What’s with the New Exilim from Casio?

Last year, several companies, led by Pure Digital with its Flip Video, came out with very small, lightweight, and portable camcorders that made it possible to record video almost anywhere with just the push of a button. However, these camcorders lacked the ability to take high quality still images like consumer level point-and-shoot cameras. Recently, Casio announced a new line of Exilim cameras (scheduled to release in August) that function both as point-and-shoot still cameras and portable digital camcorders. The combination of these features is another step toward the “one device does all” trend and can save the user both time and money.

There are four new Casio digital cameras that combine the features of a digital snapshot camera and a digital video camera similar to the Flip Video. The four models in order of price are the Exilim EX-Z77 ($199), the EX Z1080 ($280), EX-S880 ($300), and the EX-V8 ($330). All of the models contain both a digital snapshot feature (7.2 to 10.1 megapixels depending on model) and the ability to shoot H.264 formatted video that integrates well into online video sites like YouTube and MindBites. This is a great way to combine features and allows the user to record compressed video on the fly, while taking high quality photos from the same device. The cameras connect via USB to your PC and come with software that allows you to upload selected clips directly to various websites. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Camcorders, Casio Exilim, digital camera, video camera | Posted in Video Production and Publishing | No Comments »

The MindBites Insight (Episode #1 - Basic Camera Operation)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Presented here in its entirety with minimal commercial interruptions and FCC censorship is the pilot episode of The MindBites Insight. This little weekly event, benevolently brought to you by the hardworking MindBites production team, is intended to be a platform for us to share our video knowledge with you. Once a week (or more, if we’re feeling spicy), we’ll take you through a heart-pumping, teeth-grinding thrill ride; through the ins and outs of video production. Between all of us, we’ve got over one billion years of experience in camera technique and editing operation, and we aim to share it all, even the useless and mind-numbing, with our millions of adoring fans.

In this week’s adventure, we detail the specifics of basic camera operation. We take you through the general features found on most digital camcorders, regardless of make and model. We’ll discuss the benefits of certain brands and the hindrances of others, what to look for when buying a camcorder, and how shooting format should influence your purchase. This lesson should work as a wonderful and eye-opening introduction to the world of video production. All beginners are welcome, as well as intermediate users looking to brush up their skills, or bored college kids desperately trying to drown out their Geology professor’s discussion on cleavage and fracture.

If you enjoy the lesson, please return for our subsequent episodes, always free of charge and only on MindBites.com.

Tags: Camcorders, Camera Operation, MindBites Insight, video camera, Webisode | Posted in MindBites News and Notes, Video Production and Publishing | 4 Comments »