HD, 3D technology lead product development

	The model HDV-888 HD digital video camera from Winait has a 5MP CMOS sensor and a 3in touchscreen LCD.

Suppliers are releasing more features-rich cameras to compete with video-enabled electronics.

Rapid advances in video technology in consumer electronics are prompting China makers of digital video cameras to boost lineups, with high-definition models at the forefront. More 1080i and 720p versions will therefore be available in the next six to 12 months, and 1080p variants expected to follow suit.

Suppliers are eyeing 3D capability as the next major trend. Growth is expected for this segment in coming months, and some players are scheduling rollouts.

Among such enterprises is Inlife Handnet Co. Ltd, which will be introducing a model based on its patented 3D image processing design. The new camera has a pair of lenses and CMOS sensors, and enables HD 720p video capture and playback, and 3D still image recording. The supplier develops solutions in-house for these products. It has been engaged in 3D R&D for different applications such as digital still cameras and portable TVs, making it one of the pioneers of these devices in the country.

Video, photo and music playback compatible with popular file formats such as MP3, MPEG-4, AVI, RM, GIF and JPEG is the norm.

The DV60 model from KM Technology Co. Ltd, for example, boasts multimedia capability, including support for DAT and FLV files. It combines an FM radio, games, a digital photo frame, ID3 display and a 2.4in LCD.

Further value added takes the form of touchscreens and touch-sensitive buttons, which are increasingly adopted. Connectivity has also been improved with the incorporation of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and HDMI ports in high-end variants.

“Green” trends are likewise influencing R&D. Winait Technologies Ltd has launched the HD-T900 model, which has two solar panels and a built-in charger. AAA or Li-ion batteries can power the camera. It boasts 720p HD video recording, 12MP still image resolution, a 3in LCD screen and an HDMI port.

Companies also emphasize durability of housings. Aside from ergonomic or novel case designs, makers are developing sealed enclosures for water resistance. These, however, require custom manufacturing that often raises the price. The DVC-5B1 model from Global Products Industry Ltd complies with the IPX8 rating. It supports 720p and 1080p using H.264 compression technology and 16MP photo resolution, and has a 3in LCD and USB 2.0 and HDMI ports.

Suppliers are optimistic about export growth for digital video cameras. Worldwide shipments are forecast to reach almost 12.9 million units by year-end and 15 million in 2013, according to the Industrial Economics and Knowledge Center.

Makers are unfazed by competition from consumer electronics with video capture as an add-on. They said

that unlike such devices, digital video cameras are

specially designed for video recording. Extended optical and digital zoom and enhanced LCD screens strengthen this capability.

As Japan and South Korea manufacturers currently dominate the midrange and high-end segments, suppliers continue to improve on their existing designs by releasing more HD models. Phisung and DaiDaiXing have launched HD products marketed under their own brands. The entry of Inlife Handnet into the 3D category is hoped to pave the way for penetration of the high-end category.

The US and Europe are the main export destinations. Orders are rebounding, and manufacturers expect this upturn to persist and result in a 5 percent jump in shipments in the next six months.

Suppliers are exploring emerging markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia. Makers are targeting these areas with entry-level variants boasting extended functionality, cost effectiveness and novel case designs suitable for gifts and promotional items.

Trade shows are an essential tool for vendors such as KM to penetrate new areas. The enterprise has been able to expand distribution in the Middle East through participation in these events.

There are fewer digital video cameras than other consumer electronics such as personal media players and mobile phones. Increasing the functionality of new models is therefore one strategy manufacturers use to boost product positioning. Competition in the space is tight, crowded by other devices capable of storing video.

Export prices are forecast to remain steady, if not drop by 5 to 10 percent in the next six months.

Entry-level cameras have CMOS sensors capable of recording standard-definition content at 576p resolution and 5MP for photos. These units are priced from $20 to $45.

Smaller LCD screens measuring 1.5 to 2.4in are used to lower costs. Makers integrate digital zoom, A/V output and USB ports, SD/MMC card slots, headphone jacks, speakers, and multimedia file playback for popular formats such as JPEG, GIF, BMP, MP3, AVI and MPEG-4.

