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Fujifilm adds GPS module, geotagging functionality to waterproof Finepix XP30 camera
Remember Fujifilm's Finepix XP10 from... oh, right around seven months ago? Hopefully you're not one to get overly depressed about the rush of progress, because Fujifilm has just outed an update to that very camera that's significantly improved. Following Casio's footsteps on the Exilim EX-H20G, Fuji is introducing the GPS-enabled Finepix XP30 here at CES. The overall size and shape remains similar to the aforementioned XP10, with this point-and-shoot being waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. What may really entice the argonauts in the crowd is the embedded GPS chip; this will keep tabs of your location and embed your exact coordinates into every picture you take. Once you get back home, just dump 'em into iPhoto or Picasa in order to view photos based on location. Moreover, the GPS Tracking Data function will regularly store location data, and when you get home, you can actually create a map of your travels. Other specifications include a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, 720p movie mode, image stabilization, a 2.7-inch anti-reflective LCD, a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier, a metal, unibody chassis and a riveted front panel. The XP30 should ship next month for $239.95, while a GPS-less sibling (the Finepix XP20; pictured after the break) will ship a month later for $199.99; those looking to accessorize will find an adjustable float strap, protective silicone skin and a neoprene sports case for sale in March for an undisclosed amount.
Sony's waterproof and dustproof DSC-TX5 stands up to review scrutiny
You'll remember the TX5 as Sony's do-it-all solution for compact camera fans. It aims to be both stylish -- with a slender 0.7-inch profile and a 3-inch touchscreen -- and rugged, thanks to a metal frame that makes it impervious to water, dust and sub-zero conditions. Throw in the backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor, optical image stabilization, SDHC compatibility, and 720p movie mode and you've got a pretty fearsome paper tiger on your hands. But does it roar in reality? According to Photography Blog, you won't be getting the finest image quality around, but the TX5 impressed with some terrific high ISO performance, excellent handling of chromatic aberrations, and a versatility that allows you to take photos you might not otherwise get to with more conventional shooters. That is an opinion broadly shared by CNET, though both reviewers agreed that pricing will be a tough pill to swallow given that this is still just a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot. Hit the sources for more or mosey on past the break for a sample video.
Pentax makes all-weather Optio W90 and superzoom X90 official
Pentax is going for broke with its take on the rugged camera, the W90, which is unlikely to ever be confused for a svelte and stylish point-and-shoot. What it loses in looks, it gains in usability, however, as the 12.1 megapixel shooter can withstand shocks from a height of four feet, go nearly 20 feet under water, and withstand temperatures as slow as -10 degrees Celsius. The dustproofing is just topping on that rugged cake, though it still offers things like 720p / 30fps video recording and 5x optical zoom that are now considered standard camera specs. There are also three forms of shake reduction: one is post-processing of affected images, the second is by automatically increasing the ISO in low light conditions, and the third is the use of "exclusive software" during movie mode. We can't say any one of those will be as good as a well-implemented optical image stabilization, but at least they're there and might offer some assistance. As to the X90, it joins a growing band of 26x and above optical superzoomers, while adding the W90's 720p video mode and anti-shake plus its own sensor-shift stabilizer for good measure. Both shooters are expected in April, priced at $330 for the W90 and $400 for the X90, though we've noticed the former will show up a month earlier in the UK with a £270 ($417) price tag.
Olympus Mju Tough-6010 seeks clumsy photographer to grow old with
The latest addition to the Olympus Mju (Stylus in the US) family of ruggedized cameras is the Tough-6010, which claims to be waterproof up to (or is it down to) 3 m (10 ft), freezeproof to -10°C (14°F), and capable of withstanding drops from 1.5 m (5 ft). It retains the TAP Control Mode from its elder sibling, which lets users access various functions by tapping the camera's top and sides. If you're going to be snorkeling on Greenland's north coast, there is perhaps no other camera for you -- but if you care about actual camera specs, this is a 12-megapixel shooter, equipped with 3.6x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, dual image stabilization, ISO sensitivity up to 1600, and storage handled by your choice of xd-Picture Card or MicroSD. Should you be leaving for Greenland soon, fret not, as the UK will be getting the 6010 this month for £299, with continental Europe and the US probably not too far behind.
