Zach Honig
Articles by Zach Honig
Your Facebook privacy settings will now live on after you pass
It's not a topic we discuss often here, but if you're active online, you may (or may not, ultimately) be concerned with how your data is handled after you die. On Facebook, accounts can be "memorialized" by a friend or family member, with some data remaining visible indefinitely. Previously, after the social network flipped the switch, your remaining content would be accessible only by your friends. Going forward, however, Facebook will match your existing privacy settings, so if your profile was visible to the public, it'll stay that way after you pass. Additionally, friends and family members will be able to request a "Look Back" video, though we'd recommend getting on that now, while there's still time to click the edit button.
Battery production, design modifications delay Tesla's Model X SUV another year
During an interview with Bloomberg prior to Tesla's earnings call yesterday, CEO Elon Musk discussed a few interesting tidbits. The most significant revelation is that the Model X SUV, which was first detailed in 2012 and originally set to begin production late last year, is now delayed until 2015. Musk cited several reasons for the delay, such as a need to focus on Model S distribution efforts, including expanding sales to China, along with his own personal dissatisfaction with current prototypes. Tesla also needs to boost battery production before it can roll out SUVs at a speedy enough pace to meet demand, which Musk expects will exceed Model S adoption. Commenting on design, Musk said "it's damn hard to make an SUV... that is beautiful and yet incredibly functional at the same time. It's a harder design problem than the Model S." Meanwhile, when pressed about a recent visit with Apple's acquisitions chief, Musk did acknowledge that he has had discussions with Apple, but he said that he doesn't plan to sell his company at this time. For now, he seems focused on completing the Model X design process and moving ahead with the firm's giga battery factory, which would help Tesla ramp up battery production within the next few years.
5TB hard drives are here, shipping now in select LaCie products
25 terabytes of storage in a single standalone cube? That's now possible, thanks to Seagate's new 5TB hard drive. You can pair the LaCie 5big Network 2 five-bay NAS Thunderbolt series with up to five individual 5-terabyte drives for a maximum of 25TB of storage for less than two three grand. Based on the $300 price difference between the 15TB kit ($1,299) and the 10TB version ($999), we imagine you'll be able to max out the RAID device about $1,900, once these gigantic drives become available for purchase individually. For now, you'll need to settle for one of the two above configurations, available directly from LaCie beginning today. The 5big is available in a 10TB config (two drives) for $999, while doubling the storage will also double the price. You can even max the thing out with five drives for 25TB of storage for a cool $2,500. If smaller capacities are what you're after, LaCie's 2big is available with a pair of the new 5-terabyte drives for $899, or in a single configuration with the $449 d2. Update: We never like to strikethrough any content, let alone four full lines, but after hearing from LaCie, we have a bit more clarity when it comes to the company's new product offerings. The 5TB drive will be available in three products (outlined above), but not the aforementioned NAS. Ultimately, that's great news for consumers -- you can opt for a single-drive (5-terabyte) config for just $449.
Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy Camera 2 ships next month for $450
Looking to pick up Samsung's much-improved Galaxy Camera 2? The 16-megapixel Android-powered shooter can be yours next month for $450. The device includes Jelly Bean under the hood, and unlike what we experienced with the original cam, this updated version felt quite snappy during our CES demo. There's a 4.8-inch 720p display, WiFi connectivity (this model doesn't support 3G/4G) and a boosted 2,000 mAh battery. The lens doesn't appear to be improved, however, with a 21x zoom and an f/2.8-5.9 maximum aperture range. Samsung is also announcing pricing and availability for the NX30, which ships today for a whopping $1,000 with an 18-55mm kit lens. We think the company would benefit from a more aggressive MSRP there, given the competition in the mirrorless camera space, but if you aren't turned off by the price, it does appear to be a solid option.
