When it comes to head mounted camcorders, the first product we think of is GoPro.  The last?  The iPhone.  Clearly it’s way too fragile to survive any of the follies that might occur during a downhill snowboarding expedition or while traversing a hill on a mountain bike.  That is unless of course you’ve got it encased in the Optrix.

Beyond adding a water resistant layer of protection, they’ve crafted two “sleds” (one for the iPhone and one for the iPod Touch) that reduce shake and vibration.  The screen is protected by a .5mm thick membrane that prevents scratches, dirt and water from seeping in, yet still allows you to administer the device.  Mounting comes by way of 3m’s industrial adhesives, though we’d like to see some other options for mounting, though the company’s accessories page indicates there will be a handle bar mount as well as a few other options.

Suffice to say, we’re a bit skeptical.  We don’t like the idea of putting a $649 device in harm’s way, but if the case can protect the iPhone 4s from just about anything that comes its way, then why not?  However, GoPros offering starts at just $300 and includes waterproof, not water resistant housing.

You can buy the Optrix for $80.

GadgetReview is giving away a Swann RemoteCam Video Camera & Recorder, to ONE lucky winner!

The Swann RemoteCam Video Camera & Recorder like a car remote control, but hidden inside is a video camera that can record up to 720 x 480 AVI video files at 30 fps, or 1280 x 1024 JPEG still photos.  So if you ever wanted to be James Bond, or spy on the baby sitter – we’re sure there is a good reason – here is your chance.

We’re giving away one of these to one person for FREE. To enter just LIKE our Facebook Fan Page and then leave a comment on our Facebook page telling us which is your favorite James Bond character (we loved Pussy Galore).

Will pick one winner at random from the comments, but in order to WIN you’ll have to Like Us and comment on Facebook. If you’d like a double entry, follow us on Twitter and tweet “@gadgetreview @swannsecurity #contest #free #spy”.

This contest ends 8/24/2011 at 11:59 PST

It’s open to US residents in the continental US of A only.

Helmet mountable camcorders are a God send to those who ride skateboards, BMX bikes or perform just about any extreme sport.  It provides bystanders the same thrilling experience as the riders, minus the Gs, adrenaline and gut turning fun.

While there a number of options to choose from, the Drift HD looks to be a solid choice.  This new version is 25% smaller than it predecessor, meaning it won’t weigh your noggin down and will feel more trim when performing the most absurd of stunts.  It captures full HD video and sports a lens that rotates 300 degrees with a 170 degree field of view.  The lenses are replaceable and it can also capture 9 megapixel photos.  Usually for camcorders of this size the feature set is pretty limited, generally to the aforementioned ones.  However, the Drift HD includes a remote control and an LCD screen for adjusting settings.

The Drift HD launches August 31st for $369.

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Sony’s HDR-PJ50 handycam has stolen a play out of Nikon’s playbook.  To be more specific, it sports a built-in projector directly into the camcorders 3-inch fold out LCD screen, which we first saw a few years ago in Nikon’s Coolpix S1000pj.  Given the rather small, and probably underpowered nature of the built-in projector, you’ll need an almost pitch black room to achieve a decent contrast ratio, especially if you max out its display size of 60-inches.  Under the hood it has a sensor that can capture full HD video and 7.1 megapixel photos.  There is also a 12x optical zoom, 220GB hard drive, the ability to capture 5.1-channel surround sound and a Memory Stick slot for expanded storage.  

Surprisingly, the HDR-PJ50 is already on sale in Asia for $1,350.

Via: Dvice

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AC adapters, at least these days, are just about in every room in every house.  So if you’ve got plans to spy on your loved one, roommate, babysitter or cats, this Motion-Activated AC Adapter Hidden Spying Camera makes complete sense.

Believe it or not it records 720×480 video at 30fps and can be attached to any TV via RCA to review the footage.  Power is derived from the outlet, so there is no need to fret about battery life, and the SD card slot means a virtually endless recording medium.  

The standard version, which doesn’t include a date/time stamp, on-screen display settings or a continuous recording function like the Pro model, costs $295 (tack on $100 if want the more feature rich version).

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Benq’s newest camcorder comes with a pico projector built in, and a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor that, at 1/3.2 inch, has been the middle-of-the road consumer standard for years.

Nevertheless, off the small sensor come 1080p videos. And to go even a little further down the consumer road of compromise, there are no actual individual settings for shutter speed and apertures and the like, but rather 10 shooting modes to cover most of the situations a user might encounter.

