Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The mysteries of the CCD revealed (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/the-mysteries-of-the-ccd-revealed-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/the-mysteries-of-the-ccd-revealed-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/the-mysteries-of-the-ccd-revealed-video/#comments The Mysteries of the CCD revealed

Sure, we've explained to you why sensor size matters in a digital camera, but maybe you need to take it back a bit. Maybe, you're not entirely sure how those sensors work in the first place. Well, Bill Hammack, better known as The Engineer Guy, is here to help. After breaking down LCDs and hard drives for your amusement and education, Bill has turned his attention to the CCD. The charge-coupled device is the heart and soul of many a digital camera, turning incoming photons into a charge that the impressively complex processor inside can convert into an image. What makes the CCD so impressive is it's rather ingenious solutions to problems such as interference (no wires, just a shift register) and color reproduction (pixel-sized filters and a hue-flattening algorithm). For more, check out the video after the break.

Continue reading The mysteries of the CCD revealed (video)

The mysteries of the CCD revealed (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill hammackBillHammackCCDcharge-coupled deviceCharge-coupledDeviceengineer guyEngineerGuyimage sensorImageSensorsensorsensorsThe Engineer guyTheEngineerGuyvideoWed, 16 May 2012 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp readying 1/2.3-inch, 20.2-megapixel CCD destined for noisy point-and-shoots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sharp-readying-1-2-3-inch-20-2-megapixel-ccd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sharp-readying-1-2-3-inch-20-2-megapixel-ccd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sharp-readying-1-2-3-inch-20-2-megapixel-ccd/#comments Sharp readying 1/2.3-inch, 20.2-megapixel CCD destined for noisy point-and-shoots

As you probably know, megapixels aren't everything. In fact, the more of them you cram into a smaller space, the noisier your images will be. So, you'll forgive us if we don't exactly shout from the mountain tops that Sharp has managed to stick a whopping 20.2 megapixels into a CCD only 1/2.3 inches in size. That does, however, give the RJ23G3BA0LT the highest pixel count in that size range. That's gotta count for something, right?

Sharp readying 1/2.3-inch, 20.2-megapixel CCD destined for noisy point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 megapixel20.2 megapixel20.2Megapixel20MegapixelcameracamerasCCDimage sensorImageSensorminipostRJ23G3BA0LTsensorSharpTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Primed: Camera metering explained]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/engadget-primed-camera-metering-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/engadget-primed-camera-metering-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/engadget-primed-camera-metering-explained/#commentsPrimed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. You can follow the series here. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com.
Is learning how to meter with your camera really necessary? With all the intelligent models out today, who needs it, right? Well, you may, depending on the type of killer photography you hope to produce. When it comes to the person behind the camera, there are a few types of photographers. First, there's the photog who just wants to snap away, not terribly concerned about how their photos turn out -- or, at the very least, not interested in knowing how to alter the camera. If this describes you, that's fine -- the latest-and-greatest compact cameras may be your cup of tea. But then there's the amateur shooter who desires a better understanding of how their cameras determine exposure, and if you fit into this category, this piece should be right up your alley.

Metering is not a subject you can easily master, let alone explain entirely in an article of this length, but we can give you an idea of how it all works. I consistently see the faces of my workshop students glaze over as I wax rhapsodic about the wonders of metering, but I also notice wry smiles from time to time, which shows me the wheels are turning -- they begin to realize all the things they can do if only they can conquer this aspect of photography. However, comprehension and applied mastery are two separate balls of wax. Putting what you learn to practice is the start, and you can improve over a number of months, but true metering control in any situation requires years of practice.

So for our 2012 pre-apocalyptic installment of Primed, we'll break down the world of camera metering, giving you a bit of history, dissecting the main components, describing what your camera wants to do and telling you what the future may hold. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of this vital photographic topic... either that or you'll be in a nice deep sleep.

Note: Check out our recent Primed articles on aperture and image sensors to add to your metering knowledge.

Continue reading Engadget Primed: Camera metering explained

Engadget Primed: Camera metering explained originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afautofocusbracketbracketingcameracamera meteringCameraMeteringcanonccdcenter-weightedcenter-weighted meteringCenter-weightedMeteringcharged-couple deviceCharged-coupleDevicecwcw meteringCwMeteringengadget primedEngadgetPrimedevaluativeevaluative meteringEvaluativeMeteringexposurehdrhigh dynamic rangeHighDynamicRangehistogramsisomatrixmatrix meteringMatrixMeteringmeteringmetersnikonpartial meterpartial meteringPartialMeterPartialMeteringpatternpattern meteringPatternMeteringphotoshopprimedspotspot meteringSpotMeteringFri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Primed: Why your camera's sensor size matters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/engadget-primed-why-your-cameras-sensor-size-matters/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/engadget-primed-why-your-cameras-sensor-size-matters/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/engadget-primed-why-your-cameras-sensor-size-matters/#commentsPrimed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. You can follow the series here. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com.

The first thing I look for when purchasing a camera is something most aren't even aware of. It's not the brand name or the quality of the lens, the touch screen technology or the LCD screen size, and not the array of functions it offers or shooting presets available - it's the size of the image sensor. As a 20-year pro photographer who's captured over a million images during my career, I'm the guy who admires the parts of the engine instead of falling in love with the flashy exterior or high-end sound system. The image sensor is where the rubber meets the photosensitive diodes.

In writing my first installment for Primed, I'll give a few definitions to clear things up a bit when it comes to a camera's image sensors and size, explain in detail the parts of a sensor, how it alters the photos (or video) you capture, where it came from, and why it's important to consider its size - I'll cover the meat and bones, get to the heart of the matter, the nub, the crux, the nuts and bolts, get down to the brass tacks, all while exhausting our thesaurus. Let's dive in, shall we?

