Video/Still Image Hybrid Camera

The size of camcorders has been steadily shrinking, while the sensors in them are getting larger making a hybrid camera possible. The makers of high definition camcorders are now starting to incorporate high quality still image capabilities into their products blurring the line between video and still photography.

Sony last year introduced its NEX 5 camera that offered interchangeable lenses, a 16 megapixel sensor and hi-def video recording at 60fps. The camera was based upon the four thirds system embraced by Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung. The camera and lenses are remarkably small considering it's sensor size and video capabilities. The lenses available for the Sony camera were also interchangeable with one of its new camcorders as well.

Now JVC has incorporated high quality still image capability into one of its new products the PX1.



Besides the usual hi-def video (60fps) function, this camera can record high speed video at up to 300 fps! This is made possible through the use of a new high density imaging engine. It has a 10 megapixel sensor for still images. You can view a video of this new camera in action here:



It will be interesting to watch as companies work to bring video and high quality still images together in one small package. The newest designs like this camera (and the NEX5 and WVIL concept reviewed earlier in this blog) all have camera backs that mimic current smartphones. This likely means that future products will not only be very portable, but combine the current capabilities of three devices; hi-def video, high quality still images and smart phone in one package. It will also be interesting to see what design ultimately proves to be the most effective. Will the devices have interchangeable lenses on a "smart body", or will the sensor chip be on the lens itself as in the WVIL design.