The DV S11, which is what Benq named this gadget, looks more like a photo camera than a camcorder. In truth, it’s both, as it’s meant to capture all sorts of media for display through its internal pico projector.

A projection size of 50 inch can be reached, but keep in mind, that will require at least a reasonably dark room for any kind of easy viewing. Other ways of getting video off the device are HDMI and AV ports, and SD/SDHC cards.

Sales are currently restricted to Hong Kong, and the cost hovers around the $300 mark.

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Nowadays everybody should have a pocket camcorder.  They’re fun, easy to use, and totally affordable.  JVC’s first foray into that arena arrives by way of the Picsio GC-FM1.  The Picsio, in which I will refer to is as from here on in, is extremely lightweight and is easy on the eyes thanks to its bejeweled-esque design aesthetic.

I really like the way the Picsio felt and held.  From krinkle-cut side seam to the overall way it fit in my hand, the Picsio is ready to slip comfortably into your jeans or backpack.  Aside from general aesthetics, the buttons on the Picsio were extremely flush with the body.  While they felt smooth and accessible, they often times didn’t react like you wanted them to.  The power button required a “hold” press but I could never get used to how long it actually took.  It also took longer to power up than to shut down using the same button.

Other times hard pressing buttons led to features I never new existed on the Picsio.  For example, nowhere in the “very basic” instruction manual does it describe being able to fast forward and rewind a movie using the directional pad whilst viewing.  I thought it should be there so through a couple hard presses I discovered that it did indeed work.  Not a big deal, but the instruction manual should have made it clear that that function was available.  Other than that, the memory card slot unhinged with an ease and precision and the SD card popped out with an expected bravado.

The sound out of the speaker straight sucked.  Totally distorted and hardly audible.  Like my complaint with the Flip Mino there should absolutely be a headphone input.  Having to listen back to audio on the Picsio was a drag.  Moving on, the recorded sound appearing on the video sounded clear and totally listenable.  The mic picked up most everything it needed to and I have no complaints in that area.

The video that the Picsio was capable of taking was rather impressive.  Maxing out at 1080p, my videos looked great on my computer and YouTube.  Image stability could have been a bit tighter, but I think that this flaw is inherent in most of these digi-pocket cams so I don’t consider it a true fault of the Picsio in and of itself.  Color and contrast was generally pretty sharp.  The lens itself could have been wider, but only a true purist would complain about that.

While the Picsio looks great in ample amounts of light, low levels come out really, really dark.  I just can’t understand why these companies can’t design a pocket cam with an LED spotlight.  Trying to record night life ends up being a real crapshoot (pun intended) without a significant light source.  This we know.

Transferring files via USB was easy and self explanatory for all you Mac types using the typical drag and drop style.  The size of your SD card will totally dictate how long you can film in 1080p.  I was using a 2GB one and it only allowed for 7 minutes of HD shooting.  Do the math, and you’ll find that you won’t be shooting Avatar 2 in one take on a Picsio.  For this type of camera that is never really gonna matter because the Picsio is designed with the YouTube generation in mind.  All your really gonna do is shoot stupid shit your friends do and whatever else happens on the street, and the Picsio is perfect for that.

The Picsio also shoots stills in full screen ratio.  Not a lot of options, but if you need it it’s there.  I really liked the Macro slider on the side of the Picsio and found it to be an essential feature that was easily accessible through the flick of the switch.

There’s no real menu to speak of, so options and modes are off the table.  It comes packed with a wrist strap and a USB cable for transferring.  Battery life was decent and will easily outlast any memory card you have jammed in there.

In the end, I liked the JVC Picsio.  Some entry level design flaws are loudly apparent, but for the price (you can get one on Amazon for $100) the Picsio is a great choice.  I’d like to see some improvements for the next iteration such as a better UI and LED spotlight to name a few so we’ll have to wait and see what JVC has planned.

Pros:

• Lightweight and pretty
• Solid looking 1080p footage
• Easy file transfer

Cons:

• No LED Spotlight
• Lacking instruction manual and UI menus
• Shaky image stability

Buy the Blue JVC Picsio GC-FM1 Pocket HD Video Camera here for $100!

They’ve got it for $1,066 + free shipping = $1,066 delivered!

They’ve got it for $149.97 – $51.41 + $0 shipping = $98.56!

