Sunday

SAL pocket video camera won't mind if you mistake it for a Flip

SAL pocket video camera won't mind if you mistake it for a Flip



As Pure Digital's Flip cameras have amply demonstrated, there's plenty of folks looking for nothing more than a dead simple digital video camera, and it looks like Japan's Amadana is now looking to peel off a bit of that user base with its new SAL pocket camera. Somewhat notably, this one will let you connect it directly to another SAL camera to transfer videos without a computer, but it's otherwise a bit on the lackluster side, with it packing just 2GB of internal memory and not able to capture anything higher than basic VGA video at 30 fps. The $200 price tag and two hours of battery life don't exactly help things either, but if camera-to-camera video sharing is your top priority, you can look for this one to be available in Japan on May 22nd.



[Via Boing Boing Gadgets]



Friday

Panasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th

Panasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th



While we patiently wait for the Micro Four Thirds format DMC-GH1 with 1080p video to pop for purchase, we have to feed on whatever retail crumbs we can grub off Panasonic. As usual, our Japanese camera overlords will have first dibs on this ¥150,000 (less than $1,500 when it arrives Stateside) bundle that includes a 14-140mm lens starting April 24th. Think about it; we've gone from zero to four HD-capable video DSLRs in six months. Ok, ok, three-plus actually, since Micro Four Thirds cams are technically not DSLRs due to the lack of an internal mirror and prism -- just humor us with with GH1's interchangeable lens mount, DSLR-sized sensor, and bevy of manual controls ok? Geesh.



[Via PC World]

Thursday

Kodak Zx1 unboxing and impressions

Kodak Zx1 unboxing and impressions



While videophiles might shudder to think it, Pure Digital's crappy Flip, the little YouTubecam that could, has changed a lot about how a lot of folks approach video capture -- $590 million worth of change, according to Cisco. Kodak jumped into the market last year with one of the earliest HD models, the $179 Zi6. Now they've followed up with the Zx1, a $149 'rugged' camera for, um, ruggedness. They're aiming the camera at outdoor types, but with a smaller form factor, better build, lower price, HDMI output, and 60fps 720p recording (the original maxes out at 30fps 720p), about the only thing you'll be missing from the Zi6 is a macro mode. So, specs aside, how does the Zx1 perform? Find out after the break.

Continue reading Kodak Zx1 unboxing and impressions



(Via Engadget.)

Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 reviewed, offers great quality stills and vids

Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 reviewed, offers great quality stills and vids

Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 reviewed, offers great quality stills and vids

This is a great time to be shopping for a high-end pocketable digital camera -- assuming you're the sort who doesn't get overwhelmed when faced with plenty of options. With recent offerings like Fuji's F200EXR, Ricoh's CX1, and Casio's EC-FX100, it's a busy market, and now the arrival of Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 makes it even more so. Reviewed by Photography Blog, the 10 megapixel cam was found to offer great image quality at both ends of its 12x, 25 - 300mm Leica lens, functional image stabilization, and minimal noise up to ISO 400 (though it does go all the way to 1600). Even the 720p video recording impressed, which you can see for yourself in the sample vid embedded below. At the end it nabs a perfect rating, which might make it perfect for your pocket -- if you don't mind that $400 MSRP.

Continue reading Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 reviewed, offers great quality stills and vids



(Via Engadget.)

Kodak EasyShare Z980 unboxing and impressions

Kodak EasyShare Z980 unboxing and impressions



While Kodak's new Zx1 might be a tad more exciting, Kodak is also keeping at the EasyShare thing with its new Z980 zoomer. We've gotten to spend some time with the camera, and while we appreciate the price, the size and the endless zoom, we're overall none too impressed. Check out our full impressions after the break.

Continue reading Kodak EasyShare Z980 unboxing and impressions



(Via Engadget.)

