weatherproof
Latest
Fujifilm reveals the FinePix S1, a weather-ready 50x superzoom camera
Fujifilm is launching a quintet of point-and-shoots at CES, and one of them may be just the ticket for those who want both extreme zoom and weather resistance in a single camera. Its new FinePix S1 (above) packs a 50x (24-1,200mm) f/2.8-5.6 lens, yet is tough enough to survive the dust and rain; you can take that close-up concert photo even if you're stuck in lousy weather. The 16-megapixel shooter also offers WiFi image sharing, 10fps burst shooting, 1080p video, a 920,000-pixel electronic viewfinder and a tilting 3-inch LCD. The S1 will ship this March for $500. The remaining FinePix models all share that 16-megapixel resolution, but sacrifice the S1's do-it-all design in the name of price. The S9200 and WiFi-equipped S9400W both share the 50x lens and 10fps burst mode, but lose the weather-hardened design and step down to a 200,000-pixel viewfinder. The entry S8600 moves to "just" a 36x (25-900mm) lens, 720p video and AA battery power. Photographers who need a truly rugged camera can pick up the XP70, a waterproof compact cam with 5x (28-140mm) optics and 1080p movie making. All four of these designs also arrive in March, with prices starting at $230 for the S8600 and XP70; the S9200 costs $330, while the S9400W is slightly costlier at $350.
Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 speaker can weather the rain, weather the snow, weather the storm
We appreciate any product that lets us not only openly reference Lamb, but also blast that band's tracks in our backyard. Which is what Bowers & Wilkins weatherproof AM-1 (Architectural Monitor) was built to do: blare out the tunes no matter the weather while retaining a subdued, stylish look. The rustproof speaker, which comes in black or white, is made for easy mounting, can rotate 110-degrees from either landscape or portrait orientation and, according to the company's claims, should provide better sound when positioned high up (thanks to an inverted drive unit). Of course, you don't have to fasten this fella to your outdoor veranda -- it'll also be right at home from inside your... home, bar or even that meticulously maintained secret cellar. Look for the AM-1 to hit retail for $300 sometime next month, but buyer beware, you'll have to supply the trip hop tuneage yourself.
TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on
Back at IFA we spent most of our time handling new tablets and Win 8 devices, but, given that the show has grown into something of a mini-CES, there was news in almost every product category, portable audio included. TDK announced a trio of speakers that week, and though we didn't get hands-on in Berlin, we got a second chance tonight at a New York City press event. In particular, the company is showing off its first ruggedized product, the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker. As you can see in those photos down there, it has all the stylings of a run-of-the-mill portable speaker, except it also happens to be IP64-certified against the elements. When TDK talks about its durability, it talks about liters of dousage, so a splash on your next beach vacation shouldn't be an issue. As for audio, it has two speakers up front, a subwoofer and two passive radiators 'round back. TDK declined to clarify the wattage, but we'll say this: the little guy is powerful enough that we could hear it over the din at Pepcom, a local press event. And, TDK had a larger, more powerful speaker playing nearby, and we still had no problem hearing the song coming from the weatherproof model. Granted, then, this was hardly the best scenario to evaluate audio quality, but we did sense that the treble was a bit trapped compared to the bass, which came through loud and clear. Lastly, there's a rechargeable battery inside, which TDK rates for up to six hours of runtime. It'll go on sale in late October for $250, but in the meantime help yourself to some first-hand shots below. %Gallery-166196% Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Panasonic preps SD cards that survive heat, water and X-rays, will probably outlast you
Much ado has been made of weather-resistant cameras, but it's all a moot point if the memory card dies, isn't it? Panasonic wants that level of survivability in its SDHC and SDXC cards, and its new UHS-I-level SDAB and SDUB lines are tested for the kind of abuse that could see the camera give up the ghost first. The cards can take the kinds of punishment that we often associate with rugged gear, such as temperatures from -13F to 185F, immersion in 3.3 feet of water for half an hour and the usual steep drops. It's beyond this that the resistance levels become truly exotic: the cards are also built to survive zaps of electricity, proximity to magnets and exposure to X-rays. If it all becomes too much to bear, the design will even fuse on the inside to prevent fire burning the card from within. Those who like what they see will only have to decide whether or not they want the SDAB range's 95MB/s read speeds and 80MB/s writes or are willing to settle for the SDUB line's respective 90MB/s and 45MB/s transfers. We have yet to see if or when the SD cards cross the Pacific after their September 8th launch in Japan, although we hope so -- with that kind of extra-tough design, our photos are more likely to endure than we will.