Continue reading Engadget Primed: Why your camera's sensor size matters

Engadget Primed: Why your camera's sensor size matters originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracameraphoneCCDCMOSDSLRengadget primedEngadgetPrimedimage sensorImageSensorISOmedium formatMediumFormatMFTmicro four thirdsMicroFourThirdsNikonphotophotographyphotosPhotoshoppoint and shootPointAndShootprimedsensorsensor sizeSensorSizeSLR cameraSlrCameraTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentstutorialFri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/ricoh-unveils-waterproof-dirt-resistant-px-camera-for-outdoorsy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/ricoh-unveils-waterproof-dirt-resistant-px-camera-for-outdoorsy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/ricoh-unveils-waterproof-dirt-resistant-px-camera-for-outdoorsy/#comments Just a few months after releasing its outdoorsy, G700 point and shoot, Ricoh has taken the wraps off yet another rugged digital camera -- the waterproof, shockproof and dust-resistant PX. This small warrior packs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor along with a 5x optical wide zoom lens and is capable of booting up in just 1.4 seconds. The device also supports subject-tracking and face-priority auto-focus features, in addition to a host of shooting modes, including toy camera, soft-focus and high-contrast black and white, among others. Most alluring, however, is its resilience. According to Ricoh, the PX can survive drops from an altitude of up to five feet, remains waterproof at depths of about ten feet, and is impermeable to dust, sand and dirt. There's also a 2.7-inch, scratch-resistant LCD on its backside, meaning you won't have to worry about casually tossing it in your backpack as you make your way along the trail. More flamboyant hikers, meanwhile, can add their own personal touch to the PX by wrapping it in a protective silicon sleeve, available in five, vibrant colors. If you're interested, you can grab a PX of your own when it hits stores later this month, for $300 AUD (about $317). You can check out some sample images from Digital Photography Review by hitting the link below, or flip through some pics of the PX in the gallery below. There's also a full PR waiting for you, after the break.

Gallery: ricoh px

Continue reading Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers

Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10x zoom10xZoom16-megapixel2.7-inch5x5x zoom5xZoomavailabilitycameraccdCCD-sensorcolordurabledust-resistantfocal lengthFocalLengthimpermeableLCDlensoutdoorsphotophotographypricepxricohricoh pxRicohPxruggedscratch-resistantshockproofshooting modeShootingModesilicon caseSiliconCasesoft focusSoftFocustoy cameraToyCamerawaterproofwaterproof cameraWaterproofCameraThu, 09 Jun 2011 07:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Willard Boyle, man who revolutionized digital imaging, dies at 86]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/willard-boyle-man-who-revolutionized-digital-imaging-dies-at-8/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/willard-boyle-man-who-revolutionized-digital-imaging-dies-at-8/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/willard-boyle-man-who-revolutionized-digital-imaging-dies-at-8/#comments We have some sad news to share with you today: Willard Boyle, the man who created the imaging technology behind everything from digital cameras to barcode scanners, has died at the age of 86. In 2009, Boyle shared a Nobel Prize in physics for inventing the CCD, which allowed people to capture images in digital format for the first time. It all began way back in 1969, when Boyle and his future co-Laureate, George E. Smith, started laying the groundwork for the CCD while working at Bell Laboratories. Building off of Einstein's photoelectric effect, the two eventually came up with a way to locate and quantify the electrons that are knocked out of orbit every time light strikes silicon. Boyle and Smith used this technology to create their own digital camera in 1970, as well as a TV camera in 1975. Prior to his groundbreaking invention, Boyle spent two years working for NASA's Apollo program and helped develop both the ruby laser and the semiconductor injection laser. The last three decades of Boyle's life were spent in Wallace, Canada, where he grew up and, on May 7th, passed away after battling kidney disease. He's survived by his wife, three children and an indelible legacy.

Willard Boyle, man who revolutionized digital imaging, dies at 86 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apollobellbell laboratoriesBellLaboratoriesccdcharged-couple deviceCharged-coupleDevicedeathdigitaldigital cameraDigitalCameraNASANobel PrizeNobelPrizeobitsobituaryphotoelectric effectPhotoelectricEffectphysicsruby laserRubyLaserSemiconductorsemiconductor injection laserSemiconductorInjectionLaserwillard boylewillard boyle diesWillardBoyleWillardBoyleDiesThu, 19 May 2011 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/#commentsWhat's that in the sky? A bird? A plane? Oh, it's just some junk floating around in space, posing major threats to our military's spy satellites. To help keep an eye on it, engineers at DARPA, MIT and the Air Force have unleashed a new $110 million telescope that's been in the works for nine years now. The new Space Surveillance Telescope (SST) is capable of delivering wide-angle views of the Earth's firmament thanks to a curved CCD. This allows for a massive 3.5m aperture and f/1.0 exposure settings, capturing more light in a day that your average scope can in a week. As part of the Air Force's Space Surveillance Network (SSN), the telescope's primary task will be to look out for any microsatellites, meteors or other alien droppings moving at the same speed at which the Earth rotates. The system developed its first images earlier this year and the Air Force may eventually place SSTs all over the world, creating a 360-degree surveillance blanket and going a long way toward keeping our spycraft warm, cozy, and safe from galactic hazards.

Continue reading DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris

DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air forceAirForceApertureccdcurved charge coupled deviceCurvedChargeCoupledDevicedarpadebrisImage CaptureImageCaptureimageslightMeteormilitaryMilitaryTechmitopticssatellitespacespace debrisspace surveillance networkspace surveillance telescopeSpaceDebrisSpaceSurveillanceNetworkSpaceSurveillanceTelescopespyspy satelliteSpySatelliteSSNsststarstelescopewargadgetTue, 26 Apr 2011 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympus SZ-30MR shoots 1080p video and 16MP stills simultaneously; Tough TG-810 is 'crushproof']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/olympus-sz-30mr-and-sz-20-cameras-record-1080p-video-tough-tg-8/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/olympus-sz-30mr-and-sz-20-cameras-record-1080p-video-tough-tg-8/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/olympus-sz-30mr-and-sz-20-cameras-record-1080p-video-tough-tg-8/#comments Olympus just loosed a trio of compact cameras. Let's start big with the €329 SZ-30MR. According to Olympus, the 30MR packs a backlit CMOS sensor with 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom and Dual Engine TruePic III+ processing. It also lays claim to being the first to simultaneously record 1080p video while shooting 16 megapixel stills -- a feature Oly dubs, Multi Recording. The SZ-20 lacks the MR and dials back the zoom to 12.5x but costs a relatively modest €219.

Olympus also announced a silver or black TG-810 compact for €299. First and foremost is the cam's claim for ruggedness: crushproof at a weight of 100kg (220 pounds); waterproof to 10 meters (32.8 feet); shockproof at a distance of 2 meters (6.56 feet); and freezeproof a temps to -10 degree celsius (14 degrees F). Otherwise, it boasts a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, a 5x (28-140mm) optical zoom, 720p movie mode, TAP control (for gloved use), GPS, and an electronic compass.

All three cameras feature a 3-inch LCD; HDMI; high ISO and sensor-based mechanical image stabilization; smart panorama, 3D photo, pet detection, and beauty modes; and SDXC and Eye-Fi card compatibility. Look for them to hit retail in March.

