Ordro are launching their HDV-D350S HD camcorder, which they are claiming is the world's first to feature a built in projector.

Capable of shooting 1080p movies in MPEG4 (H.264) format, the HDV-D350S also features a a 5MP still image sensor, a 3 inch LCD display and up to 32GB of storage via SD/SDHC cards.

It's a shame then that the pico-projector itself isn't anything too special to write home about, with a mere 15 Lumens of brightness at an 854x480 WVGA resolution, but there are sure to be a few amateur film makers out there who will get a kick out of seeing their scenes projected at sizes of up to 60 inches straight after they've been shot.

You can pick the camera up direct from Ordro by clicking here, priced $550.

It's not just high-end 3D camcorders on Panasonic's agenda today. They're also launching a new range of pocket HD camcorders in the shape of the HM-TA1.

Capable of shooting 1080p video, the 53 x 17.8 x 104mm HM-TA1 features a 2-inch LCD screen, a wide angle lens, digital zoom and an LED light, not often seen in pocket camcorders.

Recording straight to SD cards, the HM-TA1 can also be hooked up to Skype and used as a makeshift webcam, as well as featuring one touch controls for uploading videos to YouTube.

You'll also be able to personalise the camcorder a little, as it features a removable silicone case that can be replaced with a handful of designs.

Hitting stores in the Autumn, the HM-TA1 has a US price of $170, so expect to see this for around the £120 mark when it hits UK shores.

Panasonic have today lifted the covers off of their HTC-SD750 camcorder. It's the world's first 3D camcorder aimed at consumers rather than Hollywood, and should be considerably more affordable as a result.

The HTC-SD750 makes use of a 3D conversion lens to capture both left and right eye images simultaneously. If the 3D effect isn't harnesser, you simply remove the lens and are left with a 2D camera. A 3MOS sensor captures footage in Full HD 1080/50p into AVCHD format. Making use of SD cards for storage, plug the card into the side of a Panasonic 3D TV and you'll be able to play back the 3D footage instantly.

The camcorder also features a 12x optical zoom range, and though it might be a bit too bulky to use it comfortably as a stills camera for very long, it is also capable of shooting 14.2 megapixel photos, with face tracking and automatic exposure settings.

Due out in Autumn, Panasonic have yet to announce a price for the HTC-SD750.

If you happen to be a mermaid or merman and fancy yourself as a bit of a budding Spielberg, then you might be interested in Sanyo's latest HD camcorder, the Xacti VPC-CA100.

Billed as their "most powerful" camcorder ever, the Xacti VPC-CA100's headline feature is its ability to work at depths of up to 3M underwater. Capable of 1080i HD video and 14 megapixel still photo capture, you should be able to snap some really impressive shots under the sea. Just like that Disney crab said, "Darling it's better /Down where it's wetter", right?

There camcorder also features a 35mm wide-angle lens, with a 12 x double range advanced zoom. There's a HDMI-out port too for playing back your vids, as well as a built-in light for filming in the murky depths.

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA100 HD camcorder will set you back about £350, and is available in pink, black or yellow colours.

Name: Xacti VPC-CG100 (Sanyo)
Type: Pistol grip HD camcorder
Specs: (Click here for full specs)
Price: Circa £230 (Buy it here)

Capable of 1080p video recording and 14 megapixel still photography, while Sanyo's latest pistol grip HD camcorder falls a little short in a few key areas, it does enough right to make it worth a look.

It may share a similar look and spec sheet, but it's a noticeable improvement over its predecessor the VPC-CG10, squeezing in a CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom, and SDXC card support among other features.

While 1080p recording still isn't as crisp as some of the rivals, suffering from the odd bit of artefacting and not quite pin-sharp visuals, the VPC-CG100's main video capturing faults lie with the accuracy of its colour reproduction.

Though there are plenty of manual settings to manipulate, I struggled to find one that gave me a natural skin tone, never really finding a middle ground between washed-out or over saturated. Motion blur was also an issue on some occasions, particularly when shooting in full HD.

Likewise, the image stabilising function wasn't very effective. Walk around with the VCP-CG100 at anything more than a brisk walk and you'll end up with some noticeably shaky footage.

As mentioned earlier, as part of Sanyo's dual camera range, the VPC-CG100 also features a 14 megapixel still imaging sensor. The VPC-CG100 performs very well with still photography. There are plenty of scene selection modes on offer in the camcorder's menu, and the high-res photos returned vibrant colours and detailed shots. It had a few problems focussing on close-up objects, but apart from that, no complaints.

