Photokina2008
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Sanho introduces HyperDrive COLORSPACE UDMA photo backup drive
It has been some time since we've seen a new competitor in the photo backup realm, so it's with a great sigh of relief that we pass along word of Sanho's HyperDrive COLORSPACE UDMA photo backup device. The unit is capable of sucking down 2GB of data per minute and claims to be "the only storage device in the market that can decode and display true RAW images from any camera on its 3.2-inch (QVGA) color LCD screen." Furthermore, it orientates images automatically depending on how it's held, and the included data synchronization functionality enables the drive to sync information with another external HDD or your main rig. Oh, and it can understand 14 different types of memory card, so you're probably fine on that front. Check it out next month for between $339 (80GB) and $599 (500GB), depending on capacity.
Pentax K-m DSLR gets smothered in Swarovski crystals
No, you can't order a Pentax K-m with live view, but you can end up with one littered in Swarovski crystals. Over at Photokina, this gem (ahem) was proudly on display, reportedly aimed at dames in the crowd with a thing for fashion and technology. A company representative wouldn't disclose pricing, through she did say any prospective buyers could phone up Pentax to talk cheddar.[Via Pocket-lint]
GE intros E1055W, E1050TW and A1030 point-and-shoots
Hurry on over! We had originally thought that Kodak had this award in the bag, but now that General Imaging (GE) has pumped out a trio of cameras that nearly put us to sleep, we'd say the race for the lamest introduction at Photokina is officially back on. Up first on the chopping block is the E1055W, a GE-branded point-and-shoot with a 3-inch LCD monitor, 10.1-megapixel sensor, blink / smile detection and a 5x optical zoom. Following that is the E1050TW, which packs most of the same hardware but also includes a 720p movie mode. Lastly, we've got the 10-megapixel A1030, which features a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, ultrathin design and super-simplistic button arrangement. All three cameras should be landing real soon for under three bones each, and no, they aren't really that awful... on paper.[Thanks, David]Read - GE E1055W Read - GE E1050TW Read - GE A1030
Hasselblad bringing 60-megapixel H3DII-60 in April 2009
Hasselblad's doing a fine job of pimping its mildly fresh 50-megapixel H3DII-50 at Photokina 2008, but being that we're hardly ever satisfied with the here and now, we've latched onto a few juicy tidbits flowing from the lips of CEO Christian Poulsen. Reportedly, the exec made clear at the show that a 60-megapixel version of the camera (H3DII-60) would be made available in April of 2009, and while it would demand a £4,000 ($7,393) premium over the £14,750 ($27,261) H3DII-50, that increase would pay for a sensor that provides 94% full-frame coverage. It's okay, your D40 is still bombastic in its own right.
Kodak rolls out new image sensors at Photokina, one for Leica's S2
We noticed that the writeup for Leica's newly unveiled S2 made mention of a new Kodak sensor, but we'll leave it to Kodak to do the boasting. Sure enough, the outfit responsible for this atrocity has rolled out a few new image sensors at Photokina 2008, one of which -- the KAF-37500 -- proudly resides in the aforementioned S2. The company is showcasing sensors for medium format rigs such as the Sinar HY6-65 (KAF-31600) and Hasselblad H3DII-50 (KAF-50100), though quite honestly, it spends more time gloating about what manufacturers it's partnering with than describing the technology. Oh well, so long as it keeps Kodak from focusing on its pathetic point-and-shoot lineup, we'll keep smiling.
Eye-Fi making wares twice as fast, expanding internationally
Frustrated by somewhat sluggish transfers from your otherwise spectacular Eye-Fi card? Fret not, as the company has just announced a forthcoming update at Photokina that will reportedly enable new and existing Eye-Fi owners to make "the upload of digital photos from camera to computer twice as fast." Also of note, as of October 5th, users can even add features that aren't already included on their card and renew annual services by tapping into the updated Eye-Fi Manager Web application. In related news, the outfit will be pushing its wares to Japan and Canada by the year's end, and in even more related news, Eye-Fi now supports direct photo uploads to Apple's MobileMe and the AdoramaPix service.Read - Eye-Fi getting 2x fasterRead - Eye-Fi going international
Smartparts busts out 32-inch SP3200WF WiFi digiframe
There comes a point in a digital photo frame's life in which it grows beyond being "just a simple digiframe." For Smartparts' SP3200WF, that time is now. This 32-inch monstrosity is easily the world's hugest WiFi digital photo frame, packing a 1,366 x 768 resolution, natural wood frame with espresso finish, an SD / MS / CF multicard reader, RF remote support, and the ability to play back slideshows, videos, PDFs and even PowerPoint files. Furthermore, it's among the firm's first to integrate with Windows Live Photo Gallery, and the built-in RSS reader keeps your eyes occupied when the snaps grow stale. Too bad there aren't any video inputs (and a price to ponder).
Samsung's NaBee brings wireless USB to any digicam
Samsung has just introduced a product with a name we can't help but love: NaBee. The smooth sounding device is actually a system for bringing wireless USB technology to any camera with a USB connector. Packed within is Alereon's AL5000 Worldwide Wireless USB Chipset, which enables cordless communication between one's PC and digicam so long as the receiver and transmitter are within reach. Yeah, it's not nearly as elegant as inbuilt WiFi solutions, but at least it gives those a year or two out from upgrading a shot at enjoying wireless USB transfers in the here and now. Mum's the word on pricing, but it should be out this December.