The Sony Bloggie, otherwise know as the Sony Webbie – it’s an updated version – has been on the market for well over a year now…well at least the form factor has.  So that’s why I’m a bit surprised to just get word of their recently released add on camera kit, which includes not only the camera and a 4GB Memory Stick, but a 360 degree video accessory.  It, which is in fact a lens, mounts directly onto the camera and allows you to shoot video footage with a 360 degree perspective.  Wacky, I know, but perfect for a little recon or amateur paparazzi shooting.

Amazon has the kit for $180.

[via Gaj-it]

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This camcorder can record full 1080p videos, has the ability to capture 10 megapixel stills, is just .6-inches thick and charges via a USB cord.

Newegg has it for $154.99 – $5 coupon (EMCYNNS460) + free shipping = $154.99 shipped!

Don’t forget about Newegg’s $5 coupon: EMCYNNS46 (expires: 2/27)

Abe’s has it for $696.95 – $15 coupon (LOYALTY15) + free shipping = $681.95 shipped!

Don’t forget Abe’s $15 coupon: LOYALTY15 (expires: on going)

PMA just wrapped and with it came two new Samsung pocket camcorders, the HMX-U15 and U20.  Both cameras shoot full 1080p video, sport a Flip Video like USB arm, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors with electronic image stabilization, HDMI output, time lapse photography, a 2-inch LCD and the ability to capture high res still photos.  The U20 one ups the U15 by offering a 3x optical zoom, something generally not found on these types of camcorders.

Expect them this Spring for $230 and $250, respectively.

NEW SAMSUNG ULTRA-COMPACT CAMCORDERS MAKE IT EASY TO CAPTURE AND SHARE HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO
HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 Offer Full HD Video, Built-in USB and HDMI Connectivity

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its family of ultra-compact camcorders with the introduction of two new models, the HMX-U20 and the HMX-U15. Building on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, the new HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 bring new features and functionality to Samsung’s ultra-compact camcorder family, such as a built-in USB connection, which now makes it easier than ever to not only record, but share full HD video with others. Adding even more, the new HMX-U20 now puts a true 3x optical zoom in the palm of consumers’ hands, allowing for additional creativity when recording life’s special memories. Both the HMX-U20 and HMX‑U15 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Thanks to consumers’ demand for portability and ease-of-use, the ultra-compact camcorder category has exploded in growth,” said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. “The new HMX‑U20 and HMX-U15 offer not only portability and ease-of-use but also a number of versatile features like time-lapse recording that allow users to easily capture and share life’s important moments the way they see them.”

High-Quality Video and Digital Stills

The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 come fully equipped with high-performing 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensors which help capture stunning, 1920×1080 full HD resolution video (30p / H.264). In addition, the ultra‑compact HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 also boast impressive digital still image capability. With the HMX‑U20, consumers can capture 10 mega-pixel digital still images, while the HMX-U15 shoots 14 mega-pixel digital still images. This impressive digital still capability eliminates the need for consumers to carry a separate digital camera as everything they’ll need is in one, ultra-compact device. The camcorders also include Hyper Digital Image Stabilization to help produce blur-free video and the HMX‑U20 adds even more versatility with a true 3x optical zoom. Consumers can also get creative with their video thanks to fun and unique features such as time lapse recording, which allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, five, 10 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy‑to-view video.

Easy Connectivity

The HMX-U20′s and HMX-U15′s built-in, swing-out style USB connection gives users the ability to forego having to always carry a separate USB cable to connect and upload footage to a computer. The built-in USB connection can also recharge the camcorder’s battery, eliminating the need to transport a separate charger while on-the-go. Furthermore, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 offer HDMI connectivity, allowing consumers to enjoy their full HD video on their HDTV.

The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 also feature Samsung’s play‑edit‑sharing program, called intelli‑studio. This intuitive program allows consumers to turn any computer into a mobile studio, giving them the ability to edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. Sharing is also simplified thanks to a one-touch “upload” button on the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15. When connected to a computer with an internet connection, the one-touch “upload” button links directly to popular destinations such as YouTube™, reducing the number of steps needed to upload footage to content sharing Web sites.

Designed for Portability and Comfort

The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are extremely portable with dimensions of just 2.1″ x .61″ x 4.09″. In addition to their compact size, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are also highlighted by a unique design that’s as ergonomic as it is stylish. Designed to make the camcorders more comfortable to hold, the camcorders’ bodies are angled at seven degrees which encourages a more natural grip reducing overall stress on the user’s wrist and arm.