Digital Camera Reviews and News

Let all your Photos to be in Ideal Order

2011-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sort All your photos easily with Photo Batch Sorter. This digital photos sorter will organize, sort and rename all your photos automatically, even if you want to sort thousands of photos and they are packed in archives. Key features:
•Sort photos easily with user-friendly step-by-step wizard
•Sort photos fast
•Sort photos qualitative

Sort photos of all types
(all photos will be sorted, including JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, PSD, BIN, ICO, GIF and HUNDREDS of other types)
• Sort photos - how you want

(by creation date, by creation time, by content, by camera model and many others - everybody will find photo sorting method for himself)

While sorting of your photos, you will see all, that is happening, even content of archives with photos, that are processed now. And even more - you can on the fly do with photos that were appended to databases all, that you want - copy, cut, delete or move to another location.

Supported Image Formats
JPG - A Compressed image format from the Joint Photographic Experts Group.
PNG - Portable Network Graphics format.
TIFF - Tagged Image Format.
GIF - Graphics Interchange Format.
BMP - Microsoft Bitmap.
EXIF - Exchangeable Image File Format.
EMF - Enhanced MetaFile format.
ICO - Microsoft icon file.
WMF - Windows Metafile.

Shuttle's X50V2 all-in-one barebones Portable gets passively cooled, passively hits on-line retail

2010-03-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

After you be afflicted by an entire desktop PC inches up from your eardrums, it could be helping if the machine is dead silent... or though close to which dream as
potential. That could be why we're pleased that Shuttle's new XPC X50V2 -- go back as to noticed dressed in a toga -- is currently on sale together allowing for a totally fanless artwork for silent cooling. Because CES, the all-in-one has were given also gained legacy parallel plus serial ports (you be acquainted with, for your Nothing drive) and room for up to 4GB of memory, less than hasn't lost all or any of its dual-core Atom D510 1.66GHz goodness or its college lunchbox attractiveness. Though we have a tendency to actually have not heard official word concerning U. s. availability, Shuttle's domestic internet web site places the MSRP at $400, and on-line retailers which included Newegg already display the tethered touchscreen tablet in stock.

1024-bit RSA encryption cracked by fastidiously starving CPU from electricity

2010-03-09T20:51:00.001-08:00

Because 1977, RSA public-key encryption has got protected privacy plus verified authenticity once employing computers, gadgets and internet browsers around the globe, allowing for purely the the majority up of brutish of brute force efforts (and 1,Five hundred years of processing time) felling its 768-bit diversity earlier about that year.
Currently, three eggheads (or Wolverines, because it were) at the University of Michigan claim they may well break it simply by tweaking a device's power supply. By fluctuating the voltage to the CPU such which it generated a single hardware error pertaining to clock cycle, they discovered that they may gain create the server to flip single bits of the personal key at a point, permitting them to little by little piece together the password. Along with a small cluster of Eighty-one Pentium Four chips and 104 hours of processing previous point, they were ready to successfully hack 1024-bit encryption in OpenSSL as to a SPARC-based system, while not damaging the computer, coming out of a single trace or ending human life though we have a tendency to every one be familiar with it. That could be why they are definitely presenting a paper at the planning, Automation and Take a look at conference in the week in Europe, and that could be why -- until RSA hopefully fixes the flaw -- you may still back an in depth eye on your your server room's power supply.

Archos Home Slate determined to grace CeBIT allowing for its family-friendly presence

2010-03-01T10:01:00.001-08:00

Be careful currently, Archos could be concerning to bestow an entire new category from electronic device upon united states. It is enough to continue to be a tablet to the legal knowledgeable among us, less than the remainder of the planet will be acquainted with the house Slate though an FDA -- a own family digital assistant. Listed as to CeBIT's exhibitor guide, about which new multimedia player cum home organizer will supply WiFi connectivity plus an internet browser together allowing for the same old suite of photo, video and music playback features. We tend to would heard earlier that Archos was once coming up with new tablets aimed particularly at in-home make use of, and the final A70HB model number these would advocate that this could be the rumored Archos Seven Android tablet pictured on top of. Whether or not or not it has 7 inches or Seventeen, you may rest
confident we'll be digging this up at CeBIT shortly to figure out if
the ones family-assisting features tend to be worthy of the highfalutin
advertising that accompanies them.

Sony intros Alpha DSLR concepts, Micro Four Thirds model included

2010-02-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

PMA could be nothing short up of kicking off in earnest down in Anaheim, plus it appearance favor Sony possesses arrived in an enormous approach. Searching to create a splash in a very DSLR global dominated by Canon and Nikon, the outfit has brought a couple of its better and brightest concepts to SoCal. Up first is an ultra-compact "interchangeable lens" concept, and is the reason little question Sony's attempt to become in on the fledgling Micro Four Thirds game prior to it blows up massive. Couple of main points on the device have a tendency to be on the market, less than we'll be doing our greatest to pry who knows what specifications we tend to will from the booth representatives in short order. Moving on, on hand is the conceptual model of the Alpha A700 replacement, whole allowing for an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor which guarantees full AVCHD video capabilities. There is additionally a prototype of a super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) in addition to a prototype Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, which ought to build wide perspective junkies drool profusely. The company's also dishing out a raft of accessories, which included underwater housing devices, HD lenses and output cables, tripods / accessory packs and a Compact PictureStation photo printing kiosk. Remain tuned for a few hands-on action from the display floor.
Sony's
PMA 2010 lineup

Windows Phone Seven Series: which is the legal name

2010-02-13T12:27:00.001-08:00

Thus we tend to were simply casually strolling through Placa d'Espanya these days in
front from Fira de Barcelona -- better referred to currently because the legal positioning of MWC 2010 about that
returning week -- plus which we may gain now not facilitate less than notice that Microsoft's
digs at the Hotel Catalonia across the street had white stickers
obviously covering something significant under the Windows Phone
emblem that we might
seen a couple days ago. The consequent conversation went something
favor this:

Chris: Dude, I assume I find out something though to hand
underneath the sticker. I think it says "SEVEN" in every one caps.

Thomas (staring intently): No approach.

Chris: Yes, I am telling you, "SEVEN." It has
there!

Thomas: Fanboy. It's official, I'm covering MWC
allowing for an insane person... appearance like I'm bouncing back to Amsterdam.
Peace.

Smartly, turns out we were both wrong -- a little Photoshop magic
(okay, several Photoshop magic) unearths "7 Series" underneath the
decal, just waiting to be torn off once Monday's massive press event.
The "7" could be
certainly no wonder, but the "Series" a section of the current is cause
for a couple of last-minute speculation -- have a tendency to be we basically journeying to detect
consumer and professional breakouts of the platform as we might heard
rumored once or twice during the past? We'll be familiar with in fewer compared to two days.
Follow the break for the entire retouched symbol.

Hitachi, Panasonic plus Toshiba to deliver 60GHz wireless products in 2H 2010

2010-02-06T10:06:00.001-08:00

The year's 2010, nevertheless we're continue to
leering at the dusty pile from cables at the back our AV apparatus plus
puzzling over, "O UWB,
where art thou?" Smartly, the people at Tech-On be afflicted by gotten a
small update for us: Hitachi, Panasonic and Toshiba have a tendency to be reported
to be delivering products donning 60GHz wireless chips -- which sip
little juice less than churn out 7GHz of colossal bandwidth and 1.5Gbps
of information rate -- during the 2nd half of of the present year. Whereas not one of the
manufacturers are without delay pimping either WirelessHD or WiGig, it appears
which Hitachi and Panasonic are siding allowing for WiGig's additional
functionalities prefer media access management (MAC), and the final latter
additionally envisions "embedding the functionality back into portable gear" for
downloading digital content up of kiosks. Either approach, it has great to
find out a bunch of progress these -- we tend to carry out not need situations to
drag though to all or any more time, do we?

Lenovo introduces AMD-based IdeaPad G455A for China

2010-01-31T00:26:00.001-08:00

Lenovo already roll out a couple
AMD-based ThinkPads earlier about that month, plus it has currently additionally
expanded situations to its IdeaPad line allowing for its new G455A model, which
appearance to be exclusive to China currently now. Sliding in right higher than
Lenovo's netbook offerinabout thatthis one packs a 14-inch, 1,366 x 768
display, together togetallowing forwith a 2.1GHz AMD Athlon II M320 processor, ATI
Mobility Radeon HD 4550 graphics, 1GB from RAM, a 250GB troublesome drivplus
and Windows seven for an OS -- among alternative customary fare -- every one for a
price fromg of three,999 yuan, or slightly underneath $600. continue to no indfromation of
a unharness over heabout thatbut this appearanceooks to be out there in Chinacurrentlyight now.

AT&T's Samsung A797 pawned on Craigslist, definitely under the table

2009-09-02T07:08:00.005-07:00

If you're looking for a Palm Pre that's
made by Samsung, not running webOS, and AT&T branded... well,
bless your heart, because today's your lucky day. Craigslist (of
all places) has unveiled the first shots of what's said to be the
Sammy a797, a full-touch feature phone with a slide-out QWERTY
keyboard -- a form factor arguably popularized by Palm's baby. We
don't know a blasted thing about this phone other than what you see
here, but we do know that the lucky individual that
currently has it is pawning it for a bargain-basement price of
$115... which is probably a good deal less than AT&T will sell
it for, whenever it launches. Totally legit, right?

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Sprint's Samsung m850 Dash in the wild with sweet, action-packed motion blur

2009-09-02T07:08:00.003-07:00

We'd just seen the m850 Dash
earn its FCC wings earlier today, and now here it is again --
this time in living color. Though we don't know whether it'll
ultimately end up trading the Dash name we've heard so far for more
familiar Instinct
branding, it goes without saying that the new model is a spiritual
member of the Instinct family, taking the curvy industrial design
first seen in the s30 to another
level. We'll admit, it's pretty -- but as we've said before, it
remains to be seen how relevant a phone like this will ultimately
be in the face of Android-powered
models from Sammy on Sprint in the same price range.

[Thanks, Matt]

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung m850 Dash for Sprint finds itself flush with FCC approval

2009-08-15T04:49:00.001-07:00

That slick, shiny, Instinct-ish
m850 Dash that
first broke on invisibleSHIELD's site a few months back has
been refreshed to the forefront of our memory today thanks to the
good ol' boys and girls at the FCC. We can't really make anything
of the filing beyond the fact that it'll have EV-DO, Bluetooth, and
WiFi (nice), but we did find it interesting that the Samsung dude
working to get the phone approved specifically says "We'd
appreciated [sic] it if you would issue Grants ASAP," suggesting
that someone -- say, Sprint, for instance -- is in a rush to get
this puppy to market. With the s30 down below,
the business case for the Dash (or whatever the go-to-market name
ends up being) is a tricky one -- especially with an onslaught of
Android gear on the way from these guys -- but we imagine they'll
sell a few.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung Solstice for AT&T spotted on official site, coming in at $99.99 next week?