Sony files patent application for liquid cellphone cushion
Unlike the iPhone, some handsets will pack it in when they hit the curb or floor from waist height (sorry, we just couldn't resist). Sony's "Liquid Cushion" patent application works by placing your device in a sealed chamber within a second perforated chamber filled with fluid, surrounded by the outer housing. Drop the handset, and the liquid will squeeze out of the perforated chamber and absorb some of the impact. Clever idea, but we're thinking if people are worrying about battery replacement now, just wait til you have to deal with anti-shock goo.[Via textually.org]
Olympus' Stylus (Mju) 760 and 770SW all weather and underwater shooters
In addition to that freaky 18x zoomer, Olympus is shepherding out a pair of newborn Mjus this morning with their Mju (AKA, Stylus) 760 and Mju 770SW all weather shooters. Both pack a 7.1 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch 230k color LCD, choice of 3 all American/French/Dutch colors (red, white, and blue), support for xD-Picture Cards, ISO 1600 shots, and a suite of pre-defined underwater modes for easy point-and-shoot snaps as deep as 40-meters when coupled with their optional underwater cases. The Mju 760 differs by offering mechanical image stabilization not found in the 770SW. And while the 760 won't shy away from a little dampness, the 770SW downright prefers it just like its predecessors. In fact, it can take pretty much anything you throw at it: it's shockproof against falls from as high as 1.5-meters, waterproof to a depth of 10-meters, freezeproof in temps as low as -10 Celsius, and can withstand loads up to 100-kg (220-pounds) for those tempted to risk a slip of this slimster into their back pocket. It also packs a built-in "one-touch light" to find subjects tucked inside the reefs, an on-screen water pressure gauge, and a lens slathered with water repellent for droplet-free shooting. Both are expected to hit in March with the 760 demanding about £200/$394 and the 770SW about £300/$591. Pics of the 760 after the break. [Thanks, David]Read -- Mju 760Read -- Mju 770SW
Logitec's uber-secure, rugged Precious LHD-PHAU2 external HDD
We admit, we do get a tad creeped out when a manufacturer dubs a hardcore, tough looking product "precious," but considering how dear the data that's on your Precious LHD-PHAU2 hard drive is likely to be to you, we guess the name fits the bill. This stainless steel clad drive comes in 80GB, 120GB, and 160GB sizes, spins at 5400RPMs, and can reportedly withstand drops from around one meter. Moreover, this darling of a storage device rocks a security switch that automatically encrypts the data and locks out intruders, and can only be re-accessed by logging in through the Logitec Secure Projects software. The firm also claims that this device is light on the power usage, RoHS-compliant, and while it can play nice with both OS X and Windows, the security application will only load on the Wintel side. All three flavors are slated to hit shelves next month, and you get your very own precious for ¥16,485 ($140), ¥25,410 ($216), or ¥33,285 ($282), depending on capacity.[Via Akihabara News]
Plextor PX-SP "shock-proof" external drives
We're always a little suspicious when a company releases a line of products labeled with terms like "ruggedized" or "shock-proof," especially when those items are packed into tiny packages. So, we're a little wary of Plextor's claims that the company's new PX-SP USB hard drives, which weigh in at less than 8 ounces, are shock-proof. However, according to the company, the drives -- which are available in capacities of 80GB and 120GB -- are protected by a "silicon jacket bumper," which allow users to carry them "anytime, anywhere." We'll reserve judgment for now, though we're eager to hear how these survive some real world "anytime, anywhere" tests involving drops, falls and the wheels of large military vehicles.
Olympus' water/shockproof Mju Stylus 720SW reviewed
The 7 megapixel Mju Stylus 720SW from Olympus has some pretty steep claims, including waterproofing up to 10 feet deep and shockproofing for up to 5 foot drops, but does seem to live up to its claims and happens to be a pretty good camera to boot. Available in pink, silver, or blue, the camera's metal housing is the main story here, with claims to be the world's only shockproof digital camera. With all this banging around we would hope for some optical image stabilization, but the digital version seems to do a decent job. The pictures are generally low noise, the camera does a good job of focusing, and the small flash manages to light up an indoor scene quite well. The reviewer liked the 2.5-inch screen, though the resolution was a bit low, but found the workings of the camera to quite quick, and the camera body easy to use and comfortable to hold. You could easily find a 7 megapixel shooter for less than the 720SW's $410 asking price, but good luck with dropping one of those in the drink.
