Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano
By Darren Murph 
posted Sep 9th 2009 12:51PM
posted Sep 9th 2009 12:51PM
As for other specs, you'll find a built-in FM tuner with Live Pause (!) and iTunes Tagging, a pedometer (you know, for that fancy Nike+ integration), VoiceOver, support for voice memos and a larger 2.2-inch display (up from 2.0-inches) with a 376 x 240 resolution. As for the camera, we're told that the video capture mode snags footage in VGA quality (640 x 480) H.264, with up to 30fps and AAC audio. If you're feeling fancy, there's also 15 real-time special effects including Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido and Motion Blur (among others). As for dimensions, the 5G nano remains identical to the 4G nano at 3.6- x 1.5- x 0.24-inches, though it somehow shaves a whopping 0.02 ounces as it climbs down from 1.3 to 1.28 ounces. Curious about battery life? Apple claims that the new nano can last up to 24 hours when playing back audio (same as 4G nano), while video playback should zap the rechargeable battery in just five hours (which is up an hour over its predecessor).
Update: Check out our first hands-on live from the event!
Why is it on the bottom? Wouldn't your hands get in the way?
Of course, you can't really use it anyway, like pretty much any apple cameras... Still hoping the iPhone camera will sometimes catch up with Nokias or SE...
Sorry folks, but that was a huge disappointment.
Props to the totally upgrade Nano....but still, no love for the Touch, except a price drop and speed bump (32GB and 64GB only).
That was f-ing WEAK!
@App4That
Troll4AllTheRightReasons elsewhere, please.
I like camera in mp3 player but placement is... kinda weird.
It's so they can further upgrade it to a model with the camera in the right place.
Yep location location location!;) lol
Actually, I think it makes some sense. The nano is designed with a clickwheel at the bottom of the device right? (I don't own one so forgive any assumptions on my part) And you have to use that clickwheel to actuate the shutter on the camera. I'm guessing you push the center button to snap a photo? If that's so, then all you do is
*wait for it*
Hold the player upside down so your thumb is pressing the clickwheel. Sounds reasonable, no?
Now do I get a prize for a guess?? :D No? Oh. Well. I tried...
The Nano is a great refresh, but the lens placement is terrible.
Combined with the rest of the design it practically makes one-handed shooting impossible.
5 hours of video! removable battery? That might suck if you forgot to charge it. Nice upgrades though
Rogue_Genius nailed it.
They probably had iPod touches with cameras in it too .. but he didn't announce it cause they got pissed that it was leaked. Ess Jobs wanted to screw off the rumor sites.
@Rogue_Genius that would make sense except for two reasons:
1) that places the button on the left center of the camera.
2) every other camera has the button on the top right.
So where's Apple's brilliant useabilty? Don't give me the "reinventing for best placement" otherwise they would have fixed all keyboards by now to use simulated annealing to modify typing placement to best suit individual typist's needs.
"Combined with the rest of the design it practically makes one-handed shooting impossible." ~Jon
That's what she said!
But really, I'm just trying to understand why you couldn't just use both hands...oh, right...but it doesn't have image stabilization, talk about shaky video.
Are you guys freaking insane... how about the fact that there is no STILL photo capabilities... hence the lack of sensor resolution. We've all come to think that if there is video... there must be stills. But it's no where to be found, and Apple does a great job always wording it "Video Camera."
Engadget... Update your post
@ Zune Claus
The camera is on the bottom because you hold the iPod sideways as you can see from pretty much every picture in the gallery. Your hands won't get in the way.
You hold it front if you're using a camera on a phone.
You hold it sideways if you're an ordinary digital camera or iPod.
Is it just me, or have Apple left a couple of chimps staffing the iPod division while all the engineers got moved into the iPhone division?
Who cares, it got a freakin X-RAY CAMERA MODE!!!!!!!
Considering the placement it could only be usable by lefties. If it were on the opposite side then it could be hold as a camera and controlled via the click wheel.
The location is horrendous. No amount of "hold it upside down" or "obviously Apple meant for you to hold it sideways" babble will change the fact that this is a sad, me too feature (probably) using a sensor that would have been crappy for cell phone photos in 2003.
FWIW, the reason for the location is to keep things slim. You can't put a camera lens, a sensor, and an LCD back to back and expect to get it on either edge of the Nano. Maybe they could have fit it in the middle of the top, but that would've meant both a poorer location for horizontal shooting and an interruption of their logo aesthetic. And nobody wants to interrupt Apple's logo aesthetic, because then what would you have?
I wonder what res it will do, since they compare it to the FLIP...
