Multimedia Workshop

June 9, 2000

NEWS

Hitachi invents the future: releases first DVD-RAM based DVD camcorder

The DV camcorder is a great step forward for the computer using video maker, but it's still dependent upon tape. And tape can sometimes be a real pain (it takes for ever to rewind and fast forward; it can be easily damaged.)

Now Hitachi is taking the next leap forward; on August 25 it will release in Japan the DZ-MV100, the world's first DVD-RAM camcorder. This camera uses 8cm cartridge based DVD-RAM disks that hold 1.46GB per side, but are based on the 4.7GB DVD-RAM standard [Ed-I don't understand the 1.46 figure either.] The camera will cost 248,000 yen, which at an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar = US $2,400. The camcorder can record for one hour in high-quality mode (30 minutes a side at a fixed rate of 6 Mbps), and two hours in standard mode (60 minutes a side at a fixed rate of 3 Mbps). Or it can record 1,998 stills!

The camera features a 1.1-million-pixel, 1/4-inch CCD with an effective area of 720,000 pixels. In still mode, the effective area is one million pixels. There is an optical 12x zoom lens system, along with a digital zoom. The reoslution for motion pictures: 704 x 480 (high-quality) 325 x 480 (standard) Still images: 1,280 x 960 (JPEG) 704 x 480 (DVD video.)

I look forward to the arrival of this camera in the states!

More information can be found at: www.hitachi.co.jp

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