Coming soon: Camcorders with features borrowed from cameras

In addition to having a wider range of resolutions, our incoming batch of camcorders also boast some interesting new features, many borrowed from other portable devices, especially digital cameras.

Those include:

• Face recognition / smile detection technology, borrowed from cameras, where it is now almost universal.

• A quick-start feature, to minimize the chances of missing that home-run swing because the camcorder was still booting up.

• Longer zoom lenses on standard-def models, with some models offering as much as 70x optical zoom.

• So-called “smart” modes that claim to optimize video performance in difficult shooting situations, such as low ambient light. Now, as with cameras, more models claim improved sensor designs to reduce graininess and other defects when shooting in low light without the camcorder’s built-in light.

Also, a new group of Sonys includes the first camcorders to incorporate a built-in GPS sensor and Navtek digital maps. These promise to allow you to stamp videos with the place they were shot. One model we're testing that includes this feature is the Sony HDR-XR500v ($1300).

We’ll post test results on the batch to our camcorder Ratings (available to subscribers) later in the spring.

Comments

[Dawn]

Did anyone get feedback on the wireless connection question?

[Karl K.]

Any insight on any company adding Bluetooth technology to their camcorders, for any of the following uses:

- remote control?
- wireless connectivity to computers, phones, etc, for transfer and distribution of full videos or short clips?
- headset integration (including filtering of headset audio to an alternate audio track)?

[Brad]

I am also interested in this information. Seems like picture quality may have dipped with this years Sony releases, based on cnet reviews.

[Syed]

I am a subscriber to consumer reports. I want to know by what date the review will be up as I have to decide between Sony HDR-XR500V and Canon vixia HF S-10. Thanks