Though the gun-like design can feel a little uncomfortable after extended shooting sessions, the VPC-CG100's style does give it a few notable plus points. Firstly, it's an incredibly light camcorder at just 176g, and also highly portable at just 86x110x37 mm when closed. Secondly, with only really your thumb free when holding the camera, Sanyo have wisely kept the number of hardware buttons to a minimum, meaning you wont have to fuss about too much to get shooting in just the way you want when an unexpected "YouTube moment" rears its head. Likewise, the menus are clean and easy to navigate, despite having just a few dedicated hardware buttons. Sanyo have also included a HDMI-out port too for viewing your flicks on the big screen, though the lack of an included cable dilutes this addition somewhat.

If you're prepared to live with the device's colour quirks and below-par image stabilisation, the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG100 stakes a good claim for your cash. It's easy to use, manages great still images and wont break the bank at around the £230 mark either, even if it doesn't win any awards for the quality of its HD footage.

3/5

Buy the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG100 from Amazon by clicking here

Hot on the heels of Sony's NEX-VG10E interchangeable lens camera comes another HD camcorder, this time from Canon. The LEGRIA HF M32 features 64GB of internal flash memory and a 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor for pin-sharp recording of all your memorable family moments.

An 18x Advanced Zoom will let you get up close and personal with your subject, while there's also face detection technology to keep as many as 35 of your mate's mugs in focus at any one time. Dynamic Optical Image Stabilising compensates for shaky hands while on the move with the camera, while the Powered Optical Image Stabiliser mode makes steadies the footage even when at maximum zoom.

The camera also features a 2.7" LCD touchscreen, which interestingly makes use of gesture controls for navigating its menus. Focus, exposure and tracking options can all be controlled with just a touch of a finger, while swiping will let you scroll through your footage in the 3D Flip view mode.

The LEGRIA HF M32 also features a Video Snapshot mode, allowing for some very basic video editing from within the camera itself, while an easy-upload function makes posting videos to YouTube simple thanks to built in HD-to-SD conversion.

No pricing available yet, but expect to see the LEGRIA HF M32 camcorder in stores by September.

Sony have today revealed the NEX-VG10E, the world's first consumer-focussed HD camcorder to support interchangeable lenses.

If you snapped up one of Sony's NEX-5 or NEX-3 cameras, you'll be pleased to hear that their E Mount lenses will fit snugly onto the NEX-VG10E. A Mount lenses from Sony's alpha DSLR range will also work with the new camcorder, providing you use a LA-EA1 adapter. Support stretches further to Carl Zeiss, Sony G lenses and more so it's nice to see Sony really trying to make the kit as compatible as possible to suit your needs, despite it being their first attempt at a camcorder of this sort.

Shooting in AVCHD format at 1080i, the camcorder features an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor that also allows for DSLR-quality stills to be taken also. There's also an 11x optical zoom and image stablisation with a E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens.

Films and photos are saved to either a Memory Stick PRO Duo or an SD card, while a 3 inch Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology lets you preview your clips on the camera itself.

There's support for an external mic if you wish, but a built-in Quad Capsule spatial stereo microphone shouldn't be sniffed at.

No pricing or availability details ready yet, but we do know the camera is expected to hit shops in September. If you're interested, we'd suggest you start saving right away however, as this kit is no way going to come cheaply.

Tech Digest got to have a play around with the rather unique Sony Bloggie MHS- PM5K compact camcorder at a recent preview event. With a six-inch LCD screen, 270 degree rotating lens and a flip-out USB port for easy-uploading, it's a neat little unit for those looking to shoot quick vids on-the-go.

It also has the rather unique ability of being able to shoot in 360-degrees, thanks to a supplied video lens adapter.

Sony's Mike Tudor talks us through it.

Tech Digest get to have a hands-on look at Sony's latest full HD camcorder, the HDR-XR550. With a 250GB hard drive, Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ processor, it's looking pretty darn good.

Other features include an Optical Steadyshot Active Mode which compensates for yaw-movement whilst out and about, and a unique golf-mode that helps you to perfect your swing.

Sony's Mike Tudor talks us through it.

Panasonic have just announced the launch of their AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds video camera. Billed as a "professional" rig, it boasts high-end features on a budget.

As the headline suggests there is a Micro Four Thirds sensor and a ton of micro 4/3 lenses, filters, and adapters to play about with.

The AF100 records natively in 1080/24p, using the AVC/ H.264 Hi Profile AVCHD codec. Two SD slots are available for expansion, supporting both SDHC and SDXC formats.

There are also a pair of XLR inputs, 48-kHz 16-bit two-channel audio recording, with support for LPCM/Dolby-AC3.

In terms of connectivity there's also room for a USB 2.0 port, HD-SDI out, HDMI, as well as a built-in stereo mic.