Midrange cameras, quoted between $50 and $75, also have CMOS sensors but adopt larger chips. These can deliver 720p or 1080i videos and up to 8MP interpolated still images. The LCDs are from 2 to 3in.

Better lenses enable optical zoom, with 5x optical and 10x digital supported in some units. Additional functions include HDMI ports, digital photo frame, FM radios, stereo speakers, touch-sensitive buttons and remote controls. Several read more formats.

Cameras in the high-end category start at $80. These use either CMOS or CCD image sensors, which can deliver up to 1080p video and 16MP interpolated still image resolution. Models are equipped with larger screens and bigger optical zoom range. Some offer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS as options.

Supply of vital components CCD and CMOS sensors and decoder ICs is relatively stable. The first two are obtained locally, although several source from Taiwan, Japan and the US, in particular Omnivision.

Lenses are procured from Minton and Asia Optical of Taiwan, and different partners from Japan and mainland China. LCD panels are from local and Taiwan companies.

Sunplus and Syntek provide system and software solutions for entry-level products.

High-end variants use those from the first and Ambarella, Novatek and Zoran.

There are about 50 to 100 digital video camera manufacturers in China, nearly all of which also offer still versions and other electronic products.

Digital video cameras are a major Hong Kong consumer electronic export. Suppliers provide a selection of models in different price categories. New units are regularly released to keep catalogs fresh, with updated technology and functionality incorporated to add value.

Hong Kong makers take cues from major foreign brands and integrate the latest features in their own products at lower prices. Many market their own brands both locally and overseas.

Upscale digital video cameras support 1080p resolution, H.264 compression and HDMI ports. Quality is improved with optical zoom lenses and image stabilizers. Some models have touchscreen displays and face detection software.

Slim and flat units are able to capture high-definition content at 720p and 1080i. Many are less than 20mm thick yet have the same functions as normal-sized cameras with 5MP photo resolution, 2.5in LCDs, HDMI ports, A/V output and fixed focus lenses.

Smaller pocket-sized variants capture VGA quality videos at 640x480 pixels with 30fps. Greater resolutions are achievable but with lower frame rates. Typically, such units also have internal memory or microSD card slots, which are more suited to their form factor. LCD screens are not typically built in.

Taiwan makers, which emphasize midrange and high-end models, direct R&D toward cameras with smaller form factors yet higher video resolution and extended functionality. OLED panels are the new trend with their faster response time and better image quality. They also consume less power, thereby prolonging battery life.

Advanced software solutions are a priority, with some models able to encode video recordings in high and standard definition simultaneously. One file can be used for Internet video sharing, while the other is for HD output.

HD models are available with 720p or 1080i/p video resolution and HDMI ports. Optical zoom ranges from 3 to 5x. These cameras use popular video formats such as MPEG-4. New varieties now offer touchscreen display panels. DXG’s DVHA80 model has a 3in touchscreen, 10MP CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom and H.264 compression.

The 130x36x19mm PenCam Trio HD model from Aiptek International Inc. packs many of the functions found in traditional cameras despite its small size and 85g weight. It has 4GB internal flash memory, which makes it a convenient alternative to USB flash drives. A built-in voice recorder and still image capture add versatility.

DigiLife Technologies Co. Ltd offers models with built-in projectors as exemplified by its DDV-J6 model. The vendor plans to introduce more units with an optical zoom range of up to 10x in 4Q10.

Other innovations makers are exploring can be seen in the model DDV-V7 digital video camera, which is water-resistant and has two memory card slots for additional storage.

Entry-level variants use a 2in TFT or LTPS LCD and a 5MP CMOS sensor, and deliver up to 720x440-pixel video resolution. These are priced between $50 and $60. Midrange products, which list from $75 to $80, have larger LCD screens of up to 3in and support HD video recording at 720p. High-end types boast 3.5in LCDs, with some using widescreen OLED panels. The video resolution can reach 1080p, and the units come with HDMI ports. Upscale camera prices start at $85, and varieties featuring built-in projector $150.

Taiwan has about 20 suppliers of digital video cameras. The leading makers are Chicony, Aiptek and DXG. These companies have established their own brand names, although they ship to OEM and ODM customers.