MasterCard and Visa users may soon flip the switch on KitKat NFC payments
With a consumer reception that could be described as lukewarm at best, mobile payments haven't exactly been a raging success. Despite Google's efforts, Wallet failed to take off, while Isis also continues to struggle, despite support from major US carriers. Now, MasterCard and Visa are readying yet another potential solution, this time tapping the new Host Card Emulation (HCE) support in Android 4.4. The service, which is only supported in NFC-enabled KitKat phones, stores credit card info remotely rather than on an embedded "secure element," expanding compatibility beyond pre-approved apps. With HCE, when you go to make a payment, your phone will transfer credit card data directly to the NFC terminal, without storing it in your handset. MasterCard and Visa are both working to finalize the specification, following various trials over the last few months. Ideally, a significant number of credit card holders will be able to take advantage of HCE-enabled payments beginning later in 2014, with more details to come in the first half of this year. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spike supersonic business jet swaps windows for a wraparound live-view display
We're pretty excited about the Spike S-512 supersonic business jet, but this latest feature could potentially make a three-hour Mach 1.6 hop from New York to London a bit nerve-wracking for uneasy fliers. A post on the company's blog this week describes one of the cabin features, a "thin display screen" that's embedded in the wall. Cameras mounted around the jet's exterior will power a panoramic view, which can also be swapped for other images or content that's more conductive to sleep, such as a solid dark color or a starry night scene. Removing the windows helps Spike trim the plane's weight while also reducing drag, enabling faster speeds and boosted fuel efficiency. We don't expect commercial airliners to follow suit, however, so if flying 1,218 mph in a windowless tube is something that strikes your fancy, you'll need to hop aboard an S-512 after the supersonic jet takes to the skies in 2018.
Mirrorless cameras, pricey point-and-shoots shine at Japan's CP+
While Japan's prominence continues to wane when it comes to consumer electronics in general, the country remains enormously relevant in the digital imaging space. Canon and Nikon dominate the market, alongside other mainstream players like Sony and Panasonic. Manufacturers like Casio, Fujifilm, Olympus, Sigma and Ricoh continue to release compelling models, too -- your own camera probably got its start in an office tower near Tokyo, as other shooters will for years to come. Each year, Japanese consumers gather at CP+ in Yokohama, a four-day trade show that's served as a venue for camera makers to show off their new products to local audiences for more than 50 years. Following the final PMA show in 2010, CP+ has been an important event for us as well -- CES hasn't caught on with the camera industry, and with Photokina held only once every two years, this February photo fest is the place to be.
Olympus' small and mighty E-M10 is priced to sell (hands-on)
It's been more than two years since Olympus unveiled its OM-D E-M5, but that camera's retro-inspired design is clearly here to stay. The latest model in the series, the E-M10, is priced more like a step-up camera than a flagship, but it hardly skimps on features, with the same 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and classic good looks as 2012's flavor. There's also a very nice collapsable 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens with an integrated cap, a sharp 3-inch tilting touchscreen, an integrated 1.44-megapixel EVF and built-in WiFi with a unique QR-code interface for easy pairing with the Olympus Image Share companion app. You also get an 8 fps (single autofocus) burst mode, 1080/30p video shooting, a 25,600 top ISO and 3-axis sensor-shift image stabilization (down from the 5-axis version included with the E-M5).
Fujifilm's dial-filled X-T1 is a manual shooter's dream (hands-on)
On paper, the most significant addition to Fujifilm's X-T1 is its weather-resistant housing. But you'll need one of three as-of-yet-unreleased weather-sealed lenses in order to take advantage -- the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit optic isn't up to snuff when it comes to keeping out water, sand and snow, so if you opt for the $1,700 bundle, you'll be out of luck. Instead, we're quite taken with the camera's comprehensive control layout, which includes dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed and ISO (!) mounted up top. Some lenses also include an integrated exposure dial, so you can set the full exposure manually without any need to dig through menus. There's also a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and an EXR Processor II, along with a 3-inch, 1.04M-dot tilting LCD and a really nice 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder for framing shots.
