logo_print logo_print_pub
Camcorder Reviews >

Toshiba Gigashot A100FE

Renaud Labracherie
Test date: May 20, 2008
Image quality

With the QX mode in 19 Mbits/s, the Toshiba Gigashot A100FE offers very high speed for a Full HD camcorder. The precision of images is fair and colors, as is often the case with camcorders, are quite saturated, notably in reds. Otherwise, automated functions are efficient, exposure is good and white balance reacts correctly (with the usual latency) to changes in surroundings.

In poor lighting, the Toshiba Gigashot produces images that are quite dark although they are clean. There is optical stabilization on this camcorder but it’s not the best we’ve tested. Files are recorded in H.264 format but are not readily accessible via software from other companies. For now, you will have to be content with Toshiba’s program. The photo mode is aided by a small flash which you can be used during the recording of video. The result is a bit disappointing (2 megapixels) and small compacts produces results that are largely superior.


Toshiba crashes the party, inviting itself to the four other (Canon, JVC, Panasonic and Sony) HD hard drive camcorder manufacturers.  So can the Gigashot A100FE rival the current leaders on this market?

Handling

Toshiba’s Full HD camcorder has a rather similar design to Sony’s products (notably the SR7) with a quite imposing body (especially compared to camcorders with memory cards which are starting to invade store shelves).  Construction is serious and the Gigashot provides a proper grip. The hand fits nicely on the bulge on the side while the various controls are easily accessible.  The lateral panel opens offering a nice 3 inch LCD featuring a very fluid and fine quality display.  Viewing angles are large while colors are relatively accurate.  On the panel, we also find a joystick which gives access to the main parameters.  The zoom control is pleasant and enables minutely adjusting the speed of zooming in our out.  As for startup, like many of its rivals the Gigashot A100FE is relatively silent.  Otherwise, focusing is a bit capricious in maximum zoom.  The system is a bit hesitant and the image can be out of focus for a few seconds.  This is unfortunate because high definition isn’t too forgiving in this domain.

The Gigashot A100FE is clearly destined for beginners that do not want to become encumbered with the various controls.  There is no manual focusing ring, no hot shoe for adding accessories and even no viewfinder for sunny days.  On the other hand, they will surely appreciate the 10x zoom with the 35.9 mm wide angle, an added bonus.
Send to a friend
Pluses

-

Very easy to use

-

10x zoom with 36 mm wide angle

-

Quality 3 inch LCD

-

100 GB hard drive

-

Overall, it’s reactive

Minuses

-

No viewfinder

-

A few problems in tele

-

Disappointing photos

3
The Toshiba Gigashot A100FE will first off interest beginners that rely on automatic modes. On the other hand, the Canon HG10 with its smaller memory size is better in terms of image quality.
Previous page
Contents
 
 

Our RSS News Feeds : 
Back to top