Don't hold your breath. If you get 480p, you'll be lucky.
No way their doing 720P, like the Flip MinoHD. Notice they had the standard Flip and did not show the MinoHD version?
I love how they called it "free". As in, "free if you were going to buy a new iPod".
It's completely and utterly ridiculous that they didn't add video to the Touch. It's the premium iPod device . . . . all iPod touch buyers should be pissed about this. If you want an iPod Touch and you want video capabilities, you need a Touch and a Nano. Stupid.
If it does any better than blurry VGA, I'll be really surprised.
Exactly. Is it an HD video camera?
30FPS VGA is actually better than most of the freebie phones you get on contract. Weird thing is, if they had such good sensors why can't they take stills?
in b4 battery life
a swing....
and a miss...
Really think this belongs on the ipod touch myself :-\
They probably didn't put in there because they don't want it to come to close to the iphone...
I suppose that makes sense...I just dont think a camera makes sense on the nano :P
I agree.. it would make people not need the iPhone as much. ATT would lose customers, because the iPod Touch would be everything but the shi**y service.
he said *touch himself*
This thing is perfect for my mom. She needs an update from her 2004 iPod and also loves recording her steps as she walks everyday. This thing is great! Guess it's to make up for the boring iPod Touch and Classic updates. Definitely getting a Nano today for her now.
Since when did Apple care about AT&T?
^^^...since Google Voice got the Kibosh
@Victor:
Well, you nailed it with the "shitty service" part >_>.
Only reason they didn't add a camera to the touch was to make sure people had a reason to buy the nano/regular ipod.
@AltairAntares
No, the only reason they didn't add a camera to the iPod Touch was to give people a reason to buy the iPhone. They want people to buy that instead of a $199 player where they get no subscription residuals. Now with the 3.1 update, the camera is more attractive than ever and they know it.
How about this for an idea. Nano's updates were developed to put a clear distinction between products but also to crush the FLIP (147 Flip vs 149 Nano) When CISCO updates the FLIP to HD to justify another price jump, Apple steps in with the Touch camera @ 780 resolution...no more FLIP.
I think the chemo and the new liver screwed with his ability to make rational decisions.
"Duh.... let's put the camera lens.... here!"
They can squeeze in a camera and a FM transmitter in a Nano but can't do the same in the Touch?
I think I've been waiting for a new iPod, longer than most people. (I'm still using my 2nd and 3rd Gen iPod) It seems, I will be waiting a little longer...
The innovatioins never stop.
* cough *
yeah, voice recording, FM radio, camera... those are all so new!!! MUST BUY!!!!
/sarcasm
...and FM radio? Looks like this thing is trying to compete with the Zunes... at least last years.
Zune with 1% marketshare based on latest stats, no one needs to compete with Zune,
not even Creative or Sandisk. :)
too little, too late
Yes, and I am sure that Zunes will compete with last year's iPod sales.
Or maybe the first year sales of the iPod?
Down rank the reality away!
I dont know I still think that ZuneHD is going to be better... even without the camera......
An FM radio on an mp3 player, welcome to 2002 Crapple.
@the first 3: Good job, idiots. Do you really think the addition of FM radio had nothing to do with the Zune? Come off it, you're being ridiculous.
@skeezle
"Down rank the reality away!'
Good to know that your version of reality is something that hasn't even happened yet.
And the Zen from a few years ago!
The cognitive dissonance is going to be epic.
Before today:
"No one uses an FM radio and Apple recognizes this. They compete on an integrated experience instead of a list disconnected features like a radio."
Today:
Introducing the new iPod nano! Now with microphone, speaker, pedometer, camera, voice-over, radio, and the kitchen sink!
And do you think that the Zune itself had nothing to do with the iPod? You are the idiot, Mark.
@Skeezle: No, I don't actually. I'm also not stupid enough to think that the Zune HD had nothing to do with the iPod Touch/iPhone. Of course the Zune is competing with the iPods. Come on, use your head. I used to respect you(despite our differing viewpoints) but your trolling on this comment thread is just ridiculous.
If the iPod never existed, neither would the Zune. REALITY. Same with the iPod Touch & Zune HD.
When the iPod did not have radio capabilities it was derided by all the MS defender / Apple haters here as inferior to all other PMPs. Now it has one, like many other PMPs, including ones that existed before the Zune, and you are going to tell me Apple got the idea from the Zune? I think the only ideas Apple is getting from the Zune is what not to do.