Wednesday

Canon's EOS Digital Rebel T1i gets hands-on preview

Canon's EOS Digital Rebel T1i gets hands-on preview



It's early on, we know, but the EOS Digital Rebel T1i is already shaping up to be a winner. Merely hours after its official unveiling, the shutterbugs over at Imaging-Resource have put together a remarkably thorough hands-on preview that takes you through practically every feature offered on the new DSLR. One area of importance was the movie mode; we quickly noticed that Canon deliberately failed to mention the word 'autofocus' when referencing 'movie mode,' and sure enough, the cam won't autofocus continuously. As with the D90, this little fact puts a huge damper on what would otherwise be an (even more) amazing feature, but we suppose we'll chalk it up to baby steps and just hope for better at PMA 2010. At any rate, everything else seemed to exceed expectations, with their beta unit delivering image quality 'at least as good as the 50D.' Hop to the read link for all the rest.

(Via Engadget.)

Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release

Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release



Got an itch that only a 30 megapixel shooter can scratch? Not really kosher on anything offered up by Hassleblad? For those odd, eccentric souls who somehow managed to answer 'yes' to both of those inquiries, you'll be elated to know that Pentax's long awaited 645 Digital -- which was once rumored as canceled altogether -- is on track to be released next year. According to an update on the company's Japanese website, the device will boast 30 megapixels and will play quite nicely with the FA645 55mm f/2.8 lens that should launch simultaneously. Start saving those tax credits right about now -- we can say with absolutely certainty that you'll need every spare dollar you can find to afford this sucker.

[Via DigitalCameraInfo]

(Via Engadget.)

Canon Kiss X3 DSLR

Canon Kiss X3 DSLR

Canon Kiss X3 with Full HD Video Recording


The new Canon EOS 500D (EOS Kiss X3) features a 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that is ideal for large detailed prints. The camera also offers a high ISO sensitivity up to 3200 which is expandable to 12800. The Canon EOS Kiss X3 will be available in April 2009 for around $800.

[Akihabara]


Ricoh's CX1 camera gets reviewed

Ricoh's CX1 camera gets reviewed



The kids at Photography Blog have finally got their hands on that Ricoh CX1 that won our respect not too long ago, and they've been cool enough to post a review online. The camera, the reviewer said, begins where the ol' R10 left off, throwing features like multi-pattern auto white balance, multi-target auto focus, and 4fps continuous shooting speed into the mix, making this 'the best Ricoh point-and-shoot yet.' That said, it can't all be groovy -- the review goes on to cite the camera's 'bog-standard' 640 x 480 / 30fps video and rudimentary face detection as 'nothing to write home about.' Image quality -- often a deal-breaker for this company -- has greatly improved, with a new 9 megapixel CMOS sensor sporting 'a now usable ISO range of 80-800.' Of course, the big news is the camera's high dynamic range. DR mode is, for the most part, 'radical and very effective.' But there's much more to it -- hit that read link for all the gory details.



(Via Engadget.)

New Canon EOS 500D

New Canon EOS 500D

eos-500d-1After we posted the Canon EOS 500D rumor last week, many were curious what the camera looks like. So today as promised, here’s the new Canon EOS 500D also dubbed as the Rebel T1i.


‘We are witnessing the emergence of a new phase in digital imaging history, as high-resolution still images and HD video can now both be produced in a hand-held device, for under $1,000. This is truly a great time to be involved in digital imaging as the advent of online communities are helping usher in this next great era in imaging,’ stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.


We can see from Yuichi’s statement, that the price of New Canon EOS 500D may hit below the $1,000 mark.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Pentax douses K-m in olive, K20D in titanium

Pentax douses K-m in olive, K20D in titanium



We know, you're a firm believer that there's evidence of thaumaturgy splattered all over here, but believe it or not, all it takes to create a camera in a new color is powerful signature and a little paint. As Pentax has done so often in the past, it's pumping out new editions of old cameras with fresh hues. The latest duo to don new Springtime wardrobes is the K20D -- which is now outfitted in titanium -- and the K-m, which now sports an absolutely peculiar olive shade. Both models are being limited to 1,000 in quantity, and while no price is mentioned, we get the feeling a ticket to Tokyo may be your only shot at acquiring one.