OK, so don't expect to be shooting Avatar with this, but you'll get a dandy little indie-flick out of it when Panasonic announce pricing and availability at the end of the year.

Toshiba's latest range of Camileo pocket-size camcorders have so far proved very successful in the UK and Europe. It's unsurprising then that Toshiba have just announced that the USA will also be getting the range this summer.

The S20, H30 and X100 models are expected to hit US shores in June and will cost  $179, $249,  and $399 respectively.

Each of the Camileo models shoots in 1080p HD quality and has support for SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB. They have 3 inch LCD playback screens and a dedicated YouTube upload button.

Users can output any of their vids to a HD TV with the bundled HDMI cable, while each camera has a USB rechargeable battery.

Tech Digest recently got to have a play around with the Toshiba Camileo S20. Check out our full review of it here.

Name: Camileo S20 (Toshiba)
Type: Ultra-compact camcorder
Specs:
Camera: 16 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, 4x digital zoom and digital image stabilsation at resolutions below 1080p
Recording media: 128MB built in memory, SD/SDHC Card (4GB provided)
Screen: 3" Colour LCD
Video Recording: HD (1080p): 1920 x 1080 (30fps) , HD (720p): 1280 x 720 (30fps), WVGA: 848 x 480 (60fps), VGA: 640 x 480 (30fps), QVGA: 320 x 240 (30fps)
Video Format: AVI
Still image quality:Ultra High: (16MP), JPEG Format
Connections: HDMI out (Mini), AV out, USB 2.0 (Mini)
Battery: Removable Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Price: Circa £150

Toshiba's Camileo S20 compact camcorder certainly looks the part. Available in 8 different colours including off white, blue, brown, orange, pink, red, silver, and black, it looks like the sort of camcorder Honda's ASIMO robot would capture his flicks with. Measuring just 106 x 59 x 17mm, it'll fit easily inside a jacket pocket and at 115 grams (not including the removable Lithium-ion rechargeable battery) it isn't too weighty either. A 3 inch LCD screen folds out so that the camcorder is used in a pistol-grip fashion, and while it may not be the most robust of pocket cameras, its smoothed edges certainly get full marks for looks.

A few hardware buttons fall down the back edge of the Camileo S20. A start/stop record control is at the top, with click-able zoom control directly underneath, along with a button to change the video capture quality and another to switch the camcorder's LED light source on or off. The S20's right side houses controls to switch between still and video capture modes and on the left sits the pre-record function that allows 3 seconds of footage prior to your hitting the record button to be stored. The Camileo S20 is comfortable in the hand, with each button responsive and well placed.

The back also has a hidden flap, underneath which lies a mini-HDMI connection, a mini-USB port and a 3.5mm Composite video out. It's a generous range of connections on a camera so svelte, and Toshiba have been equally generous in bundling in a mini tripod, an analogue AV cable and mini-to-full-sized HD cable converter too. Whatever your set up, you should have no problem outputting video to most TVs.

The Camileo S20 records video in AVI format. There are plenty of recording options and modes on offer ((HD (1080p): 1920 x 1080 (30fps) , HD (720p): 1280 x 720 (30fps), WVGA: 848 x 480 (60fps), VGA: 640 x 480 (30fps), QVGA: 320 x 240 (30fps)), including time lapse, image stabilisation at modes below full 1080p HD and slow-motion capture.

However, video quality isn't as great as we'd have liked considering the great start the camera gets off to. 1080p videos are nowhere near as sharp as you'd expect, which becomes very noticeable once outputting to a HD TV. Without a good light source images get very noisy, and while the LED illumination performs far better than you'd expect, it often isn't enough to clean up the images. While colour levels performed reasonably well even in low light, often the cameras auto-exposure would bail out on us, resulting in very dark images, and using the Night mode only sacrificed fidelity for a low boost in contrast levels. Likewise, the 16MP still images taken lacked the detail a dedicated still camera of the same quality could produce.

The camera's Macro switch for close up video fared much better. From a range of 20cm or less the S20 took sharp images, with the focus almost always finding the right subject. Like most compact camcorders, the built-in mic picked up a lot of extraneous environmental noise, but proved rather clear in more subdued situations. It's also worth noting that the camcorder only has 128MB of on-board memory, so you're going to have to purchase an SD or SDHC card if you plan on filming anything but the most trivial of movies with it.

We really liked the look of the Toshiba Camileo S20. It's sharp design and relatively full feature set looked to set it apart from the increasing pack of ultra-compact camcorders available. Sadly, its full HD recording just wasn't up to scratch, which means it has to drop a mark or two.

