3M CP45 Projector Camcorder

Earlier this year Cisco killed the Flip.  After all, all it could do was record HD video, and not any better than a smartphone.  So it’s relatively safe to assume that category of device is all together extinct, right?  Wrong.  Today, 3M released the CP45.

This pocket friendly device combines an HD camcorder and a projector in one.  It can record up to 720p HD video, 5 megapixel still photos and includes an LED flash for night time shots.  Built-in memory caps at 2GB but that can be increased by adding a microSD card slot.  In addition to a 2.4-inch LCD screen, it can project an 800×600 image ranging from 10-inch to 65-inches in size on any surface with a brightness of 20 lumens. So it ain’t ultra bright, but should suffice for showing off pics or video, provided of course you’ve got a dark room.  Unfortunately, battery life (it’s rechargeable) is rather limited, allowing you to project images up to 100 minutes, which doesn’t account for video recording or photo capturing.

The 3M CP45 is available now for $299.  Of note, you can buy Nikon’s S1100 for about $200.

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DXG’s DXG-5F9V 3D Camcorder

3D porn movies are no longer relegated to the professionals.  Now you and your loved one can experience your Gonzo styled exploits in 3D thanks to DXG’s DXG-5F9V.  While we’ll ignore the fact that they’ve placed the brand name directly in the model, we can’t help but oggle the price, which is a mere $299.  Pretty darn cheap for a 3D shooter which captures full HD in 3 dimensions.

Alternatively, you can snap 5 megapixel photos or good old fashioned 2D full HD videos.  A 3.2-inch displays allows you to review your handy work without those pesky 3D glasses, though you’ll need to run to your local Walmart and pick up an SD card, since this bad boy only ships with 128mb of storage built-in.

Now, it’s not clear if you can switch into 2D mode after recoding in 3D, but it’s most certainly viable since we’ve seen this option in other 3D camcorders and in theory the information already exists.  Eitherway, you’ll probably want an HDTV, ideally one that can output a 3D image, since you can jack the DXG-5F9V directly into one using the built-in HDMI port.

Sold?  You can by one today directly from DXG.

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Sony DEV-3 And DEV-5 Binoculars Capture Birds in HD and 3D

Anyone can wander into the woods and capture HD video of their surroundings.  But to achieve that Discovery Channel like look you’ll need not only a keen eye for detail, but equipment that allows you to zoom in on some of nature’s most allusive of creatures.  While we probably wouldn’t waste our time watching birds flutter around, there is inevitably a market for this kind of stuff and Sony seems to think so too.

Yesterday, the company unveiled the DEV-3 and DEV-5, two binoculars that capture full HD video (and photos) in both 2D and 3D.  The higher end DEV-5 boast a 20x optical zoom, while the DEV-3 is limited to just 10x.  Switch into 3D video mode and that zoom is chopped in half for each respective model.  But that seems to be a worthwhile sacrafice since you can finally use your 3D compatible LCD TV for all its worth.

Both units boast the ability to automatically focus on their subject, and use finally tuned tech to discern between your subject and a tree branch.  Much like their digital cameras and camcorders, they’ve packed in their image stabilization, “Exmor R” CMOS sensors with BIONZ image processing, and a macro mode that can focus within a half an inch, though that figure is deminshed to 32-inches when recording in 3D mode.    And no bird watching would be complete without a GPS tracking system to log your location, though that feature is only available in the DEV-5 model.

Both models ship this November with a 3 hours rechargeable battery (2D mode only), a USB plug, lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.  Cost to you is $1,400 and $2,000 respectively.

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Panasonic HDC-TM35 Is The World’s Lightest 1080P Camcorder

Panasonic breaks a world record with their new HDC-TM35, the world’s lightest 1080p camera. With dimensions of 51.5×107.5×57.5mm a 185g weight, it certainly lives up to its name. While not as small as something like the Flip, it certainly has better specs, with a 1/41 type MOS sensor, iA 23X zoom AVCHD codec support, 32GB internal memory, an SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, HDMI output, a 2.7-inch LCD, and a 2ch stereo microphone. It will be available in white, purple, grey, and “gold”.

The HDC-TM35 is available July 1st for $810.

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Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

These days, every point and shoot camera can capture half way decent video. However, nothing compares to a stand alone, prosumer level handycam such as Sony’s NEX-VG20. This camcorder is a powerhouse thanks a sensor on steroids and interchangeable lens mount system.

The NEX-VG20 can capture full HD video at up to 24mbps in the AVCHD 2.0 codec, which makes it instantly Blu-ray compatible right out of the camera.

Sony has used the same sensor found in their DSLRs.  It’s 19.5 times larger than most camcorders and will allow you to create professional looking videos.  But that’s just half the optic battle; you’ll need to invest in a decent piece of “glass”.  And by glass we mean lenses.

The NEX-VG20 is compatible with Sony’s E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses which are optimized for video shooting with silent operation and AF as well as Sony/Minolta A-mount lenses (via optional LA-EA2 A-mount adapter).

Perched just above the lens is a Quad Capsule Spatial array stereo microphone.  It’s can create 5.1-channel surround sound, bring your home movies to a whole new level of realism.  Baby screams, the wife yelling at you and the BBQ sizzling in the background will now fire from all speakers.

Other features include a 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a 921k dot resolution, full manual control, dual accessory shoe (hot and cold), an auto HDR mode that capture high rez photos at 3 different exposure levels and produce one contrasty photo, 25-point auto focus, HDMI slot, SD card slot and optical steady shot.

The Sony NEX-VG20 interchangeable lens camcorders will be available this November.  The body only version, the NEX-VG20, will cost $1,599, where as the version that includes an SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens, the NEX-VG20H, will cost $2,199.

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ContourROAM Waterproof Helmet Cam

Crashing your jet ski might be a painful experience, but if you’ve got video of your mishap to show off, and perhaps make a few bucks in the process thanks to YouTube views, well, your pain might quickly subside.  Capturing all that goodness though, requires a rugged, waterproof HD camera

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The ContourROAM is Contour’s latest HD head mountable video camera.  It can capture 1080p, 960p, and 720p video at 30fps, and 5 megapixel still photos.  A 170-degree wide angle lens that can be rotated 270-degrees (think angle left, right, up, down) all but guarantees that you’ll catch your tom foolery at its best.

Inside the 5.1oz camera is a laser guide that fires a horizontal line, ensuring that you get the level shot your looking for, especially when you use the included tripod screw mount and the Contour Trail mounting system.

Chances are the ContourROAM will be mounted on your head, out of your field of view, so they’ve added an Instant On-Record Switch that powers on the camera and initiates recording.

When and if you take a dip into the drink, the ContourROAM can survive in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes as well as a variety of other environments thanks to the aluminum body.

The ContourROAM is available now from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy and more for $199.99

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