Panasonic's DMC-G1(Credit: Panasonic) DxO Labs on Tuesday released new sensor test results for three cameras--Panasonic's $670 G1 and Olympus' $540 E-520 and $450 E-410--that show both the advantages and disadvantages of the Four Thirds standards the companies use. The Four Thirds system governs image sensor sizes and the mounting mechanism for interchangeable lenses on the companies' SLR cameras, and the companies announced a new variation called Micro Four Thirds for smaller cameras that have SLRs' interchangeable lenses but not SLRs' "reflex" mirror that directs light through an optical viewfinder before a shot is taken. Four Thirds SLRs have a smaller sensor than lower-end SLRs from market leaders Nikon and Canon, which poses image quality challenges because there's less surface area to gather light. However, the sensor size is the same for Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds, which means cameras using the latter have a much larger sensor than typical compact cameras. The DxOMark Sensor test score is shows these differences. The Panasonic G1 gets a score of 53. That's a big notch above the 37.8 from the highest-end compact out there, Canon's $405 PowerShot G10, whose sensor is larger than most point-and-shoot cameras but still smaller than the G1's. On the other hand, it's a step down from the 63.9 scored by the $600 Nikon D40X, a lower-end model that's among the smaller SLRs out there. To summarize, the G1's sensor quality looks good when compared to compact cameras, but not as good when compared to bulkier SLRs. It all depends on your frame of reference. 
The DxOMark Sensor scores show how much better the sensor in Panasonic's G1 performs than Canon's Powershot G10, a more compact camera. The diminutive Nikon D40X SLR, a notch bigger than the G1, fares better. (Click to enlarge.)(Credit: DxO Labs) Things should get more interesting when Olympus launches its Micro Four Thirds models. Don't hold your breath, though: so far Olympus has only showed prototypes, and the company told me it won't be announcing any at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show in early March, as some have expected. The comparisons are more direct when comparing lower-end SLRs, and here Olympus generally trails competitors by a bit. Its E-510 gets a score of 51.6, and its E-420 gets 55.8. Compare that to scores from a range of competitors that all have slightly larger sensors: 56.2 for the Nikon D40, 64.5 for the Nikon D60, 60.9 for the Sony Alpha A100, 65.4 for the Sony Alpha A350, 66 for the Pentax K200D, 61.6 for the Canon Rebel XS, and 60.6 for the Canon Rebel XSi. Note of course that sensor size and sensor quality, while important, is only one factor. These scores don't account for price, autofocus, durability, lens selection, and many other factors also weigh in to a camera's overall merit.
[ Via: cnet.com ]
[ Tag: ]
Tests show ups and downs of Four Thirds cameras
GigaPan Epic imager released, your party photos will never be the same
Launch of "Epic" Signals New Era of Panoramic Images
GigaPan Delivers High-Res Panoramas for Point-and-Shoot Cameras with NASA Technology
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GigaPan Epic, launched today, empowers experienced and novice photographers to capture detailed panoramas with almost any point-and-shoot digital camera. Powered by out-of-this world technology from the NASA Mars Rover, GigaPan makes it easy and fun to create giga-pixel panoramas.
Professional freelance photographer, David Bergman, took his first GigaPan panorama of President Obama's inaugural address, an Epic shot seen around the world. The sweeping image of the new President addressing millions of Americans has such phenomenal detail that by zooming in it is possible to recognize individual faces. Millions have visited GigaPan.org to find themselves in the crowd.
"I knew that this was an important picture, and the story I wanted to convey was the sheer size of the crowd. No single lens could have captured the scene at that quality," said Bergman. "I couldn't have done it without GigaPan."
The GigaPan Epic is so easy to use, Bergman was able to capture this historic shot the very first time he used it. The Epic includes fully integrated software and works seamlessly with GigaPan.org. Everyone can capture the same incredibly detailed images right out of the box. The GigaPan Epic, complete with the GigaPan Stitcher software, is available now at http://www.gigapansystems.com for $379.
Here is how it works: First a digital camera is attached to the Epic, a small robotic mount that automates the picture taking process. Next, the hundreds or thousands of resulting images are downloaded to a computer and the GigaPan Stitcher software automatically combines them into a panorama. Then the GigaPan.org Web site makes it easy to post GigaPan panoramas for sharing with a global community, and the GigaPan Viewer allows people to zoom in and out to explore the panoramas in detail.