Continue reading Olympus SZ-30MR shoots 1080p video and 16MP stills simultaneously; Tough TG-810 is 'crushproof'

Olympus SZ-30MR shoots 1080p video and 16MP stills simultaneously; Tough TG-810 is 'crushproof' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p2030mr3d810backlitbacklit cmosBacklitCmoscameraccdcmoscompactcompact cameraCompactCameracompasscrushproofeye-figpshdmimrmulti recordingMultiRecordingolympuspanoramaruggedshockproofsz-20sz-30mrtg-810waterproofWed, 02 Mar 2011 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympus SZ-10 and 3D VR-330 superzooms announced alongside entry-level VG-110]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/olympus-sz-10-and-3d-vr-330-superzooms-announced-alongside-entry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/olympus-sz-10-and-3d-vr-330-superzooms-announced-alongside-entry/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/olympus-sz-10-and-3d-vr-330-superzooms-announced-alongside-entry/#comments
What's your preference for getting up close to the action? 18x wide 28-504mm or 12.5x super-wide 24-300mm optical zoom? If it's the former then Olympus just announced its $249.99 (ships in March) SZ-10 ultra-zoomer pictured above, with 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 3-inch LCD, TruPic III+ image processing, and Eye-Fi Card support. Otherwise, Oly's new £159.99 3D VR-330 for Europe dials back the zoom to 12.5x and forgoes the newer image processing of the SZ-10 while boasting the same 14 megapixel sensor. Both cameras pack dual-image stabilization, 720p video capture, HDMI-out (with CEC support so that it works with your TV's existing remote control), and a dynamic "3D mode" that instructs you to pan and shoot a second image that will be combined into a .MPO file suitable for playback on a 3D display. The VR-330 is also available without the 3D mode as the $199.99 VR-320 which ships Stateside in February. Bringing up the rear is an entry-level $89.99 VG-110 with 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD, 4x zoom, and VGA video. Look for it sometime later this month.

Update: Press releases for all three are after the break.

Gallery: Olympus SZ-10 and 3D VR-330 superzooms announced alongside entry-level VG-110

Continue reading Olympus SZ-10 and 3D VR-330 superzooms announced alongside entry-level VG-110

Olympus SZ-10 and 3D VR-330 superzooms announced alongside entry-level VG-110 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.mpo14 megapixel14Megapixel3dccdceceye-fieyefihdmihdmi controlhdmi-cecHdmiControlmpoolympussz-10vg-110vgavr-320vr-330Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LG L-03C has 3x optical zoom, 12 megapixel CCD sensor, Xenon flash -- and it can make phone calls!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/lg-l-03c-has-3x-optical-zoom-12-megapixel-ccd-sensor-xenon-fla/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/lg-l-03c-has-3x-optical-zoom-12-megapixel-ccd-sensor-xenon-fla/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/lg-l-03c-has-3x-optical-zoom-12-megapixel-ccd-sensor-xenon-fla/#comments Dear Nokia and Samsung, please come to reception to collect your old and busted 12 megapixel cameraphones. The new king of the phonecamera heap, in appearance at least, has arrived in the shape of LG's L-03C. It comes with a retractable 3x optical zoom lens from Pentax, a 12 megapixel CCD sensor, a Xenon flash, and a 720p movie recording mode. The L-03C is also intentionally styled to remind users of the more timeless compact camera designs of the past (and present) and it's only by entering the NTT DoCoMo OS and hitting up the dialer that you discover that it's also a cellular phone to boot. In spite of its 3-inch display and 800 x 480 resolution, this is still strictly just a featurephone, but it's sure put in a lot of work to make sure one of those features stands out. Look out for it in Japan from this January.

LG L-03C has 3x optical zoom, 12 megapixel CCD sensor, Xenon flash -- and it can make phone calls! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 03:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 megapixel12Megapixel3x optical zoom3x zoom3xOpticalZoom3xZoom720pcameracameraphoneccddigicamdigital cameraDigitalCameradocomojapanl-03l-03clglg l-03lg l-03cLgL-03LgL-03cntt docomoNttDocomopentaxpentax lensPentaxLensphonecamerapoint and shootpoint-and-shootPointAndShootxenonxenon flashXenonFlashMon, 08 Nov 2010 03:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Altek Leo, the 14 megapixel Android cameraphone, headed for Europe in 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/altek-leo-the-14-megapixel-android-cameraphone-headed-for-euro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/altek-leo-the-14-megapixel-android-cameraphone-headed-for-euro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/altek-leo-the-14-megapixel-android-cameraphone-headed-for-euro/#comments Altek's wonderfully outlandish Android-based Leo smartphone, which sports a "real" 14 megapixel CCD with "real" 3x optical zoom and 720p video, was already slated for Q4 of this year in Asia, but Altek has recently announced the phone will also be launching Q1 2011 in Europe. On a slightly disconcerting note, Altek says it's still in search of "channel partners," so if you happen to know any channel / partner combos, push this little monster in their direction before 14 megapixels starts to sound old hat, would you?

Continue reading Altek Leo, the 14 megapixel Android cameraphone, headed for Europe in 2011

Altek Leo, the 14 megapixel Android cameraphone, headed for Europe in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14 megapixel14Megapixelaltekaltek leoAltekLeoandroidcameracameraphoneccdeuropeleoSun, 03 Oct 2010 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony outsourcing some image sensor production to Fujitsu]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/sony-said-to-outsource-some-image-sensor-production-to-fujitsu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/sony-said-to-outsource-some-image-sensor-production-to-fujitsu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/sony-said-to-outsource-some-image-sensor-production-to-fujitsu/#commentsWhoa. Sony sure didn't mention anything about this at its Photokina press conference last week, but then again, it's not the most glamorous announcement to make. According to Reuters, Sony is aiming to "outsource some production of image sensors used in digital cameras and mobile phones to Fujitsu," and as you'd expect, it's being done in a bid to shave costs and "cope with tough global competition." According to a Sony spokesperson, the company has been mulling this decision for awhile, but it's unclear if this will have any further impact in Sony's employment numbers. It's also unclear why "some" sensor production will remain internal -- we're guessing that newfangled Translucent Mirror technology may have convinced the firm to keep the DSLR lines a bit closer to the chest. It's bruited that Sony will begin subcontracting output to Fujitsu later in the year, and it could shift even more output if things go swimmingly. Funny enough, an eerily similar scenario hit Sony's LCD department back in early 2008. What's next? Subcontracting Walkman production to Apple?

