Camcorder & Computer Video articles from April 2002

Camcorder & Computer Video archives from April 2002

Prices fall, quality goes up. (Editor's Report).(camcorders)(Industry Overview)
April 1, 2002... I never cease to be amazed by the way new developments are resulting in amazing price reductions. For example, it wasn't that long ago (perhaps three or four years) that I was wistfully hoping, in print, that someday we might see a camcorder...

Faster, easier, cheaper video: hot, new editing tools.(Software Review)(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... This is one of those tricky assignments I get for the magazine. I'm going to tell you about some really cool new gear that should be available by the time you read this. What's the catch? All the product managers are on holiday, and I've got a...

Video-ready PC: Sony VAIO sets the standard.(Sony RX590G VAIO Digital Studio)(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... What is a Sony RX590G VAIO Digital Studio, and why don't I want to give it back to Sony after I finish this review? This computer system can almost do it all. Not only is it a wonderful and full-featured office desktop computer, but ii...

Video-ready MAC: easier than a PC?(Apple Power Mac G4)(Hardware Review)(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... Just as Apple Computers established the graphical personal computer with the Macintosh, and then helped create the desktop publishing revolution, now Apple is driving to become the hub of the digital media experience with new Macintosh...

Shooting on the far side: digital is closer, but optical is clearer.
April 1, 2002... Every camcorder made today offers a "tele" feature. It allows you to get up close while remaining at a distance. However, telephoto features built into camcorders often leave a great deal to be desired. They might not be powerful enough to...

Go bold! Giving your videos a new look.
April 1, 2002... Next time you're showing off a home movie, try watching your audience's reaction. Do you notice their wandering eyes, frequent trips to the kitchen, perpetual checking of their wristwatch or worse, snoring? These are all telltale signs that...

Editing in a box: Edirol offers all you need for video production.(Edirol VideoCanvas DV-7)(Hardware Review)(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... A relatively new option in nonlinear editing is the stand-alone black box. In essence, the system is a dedicated computer configured specifically for video with all the software and hardware you need installed, so that you are ready to go right...

Build a home studio: your choice: analog or digital.
April 1, 2002... To get the maximum benefit from your camcorder investment, it s necessary to think of it as one part of an equation: camcorder recording plus editing equals entertaining video. When shooting video with your camcorder, there's no reason to...

Canon XL1S: the pro's choice.(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... The Canon XL1 Mini DV camcorder has been around for about four years now. It's been the camcorder of choice for many independent video productions and has even been used to produce some independent, low-budget, video-to-film releases. With a...

Take your camcorder to the movies; DV breaks into Hollywood.(Canon XL1S)
April 1, 2002... You probably will never have to walk that red carpet, flash that movie star smile to the screaming paparazzi or prepare a brilliant speech to say in front of millions of eager fans when you accept that coveted Oscar. Most of us don't have to...

Old analog to DVD: quickly convert your legacy home videos.(ADS Technologies USB Instant DVD)
April 1, 2002... The latest trend of making DVDs out of your DV tapes and watching them on your home DVD player is red-hot. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 72 percent of all households that only have an analog (legacy) camcorder. It would seem that they...

Apple's DVD answer: G4--born to record video.(Apple Power Mac G4)
April 1, 2002... With the Power Mac G4, Apple offers a complete Digital Video (DV) solution, including the ability to record full-quality video productions to DVD. These G4 systems include all the necessary hardware components, plus a full suite of bundled...

Reviving the videophone: videoconferencing today--the new answer to 9/11.
April 1, 2002... As flying becomes more of a chore and cumbersome after Sept. 11, 2001, many people are looking for other ways to keep in touch. By now, many of us are connected through e-mail, but it tends to lack that personal touch. Sending a videotaped...

Panasonic PV-L751: have you tried the convenience of "C"?(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... For camcorder shoppers seeking playback convenience, the answer is VHS-C. The ability to pull the videotape directly from the camcorder and (with the help of an adapter) immediately place the tape inside the family VCR has kept VHS-C alive as a...

Video pop quiz: can you answer these?(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... (1.) You position a graphic perpendicular to a camera's line of sight to avoid: a. Causing part of the graphic to be out-of-focus b. Causing keystoning of the graphic c. Both of the above d. Causing reflections or shine on the ...

Apple's new iMac: a digital hub. (Camcorder Insider).(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... When it comes to designing and creating a totally new and compelling computer, nobody does it better than Apple. Well, the computer manufacturer has done it again with the new iMac. It's unlike ANY desktop computer you've ever seen. The...

Special fxPak. (Bulletin board: camcoder & computer video).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Create smoke, fire, haze, particle effects and other advanced special effects with the new fxPak, a collection of seven third-party special-effects plug-ins and programs for Caligari trueSpace5 users. For use in stills or animation, fxPak...

New transport case. (Bulletin board: camcoder & computer video).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Being more mobile is easier than ever, thanks to NRG's new transport cases that are now available at no extra cost with its 51000/51800 Photoflood kits and 51200/5180x Quartz kits. The kits feature a hard side aluminum case, similar to NRG's...

Easy movie-making. (Bulletin board: camcoder & computer video).(advertisement)
April 1, 2002... Create exciting movies with your digital photos and clips using the new MOVIEWOW! Effect Collections, a new and easy-to-use software package that lets users of all levels add special effects, titles and music to their productions. Users can...

Next-generations DVDs: Pioneer & COMO make it easier.(Evaluation)
April 1, 2002... Just when you were hoping the recordable-DVD obstacle course was becoming easier to maneuver, two new products come along that promise an even smarter and easier approach. Not only can they be used in a stand-alone fashion (meaning it requires...

Doc camcorder: the doctor is in--answers to your digital-editing questions.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Tripod Troubles Dear Doc: Can I use the same tripod I use with my 35mm camera on my camcorder? Bill via e-mail Hello Bill, The tripod for your 35mm camera was designed to help you take the steadiest picture possible given...

Arguing with alligators: be brave on your shoots.(videotaping wildlife)
April 1, 2002... I thought "better safe than sorry" as I cautiously lowered my camcorder by its straps into the crocodile enclosure. I was after a close-up of a partially submerged 16-foot saltwater crocodile. Posing as a great crocodile hunter can prove risky...