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This year, BenQ plans to break into the Australian camcorder market with a range of affordable, self-branded digital video cameras. Each model in the BenQ camcorder range features Full HD video recording (1080x1920p), plus unique features like dual SD card slots and 3D video capabilities (on selected models).
The BenQ camcorders are expected to sell for between $150 and $300. -
The BenQ DV M1 is the smallest camcorder in the new range. It boasts a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p video recording, a 5x optical zoom lens and a 3in touchscreen interface.
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The BenQ DV M1 relies on removable flash memory for recordings. It looks quite stylish for an entry-level camcorder, measuring just 112x44x63mm.
The BenQ DV M1 is currently available at smaller retail stores such as Leading Edge and Retrovision. BenQ also aims to sell the range in Officeworks and JB Hi-Fi. -
The BenQ camcorder line was released abroad mid-last year, but this will be the first time the products are available in Australia. BenQ claims to be selling 20,000 camcorder units per month in Indonesia, a feat it hopes to replicate locally.
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“We see this as a [good] opportunity for the Australian market,” BenQ sales and marketing manager, Simon Liu commented. “We have made the products affordable; cheaper than some mobile phones.” The entry-level model is expected to retail for as little as $150.
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The BenQ DV S21 is the company's top-of-the-range model. It boasts a 35mm equivalent lens, an enlarged 1/2.5in CMOS sensor, Infrared Night Vision, two SD card slots and a 16-megapixel stills image mode.
According to Liu, the BenQ DV M22 will eventually come with a dual lens attachment that will allow users to make 3D video recordings.
"We aim to have a $299 product with 3D in the next six months." Liu stated. "We will be bringing 3D technology to this small, tiny gadget for families." -
Detail shot of the BenQ DV S21's dual SD card slot. Two SD/SDHC cards can be inserted simultaneously. (The camcorders are also compatible with SDXC -- a high capacity format that can store 64GB and above.)
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The BenQ DV S21 is tipped to retail for less than $300 -- if the afore-mentioned 3D capabilities materialise, this will make it insanely good value for money. (Currently, the only other 3D option in the consumer space is Panasonic's [[artnid:361756|HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder]], which retails for $1999.)
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The BenQ DV S21's battery compartment can house AA batteries or a rechargeable Li-Ion battery (included in sales package). This is sure to come in handy when your battery isn't charged and you need to shoot some video quickly.
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The BenQ DV M11 shares many of the same specifications as the DV S21, including Full HD video recording and a 3.0in LCD. Other highlights include time-lapse recording, variable playback speeds, a three second pre-recording mode and dual streaming. The latter function allows you to record two video files simultaneously -- one for HD TVs, and another for YouTube, for example.
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The BenQ camcorder range does not strive to compete against high-end camcorders, but rather in the Tier 2 space with a focus on selling a “stylish, tiny and affordable” product. "We see the trend; people want a small gadget that is like a toy, but does a perfect job," Liu said.
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BenQ's DV M11 comes in a glossy silver finish.
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The BenQ DV M22 is the company's 'no-frills' mid-range offering. It comes with standard camcorder functions, such as Face Detection, Full HD recording and 12-Mp still image capture (via interpolation).
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BenQ DV M22.
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The BenQ camcorder range is expected to launch at the end of next month. The BenQ DV M1 is available now with a retail price of $199.
BenQ storms video market with entry-level 3D camcorders
15 Photos
New camcorders to come with dual SD card slots, two battery compartments and 3D capabilities