Sony outsourcing some image sensor production to Fujitsu originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscameracameraphoneCCDCMOScost cuttingCostCuttingdigicamdigital cameraDigitalCameradslrfujitsuimage sensorImageSensorindustryoutsourceoutsourcingpoint and shootpoint-and-shootPointAndShootproductionsensorsensorssonyFri, 01 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaf Aptus-II 12 snaps 80 megapixels of awesome on the back of your pro shooter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/leaf-aptus-ii-12-snaps-80-megapixels-of-awesome-on-the-back-of-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/leaf-aptus-ii-12-snaps-80-megapixels-of-awesome-on-the-back-of-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/21/leaf-aptus-ii-12-snaps-80-megapixels-of-awesome-on-the-back-of-y/#comments You ever wonder how CSI sleuths can keep enhancing their images all the way until they see what brand sneakers the perp is wearing? Well, they probably had a pre-release version of one of these Aptus-II 12s from Leaf. This new digital back can fill a staggering 80 million pixels with imaging data, thanks to its 53.7mm x 40.3mm-sized CCD sensor. It comes strapped with a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back, 80 to 800 ISO range, 1.5 0.6fps capture rate, and a mind-boggling 480MB max file size per image. Should you have the imaging gear to match up to such might, you'll want to know that the Aptus-II 12 is shipping now from Leaf Partners worldwide with a price tag just under €24,000 ($31,387), or you could grab the 12R version -- which features a rotating sensor allowing you to shoot portrait shots without having to turn your camera sideways -- for €31,995 ($41,850). That's actually pretty decent value for your money, considering you'd have had to spend the same amount on the Aptus-II 10 only six months ago -- and that only had a measly 56 megapixel sensor!

Leaf Aptus-II 12 snaps 80 megapixels of awesome on the back of your pro shooter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80 megapixel80Megapixelaptusaptus-iiaptus-ii 12aptus-ii 12rAptus-ii12Aptus-ii12rcameracamera sensorCameraSensorccddigital backDigitalBackleafleaf aptus-iiLeafAptus-iimedium formatMediumFormatproprofessionalsensorTue, 21 Sep 2010 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's 'tank-like,' AMOLED-screened TL500 compact camera reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/samsungs-tank-like-amoled-screened-tl500-compact-camera-revi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/samsungs-tank-like-amoled-screened-tl500-compact-camera-revi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/samsungs-tank-like-amoled-screened-tl500-compact-camera-revi/#commentsSamsung's 'tank-like,' AMOLED-screened TL500 compact camera reviewed Another player has entered the high-end compact camera fold, and this time it looks like Samsung is in it to win it. The TL500 (aka EX1) is a 10 megapixel shooter with a larger than usual 1/1.7-inch CCD backing up a 24 - 72mm 3x zoom lens that will take you all the way down to F1.8. In the Photography Blog review, that lens earned the camera one of its few criticisms, starting very wide but not offering enough magnification on the other end of the scale. A lack of 720p video recording is another bummer, but other than those two it's basically all positive, with the build quality and controls earning high marks, and the resulting images (helped by full manual exposure controls) looking as good as you'd expect. The camera isn't particularly reasonable at $449, but it does at least deliver on everything it promises.

Samsung's 'tank-like,' AMOLED-screened TL500 compact camera reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 megapixel10Megapixel11.7 ccd11.7Ccd3x zoom3xZoomccdcompact cameraCompactCameraex1manual exposureManualExposurereviewreviewedsamsungtl500Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's EX1 / TL500 flagship compact articulates 'release' in Korean]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/samsungs-ex1-tl500-flagship-compact-camera-articulates-a-kore/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/samsungs-ex1-tl500-flagship-compact-camera-articulates-a-kore/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/samsungs-ex1-tl500-flagship-compact-camera-articulates-a-kore/#comments It's out, Samsung's 10 megapixel EX1 (aka, TL500) with 3-inch articulating AMOLED display was just pushed out for retail in its Korean homeland. For 599,000KRW or about $400, you get a F1.8 24mm ultra-wide lens, 1/1.7-inch CCD, refined DRIMeIII imaging processor, dual image stabilization, and ISO 3200 max sensitivity (at full resolution) that should combine to deliver decent shots (for a compact) in low-light conditions without using a flash. As Samsung's flagship compact it also supports RAW with shutter‑priority, aperture‑priority and full-manual shooting modes. Unfortunately, H.264 video is limited to 640x480 pixels at 30fps. Fortunately, an optional optical viewfinder can be fitted to the hot shoe in case the AMOLED display fails to hold up under direct sunlight -- a very real possibility since there's no mention of Samsung's "Super AMOLED" anywhere in the press release. Can't wait to see the reviews on this pup.

Samsung's EX1 / TL500 flagship compact articulates 'release' in Korean originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7 inch1.7-inch1.7Inch24mmamoledArticulatingDisplaycameraccdDRIMeIIIex1f1.8flagshipswiveltl500Mon, 17 May 2010 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Robovie-mR2's puppy dog eyes make it the perfect spy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/robovie-mr2s-puppy-dog-eyes-make-it-the-perfect-spy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/robovie-mr2s-puppy-dog-eyes-make-it-the-perfect-spy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/robovie-mr2s-puppy-dog-eyes-make-it-the-perfect-spy/#comments This Robovie isn't a dexterous grabber, a powerful computer or a walking tank like its Vstone counterparts. No, at first blush, the Robovie-mr2 is just your average designer Japanese cutebot, albeit one with an iPod Touch for a heart, but that's exactly why this one foot tall bot makes the perfect spycam. No one would suspect it hides 18 servo motors, a miniature CCD camera, speakers and microphone inside its demure, puppy dog exterior (hear it speak Japanese after the break), much less that you can directly control every movement over WiFi. And even should they catch your Robovie eavesdropping, they'd be hard pressed to execute a being with such powerful charm. Hit up the gallery if you don't believe us -- this robot knows just how to beg for its life.

Gallery: Robovie-mR2 iPod-controlled robot

Continue reading Robovie-mR2's puppy dog eyes make it the perfect spy

Robovie-mR2's puppy dog eyes make it the perfect spy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CCDiPodiPod TouchIpodTouchJapaneseremote controlRemoteControlrobotrobotsRobovieRobovie-mR2sentry robotSentryRobotspy cameraspycamSpyCameraWiFiwifi robotwifi webcamWifiRobotWifiWebcamThu, 25 Mar 2010 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Leica M9 taking pre-orders for its body only]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/#comments Got nearly $7,000 in spare change and a lust for magnesium-bodied digital rangefinder cameras? Then we've got the solution to your itch, dear friend, as Leica has just let the M9 out to dance with credit cards in the courting ritual colloquially known as a pre-order. Claimed as the world's smallest full frame digital shooter, the latest Leica sports an 18 megapixel sensor, a new cover glass that eliminates the need for IR filters, dual image processors, and a 2.5-inch LCD. You'll have to be really sure this shooter is for you, though, because the quoted price is for the body only, and the lenses won't come cheap either. Still, this is the Leica stuff we care to see -- not some silly 24 carat-skinned Limited Edition homage to the unholy.

