After introducing its "Quad-Proof" technology on its ADIXXION actioncam in 2012, JVC has brought the ruggedized feature set to its latest Everio models. The Everio GZ-R70 and GZ-R10 are dust-proof, water resistant to 5 m (16.4 ft), drop-proof from a height of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and freeze-proof to temperatures as low as -10° C (14° F).
Unveiled at this week's CES, the two new models also feature a 4.5 hour internal battery and use a Konica Minolta HD Lens with 40x optical zoom and 60x dynamic zoom. Capable of recording 1920 x 1080/60p video, the cameras also boast a 2.5-megapixel CMOS image sensor, which the company says maintains HD resolution even when filming beyond the optical zoom range.
Sporting a 3-inch Full Screen Touch Panel, the new Everio models are also capable of capturing 10-megapixel stills and use JVC's K2 Technology, which is designed to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors.
Both models use JVC's FALCONBIRD image processing engine and while the GZ-R70 model features 32 GB of internal memory and a built-in LED light, the company is yet to divulge the onboard storage of the GZ-R10 model, only to say that it will be different (presumably less). However memory can be extended thanks to the inclusion of SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots on both models.
The GZ-R10 will be available in black, blue and red from March 2014 priced at US$399.95, with the black-only GZ-R70 to follow in April 2014 priced at US$499.95.
Source: JVC
Sure 2.5MP stills aren't as manipulation (Full resolution zoom) friendly.
Another note, *the Max digital zoom still allowing full HD TV, is only 1.098x40(Optical) = 43.92x
However if the true quality is reduced to 720 vertical lines/pixels, the max digital zoom should be ~* 65x.
So to: "maintains HD resolution even when filming beyond the optical zoom range." this will only be true for a very small range into digital zoom. (Marketing doublespeak.)
*This is assuming that the 2.5MP is in the same ratio as a HD TV.