(Via Engadget.)

Tuesday

Sigma DP2 Pseudo-DSLR Available To Pre-order

Sigma DP2 Pseudo-DSLR Available To Pre-order

Sigma DP2 Pseudo-DSLR


The Sigma DP2 pseudo-DSLR camera is now available to pre-order at Amazon. This high-end compact digital camera is equipped with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor, a 2.5-inch TFT color display, a ‘True’ image processing engine, a built-in flash and a 24.2mm (41mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens. The DP2 is capable to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It also offers five Exposure modes as well as three Metering modes. Pre-order now for $649, although an estimated ship date remains unknown.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

GE E1250TW Digital Camera

GE E1250TW Digital Camera

GE E1250TW Digital Camera


The E1250TW is the latest digital camera from GE’s General Imaging. This 12-megapixel camera boasts a 3-inch touchscreen display, 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide angle and ISO up to 1600. Other interesting features include Face Detection, Smile Detection, Auto Scene Detection, electronic image stabilization, red-eye removal, Pan-capture Panorama and HDTV output. It comes with a variety of colors including black, grey, red and purple. Pricing and release dates are still unknown.


GE E1250TW Digital Camera





(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Spy Gadgets - Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars

Spy Gadgets - Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars

Here’s a fun spy gadget for all the James Bond types out there, the Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars.


The Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars aren’t like a normal pair of binoculars, as they have a built in digital camera that lets you take photos of what you are looking at.


Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars




These fun camera binoculars are capable of taking pictures up to 1280 x 1024 resolution, and come with 16MB of built in memory, which is enough to hold about 40 to 50 photos.


Here are the specifications.



  • Works with PC and MAC

  • Plug-And-Play Download of images - easy and simple to use

  • Takes still images (JPG), and video (AVI) no sound

  • Image resolution: HI mode 1280 x 1024 pixels, LO mode 640 x 480 pixels

  • 16MB Memory (Approximately 40-50 images in HI mode, or 100-150 in LO Mode)

  • Requires 2 x AAA Batteries

  • Weighs approximately 350g (without batteries)


The Mr I Spy Digital Camera Binoculars are available for £29.95.

(Via Geeky-Gadgets.)

Friday

Elgato ships 1080p-friendly Turbo.264 HD video conversion dongle

Elgato ships 1080p-friendly Turbo.264 HD video conversion dongle



Remember that brilliant Turbo.264 video conversion dongle that shipped like, two whole years ago? Yeah, it's successor has just hit the streets, and it's as ready as ever for 1080p content. The predictably titled Elgato Turbo.264 HD plugs directly into one's Mac and converts files up to 1080p (from camcorders, digital cameras, etc.) into files that are perfectly formatted for iPods, PSPs or other media players. The bundled software also lets users preview and trim video clips before converting, and it saves folks the time and hassle of importing into iMovie, learning commands, rendering and exporting. Reportedly, a video that would take an hour to convert to an iPod-friendly file takes just 15 minutes with this here dongle, and if that's worth $149.95 to you, you're one click away from brightening your own day.



[Via Electricpig]



Thursday

Mamiya announces DL33 for those who need more than 28 megapixels

Mamiya announces DL33 for those who need more than 28 megapixels

Mamiya announces DL33 for those who need more than 28 megapixels

Facing a little bit of competition from the hands of Nikon, and finding its earlier 28 megapixel DL28 to be something of a success (despite its $15,000 price tag), medium format master Mamiya is introducing a new model set to drive the megapixel wars to new heights. The DL33 sports similar specs to the DL28, including a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back, but bests its successor with a 36 x 44-millimeter, 33 megapixel sensor. That means 16-bit capture, 12-stop dynamic range, and ISO settings from 50 to 800. Other tweaks include a faster autofocus motor and an improved UI, but with image files clocking in at 67 - 190MB you'll probably need some improved storage, too. The camera will be available starting next month for $19,999 including a 55mm f2.8 or 150mm f3.5 lens -- but only if you act now.