Leica M9 taking pre-orders for its body only originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdfull frameFullFramehigh endHighEndkodakleicaleica m9LeicaM9m9pre-orderrange finderRangeFindersdhcTue, 26 Jan 2010 02:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung TL210 and TL205 bring DualView to entry level shooters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/samsung-tl210-and-tl205-bring-dualview-to-entry-level-shooters/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/samsung-tl210-and-tl205-bring-dualview-to-entry-level-shooters/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/samsung-tl210-and-tl205-bring-dualview-to-entry-level-shooters/#comments Most manufacturers have yet to offer even one camera with a front-facing LCD, but that hasn't stopped Samsung from adding two more models to its growing range. Having started the DualView antics with its TL220 and 225 variants, Sammy is now augmenting the line with the TL205 and 210 which, in spite of their lower numbering, possess a feature the older cams do not. Using the new hardware, you'll be able to compose video as well as stills on the 1.5-inch front LCD, an added bit of functionality that should go over well with the target audience of party-loving hipsters. The TL210 also boasts optical image stabilization, a larger back-mounted display (3 inches versus 2.7), better optical zoom (5x versus 3x), and higher-res video recording (720p versus 640 x 480) than its junior sibling, though the two shooters share a 12MP CCD sensor. They do lose out on the haptic feedback touchscreens of their elder brethren, but that should make it easier for Samsung to price the new TL models aggressively when they're released in March this year. Then again, if you really want the cheapest of the cheap, you can grab one of Samsung's entirely unremarkable new SL600 or SL50 variants, whose PR blurb you can check out after the break together with more on the TL hardware.

Gallery: Samsung TL210

Gallery: Samsung TL205

Continue reading Samsung TL210 and TL205 bring DualView to entry level shooters

Samsung TL210 and TL205 bring DualView to entry level shooters originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pcameraccdchild modeChildModecompactdigital cameraDigitalCameradualviewimage stabilizationImageStabilizationpoint and shootPointAndShootsamsungsamsung tl205samsung tl210SamsungTl205SamsungTl210sl50sl600tl205tl210touch of colorTouchOfColorWed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nobel Prize in Physics shared by CCD inventors, fiber optics pioneer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/nobel-prize-in-physics-shared-by-ccd-inventors-fiber-optics-pio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/nobel-prize-in-physics-shared-by-ccd-inventors-fiber-optics-pio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/nobel-prize-in-physics-shared-by-ccd-inventors-fiber-optics-pio/#comments
It's not every year that the Nobel Prize in Physics falls within our scope of coverage, but this year turned out to a big exception, as the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has deemed it fit to recognize two breakthroughs in the fiber optics and digital photography. The first of those (and half of the $1.4 million prize) goes to Charles K. Kao, whose work in the mid-60s getting light to travel long distances through glass strands made the fiber optic cables we have today possible. The second half of the prize is divided between Canadian Willard S. Boyle and American George E. Smith, who both worked at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey, and invented the so-called charge-coupled device semiconductor, better known to anyone that has ever looked at a digital camera spec list as a CCD.

[Image courtesy Nobelprize.org]

Filed under: ,

Nobel Prize in Physics shared by CCD inventors, fiber optics pioneer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bell laboratoriesbell labsBellLaboratoriesBellLabsccdcharles k. kaocharles kaoCharlesK.KaoCharlesKaofiber opticfiber opticsFiberOpticFiberOpticsgeoge smithGeogeSmithgeorge e. smithGeorgeE.Smithnobelnobel prizenobel prize in physicsNobelPrizeNobelPrizeInPhysicssciencewillard boylewillard s. boyleWillardBoyleWillardS.BoyleTue, 06 Oct 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Prosilica's GE1910 camera brings Kodak HD sensor together with GigE Vision standard ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/prosilicas-ge1910-camera-brings-kodak-hd-sensor-together-with-g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/prosilicas-ge1910-camera-brings-kodak-hd-sensor-together-with-g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/30/prosilicas-ge1910-camera-brings-kodak-hd-sensor-together-with-g/#commentsProsilica GE1910 GigE Vision camera
If you're looking for HD resolution in an industrial app -- you know, so your work rig can be on equal footing with your home one -- last month's introduction of the Kodak KAI-02150 HD CCD sensor may have caught your attention. But not everyone is into developing cameras from sensors, so Prosilica has kindly done that lifting for you with its new (but almost as forgettably named) GE1910 camera. The GE1910 puts the Kodak sensor into a C-mount lens body up front, a Gigabit Ethernet interface (GigE Vision standard) around back and a host of camera control features between (binning, shutter, IP configuration, etc.). Surely you can find a work-related requirement for this kind of hardware, right?

Filed under: , ,

Prosilica's GE1910 camera brings Kodak HD sensor together with GigE Vision standard originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraccdge1910gige visionGigeVisionhdindustrialkai-02150kodakother hardwareotherhardwareothersprosilicaSun, 30 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp's SH-01A 8 megapixel flip packs a 28-mm wide angle lens and Dolby Pro Logic II]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/#comments
Sure, the US has fancy-pants capacitive touchscreen phones out the wazoo, but Japan's superphones still dominate when boiled down to a base, spec-for-spec comparison. Take this new Sharp SH-01A clamshell for example, just revealed by the FCC. It sports a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8 megapixel CCD sensor and, according to rumor, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound for your microSD stored media. Remember, FCC testing doesn't mean it'll be sold between the left and right coasts -- this flip is likely just being certified for US roaming whenever it's finally announced for NTT DoCoMo in Japan.

Filed under: , ,

Sharp's SH-01A 8 megapixel flip packs a 28-mm wide angle lens and Dolby Pro Logic II originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8Megapixelccdclamshellmobilentt docomoNttDocomosh-01asharpWed, 15 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp's SH-01A 8 megapixel flip packs a 28-mm wide angle lens and Dolby Pro Logic II]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/sharps-sh-01a-8-megapixel-flip-packs-a-28-mm-wide-angle-lens/#comments
Sure, the US has fancy-pants capacitive touchscreen phones out the wazoo, but Japan's superphones still dominate when boiled down to a base, spec-for-spec comparison. Take this new Sharp SH-01A clamshell for example, just revealed by the FCC. It sports a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8 megapixel CCD sensor and, according to rumor, Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound for your microSD stored media. Remember, FCC testing doesn't mean it'll be sold between the left and right coasts -- this flip is likely just being certified for US roaming whenever it's finally announced for NTT DoCoMo in Japan.

