Hitachi introduces third-gen Blu-ray camcorder
Hitachi today announced the third version of its Blu-ray camcorder that is able to record and store video directly on a disc so it can be later viewed on any PC or TV with a Blu-ray drive -- but not a PS3.
The new Blu-ray camcorder, DZ-BD10H, has a 30GB hard drive and CMOS image sensor along with an optional 32GB SDHC memory card that is able to store up to five hours of video in 1920x1080 AVCHD resolution.
The camera is 20 percent smaller than the previous Hitachi design, and still has 10x zoom and can records at a 15Mbps bitrate while in full mode. It measures 3.1-in. x 5.5-in. x 3.4-in. and weighs just 1.27 pounds.
There is one problem with the selection of a Blu-ray disc for storage, however; the BD10H utilizes smaller 8cm Blu-ray discs, which will not work in the most popular Blu-ray player -- Sony's PlayStation 3 -- because it has a slot-loading mechanism. The 8cm discs store one-third of the standard 12cm Blu-ray disc, or about 16GB of video.
Light sensitivity has been improved in the BD10H due to a new CMOS sensor, and owners will be able to take still shot photos at 6.2 megapixels, while its predecessor BD9H only offered 5.3-megapixel still shots.
Hitachi's BD9H also doesn't have the ability to write to SD cards, which Hitachi added due to the increasing storage capacities and falling prices of the memory cards.
The current model available in United States,DZ-BD7HA (Hitachi's first Blu-ray camcorder), is larger and does not have a CMOS sensor at all, receiving lackluster reviews for poor image quality.
Manufacturers were weary to create new camcorders until the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD ended. After HD DVD's recent demise in January, industry analysts predicted more announcements of Blu-ray ready camcorders.
Sony's first Blu-ray product announcement two years ago was met with jeers from consumers when they saw the estimated $20,000 price tag.
The new Hitachi BD10H will launch in Japan first on August 6, with a retail price of $1,486 USD.
