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Latest Mini Camcorders Get Face Recognition Technology
The latest exciting mini camcorders innovation unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was face recognition technology. This technology has been available in compact digital cameras since 2005 and it was about time that mini camcorders caught up.
Face Recognition Technology Facts
Face recognition gives the photographer an auto correct facility for many of the common problems which occur when taking a picture of the human face. These problems are mainly brightness, contrast, color balance and focus. The exact way each camera does this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Face recognition technology was a major invitation when introduced as “Face Priority” by Nikon in 2005 in its Coolpic range of cameras. Eventually, all the other manufacturers caught up and Panasonic, ironically now the first to include it in camcorders, were the last to include the technology in their range of compact digital cameras.
As well as Panasonic, Sony have taken the lead in introducing the technology in their range of new mini camcorders. The technology used by each manufacturer is slightly different which will give consumers a choice in which camera they prefer.
Panasonic’s new cameras for instance will correct for exposure for up to five faces and uses its own proprietary face recognition technology which includes a tracking system, exposure control, and flash activation.
Sony’s cameras will be able to detect up to eight faces, and can control exposure, white balance, and auto focus. The person in the video must be facing the camera for the technology to work and the mini camcorder will anticipate where each face will be moving as it records the video.
What Coming For 2008/2009
Panasonic and Sony are at present the only companies who are taking advantage of the new technology. Sony has come out with six models in its new range of mini camcorders (HDR-SR10, HDR-SR11, HDR-SR12, HDR-UX10, HDR-UX20, DCR-SR-220) and Panasonic has come out with two new additions (HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9). The cameras at the bottom end of the range currently retail for around $799 but bargains can be found if you shop around.
The technology will no doubt continue to evolve and other manufacturers will surely follow suit with their own range of cameras later in 2008 and 2009. It should prove to be an exciting time ahead for the mini camcorders video enthusiast!