2009-07-29T14:29:00.003-07:00

Remember that midrange full-touch Samsung Infinity that was
rumored for AT&T a while back? It looks like the stars are
aligning for a model called the Solstice to be launching on the
carrier in the next few days -- and it looks (and sounds)
suspiciously like what we'd all expected out of the Infinity.
Basically, this looks to be Sammy's mainstream touch offering for
AT&T, with a relatively meager 2 megapixel cam, QVGA display,
dual-band 3G, and not a whole heck of a lot else. The good news is
that you should be getting a good deal in exchange for the light
spec sheet -- Boy Genius Report has the Solstice launching
this coming Sunday, August 2 for $99.99 on contract.
Coincidentally, Samsung's official product directory conspicuously
shows a Solstice off in the distance of its page banner, so yeah,
this thing is definitely happening one way or another -- only
question is whether we've got the specs, pricing, and launch date
all nailed.

Verizon Wireless and AT&T engage in legal fisticuffs over ad slogans

2009-07-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

Which North American wireless provider do you think is telling the
truth in its advertising? If you answered "none of 'em," you're
probably right, but that's not stopping Verizon Wireless from going
to court to uphold its commercial honor, having been called out by
AT&T earlier this month. VZW took the A train down to US
District Court in Manhattan asking that its slogans like "America's
Most Reliable 3G Network" be validated, claims AT&T earlier
said were false. We're not quite sure why 'ol Blue and White is
getting feisty, since it's had its fair share of
issues, but maybe this is just some attempt to make the two
look like they hate each other in public while exchanging sweet
nothings and
text messaging price hikes in private. All we know is this
isn't the first time carriers have battled over such claims,
and it sure won't be the last.

Samsung Link launches on Virgin Mobile Canada

2009-07-29T14:16:00.001-07:00

If you're
looking for EV-DO, go ahead and keep right on lookin' because
you're not going to find it here -- but otherwise, the Link offers
portrait QWERTY on the cheap alongside a 1.3 megapixel cam, microSD
slot, and stereo Bluetooth. If you like what you see, you can go
ahead and grab it now for CAD $99.99 (about $92) on prepaid or CAD
$29.99 (about $28) on a three-year deal. Sorry, Bell guys -- it's
coming soon. We think.

Samsung InstinctQ gets WiFi certification, but what is it?

2009-07-29T14:15:00.005-07:00

href="http://certifications.wi-fi.org/pdf_certificate.php?cid=WFA7606">
src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SnC7_e7qYyI/AAAAAAAAA7o/z6m7WgP0PYw/jpg17CD.png" />

Thought that the upcoming
m850 was the end of the road for the Instinct series on Sprint?
Apparently not, seeing how a so-called m900 "InstinctQ" just nabbed
WiFi certification. Other than the fact that it's a "phone, dual
mode," we can't make much of it -- but we do know that
North American Samsungs starting with "SPH" are destined for
Sprint, and the InstinctQ name certainly jibes with that.
Cellpassion intriguingly claims that it could be packing
Android, which would makes some amount of sense considering that
Samsung and Sprint are both getting into the Android game and the
Instinct line is considered one of Sprint's hero brands. We're
going to hold off on waving the green flag of Android victory until
we see some proof, but we're hopeful -- if not for our sake, than
for Sprint's. [Warning: PDF link]

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Oh, by the way: July 13, 2009

2009-07-29T14:15:00.003-07:00

src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SnC7-BJYxDI/AAAAAAAAA7k/WEJDJq3cclA/jpg17B8.png" />Here's
some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile
for Monday, July 13th, 2009:

Samsung has href="http://www.samsung.com/it/consumer/detail/support.do?group=mobilephone&type=mobilephone&subtype=infotainment&model_nm=GT-I8910%2FM8&disp_nm=Samsung%20Omnia%20HD&language=&cate_type=all&dType=D&mType=SW&vType=&prd_ia_cd=01010200&model_cd=GT-I8910DKAITV&menu=download">
released a new firmware for its i8910HD that enabled AAC audio
while recording HD video. The problem? Right now, only Italian
firmwares seem to be eligible for the update, which comes through
Samsung's PC Studio app.

Excellent music identification app Shazam is href="http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090713005515&newsLang=en">
now available on the BlackBerry Storm. And let's be honest,
Storm owners need all the entertainment they can get.

In France, the Samsung S5230 Player One has been href="http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mobifrance.com%2Fnews%2F2009-07-13%2Fid15016%2FSamsung-PLAYER-ONE-by-Zadig-Voltaire%2F">
re-released in Zadig & Voltaire livery; we've never heard
of 'em, but we bet it's a big, important fashion house
somewhere.

NuevaSync recently href="http://nuevasync.blogspot.com/2009/07/push-e-mail-is-here.html">
launched its interesting push email service, which simply uses
IMAP IDLE on the back end and Exchange ActiveSync to connect to
your device (because as push goes, more devices support EAS than
IMAP IDLE).

GSM / CDMA dual-band versions of the HTC href="http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/htc_snap_s510/index.shtml">
Snap and href="http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/htc_touchpro2_t7379/index.shtml">
Touch Pro2 have been confirmed for launch on Telus, though
dates and pricing haven't been given.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung Highlight comes to T-Mobile, we play with it

2009-07-29T14:15:00.001-07:00

href="http://www.t-mobile.com/">src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SnC792-oExI/AAAAAAAAA7g/HlWDxdZ-5is/jpg17B5.png" />

That rumored Highlight
for T-Mobile is now official, filling yet another niche segment in
Samsung's massive full-touch attack on the carrier -- an attack
that now includes the Behold, the Memoir, and
this bad boy. As you might have gathered from the appearance, this
one comes in at the bottom end of that range, but it really doesn't
slack on the spec sheet -- it's still managing to pack AWS HSDPA, a
3 megapixel camera, WQVGA display, quadband EDGE for world travel,
AGPS, and a full HTML browser. It's available in two colors today
-- fire and ice, which are basically orange and a black / cool blue
combo -- for $149.99 on contract after rebates.

We've been toying around with the Highlight this week in its "fire"
livery, and we've got to say: for its entry-level aspirations,
we're really impressed. The TouchWiz UI is plenty speedy, the
browser was about as good as you could expect a samsung dumbphone
browser to be, we had an easy time adapting to the landscape QWERTY
keyboard (and the numeric one, for that matter), and -- this is a
biggie -- the screen felt really good. Historically, some
of Sammy's full touch phones have had a reputation for having
really bendy plastic screen -- and yes, granted, this is clearly
still plastic, but it's thick and / or strong enough so that
there's virtually no give to it. That definitely makes you feel
more confident using the phone, and gives it a vaguely upmarket
appeal. Do we recommend it? If you're looking for a relatively
cheap way to get on T-Mobile's 3G network, yeah, absolutely, though
we might wait until they get their pricing strategy figured out --
it's clearly a lower-end device than the Behold and it needs to be
priced accordingly. If T-Mobile can manage to get it down to, say,
$79.99, it's an all-around winner.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung Exclaim hands-on

Confirmed: Samsung's SGH-T939 Behold2 for T-Mobile runs Android

2009-07-29T13:36:00.001-07:00

href="http://wap.samsungmobile.com/uaprof/SGH-T939.xml">border="0"
src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SnCysSCHULI/AAAAAAAAA7c/sujuS42gQXE/png1367.png" />

First we'd heard that the
InstinctQ for Sprint might be Android-based, but what other
Google-rife gear does Sammy have up its sleeves? That SGH-T939
Behold2
spotted in the WiFi Alliance's documents turns out to be
Android-equipped without question, seeing how its user agent
profile -- found on Samsung's own site -- lists its browser as
"Android Browser." Sure, we suppose they could get all cute on us
and name their random, featureless dumbphone browser "Android
Browser," but that trick would be mean beyond words -- and we're
further encouraged by the fact that the screen size is listed as
480 x 320, exactly the resolution that the doctor ordered for
Android action. There's no word on when this is coming, but it goes
without saying this'll find its way to T-Mobile since that's where
you get the original Behold;
unfortunately, the old model isn't too ancient yet, so we
wouldn't be surprised if we were in for a bit of a wait.

[ Via: engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

samsung Exclaim hands-on

Samsung Exclaim hands-on

2009-07-07T12:03:00.001-07:00

src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SlOb5LLFmZI/AAAAAAAAA60/dnaqFEIEOlo/jpg1CDB.png" />

At every price point, there are certain phones that are built like
tanks -- finely-tuned machines that were obviously designed and
built with a meticulous eye for detail. They don't always look
good, but they feel good -- and when you're talking about a device
that you're likely going to be holding, using, and typing on for
hours each and every day, "feels good" is a surprisingly important
checkbox to mark.

The Samsung
Exclaim doesn't fall into that category. At $79.99 on contract,
it's cheap, but it's not that cheap -- in the QWERTY
category, the Rant, Lotus, and Rumor 2 all
cost less and we're pretty sure we'd rather have any of them,
particularly the Lotus. Sprint Navigation works well (as it usually
does -- though we didn't like how the portrait softkeys were still
functional in landscape mode, so the bottom key confusingly
corresponded to the left function) and the Exclaim has one of the
loudest, best speakerphones we've heard, but it's doomed by its
whopping 17.8mm of girth, its cheap, bendy plastics, and the fact
that it lacks a rudimentary touchscreen for entering digits --
something that the similar LG Neon has (for
$50 less) and the Rant overcomes with a dedicated, fixed numeric
keypad. Yes, the Exclaim slides down to provide the functionality,
but it's an unnecessary mechanical burden that adds more thickness
than it's worth -- put simply, there are better ways of doing
this.

For what it's worth, the slide-out keyboard works quite well --
teens and twentysomethings will appreciate the dedicated text and
emoticon buttons, and the duplicated softkeys and directional keys
are helpful -- and 3G is a plus, but in the face of hot, cheap
competition from other models in Sprint's lineup (including some of
Samsung's own, ironically), the Exclaim is a definite pass.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

samsung Galaxy predictably coming to O2 UK

Samsung Galaxy predictably coming to O2 UK

2009-07-07T11:49:00.001-07:00

href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/o2-confirms-samsung-i7500-galaxy-android-phone-for-uk-613762">
src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SlOYwmibXbI/AAAAAAAAA6w/qsjQlsBIqoY/jpg1A83.png" />

It's
already being stocked by its German cousins, so it stands to
reason that O2's British outpost would be looking to carry the
mighty i7500 Galaxy from samsung as well. Indeed, TechRadar is
reporting that O2 UK has confirmed that the Android-powered OLED
beast is on the way in August, though pricing is yet to be reported
in any official capacity; for comparison's sake, O2 Germany is
offering it for €69.99 (about $98) on contract, so we can
certainly imagine the new launch coming somewhere in the same
range. Then again, we can also imagine it being completely free on
the right plan, in which case we're packing our bags and filing for
our visas.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung's 12 megapixel M8910 Pixon12 cellphone tries to make your camera obsolete

Samsung's 12 megapixel M8910 Pixon12 cellphone tries to make your camera obsolete

2009-06-28T02:19:00.001-07:00

href="http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_m8910_pixon12-review-367.php">
src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/Skc1uYEsb2I/AAAAAAAAA2M/zU1X7OfXPqc/jpg69A.png"
s 12 megapixel M8910 Pixion12 cellphone tries to make your camera obsolete" />