@Skeezle: There's a difference between copying and competing(though most here mix up those differences). What I think happened was that they needed to keep the nano's relevant, since other players were completely outclassing it due to Apple's focus on the iPod Touch/iPhone. So they added a video camera(no still pictures still boggles my mind, but that's another story) and a bigger screen and to round out the package, they added the one thing the existing Zunes had over it: FM radio. It's fairly clear that they didn't go through the past decade without noticing that radio existed. They needed to beat competing products point for point, including radio.
Gonna crush the Flip et al. They make a good point regarding the value proposition.
Flip et al have moved on since the VGA days. They're all recording 720p nowadays. Apple will probably catch up in 2012...
I really hate that every ridiculous nano rumor turns out to be true. Video on the stupid 2 inch screen, hideous fatty design, than stupid oval design, now camera on the back. 2nd gen nano was the best.
I think I'd rather carry a dedicated camera so I can take WATCHABLE video, I don't expect these things to be as good as cell camera...
The best camera is the one you always have with you. Mind you, my phone's camera records D1 at 30fps.
The entire event nearly devoted to new ways you can buy junk on iTunes? Games? Incremental size increases? A video camera?? I own an iPhone, but I really don't understand Apple. I think you either just "get it," or you eagerly wait for a cooler, more _useful_ device to come out.
Cute idea, but I really hope they also improved the sound quality instead of adding features.
How about changing the crappy earbuds that you use to listen to music?
You are mistaken. I actually use variety of high quality headphones to listen to music. Unfortunately, this is not really a pleasure with the nano and I therefore only use it for audiobooks.
*cough*
wtf happened to the ipod touch??
i don't want this in a nano, epic FAIL.
at least it means i don't need to go and buy a new ipod touch :)
weird that they would only incorporate the camera in the nano, they obviously could put it in the classic and the touch...
No, not weird at all.
The iPod Touch faces a constant struggle to differentiate it from the iPhone -- the price is really quite different (the iPhones start at something like $599 IIRC), but that gets concealed because everyone buys the iPhone on contract for more like $200. The screen is the same, the size isn't all that different, they run the same apps. The video camera is one of the biggest cost-saving measures there to keep the iPod Touch price low enough to sell any at all. Also, it would be hard to take over the Flip's marketshare directly with the similar-sized iPod Touch.
OTOH, the Nano, despite the inevitable technical inferiority resulting from shrinking any camera, should easily trounce the Flip, because it has more functionality (iPod, more storage at the same price point) and fits your pocket easier. And let's face it, anyone serious about video wouldn't be getting a Flip in the first place, so they may not even notice...
Hey Engadget, does it have a "speaker" or a "microphone". A microphone might be more useful for taking video. Definitely need to see some specs.
Perhaps you missed the slide with the giant arrow with the word "Speaker" in foot-high letters. Plus there's a dot below the lens, so there's a mic.
And don't forget the FM radio, you know, that outdated technology that they have had in the Zune for a couple years now? At least that is what the Apple fanboys have been calling FM radio, outdated. Nobody wants radio when you can just listen music.
I guess now Apple invented FM.
I wonder if it supports FM text like the Zune.
Why on earth did they leave out the touch??? I'm disappointed Apple, very disappointed.
I was going to buy a touch this year because they were adding a camera. Guess not. Guess I'll wait and see if they add one next year.
Perhaps your eyes are strained because you REPLIED about "Speaker" to someone talking about the ipod touch with no mention of speaker, whereas the personing mentioning speaker was above the one you replied to.
Um.... okay.
Okay, i don't get it. Someone please tell me wtf a camera is needed on the nano. Seriously.
I'm sick of people complaining about the integration of cameras in to portable technology. I think it's great that, in today's world, pretty much every major news story has had footage recorded by people carrying a phone with a built-in camera. Amateur footage can be invaluable in solving some crimes and man-made disasters.
Having a camera in something that you *always* have with you is a very good thing IMO.
just a dumb way to keep the prices the way they are. the 16GB nano at $150 would have been a great deal, now customers are stuck with a shitty 8GB at that price that can now do shit their phones could do 4 years ago.
btw, the pedometer is a nice touch. a lot of people will find this useful.
the camera? not so much.
@iloveapple Welcome to the year 2005, where almost every cellphone also has a camera. Why place a camera inferior/similar to one's cellphone camera in a PMP? Your argument is that a PMP needs a camera because it's always with you. So is your cellphone. Why is this camera suddenly woefully inadequate? Why is it necessary to have a camera on BOTH a cellphone and a PMP? Can you answer me that?
