LancerLink Japan release a new video camera in July, the DDV-1080HD.This device can record video in 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps in .MOV format.The 5-megapixel sensor can also snag stills, but considering that there’s just 90MB of free memory within, you should probably keep an SD / MMC / SDHC card nearby. You’ll also find a 3-inch LCD monitor, HDTV (component) output, USB connectivity and a rechargeable battery good for around four hours of use. The worst part, however, is the ¥49,800 ($474) price tag that’s attached to the July-bound DDV-1080HD

Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro webcam is the first Mac-compatible webcam with premium autofocus technology and Carl Zeiss optics from Logitech. The Logitech QuickCam Vision Pro webcam for Mac delivers image-perfect detail and clarity, and exceptional video calling with iChat and Skype. The new Logitech webcam uses a voice coil motor for its autofocus system, instead of a stepper motor. Focusing is fast and fluid – crisp even in extreme close-ups only 10 cm from the camera lens. The QuickCam Vision Pro records sharp video clips in the 720p high-definition (HD) video format (960-by-720 pixels).

Ricoh updated its Caplio GX camera line through the GX200. The sequel to the GX100 boosts the resolution from 10 to 12 megapixels and adds a new image processing engine that allegedly cuts down on noise without affecting the sharpness or color of images. It also has a newer 2.7-inch preview LCD, better RAW shooting with up to five continuous shots and better bracketing, and more room for customized presets.

The GX200 including a 24-72mm wide-angle lens and the unusual option of an electronic viewfinder that simulates an optical eyepiece but allows it to pivot to a more comfortable angle. Ricoh initially targets the camera launch at Europe and, in the UK, will sell a base GX200 for £350 ($689) while a version bundled with the extra viewfinder is priced at £400 ($788).

Sony is taking the lead in the camcorder industry by introducing the first high-definition camcorder with both Smile Shutter and face detection technologies. The handheld is Sony’s first to use smile detection and does so to give videographers a hands-off approach to taking photos alongside video; the camera can automatically snap 10-megapixel still photos when it sees smiles without having to interrupt video capture. Like recent Cyber-shots, the CX12 can also prioritize those shots to take photos only of smiling groups or of adults or children.

The camera records full-sized 1920×1080 video in AVCHD format and uses Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo cards as its sole storage medium; a 4GB card is included in the box. Sony touts relatively strong video quality with a 12X stabilized optical zoom lens and Dolby 5.1 surround recording, complete with zoomed audio to properly capture sound from distant subjects.

Sony packs the CX12 with a sync cradle and ships the camera in early August for $900.

Here is the latest AVCHD powered camera from Sony, the HDR-CX12. Measuring 69mm x 67mm x 129mm and weighing 420grams (with battery), the camcorder features a new Exmor CMOS sensor with 10MP ClearVid 1/3.13-inch and the BIONZ technology. The HDR-CX12 sports Full HD recording 1920×1080i in AVCHD (Mpeg4 AVC/H.264, 16Mbps), the HDV support (1440×1080i) in 5/7/9Mbps and HDMI output. Other features include smile shutter and face detection, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 12 optical zoon lens, a 2.7-inch LCD, 5.1 surround sound microphone, and Memory Stick PRO Duo (4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) in the box) storage. Sony HDR-CX12 will be out in Japan in July but will hit stateside by August for around $900.