Toshiba enters camcorder market

Anthony Caruana
Thursday, 12 August 2010 13:35

Your IT - Mobility

Looking to build on their ascendency in the notebook market, Toshiba is trying extract a few more bucks with a range of accessories to match their portable computers. the Camileo range offers a mixed bag of options.

Toshiba isn't usually a brand associated with camcorders. The Camileo X100 aims to change this. It's a flash-based camera with 4GB of in-built memory and a SD HC slot to boost that up to a theoretical 32GB.

The X100 is comfortable to hold and the 3-inch touchscreen LCD makes it it easy to frame your shot. The X100 can shoot in 1080p with image stabilisation and a 10x optical zoom.

There's a HDMI cable and an RCA lead in the box so you can watch your footage instantly. Computer connection is via USB and this can charge the camera's battery as well.

The LCD was crystal clear and movable so shooting yourself from a tripod was easy. There's a remote control in the box for controlling zoom and other functions. Video quality was very good and sound was better than expected.

The X100 can shoot still photos at 10MP with flash. All of the X100's controls, for toggling between video and still, controlling the flash were easy to access as they were accessible with your thumb.

With an RRP of $499 the Camileo X100 placed in a very competitive category. However, for those looking for an easy to use, light camcorder the X100 is worth a look.