gadgets

The JVC Picsio pocket cameras bring a new level of fun and ease-of-use to making and sharing videos and photos. The GC-WP10 and GC-FM2 both feature Full HD video, excellent low-light performance, a 3.0-inch touch screen for easy operation and playback viewing, and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi connectivity. And the Picsio GC-WP10 is waterproof.

To produce stunning photos, Picsio's CMOS image sensor captures stills at up to 5.0-megapixel native resolution without interpolation. It also records up to 1920 x 1080p/30 fps Full HD video with image stabilisation for enjoyment on an HDTV via the camera's HDMI output.

Users can select from four different recording resolutions: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p). The new Picsio cameras also offer time-lapse recording, which reduces hours-long segments to mere seconds.

Perhaps the most prominent feature on the cameras is the touch screen with on-screen graphics for shooting and playback controls, including the 4x digital zoom. The touch screen functions are easily operated even when wearing gloves for all-season activities. The large screen also enhances playback, with a large, clear image that makes it easy for all to enjoy what was recorded.

For easy editing and uploading, LoiLoScope EX for Windows software is factory installed. This new software offers quick, intuitive editing and direct uploading to YouTube and Facebook, exporting to iTunes, and more. It can launch immediately when the camera is connected to virtually any PC. The uploading process, including editing, entails just a few steps. A full array of special effects is available for creative editing, supported by simplified icon-based access and intuitive drag-and-drop operation. Windows 7 Multi-Touch is supported, so operation via any compatible PC touch screen is possible. File output for DVD creation is also available.

Both Picsio pocket cameras work with iMovie on the Mac. The two cameras also offer the option to record video in the iFrame format, a computer-friendly video format designed to simplify the process of editing and sharing video. iFrame works with compatible Mac and PC applications.

The new Picsio cameras come with an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot for versatile storage. The slot is optimised for Eye-Fi cards, so files can be quickly uploaded and shared using a wireless network.

The GC-FM2's special conveniences include a slide-out USB connector, so no connecting cable is needed. As a convenience, a USB cable is provided and an AC adaptor is available optionally. Both models are charged through their USB connection so the cameras are ready to shoot more after transferring files.

The GC-WP10 is waterproof to a depth of 3.0 metres for worry-free recording underwater, on the slopes or in the rain. The GC-WP10 also comes with a MP3 audio recorder to capture everything from lectures to jam sessions in stereo.