3/5

Related | JVC GC-FM1 ultra compact camcorder review

Over the next few days here at Tech Digest, we're going to be looking at some of the latest ultra-compact camcorders available and giving you a run down on which are the best to spend your dosh on. But what's a digital camcorder without something to store your vids on?

Lexar's Full HD 16GB Memory Cards are a good place to start. Compatible with Sony Handycams or any Memory Stick PRO Duo compatible device, the 16 GB memory card offers 6 hours of continuous recording at 1080p HD resolutions. Smaller 4 GB and 8 GB versions are also available.

The memory cards also feature high-speed transfer rates, meaning you can get your videos backed up onto your computer reliably and quickly, where you can then upload them to YouTube or Facebook to your heart's content.

For more info, click here.

While were at it, why not click here and check out our review of the JVC GC-FM1 ultra-compact camcorder?

Name: Picsio GC-FM1 (JVC)
Type: Ultra-compact camcorder
Specs:
Camera: 8 Megapixel 1/3.2" CMOS image sensor, 4x digital zoom, digital image stabiliser
Recording media: SD/SDHC Card (not provided)
Screen: 2.0" Colour LCD
Video Recording: Mode 1080p: 1440 x 1080p / 30fps / 12Mbps, 16:9; 720p: 1280 x 720p / 60fps / 12Mbps, 16:9; VGA: 640 x 480 / 60fps / 4Mbps, 4:3; QVGA: 320 x 240p / 30fps / 0.7Mbps, 4:3
Video Format: MPEG-4 AVC / H.264: MOV, Audio: AAC
Still image quality:Mode 8M: 3264 x 2448, 4:3; 5M: 2592 x 1944, 4:3; 2M: 1600 x 1200, 4:3; 0.3M: 640 x 480, 4:3 (JPEG Format)
Connections: HDMI out (Mini), AV out, USB 2.0/1.1
Battery: Approx. 96 minutes
Price: £123.99 (Expansys)

JVC's Picsio GC-FM1 ultra compact camcorder has a problem on its hands. In the time it has taken to hit shelves, the GC-FM1 is now entering an increasingly cluttered market, with sterling pocket camcorders available from Kodak, Veho and Flip. It costs a pocket friendly £123.99, but is a lightweight price enough to see it fend off the heavy competition?

The GC-FM1 is very light (weighing around 95 grams) and nice and portable at 53.0mm x 97.0mm x 17.0mm. It's available in three pretty shades (black, blue and pink), but its chromed checker-board finish makes it look a bit like an ugly toy. Paired with the chrome edging which camouflages the exposed mini HDMI, AV out and USB connections, the GC-FM1 feels cheap in your hand, looking a little bit like those fake mobile phones you can pick up for your kids from market stalls.

The back houses all the hardware buttons and the 2-inch LCD screen for viewing video playback. The screen is clear and performs reasonably well, even in direct sunlight. However, the buttons on the back are really unresponsive. The record/select, still/video, delete, playback, and thumbnail buttons work fine, but the ring of buttons around the central trigger button hardly ever responded first time. Add to this some bizarre input command choices (pushing the "Previous" button twice in quick succession changes video quality), and you'll rarely get to whichever function you were after first time.

MPEG-4 and QuickTime MOV video files with H.264 compression can be recorded with the GC-FM1. Overall, video quality is rather good; video is sharp, the image stabiliser works well and movement noise is kept to a minimum, even at the highest resolution of 1,440 x 1,080 pixels at 30fps. The Macro Focus toggle is also pretty good, with sharp detail in the image, provided that the ambient lighting is decent. Audio records in stereo which is nice, and though the quality is a little lacklustre, it's no worse than that found in other similar ultra compact camcorders. Likewise, still 8 megapixel photos take well, though high contrast levels mean a little bit of desktop editing might be needed to get them looking just right.

Though the MPEG-4 and QuickTime MOV files can be easily tinkered with using any number of video editing suites, the bundled software leaves a lot to be desired. Just like the camera's hardware buttons, it can hardly be called intuitive, with many common functions either hidden by the poor UI or absent altogether, such as contrast and brightness adjustments. Uploading to YouTube is admittedly very easy however thanks to some very clear Wizards, and if publishing to the streaming site is your sort of thing, then the GC-FM1's software at least has you covered there.

Based purely on the quality of the video and images the JVC Picsio GC-FM1 produces, the camcorder would be able to stand proud against its rivals. However, shoddy build quality, poor software and infuriatingly fiddly hardware buttons drag this contender down significantly.

3/5

Buy the JVC GC-FM1 from Expansys

California's PMA 2010 photography event has thrown up two new camcorders from Samsung. The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are the newly unveiled gear, and the successors to Samsung's previously available HMX-U10.