Sigma's CEO wants you to focus on the dp2 Quattro's new sensor, not its peculiar design
This was a bit of a shocker to us as well: Kazuto Yamaki, Sigma's chief executive and lead design guru, doesn't want you to be distracted by the dp Quattro's strange shape. The extra-wide footprint is of course what first turned us on to this high-end camera, but the takeaway here should be the shooter's 29-megapixel Foveon X3 CMOS direct image sensor, which Yamaki says enables a reduced file size and better high-ISO performance. That refreshed chip operates similarly to traditional color film, using multiple layers to capture enhanced detail. That, along with a new processor, should produce sharper, more realistic images with vibrant colors -- something Sigma describes as "full-bodied image quality." Without an opportunity to review full-resolution samples, we can't really speak to the dp Quattro's performance, but there's no question that company reps are very excited about this new device. The unusual design is what captured our attention, and judging by the long queue at Sigma's CP+ booth in Yokohama, Japan today, consumers are quite curious as well. Our first thought was that the company widened the body to accommodate a larger display, but the 920k-dot, 3-inch LCD is shockingly ordinary. The model seen here is the dp2, which features a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens, but Sigma is also releasing the dp1, which includes a 45mm f/2.8 optic and the dp3, which sports a 75mm equivalent lens (yes, you'll need three cameras to take advantage of all three focal lengths). Since there's a lot of real estate to work with, the buttons and control dials have plenty of room to stretch out -- it literally couldn't feel less cramped, so if you're often accidentally tapping more than one button, you'll love what Sigma's done here. There's also a hot shoe, and once you attach a full-size flash, the dp may feel better balanced.
Canon's burly PowerShot G1 X Mark II is a pleasure to use
This week, we met Canon's G1 X Mark II. Judging by its nomenclature, we expected a straightforward update to 2012's PowerShot flagship. Instead, this year's model is only like its predecessor when it comes to size -- the camera's specifications and design have been refined significantly. There's no longer an optical viewfinder and the 3-inch touchscreen tilts up and down instead of out to the side, but otherwise, the camera's been modified for the better, with a more powerful 24-120mm f/2-3.9 zoom lens, a new 1.5-inch sensor and a faster DIGIC 6 processor. That powerful combo yields a much more capable point-and-shoot -- with the Mark II, the G1 X can finally justify its $800 price. We caught up with the Mark II at the annual CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan, and while we weren't entirely convinced of the camera's practicality based on press photos and a spec sheet, a few minutes of shooting helped seal the deal. This G1 X refresh was comfortable to use and very responsive, from the speedy zoom toggle to the super-fast focusing. The LCD was quite sharp and bright, and while we missed having an optical viewfinder to play with, the boosted functionality in other departments made the tradeoff worthwhile. (Canon's also planning to offer an external electronic viewfinder -- pictured above -- which seems like a reasonable compromise.) We did struggle with focusing in macro mode, just as we did with the original X, but the lens performed quite nicely with subjects a bit more in the distance, so if you're not planning to shoot close-ups of flowers, you should be fine. Video shooters beware: while there is support for 1080/30p captures, there's no microphone input or headphone jack. In this price range, we're still inclined to recommend Sony's RX100 Mark II, despite its slightly smaller 1-inch sensor. We haven't had a chance to review full-res images from the Canon, but based on the Sony camera's superior focusing and compact size, it's likely the better choice for many photographers. That model's available now for $700, while the $800 G1 X is expected in stores this April. Check out our hands-on video for a closer look.
SanDisk's latest flagship SD card supports extremely fast write speeds, 4K video
With affordable 4K cameras from Panasonic and Sony set to ship soon, it's time for flash memory manufacturers to begin readying stockpiles of high-speed SD cards. Today, SanDisk is announcing its latest flagship, the Extreme Pro SDHC/SDXC UHS-II. It exceeds the new UHS Speed Class (U3) spec, supporting continuous write speeds of up to 250MB/s. While the card is most appropriate for folks shooting 4K video, it'll also come in handy when you're snapping continuous RAW stills at high frame rates, letting you unload the camera's buffer just as quickly as you can fill it. The new cards will ship in April in 16GB to 64GB capacities, with prices ranging from $120 to $300. There's also a new U3 card reader that's designed to let you take full advantage of the SDXC card's 280MB/s transfer speeds. That device will also be available in April, with a $50 MSRP. Update: The card supports a 250MB/s write speed, as originally reported. The read speed measures 280MB/s.
Sony debuts three superzooms and two compact Cyber-shots for CP+
Sony announced but one camera at CES, an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable-lens model called the Alpha 5000. With CP+ gearing up just outside Tokyo, however, it's time to lift the point-and-shoot floodgates. There are three superzooms and two pocketable cams on the docket this year, in addition to the brilliant A6000. The HX400V and WX350 are arguably the most compelling offerings in each category, and they're joined by alternatives that should appeal to a broad range of consumers -- the H400, the H300 and the (relatively) petite W800. All but that last model include 3-inch LCDs (the W800's display is 2.7 inches), but the similarities end there. The HX400V ($500) features a 20.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, an f/2.8-6.3, 24-1200mm (50x) lens with OIS, a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800, a 10 fps burst mode, 1080p video and 4K still image output. There's GPS, WiFi and NFC, a BIONZ X processor under the hood and a Multi Interface Shoe for connecting a variety of Sony add-ons. The H400 ($320), which shares a nearly identical model name, falls a bit short on the spec front. There's a 20.1MP CCD sensor, an f/3.4-6.5, 24.5-1543mm (63x) lens with OIS, a 3200 top ISO, a 0.8 fps burst mode and 720p video capture. The H300 ($220), meanwhile, sports a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor, an f/3-5.9, 25-875mm (35x) lens with OIS, a top ISO of 3200, a 0.8 fps burst mode and 720p video. That model runs on four AA batteries, while the other four are powered by Lithium-Ion cells. Moving on to the compacts, the WX350 ($320) shares the BIONZ X processor of its larger sibling, the HX400V. There's an 18.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, an f/3.5-6.5, 25-500mm (20x) G lens with OIS, a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800, a 10 fps burst mode, 1080p video capture and 4K still image output. It sports WiFi and NFC connectivity, and can fire off 470 shots on a single charge. Finally, if you're on a very tight budget, the W800 ($80) covers the basics with a 20-megapixel CCD sensor, an f/3.2-6.4, 26-130mm (10x) lens, a top sensitivity of ISO 3200, a 1 fps burst mode and 720p video capture. You can pick up that model in March, along with the HX400V, H400 and WX350, while the H300 is expected in stores later this month.
Head 82 feet below the surface with Canon's waterproof PowerShot D30
It's a very busy CP+ for Canon. The camera maker has a handful of new models for the show, including one of the waterproof variety. The PowerShot D30, which replaces 2012's D20, boosts the waterproof rating from 33 feet to 82 feet, making it a suitable choice for all but the deepest scuba dives. There's a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 5 processor and support for 1080/30p video. The 5x 28-140mm lens isn't as fast as we'd like for dim underwater shoots, with an f/3.9-4.8 maximum aperture, but with the ISO bumped up a bit, it should perform decently. You can frame shots on the 3-inch 461k-dot LCD, which sports a sunlight mode for use in brighter conditions. The camera is shockproof and cold-resistant as well, and while there's no WiFi on board, it does include GPS. The PowerShot D30 is expected in stores by mid-April with a $330 MSRP.
Meet Canon's latest budget PowerShots, a trio of ELPHs
Canon's higher-end PowerShot cameras are certainly more compelling, but they're also expensive. If you're on a budget, you might want to settle for one of these ELPHs. Canon is introducing three new models this week, including the ELPH 150 IS, 140 IS and 135 -- they're priced at $150, $130 and $120, respectively. The latter duo replace the A2600 and A2500, while the 150 is a new addition to the lineup. That model includes a 20-megapixel CCD sensor, while the other two feature 16-megapixel CCDs. All three have DIGIC 4+ processors and 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCDs. They also shoot 720p video, which should certainly suffice for casual web use. The pricier two models include optical image stabilization -- in fact, the 140 IS and 135 are identical, save for the 135's lack of OIS. Those two include 8x optical zoom lenses, while the 150 IS packs a 10x zoom. All three cameras are scheduled to ship later this month.
Canon updates high-end PowerShot lineup with $799 G1 X Mark II
Canon introduced its PowerShot G1 X at 2012's CES, and two years later, the pricey high-end point-and-shoot is ready for an update. This year's iteration, the G1 X Mark II, includes a 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, and like its predecessor, this new chip measures 1.5 inches diagonally, enabling some pretty spectacular images. There's a 24-120mm f/2-3.9 zoom lens, so you can expect shallow depth of field throughout the maximum-aperture range, and sharp shots even in low light. It includes a 1.04M-dot 3-inch tilting touchscreen, a DIGIC 6 processor, 12,800 top ISO and 1080/60p 1080/30p MP4 video capture. Additionally, you can pair the Mark II with Canon's companion apps via WiFi and NFC for remote shooting and wireless image transfers. There will also be an XGA electronic viewfinder accessory that mounts on the hot shoe, should you prefer an EVF. Pricing for that add-on is TBA, but expect the G1 X Mark II to hit stores in April for $800. Update: The G1 X Mark II supports 1080/30p, not 60p video capture.
