DXG doubles up on compact HD camcorders
(Credit: DXG)While there have been no shortage of vertical-style mini HD camcorders at CES 2009 (see announcements from Kodak, Sony, and RCA), there haven't been any pistol-grip mini HD camcorders, mainly because the most recognized maker of them, Sanyo, didn't have any announcements at the show. But fear not, DXG has you covered with the DXG-581V.
Due in the first quarter of this year for $179.99, the DXG-581V can capture HD video up to a resolution of 1,920x1,280 and capture 8-megapixel photos. It's equipped with built-in flash memory (though DXG didn't say how much), but it also has an SDHC slot with support for cards up to 8GB.
The camcorder is less than 4 inches high and has a rotating 3-inch LCD. Controls are pretty basic, and a software suite is included to help you edit and share your video.
(Credit: DXG)If a more classic camcorder design suits your needs, the ultraslim DXG-580V flash-based HD camcorder would be a better choice. It records at resolutions up to 1,440x1,080 at 30fps, but everything else appears to be identical to the 581V.
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Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related accoutrements. His ego is too big for this little box. E-mail Josh.


Because they will take far less of them, that's why. Their cameras may not be the best quality, but the average user, let's face it, doesn't NEED the best quality. Law of diminishing returns is in operation here too... Sony camcorders with similar specs are WAAAY more expensive than DXG. Don't know about the Canon you're talking about, though.