Kodak reveals EasyShare Z1485 IS point-and-shoot
Kodak's hitting us up with one of the less momentous Photokina moments today by getting official with its EasyShare Z1485 IS. Traces of the cam were spotted a few weeks back, but the outfit chose today to formally introduce it to the world. The point-and-shoot boasts an absurd 14-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, 5x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, ISO up to 6,400 and a 720p movie mode at 30fps. Truthfully, the specs don't look so bad on paper, but are you seriously considering spending three bills on a camera that reeks of 2001 in the design department? Nah, we thought not.[Via LetsGoDigital]
AgfaPhoto DC-1338sT touch screen digital camera
Let's hope Agfa brings more to Photokina than the 1338sT, because otherwise it's going to be a pretty lonely booth. The 10 megapixel camera isn't quite the top of the line, even with the 3-inch touchscreen: smile detection, face tracking, and a low-res YouTube video mode aren't exactly huge selling points -- especially for €179 ($265). The non-touchscreen DC-1338i version has been available in the States for a while now, so the morbidly curious can expect to see this bad boy at a Walgreens sometime in the future.
Samsung shoves 10x optical zoom into HZ1 point-and-shoot
Had enough from Cologne? Nah, we didn't think so, so we'll happily pass along Samsung's latest compact from Photokina 2008. The pocket-friendly HZ1 doesn't look too outrageous at first glance, but closer inspection reveals that it's packing a mighty fine 10x optical zoom. You'll also find face detection technology and dual image stabilization, and word on the street also claims a 720p movie mode. Sadly, there aren't any details on price or availability, but we can definitely see this one moving quite briskly from store shelves whenever it lands.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
DIS reveals 9-megapixel camera module for mobile phones
We've seen 10-megapixel cameraphones. We've seen 8-megapixel cameraphones. But if you've been holding out for that oh-so-elusive 9-megapixel cameraphone, the wait is just about over. Digital Imaging Systems (DIS) has chosen Photokina 2008 to reveal its 9-megapixel (CMOS) DIS6931 camera module for mobile phones, which provides features such as auto-focus, a mechanical shutter and ND-filter with integrated actuators. Best of all, samples of the unit are shipping out right now, while volume production is on track for Q4 2008. Hey, handset makers -- can we get some attention on this, please?[Via UnwiredView]
Fujifilm intros FinePix Real 3D system, Super CCD EXR at Photokina
As the announcements continue to flow from Cologne, Fujifilm is vying for some time in the limelight with two introductions of its own. The FinePix Real 3D system is built around a "newly-developed 3D processor and a twin-lens camera concept" which enables 3D capture and even 3D printing. As of now, no actual products have been revealed to take advantage of the technology, but it's evidently just a matter of time before your images are literally hanging off of your future digital photo frame. Moving on, we've got the Super CCD EXR, a "three-in-one" sensor that supposedly provides high resolution, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. Essentially, this could lead to ultracompact cameras that provide stunning image quality without injecting high levels of noise in low-light scenarios, but sadly, there's no actual Super CCD EXR-infused camera to swoon over just yet. Check out every last detail in the links below.Read - Super CCD EXRRead - FinePix Real 3D System
Leica debuts S-system, 37-megapixel flagship S2 camera
Is it Photokina time, or what? Joining the host of other camera manufacturers with sparkly fresh announcements this week is none other than Leica, which just announced a trio of new cams a few days back. This introduction, however, stands alone, and Leica's making some pretty remarkably bold statements about its new S-system. The first device to take advantage is the 37-frickin'-megapixel S2, which sits between Canon's EOS 5D and EOS 1Ds MkIII in terms of body size. The company designed the camera to provide "the quality of medium format and the handling and flexibility of 35mm," and the outfit also has nine S-system lenses on tap. As for expectations? Leica says it'll perform "twice as fast as Hasselblad H-series cameras," and if that wasn't straight-up enough, the firm's David Bell proclaimed that "[Leica] thinks it has the best professional camera system in the world with this."[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Third time's a charm: Jobo re-re-launches photoGPS geotagger
You've got to be kidding us, right? Since February of 2007, Jobo has been dangling this unicorn-like geotagger in our faces and threatening to launch every six months or so, and right on cue, the company is back with yet another claim of "it's almost here." This time at Photokina 2008, the outfit is asserting that its $159 GPS-packing add-on, which automatically geotags images of any camera it's docked on, is just one month away from being released in the US. Or, the Windows version at least -- Mac users will have to wait until the end of this year. Or next. Or the next. Or maybe even the next.[Via CNET]
Canon's EOS 5D Mark II gets painstakingly detailed
Canon went a bit berserk this morning, but without a doubt the looker from the crowd is the 21-megapixel EOS 5D Mark II. Make no mistake, this bad boy is bringing all sorts of new and revamped technology to the game, and thanks to the good folks over at DPReview, you don't have to waste your day trying to piece it all together. Linked below is a 13-page "preview" that dishes out more details on the specs, changes, operation, design, menus and favorite date spots than you could ever fathom. Being the DSLR freak that you are, however, we know you've already ventured off and are onto page 2. No hard feelings, though.
Nikon D90 rumors heating up ahead of Photokina as well
Man, all these old camera rumors are just seeping out of the woodwork ahead of Photokina next month -- now it's the Nikon D90 getting the zombie rumor treatment. At least we're getting specs this time around, and they're not bad at all: 12 megapixels, Live View, video mode (necessitating a built-in mic), HDMI out, optional GPS, and a new 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. Sure, it's a worthy successor to the D80 -- but we'll believe it when we see it.P.S.- Yes, that's another old, probably Photoshopped image that's been floating around, so don't get crazy -- like we said, these rumors aren't exactly new.