While both cameras offer full HD video recording and built-in USB and HDMI connectivity, there are a few differences between the pair.

Whereas the HMX-U15 will feature a sensor capable of taking 14 megapixel still shots, the HMX-U20 instead offers a 3X optical zoom as well as the ability to take 10 megapixel stills.

Both cameras will also offer a timelapse function, so if you want to watch that bowl of fruit that's been sitting in your kitchen for the last few days rot in double-quick time, you know which camcorders to set out for. Intervals can be set between one, five, ten or thirty seconds.

So far only US prices have been revealed for these two camcorders. $229.99 will bag you the HMX-U15, while $249.99 will buy you the HMX-U20. The HMX-U20 will be out in March, with the HMX-U15 following a little later in May.

It's that time of year again, where we all rush off to Clinton's for a naff card, a syrupy teddy and a box of Quality Streets for our loved ones. Yep, Valentine's Day rears its sickly head once again, and, like it or lump it, it's here to stay.

But how best to show the extent of your love for that special, nerdy man-child in your life?

If your boyfriend is partial to a bit of tech or some geeky toys, you've come to the right place. Check out Tech Digest's Top Ten Geeky Valentine Presents: For Him. Wedding bells will be ringing in a matter of months with these nifty little gifts, we assure you.

Click the image below to get started

Sanyo's range of Xacti dual still and HD video camcorders got three new additions today in the shape of the VPC-GH1, VPC-CG100 and VPC-CG20 models.

The CG100 and CG20 models are pistol grip offerings, whilst the GH1 takes a more traditional horizontal stance. Each comes with a 5x zoom, while the Xacti GH1 and CG100 models push this up to a 12x double range zoom. Each also features a 2.7 inch TFT LCD tilting screen.

All three shoot 1080i video and take high res still shots (14 MP with the GH1 and CG100, 10 MP on the CG20) and can output to a TV through Mini HDMI.

SD cards can provide expandable storage memory, while a facial recognition system keeps your video's subjects in clear focus at all times.

More news on these movie-makers as we get them.

Sanyo have unveiled some details on their new Xacti DMX-SH11 camcorder, set to be released in Japan this April.

While you'll need to have incredibly steady hands to get the most out of its 23x optical zoom (or at least a tripod), you'll also get 16GB of onboard storage, an ample amount for capturing motion-sickness inducing shaky-cam shots.

As part of Sanyo's Dual Camera series, the camcorder will also be able to take 4 megapixel still shots. The CMOS sensor is also responsible for recording the video footage, trotting along at a smooth (though not full HD) 1080i/30fps in MPEG-4format.

While a 23x optical zoom seems a little too voyeur-friendly for us, we'll be keeping you informed on any new news on the Xacti DMX-SH11 as we get it.

Here's a novel new approach to camcorders. The Ion Twin Video features two cameras which record simultaneously in two back-to-back directions, producing a picture-in-picture recording.

It looks quite a lot like the Flip, hooking up to a PC via USB, recodrind to an SD card or SDHC and featuring a rechargeable battery pack.

I can't figure out if I like this one or not. On the one hand, being able to catch both jaw-dropping moments and your reactions to them simultaneously could have some fun outcomes; think You've Been Framed with added evil-grins. On the other hand, so far it seems that you cant dedicate the whole image to just one video feed and cut between the two lenses; you have to have a picture-in-picture set up, which could quickly become annoying and make the whole thing a bit useless really.

Might be one for narcissists only this.

Price still unknown, but expect to see the Twin Video in shops by the Summer.

If you are looking to buy a new camcorder any time soon, it might be worth holding out until the summer. That's because June should be seeing the release of Samsung's new HMX-S16 Wi-Fi camcorder. Tech Digest got to have a quick hands-on with the gear last night, and came away suitably impressed.

The HMX-S16 is packed full of features. Recording in full HD resolution at 30fps and featuring a CMOS sensor, it packs in an 18x optical zoom with an optical image stabiliser to keep recordings blur-free. We gave recordings a good wobble in our brief test, and playback was nice and clear.

The 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen was responsive and bright, and the UI, while streamlined enough for a casual user to get stuck in straight away, had enough depth of options to keep the amateur enthusiast happy.

A HDMI-out port allows for HDTV output, while a DLNA certified Wi-Fi connection will let users upload videos and stills straight to your home network or Samsung-branded internet TV.

It may feel at times a little chunky in the hand, but when you consider everything going on inside of this camcorder, it's of a reasonable size.

We'll have more on the camcorder come its speculative summer release window.