Filed under: ,

Sharp's SH-01A 8 megapixel flip packs a 28-mm wide angle lens and Dolby Pro Logic II originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8Megapixelccdclamshellntt docomoNttDocomosh-01asharpWed, 15 Oct 2008 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Kodak's new CCD brings HD to industrial applications]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/04/kodaks-new-ccd-brings-hd-to-industrial-applications/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/04/kodaks-new-ccd-brings-hd-to-industrial-applications/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/04/kodaks-new-ccd-brings-hd-to-industrial-applications/#commentsKodak KAI-02150 CCDIf your day job involves some CCD imaging, Kodak wants to bring some HD excitement to your 9-to-5 with its KAI-02150 (the name alone says "buttoned-down") CCD sensor. The interline transfer sensor reads out its 1920x1080 pixels at 60 frames per second and boasts high dynamic range (64dB) needed for many industrial applications. Engineering samples are available now, which will give you a few months to retool your microscopy/machine vision/imaging science application with eye-popping HD before production hits its stride in Q4 2008.

Filed under:

Kodak's new CCD brings HD to industrial applications originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdhdindustrialkai-02150kodakother hardwareotherhardwareSat, 04 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kodak rolls out new image sensors at Photokina, one for Leica's S2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/kodak-rolls-out-new-image-sensors-at-photokina-one-for-leicas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/kodak-rolls-out-new-image-sensors-at-photokina-one-for-leicas/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/kodak-rolls-out-new-image-sensors-at-photokina-one-for-leicas/#commentsWe 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.

Filed under:

Kodak rolls out new image sensors at Photokina, one for Leica's S2 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CCDDSLRHasselbladimage sensorImageSensorKAF-37500kodakLeicamedium formatMediumFormatphotographyphotokinaphotokina 2008Photokina2008S2sensorSinarWed, 24 Sep 2008 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder adds CCD eyepiece to binoculars, Bill Belichick seems interested]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/22/modder-adds-ccd-eyepiece-to-binoculars-bill-belichick-seems-int/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/22/modder-adds-ccd-eyepiece-to-binoculars-bill-belichick-seems-int/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/22/modder-adds-ccd-eyepiece-to-binoculars-bill-belichick-seems-int/#comments
Oh sure, you've been able to buy digital camera-equipped binoculars for years now, but finding one that does video (particularly with the camcorder you already own) has been a continual struggle. Thanks to one engineering soul, you can forge ahead with your plans to video all sorts of sights by adding a CCD eyepiece to any 'ole set of binoculars. Once installed, you simply hook up your camcorder (hope it has video in), mash record and get to gazing. Be careful what you look for, though.

Filed under: ,

Modder adds CCD eyepiece to binoculars, Bill Belichick seems interested originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BinocularsCCDdiyeyepiecehackmodrecordingvideo recordingVideoRecordingFri, 22 Aug 2008 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympus announces 360-degree CCD sensor prototype, surveillance firms drool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/olympus-announces-360-degree-ccd-sensor-prototype-surveillance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/olympus-announces-360-degree-ccd-sensor-prototype-surveillance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/olympus-announces-360-degree-ccd-sensor-prototype-surveillance/#comments
Around this time last year, we got wind of CCD-based projectors and cameras from Olympus that were outfitted with a curious "axial symmetrical free curved surface lens." Now, said company is finally providing a few details about its current prototype, which essentially enables 360-degree photographs to be taken. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on perspective), the sensor isn't quite ready to be pushed out into the world, but as you can certainly imagine, it'll likely make a B-line for surveillance outfits just as soon as it's ready.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Filed under:

Olympus announces 360-degree CCD sensor prototype, surveillance firms drool originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdOlympusprototypesensorspyspyingsurveillanceMon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, bee-friendly edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/#commentsAs the saga continues, we've got yet another flip-flopped story rolling through in regard to the toxicity (or not) of cellphones to our environment. Just under a fortnight ago, a report based on an (admittedly lacking) research study claimed that Colony Collapse Disorder within bees was being encouraged by cellphone radiation. As expected, the researchers began living a life filled with Q&A sessions about the data, and now the "truth" is coming out. Essentially, the scientists are claiming that their data was "misinterpreted," and that the study actually looked at DECT phones and base stations, which transmit a "different frequency than mobiles." Furthermore, another member chimed in and boldly stated that their "studies cannot indicate that electromagnetic radiation is a cause of CCD." So that settles it -- until the next round of bickering begins, of course.

[Via Guardian]

Filed under:

Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, bee-friendly edition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beebee killingBeeKillingbeesccddectdiseaseresearchstressstudyFri, 27 Apr 2007 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, bee-friendly edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-bee-friendly-edition/#commentsAs the saga continues, we've got yet another flip-flopped story rolling through in regard to the toxicity (or not) of cellphones to our environment. Just under a fortnight ago, a report based on an (admittedly lacking) research study claimed that Colony Collapse Disorder within bees was being encouraged by cellphone radiation. As expected, the researchers began living a life filled with Q&A sessions about the data, and now the "truth" is coming out. Essentially, the scientists are claiming that their data was "misinterpreted," and that the study actually looked at DECT phones and base stations, which transmit a "different frequency than mobiles." Furthermore, another member chimed in and boldly stated that their "studies cannot indicate that electromagnetic radiation is a cause of CCD." So that settles it -- until the next round of bickering begins, of course.

[Via Guardian]

Filed under:

Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, bee-friendly edition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beebee killingBeeKillingbeesccddectdiseasemobileresearchstressstudyFri, 27 Apr 2007 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's "world's smallest" 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor: so long CCD?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/samsungs-worlds-smallest-8-4-megapixel-cmos-sensor-so-long/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/samsungs-worlds-smallest-8-4-megapixel-cmos-sensor-so-long/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/samsungs-worlds-smallest-8-4-megapixel-cmos-sensor-so-long/#comments
Chalk up another world's smallest title for Samsung this morning with this, their new 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. By implementing extended photo diode technology, Samsung has managed to squeeze higher light sensitivity and saturation levels into less space. According to Samsung, their new sensor's high signal-to-noise ratio results in the equivalent image quality found in today's CCDs while using one-tenth the power. As such, Sammy expects it to "quickly replace" the CCDs used in mobile phones, camcorders, and even digital cameras. Yeah, they wish. We'll find out soon enough as this CIS hits mass production in the second half of 2007.

