Image conscous: The camcorder sector continues to be driven by innovation. ERM focuses on some of the latest developments

摘要

DVD camcorder sales are set to take around 30 per cent of the total UK camcorder market (value) by the middle of this year, according to Roland Fritsch, product marketing manager for Hitachi. The DVD camcorder category has seen significant growth in a relatively short period oftime. The main reason for this is because it utilises a format that many consumers are already comfortable with. Hitachi was the first entrant in this category and has just introduced a range of fifth generation models. The DZ-MV730, DZ-MV750, DZ-MV780 and DZ-GX20m all feature a 15 per cent reduction in overall camera size-Other key developments include a redesigned laser pick-up and a DVD disc drive that is 40 per cent smaller than its predecessor The products are also equipped with an image processing chipset and a 'ready-when-you-are' record start of seven seconds that reduces the amount of time users have to wait for until they start filming. Hitachi claims the improvements will deliver not only a better picture performance, but also reduce battery consumption.