camera
Latest
Canon's first consumer HD camcorder - iVIS HV10
Sony, eat your heart out. You aren't the only kid on the block anymore with a camcorder targeting normal consumers. Canon just released the deets on their first compact high-def camcorder, the iVIS HV10, and it looks like it could be a nice camera. The biggest difference between this new Canon and Sony's whole line-up of HD camcorders happens to be with the resolution of the sensor. You see, the Sony captures in high-def, but it is, well, HD-Lite at a 1440x1080 resolution. This new Canon however packs a HD CMOS with a resolution of 1920x1080 and it's paired with Canon's DIGIC DV II processor, which happens to be the same one powering this guys big brothers, the XH G1 & XH A1. Throw in the 10x optical zoom and an optical image stabilizer, and Canon has a winner on their hands. The iVIS HV10 should be out in Japan sometime in September for 150,000 Yen ($1,300). We haven't seen anything about a US release but we are willing to bet the farm we will see this camcorder over here.
"3rd-i" cam for spyin' on the go
There are undoubtedly less proprietary ways to go about doing this, but if you're looking for a quick, painless way to get a PC-free camera feed to your phone, a British operation by the name of 3rd-i reckons they have the answer. The concept is simple enough: take your garden-variety video cam, strap on a GPRS modem, and call it good for £199 ($370). Besides accessing live video and up to 30 days of archived footage via pretty much any Java MIDP 1.0- or 2.0-enabled phone, the unit can be set up to immediately text you upon detecting motion. Not bad -- in fact, we'd strongly consider using 3rd-i's cams to secure the Engadgetmobile, but the dual band 900 / 1800 support just doesn't cut it in these parts.[Via Crowdedbrain]
TruScene TS-1L keeps watch over your vehicle
If you've ever been the victim of a hit and run, particularly one where you weren't there to see it happen, you'll immediately appreciate the TruScene TS-1L. This in-car camera can be mounted on the front or rear (or both) of your ride and comes with a drop-down LCD to get things aligned and installed correctly the first go 'round. This eagle-eyed camera keeps a constant watch on what's happening around your vehicle when you're not there to bear witness, so you have a license plate and mug shot of the screeching bandit should an accident occur while you're away. The TS-1L constantly records 30 second loops of footage where non-essential clips (i.e. periods where nothing happens) are deleted to make room for the next clip. If someone jolts your whip by, say, ramming into you or clipping your side mirror, TruScene saves the recording, encrypts it, and stamps a digital watermark on it for later use. The video can be used for insurance or court purposes by uploading the file to TruScene's database where it's properly decrypted for playback. The seriousness of this device carries right over to the pricetag, so we'd recommend having a vehicle truly worth protecting -- and make sure your deductible is over a grand to begin with, because the peace of mind provided by the TS-1L requires $1,000 out of pocket. [Via OhGizmo]
ASUS intros 2-megapixel candybar with autofocus
After adding a slider and flip to its stable of autofocus camera phones, ASUS is turning its attention to the candybar form factor, showing the V80 last week. Other than the autofocus 2-megapixel shooter with macro, there's not much to write home about -- though the FM recorder is kinda nifty. Other features include a QR code reader, Bluetooth 1.2, 220 x 176 display, and EDGEless Class 10 GPRS. ASUS is making a big deal about the V80's 16mm thickness, but we're not entirely sure why, considering that Samsung's 9.9mm D830 alleges autofocus capability just the same. No word on availability or pricing, but thanks to quadband GSM, we might just keep an eye out for this sucker stateside.