Yes, folks, that day you've been so eagerly awaiting is nearly
here. Soon you won't have to suffer the agony of pixel envy on your
cellphones thanks to Samsung's M8910 Pixon12 and its whopping 12
megapixel sensor, capturing light through a 28mm wide-angle lens
like that in the Nokia N86 (which
has a miserly eight megapixels on tap). Sammy's handset has been
put through its paces ahead of release, stacked up against the
likes of a Canon
A620 and a
350D SLR. The phone does quite well, producing images as good
or better than its compact competition, but we're not quite sure we
agree with the assessment that it "can reach the detail resolved by
a true DSLR" -- at least, not in this batch of images. We want to
believe, though, we really do; those SLRs are heavy, and we're not
a particularly strong bunch.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

samsung 's Omnia family hands-on, samsung Jet and Pixon 12 come along for the ride
samsung Jet packs an 800MHz processor, AMOLED display, featurephone OS

Samsung Omnia II now official: AMOLED touchscreen with TouchWiz 2.0 destined for Verizon

2009-06-17T08:30:00.003-07:00

href="http://www.samsungusanews.com/2009/06/combine-work-and-play-with-the-new-omnia-series/">
src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SjkMEUg9hvI/AAAAAAAAAgU/AdEqY8JmDB4/jpg863.png" />

Although not exactly the best kept secret (we first caught wind
last week), Samsung's Verizon-bound Omnia II / I8000 is now one
hundred percent official, along with
even more official US confirmations for the Omnia Pro B760
(Louvre) slider, Omnia Pro B7320 candybar, and the
Omnia Lite B7300. Specs for the Omnia II are just a little
different than what we previously heard: 3.7-inch AMOLED resistive
touchscreen with WVGA (480 x 800) resolution, EVDO Rev A, 5
megapixel camera, 720 x 480 at 30fps video recording, 2GB to 16GB
internal storage with microSD expansion slot, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi,
AGPS, and TouchWiz 2.0 UI. As for the Lite, we're looking at HSDPA,
WiFi, 3 megapixel camera, AGPS, and just as the name suggests, a
good likelihood it'll be overshadowed by its more feature-rich
brother.

Update: We can't say it's unexpected, but just to
be clear, Omnia II buyers shouldn't worry about living in the
past.href="http://tech.yahoo.com/news/zd/20090615/tc_zd/241388">Yahoo!
Tech reports its WinMo 6.1 underbelly will be later
upgradeable to 6.5.

[ Via: engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

samsung Beat DJ reviewed, not mistaken for a pill and swallowed

Samsung Jet packs an 800MHz processor, AMOLED display, featurephone OS

2009-06-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

href="http://www.samsungusanews.com/2009/06/samsung-jet-smarter-than-a-smartphone/">
src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u5TAp2mscMY/SjkMA19jOOI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/bi2OmbsddSI/jpg849.png" />

Samsung's busy launching a bunch of handsets across even more
timezones right now, and in addition to all the
Omnia updates, there's also the Jet, which is an interesting
hybrid: it's got an 800MHz processor, five megapixel camera,
3.1-inch AMOLED screen, WebKit-based Dolfin browser and a host of
media features including DivX support, but it's running TouchWiz
2.0, so it's not a proper smartphone. Yeah, it's weird, but we're
sort of into it -- we'll see what's it's like in person.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung's Omnia family hands-on, Samsung Jet and Pixon 12 come along for the ride

2009-06-17T08:16:00.003-07:00

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Samsung just pulled a bit of a "Samsung" and completely blew out
its Omnia lineup. We just got some face time with the new
Omnia II,
Omnia Pro,
Omnia Lite and the
Omnia-inspired Jet, along with the
Pixon 12 -- which runs the same in-house Samsung OS as the Jet,
but packs a 12 megapixel camera. It's hard not to notice the
stunning AMOLED screens on these phones, especially up against the
dull-by-comparison Omnia Lite with its petty LCD. Unfortunately,
while the build quality is good and the specs are certainly all
there, all the phones were fairly slow in regular operation. The
Jet and Pixon were passable (and the Jet certainly ought to be,
with an 800MHz "application processor"), but we can't imagine
anybody finding any pleasure in the molasses Windows Mobile 6.1
experiences on the Omnia trio. The Jet has a fun little 3D UI
"cube" gimmick, which involves the pointless spinning of a cube to
access different media apps, but most of what we saw was pretty
standard TouchWiz. We did like the speed of Pixon's camera, which
does a Pre-style trick of sending photo processing duties to the
background so you can snap another photo with little delay in
between -- it's also pretty good at auto focus and color accuracy
for a phone, but we won't be trading in our regular point and shoot
in the near term. None of the phones we looked at had network
access, so we weren't able to test out the WebKit browsers, but it
sounds like a major win for the Jet and Pixon. Let's just work on
that Omnia responsiveness a bit, yeah Samsung? Perhaps Windows
Mobile 6.5 (the Omnia II and Omnia Pro are 6.5-ready) will
help.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung Beat DJ reviewed, not mistaken for a pill and swallowed

2009-06-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

href="http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_m7600_beat_dj-review-360.php">
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The most interesting non-smartphone news to come out of MWC this year
from Samsung may have been the announcement of the Beat DJ, the
wild-looking oval of a phone filled to the brim with advanced music
and mixing capabilities, an AMOLED display, and DivX / Xvid
support. The handset's been on sale for a little while now (not in
North America, naturally, but in more phone-friendly parts of the
globe) and GSMArena has put it through a battery of tests
and torturous studio photography sessions for us all to enjoy. If
you're worried that the shape of the Beat DJ detracts from its
usability, that's the very first thing the site clears up -- the
reviewer says that it's actually quite comfortable and usable in
the hand despite the bulbous ends. We were disappointed to hear
that the TouchWiz interface lagged out from time to time and
there's no QWERTY keyboard available -- a major faux-pas for a full
touchscreen phone -- and while the mixing interface looks cool, it
turns out to be basically unusable in practice because it's too
slow and choppy. Last thing you want to do is piss off a crowd full
of moderately drunk revelers who've invited you to plug into their
PA system and mix some beats by laying down some mega-lame
"scratches," so it seems that the concept might be more of a
novelty than a practical solution until they drop a faster
processor in there.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Samsung t349 to continue 20-key tradition on T-Mobile?

2009-04-28T09:03:00.005-07:00

Strangely, Samsung has somehow developed a bit of a niche reputation for rolling out SureType-esque 20-key devices on T-Mobile USA, going back to the t719 flip -- and more recently, the t729 slider. It's an odd claim to fame, but it's a relationship they're apparently looking to continue with the upcoming introduction of the t349 candybar if a freshly-leaked doc is to be believed. This would mark the third form factor in as many handsets for the 20-key Sammy meme on T-Mob, but don't expect any amazing specs to commemorate the occasion -- it looks like we can expect a 1.3 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, and an utter lack of 3G data, so yeah, "entry level" is an appropriate phrase here. Anyhow, Boy Genius Report has May 20 pegged for launch, so if you're looking for something between a numeric keypad and full QWERTY on your cheap texting phone -- aren't we all? -- circle that date on the calendar.

[ Via: Engadgetmobile ]

[ Tag: ]

Sony's Cyber-shot T900, T90, W290, W230 and H20 do the thinking for you

2009-02-17T18:35:00.001-08:00

It's official, folks -- PMA is on. Er, almost on. At any rate, it's on enough for Sony, FujiFilm and Samsung to dole out a smattering of new cams today in their respective lineups. Today, Sony is introducing five new Cyber-shot models, all of which seek to remove the burden of taking the perfect picture from you. The DSC-T900, DSC-T90, DSC-W290 and DSC-H20 all feature an intelligent auto mode, which automatically detects scene conditions and adjusts settings to best take advantage of the situation. The whole April-bound lot sports Optical SteadyShot and Smile Sutter, while the W290, H20, T90 and T900 all feature 720p movie recording at 30fps. Here's a rundown of the specs for each:

DSC-W230: 12.1 megapixels, 4x (30mm) Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD; available in silver, black, blue and red for about $200.
DSC-W290: 12.1 megapixels, 5x (28mm) Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD; available in silver, black, blue and bronze for $250
DSC-T90: 12.1 megapixels, 4x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom, 3-inch touchscreen LCD; available in silver, black, pink, blue and brown for $300
DSC-T900: 12.1 megapixels, 4x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom, 3.5-inch Xtra Fine touchscreen LCD; available in silver, black, red and bronze for $380
DSC-H20: 10.1 megapixels, 10x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar optical zoom, 3-inch LCD; available in black for about $280

[ Via: Engadget ]

[ Tag: cyber-shot, DSC-H20, DSC-T90, DSC-T900, DSC-W230, DSC-W290, H20, INTELLIGENT AUTO TECHNOLOGY, IntelligentAutoTechnology, sony, T90, T900, W290 ]

AT&T pays out $8.2 million settlement over school E- rate program

Samsung expands SL camera lineup: SL820, SL620, SL202 and SL30

2009-02-17T07:21:00.001-08:00

It was but merely a month ago that Samsung introduced two new ones in its blossoming SL series, and now the company's shooting out four more in the run-up to PMA. Kicking things off are the SL820 (pictured) and SL620, two 12.2 megapixel shooters which sport three-inch LCD monitors and a 5x optical zoom. With the former, users are presented with a 28mm wide angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. The pair also touts Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, while the SL820 steps it up with 720p video recording (compared to the SL620's VGA mode) and HDMI connectivity. Moving on, we've got the SL202 and SL30, which both arrive with 10 megapixel sensors and a 3x optical zoom. Beyond that, everything's about as plain as it gets, so we'll just skip right to the prices while hosting up the full release after the break. The May-bound SL820 will go for $279.99, while the March-bound SL620, SL202 and SL30 will sticker for $199.99, $149.99 and $99.99, respectively.
SAMSUNG EXTENDS POPULAR SL-SERIES WITH FOUR NEW MODELS
Four New Digital Cameras Elevate Stature of SL-Series with High-Performance Features
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – February 17, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America today extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of four new models, comprising two 12.2 mega-pixel and two 10 mega-pixel digital cameras. Stylish and advanced, the new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.
The SL820 and SL620
Samsung's new 12.2 mega-pixel SL820 and SL620 offer users large three inch LCD screens and powerful 5x optical zooms. With the SL820, users have access to a 28mm wide angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. Both the SL820 and SL620 are paired with Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. Shooters have the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for well lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.
A first for Samsung's SL-Series, the new SL820 offers consumers high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity, allowing the camera to be connected to an HDTV through a cradle for reviewing footage and photos. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL620 offers users advanced MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640x480. For added versatility, with both the SL820 and SL620, consumers can use the cameras' 5x optical zooms and Optical Image Stabilization while recording video.
The new SL820 and SL620 offer an array of automatic controls, including Samsung's Smart Auto mode. When selected, Smart Auto will automatically choose from one of the cameras' 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, if the user is taking a photo of a mountain range, Smart Auto will automatically select the Landscape scene mode. If the user then proceeds to take photo of an individual, Smart Auto will switch to the Portrait scene mode - no manual interaction is required.
In addition to Smart Auto, the SL820 and SL620 also feature Samsung's proprietary Smart Album program. In addition to Smart Auto, the SL202 features Samsung's Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card. Smart Album automatically organizes the user's digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on specific criteria. Users can quickly sort by the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, as well as whether they're searching for portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos.
Other automatic features found on the SL820 and SL620 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot. Designed to help capture better portraits and group shots of family and friends, Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the SL820 and SL620 to take a photo only when a smile is detected on the subjects' faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire two consecutive shots if a subject's eyes are closed. Beauty Shot is a unique functionality which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes.
The SL202 and SL30
Ideally suited for families and entry-level shooters looking for an easy-to-use digital camera, the 10 mega-pixel SL202 and SL30 present users with a range of features that will help them effortlessly capture digital images without having to worry about becoming entrenched in technical specifications or terminology. The SL202 and SL30 offer consumers a quality Samsung lens with a 3x optical zoom, as well as Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blurry images.
The SL202 boasts a stylish, compact design which is accentuated by an elegant, brushed metal finish. Powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, the SL202 gives users the ability to record high quality MJPEG video at VGA resolution with a frame rate of 30fps. The video, along with photos, can be reviewed on the SL202's 2.7 inch LCD screen. Furthermore, the camera's advanced movie mode will allow users to pause and then resume recording video without having to save the clips as individual files.
When it comes to snapping digital images, the new SL202 does a bulk of the work for the user thanks to a host of advanced automatic features, including Samsung's new Smart Auto mode and Smart Album program. Other automatic controls found on the SL202 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot.
For added convenience, the SL30 is powered by easily available, AA alkaline batteries, assuring end-users that they can find a replaceable power source no matter where they may be. Like the SL202, the SL30 also offers users MJPEG, VGA video recording, Face Detection, which detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure, as well as Beauty Shot, which automatically enhances subjects' skin tones. Photos and videos can be reviewed on the camera's 2.5 inch LCD screen.

