, and manually focused. We used a class 10 SDHC card rated at 30mb/sec. You can increase this youtube video to 720p for better quality (it defaults at 360p). We shot this video at 1080p, so it looks even better than what you see here. The sound quality is exactly as we shot it.

Hands-On: Panasonic 3D Ready Camcorder

SmartReview — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:13:22 +0000

Late this summer Smart-Review got to try out Panasonic’s TM90K 3D camcorder along with the optional VW-CLT1 3D conversion lens. Panasonic has 5 models of HD camcorders in 2011 that can be mated with this 3D Lens. These 3D camcorders have built-in software to work with the lens. In this article we will show you how a 3D conversion lens is fitted and adjusted to work with a Panasonic camcorder. What is nice about a 3D conversion lens is that it only needs to be attached when you need 3D. Adding an additional lens can make the camcorder bulkier. When the lens is off, you have your normal HD camcorder.

Panasonic VW-CLT1 (3D Conversion Lens)

The VW-CLT1 conversion lens includes a lens bag, step-up ring adapter (connects the camera to the lens), and a lens cap that doubles as an alignment target when adjusting the 3D lens once it is mated to the camcorder.

Step-up Ring Adapter

Attaching the lens to the camcorder: To attach the 3D lens to the Panasonic TM90 camcorder, you first have to attach the step-up ring adapter to the camcorder. Then, once secure, you attach the 3D conversion lens to the other side of the step-up ring adapter. Make sure that the lens and camcorder are locked firmly to the adapter. If it is not, you may not get good 3D results.

Lens Settings Panel

Adjusting the lens settings: Once the lens and camcorder are mated, you can now turn on the camcorder. The camcorder will sense that the lens is attached and go into 3D adjustment mode. The lens must be perfectly adjusted or you risk getting double images in your 3D videos. Panasonic tries to make this simple by having you go step by step using their help screens on the camcorder. The lens cap is translucent (allowing light to pass through) and has targets on it for alignment. There are three adjustment steps. The adjustments are done by lifting a pop-up panel on the lens which has three dials (see image on left).

Lens Settings Screen

3D Settings Screens: The TM90 and other Panasonic 3D camcorders will guide you through the settings with screens such as the one on the right. These settings will assure that the lens is perfectly aligned for 3D so you don’t see ghosts and double images as seen on some 3D TVs. It takes a couple of minutes to make the adjustments, but once the settings are completed you are good as long as you don’t bump the lens (which could put the lens out of alignment). After adjustment, you are ready to take 3D movies.

Watching your 3D Movies on a 3D TV: To watch video in 3D, you will need a 3D TV. You can connect the 3D camcorder to your 3D TV with a mini HDMI cord. Another way to view the movies are to copy them from your computer (after you download the videos to your computer with the included software from Panasonic) and put them on a USB thumb drive and plug them into your TV (If your TV supports USB and the movie format of these files). Or as we did, you can use a Sony Playstation 3 which supports 3D (with the latest firmware upgrade). When viewing these videos, you must set your TV to 3D mode and to the “Side by Side” method of 3D. The 3D conversion lens splits the view into two pictures (simulating your left and right eye). The 3D TV will take both images and combine them into one image, which the 3D glasses will then turn into a 3D image.

Related Article: 3D TV Buying Guide

TM90 Camcorder Mated with Lens

Smart-Review Commentary: We believe that the Panasonic TM90k, TM900k are some of the best HD camcorders in 2011. The 3D conversion lens and 3D functions are a bonus. Our tests with the 3D lens produced videos with a good 3D effect for items within 20 feet of the lens. The one letdown was that the resolution of the video was much lower than full HD. This is a result of the lens splitting the resolution of the HD sensor in the camcorder in two. As such the video looked to us somewhere between VHS and DVD resolution. So, if you want to have fun with 3D, this lens is one of the cheapest ways to get 3D. Just be aware of the limitations. If you are serious about 3D, you may want to look at a dedicated full HD 3D camcorder. (These are bulky and cost a lot of money). The TM90k that we tested was an impressive camcorder for the money. The HD 1080p 60 frames per second (2D) video was smooth and extremely clear. We liked that it had an external microphone jack and accessory shoe for better sound. The 21x zoom lens was great.

** Also reviewed on this site is the Panasonic TM900k. This model has many upgraded features to the TM90k including manual functions, larger lens, 3 imagers versus 1 imager, better low light capability, and higher resolution LCD screen.

Related Camcorder: Panasonic TM90k 3D Camcorder

Related Camcorder: Panasonic TM900k 3D Camcorder

Nikon D5100 16.2 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera

SmartReview — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:24:45 +0000

Nikon D5100 16.2 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

(Click for Reviews)

Is this the best price?

*New for 2011 The mid range Nikon D5100 SLR is one of Nikon’s best selling SLRs in 2011. The D5100 replaces the popular D5000 and is lighter and smaller than last year’s model, but loaded with new features. The D5100 was upgraded from 14.2 to 16.2 megapixels using the same image sensor as the higher priced D7000. New for 2011 is the addition of Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound. The ISO for low light photography has improved from 3200 to 6400 (expandable to 25,600). Its side articulated 3 inch display now is super high res with almost 4x the resolution of last year (at 921,000 pixels). Addition of 14-bit NEF Raw Mode. Also new for 2011 are In-camera effects filters for both picture and video modes. Other features include LiveView so you can frame your movies and pictures, EXSPEED 2 processor, 4.0 fps continuous shooting, Ultrasonic Dust Removal System removes dust from the sensor automatically, Active D-Lighting function which can vastly improve shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Includes the 18-55mm optical image stabilized (VR) Lens. 11 AF points (with 3D tracking).

Compatible with all NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that have an autofocus motor.

Shutter speeds: 30 – 1/4000 second, ISO: from 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600), Burst Mode: 4.0 fps, Built-in Flash.
Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Lithium-ion battery EN-EL14 (included). USB 2.0.
Included Kit Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
HD Movie Modes: 1920 x 1080 (24p, 25p, 30p): 24 fps, 25fps, or 30fps; 1280 x 720 (30p, 24p): 30 fps or 24fps. H.264/AVHC codec.
Dimensions: 5.0″ x 3.8″ x 3.1″ ( 18 ounces).

Smart-Review Commentary: Nikon’s 2011 mid range D5100 is one of Nikon’s best selling SLRs. It is placed in-between the D3100 entry level SLR and the higher end D7000 model. It has received excellent consumer and professional reviews for its price range. It has huge improvements from its predecessor, the D5000. Improvements include higher total megapixels (same imager as the D7000), higher ISO to 6400, higher resolution LCD screen with side articulation (it swings out), new Raw format, added a Full 1080p HD (1080p @ 24,25, or 30 fps) movie mode, External Microphone Jack, in-camera special effects. Other features include Live View (to use the LCD to compose pictures and videos), EXSPEED 2 processor, We believe this to be an excellent mid range SLR which will give the Canon T3i some competition in this price range. Professional and consumer reviews report excellent image quality. For its price and performance and substantial upgrades from the previous model, the Nikon D5100 is a Smart Review Top Pick.

Nikon D5100 SLR	D5100 with 18-55mm lens	D5100 Body Only	Nikon EN-EL14 battery for D5100
SLR Features 16.2 megapixels Large 3-inch LCD ISO 100-6200 Burst Mode: 4.0 fps Live View 1080p Movie Mode Ultrasonic sensor cleaning Nikon EXPEED 2 processor DX Sized Imager External Mic Jack Articulating LCD	Is this the best price?	Is this the best price?	Is this the best price?

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