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How are camera sensors still improving?
In the latest episode of our Upscaled series, we explain how camera sensors work, and how they'll improve in the near future.
Digitize yourself with the 3D Copypod
Copying yourself digitally is not easy. Ideally, you want multiple photos taken from every angle at the same moment with all-around, soft illumination. A company called People's Industrial Design Office in Beijing, China has created something called the 3D Copypod that can do all that for you in one neat package. It's based on the "Hoberman sphere," a type of geodesic dome that can fold down to a much smaller size thanks to its scissor-like joints.
Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs hands-on (video)
Everyone loves a sequel, right? This here is the K-5 II, the new DSLR from Pentax, making an appearance on the show floor, here at Photokina in Germany, alongside the rather similar, if somewhat pricier K-5 IIs. Let's start with differences between the K-5 and the K-5 II, shall we? Megapixel-wise, we're still talking 16.2, though the II models have the new SAFOX X AF sensor, which delivers the promise of better low-light sensitivity and quicker auto-focus. On the rear, that 3-inch, 925k LCD promises a sharper image and better image angles -- both looked pretty good in our time with the camera. As for differences between the K-5 II and IIs? Well, you wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two, if it weren't for the difference model names on there front. So, what are you paying that extra $150 for? Well, the premium ditches the low-pass filter, promising sharp images (though you're losing anti-aliasing in the process). On the top of both, you got a big monochrome display and a somewhat tricky function wheel that makes you press down a button to turn. Both of these guys are coming to a camera store near you next month for $1,200 and $1,350, respectively.
Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one
When we first heard about the Kickstarter-funded Triggertrap, it was a nice but nichey lab instrument of a device that could fire your DSLR with diverse stimuli, like lights or ringing phones. It wasn't the first photo-tripping idea we'd seen, but at least it could be had for a fair sum ($75.00) and be used out of the box. But now, by connecting that tech to an app and charging $19.98 for both the software and hardware, Triggertrap might open up remote snapping to a lot more folks. Running off any iPhone, iPad or iPod using iOS 5, the app uses a dongle which can be connected by cable or infrared to most DSLRs or advanced compacts. From there, you'll be able to use all of your iDevice's sensors as triggers, from motion through to facial recognition and even GPS. The app doesn't just fire the shutter, either -- it also gives you control over the focus and flash. And if you don't have a separate camera, the iPhone's built-in cam can be used instead -- which would save you from buying the $9.99 dongle, if you have the necessary accoutrements. So if you've been wondering how to get those hard-to-shoot images, or have more nefarious ideas, check the videos after the break.
Canon Rebel T3 DSLR reviewed: a safe bet for first-time shooters
Are you a true contrarian looking for a camera that befits your nonconformist lifestyle? Well, Canon's latest entry-level DSLR may not be the most unruly camera out, but at least it sports a moniker that fits the bill. The Canon T3 Rebel, also known as the EOS 1100D, is a 12.2-megapixel affair designed with the DSLR newbie in mind, and according to a review over at PhotographyBlog, it doesn't sacrifice image quality for ease of use. Touted as a successor to the Rebel XS, the T3 actually carries over some useful features from its more sophisticated sibling, the T3i, including a user-friendly control layout, but lacks the camera's Scene Intelligent auto mode and extensive list of creative filters. Aside from that, the reviewer found T3's grips too slick and its diminutive LCD screen a minor setback, but was quick to point out that none of these is a deal-breaker. In fact, aside from a bit of noise encountered at the highest ISO setting, the camera delivers high quality photographs even in low light. All things considered, it looks like the Rebel T3 is a "responsive and intuitive DSLR" for the novice photog, and at $600, it's got at least some of the competition beat. Now, we won't tell you what to do, but if we were you, we'd click the source link to see how the T3 stacks up.
Nikon D300s spotted and tested at Best Buy with its little brother, still does that jelly video thing
If you were wondering when you'd be able to get your hands on the Nikon D300s and its 720p/24 movie mode, the answer is... yesterday, apparently. The cam was spotted (along with the lower-rent D3000) at a big box Best Buy, and a bit of testing was performed -- an admittedly limited bit, but there's only so much you can do when the cam is bolted to those annoying six-inch tethers. The updated video recording mode was the thing that underwent most scrutiny, and while the new auto-focus seemed to work reasonably well (if slowly -- and noisily) on stationary objects, swinging the camera back and forth resulted in the same jelly-time sloshing effect we've seen on the D5000 and D90 before it, as seen in the video embedded below. Maybe its time for that 12.3 megapixel CMOS to hit the gym and tone up a bit, Nikon.
Canon Rebel T1i trickling out to stores
Sure, the Nikon D5000 might have gotten itself a ship date today, but Canon's Rebel T1i is doing one better and actually turning up in stores a couple weeks ahead of its scheduled mid-May debut. This particular specimen was spotted at Bromfield Camera in Boston, but we'd love to hear if you've seen this guy pop up elsewhere -- let us know! [Thanks, Conrado]