AIAIAI Capital headphones bring the beats, take abuse on the streets (video)
Denmark's AIAIAI has developed a reputation for targeting its headphones at specific listeners. This time, it's aiming at someone we know all too well: the urban dweller who goes through replacement headphones like so much meat through a grinder. The Capital over-ears' bolstered fiberglass shell is designed to be rain- and snow-resistant, not to mention take the casual knocks that might beat up other headphone pairs. The foldable set likewise gives us every excuse to keep it on our heads, both through a light and reputedly comfortable brace as well as an in-line mic and remote to take that iPhone call through the Capital's 40mm drivers. At $125, the pair isn't the lowest-cost entry into the headphone world, but if it spares us from having to dive for cover when the weather turns foul, it could well be a bargain. You can get a sense of AIAIAI's impetus for yourself in a video after the break.
Ciil Technologies weatherproof HDTVs work by the pool, in the pool
Never heard of Ciil Technologies? Nah, you aren't out of the loop -- these guys were just founded last year, and now they're hoping to make a literal splash in the desert with their first full range of weatherproof LCD TVs. Designed to be used primarily outdoors (or in homes with loads of Super Soaker fights), this new range of fully-sealed 1080p HDTVs is made up of sets from 32- to 55-inches. Each one has nary a vent nor filter, enabling it resist dust, debris and even water. In fact, each one sports the highest waterproof (IP) and dust proof (NEMA) rating available, enabling 'em to withstand a good pressure washing and the occasional dip in the pool. It seems as if you'll have to inquire about pricing, but we're going to guess those that have to ask... well, probably shouldn't.
Sigma SD1 has a 15.3MP sensor, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and no video mode at all (update: eyes-on!)
It'd be too easy to describe this as "one for the purists," but it really rather is. The Sigma SD1 eschews any pretenses of being a video camera and gets right on with the business of taking gorgeous stills instead. Employing a 24mm x 16mm X3 CMOS sensor -- you know, the one with three stacked layers, one each for absorbing red, green and blue light -- dual TRUE II image processors, and an 11-point autofocusing system, the SD1 is eager to sweep up enthusiast photographers into its magnesium alloy embrace. 98 percent viewfinder coverage, a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD and CompactFlash compatibility fill out the spec sheet, while price is indicated as somewhere in the neighborhood of the Canon EOS 7D. Without any live view or video options, Sigma had better have some truly spectacular image quality to show us when this thing ships in February of next year. Update: Our hopes and dreams of caressing this rugged beast were dashed upon learning that the only SD1 at Photokina was held behind a glass box of emotion, but that didn't stop us from pointing our own camera at it and firing off a few shots. Trust us, it looks just as beastly in person as it does in the press shots. Have a gander below, won't you? %Gallery-102882%
Samsung prices TL500, TL350, AQ100 and SL605 shooters
Samsung has just visited a bunch of data sheets upon us, and we've drawn out a few as yet unknown numerals regarding pricing and availability of the shooters it showed off at PMA this year. The TL500 above, swiveling AMOLED screen and all, will set buyers back $449 this spring when it'll be joined by its junior sibling, the TL350, which will cost $349. Both shooters offer RAW support and dual image stabilization, though funnily enough the cheaper 350 model offers 1080p video recording whereas the gaudier TL500 makes do with 640 x 480. If you're after something a bit more durable, the scratch-proof and rubberized SL605 will set you back only $129, while the all-weather AQ100 gets a $199 sticker, with both expected in that same spring release window. Phew, aren't you glad you know all that now?
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.
Pentax's rugged W90, ultra-zoom X90 now all but official
We've already seen Pentax tease a few new cameras ahead of PMA, and it looks like another pair have now slipped out at the last minute. That includes the rugged W90 which, among other things, packs a ring of LEDs around the lens to help with close-up shots, and should hold up against even the nastiest conditions (as Pentax has gone out of its way to demonstrate in the photo above). Joining it is the 12.1-megapixel Pentax X90, which is a bit less compact and not weatherproof, but packs a 26x optical zoom in a DSLR-esque body, among other as yet unspecified specs. Still no word on pricing or availability, but Pentax should be getting official with these any day now.
AIS' ultra-rugged PDA is so ugly it's beautiful
Windows Phone what? Dell Mini who? Forget all that fancy nonsense, this is a proper mobile device. Running Windows Mobile 6.1, the AIS ultra-rugged PDA comes with a 3.7-inch QVGA (that's a whopping 240 x 320 resolution, folks!) screen, a Marvell chip that might have been around when the wheel was invented, and the surprisingly robust WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G connectivity combo. Sidetalking has never looked this badass... or involved so many rubberized components.
Casio trots out world's slimmest shock-resistant digicam: EX-G1 (video)
Generally speaking, having something "ruggedized" ruins the aesthetic appeal. You trade style for function, and that's been perfectly acceptable until today. The EX-G1, which becomes the first camera in the new EXILIM G line, takes a few cues from Casio's G-SHOCK line while being the planet's thinnest shock-resistant camera. Furthermore, this thing is freezeproof, waterproof and dustproof, and at just 0.78-inches thick, you'll hardly notice it shoved in your left rear pocket. As for specs, you're looking at a 12.1 megapixel sensor, intelligent AF, a dedicated movie mode (848 x 480), 35.7MB of inbuilt memory (yeah, we know), a microSD / microSDHC expansion slot, 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch rear LCD with a 960 x 240 resolution. We're told that the rechargeable battery should last for around 300 shots on a full charge, and the Interval Shooting function enables the camera to automatically fire at fixed points when shooting action sports. If you're foaming at the mouth right now, your cure can be found this December in black or red for $299.99. The full release and a promo video is just past the break. %Gallery-77625%
Pantel PAN-420 outdoor LCD upgrades resolution
Got a need for an HDTV that can handle anything nature throws at it? Pantel's updated the 42-inch model of its waterproof outdoor line of LCDs, so the PAN-420 is now 1080p. The contrast ratio and other specs seem the same, but the extra pixels will cost you, with an MSRP of $4,999 so the real question is exactly how close will this be mounted to the hot tub / grill / Slip-n-slide to make the higher res worthwhile? Full PR is after the break.Update: While the PAN-420's current MSRP is higher than when it debuted a year ago, it had since been raised to the $4,999 mark, so all those extra pixels shouldn't cost you a penny more than the 720p version did yesterday.
Golden Shellback weatherproof coating now on sale
We'll be frank -- we had kind of forgotten about the altogether astounding Golden Shellback after seeing it work its magic on video this summer, but now the weatherproof coating is on sale, and it's mighty tempting. For the argonauts out there (or just you clumsy kids) who can't seem to honor the natural separation between gadget and liquid, this coating keeps your precious gizmo safe from the occasional splash of rain, mist, fog, steam or Seltzer water. Granted, such protection won't run you cheap (does it ever?), with a coating for the BlackBerry Pearl running $120, the iPod shuffle $60 and the iPod touch $120. GS will also encase a few other select devices, and honestly, they'll probably wrap up your Palm III if the offer is right.Read - Official websiteRead - Coated iPod shuffle auction
Pantel intros waterproof indoor / outdoor TV consoles
We already knew that Pantel was fixin' to loose a new water-shunning "mirror" LCD HDTV this fall, but apparently that's just not enough for these guys. In addition to that, it has also introduced Q4-bound indoor / outdoor weatherproof consoles that house a 42-inch LCD HDTV, built-in lift mechanism, wireless capabilities and integrated speakers to boot. Each system is equipped with 802.11a technology to deliver audio and video sans wires up to 150-feet, though pricing details are being kept on the low. Hop on past the break for all the specifications you need (and a few you probably don't).
