The prices and availability dates are as follows:

• Vixia HF S10: $1,299.99, early March
• Vixia HF S100: 1,099.99, early March
• Vixia HF20: $899.99, early April
• Vixia HF200: $749.99, early April
• Vixia HV40: $999.99, early June
• FS22: $599.99, mid April
• FS21: $329.99, early April
• DC420: $369.99, early April
• DC410, $299.99, early April
• ZR960: $249.99, early April

What makes us so excited about the new Canon VIXIA HD Camcorders Genuine are that they're equipped with new Digic DV III processors and 8.6MP CMOS sensors, can shoot 24 progressive frames per second, use the same kind of Face Detection Technology used in Canon digital cameras, can store up to 32GB in its internal Flash drive, and boasts zoom lenses up to 15x. Pretty nifty, huh. [Gadget Review via Engadget]

First up are the full HD DMX-HD2000 and DMX-FH11 (above). Both record 1080p progressive video at 60 fps—something they're claiming as a world's first for a "consumer" cam (I don't know what price distinction they're making here). These can also do slow-motion at 240 and 600 fps—not quite Casio EX-F1 levels, but pretty close (no word on the resolution of the slo-mo capture). The main differentiation is the form factor—the HD2000 is a pistol grip (and has 8GB of built-in memory), and the FH11 is your more traditional horizontal shape. The prices are great—$500 for the horizontal and $600 for the apparently sexier pistol.

Next are the VPC-WH1 horizontal and VPC-CA9 pistol waterproof cams. Both shoot 720P underwater (up to 10 feet for the horizontal, and 5 feet for the pistol). They're $400 and $350, respectively.

And finally, the compact VPC-TH1 (horizontal, $300) and VPC-CG10 (pistol, $200). These are tinycams that shoot 30fps 720p—the pricier TH1 adding a beefier 30x optical zoom—giving the Flips and the Kodak Easyshares of the world a bit of a run.

Guys—a word to the wise—how about some standardization of the model designations, no? All are available in the US starting in March.

SANYO Announces New 'Dual Camera' Xacti All-HD Line-Up for 2009

Full 1080p and 720p HD models, Including Waterproof HD Cameras Set to Debut in Both Vertical and New Horizontal Body Styles

NEW YORK, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ — SANYO Fisher Company, a division of SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) is pleased to introduce its new line-up of Dual Camera Xacti cameras designed to enhance active lifestyles by providing both high-definition video and photo capability in a single, easy-to-use compact camera. The new mixed form factor (Horizontal, Vertical) line-up of six (6) SANYO Dual Camera Xactis includes new Full HD 60fps units (VPC-FH1, VPC-HD2000), waterproof HD models (VPC-WH1, VPC-CA9) and Compact HD cameras (VPC-TH1, VPC-CG10). Availability for the US market will begin in March 2009.

New for 2009, Dual Cameras in horizontal body styles join models in Xacti's signature vertical form factor, offering a broad line of models designed to appeal to discerning consumers and retailers.

Dual Camera Xactis record photos and videos to SD/SDHC media cards (sold separately) and are thumb-operable for key functions, with separate video and photo buttons for easy switching between shooting video and photos. Unlike conventional camcorders, there's no need to stop to switch modes and miss capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. With two new Dual Camera models-that's true even when those special moments occur underwater!

The 2009 Dual Cameras offer the convenience of both television and computer-use/viewing, plus easy Web sharing of recorded high-quality MPEG-4/H.264 video clips. Several new models are compatible with optional lenses for expanded shooting flexibility. Some 2009 models (WH1, TH1) also offer an amazing recording time of up to 3 hours 20 minutes thanks to a small but powerful SANYO battery and an engine designed to save energy. With a Dual Camera Xacti, one is all you need.

Full HD models (VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000)

The Full HD Dual Camera Xactis are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second recording for crystal clear, smooth motion videos. These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in 1080p (progressive) format at an ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second.

Main Features: VPC-FH1 (Horizontal; $499.99 MSRP) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical; $599.99)

· Full 1080p HD Video (60fps)

· 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps)

· High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback)

· 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback

· 10x Optical Zoom for photos

· 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video

· Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills)

· 'Face Chaser' technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos

· HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000)

· Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye

· External microphone input (HD2000)

· VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD200 are available in Black

Compact HD models (VPC-TH1 and VPC-CG10)

In response to massive global demand for high definition equipment, SANYO's Dual Camera Xacti line-up for 2009 are all designed to record high definition video. SANYO's compact HD Models offer 720p (1280 x 720) HD capability and record at 30 frames per second. The VPC-TH1 also offers an impressive 30x optical zoom and an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time-all in HD!