@iLoveApple
You're right...every cell phone has a camera already...making this feature something that nobody in their right mind cares about since oh...about 99% of people with an iPod Nano also have a cell phone. Frankly I don't know anyone who had an iPod nano and went "if only this had a video camera on it that can't take still photos and had X-Ray special effects!!!"
And frankly you almost always have your cell phone with you but you don't necessarily always have your ipod nano with you-some people do but other people just use it when they're out jogging or at the gym, or studying somewhere. Yes if you have a purse you probably always have your ipod with you but if you primarily use pockets not everyone enjoys having headphones plus a nano clanking around next to their phone when they're going out to hang out with friends and you don't usually hang out with friends by listening to your ipod with headphones on and ignoring them.
Seriously this is like a solution looking for a nonexistent problem. It's basically like the video on a decent cell phone except with random special effect modes that seem targeted at 12 year olds...and it can't take stills at all which seems to make it even more useless than the camera on a cell phone.
I laughed. Alot.
Nice post.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/09/apple-ipod-sept-09-1393-rm-eng.jpg
Seems kinda half useful, maybe well i like the addition of radio and mic, not that i'd use any of the new features much, there just nice to have i guess.
could they have picked a worse spot for that fuckin camera?
Sorry Apple - I just don't get it. I've had a video camera in my phone for years - now i can even upload videos from my phone direct to YouTube etc. Why would I want another inferior one on my iPod? I just don't see the point of this.
I'm still sticking to Zune unless they add the cam to ipod touch..!
Why not focus in better camera for the iphone instead?
WOW the nano can do video but my iPhone 3G has been blocked from this feature... So I have to buy the 3GS! rotten apple...
I was thinking the same thing ... I assumed video was part of the 3.0 update since every dumb/smartphone i have ever owned had the feature but no ... i am so sick of Apple ignoring their customer's needs and just doing what Steve thinks we need. I am NOT paying $499 to upgrade to a iPhone 3Gs.
Apple is really starting to fall apart ... the effing ipod nanos can do video but my iPhone than is twice as powerful can't?
Apple is made of fail these days.
FM radio for nano? Iphone don't even got that, perhaps next iphone they will get anything right after so many years of complain.
If I'm thinking of getting an iPhone 3GS, there's no reason to get this too then, is there? I really want something for taking quick videos but this probably won't be better than the iPhone camera. Maybe I'll just keep my eye out for a refurbished Flip HD.
And...Now I'm buying a ZuneHD. I decided to see which was better the ZuneHD or the new ipod touch...since there really isn't a new ipod touch that makes my decision easy
At least you have the choice.
C'mon, Microsoft - bring the Zune HD to the rest of the world.
Hmm, the new "polished" finish is rather shiny... I hope that the new Nanos haven't turned into fingerprint magnets.
I like the FM addition, but the camera is totally useless
I agree.
I was going to look at an iPod Touch if it had a camera- but I guess this means a no...
And no A2DP on the Zune HD?
Geeezzz...
don't forget the sound quality..........
"Just one more thing..."
*audience holds breath*
"The long rumored Apple Tablet!!!!!!"
*audience goes insane*
"Nah just kidding, its actually cameras on the iPod Nano."
*crickets*
640x480 max resolution.
This won't be taking much market share from the mini HD cam market. Specs below from Apple.com:
Size and weight
Height:
3.6 inches (90.7 mm)
Width:
1.5 inches (38.7 mm)
Depth:
0.24 inch (6.2 mm)
Weight:
1.3 ounces (36.8 grams)1
Capacity
* 8GB or 16GB flash drive2
* Holds up to 2,000 or 4,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format3
* Holds up to 7,000 or 14,000 iPod-viewable photos4
* Holds up to 8 hours or 16 hours of video5
* Stores data via USB flash drive
Accessibility
* Spoken menus allow listeners to hear many of the names of menus, song titles, and artists without viewing the screen.
* An alternative large font can make menus easier to read.
* A high-resolution LCD display with adjustable contrast and backlight settings makes it easier to read in low light.
* Captions in video are displayed when they are present using a legible, high-contrast white-on-black font.
Environmental Status Report
iPod nano embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It is designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:
* Arsenic-free glass
* Brominated flame retardant-free
* Mercury-free
* PVC-free
* Highly recyclable aluminum enclosure
Display
* 2-inch (diagonal) liquid crystal display with blue-white LED backlight
* 320-by-240-pixel resolution at 204 pixels per inch
Audio
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
* Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
* User-configurable maximum volume limit
Headphones
* Earphones
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
* Impedance: 32 ohms
Video
* H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats