The DCR-SR40 is the last model in the new Sony hard drive line and this one has a 30GB hard drive and is the cheapest when compared to the other two models. The DCR-SR40 has a battery life of six hours and sports a 2.5-inch (4:3 ratio) LCD monitor with touch panel functionality. This one too like its counterparts sports the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, however unlike them, the SR40 is capable of an 20x optical zoom.The DCR-SR40 can record up to 20 hours of footage in long play mode and more than seven hours in high quality mode and also sports the famous HDD Smart Protection system. As you may know b y now, that the protection system includes physical shock absorbers, G-sensor™ shock protection and video stream buffering to prevent data loss. This one too comes with a Handycam Station which lets one easily connect to a computer, television set or DVDirect™ DVD recorder via the included USB, AV and DC-in cables. Like all its siblings the camcorder comes with DVD authoring software which lets you edit the downloaded content.

 

CamcorderInfo has their latest review now online, and this time it’s a Sony DCR-HC46 review. Looks like the video quality is quite good, although it suffers from the same blue noise issues that have plagued Sony camcorders for a while. It does have a much sharper picture when you compare it to the Sony HC36.

However, there is not much about this camcorder that makes it the best buy. If you are a fan of Sony and are looking in this price range, it is definitely a great deal. Also, if you need a camcorder that is very easy to operate, the HC46 could be right for you. For those looking for the best digital camcorder for the money, look elsewhere and you will find camcorders with more features, better video quality, and/or better prices.

 

Camcorderinfo.com reviews the Sony DCR-DVD105 and write:
"The Sony DCR-DVD105 offers a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels (340K effective). This is the smallest chip size you’ll find among the major manufacturers, and is common among entry-level models. As expected, the image at 3000 lux is underwhelming. The picture isn’t bad—it’s just not good.
Color balance is decent, with a bit more emphasis on the blues and greens than the reds (common for Sonys). The picture looks a little oversaturated, but that is almost universal among lower-end camcorders. Most non-discerning consumers would rather have vivid than accurate colors, and Sony knows that.

LetsGoDigital has a review on the Samsung VP-X210L Camcorder and writes - “Global innovator, Samsung Electronics builds on the success of its Sports Camcorder line with a next-generation model, the Samsung SC X210L. The new model offers enhanced movie quality and memory (up to 2GB), a 25% improvement in recording time, a 30% improvement in battery life, and an enhanced 10x Optical Zoom. Both new Sports Camcorders also feature Samsung’s signature hands-free lens that allows on-the-go consumers to capture their adventures on video. The new Samsung SC-X210L Sports Camcorder will be on display during CES 2006 at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2006 in Las Vegas, US. The new Samsung X210L will be available in February 2006 at $599.99 MAP." 

The RCA EZ101 starts capturing as soon as you turn on the record button and directly connects to a TV set to view the footage. It can also be connected to a PC via the built-in connector and one can indulge in tasks like compressing, archiving, and e-mailing with complete ease. The camcorder includes a 1.5-inch LCD screen and 30 frames per second video files are produced as MPEG4 compressed Audio Video Interface files. It is powered by the traditional AA batteries and is capable of storing footage up to 30 minutes.This technological marvel was possible thanks to the Pure Digital(R) Video Platform from Pure Digital Technologies. This novel technology is capable of creating in built camera software for recording, editing transferring etc. The RCA Small Wonder EZ101 includes soft velvet carrying case, wrist strap, AA batteries, and a TV/AV output cable. It’s going to be available very soon and carries a price tag of about $129.

Panasonic announced the new VDR-D400, DVD camcorder that boasts, for the first time, 20x optical zoom. You read that right: 20x optical zoom. This 3CCD DVD video cam delivers high image quality even at max zoom because the camera incorporates anti-blur techniques.Video is recorded using MPEG2 compression, while the 3CCD system guarantees beautiful color reproduction. For those looking to take digital still images, you get an impressive 3.1 megapixel for still images.Compatible with DVD-RAM/-R/-RW, videos can be stored on SD memory cards as well. Panasonic was one of the first companies to come out with 10x optical zoom with the VDR-D300, and with the D400, they have upped the ante. Bundled software include DVD MovieAlbum SE 4.2 and DVDfunStudio 2.4 (it's a pity these applications are not available on the Mac). The cam offers a USB 2.0 connection to your PC.Pricing has not been announced yet. The Panasonic VDR-D400 DVD video camera will start selling in Japan starting September 1, 2006.