"Today we are offering the general public breakthrough high-resolution imaging technology that is the result of years of research by scientists at NASA and Carnegie Mellon University," said Henry Hillman Jr., Founder, President and CEO of GigaPan Systems. "The potential applications for the Epic are limitless. The GigaPan.org site already features more than 10,000 panoramas, and our beta users have taken fantastic panoramas not only of President Obama's Inauguration, but of Yankee Stadium, Chicago skylines, Hawaiian landscapes and thousands of extraordinary images."
GigaPan Panoramas Around the World
High-resolution images captured with the beta version of the GigaPan Epic have already been displayed in exhibits around the world and online at the GigaPan.org Web site.
The City of Chicago's new tourism Web site, http://www.explorechicago.org, features enormous GigaPan panoramas of Chicago. As part of the launch of the new website, millions of visitors to Chicago's O'Hare airport will see an exhibit of 30-by 10-foot mural-size giga-pixel GigaPan photographs of iconic Chicago locations, including the skyline, Millennium Park, and the CME Group Financial Trading Floor. Photography instructor and multimedia artist Jennifer Gooch was one of the GigaPan beta users invited to take GigaPans of Chicago, and her work will be on display in the exhibit.
"The GigaPan Epic is empowering. With just a basic point-and-shoot camera the Epic allows you to create extraordinary images," said Gooch. "As a photographer, I find the Epic to be the ultimate landscape tool. It allows me to not only take really large pictures, but also to explore the pictures in ways we've never been able to do before."
The GigaPan Epic was originally used as part of a cultural exchange program, the Global Connection Project, which aims to help connect communities and people around the globe through images. Many of these images are available for viewing online with the unique GigaPan viewer, at the GigaPan sharing community, http://www.gigapan.org. Visit to see how GigaPan images offer viewers a new, unique perspective on the world.
Pricing and Availability
The GigaPan Epic robotic camera mount with integrated GigaPan Stitcher software and GigaPan Viewer is the first complete solution for high-resolution imaging. The GigaPan Epic is available now for $379. The GigaPan Epic 100, available soon for $449, a second model designed for larger point-and-shoot digital camera models. For more information and to purchase the Epic and Epic 100, visit http://www.gigapan.org.
About GigaPan Systems
GigaPan Systems was formed in 2008 as a commercial spin-off of a successful research collaboration between a team of researchers at NASA and Carnegie Mellon University. The company's mission is to bring this powerful, high-resolution imaging capability to a broad audience.
[ Via: Photography Blog ]
[ Tag: gigapan, gigapan epic, GigapanEpic, robot ]
15.2 megapixel Sony Alpha A800 DSLR rumored
At this point, it's remarkably tough to say how legitimate these claims are, and while we'd wholeheartedly recommend digesting these details with a dose of NaCl, we'd be shortchanging you to not pass 'em on. According to a curious post over at Photofan.jp, Sony is readying an Alpha A800 DSLR (mockup pictured) with a 15.2 megapixel sensor, an ISO range of 200 to 12,800, a new high-speed sync flash, 23 total AF sensors, a fresh metering / AF sensor tracking system and inbuilt WiFi. We're told that the camera will be officially unveiled at PMA 2009 alongside a trio of new lenses -- thankfully, March (and our answer) is less than two months out.
[ Via: Photography Bay ]
[ Tag: A800, Alpha, Alpha A800, AlphaA800, DSLR, Japan, rumor, Sony ]
Sanyo's 2009 HD Xacti camcorder lineup brings a trio of world's firsts
Engadget Japanese is attending a Sanyo presser where its much loved Xacti camcorders are being overhauled. The 5-strong mix of pistol-grip and new, horizontally-oriented camcorders includes several world's firsts according to Sanyo: the world's first to shoot progressive, full HD 1,920 x 1,080 video at 60fps (models DMX-HD2000/FH11 pictured above), the world's first waterproof HD cameras (DMX-CA9 and DMX-WH1 with 30x optical zoom), and world's first HD camera to shoot 10 megapixel still images (DMX-CG10). All the cams shoot in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format for broad compatibility with devices and video editing software. The DMX-HD2000 will hit the streets first on February 6 with the rest to trickle out before April is up. No prices were announced but we expect these to be competitive, as always. The rest of the new models pictured after the break with full specifications just beyond the read link.