Rumor: Sony tries to copy Nintendo again
A gaming site of the Swedish variety, Game Reactor is reporting that Sony has filed a patent for a "cylinder like" accessory for the PS3 that closely resembles the functionality of the Wiimote. Now, we know the PS3 controller already mimics the Wiimote, but isn't this crossing the line?This new accessory supposedly works in conjunction with the PS3 Eyetoy camera to track movements in a three-dimensional space. Also, the accessory is said to be able to determine how it is not only held, but also how it is tilted. [Via Go Nintendo]
Starbucks contest features image recognition via MMS
If you're looking for the most high-tech way to win a trip to Costa Rica, we think we've got your answer right here. Starbucks' Summer Pursuit game uses trivia questions sent via SMS to weed out contestants -- nothing too interesting there, but answers can be sent with a reply text or by MMSing a picture of the answer to an email address. Seems a bit dangerous to us, since we're guessing the recognition rate isn't 100% and we Americans sure do like to sue when things don't go our way -- but if it means we can snap a pic of "triple Venti extra-hot sugar-free hazelnut soy latte" instead of typing it in via T9, we're all for it.[Via textually.org]
Sony files for the spiffy new Eye Toy
Remember that neat little "secret component" everyone was talking about last month in regards to some extra hardware? You know... the next-gen Eye Toy? Well here's the return of it as Sony has filed big number 2006-178948, which is the patent for a new camera that "will recognize every move and position of an object and will translate these actions accordingly to an object inside a game." What used to take multiple cameras now takes one, thanks to a patented mapping technique.It's like motion capture for the average Joe. But what ever happened to that Israeli company called Prime Sense? Weren't they supposed to come into the scene with their own interactive device which sounds a lot like this one? Well at any rate, Sony is on the move to get this camera inked in their name. Let's hope they don't step on any toes with this, because they haven't had the best of luck in the patent area lately.Could the camera also have videoconferencing features added into it as well? Thanks to Avistar and company (and the magic of licensing), this new Eye Toy could be your next long-distance video phone. Yet another testament to Sony's desire to bring the PlayStation brand out of "For gamers only" territory and into a wider audience.[Thanks, Fan]
Go Pro's Digital Hero waterproof wrist camera
When given your choice of aquatic wrist-wear this summer, why opt for the nerdy-but-possibly-lifesaving SenTAG, when Go Pro's Digital Hero shock-proof polycarbonate sport wrist camera is so much more interesting? Sure, it's gigantic and unwieldy, but it weighs less than 3-ounces and is waterproof up to a depth of 30-feet. Plus, it goes around your wrist! What else could you want? Specs? Oh, right. With 32MB of internal memory, you can expect to get VGA photos and QVGA videos, with the latter giving a frame-rate less like Step Into Liquid and more like an old movie of Babe Ruth running the bases. We admit, it doesn't quite live up to legitimate underwater cams like Pentax's Optio WPi, but for $80, including the necessary AAA battery, what can you expect? Just think of the totally rad footage you'll get when you combine it with your Tony Hawk helmet cam.[Via Travelizmo]
RIM files patent for something camera-related
After reading United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0146140, re-reading it, and reading it yet again, we're still having trouble busting through the patent-speak to make heads or tails of what exactly RIM is trying to get at in the 2004 filing. To quote, the patent covers a digital camera and "and a wireless control apparatus. The digital camera wirelessly transmits the digital signal to the wireless control apparatus. The wireless control apparatus includes a display device, such as an LCD, for displaying a displayed image based on the digital signal." The best we can figure is that RIM is looking to use a BlackBerry to control a digital camera, or possibly to use another device to control the camera within a future RIM device. Either way, we're a little confused about the value of the feature (self portraits, maybe?), but it does jive with what RIM's been saying lately, and as they say in the patent world -- file now, ask questions later.[Via BBHub]
Nokia N93 gets put through its paces
With S60 3rd Edition, UMTS, a 3.2 megapixel camera with optical zoom, WiFi, miniSD slot, and QVGA display, Nokia's N93 dual-pivot clamshell pretty much does it all -- at the cost of some considerable bulk, that is. Mobile-review had a chance to spend some quality time with the beast, and if you can get past the portly 188 grams of mass in your pocket, they appear to come away liking the device for all that it does. As flimsy as it may look, we're told the stalk connecting the display to the remainder of the phone is rock-solid: "Even if you shake the phone with all your strength, there is no way the halves will move towards each other." Triband GSM plus UMTS 2100 make the N93 a tough sell in the States, but everyone else seeking out a worthy N90 replacement can expect Nokia's latest superphone to drop this month for around €600 ($765).