[Via Topix]

Wednesday

FujiFilm's FinePix F200EXR, and its pricetag, get reviewed

FujiFilm's FinePix F200EXR, and its pricetag, get reviewed

FijuFilm's FinePix F200EXR, and its pricetag, get reviewed

While some early shots showed a lot of promise, a full review was necessary to ensure that FujiFilm's latest compact camera would be the performer we were hoping for -- and that it would live up to its $400 price. According to Photography Blog this 12 megapixel shooter doesn't disappoint, scoring very high marks for image quality and features. Its EXR mode, which can toggle between favoring resolution, dynamic range, or low noise, works more or less as advertised, bringing far more depth to shadows than your usual pocket cam can manage. Pictures were clear through ISO 800, but anything above that (up to its ludicrous ISO 12800 mode) were too noisy to be usable. Overall the cam was found to be a 'veritable breath of fresh air' and a solid choice for a serious photographers who like air and don't want to lug their SLR everywhere.

(Via Engadget.)

Tuesday

Casio's high-speed EX-FS10 bursts into stores a little later and pricier than expected

Casio's high-speed EX-FS10 bursts into stores a little later and pricier than expected

Casio's high-speed EX-FS10 bursts into stores a little later and pricier than expected

Looking to get some bodacious slow-mo shots of your latest kick-flip? Maybe fake a moon landing or two? Or, how about taking some blurry 9.1 megapixel pictures through a 3x non-stabilized zoom lens? All this can be yours, dear readers, later this month when Casio launches the EX-FS10 point-and-shoot, capable of capturing full-res video at 30fps or cut-rate 224 x 64 footage at a whopping 1000fps. If you don't mind pasty cameras (and live in Japan) you can buy yourself one in white on March 27. Red and gray versions will ship a few weeks later, on April 10, all for around $450.



[Via Impress]

Monday

Amadana SAL Pocket Video Recorder

Amadana SAL Pocket Video Recorder

Amadana SAL Pocket Video Recorder


Japan based Amadana today released the SAL pocket video recorder that is able to record video in MPEG4 format and capture 3MP picture with its CMOS image sensor. Unfortunately, this portable video recorder provides only provides 2GB of internal memory. You can transfer video and picture files to you PC or laptop via USB port. The Amadana SAL pocket video recorder will be available only in Japan. Pricing info is still unknown.

[Image Acquire]


Sunday

Toshiba Camileo S10 pocketcam: the $200 1080p Flip-killer?

Toshiba Camileo S10 pocketcam: the $200 1080p Flip-killer?



It's been a while since we first caught wind of the mysterious Toshiba Camileo S10, but the pocket camcorder has finally broken loose, and it's looking like a pretty solid competitor to the Flip Mino HD and the Kodak Zi6 -- it amps up the video resolution to 1080p and also takes five megapixel stills. That's pretty impressive for a pocketcam spec sheet, but the best part is the price -- if this thing lands Stateside for close to the £130 ($181) UK pricetag, we'd have to find reasons not to snap one up.

(Via Engadget.)

Vivitar goes retro with new ViviCam 8027

Vivitar goes retro with new ViviCam 8027



Vivitar is hardly the only camera manufacturer to go back to its roots with some of its digital offerings, but that's hardly a trend we're going to complain about, especially when the cameras in question are such a marked improved over the company's standard fare. Of course, there's a decidedly less substantial difference once you move beyond the appearance, with this new ViviCam 8027 packing the same 8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, and 2.4-inch LCD as its blander 8025 counterpart, plus the usual anti-shake measures, a basic movie mode, red eye reduction, and a recharchable lithium ion battery. No word on a price just yet, but it looks like you'll be able to snag this one in your choice of black or yellow in addition to the red.