[ Via: Engadget ]

[ Tag: 720p, digicam, point and shoot, point-and-shoot, PointAndShoot, samsung, sl, sl-series, SL202, SL30, SL620, SL820 ]

Canon's CES 2009 VIXIA camcorder lineup gets priced and dated

2009-02-10T09:31:00.001-08:00

Like most everyone else at CES, Canon failed to disclose pricing and availability for its 11 new VIXIA camcorders. Now, however, CamcorderInfo has the details you've been craving, and the good news is that most of the models should be on store shelves before April draws to a close. The flagship HF S10 will ring up at $1,299 in early March, while the low-end ZR960 will sport a $249.99 sticker and an early April ship date. For everything in between, give the read link a look.

[ Via: GadgetReview ]

[ Tag: camcorder, canon, DIGIC DV III, DigicDvIii, flash camcorder, FlashCamcorder, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, HDV, HF S10, HF S100, HF20, HF200, HfS10, HfS100, HV40, price, prices, pricing, vixia, VIXIA HF S10, VIXIA HF S100, VixiaHfS10, VixiaHfS100 ]

Panasonic's HDC-HS300 HD camcorder reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed

2009-02-08T05:48:00.001-08:00

Panasonic's HDC-HS300 was unleashed amidst a flurry of other camcorders at CES this year, but according to Trusted Reviews, it won't be hiding under the shadows of everyone else for long. Rather than bogging you down with details, we'll just get right to the punch -- critics didn't hesitate to suggest that this "could well be the best [consumer] camcorder released all year." The most important aspect (yes, we're talking about image quality) was said to be "nothing short of stunning in virtually all conditions," and low light performance was deemed "particularly amazing." There were plenty of outputs, a swank touchscreen LCD and a very impressive cross-shaped array of microphones that could record 5.1 audio. Add all that up, and you've got a real winner; in fact, these guys suggested that even Canon's stellar line of VIXIA camcorders should watch closely, 'cause the HS300 is stepping all up in that rarefied air.

[ Via: Engadget ]

[ Tag: ]

Smartphones offer hope in declining cell phone biz

Nikon unveils Fabre Photo EX DSLR-based stereoscopic microscope

2009-02-04T17:37:00.001-08:00

Sure, we've seen homebrew digital microscopes built out of old webcams and proper digital 'scopes with USB interfaces, but if you're really serious about your closeups, Nikon's new Fabre Photo EX system is probably calling your name. The stereoscopic microscope can be fitted to a Nikon DSLR back to capture images, with max magnification based on sensor size and crop factor -- FX backs will yield 20x zoom, while a DX back will let you keep tabs on your favorite c. elegans at 45x. Various attachments can boost that up to 66x, and there's even an adapter that'll let you mount various Coolpix compacts to the system -- although we doubt that'll look nearly as imposing on your lab bench. Mad scientists can order as of February 20th, provided they're in Japan and have an extra ?108,150 ($1214) for the microscope and ?37,800 ($424) for the DSLR mount handy. On more pic after the break.

[ Via: Slashgear ]

[ Tag: fabre, fabre photo, fabre photo ex, FabrePhoto, FabrePhotoEx, microscope, NAS-L1, nikon ]

Fuji expands A-series with A150 and A100 boringcams

Fuji expands A-series with A150 and A100 boringcams

2009-02-04T11:06:00.001-08:00

Although we're expecting big things from FujiFilm's Super CCD EXR-packing F200, we can't say we're nearly as intrigued with the two new A-series compacts the company also saw fit to release this morning. The A100 and A150 are pretty much the basic kit you've come to expect at the bottom end of things: both have 10 megapixel sensors with ISO 1600 sensitivity, 3x optical zooms with image stabilization, face detection, QVGA video recording, and a bunch of scene modes that shouldn't be too hard to completely ignore. The only difference between the two are the screen sizes -- the A100 does it at 2.7 inches, while the A150 sports a three-inch screen. No word on pricing, but we'd guess cheap.

[ Via: Engadget ]

[ Tag: a-series, a100, a150, fuji, fujifilm ]

Verizon axing Test Drive, making New Every Two program less awesome

Pentax Optio E70L plays 'spot the difference' with E70, loses

2009-02-02T19:01:00.001-08:00

If the 10 megapixel Optio E70 was just a wee bit off from what you wanted, Pentax has introduced the E70L, a camera whose differences with its predecessor are astoundingly minimal. That added 'L' gives you an extra 0.1 megapixel, a tighter ISO range (80-6400 versus 64-6400), a more square body, a slightly varied button layout, and a less colorful exterior. Both still sport the 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, shake reduction, face recognition, smile detection, and a hunger for AA batteries. Look for this one next month for about ?100 ($142).

[ Via: Engadget Spanish ]

[ Tag: e70l, optio, optio e70l, OptioE70l, pentax, pentax optio, pentax optio e70l, PentaxOptio, PentaxOptioE70l ]

Samsung to release 12 megapixels of cameraphone foolishness this month?

Samsung to release 12 megapixels of cameraphone foolishness this month?

2009-02-02T05:50:00.001-08:00

It's been a few years since Samsung unleashed its 10 megapixel cameraphone onto the world. Now we're hearing that Samsung will push the limits of absurdity to a full 12 megapixels "this month," likely at Mobile World Congress. The phone is expected to hit the production lines in February with a European debut shortly thereafter. No details are provided other than the picture above used (but not attributed) by Unwired View. If this is the unannounced phone then we can obviously expect GPS geotagging, DivX video capture, and WiFi with DLNA support. One thing is clear: Samsung thinks that Europeans are pixel braggarts with little concern for image quality.
Update: Nope, that image is just a Photoshop of an 8 megapixel Innov8 -- still, we wouldn't be surprised to see the same feature set and industrial design in a 12 megapixel handset.

[ Via: Engadget ]

[ Tag: 12 megapixel, 12Megapixel, cameraphone, divx, geotagging, mwc, mwc 2009, Mwc2009, rumor, samsung, wifi ]

Tests show ups and downs of Four Thirds cameras

2009-01-30T10:42:00.001-08:00

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: ]

GigaPan Epic imager released, your party photos will never be the same

2009-01-30T09:53:00.001-08:00

You may have heard about that absolutely giant (1,474 megapixel) photo taken of the Inauguration using a Canon G10 and a GigaPan Imager. Well, today the company's launched the GigaPan Epic for commercial sale. It works with most point-and-shoots, and composes a single photograph from 220 shots. A robotic mount attached to the camera automates the process of taking all of those images, so you don't need to worry about missing any of the details. The GigaPan Epic is available now for $379, and a GigaPan Epic 100 for larger point-and-shoot models is expected "soon." Full PR after the break.
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

2009-01-23T08:40:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-21T18:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-21T09:23:00.001-08:00

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: ]

Why Obama's cell phone calls will always go through

Canon retires PowerShot A470, replaces with A480

2009-01-15T18:39:00.001-08:00

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

Nikon D3x reviewed: unmatched image quality, steep price tag

2009-01-15T17:27:00.001-08:00

While all of the Nikon D3x previews from December largely heaped praise on the camera, Thomas Hogan's recent review is decidedly more evenhanded. Though lauded for what he calls the best image quality of any DSLR on the market, its $8000 price tag receives some harsh criticism. Compared to its D3 predecessor, he says you're paying a $3600 premium for what is essentially just twice the pixel count (12.1 megapixels vs. 24.4). If you're the kind of person who needs the higher resolution, this is the camera for you. For everyone else, it might be worth a pass. Hit up the read link for an exhaustive analysis.

[ Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras ]
[ Tag: d3x, dslr, nikon, nikon d3x, nikon d3x review, NikonD3x, NikonD3xReview, review, reviews ]

AMD announces ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4000 series graphics chips

Sony's DCR-DVD850 and DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycams: perfect for the anti-edit crowd

2009-01-08T04:20:00.003-08:00

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

2009-01-08T04:20:00.001-08:00

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

Sony shows off GPS packing 1080p camcorders

2009-01-08T03:56:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-06T00:33:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-06T00:30:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-05T10:51:00.001-08:00

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 ]

Bureaucratic drama: India wants to double 3G license prices

Kodak's rugged Zx1 handheld camcorder does 720p in the jungle

2009-01-04T23:00:00.003-08:00

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

2009-01-04T23:00:00.001-08:00

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.

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: ces, ces 2009, Ces2009, EasyShare, EasyShare m830, EasyshareM830, flash memory, FlashMemory, kodak, M380, megazoom, memory card, MemoryCard, SDHC, ultrazoom, Z980 ]

O2 sees a record 166 million text messages fly during New Year's celebration

How would you change Canon's EOS 5D Mark II?