[ Via: Engadget Japanese ]
[ Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, camcorder, DMX-CA9, DMX-CG10, dmx-FH11, DMX-HD2000, sanyo, xacti ]
New firmware for Canon 40D and Nikon D3, D700
The top two SLR makers have released relatively minor firmware revisions for three cameras, Nikon's higher-end full-frame D3 and D700 and Canon's prosumer-grade EOS 40D. The fixes generally address rare and unusual problems. One notable fix for the D3 and D700 is for a problem that, as Nikon describes it, "in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR (long exposure noise reduction) in the shooting menu set to On." Canon fixed a black-dot issue of its own with the EOS 5D Mark II earlier this month, but Nikon's issue sounds rarer. Forthwith, the release notes: Canon 40D firmware 1.1.1
Firmware update Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements. 1. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes a low battery indication to be displayed when using the EF 85mm F1.2L II USM lens. Depending on the battery check timing of the camera, the battery level displayed on the camera's LCD data panel may shows Battery will be exhausted soon or Battery must be recharged, even though the battery capacity is sufficient. 2. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes an Err 06 Self Cleaning Sensor malfunction to appear on the camera's LCD monitor and LCD data panel, even when the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is operating normally. This message may appear depending on the timing of when the camera is switch to the ON position. 3. Fixes a malfunction that prevents correct colors from being printed when direct printing. RAW images captured using the camera's custom Picture Styles (Emerald, etc.), which have been downloaded from Canon's Web site and registered under user Def. 2 or User Def. 3. 4. Modifies the level of subject brightness that causes the AF-assist beam to fire when using an external Speedlite. 5. Enables an external flash connected to the camera's synchro terminal to fire even when the camera's built-in flash is popped up. Version 1.1.1 firmware is for EOS 40D cameras with firmware up to Version 1.1.0. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.Nikon D700 firmware 1.01
Modifications enabled with A and B firmware Ver. 1.01 (Windows and Mac OS X) • When Custom Setting a4 Focus tracking with lock-on was set to Off in Continuous-servo AF, the lens drive moved gradually without achieving focus. This issue has been resolved. • When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved. • When the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 was mounted on the camera and an EN-EL3e battery inserted in the camera but no batteries inserted in the MB-D10, and SB-900 flash mode set to TTL auto flash mode, the flash mode changed to A mode when the exposure meters turned off or were reactivated, or the camera was turned off or on. This issue has been resolved.(This issue has also been resolved with SB-900 firmware Ver. 5.02.) • An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved. • Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama.Nikon D3 firmware 2.01
Modifications enabled with upgrade of A and B firmware to v.2.01 (Windows and Mac OS X) • Geodetic information is now displayed in ViewNX 1.2.0 or later and Capture NX 2 2.1.0 or later shooting information for images captured with the GPS Unit GP-1 mounted on the camera. • Autofocus-response performance in focus mode C (Continuous-servo AF mode) with relatively dark subjects has been increased. • When the AF-ON button is pressed, the monitor turns off and a focus point can now be selected using the multi selector. • Photo information displayed in full-frame playback has been modified as follows: --HI-, LO- has been changed to Hi, Lo --WARM TONE has been changed to WARM FILTER --COLOR CUSTOM has been changed to COLOR BALANCE • Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama. • An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved. • When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved. • An issue that, in some rare cases, caused images captured with the following lenses to be under-exposed, has been resolved. --AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED --AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED (5.0x)
[ Via: cnet.com ]
[ Tag: ]
Canon retires PowerShot A470, replaces with A480
After a year of duty, the PowerShot A470 is finally withdrawing from the retail market. In its stead, Canon has announced the 10 megapixel A480. It's 25% smaller than its predecessor and features a 3.3x optical zoom (up to 4x digital), 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a DIGIC III processor. The company is also touting a simplified button scheme and a choice of four colors to match your fashion tastes: red, blue, black, and silver. No definitive word on a US release, but Europeans can look forward to these in February for around ?129.00 (US$188).