[Via Chip Chick]



Thursday

Samsung's HMX-R10 HD camcorder aims for April release

Samsung's HMX-R10 HD camcorder aims for April release



Samsung's devilishly cute HMX-R10 camcorder stole the hearts of many at CES, but ever since, we've been aimlessly wandering about Sammy's website attempting to locate clues on pricing and availability. Thankfully, it seems some answers are starting to surface, and we've only got a month or so before we discover whether these whispers were laced in truth. Reportedly, this pocket-friendly high-def camcorder will be hitting UK streets next month, with early estimates pegging the price at $550. We're told that Americans may have to wait until sometime this summer before they too can indulge, but at least the Britons will be able to test it out beforehand and give you a little heart-to-heart buying advice.

(Via Engadget.)

Tekxon VZT8320 5X DV Camera HD Camcorder

Tekxon VZT8320 5X DV Camera HD Camcorder

Tekxon VZT8320 5X DV Camera HD Camcorder


Tekxon today unveiled its palm-sized full high definition digital video camcorder today, featuring a 5x optical zoom and 3 inch touchscreen LCD. Known as the VZT8320, this H.264 video camcorder is capable of shooting digital video for up to 30fps in 1920×1080p video and it doubles as a still digital camera featuring up to 8MP high sensitivity photo, 5X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom. Weighing at only 150 grams, the camcorder also has a built-in HDMI interface that enables easy Plug-and-Play with HDTV.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

eXtreme Compact Digital Camera Concept

eXtreme Compact Digital Camera Concept

eXtreme Compact Digital Camera Concept


Fancy living out the high life around the globe, snapping photos with wanton abandon wherever you go? Well, chances are you will then need a camera like the Nikon Coolpix eXtreme which is currently but a concept. We suppose it will fulfil all stringent measures of a tough and hardy device, featuring a certain level of shockproof, dustproof and waterproof performance. Gotta love the way it was designed - it definitely merges both form and function into a single device. Now, if only the folks at Nikon will be able to do something about it - anybody?


(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Tuesday

Sanyo VPC-CG10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Sanyo VPC-CG10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)

Sanyo VPC-CG10 HD Flash Memory Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Black)


Sanyo Dual Camera Xacti VPC-CG10 is finally available for pre-order at Amazon. This HD Video camcorder boasts 720p resolution recording at 30fps, 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 3-inch Widescreen LCD, Digital Image Stabilizer, Face Chaser technology, MPEG-4, H.264 Video, High-Speed Sequential Shooting (7fps) and SD/SDHC memory compatibility.

[GadgetGrid]

Monday

Casio's burst-recordin' EX-FC100 pocket cam reviewed

Casio's burst-recordin' EX-FC100 pocket cam reviewed

Casio's burst-recordin' EX-FC100 pocket cam reviewed

It's not enough for pocket cams to just shoot high-def video any more. Oh no, they have to do something fancy with it, like Casio's EX-FS10 and EX-FC100, both offering capture at up to 1,000 fps. The latter of those two, with its 5x optical zoom and 9.1 megapixel resolution, has been given the review treatment ahead of its US release, and the little burst-shooter seems to deliver. 30fps stills at 6 megapixels look clear and sharp, while watching the cam switch from 30fps to 210fps video on the fly is still an impressive thing to see -- especially when it's UNLV cheerleaders we're watching in slow-mo, as embedded below. Low-light photography was not found to be this cam's strong point, but it rarely is with shooters this size, so if you're looking for something to capture your own (well-lit) Mythbusters segments with at home, and you have about $400 to spare, this could be your cam. Go team!

Continue reading Casio's burst-recordin' EX-FC100 pocket cam reviewed



(Via Engadget.)

Yashica ADV-596HD Affordable HD Camcorder

Yashica ADV-596HD Affordable HD Camcorder

Yashica ADV-596HD Affordable HD Camcorder


Yashica’s ADV-596HD is a 1080p capable camera with a 5.17MP CMOS sensor that records video in both 720p and 1080p resolution. Video is recorded in .mov format and is stored on a SDHC card up to 8GB. You can buy this cheap HD camera for only €320.