Olympus' new trio touts 10 megapixel Stylus 1050 SW with motion sensitive Tap Control
When pumping out unimpressive point-and-shoot cameras, one sure-fire way to grab some attention is to innovate around the UI. That seems to be Olympus' approach with its new semi-rugged, Stylus 1050 SW ($300) pictured above. Able to withstand drops from 5-feet (1.5-meters), temps as low as 14 degrees F (-10 C), and submersion to 10-feet (3-meters), the new 10.1-megapixel shooter with 3x zoom and 2.7-inch display also packs an accelerometer for Olympus' new motion-driven "Tap Control" -- tap twice on the back, top or sides with your bulky, gloved hand to switch the camera into different modes. Pretty smart, actually... let's hope it takes quality images too. Of less interest is the skinny new 16.5-mm Stylus 1040 ($200) offering all of the 1050's guts without the Tap Control and weatherproofing. Last up is the Olympus SP-565 UZ ($400). It bungs the 10 megapixel sensor and 20x zoom from Olympus' SP-570 UZ into the 8 megapixel, 18x SP-560 UZ introduced this time last year. All three cams due in October. See the 1040 and SP-565 UZ after the break. Update: Speaking of unimpressive, Olympus also outed its 8 megapixel FE-20 (£120 / $221) with 2.5-inch LCD and 3x zoom. We managed to escape our ennui just long enough to post a picture after the break.Read -- Stylus 1050SW Read -- The rest
SunBriteTV reveals 3220HD / 4610HD all-weather outdoor LCD HDTVs
CEDIA 2008 is still over a month away, but the pre-expo news is already starting to trickle out. SunBriteTV, the firm responsible for last year's 46-inch 4600HD all-weather outdoor LCD, has just announced that it will be bringing two new ones to Denver this year, though there's no word on whether a dunk tank will also be in tow. The 32-inch 3220HD (1,366 x 768 resolution; 1,500:1 contrast ratio) and 46-inch 4610HD (19,20 x 1,080 resolution; 2,000:1 contrast ratio) both feature "corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminum exterior that protects the internal components from extreme weather and temperatures ranges," not to mention an interior heater to keep things toasty when it's snowing outside. The two sets are actually becoming available as we speak for $3,295 (3220HD) / $5,495 (4610HD), while a third unit -- the 23-inch HD-ready 2310HD -- can also be acquired now for "just" $1,995.
Pantel's 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs now shipping
Unlike Sanyo, Pantel has a pretty good idea of when outdoor displays will sell: summertime. That being the case, Pantel has jubilantly announced that its 20-, 52-, and 65-inch models are all shipping. Each display boasts a "weatherproof" enclosure that keeps the panel within safe from unpredictable weather. These units were designed to withstand water, extreme heat / cold, wind and dust, and judging by a few unofficial tests, they'll hold their own against sugary beverages as well. Grab yours now for $2,999, $9,999 or $25,999 (respectively) and make your way over to the deep end.
Sanyo's 52-inch 1080p CE52SR1 LCD sheds water
Oh sure, waterproof LCD TVs have been available for ages, but Sanyo's making the choice of which outdoor display to buy simple with the introduction of its CE52SR1. You see, unlike many alternatives, this waterproof set packs a 1080p Full HD panel, meaning that you can enjoy your Blu-ray films in full-res glory while slouched in a beach chair beside your pool. Furthermore, the display is daylight readable and features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, 6.5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and a frame constructed from marine grade anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, the summer in America will be long over before you can actually drop $13,995 in order to claim one, but October isn't too far out, now is it?
Pantel reveals 20-, 52- and 65-inch weatherproof LCD HDTVs
You've already seen what kind of chaos Pantel's weatherproof HDTVs can live through, and now it's unveiled a trio of new panel sizes to complement the 32- and 42-inch variants already available. Set to debut at InfoComm 2008, the 20-inch PAN-200, 52-inch PAN-520 and 65-inch PAN-650 really help to flesh out the lineup. Aside from shedding water, dust, snow and Play-Doh (among other foreign objects), you'll find a 1,366 x 768 (PAN-200) or 1,920 x 1,080 (PAN-520 and PAN-650) resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, an anti-glare screen and a single HDMI port. The 20-incher checks in with a 700:1 contrast ratio, while the larger two offer 2,000:1, and the whole lot boasts an 802.11a wireless video package that claims to work up to 150-feet. Looking for prices? Try these on for size: $2,999 / $9,999 / $25,999 from smallest to largest.
