JVC brings GC-PX10 hybrid 1080p60 video, still camera to US
updated 12:25 pm EDT, Mon October 3, 2011
JVC PX10 merges camcorder and still images
JVC chose Monday to bring one of its most unique cameras to the US. The GC-PX10 is meant to stand as the best of both moving and still imagery. Through its use of the Falconbrid chip from the TD1, it can record 1080p video at a full 60 frames per second but can still snap 8.3-megapixel shots in mid-video with the relatively large 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor.
Special modes have their own unique advantages over either camcorders or conventional still cameras. The camera can shoot full 12-megapixel, ISO 6,400 stills at 30 frames per second for two seconds but can shoot 8.3-megapixel stills at an even faster 60 frames per second. Slow motion video is an option at 640x360 at 300 frames per second for a full two hours. JVC imagines a parent recording a child's entire sports event at the frame rate and having the option of dropping into or out of slow motion at any point in the match.
The entire PX10 design is framed by a DSLR-style grip and barrel-like lens that also houses a stereo microphone. The glass provides a 10X, 6.7-67mm actual zoom and can be bolstered by a supposedly artifact-free digital zoom to hit 19X. A full 32GB of storage is built into the camera from the start and is supported by an SDXC slot that can take as much as 64GB or more of extra footage.
A three-inch tilting touchscreen provides much of the control. Reflecting the design, a power-guided zoom switch is located on the back, not on the lens where it's more likely to disturb the shot.
JVC hopes for the PX10 to be shipping later in October for $900.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2010
not really impressive
If it had 1/1.8 sensor, I would give it a try. If it had a 1/1.8 sensor and a brighter lens (say F2.0-F3.2), I would buy it even without trying it first. Since this is not the case, I will look at Fujifilm X10 when it's in stores.