Filed under: ,

Samsung's "world's smallest" 8.4 megapixel CMOS sensor: so long CCD? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdciscmossamsungsensorsmallestworlds smallestWorldsSmallestTue, 27 Mar 2007 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera also felled by faulty CCDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/05/kyocera-also-felled-by-faulty-ccds/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/05/kyocera-also-felled-by-faulty-ccds/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/05/kyocera-also-felled-by-faulty-ccds/#commentsOh noes! It seems Kyocera has failed to escape the CCD fate that has recently befallen eight of Sony's Cyber-shots and four of Nikon's Coolpix cameras. Kyocera has just announced that its Finecam M400R, M410R and SL400R cameras, released in March 2004, are all at risk for CCD defects and failures. In response, Kyocera is providing free repairs to any such cameras until March 2010, and is also offering free checkups to such affected models. Kyocera isn't saying who's responsible for the CCD manufacturer, but the similarities to the problems and causes in the cases of Nikon and Sony mean its most likely the same CCDs: defective Sony manufacturing strikes once again.

Filed under:

Kyocera also felled by faulty CCDs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdccd defectCcdDefectdefectkyoceranikonsonyMon, 05 Feb 2007 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikon fesses up to new CCD malfunction problems]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/nikon-fesses-up-to-new-ccd-malfunction-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/nikon-fesses-up-to-new-ccd-malfunction-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/31/nikon-fesses-up-to-new-ccd-malfunction-problems/#commentsflawed sony CCD sensor images
The Great CCD Failure of 2005 doesn't look like it's going to be Nikon's last. The camera manufacturer has just discovered a similar flaw in its Coolpix 5400, 5000, 4500 and 3500 shooters, and surprise, surprise, the manufacturing flaw is from the very same CCD manufacturer to blame for the last debacle. The official blame is on "CCD soldering degradation caused by aging" which means moisture and heat slowly wears down the CCD and kills the camera in its prime. Nikon got advanced warning of the problem by noticing an increase of malfunctions in a particularly hot and humid area in summer 2006. After some voluntary tests, Nikon noticed the CCD problem had reemerged, and is offering up free CCD replacements for victims -- like last time you might be seeing abnormal colors, distorted images or even no images. No word on how exactly to go about that, but we suppose Nikon isn't too terribly hard to track down.

Filed under:

Nikon fesses up to new CCD malfunction problems originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3500450050005400ccdcoolpixmalfunctionnikonWed, 31 Jan 2007 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Planet82's CCD sheds new light on night time photography]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/planet82s-ccd-sheds-new-light-on-night-time-photography/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/planet82s-ccd-sheds-new-light-on-night-time-photography/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/planet82s-ccd-sheds-new-light-on-night-time-photography/#commentsSnapping super-secret spy pics of unreleased products is hard enough as it is without having to worry about blinding flashes tipping off the guards to our dubious activities. Thankfully, Planet82 has announced a CCD chip dubbed the SMPD -- Single carrier Modulation Photo Detector -- which may be the answer to all our problems. The chip's sensitivity is claimed to be 2,000 times higher than your standard sensor, and it's this vast increase in performance that allows it to capture images without the need for flash. No word yet when these chips will make it into consumer cameras and brighten up all our nightshots, but with some of the crappy pics we've taken, it can't come soon enough.

Filed under:

Planet82's CCD sheds new light on night time photography originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccdCEShigh sensitivityHighSensitivityplanet82single carrier modulation photo detectorSingleCarrierModulationPhotoDetectorsmpdTue, 09 Jan 2007 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[HDTV finally comes to head]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/12/hdtv-finally-comes-to-head/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/12/hdtv-finally-comes-to-head/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/12/hdtv-finally-comes-to-head/#commentsThis is what we have been missing in the HDTV game. We have seen HDTV cameras in newsrooms, studios, helicopters and even on the bow of a speed boat, but we have yet to see HDTV by way of one of these helmet cams. For good reason too as who would want one of those monster cameras on their head? But thanks to Iconix, we should start seeing nausea-inducing high-def shots from peoples noggins real soon. They have produced a super-miniature 3CCD 720p/1080p cam. This little boy weighs in at the super-duper-light weight class at 2.3oz and is less then two inches square. But this small package comes with a price; a $16,000 price. Still, who can put a price on even more high-def action?

[via DVguru]

HDTV finally comes to head originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pcamccddtvhdhdtvtvTue, 12 Sep 2006 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[DALSA ships 111 megapixel CCD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/dalsa-ships-111-megapixel-ccd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/dalsa-ships-111-megapixel-ccd/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/dalsa-ships-111-megapixel-ccd/#comments
Don't expect to see one of these in a commercial DSLR anytime soon (especially now that Mamiya has left the game), but a division of DALSA Semiconductor has successfully manufactured and delivered a 111 megapixel image sensor that's only been topped on these pages by the 500 megapixel monster inside Fermilab's Dark Energy Camera. Putting even the highest-resolution bacteria-based cam to shame, the new 4-inch-square CCD features an array of 10,560 x 10,560 pixels, and was developed in conjunction with Semiconductor Technology Associates to aid the U.S. Naval Observatory's Astrometry Department in precisely determining the position and motion of celestial objects. While you probably can't afford to hire DALSA to build another one of these just for you, there's at least one option on the market that will give you the hundred-plus megapixel bragging rights you seek without breaking the bank: Better Light's 144 megapixel E-HS medium format backing, which, while technically only capturing 48 megapixels per color (and taking at least 66 seconds to do so), should still be enough to impress even your EOS 1Ds Mark II-sporting friends.

