JVC today introduced the Everio X, a dual-use, 9-megapixel camera that shoots high definition video and high resolution digital still images.
A 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor is at the heart of the camera's image quality. The high quality nine-megapixel digital still photos the camera shoots correlate directly to the un-interpolated performance of this 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. For the first time, it is also the source of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD AVCHD format video. The camera records at a 1000 TV lines of horizontal resolution - close to the theoretical maximum of 1920 x 1080 Full HD.
JVC's new proprietary optical image stabilization (OIS) technology applies camera shake compensation optically at the Everio X lens entrance to ensure effectiveness throughout the zoom range and allow high quality shooting without a tripod. Everio X also uses a new KONICA MINOLTA HD LENS with a 5X optical zoom.
Further contributing to the camera's high image quality is JVC's HD Gigabrid Premium image processing engine. In addition, face detection technology assures accurate focus and exposure, and HDMI(TM) V.1.3 with x.v.Color(TM) provides increased color accuracy when connected to HDTV displays.
Slow motion video recording is a key Everio X feature. The camera's high-speed recording function shoots ultra-slow motion video. Any one of three speeds - 120 frames per second (fps), 300fps and 600fps - can be selected; the faster the recording speed, the slower the playback motion. With this function, approximately four-second bursts of video are recorded that are then played back over a period of up to 24 seconds, a maximum of 10 times longer than normal speed.
In the still mode, Everio X offers high-speed shooting, similar to the motor drive function found in some mechanical still cameras. As many as six nine-megapixel photos can be shot at up to 15 images per second, a speed that surpasses what's offered by typical nine-megapixel DSLR cameras. Everio X also allows shooting of 1920 x 1080/60i Full HD video and fully 5.3 megapixel stills at the same time -- a unique advantage of this all-in-one camera. While recording video, photos can be shot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/4000 second without interrupting video recording.
An One Touch Export function provided by bundled software for Windows makes it easy to export videos from the camera into iTunes for playback on an iPod or iPhone. And the One Touch Upload function, when used with the included software for Windows, simplifies uploading videos to YouTube.
The Everio GZ-X900 will be available in the U.S. in June for $999.95.