Main Features: VPC-TH1 (Horizontal; $299.99 MSRP)

· HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps)

· 30x Optical Zoom

· 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)

· 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display

· Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life

· Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)

· 'Face Chaser' technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos

· HDMI Output

· 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

· Available in Silver and Blue

Main Features: VPC-CG10 (Vertical; $199.99 MSRP)

· 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video

· 5x optical zoom

· 3-inch Widescreen LCD

· Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills)

· 'Face Chaser'/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces)

· High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps

· 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images

· Available in Black and Pink

Waterproof Compact HD models (VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9)

With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, fearing water damage to the camera. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating-IPX8-allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to an astounding 3 meters (10 feet).

With SANYO's advanced waterproofing technology, these cameras can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

Main Features: VPC-WH1 (Horizontal; $399.99 MSRP)

· Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour

· Exceptional 30x optical zoom

· 2.5-inch LCD Display

· 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video

· 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps)

· 'Face Chaser' face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces)

· 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life

· HDMI Output

· Available in Blue and Yellow

Main Features: VPC-CA9 (Vertical; $349.99 MSRP)

· Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour

· 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video

· High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps)

· 5x Optical Zoom

· 2.5" LCD monitor

· 'Face Chaser' face detection technology

· Available in Black, Red and Green

The new HV40 (successor to the well-reviewed HV20 and HV30) can now shoot 24 progressive frames per second (like the HV20 and HV30 before it, thanks guys, stupid Canon), a framerate used by top-end DV cams and the film editors who love them for professional moviemaking. It records to DV tape.

In the digital-only realm, the brand new HF S10 and S100 feature the brand new Digic DV III processor as well as a new 8.6MP CMOS sensor; the S100 captures to an SDHC card, and the S10 adds in addition 32GB of hard-wired flash storage.

The HF20 and HF200 feature the older Digic DV II chip, but add a 15x zoom lens (compared to the S10 and S100's 10x zoom) and also drop down to 3.9MP, carrying the same storage options as well. No pricing info yet to be seen for any of the new cams. Rounding out the release are a handful of SD cams, for your perusal below. Behold:

CANON U.S.A. PACKS A PUNCH WITH A POWERFUL NEW CAMCORDER LINE-UP FOR 2009
New Camcorders Offer Advanced Technology for Higher Image Quality and Easy Operation Across a Variety of Recording Formats

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, announces an exciting new line of five VIXIA high definition and six standard definition camcorders, which are available in a variety of different recording formats, including Flash Memory. The camcorders retain Canon's core imaging technologies, but add a wide selection of new features for enhanced image quality and added flexibility for sharing and storing memories.

Highlighting the list of new features is Canon's newest and most sophisticated image processor, DIGIC DV III. The new HD processor is featured in select VIXIA models and delivers stunning color reproduction, clarity and enhanced noise reduction. The newly upgraded processor's high-speed engine powers a variety of other new camcorder features including: 8.0 Megapixel photo capture, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and an advanced Auto Exposure system.

Also new to Canon's video line-up is Video Snapshot Mode, which enables users to capture the highlights of a once in a lifetime trip, or a family milestone, with the same ease as taking photos. Consumers can now record a series of four-second video clips, and along with supplied software which includes various background music compositions, blend in background music to create an exciting movie that will hold everyone's attention.

"Canon's latest camcorder lineup features an exciting new array of advanced technologies that deliver superb image quality and easy operation," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "These new camcorders are available in a variety of recording formats, providing consumers a camcorder choice that complements any lifestyle or situation."

VIXIA High Definition Camcorders:
All VIXIA camcorders feature Canon's trinity of core technologies that create the highest level of high definition image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens; Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD image capture; and Canon-developed DIGIC DV II and DIGIC DV III Image Processors. Additional features found on select VIXIA models include Instant AutoFocus, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and 24Mbps Recording - the highest bit rate in AVCHD.

The same high quality Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology used in Canon digital cameras is now available in Canon VIXIA high definition camcorders. Up to 35 faces can be detected automatically, and nine detection frames can be displayed at one time. The system is so intelligent that it will even recognize faces that are turned down or sideways. Consumers can select a face they would like the camcorder to continuously track. While in playback, consumers can access specific scenes based on chosen faces.

Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 Flash Memory Camcorders
Canon's top-of-the-line high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100, boast an impressive range of new and advanced features. The VIXIA HF S10 offers the option of recording video to a 32GB internal Flash drive or directly to an SDHC memory card, while the VIXIA HF S100 records to an SDHC memory card only. Both models feature the new DIGIC DV III Image Processor, an 8.59 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, an advanced Auto Exposure system and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes. In addition, both models deliver stunning 8.0 Megapixel digital photographs.

Canon VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders
Canon's most compact high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 are powerhouse options for anyone looking to take their HD camcorder with them wherever they go. The VIXIA HF20 offers the option of recording to a 32GB internal Flash drive or SDHC card slot and the VIXIA HF200 records to an SDHC memory card only. Additional features include a 3.89 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, newly designed Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, advanced Auto Exposure system, and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes.

Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder
The Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder, a replacement to the highly acclaimed VIXIA HV30 camcorder, shares the core components found within the VIXIA line, but also offers a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. What's more, the camcorder allows consumers to record in native 24p Mode, a feature previously found only on Canon's professional camcorders. Native 24p allows consumer to capture and record 24 progressive frames per second to a HDV tape, a big advantage for the serious filmmaker. Another add-on feature, Custom Key Mode, enables consumers to assign commonly used functions to a single button on the camcorder for easy access.

Standard Definition Camcorders:
Standard definition camcorders offer consumers the ability to capture and watch high quality video, even if they do not own a high definition television at home. All Canon standard definition camcorders come fully equipped with Canon's core expertise in optics and image processing.

Canon FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory Camcorders
The Canon FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory camcorders are ultra-sleek and compact - up to 17 percent smaller than previous FS series models. The FS22 and FS21 Dual Flash Memory camcorders incorporate 32GB and 16GB of internal Flash memory, respectively and can record video directly to an SDHC memory card. Additionally, these two models feature Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which is great for capturing sideline action from the bleachers. The FS200 Flash Memory camcorder records video directly to an SDHC memory card and comes in three fashionable colors – Misty Silver, Sunrise Red and Evening Blue.

Canon DC420 and DC410 DVD Camcorders
The DC420 and DC410 DVD camcorders are perfect for consumers who want the convenience of recording their memories directly to DVD. The DC420 offers 48x Advanced Zoom, while the DC410 offers 41x Advanced Zoom. Both feature a DIGIC DV II Image Processor and Widescreen Recording, as well as the flexibility of optional add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, to help achieve a designed look.

Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder
For consumers who wish to record video to MiniDV, the ZR960 MiniDV camcorder is perfect. This easy-to-use option is a beginner's go-to product. While still incorporating Canon's core technologies and optics, this model provides 41x Advanced Zoom, great for capturing far-away shots, as well as a microphone terminal for better audio control. Additionally, the flexibility of add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, help to achieve a designed look.

HDMI out is the biggest differentiation from the Flip MinoHD; the Vado also doubles the onboard memory to 8GB over the MinoHD's 4GB. Both have the same $230 MSRP, and same general $200 street price. We'll have a more in-depth look at the Vado all in due time, but for now, recall that the original Vado did not blow us away. [Product Page]

1. All the HD camcorders' video looks great. Every one of the latest HD camcorders we've seen—seven in all—delivers kick-ass video, almost as good as what you see coming down a lot of cable or satellite systems from the networks. But it doesn't look as clean and sharp as Blu-ray or HD DVD.

2. Know what do you want to do with the camcorder. Maybe HD is overkill. If you want to upload videos to YouTube, the easiest way to do it is using the video capabilities of a point-n-shoot still camera.

3. The HD camcorders are easiest to use if you plug them directly into an HDTV via HDMI. Almost all the camcorders have HDMI output, so it's easy to just connect that camcorder to your HDTV and use the supplied remote. In fact, it feels like this is what the camcorder companies would prefer you to do, because the editing software included with every one of the camcorders is almost unusable, which brings us to number 4:

4. Editing AVCHD footage is awkward. Many of the latest camcorders use the highly compressed AVCHD format, a variant of the H.264 used in Blu-ray and HD DVDs. Cutting HDV footage of older camcorders is easy, because it's a mature HDTV video format that's been around for three or four years. AVCHD is quite different, newer and more cumbersome. While many editing software packages now support AVCHD, it's still a rather clumsy process to move the footage from camcorder to PC, albeit a little easier when you're dealing with a Mac.