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: a480, canon, power shot, PowerShot, powershot a480, PowershotA480 ]
Nikon D3x reviewed: unmatched image quality, steep price tag
[ Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras ]
[ Tag: d3x, dslr, nikon, nikon d3x, nikon d3x review, NikonD3x, NikonD3xReview, review, reviews ]
Sony's DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycams: perfect for the anti-edit crowd
Regardless of your camcorder needs (well, outside of the professionals in attendance), Sony's got you covered. Today at CES, the company is introducing the DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycams to complement its GPS-packin' HDR line and the perfectly midrange flash-based Handycams. These buggers include Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses, a 60x optical zoom, 1/8-inch 680k-pixel CCD imagers and instant recording to three-inch DVDs. Thankfully, there's also the option of capturing to a Memory Stick PRO Duo card, and the DVD850 even adds 16GB of internal storage for the truly indecisive. The pair also features a 2.7-inch LCD touchpanel and Steady Shot image stabilization, and they'll run you $430 and $300 in order of mention when they ship next month.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: camcorder, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, DCR-DVD650, DCR-DVD850, dvd camcorder, dvd handycam, DvdCamcorder, DvdHandycam, handycam, sony ]
Sony offers up HDR-CX100 HD Handycam alongside three lowly SD models
If you shuddered at the sight of Sony's GPS-packin' HDR camcorders, the outfit has a much milder, calmer set headed your way. The all new Flash Handycam line strips away most of the dazzling features on the aforementioned family, though one of the four still keeps the most important bit: high-def recording. The flagship HDR-CX100 logs clips at 1,920 x 1,080 and captures 4 megapixel stills, but the privilege will cost you $600. For that, you'll also get Face Detection, Smile Shutter, 8GB of embedded flash memory, a Memory Stick PRO Duo card slot, 10x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD monitor and a choice of black, silver or red. If that's still too far out of your league, it's also introducing a trio of flash-based SD models: the 16GB DCR-SX60, 8GB DCR-SX41 and 4GB DCR-SX40, which will cost about $370, $300 and $270, respectively.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: camcorder, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, DCR-SX40, DCR-SX41, DCR-SX60, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, sony ]
Sony shows off GPS packing 1080p camcorders
Following an annual tradition, Sony has loosed several new HDR-series camcorders. Stop carrying that silly GPS dongle, as the HDR-XR520V (240GB of storage), HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V (both 120GB) pack one onboard along with NAVTEQ maps to geotag photos and videos alike, automatically detect time zone, highlight current map location and possibly save your life during an extended walk through the woods. The 520 and 500 are Sony's first with back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, providing twice the low light performance of previous models. Smile Shutter, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound recording and 3.2-inch touch panel LCDs are standard across the line, including the low end HDR-XR100 (80GB) model. They start shipping in March for between $1,500 and $750 along with three new SD cams but -- c'mon.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 1080p, camcorders, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, gdr-xr500v, gps, hdr-xr100, hdr-xr200v, hdr-xr520v, sony ]
Liquid Image's new underwater digital camera masks debut at CES
Looks like Liquid Image -- those wacky underwater digicam folks -- are going to be hitting the ground running at CES with not one, but two HD underwater digital camera masks. Meant for serious professionals (and well-heeled Jacques Cousteau wannabes), the Pro HD350 shoots 720p video, sports 64 MB flash storage, supports microSD / SDHC cards (up to 32GB) and is rated to a depth of 330 feet. Taking things down a notch, the Scuba Series 320 (MSRP around $215) is the other 720p video cam. Featuring the same 64 MB internal memory and 32 GB microSD / SDHC support, this guy is rated at 115 feet. Bringing up the rear is the VideoMask 310, a 640 ? 480 / 30 fps video camera, sporting 16 MB internal memory, 8GB microSDHC card support, and is rated to a depth of 33 feet. It is expected to list at $159, while the Scuba Series 320 will list for about $215. The Pro HD350 hasn't been priced just yet; all three cameras take 5 megapixel photos and will get debuted at CES this week.