2009-01-02T21:42:00.001-08:00

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 ]

iriver's Framee-M digiframe: only tolerable for Mickey enthusiasts

2008-12-29T07:49:00.001-08:00

Man, it's amazing the difference a single letter makes. Take the Framee-L, for example -- a stately, classically styled digital photo frame that would do practically any coffee table proud. Now have a gander at the almost frightening Framee-M (above). iriver has evidently coerced Disney to afford it the luxury of producing this here digiframe, which -- sad to say -- looks downright shoddy from here. The unit will be made available in both Mickey and Minnie flavors, with each housing 1GB of internal storage space, a 3.5-inch 320 x 240 resolution display, SDHC expansion slot, a built-in clock and a multimedia player for good measure. It's taking Japan by storm as we speak for ?9,999 ($111).
[Via: DAPReview ][Tag: digiframe, digital photo frame, DigitalPhotoFrame, Disney, Framee-M, iriver, Japan, photo frame, PhotoFrame ]

Canon EOS 5D Mark II review roundup

2008-12-20T20:46:00.001-08:00

This one's been a long time coming, but we wanted to make absolutely sure you had quite enough reading material to make the most informed decision on this incredibly expensive (albeit quite valuable, as you'll soon find out) DSLR. Reviews the web over shout practically the same thing: the EOS 5D Mark II is astounding. In most every important area, the device simply excelled. Image quality was remarkable, the 1080p video capture was stellar (though the lack of Auto Focus was a legitimate knock against it) and low-light performance was simply awesome. Hailed as a respectable upgrade from the original 5D, it was found to strike "a great balance between resolution, quality and performance," and most outlets found it worthwhile even if you're not interested in capturing video. Frankly, we can't even begin to scratch the surface of all the nuances here, but we'll certainly point you in the right directions to get all the knowledge you need.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: 5d, 5D Mark II, 5dMarkIi, camera, canon, DSLR, EOS 5d Mark II, Eos5dMarkIi, review, review roundup, reviewed, ReviewRoundup ]

Canon acknowledges, doesn't fix black dot and band problems on 5D Mark II

2008-12-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

It's been released, unboxed, and adored by many. But, like other eagerly anticipated bodies from Canon, the 5D Mark II hasn't been entirely trouble-free for the early adopters. The company is at least stepping forward and confirming that the new model's two most commonly reported problems do indeed exist -- but isn't going so far as to fix them just yet. The first issue is called the "Black dot" phenomenon, where bright point light sources (like streetlights at a distance) result in a grouping of dark pixels immediately to their right, as seen above. The second issue is ugly vertical banding, apparently appearing only in sRAW1 mode. Canon has no advice on the first problem, but says you can avoid the other one simply by not shooting in sRAW1. Surely millions of photogs are wondering why they didn't think of that.
[Via: Digital Photography Review ][Tag: 5d mark ii, 5dMarkIi, banding, black dot, BlackDot, canon, canon eos 5d mark ii, CanonEos5dMarkIi, dslr, eos 5d mark ii, Eos5dMarkIi, mark ii, MarkIi, problem ]

Polaroid files for chapter 11 bankruptcy, again

2008-12-19T20:46:00.001-08:00

Polaroid may have defeated Kodak in the instant camera business, but it can't beat a sagging economy. Polaroid (or Polaroid Corp to be precise) just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in 7 years. Of course, the new Polaroid Corporation is really just a holding company for the Polaroid name -- a brand that has been thoroughly diluted by its application to sub-standard TVs, vile portable DVD players, and gimmicky PoGo digital cameras. Polaroid says, "We expect to continue our operations as normal during the reorganization and are planning for new product launches in 2009." That a threat?

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: bankruptcy, chapter 11, Chapter11, polaroid ]

Pentax K2000 to come in Limited Edition black-and-white cookie style

2008-12-16T18:38:00.001-08:00

Pentax's K2000's already gotten itself some... shall we say "glowing" reviews, but news that the DSLR will now come in a Limited Edition white is like icing on a super delicious cake. The camera will be exactly the same as its old-fangled black predecessor, and will come with custom white-and-black 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses. Considering the real lack of color in the DSLR category, some people should be pretty stoked when it goes on sale in February. An exact price wasn't released, but the black K2000 runs about $800.
[Via: CNET ][Tag: dslr, k2000, limited edition, LimitedEdition, pentax ]

Dell Inspiron Mini 12 gets more netbook-y with Ubuntu, XP options

2008-12-16T17:54:00.003-08:00

Dell's Inspiron Mini 12 was already blurring the lines between netbooks and traditional laptop when it was shipping with Vista and Vista only, but it looks like Dell is intent on breaking down the walls between the two categories, with it now offering both Ubuntu and Windows XP on the, er... system. Expectedly, there's no changes to be found on the hardware side of things, and you can get either of the new operating systems installed on both the 1.33GHz and 1.6GHz models, the former of which now starts at $499 with Ubuntu pre-installed. And, yes, you can still get Vista if you like -- at no extra cost, no less.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: dell, dell mini 12, DellMini12, inspiron mini 12, InspironMini12, mini 12, Mini12, ubuntu, windows xp, WindowsXp, xp ]

Pine-scented ASUS F6V laptop gets unboxed, smelled

2008-12-16T17:54:00.001-08:00

We're not ones to just abruptly stick our nostrils in someone's business, but we couldn't help but drift over when waltzing by PC Authority's most recent unboxing. The smell we caught was of pine, and given that it's a pine-scented ASUS F6V that's being unwrapped, we suppose that all adds up. On the real, testers took note of an "unmistakable wafting scent of a pine forest, floating on the summer breeze and carrying away their troubles" as they cracked the seal on the carefree machine. For those curious, the scent was far from overbearing, though it was strong enough to separate itself from, um, non-smelly alternatives. Sadly, critics also mentioned that the odor had "almost entirely disappeared" after it had sat out in the open for a few hours, and at last check, there's no way to recharge or refill these things. Ah well, pack a few Christmas Tree Air Fresheners™ and you'll never know the difference.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: ASUS, f6v, fragrance, FV6, odor, pine, scent, smell, unbox, unboxed ]

LightSpeed binoculars transmit video and audio via Infrared

2008-12-16T08:48:00.001-08:00

It's not often that tremendous advancements are made in the realm of binoculars, but these LightSpeed specs are something special. Aimed primarily at military / surveillance uses, this device is able to transmit video and audio via Infrared, theoretically enabling rooftop spies on opposite buildings to communicate. Furthermore, this method of communication is undetectable and untraceable. No mention of just how expensive these are, but suffice it to say, you aren't apt to see these on shelves of Toys R Us and the like.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: binoculars, Infrared, Infrared LED, InfraredLed, LED, LightSpeed, military, spies, spy, Volfson ]

Sony's SR1 High Definition Cameras Can't Hack It In Microgravity [Cameras]

2008-12-15T06:16:00.001-08:00

Matt, the guy who literally jigged his way around the world, discovered the hard way that space tourists will be unable to lug Sony SR1 HD cameras into orbit because microgravity won't let them. Poor Matt found out the hard way. After plunking down $3,500 for a ticket on a Zero G vomit comet plane ride, he tried to film his low gravity jig no less than 15 times before giving up. The brand new camera camera just would not record. Why? Well, it had nothing to do with the cameraman and everything to do with zero gravity (actually, microgravity). Because an object in microgravity is actually falling towards the Earth, the camera's hard drive drop-protection kept kicking in, rendering the expensive device useless. The solution was to buy another ticket and another HD camera, this time with a flash drive. The result is below at around the 3:50 mark (alternatively, you can head to YouTube and watch the entire video again in HD—it's better that way).
Now, obviously, NASA astronauts and probes have HD cameras that work just fine in orbit around the Earth and elsewhere in the solar system, so this little anecdote is meant more for the uber rich space tourists. Leave your non-flash camera rigs at home. [Pogue]

[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ][Tag: ]

Kairen's DF24B: the tiny digital frame for your tiny digital photos

2008-12-15T05:53:00.001-08:00

If you're the sort who laughs at those DSLR-lugging amateurs, deriding their attempts to stay current as the megapixel wars rage on, this may be the digital photo frame for you. It's called the DF24B from Kairen, and is the perfect way to show off those crummy, pixelated shots accumulating on your flip-phone with its vertically-oriented (like most mobile pics) 2.4-inch, 320 x 240 LCD and 2MB of internal storage. Yes, that's megabytes, enough to store 27 thoroughly compressed images according to the manufacturer. Why it has any storage at all is a bit of a mystery, though, since the thing requires a USB connection for power, meaning it might as well just suck those photos straight from your hard drive (unless you're rocking a dedicated USB charger). No formal price has been set, but it's expected to release this month for around ?6,800, or about $75. That puts it about $5 shy of MIMO's 7-inch mini-display, which is a much smarter buy -- unless you're afraid to blow those pics up any larger.
[Via: Impress ][Tag: DF24B, digital photo frame, DigitalPhotoFrame, frame, kairen, kairen df24b, KairenDf24b, mini frame, MiniFrame, photo frame, PhotoFrame, usb ]

Scallop Imaging wide-angle security cams look to the sea for inspiration

2008-12-15T05:49:00.001-08:00

We're not too sure what's up with New England-based institutions and inspiration from the depths, but the two seem to have some kind of intrinsic connection. The latest company to prove such a wacky assertion true is Boston's own Scallop Imaging, a Tenebraex subsidiary that has developed a "low-cost" security camera that sees 180 degrees of view without fisheye distortion or the lag present in pan-and-tilt alternatives. Additionally, the multi-eyed cam automatically stitches and downsamples images, and can capture a new 7-megapixel still to transmit over Ethernet "every second or two." It's small enough to be placed into a light socket-sized hole, and it's powered by the same Ethernet cable that links it into a building's surveillance system. Of course, the fun won't stop there, as the outfit is already looking at automotive applications of the Digital Window, including "distortion-free backup cameras for the rear ends" of vehicles.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: boston, cctv, Digital Window, DigitalWindow, Imaging, Scallop, Scallop Imaging, ScallopImaging, security, security camera, security cameras, SecurityCamera, SecurityCameras, sensor, sensors, surveillance, Tenebraex ]

JVC's new Everio camcorders feature HDD and microSDHC recording, YouTube

2008-12-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

It looks like JVC has added a pair of dual hard drive / microSDHC cameras to its Everio lineup. Currently available in Japan, both the GZ-MG840 (60GB) and GZ-MG860 (120GB) count among their features 720 x 480 wide format image capture, 42x optical zoom, image stabilization and the seemingly ubiquitous YouTube mode. Shooting at DVD quality, the 120GB model can hold over 28 hours of MPEG-2 footage, or just shy of 2 hours on an 8GB microSDHC card. Available in blue, red, or silver, the cameras are not yet slated for Stateside release, but the GZ-MG880 has been seen going for ?75,000 ($816), while the GZ-MG840 can be yours for about ?70,000 ($761).

[Via: Electronista ][Tag: camcorder, gz-mg840, gz-mg880, jvc, JVC GZ-MG840, JVC GZ-MG880, JvcGz-mg840, JvcGz-mg880, microsdhc ]

Olympus Mju Tough cameras are tougher, mjuier

2008-12-10T08:56:00.003-08:00

If you need a pocketable digi-cam that works in all the extremes you do -- from the aquatic expanse of water jogging class to the frigid wastelands at the ski lodge's heated terrace -- you traditionally haven't had many choices. Olympus is the biggest player with its SW series of non-flimsy Mju cameras (µ if you dig special chars), and is now extending and re-branding that line to reinforce its durable nature, completely dropping "SW" and instead going for the rather more apt label of "Tough," as in Mju Tough and Stylus Tough (monikers already applied to the lineup elsewhere on this hostile planet). The series will include options at varying levels of durability, with the lightweight ones handling shock and submersion, and the more hardcore models adding the ability to work in freezing temperatures and survive some crushing action. They sound perfect for capturing your next expedition to the park on a cold, rainy day, but sadly there's no mention of improving the one aspect that's been lacking in these cameras: picture quality. We'll see how well they fare in that department when the new models drop in January.
[Via: PhotographyBLOG ][Tag: mju, olympus, olympus mju, olympus sw, olympus tough, OlympusMju, OlympusSw, OlympusTough, sw, tough ]

Nexto ND-2725 video backup: has Sean Penn met his match?