5. If you plan to edit HD footage, especially AVCHD, get yourself a mofo PC or Mac. Make that a dual-processor machine with eight cores if you can swing it. You'd better have the most powerful PC you can find, because the huge files and compression chores you'll be asking your computer to deal with are daunting, and require spectacular amounts of power unless you want to endure long waits for rendering.

6. Where will you distribute the video from your HD camcorder? (in other words, how will Grandma watch your masterpieces?) With HD, gone are the days of ubiquitous playback devices for your videos. After you're done editing, it won't be as easy as laying it down on a VHS tape or DVD that even Grandma can play in her living room. HD footage goes well on a Blu-ray disc, but who has those burners or players yet?

7. Decide if you want a camcorder that records on hard disk, flash memory card, DVD, HDV tape or Blu-ray. A hard disk stores more footage but is bulkier and more fragile than flash memory. But a 4GB flash card only stores 40 minutes' worth of footage. Recording on DVD and Blu-ray both involve spinning removable media which seems anachronistic, but then your footage can be played back immediately on many Blu-ray disc players. Then there's DV tape recording HDV footage, which gets good results, but it seems so, uh, analog.

8. Prices are reasonable. The best HD camcorder I've seen, the Panasonic HDC-SD1, costs around $800. You'd be surprised how prices are plummeting with HDTV camcorders. Since it's not brand-spanking new, you might be able to find an even better deal on that Panny SD1 on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

9. Most camcorders end up gathering dust on a closet shelf. Be realistic. Are you really going to be shooting lots of video? Accurately assess whether you'll actually be using a camcorder frequently, or just occasionally. Also think about whether anyone will be eager to watch your HD videos that you may not have the time or patience to edit. If you have a special event coming up, consider borrowing or renting a camcorder rather than blowing all your spare cash on a trinket that will be used once or twice and end up as shelfware.

10. Catch up on some reviews of the latest HD camcorders to get a lay of the land. Camcorder Info picked as its camcorder of the year the Canon HV20, an HD model that uses old-timey DV tapes and records in the HDV format. We found the camcorder's video spectacular, with very few motion artifacts. It's also nice to be able to output in good ol' DV whenever you want with no further rendering.

After using seven of these camcorders, and five of them for about a month in an extended review situation, our fave was the Panasonic HDC-SD1 (pictured above), with its near-perfect video, flash memory recording, tiny size, smooth stabilization and $800ish price. For a look at that, also check out Wired's roundup of camcorders in its annual Test issue, and coming soon online and now on newsstands, my own roundup of five HD camcorders in Maximum PC magazine.

While this HG10 shares a lot of specs with the Canon HR10, its DVD-recording HD camcorder brother, this new shooter feels extremely compact in the hand, and while it is indeed the world's smallest hard disk HD camcorder, it's not too small, still giving you easy access to its controls. We especially like the scroll wheel on the widescreen viewfinder instead of that touchscreen on models from Panasonic and others, which in the real world tend to end up such a smudged-up mess it's hard to even see your video underneath all those fingerprints.

A slight disappointment is the life of the standard battery included with the camcorder, which Canon says will give you an hour of shooting, and that's without the LCD viewscreen on. If you want longer battery life, you'll have to spring for the extended battery, which lasts a quoted 2 hours and 15 minutes.

We especially like the way Canon applies its AVCHD codec, different from the way this compression is being used by Sony and Panasonic. Canon's compression scheme is able to lightly compress some scenes, while more heavily compressing others. For example, a simple clear blue sky can stand a lot more compression than a complicated crowd scene or a bunch of flowers.

How does the resulting footage look? Canon was unable to show us any video coming out of this camcorder at our preview session in New York, but we did see some of the HR10's 12Mbps footage which looked excellent with very few compression artifacts. The good news is that this HG10 compresses its footage even less, at a rate of 15Mbps, so it'll probably look even better. Even at that 12Mbps compression rate we saw, it looked every bit as good as HDV footage, which compresses at 25Mbps. It was some crispy-clean HD video, remarkably sharp with excellent color saturation and accuracy. Big thumbs-up.

This HG10 is recording in 1080i HD, at 1440x1080 at all compression settings. As is the case with most 1080i camcorders, only 1440 pixels per scanline are written to disk to save space, anamorphically squeezed from this HG10's 1920x1080 sensors to 1440x1080 on disk, and then stretched back out for the full 1920x1080i when it's played back.