[Via Akihabara]

Thursday

Samsung's TL320 digital camera gets hands-on treatment

Samsung's TL320 digital camera gets hands-on treatment



We've been keeping our eyes peeled for the snappy, handsome Samsung TL320 ever since we first spied it. Well, now it's on hand at PMA 2009, and the fine folks at Pocket-Lint have gotten some time alone with the 12.2 megapixel digicam, and we have to say -- it's looking pretty sweet. If you'd forgotten, this baby boasts 5x optical zoom, a 3-inch HVGA AMOLED display, 720p video recording, an HDMI output, dual image stabilization, plus some really awesome twin analog gauges for checking out memory capacity and battery life. The TL320 is expected to be available in May of this year for about $380. Check out another shot after the break, and hit the read link for a full set.

Continue reading Samsung's TL320 digital camera gets hands-on treatment



(Via Engadget.)

General Imaging G3WP Digital Camera

General Imaging G3WP Digital Camera

General Imaging G3WP Digital Camera


General Imaging has announced its latest digital camera, the G3WP. Granted, General Imaging isn't that big a name when it comes to cameras, but kudos to them for rolling out the G3WP. Features available include :-




  • 12.2 megapixel resolution

  • 4x optical zoom

  • 2.7' LCD display

You will also be able to bring this with you whenever you go to the beach, spend some time by the pool or even indulge in a little bit of snorkeling as it is waterproof up to depths of 10 feet. Additional features of this rudimentary digital camera include Face Detection with smile and blink detection, electronic image stabilization, red-eye removal, and sensitivity down to ISO 3200. The 116MB internal memory is there just in case you run out of SD/SDHC memory cards at that moment. No idea on pricing or availability, but we do know it will come in red, silver and black colors.


(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Canon PowerShot SX1 and company eyes-on

Canon PowerShot SX1 and company eyes-on



As with FujiFilm's latest bunch, we were quite shocked to see Canon's newest offering out and about in Hannover. Granted, most of the good one were caged under lock and key (yes, we're talking to you, elusive PowerShot SX1), but that didn't stop us from mashing our lens (and lips, we won't lie) up against the glass and pulling the shutter. You already know about the specs, now check out the skins and the European model names. Sassy.



(Via Engadget.)

Wednesday

Pixavi Xcaster High Definition Camera

Pixavi Xcaster High Definition Camera

Pixavi Xcaster High Definition Camera


Pixavi's Xcaster is a wireless high-definition communication camera that is able to hold video conferences as well when required. It helps connect from the field to experts and coworkers located just about anywhere on the globe as long as there is a decent wireless connection in the vicinity, making it perfect to 'meet up' while solving problems and discussing issues with visual contact. This adds a more human touch to our communications, helping get the message across clearer. The Xcaster is constructed from high quality Norwegian aluminum, making it compact and rugged to withstand drops up to 2 meters while letting you hold a video conference from underwater in your snorkeling gear. 802.11n and Bluetooth connectivity are supported, and you can pick up the Xcaster ST5000 from May onwards for a rather hefty $7,950.



(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Tuesday

JVC's new Everio X GZ-X900 does 1080p video, 9 megapixel stills, 600 fps slow motion

JVC's new Everio X GZ-X900 does 1080p video, 9 megapixel stills, 600 fps slow motion



JVC's new 'Everio X' GZ-X900 camcorder is just what we like in a flagship device: incredible style, crazy specs, and awesome slow motion video of us slapping people. The GZ-X900 reworks the Everio line into a new brick-like form factor that's bordering on the shape of camcorders of yore, but JVC puts a nice twist to it, and the camera is obviously very compact. JVC used some 'premium materials' in the construction and it really shows, but what's more exciting is the high-end 1080p resolution, with 1000 'TV lines' to sample from (it's not upscaling from a completely bum source like many compact camcorders). The unit also works as a fast-action still camera, for 9 megapixel shots at 15 fps, and 5.3 megapixel shots at 60 fps. What we're really wild about is the 600 fps slow motion, which operates at a 640 x 72 resolution -- you can get more pixels at slower frame rates. Unfortunately, none of this good stuff comes cheap: the camera hits retail in June for an even $1000.