14 DAY TRIAL // The boundary between high-definition camcorders and high-end digital cameras is becoming more and more blurred, and this trend is also quite visible in the case of the latest hybrid digital camera from JVC, model GC-PX1, that offers a host of very attractive features and functions, all hosted in a rather unusual form factor. Before moving to the camera's features and specs, we can't help saying just a few words about the overall design, that, as far as we're concerned, looks just like the result of sticking a camcorder to the slightly slimmed-down body of the NEX-3/5 digital cameras from Sony, which clearly makes it a little weird.
However, despite its look, the PX1 packs plenty of recording muscle, the 10-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor enabling it to take not just very good quality photos, but also Full HD video up to 36Mbps 1920 x 1080/60P (which sends it flying into camcorder realm, hence the aforementioned blurring of the lines between these two families of products), the format of choice being MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 with AAC audio.
The device also comes packed with a high-end Konica-Minolta lens (F2.8 ~ F4.5, f = 6.7mm ~ 67.0mm 35mm) delivering a 10x optical zoom, pushed up to 64x via the built-in digital engine.
It's also interesting to point out that this thing packs plenty of connectors, including mini USB, USB 2.0 and HDMI, as well as audio inputs and outputs (microphone/speakers, etc.).
Last, but certainly not least, we'll have to mention that the new hybrid digital camera from JVC records photos and videos on the 32GB of internal flash memory or external memory cards (SDHC and SDXC also supported), and comes backed with an 180-degree tilting 3-inch touchscreen display, used for controlling its various functions.
JVC's GC-PX1 Hybrid Camera is set to be officially launched in Japan next week, but, unfortunately, the company has refrained from providing any info on worldwide availability or pricing, at least for the time being.