Mobile Phone Telescope for crappy telephoto photography
We'd almost get excited about this optical 6x attachment if it supported any decent cameraphones, but the compatibility list shows all of three devices: the Nokia 6230 / 6230i and 6680. Granted, the entire back of the phone has to be replaced, but throw us a bone, guys: the 6230 has a VGA camera and the 6230i and 6680 (with its 6682 sibling) don't do much better with 1.3 megapixels. That's alright -- can't be too comfortable in the pocket, anyway.
Samsung's new NV line of fashionable cameras
It looks like the design department at Samsung has been working some overtime lately. Barely a week after they busted out that sexy line of Ultra Edition phonage, they're adding a new "NV" line of functional yet fashionable digital cameras to their portfolio. The three cameras, the NV3, NV7 and NV10 are looking sharp, sporting black aluminum and 2.5-inch LCDs, but there's plenty going on under the hood. The real headliner is the NV7 (pictured), with optical image stabilisation and a 7x optical zoom, yet measuring a mere 0.8-inches thick. We're guessing they didn't include the lens in the measurement, but it's slim all the same. Both the NV7 and NV10 have an interesting "touch pad" row of buttons along the sides of the LCD to provide quicker access to menu options. All three cameras feature Samsung's Advanced Shake Reduction feature, but the NV7 is the only one to augment that with optical. The NV10 takes the megapixel cake, at a cool 10, and it's tied with the NV3 for slimness at 0.7-inches, but its 5x optical zoom is a bit more mundane. For sheer pocketability and versatility, the NV3 features a 7 megapixel CCD, 3x zoom and PMP functions, much like its Digimax i6 predecessor. Sadly, Samsung isn't slashing prices with all those designers to feed, and the NV line retails at some fairly steep prices. The NV7 for $450, NV10 for $400 and the NV3 $350. All three should be available this Fall. Keep reading for pics of the NV3 and NV10.Read - Samsung NV3 Read - Samsung NV7 Read - Samsung NV10
Kodak's EasyShare V610 10x ultra-zoom reviewed
The EasyShare V610 is Kodak's ultra-zoom followup to their world's first, dual-lens digital cam, the V570. Unfortunately, just like its wide-angle bro, the V610 is getting a mixed reaction from reviewers. DCRP got their hands on the V610 and were certainly pleased by the slim design, MPEG-4 movie recordings, new Perfect Touch feature to brighten and generally improve shots at the touch of a button, decent performance, and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless transfer capabilities. However, the cam had "more than its share of annoyances" with "so-so" picture quality including above-average noise, a "miserable" 135 shot capable battery, and a poorly designed four-way navigation control around back. But this cam's all about that fat, 10x zoom right? Well, those two lenses result in a slow, non-continuous zoom with a 16-millimeter "jump" in focal length when switching between lenses -- this was especially "jarring" when zooming in movie mode. And the lack of image stabilization in this expensive cam makes it "awfully hard" to produce a sharp photo on a camera billed as an ultra-zoom model. Bottom line: forget the V610 and pick up the 10x Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 for $100 less. [Via Digital Photography Blog]
World's smallest camera wants to meet your innards
We generally abide by a no-swallowing-cameras policy around here, but if we were to swallow a digital camera, we guess this OmniVision OV6920 CMOS would be the way to go. It's the world's first 1/18-inch camera sensor, and is therefore the world's smallest camera -- almost as thin as a Samsung phone. The camera is designed to work as part of a pill which can be swallowed and flow through your digestive system, or for firing from a rather large syringe. Did we mention our no-injecting-cameras policy? We happen to be rather strict adherents.[Via The Raw Feed]
Kodak adds P712 to top of EasyShare line
