Sony has launched the first prosumer interchangeable lens HD camcorder, the NEX-VG10. In many ways, this is a development of their NEX series of cameras; in fact it uses the same 14.6MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. The dedicated camcorder, however, is capable of recording full 1920 x 1080 HD video at 24mbps. Additionally, the NEX-VG10 features a “Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone” which uses advanced processing algorithms to combine signals from four individual microphone capsules to provide better channel separation.

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Image Wizards, who prints photographs on aluminum for photographers, is having a sale (expires Friday August 15) in which you can get two 16” x 24” prints made for $199 (total – not $199 each), which includes framing with the options they offer. Both Eric Cheng and other Wetpixel members have used this service for prints.

I ordered a print myself to try their services out, and the image really “pops.” When I received my print, it was carefully packed with great care; the service was overall a good experience. I am gathering a couple more photos to have prints made.

If you decide to order from Image Wizards, speak to Susan or Amanda, as they are handling the discount…

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On 22nd June at the Hong Kong book fair, co-authors Paul Hilton and Alex Hofford launched their book ‘Man & Shark.’

“From the beaches of Africa to the ports of the Middle East, a shark fin odyssey arrives back at ground zero: Hong Kong. ‘Man & Shark’ is book and short film of the same title, which explores the barbaric practice of shark-finning in developing nations, so that consumers in Hong Kong and China can eat shark fin soup at their weddings, company banquets and celebrations. The book and short film aims to show why sharks, as the ocean’s apex predators, are necessary to keep the marine ecosystem in balance. ‘Man & Shark’ also bears witness to the ignorance of shopkeepers selling shark fin in Hong Kong. And it explores why Chinese people eat shark fin soup in the first place, and the dangers to human health from mercury poisoning.’Man & Shark’ was conceived in Mozambique, Yemen, and Hong Kong, and includes many underwater images from all over the world.”

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The annual DEMA show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada from 17-20 November 2010. DEMA is an international trade-only event for the diving, action water sports and travel industries.

There will be stands from most of the major underwater imaging brands at the show, as well as the Image Resource Center: an exclusive area of the show floor featuring photo- and video-related exhibitors as well as seminars on how underwater photography and videos can be powerful selling tools for the dive retailer.

Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors.

DEMA also hosts an Awards dinner, and in the past, the infamous Wetpixel cocktail party!

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I’ve been cursing AVCHD ever since it started showing up in camcorders and still cameras that shoot video. I don’t really understand why it exists. Although its file and folder specification claims to be compatible with Blu-ray, it doesn’t seem likely that the majority of casual video shooters will choose to archive video content from cameras directly onto Blu-ray discs, and AVCHD’s awkward multiple-folder storage structure makes it extremely difficult to work with in video editing workflows.

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