2008-12-10T08:56:00.001-08:00

It looks like NextoDI is back with another storage device aimed at the hot-to-trot paparazzi set. Like the last offering we saw from the company, the ND-2725 sports a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive (up to 200GB) and supports just about every other memory card out there. Additionally, data can be backed up via USB and FireWire, including SxS and P2 cards from Sony and Panasonic camcorders, respectively. The company bills this guy as the "world's fastest backup device," and while we wonder about that, at a max speed of 32MB/s, it's certainly no slouch. Besides, you can't put a premium on data integrity -- you wouldn't want a loused backup to come between you and all those National Enquirer greenbacks, would you?
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: esata, image storage, ImageStorage, nd-2725, nexto, nexto nd-2725, nextodi, NextoNd-2725, sata, storage, video storage, VideoStorage ]

JingPeng E1181 shoddyphone harbors totally excellent detachable spy camera

2008-12-09T18:41:00.003-08:00

We don't want to judge a book by its cover, but JingPeng's China-bound E1181 doesn't really scream quality. Still, there's some pretty great stuff here, like a 3-inch stylus-based touchscreen, number buttons, and an incredibly great detachable wireless digital camera. The 2 megapixel spy cam can transmit a continuous stream of images to the phone over some unspecified RF technology from up to 30 feet away, and hooks back into the phone for charging. Espionage opportunities abound, and we think it goes without saying that we want every single phone on earth to harbor such detachable wonderment.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: detachable camera, DetachableCamera, e1181, jingpeng, spy, spy camera, SpyCamera, wireless camera, WirelessCamera ]

eStarling's ImpactV digiframe does video, WiFi, handstands

2008-12-09T18:41:00.001-08:00

It usually takes a lot to get us stoked on a digiframe -- after all, there are so many, and they all pretty much do the exact same thing. That said, the new ImpactV from eStarling doesn't seem so shabby. Of course, we've seen some of these features on prior models (such as an 8-inch display, WiFi, the ability to email pictures to the frame, photo scheduling, and RSS feeds), but DVD quality video playback (up to 4 minutes), a custom iPhone app, Photobucket and YouTube search, and Facebook support are all very interesting. Retailing for $199, the PR we received may be stretching things a bit when they call it "an exciting evolution in furniture," but that's OK. They've probably never seen the RoboStool.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: digiframe, digital photo frame, digital picture frame, DigitalPhotoFrame, DigitalPictureFrame, estarling, furniture, ImpactV, wifi, wifi frame, WifiFrame ]

Adapter weds Leica lenses to Micro Four Thirds cameras -- for real, Heidi

2008-12-09T08:12:00.001-08:00

The German outfit Novoflex has just announced an adapter that will allow you to mount Leica lenses onto your Micro Four Thirds system cameras. Due out this month at €149 (about $193), the mount is one in a planned series, with adapters for Leica R, Nikon, Contax / Yashica, Olympus OM, Pentax and Minolta MD lenses expected in February. Of course, the only MFT camera out there is Panasonic's Lumix G1, but with a new Olympus on the horizon and more sure to follow, this is certainly good news for all of you budget-conscious photographers out there.
[Via: Wired ][Tag: Contax, Leica, Lumix G1, LumixG1, micro four thirds, MicroFourThirds, Minolta, nikon, Novoflex, Olympus, yashica ]

Blurry pics of T-Mobile branded Samsung "Memoir" cameraphone emerge

2008-12-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

We love nothing better than a good blurry photo around here to add a little dose of vague confusion to the rumor mill. These two artistically hazy snaps are purported to be of a US-bound T-Mobile Samsung Behold-style phone with an 8-megapixel camera. Tmo News is also reporting that it's going to run on Touchwiz, the same UI as the Behold, and that it's called the Memoir. We don't have any other details for now, but we'll let you know as soon as we see a fuzzy scan of a semi-redacted press release.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: 8 megapixel, 8Megapixel, behold, cameraphone, leak, leaked photos, LeakedPhotos, memoir, rumor, samsung, tmobile ]

Hands-on shots of Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder

2008-12-09T08:02:00.001-08:00

Creative's recently unleashed Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder isn't dramatically different (design wise, anyway) than its predecessor, but it's obviously what's tucked inside that counts. Still, we have to admire the subtle but meaningful updates that Creative has applied here, and while beauty will strike everyone differently, we personally like the direction the Vado HD has taken. For a few more looks, saunter on down to the read link.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: 720p, 720p camcorder, 720pCamcorder, camcorder, creative, flip, flip video, FlipVideo, hands-on, pocket camcorder, PocketCamcorder, vado, vado hd, VadoHd ]

Nikon D3x DSLR preview roundup

2008-12-06T07:28:00.001-08:00

You've heard the rumours and the tales of hacked firmware, and you've seen the glamor shots -- and now that the Nikon D3x has hit the streets, we've got some significant previewage for you to check out. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive -- as you would expect from a 24.5-megapixel, $8,000 camera. Trusted Reviews was impressed not only by the quality of the pictures and the bright, clear viewfinder, but by the overall build of the camera as well, stating that it felt "extremely well-balanced in the hand even with heavy lenses. And ... the D3x's controls were surprisingly easy to operate and use, with everything laid out very intuitively." CNET pointed out that the camera "shares similar dimensions with its sibling, the D3, so this means accessories produced for the latter can be used on the new camera." One omission that the review pointed out was the Nikon's inability to capture 1080p full HD video, making Canon's EOS 5D Mark II your only option if that's what you're after. But don't take our word for it -- check out the reviews below for more info.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: d3x, dslr, nikon, nikon d3x, NikonD3x, review, review roundup, ReviewRoundup, roundup ]

Leica introducing special edition M8.2, D-Lux 4, C-Lux 3 cameras

2008-12-06T07:19:00.001-08:00

It's just been a few months since Leica rolled out its standard issue M8.2, D-Lux 4, and C-Lux 3 digital cameras, but it looks like the company is already set to enter the special edition fray, with new, somewhat "limited" versions of each apparently set to roll out over the next few weeks. That includes two special edition versions of the M8.2, one with a Hammertone finish and one with a "green safari" finish, as well as a limited titanium edition of the D-Lux 4 that also comes with a presumably pricey leather case (it'll run $1,400). Slightly less limited is the Zadig & Voltaire-designed C-Lux 3 pictured at right, which is apparently the first of the lot to become available and, at just €670 (or just under $850), one of the cheapest.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: c-lux 3, C-lux3, d-lux 4, D-lux4, leica, m8.2 ]

Nikon's geotagging GP-1 dongle now available

2008-12-02T18:04:00.001-08:00

When we asked how you'd change Nikon's 720p-recording D90 DSLR, many of you globe-trotting photogs let out wistful sighs, gazed at the brightest star, and wished with all your might for automatic geotagging of photos. like some trickster genie, Nikon is granting your wishes, but we're not sure the GP-1 GPS add-on is exactly what you had in mind. It slots into the hot-shoe on most cameras (clipping onto the strap for a few) and uses an unwieldy looking cable to connect to the body of your D200, D3, D700, D90, D300, or D3X. We can't say that we're particularly fond of the device's means of indicating status, either: red blinky light = no satellites; green blinky = three satellites; green solid = four satellites or more. C'mon Nikon, for $240 you couldn't integrate that cable into a hand strap and put more than two LEDs up in there?

[Via: Gadget Lab ][Tag: d200, d3, d300, d3x, d700, d90, geotagging, gp-1, gps, nikon, nikon gp-1, nikon gps, NikonGp-1, NikonGps ]

Nikon's D3X DSLR hits the scene in official fashion

2008-12-01T05:53:00.001-08:00

After a quick outting in its own mag, Nikon has gone and gotten all officially official on the D3X. The big boy DSLR sports a bone-crushing 24.5-megapixel CMOS FX format sensor, full resolution shooting at 5 FPS, ISO from 100-1600 (expandable to 50-6400), TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) file formats up to 138MB, and a newly updated EXPEED image processing system. The top-tier digicam won't come super cheap, hitting shelves at $7,999.95 -- but if you need something like this, money probably isn't much of an issue. The camera goes on sale this December, so you might want to get the piggy banks out. Check the gallery below for a full look at the magic.[Via: Engadget ][Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, d3x, dslr, nikon ]

3 photo sharing sites for your new shutterbug - Holiday Gift Guide

2008-11-30T03:35:00.001-08:00

If you know someone on your gift list is getting a camera or is a new shutterbug, you might want to consider getting them a "pro" photo sharing account where they can upload all their new photos. This is a nice gift for several reasons: 1. A pro account is a must have since most free accounts have a storage limit that the average photographer will easily exceed. 2. Pro accounts are ad free. 3. Pro accounts have more features and allow the upload of larger file sizes. 4. As the giver of the account, it stands to reason you might be given access to your shutterbug's photostream, although, it's equally possible you might not.
Here are my top picks for investing in a pro account. (Many thanks to our readers for enthusiastically recommending Smugmug).
Flickr - $24.95 per year. And they make it super easy to gift.

Unlimited photo uploads (20MB per photo).
Unlimited video uploads (90 seconds max).
Unlimited storage.
Unlimited bandwidth.
Unlimited photosets.
Archiving of high-resolution original images.
The ability to replace a photo.
Post any of your photos or videos in up to 60 group pools.

Photobucket - $39.95 per year

Up to 10 GB of space for images and video clips.
Unmetered bandwidth
High resolution images – Up to 5MB or 2240 x 1680 pixels per image.
Up to 10 minutes video play length.
Custom URLs for up to 100 albums.
Up to 100 images per slideshow.
SWF file support.

Smugmug - plans start at $39.95

Unlimited storage.
Unlimited bandwidth.
Choose themes.
Display geotagged photos on google Maps.
Ability to moderate, enable or disable comments.
Galleries that auto size to fit any display.
Friends and family editing.
Disable downloading, viewing larger sizes.
Make selected photos/galleries private.

A word of caution if you are considering a photo sharing account for a child - get the child's parents' approval first. Although there are privacy controls at most services, many parents are understandably cautious about their kids uploading and sharing photos online.
[Via: Download Squad ][Tag: flickr, hgg, photo sharing, photobucket, PhotoSharing, pro account features flickr, pro account features photobucket, pro account features smugbug, ProAccountFeaturesFlickr, ProAccountFeaturesPhotobucket, ProAccountFeaturesSmugbug, smugbug, smugmug ]

Nikon outs D3x in own Pro magazine

2008-11-28T05:05:00.001-08:00

Uh, oops. Sorry Nikon but your D3x is now even less of a mystery. According to your own Pro magazine, the D3x will sport an FX-format, 24.5 megapixel sensor shooting 5fps at full resolution or 7fps at a reduced 10 megapixels. Nikon made a few other tweaks including an extended ISO 50-6400 range but the body design, AF, metering, and main functions remain the same as the D3. The only thing we need now is a price and confirmed release date. Back to you Nikon. One more shot detailing the features after the break, full details beyond the read link.

