Hitachi Unveils Two New DVD Camcorders: DZ-GX5020A and DZ-GX5080A

Hitachi DZ-GX5080A

January 8, 2007 – Today at CES, Hitachi introduced their seventh generation of DVD camcorders that included two new models, the DZ-GX5080A ($349 MSRP) and the DZ-GX5020A (MSRP to be determined). Few changes have been made since last year from the company that first developed the DVD camcorder concept. Both 2007 models now offer a 30x optical zoom and a 1-second Quick Start feature.

 

The DZ-GX5020A comes equipped with a 1/6” CCD with 680K gross pixels, the same imager found on all Hitachi models this year. The chip allows for still photos up to 640 x 480, a rather small size by today’s camcorder standards. Stills can either be saved to DVD-RAM or to a SD card. A widescreen 2.7” LCD and 0.2” EVF come included, as well as a f/2.0 – 4.1 lens with a 34mm filter diameter. The 30x optical zoom can be extended to a 1500x digital zoom. The sole data transfer port is an analog AV/S-Video output.

 

The DZ-GX5080A does not upgrade the imager, but it does include a USB 2.0 port for video and still transfer. The body is also upgraded to include a built-in video light.

 

 

 

 

Both camcorders feature electronic image stabilization, a small array of manual controls, and the Quick Start menu which was found to be a useful tool in the review of the DZ-GX3300A. Compatible disc types include DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM. Dual Layer DVDs are not an option for Hitachi DVD camcorders at this time.

 

Hitachi DZ-GX5020A

 

The DZ-GX5020A retails for $349. The DZ-GX5080A MSRP has not yet been set. Currently, there is no availability date for either camcorder.