Canon PowerShot SX700 HS ships in March with 30x lens, WiFi, $350 price tag
In the market for a compact superzoom? Canon's new PowerShot SX700 HS is definitely worth a look. This SX280 HS replacement includes a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 6 processor, an f3.2-6.9 25-750mm (30x) zoom lens and a 3-inch 922k-dot LCD. The camera's small enough to tuck away in a jacket pocket, but it still includes a new extended hand grip on the front, making it comfortable to hold with the lens extended. It also supports 1080/60p video capture, and has WiFi and NFC on board, for remote app controls and wireless uploads to the web. Expect the SX700 to hit stores next month in black and red for $350.
EOS Rebel T5 is Canon's cheapest DSLR, priced at $550 with 18-55mm lens
If you're on a tight budget and looking to buy a DSLR, we might suggest you consider a mirrorless camera instead. But if you're dead set on building out your EOS lens collection, Canon's Rebel T5 is at least a more capable choice than its predecessor, the 2011-era T3. This year's model includes an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4 processor, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800 and 1080/30p video capture. There's also a 9-point AF system and 3 frames-per-second continuous shooting -- generally not much to write home about, but as a starter cam it'll do just fine. The T3i will remain for sale, and can be had for $509 including a lens over at Amazon. The T5, for its part, is set to retail for $550 including an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, or $450 for the body only. Expect to see it in stores next month. Update: Canon has opted to not offer the T5 without a lens, so your only option is to purchase the kit for $550.
Nikon appeals to advanced shooters with high-end Coolpix P340 and S9700 compacts
The Coolpix P340, which replaces last year's P330 and the S9700, which serves as the S9500's successor, look awfully similar to 2013's models -- in many ways, those similarities extend internally, too. The P340, which includes the same 1/1.7-inch 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor as its predecessor, carries an identical MSRP, but adds integrated WiFi connectivity, enabling instant uploads to sharing services and compatibility with Nikon's companion apps. It also includes an f/1.8-5.6, 24-120mm (5x) optically stabilized zoom lens, a 3-inch VGA RGBW LCD and 1080/30p and 60i video capture. Like the P330, it also offers full manual controls, with a dedicated mode dial, a function button below the lens and a secondary toggle on the top. The S9700 also includes integrated WiFi and GPS, but so did the S9500, so there's not much to speak of there. It has a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, an upgraded f/3.7-6.4, 25-750mm (30x) optical zoom lens, a 3-inch VGA OLED display and 1080/30p and 60i video. It retains its predecessor's manual control offerings, including a dedicated mode dial. Like last year's model, this camera's strength is in its size. It's small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, despite its "superzoom" status. It also includes a hybrid VR image stabilization mode that helps keep things steady during video capture. Expect to find a black or red S9700 in stores for $350 later this month, while the (black-only) P340 will ship in March for $380.
Nikon's adventure-ready Coolpix AW120 and S32 snap shots on land and at sea
Nikon's got a pair of baby bumps in store for us this year on the adventure cam front. The Coolpix AW120, which replaces last year's AW110 and the S32, which serves as 2014's answer to the S31. Both are rated for underwater use, but the similarities end there. If you've got $350 to spare, the AW120 is the camera to focus on. It's waterproof to 59 feet (18 meters), shockproof to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). There's an f/2.8-4.9, 24-120mm (5x) optical zoom lens, a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 6.9 fps continuous shooting mode and 1080/30p and 60i video capture. You also get a 3-inch OLED display, built in GPS and WiFi, letting you upload pics and vids from below as soon as you come up for air. Meanwhile, the $130 S32 carries a much more affordable price tag, albeit with a less impressive list of specs. It's waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters), shockproof to five feet (1.5 meters) and freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). It has an f/3.3-5.9, 30-90mm (3x) optical zoom lens, a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 2.7-inch QVGA LCD. The S32 is also capable of capturing 1080/30p video, and it comes along with a variety of scene modes and effects (Nikon's pushing this as the family/beginner-friendly offering). The AW120, which is also compatible with a new chest harness (for hands-free shots), will ship next month in black, blue, camouflage and orange. The Coolpix S32 will also be available next month, with white and blue finishes.