[Via: dpreview forums ][Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, d3x, fx, nikon ]

Creative's $200 Vado HD pocket camcorder ready for pre-order

2008-11-26T02:57:00.001-08:00

We've seen these Amazon "leaks" time and again. So while the December 7th date for the Vado HD might be an educated guess, the details including that $200 price tag certainly look real enough. The display still measures 2-inches, but the beefier 3.3 x 7.9 x 6.3-inch solid state camcorder now brings 8GB of storage for up to 2 hours of 720p MPEG-4 recordings -- 8 hours at VGA quality. It also ships with an HDMI cable for instant playback to your like-equipped television. Otherwise, slot the cam into your PC's (XP and Vista, only) USB port to instantly share your works to YouTube and others with the help of the cam's built-in Vado Central Software. With this, the Kodak Zi6, and Flip Mino HD, there certainly won't be any shortage of pocket HD cameras of suspect-tweener quality to choose from this holiday season.
[Via: epiZENter ][Tag: amazon, camcorder, creative, pocket camcorder, PocketCamcorder, vado hd, VadoHd ]

Canon EOS 5D Mark II spotted for sale in the wilds of Shanghai

2008-11-22T21:52:00.001-08:00

It looks like that hint at a release date we got earlier this summer turned out to be right -- well, within a few weeks anyway. It's November and Canon's new 21 megapixel shooter, the EOS 5D Mark II, is now available. But, for the moment at least, it looks like you need to be a resident of China to pick up one for the local equivalent of $2,900 for the kit minus the lens (no word on what the full kit's going for). The picture above was taken at a Shanghai retailer, and while this particular hand model might prefer that you consider the A900 instead, those of you with duffels full of Canon glass would be well advised to get those credit card balances raised; this hot DSLR is sure to be dropping elsewhere in the world within the next few weeks.
[Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras ][Tag: canon, canon eos 5d mark ii, canon eos 5d mkii, CanonEos5dMarkIi, CanonEos5dMkii, dslr, eos 5d markii, eos 5d mkii, Eos5dMarkii, Eos5dMkii, in the wild, InTheWild, slr ]

Aptina producing cellphone image sensor that shoots HD video

2008-11-22T00:55:00.001-08:00

It sounds like your camera phone's video capabilities may get exponentially more awesome in the near future. Aptina -- a division of Micron that manufactures one out of every three sensors for mobile phone cameras -- has announced the high resolution 5 megapixel MT9P013. There are better sensors out there already, but this one will also be able to record 720p HD video at 60 frames per second, and 5-megapixel video at 15fps. The sensor is going into production in January of 2009, according to Aptina, so it shouldn't be too long before we start seeing much better quality amateur films out there in the world.

[Via: SlashGear ][Tag: aptina, camera, camera phone, camera phones, CameraPhone, cameraphones, mt9p013, sensor, sensors ]

Creative Vado HD pocket camcorder makes a few cameo appearances

2008-11-20T07:53:00.001-08:00

Creative's Vado pocket cam hasn't been nearly as popular as the various Flips or the Kodak Zi6, but it looks like the company is taking another shot at it -- hot on the heels of the Flip Mino HD's introduction, we're seeing hints that a Vado HD is on the way as well. All we know so far is the S$299 (US$195) pricetag printed in Creative's Singapore holiday catalog, but the short HD videos posted by a user named "Vado" on Vimeo look nice enough. Check 'em after the break -- hopefully we'll find out more soon.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: creative, hd, pocket camcorder, PocketCamcorder, vado, vado hd, vado pocket video cam, VadoHd, VadoPocketVideoCam ]

Casio's EX-FH20 reviewed: perfect for YouTube slow-mo junkies, nobody else

2008-11-19T11:31:00.001-08:00

The key to any good pseudo-educational show featuring demonstrations that typically result in explosions (i.e. Mythbusters) is super-duper slow-mo sequences that expand those fleeting instants of incredibly expensive pyrotechnical glory into multiple minutes of time wasted between commercial breaks. If you're looking to record your own similar antics, amateur-style, Casio's time-stretching shooter the EX-FH20 is for you, delivering decent image quality and a bevy of burst and slow-mo modes that will capture 7 megapixel stills at 40 fps and 1000 fps video at 224 x 56. However, if that sounds rather gimmicky to you, according to PhotographyBLOG's full review there's really nothing noteworthy about the machine which, at $600, is out-paced and under-cut by other, similar SLR-lite options like Canon's PowerShot SX10. 'Nuff said.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: casio, casio ex-fh20, casio fh20, CasioEx-fh20, CasioFh20, ex-fh20, reviewed, slow motion, slow-mo, SlowMotion ]

Skyla Memoir Digital Photo Frame Has In-Built Photo Scanner [Photo Frames]

2008-11-17T09:05:00.001-08:00

Looks like digital photo frames are beginning to move from nice-to-haves to actually quite useful: Skyla's Memoir photo frame has an in-built 600dpi scanner so it'll digitize your hardcopy photo archive for you. It's got a 1GB memory, apparently good for about 200 4 x 6-inch prints (the maximum size the scanner can take). Plus it's a respectable 800 x 600-pixel 4:3 ratio screen, and has two USB ports so you can sync the frame to your PC and plug in flash drives and the like. Not too shabby at all for $220 when it comes out in December.[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ][Tag: ]

RED's Digital Still and Motion Camera System now official

2008-11-13T07:44:00.001-08:00

After a morning of drip-fed images, RED just went official with its DSMC (Digital Stills and Motion Camera) System. The system starts with your choice of the professional Scarlet or "master professional" EPIC brains which can then be bunged into about 2,251,799,813,685,248 possible camera configurations, RED only half-jokingly chides. The brains are built upon Mysterium-X and Mysterium Monstro sensors which start at 2/3-inch and end at a whopping 6x17-cm -- when a new sensor comes out you just upgrade the brain. Scarlet will launch in 4 choices ranging from $2,500 (and possibly less) to $12,000 with a variety of lens mounts (yes, Canon and Nikon) capable of shooting 3K @120fps on up to 6K @30fps. Epic will offer similar mounts with capabilities spanning 5K @100fps ($28k) to 9K @50fps ($45k) -- a 28K system hitting 25fps is expected in 2010 for $55k. Still image resolutions will range from 4.9 megapixels to a freakish 261 megapixels. The first Scarlet systems could come as early as Spring of 2009 while EPIC should arrive by summer. Of course, the brain is just the beginning of the costs. RED also introduced a 3D camera today in true, "one more thing" fashion. See all the details in the gallery below, 3D camera after the break.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, dsmc, epic, monstro, mysterium, mysterium monstro, mysterium x, mysterium-x, MysteriumMonstro, MysteriumX, red, red digital cinema, RedDigitalCinema, scarlet ]

Official RED Scarlet and EPIC pics are sure to induce drool [Updated with OMG]

2008-11-13T07:43:00.001-08:00

While the announcement isn't scheduled for another 7 hours and change, RED's Jim Jannard is whipping his fanbase into a frenzy with a steady stream of fragmented pictures. The one above looking every bit the 5D Mark II-killer we've been expecting. Jim's even dropping facts about Scarlet and EPIC being "completely modular and upgradeable in every way." What's more, he's offering hope to RED ONE owners who might feel cheated by today's introduction of Scarlet and EPIC. After all, he did promise to make "Obsolescence Obsolete" with his modular approach to camera building. So in addition to a TBD upgrade price for RED ONE owners to make the jump to a Mysterium-X sensor, owners will also have the option of trading in their cams for a $17,500 value towards the purchase of "any EPIC" (there's more than one?) or keep the RED ONE and receive a 12% credit on a Scarlet system. Nice... expensive, but nice. Check the gallery for all the images including one that looks like a telephoto lens for a RED DSLR.
P.S. Jim confirmed that, "Scarlet and RED EPIC are part of the same DSMC system." While you may not know what DSMC stands for, we're pretty sure that Canon and Nikon are well aware that DSMC means Digital Still & Motion Camera.
Update: Three-pound Scarlet and four-pound EPIC Mysterium-based "brains" capable of shooting 3K and 5K video, respectively, pictured after the break -- choose the brain then build a system around it. What look to be final (and complete!) product shots added to the gallery.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: breaking news, BreakingNews, epic, jim jannard, JimJannard, mysterium, mysterium x, mysterium-x, MysteriumX, red, red digital cinema, RedDigitalCinema, scarlet ]

Target gift card for the holidays multitasks as adorable digital camera

2008-11-11T09:57:00.001-08:00

Okay, we don't know who came up with this idea, but we have to give them some credit for innovation, not to mention (in our opinion) some pretty attractive design sense. Yes, Target's new gift card gimmick this holiday season is that it doubles as a cute, disposable digital camera. The little device runs on two AAA batteries, has a self-timer, and is packaged with a USB cord, driver disc, instruction manual and a voucher for 40 free prints from Target. The camera itself is a 1.2-megapixel affair with 8MB of memory on-board, which means it can store about 50 images. Now, we know this just a ploy to get us to buy Target gift cards, but we're kind of smitten with this little thing. Oh, and: Bah! Humbug!
[Via: Coolest Gadgets ][Tag: disposable, gift, gift card, gift ideas, GiftCard, GiftIdeas, gifts, target ]

Sigma acquires Feveon, maker of the X3 image sensor

2008-11-11T09:48:00.001-08:00

Foveon (developer of the X3 image sensor for digital cameras) has just announced that they have been acquired by Sigma, the Tokyo-based camera and lens company. According to the press release, Foveon -- whose image sensors are already being used in Sigma's entire digital camera line -- will remain in San Jose, continuing to "evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology." Congratulations, you crazy kids! And best of luck to you. We mean it.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: camera, digital camera, DigitalCamera, dslr, foveon, foveon x3, FoveonX3, image sensor, ImageSensor, sigma, x3 ]

RED teases again with exposed ports

2008-11-10T05:14:00.001-08:00

We've less than a week before RED announces something special on November 13th, but it's not letting you creep any closer to that magical day without two more teases (one after the break) beforehand. As it's already done on a number of occasions, RED's Jim Jannard has posted up a new duo of teasers of the purported DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera) DSLR, this time showing off a number of ports that you're surely anxious to slip your connectors into. Oh please, get your mind out of the gutter.

[Via: Engadget ][Tag: camera, DSLR, DSMC, Epic, RED, Scarlet, tease, teaser, XLR ]

Mcor launches Matrix 3D printer, only asks for your paper and glue

2008-11-09T18:18:00.001-08:00

We wouldn't go so far as to say that 3D printers are growing tired, but we are growing short on patience waiting for a commercial version that the average joe / jane can afford. Thankfully, Mcor is up to the challenge, recently delivering its Matrix to the UK and gearing up to bring it to other parts of the world in 2009. Put simply, this carving creature uses traditional A4 paper and PVA glue to create objects like the ones you see above. Throw in a nice, sharp blade and a little bit of computational prowess, and you've got yourself one wicked 3D printer with running costs "up to 40 times less" than competitors.
[Via: SlashGear ][Tag: 3D, 3d printer, 3dPrinter, Matrix, Mcor, printer ]

Tomy xiao digital camera has built in Zink printer, the spirit of Polaroids

2008-11-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

Like just about everyone else, we miss the Polaroid film format; maybe it's just nostalgia, but we enjoyed having something we could hold on to (and shake) after taking a picture. Polaroids may be dead, but the basic concept lives on -- remember Zink, that company whose technology prints digital photos on the spot without ink? It's joined forces with toy-maker Tomy to make the xiao TIP-521, a digital camera with a printer built in. The xiao has a modest five megapixel resolution, so we might wait and see how Polaroid's own Zink camera turns out, but in either case we're stoked the tactile experience is back.
[Via: Market Watch ][Tag: digital camera, digitalcamera, polaroid, polaroids, portable printer, portableprinter, printer, to-521, tomy, xiao, xiao tip-521, xiaotip-521, zink, zink paper, zinkpaper ]

