Just to increase the confusion consumers have when they shop for camcorders, Apple has introduced a new video standard called iFrame. Sanyo is also releasing two cameras that record to the new format.

Basically, iFrame is 960 x 540 H.264 MP4 and is optimized so that you don’t need to convert to be able to edit in Apple’s iMovie. They call it “a next generation video format designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos.” I’m sure it does make editing video easier, but it will definitely make buying a camcorder really compicated. There are already a handful of recording formats that will confuse the average buyer.

The new Sanyo camcorders, the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A are basically earlier models with the iFrame recording feature. They both feature zoom, SDHC storage, and 1080p HD video. They will cost $599 and $499 receptively.