Filed under:

DALSA ships 111 megapixel CCD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>111 megapixel111Megapixelastrometry departmentAstrometryDepartmentastronomybetter lightBetterLightcanonccddalsadark evergy cameraDarkEvergyCamerae-hseos 1ds mark iiEos1dsMarkIifermilagimage sensorImageSensorsmeiconductor technology associatesSmeiconductorTechnologyAssociatestelescopeu.s navel observatoryU.sNavelObservatoryMon, 19 Jun 2006 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype device detects, disables digital cameras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/prototype-device-detects-disables-digital-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/prototype-device-detects-disables-digital-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/prototype-device-detects-disables-digital-cameras/#commentsProving once again that "outdated technology" still has its place among today's high-tech products, old-school film cameras may soon be the only shooters not rendered ineffective in the face of a new device that promises to identify and disable their digital counterparts in secure environments. Currently still in the prototype phase, the device developed by researchers at the Georgia Tech College of Computing's Interactive and Intelligent Computing Division uses its own set of digital cameras along with a scanning laser to inspect a given area for telltale signs of CCD imagers (shape, size, reflectivity), and subsequently shoots out concentrated beams of light to overwhelm the sensors of offending gadgets. Although the device is still unable to accurately detect camcorders whose CCDs are set farther back from the lens than regular still cameras, once that obstacle is overcome, this technology is expected to be deployed by governments and businesses as an anti-espionage technique or in movie theaters as a way of combating piracy. See, you thought you were ahead of the game with your ten megapixel cameraphone, but it's actually the spies and pirates equipped with those old medium-format Pentaxes who will soon rise to the top of their respective professions.

[Via Dvorak Uncensored]

Filed under:

Prototype device detects, disables digital cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-camera deviceAnti-cameraDeviceccdcharge coupled deviceChargeCoupledDevicedigital camerasDigitalCamerasfilm camerasFilmCamerasgeorgia techGeorgiaTechlaserspiracyprivacySun, 18 Jun 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympus Stylus 810 reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/29/olympus-stylus-810-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/29/olympus-stylus-810-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/29/olympus-stylus-810-reviewed/#commentsC|net just layed mits to the 8 megapixel Olympus Stylus 810. In their review of this weatherproof (not waterproof) shooter with image stabilization, c|net calls the 810 a "very good" camera with "solid" image quality. Sure, noise is the "biggest problem" with the 810 -- quite visible at ISO 400 until becoming a "distinct texture" by the time you reach IS0 3200. However, the reviewer still considered the quality "acceptable" when compared to the alternative of dark and blurry shots taken under low lighting conditions. But by now, no one should really expect the small CCDs found in these compact shooters to perform any differently, right? Notably, the camera suffered from an "easily washed-out" LCD when used in sunlight which is potentially crippling at times due to the lack of a glass viewfinder. Still, the $349 cam pulled a 7/10 rating largely due to its hot (for a compact) burst mode capable of 12 shots in about 2.6 seconds (at 3 megapixel resolution) and generally good image quality. Still, if you're looking for an 8 megapixel camera, you can probably do better.

[Via Digital Photography Blog]

Filed under:

Olympus Stylus 810 reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 May 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8108MegapixelCCDdigi camDigiCamdigital cameraDigitalCameraolympusMon, 29 May 2006 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Micron Technology's new CMOS enables 30 shots a second, 720p video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/18/micron-technologys-new-cmos-enables-30-shots-a-second-720p-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/18/micron-technologys-new-cmos-enables-30-shots-a-second-720p-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/18/micron-technologys-new-cmos-enables-30-shots-a-second-720p-vid/#commentsA new CMOS imaging chip being developed by Micron Technology will allow digital cameras to capture as many as 30 shots a second, and will also enable video capture at an unprecedented 720p. The eight megapixel sensor -- whose pixels are only 1.75-microns across -- needs to be throttled down to two megapixels in order to achieve that 30 shot figure, but even at maximum resolution it is able to capture an impressive 10 shots per second. Don't expect to see cameras sporting the new chip right away, though, as mass production is not scheduled to begin until the first half of next year, meaning consumer products may not be available until as late as 2008.

[Via Cnet]

Filed under:

Micron Technology's new CMOS enables 30 shots a second, 720p video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 May 2006 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.75-microns30 shots a second30ShotsASecond720pccdcmosdigital camerasDigitalCameraseight megapixelEightMegapixelhigh speed captureHighSpeedCaptureimagingmicron technologyMicronTechnologyThu, 18 May 2006 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Bella Catapult enables camcorder-to-iPod recording]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/27/bella-catapult-enables-camcorder-to-ipod-recording/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/27/bella-catapult-enables-camcorder-to-ipod-recording/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/27/bella-catapult-enables-camcorder-to-ipod-recording/#commentsCamcorder accessory manufacturer Bella has just announced a new device that will let you toss those MiniDV cassettes straight out of your bag and replace them with your iPod or nearly any other USB 2.0-compliant storage system. The Catapult, as it's known, is a paperback-sized digital encoder that plugs into any standard or HD camcorder with a FireWire port and processes the video as you're recording, eliminating the need to convert your footage later on. Besides saving time and offering access to higher storage capacities, the Catapult also enables your cam with a number of features not available out of the box, such as time-lapse recording, remote trigger capabilities, and both pre- and post-recording ability. Pre-recording is an especially attractive option, as it seems to buffer whatever your CCD is capturing for a preset timeframe, allowing you to essentially "turn back the clock" and preserve events that already happened once you hit the record button. Bella tells us to expect their new product sometime during the second half of the year, for some amount of money less than $300.

[Via T3]

Filed under: , , , ,

Bella Catapult enables camcorder-to-iPod recording originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebellacamcordercameracatapultccddigicamdigital camcorderdigital encoderdigital videoDigitalCamcorderDigitalEncoderDigitalVideodvipodminidvmotion triggerMotionTriggerportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideopost-recordingpre-recordingstorageThu, 27 Apr 2006 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony working on 60fps CMOS for high-res stills]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/21/sony-working-on-60fps-cmos-sensor-for-high-res-still-frames/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/21/sony-working-on-60fps-cmos-sensor-for-high-res-still-frames/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/21/sony-working-on-60fps-cmos-sensor-for-high-res-still-frames/#commentsIn a move that promises to minimize the trade-off between digital still and video cameras, Sony announced today that it is working on a CMOS chip capable of capturing images from every pixel at a blazing 60fps. The problem with current imaging devices is that consumers must sacrifice image quality when they are recording video, but risk missing important shots due to shutter lag and the general non-continuous nature of still photography. Along with a new digital signal processing chip also being developed by Sony's engineers, the sensor should allow cameras to be used strictly in video mode, with high-res stills capable of being extracted later. No word on when we'll see actual products sporting the new tech (regular CMOS sensors are only starting to replace CCDs in consumer devices), but it's nice to know that camera manufacturers are finally throttling back on the megapixel race and instead focusing on improving the imaging experience.

[Via Digital Camera Info]

Filed under:

Sony working on 60fps CMOS for high-res stills originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60fpscamerasccdcmosdigital camerasDigitalCamerashig-res freeze framesHig-resFreezeFramesphotographysonyvideoFri, 21 Apr 2006 16:45:00 EST