Canon announces XH A1S and XH G1S prosumer HD camcorders

2008-11-06T06:06:00.001-08:00

Just in case the XL H1S and XL H1A weren't really your style, Canon's hoping to snag a fair chunk of your short-term savings with a new duo of prosumer HD camcorders. The HDV XH A1S and XH G1S both feature a 20x HD video lens, manual zoom / focus, three independent manual adjustment rings, an "unprecedented" range of image / color settings, 60i / 30F / 24F frame rate options, Instant AF focusing system, the DIGIC DV II proprietary digital signal processor, two built-in XLR terminals with separate audio-input sensitivity settings, line output level switching and support for optional HDD recording in the field. The XH G1S adds in HD-SDI / SD-SDI output, SMPTE timecode input / output, and genlock input, which are all features that probably won't be missed by greenies baffled by the mere mention of those inclusions. Get set for showtime next month as the pair sells for $3,999 and $6,999, respectively.[Via: Engadget ][Tag: camcorder, canon, hd camcorder, HdCamcorder, HDV, prosumer, XH A1S, XH G1S, XhA1s, XhG1s ]

Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-G1 reviewed: only knock is the price

2008-11-02T02:15:00.001-08:00

The question has been on your mind since we first got wind of this so-called "Micro Four Thirds" concept back in August: how will it stack up? Now that Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 is filtering out to the world, we're able to kick back and digest a mammoth review of this here camera thanks to the fine folks at Digital Camera Resource. Without going into dissertation-level detail in this space, we'll tell you that the biggest issue critics had with the G1 was its price. Not the image quality. Not the size. Just the price. In other words, Panny has delivered a superb camera that offers up "very good quality photos, an unmatched live view shooting experience and a nice collection of both automatic and manual controls." Deemed the first to "truly offer a point-and-shoot experience on an interchangeable lens camera," the DMC-G1 looks to be a real winner if you've got $800 to blow.
[Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras ][Tag: DSLR, G1, live view, LiveView, lumix, Lumix DMC-G1, LumixDmc-g1, LumixlDMC-G1, micro four thirds, MicroFourThirds, Panasonic, review, reviewed ]

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 ninja-ships to consumers

2008-11-01T08:07:00.001-07:00

Panasonic had us fooled with that press release dating its micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1, for mid-November. We're not sure what Panny was trying to pull, but when we took a gander at its online store today we discovered that the G1 has already started shipping. The price is $799.95 as expected, so your time has come if you've been dying to try this slim and sexy micro Four Thirds thing out -- though we might wait for a few reviews to drop to confirm that the performance matches the price.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: camera, digital camera, digitalcamera, dmc-g1, dslr, lumix, lumix dmc-g1, lumixdmc-g1, micro four thirds, microfourthirds, panasonic, shipping ]

Swarovski-coated webcam: because everything should be shiny

2008-10-31T19:38:00.001-07:00

Vicious and Divine's Laplace webcam had it all... 2 megapixel photo and 1.3 megapixel video resolution, an integrated flash so that it could handle innumerable lighting situations, a folding mechanism that particularly suited it to mounting on laptops or flat panel monitors, plus that compact and sleek design. It was the jet-set of webcams, some might say, but it seemed to lack something -- some essential quality of life. Possibly a higher purpose? As it turns out, all it needed was to be absolutely, 100 percent covered -- bedazzled, if you dare -- in Swarovski crystals. The results are pretty... stunning. And not at all obscene. It comes in both black and clear crystal variations, and €49.99 (about $63) seems a small price to pay for something that's going to make you the envy of all of your friends -- but it seems to be available only in Europe. Your loss, rest-of-the-Earth!
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: laplace, luxury, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals, vicious and divine, ViciousAndDivine, video chat, VideoChat, webcam, webcams ]

Nikon Coolpix P6000 reviewed, not all that cool

2008-10-30T07:19:00.001-07:00

The kids over at Photography Blog have finally got their hands on the Nikon Coolpix P6000 that became official back in August and have pronounced it "a mixed bag." It looks good on paper at least, with a 13.5-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide angle lens and built-in Ethernet (a first for a consumer grade camera). Unfortunately, the big ticket items like on-board GPS (for geo-tagging all those coolpix you'll be taking) and NRW file format support (the new "RAW" image format developed by Microsoft and Nikon) are said to be poorly implemented and all but unusable. Even the much-ballyhooed LAN connectivity is limited to something called MyPictureTown. Hit the read link to catch the reviewer holding forth on a number of other salient points, including the camera's DSLR-like hand-grip, optical viewfinder and external flash hotshoe.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: coolpix, nikon, nikon coolpix, nikon coolpix p6000, NikonCoolpix, NikonCoolpixP6000, p6000, review ]

Canon PowerShot G10 reviewed

2008-10-27T10:35:00.001-07:00

We've always had a soft spot for Canon's G-series of prosumer compacts, and it looks like the new G10 won't be any exception -- Photography Blog just put the boxy camera through its paces and found that it's "undoubtedly the best ever" in the line. High marks were particularly given to the new wider-angle 28-140mm lens (which suffers less barrel distortion than the G9), higher-res LCD screen, and the new exposure dial, which allows you to fine-tune exposure settings without a trip to the menus. The new 14.7 megapixel sensor didn't receive the same praise, however: ISO 400 images were quite noisy, and the 800 and 1600 settings were "virtually unusable." That's not exactly news for the G-series, but it's pretty unfortunate -- especially considering that the G10's $499 pricetag edges into low-end DSLR territory. Still, if you're looking for a compact with deep manual controls and real optics, it sounds like the G10 is worth a look -- hit the read link for the full review.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: canon, g10, powershot, powershot g10, PowershotG10, review ]

Red announcing DSMC DSLR replacement on November 13?

2008-10-27T10:33:00.001-07:00

Ready for the tease? RED just announced an announcement. According to RED Prez, Jim Jannard, "no one has any idea how incredible this announcement will be." A stream of words, specs, and renderings, we presume, all cobbled together on November 13th with a promise to put the "RED ONE announcement to shame by comparison... the biggest, most exciting and incredible thing." So mark your calendar for November 13th -- that's the day RED DIGITAL comes clean with its Scarlet and Epic programs. We're sure Nikon and Canon will be watching to see if RED launches its DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera) aimed squarley at the DSLR market, or not. Even if we have to er, settle, for a 3K Scarlet or 5K Epic video cameras, those aren't bad consolation prizes, eh?
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: DSMC, eipc, red, red digital, red digital cinema, RedDigital, RedDigitalCinema, scarlet, video camera, VideoCamera ]

Casio's 8.1 megapixel W63CA with 480 x 800 pixel OLED flips out in Japan

2008-10-27T10:32:00.001-07:00

We had a chance to gaze through the wireframe of this 8.1 megapixel Casio W63CA Exilim cellphone back in August courtesy of the FCC's finest. Now check it in high-gloss, plastic flesh. The latest Japanese super-phone squeezes 480 x 800 pixel into a 3.1-inch OLED display. Let that sink in for a second... the very same 384,000 pixels on a display smaller than the 3.8-inch LCD heralded by the Touch HD. The camera features a wide-angle lens, 9-point auto focus, face detection, anti-shake, and a YouTube video mode that records VGA video at 30fps to microSD. All this in a Japanese-only flip measuring 110 x 50 x 17.4 ~ 22-mm when it launches in early November. Color options after the break.

[Via: Impress ][Tag: 8 megapixel, 8.1 megapixel, 8.1Megapixel, 8Megapixel, breaking news, BreakingNews, casio, clamshell, exilim, japan, oled, w63ca, youtube ]

Canon's EOS 5D Mark II displays multiple LP-E6 battery capacities

2008-10-25T22:02:00.001-07:00

You may think you know everything there is to know about Canon's marvelous EOS 5D Mark II, but have you heard of this tidbit? Hailed as the first DSLR to "manage" multiple batteries, this here camera includes technology to read up to six separate LP-E6 batteries and display data about them right on the rear LCD. The LP-E6 cell includes an embedded microchip with a unique 8-character serial number; after it's installed once and "registered" in your EOS 5D Mark II body, the camera then displays each cell's serial number, the last time it was charged, the number of shots taken since the last charge, its remaining capacity in 1% increments and its recharge performance. It's a small inclusion, sure, but for pros who go 18+ hours on a single set, we can imagine this coming in handy when trying to select which battery to use on the next excursion.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: 5d, 5d mark ii, 5dMarkIi, battery, battery pack, BatteryPack, canon, dslr, energy, EOS 5D Mark II, Eos5dMarkIi, LP-E6 ]

Nikon D90's 720p movie mode gets critiqued

2008-10-25T22:01:00.001-07:00

While being the first DSLR to shoot HD video sounds mighty excellent on paper, it's not worth much if the execution isn't there, right? The general consensus was that Nikon's D90 was a stellar DSLR, but the 720p movie mode was simply a so-so cherry on top. The gurus over at CamcorderInfo decided to take things one step further and actually write up an in-depth review on the movie mode alone. The long and short of it is this: the D90's movie mode simply can't produce the same results as a dedicated HD camcorder, and while it was "often able to produce impressive results (especially in moderately low light)," the unfortunate "wobble effect" really put a damper on things. In essence, the aforementioned problem causes objects to look like Jell-o when the user pans quickly from left to right, and the only real way to avoid it is to utilize a tripod or slow down your pans -- neither of which are terribly convenient. Critics did find quite a bit to praise, and they certainly appreciated the inclusion in an otherwise amazing camera, but it's still far from being ideal in all scenarios.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: 720p, d90, DSLR, nikon, review, reviewed, video ]

Sony's A900 reviewed: 'Highly recommended' but with caveats

2008-10-22T08:37:00.001-07:00

Most consumers won't be able to get their hands on Sony's new 24+ megapixel A900 for at least another week or so, but dpreview has already had its way with one, putting this full-frame body through its paces in a typically exhaustive review. Overall findings are much the same as the site's earlier impressions, with the main knocks being slow (but accurate) focus speed and noticeable noise when shooting at anything greater than ISO 400, making the camera's ISO 6400 mode borderline useless. However, the hefty, 850g magnesium alloy body is "incredibly solid" and its bevy of features, including 5fps burst shooting and HDMI output, make it a solid value, too. Overall the A900 sounds quite good, though far from perfect, so unless you already have a closet full of compatible lenses you might just want to wait a month and see how Canon's EOS 5D Mark II fares when run through the same ringer. If nothing else it'll be $300 cheaper.
[Via: Engadget ][Tag: a900, alpha a900, AlphaA900, full-frame, sony, sony a900, sony alpha a900, SonyA900, SonyAlphaA900 ]

Carl Zeiss combines spotting scope, digital camera with the PhotoScope 85 T* FL

2008-10-21T11:51:00.001-07:00

Esteemed lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss is breaking new ground by releasing the PhotoScope 85 T* FL, a spotting scope that also serves as a seven megapixel digital camera -- just in case "super-zoom" wasn't enough for you. With 15 - 45x magnification, a focal length of 600 - 1800 mm, a flip-out OLED display, and an IR remote for vibration-free release, it's great for birdwatchers but perhaps even better for the paparazzi. Look for it in Spring or Summer 2009 if you're planning to profit off the next Amy Winehouse meltdown.
[Via: PhotographyBLOG ][Tag: birdwatching, camera, carl zeiss, carlzeiss, digital camera, hunting, oled, paparazzi, photo, photography, photoscope, photoscope 85, photoscope 85 t fl, spotting scope ]