[ Via: Helmet Camera Central ]
[ Tag: ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, digital camera mask, digital mask, DigitalCameraMask, digitalmask, LiquidImage, Pro HD350, ProHd350, Scuba Series 320, ScubaSeries320, underwater, underwater camera, UnderwaterCamera, VideoMask 310, Videomask310, waterproof ]
Canon keeps 'em coming with six new SD camcorders
If your budget just won't stretch far enough to snap up a high-def camcorder, Canon's also got a half dozen SD versions on the horizon. Here at CES, the company is unveiling the FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory camcorders, which are up to 17% tinier than previous FS models and include up to 32GB of internal memory to complement the SDHC card slot. The DC420 and DC410 DVD camcorders should explain themselves, and looking at the ZR960 MiniDV is almost like stepping back in time. A few more details are provided in the read link, but don't bother hunting for a price or release date.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: camcorder, canon, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, DC410, DC420, dvd camcorder, DvdCamcorder, FS200, FS21, FS22, MiniDV, sd camcorder, SdCamcorder, vixia, ZR960 ]
Canon comes clean with HD camcorder lineup at CES 2009
Just as Canon did last year, it has busted out a plethora of new high-def camcorders for our enjoyment over the course of 2009. Without further adieu, let's take a closer look at the outfit's five newest. Starting things off are the VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 flash models, which offer up to 32GB of internal storage along with an SDHC card slot. Both units tout the DIGIC DV III image processor, an 8.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, face detection, Auto Exposure system and the ability to snap 8-megapixel stills. Moving on, we've got the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 models, both of which include a 3.59-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor and a 15x lens. Closing out the bunch is the HV40 HDV, which offers a 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 10x zoom lens, native 24p support and a Custom Key Mode that filmmakers should adore. Sadly, the full release is curiously devoid of pricing and availability information.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: camcorder, canon, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, DIGIC DV III, DigicDvIii, flash camcorder, FlashCamcorder, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, HDV, HF S10, HF S100, HF20, HF200, HfS10, HfS100, HV40, vixia, VIXIA HF S10, VIXIA HF S100, VixiaHfS10, VixiaHfS100 ]
Kodak's rugged Zx1 handheld camcorder does 720p in the jungle
Kodak's 720p Zi6 has only been out for six months, but already we're seeing what's likely its beefed-up predecessor. The mighty Zx1 is debuting here at CES, and with it comes a 2-inch LCD monitor, easy upload to YouTube, 720p HD video capture at 60fps, an IP43-certified weather-resistant design and an SD / SDHC card slot that can understand media up to 32GB in size. All told, users can capture up to ten hours of high-def video, and the bundled HDMI cable makes showing off recent grabs as easy as pie. The Zx1 will arrive in five colors (pink, blue, yellow, red and black) and will include pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries alongside a charger. We'll bet Creative and Pure Digital have a little something of their own to show off before this one lands in April for $149.95. Full release is (where else?) after the break.
Rugged new KODAK Digital Video Camera enables on-the-go HD video capture
Never miss a moment with pocketable and weather-resistant video companion
Rochester, NY, January 8, 2009 - Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced the new KODAK's Digital Video Camera, a compact and rugged digital device that enables "go-anywhere" High Definition recording.
The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.
"More than ever, people want to capture moments on the go and quickly and easily share them," says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in this kind of storytelling – it's both small and smart, and enables people to record virtually anything, virtually anywhere, and then quickly upload content to video-sharing and social networking websites."
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button -- no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera's advanced feature set includes:
• Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps
• Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more – IP43 certified;
• High-quality video capture in bright light or low light - from the beach, to the nightclub;
• Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;
• Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;
• Easy HDTV playback with included HDMI cable;
• Sensitive, low distortion microphone that provides crisp, clear audio;
• Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger included, saving money and avoiding waste from used batteries;
• Vibrant 2.0" LCD;
• Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;
• Remote control compatible (remote control sold separately).
Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world's most popular online video community, and the Kodak and YouTube relationship enables consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from the simple and powerful video editing software that comes with the camera.
Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, including:
• KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;
• KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;
• KODAK Flexi-tripods;
• KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps;
• Remote control;
• Battery options include AA, CRV3, and KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-8000.
Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera will be available from April 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.
*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.