Without as much worry for raw megapixels this time around, Kodak is bringing out their new EasyShare P712 7.1 megapixel camera with 12x zoom and high-speed capturing to tempt the semi-prosumer crowd. With a suggested retail price of $499, the shooter strikes quite the bargain for its price range, with 12x optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, speedy auto-focus and a 0.07 click-to-capture rate. Kodak has also included a 2.5-inch LCD and a hot shoe, along with 30 fps VGA video capture and RAW support. The P712 should be shipping worldwide this July.[Via DP Review; thanks Justin]
Fujifilm FinePix F30 reviewed
The folks at CNET have been spending some quality time with Fujifilm's new FinePix F30 low-light 6 megapixel shooter and they're generally pleased. With a 3x optical zoom, 6 megapixel CCD, and the increasingly common 2.5-inch screen, there isn't a whole lot that stands out about this camera -- except for that outlandish ISO range. Starting at ISO 100 and ranging all the way to ISO 3,200 (previously only available for incredibly grainy black and white film shots), the camera can manage in low-light situations previously resigned to lots of flash or lots of black. CNET found the noise very low in general, espescially with ISO 100 and 200. They found ISO 1,600 to have quite obvious noise, but worthy of an 8.5 x 11 print all the same. The ISO 3,200 should obviously be kept to extreme situations, with a significant loss of image detail, but the shots were better than no shot at all, which is the general point. Otherwise the camera was just average, with a homely yet functional design, decent shooting speed, and a pretty nice LCD. There's no optical image stabilisation, but we're thinking the ISO is a pretty good trade-off. You should be able to get your very own F30 now for under $400.
XBLV Camera gets a price point, Uno fans screwed?
Joystiq has learned the "unofficial" price point for the Xbox Live Vision Camera: $39.99 bundled with Uno and one month of XBL Gold. It's not clear if those of us who already spent our hard-earned MS Points on Uno will get the opportunity to buy either a less expensive un-bundled version or another camera-enabled game. I'm guessing we're out of luck. The 'stiq also has info on various other "Holiday 2006" peripherals: New faceplates featuring Halo, Forza 2, & Viva Pinata for $19.99 each Wireless headest with a 30-foot range for $59.99 256MB Memory Unit for $59.99 Wireless gaming receiver for $19.99 (but it'll go on sale in Winter 2007, unlike the others, probably around the month of February) The upcoming wireless racing wheel previously reported at $130 isn't on the list, indicating MS is re-evaluating that price.Back to the camera. Is this price point and bundle pretty much what you expected? Furthermore, is $40 a small price to pay for the chance to see how ugly the strangers on your friend's list really are?
$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
XBLV Camera on sale September 19
Major Nelson has some tentative dates for the release of the Xbox Live Vision Camera (still no price point):North America: September 19thEurope and Asia (except Japan): October 2Japan, Australia and New Zealand: I don't have confirmed dates yet.Admittedly, I still have BBQ sauce on the brain (hence the late post), but the "Vision" moniker is news to me. My first experience with this camera, playing the weirdly suggestive Totem Balls at E3, was a poor one. I'm more excited about video chat and user-created gamer pictures than gesture-based games requiring stadium lighting. Here's video of the camera in use during an exciting game of Uno.How many people will be picking this peripheral up on day one? That is, besides the pedophiles and morons dying to show their ass on XBL.
Polaroid PDC 5080 reviewed/trashed by PC Mag
If you ever needed proof that megapixels aren't everything in a digital camera, look no further than PC Magazine's review of Polaroid's PDC 5080 5 megapixel cam, which sells for just $90. You know things are bad when the best they can come up with on the pro side is "light" and "cheap." The problems with the camera, on the other hand, read like a comedy of errors, from the open-at-your-own-risk blister pack the camera comes packaged in (rule #1, don't buy a digital camera in a blister pack), to the way below average image quality compared to other 5MP cameras, to the 9 frame per second "video" capabilities, to the images that mysteriously dissappear from the SD card. Stay away from this one, folks, and warn your friends.