Canon also uses "super range optical image stabilization," which uses a gyro sensor that detects motion, and sends a signal to a processor that tells a lens-shifting element to move. Then a processor analyzes the image, and if it determines the framing could be even more stable, it sends a signal back to the lens to tweak it further. It's an optical system, but it has a unique ability to feed back even more information in a second pass of stabilization. The result is good stabilization of high-frequency shaking as other systems can do, but also stabilization of subtle hand movements.

Overall, this looks like a great new camcorder from Canon. Its AVCHD format is finally becoming more widely accepted, too, with Apple's Final Cut Pro editing software now compatible with the format, along with the excellent Windows video editing application Sony Vegas Pro 7e. Unfortunately, Adobe hasn't jumped on the AVCHD bandwagon yet, but Adobe officials told us they were feverishly working on it. Adobe is planning to include AVCHD support with future updates of Premiere Pro CS3, which we hope will trickle down to Premiere Elements. But you can still edit this camcorder's footage without buying any more software, at least on the PC—Canon said a version of the Windows-only Corel (formerly Ulead) VideoStudio 11 will be included with this HG10 camcorder.

Canon says the HG10 will be priced at $1299, and will ship in early October in the United States.

UPDATE: The Sony SR5 is now the smallest hard drive-based camcorder.

Do you want to know how?

I'm not going to try to translate every little nuance of the showdown. All you really need to know going in, if you don't already, is that the Sony and the Canon record to tape, and use HDV MPEG-2 compression. The Panasonic relies strictly on AVCHD, an MPEG-4 based option, and stores video only on SD cards. The Everio records to at 60GB hard drive with both AVCHD and "a new flavor of MPEG-2".

[The Canon HV20] shares an advantage over the Panasonic HDC-SD1 and JVC GZ-HD7 because it uses tried and true HDV MPEG-2 compression, and our tests show that HDV remains the best consumer HD format. Both the Canon and Sony HDR-HC7—the other HDV camcorder in this shootout—scored higher than the others in our video performance tests. In the lab, the Canon and Sony raced to a virtual dead heat, both displaying sharper images with less noise than the Panasonic and JVC.

The crispness of the HV20's image was most notable in close-up shots of our model, where we could literally count every hair on our model's face. [Remember him?] The Sony was visibly less crisp (though still quite sharp), followed by the Panasonic. The JVC GZ-HD7 trailed the pack, with the lowest tested video resolution, and the softest images of the field. The Canon also turned in a stellar low light score, thanks to a 24p mode that more than doubles the light gathering ability of its imager. In low light, it beat out the others in the same order as above. The 24p capability in and of itself is a great extra feature on the HV20, yet another reason to consider it.

The bottom line went something like this:

The Sony HDR-HC7 was most feature-packed but absence of a focus assist feature was a liability. Cam Control multifunction dial was not as easy to use as its predecessors Cam Control rings.

The Panasonic HDC-SD1 is too specialized, though it is good for close quarters shooting, situations that demand silent operation, or a rock-solid optical image stabilizer. There's no headphone jack and no accessory shoe. It also records AVCHD video which does not yet pose a threat to HDV.

The JVC GZ-HD7 had great handling with nice prosumer traits like a focus ring and dedicated buttons for image control. lack of a headphone jack or any means of monitoring and adjusting audio levels. The biggest disappointment with the HD7, however, was video performance: again, it doesn't stand up to the quality of HDV video.

The Canon HV20 had cheap-feeling construction and an awful zoom lever, but delivered best bang for the buck.

From the sound of it, the boys are still looking for that perfect camcorder:

We'd love to see a camcorder that really brings it all together: the handling of the HD7, the functionality of the HC7, the OIS and compactness of the SD1, and the performance of the HV20. Until that happens, smart buyers would be advised to consider the strengths and weaknesses of all of these camcorders, and choose the one that is the best overall match for their shooting style and goals.

The Great HD Shoot-Out - Canon HV20, Sony HDR-HC7, Panasonic HDC-SD1, JVC GZ-HD7 [Camcorderinfo.com]

Most importantly, its 60GB hard drive on board does away with that pesky videotape, a remnant of the dark ages that we won't miss one bit. It has a pretty good lens on it, too, f/1.8 - 1.9 Fujinon glass that JVC uses in its broadcast line of HD cameras. With its HDMI, DV and USB outputs, it's looking like a near-perfect consumer HD camcorder (on paper) for around $1799. Available next month, we'll get our hands on one, showing and telling you all about it. – Charlie White

JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7 Full High-Definition 3-CCD Camcorder [New Launches]