About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
More than 70 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery --join for free today at www.kodakgallery.com
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 720p, camcorder, ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, kodak, pocket camcorder, PocketCamcorder, youtube, ZX1 ]
Kodak delivers Z980 24x megazoom, M380 point-and-shoot cameras
PMA may be but a few months off, but that's not stopping Kodak from dropping a few show-stoppers here at CES. Up first is the Z980 megazoom ($399.95; Spring 2009 availability), which offers up a 26-millimeter wide angle lens with a mind-boggling 24x image stabilized optical zoom. You'll also find a 12-megapixel sensor, a vertical shutter release, HD video capture and a detachable vertical grip. On deck is the March-bound EasyShare M380 point-and-shoot ($179), a 10-megapixeler with a 5x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD monitor and your choice of black, red, or teal color schemes. Finally, we've got a few new SDHC cards from the outfit, with 4GB, 8GB and 16GB variations coming soon for undisclosed amounts. Full release is just past the break.
New introductions from Kodak deliver brilliant images, unique ways to create and easy ways to connect
Pocket-sized HD Digital Video Camera and 24x Ultra-Zoom Digital Camera highlight Kodak launches at 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show
Las Vegas, NV, January 8, 2009 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced new products and services that make it easier than ever for consumers to make the most of life's moments, from go-anywhere High Definition video recording to simple, automatic capture of brilliant images.
Kodak's latest innovations are on display at Kodak's booth at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (booth 31400, South Hall).
"These new products deliver great performance but are still so easy to use that you'll never miss a memorable or important moment," said John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "With these new products consumers can count on Kodak to help them capture brilliant images and video, easily share them with friends and family, and create a wealth of lasting memories."
Leading the introductions is the new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera, featuring a wealth of power and versatility, including a 26 mm wide angle, professional quality, 24X image stabilized optical zoom lens and a vertical shutter release with detachable vertical grip.
"Photographers looking for more from their digital camera will find it in the Z980," Blake said. "Our innovative Smart Capture feature makes camera adjustments automatically, delivering brilliant images automatically in virtually any setting."
The new KODAK Z980 Digital Camera offers:
• Kodak's exclusive Smart Capture feature, which analyzes scenes and adjusts camera settings to deliver beautiful pictures more often;
• 26 mm wide angle/24X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Lens;
• HD picture and video capture;
• Vertical shutter release and detachable vertical grip, for greater comfort and control when shooting scenes vertically;
• Hot shoe for optional KODAK P20 zoom flash;
• Available at US$399.95 MSRP from Spring, 2009.
Kodak also introduced new models to its M-Series Digital Camera line, led by the KODAK EASYSHARE M380 Digital Camera. A sleek but powerful digital camera for style-savvy consumers, the M380 delivers an innovative feature package led by Kodak's Smart Capture feature. The new camera's compact design also boasts a 10MP sensor, 5X optical zoom, and 2.7" LCD. The M380 will be available in black, red and teal, and retail at US$179 MSRP from March, 2009;
Kodak expands its line of video cameras with the new KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, a compact and weather-resistant device that enables "go-anywhere" High Definition recording.
The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.
"The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in 'on-the-go' storytelling, and enables consumers to quickly and easily share their adventures online," said Blake.
The new camera's feature set includes:
• Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps
• Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more;
• High-quality video capture in bright light or low light - from the beach, to the nightclub;
• Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;
• Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;
• Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;
• The KODAK Zx1 Pocket Video Camera will be available from Spring 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.
Kodak also unveiled new accessory offerings, including KODAK SDHC Video Memory Cards, customized for faster video transfer and available in 4, 8 and 16 GB capacities to capture and store more HD video.
*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.
About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
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[ Via: Engadget ]
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How would you change Canon's EOS 5D Mark II?
Okay, so besides the obvious black dot / band issues that Canon doesn't seem to care much about, how else would you tweak the EOS 5D Mark II? Said DSLR has proven itself as a champion in the low-light / video space, thought there's like, no competition at all thus far in the latter department. Are you comfortable with the grip? Is the UI friendly enough to navigate? Too light or heavy? Does it make you weep in joy each time you hold it? For those who've laid down the coin for this, we're sure you've got a few things to say -- so vent in comments below, won't you?
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: 5d, camera, canon, DSLR, eos 5d, EOS 5D Mark II, Eos5d, Eos5dMarkIi, features, how would you change, HowWouldYouChange, hwyc ]