carlzeiss
Latest
Carl Zeiss joins the Micro Four Thirds revolution
Another big name is jumping headfirst into the increasingly popular Micro Four Thirds waters with the announcement from Olympus today that Carl Zeiss has signed up as a member of the MFT System Standard Group. What that basically entails is that the folks responsible for some of the finest optics in the world will start making lenses directly compatible with Olympus and Panasonic's camera standard. You could, of course, have tracked down adapters to get Distagon glass working with your GF2 before, but it sure is nice to see the big boys producing hardware designed specifically for this relatively new category of camera. Full press release after the break. [Thanks, Ken]
Nokia N8 review
The first time Nokia's N8-00 popped up on our radar was way back in early February of this year. On that chilly, misty morning, we learned of a mythical being capable of shooting 12 megapixel stills, recording 720p video, outputting via HDMI, and -- most importantly -- ushering in the promised Symbian^3 touch revolution. It's been a long road of leaks, teasers, hands-ons, and previews since then, but at long last, the legend of the N8 has become a purchasable commodity. All the early specs have survived, including the 3.5-inch AMOLED display, but the key question today, as it was at the beginning, relates to that all-new software within: does Symbian^3 succeed in elevating Nokia's touchscreen experience or does it drag down an otherwise stellar combination of high-end parts? For that verdict and much, much more, join us after the break.%Gallery-103738%%Gallery-104212%
Nokia N8 vs. iPhone 4: camera showdown
What's the first thing you should do when you get the N8? Considering it packs the biggest image sensor embedded in a phone yet, Carl Zeiss optics, and an eight-digit pixel count, it seemed obvious to us that the answer was to take it on a picture- and video-taking stroll around London. On our way out we saw our iPhone 4 looking all sad and lonely, so we went ahead and brought it along as well. Below you shall find one gallery of pure, unadulterated N8 sample shots, another interspersed with the iPhone's results for comparison's sake, and a final one with side-by-side 100 percent crops from each image taker. Once you've digested all of those, we suggest hopping past the break and tucking into some tasty video comparisons for dessert. Naturally, all the images are entirely unretouched (but for our masterly watermarking) and the iPhone 4's HDR hocus pocus has been left off. We've also provided a zip file containing all the full-res imagery shot with the N8 in a link below. A quick note is also merited about the N8's resolution. The sensor's display ratio is 4:3, which means that full 12 megapixel shots are only available in those dimensions. The camera software, however, defaults to shooting 9 megapixel snaps at the increasingly popular 16:9 ratio -- this is done simply by cropping away the "excess" bars at the top and bottom of the image, meaning that the 9 megapixel images are giving us identical performance as the 12 megapixel ones, they're just chopped down (from 4000 x 3000 to 4000 x 2248) for the sake of convenience. Now, on with the show!%Gallery-103838%%Gallery-103849%%Gallery-103858%
Carl Zeiss Cinemizer 3D Plus glasses get OLED infusion, still no attention
Carl Zeiss keeps on making minor improvements to its Cinemizer head-mounted display, announced way back in 2008 and intended to be the most amazing way to watch stuff on your iPod. They didn't exactly catch on then, and two years later we're not entirely sure that the latest revision will either. The tiny screens that sit a fraction of an inch from your eyeballs have been upgraded to OLED, which should make them bright and lovely as they pummel your rods and cones, but sadly they're still stuck in VGA land -- 640 x 480 is not a lot of pixels these days. This version also pledges greater compatibility with non-Apple devices, a welcome change, and even more welcome is the new visual styling, which makes you look a little less walleyed than the last model. Despite this the price hasn't changed much, estimated to be around €400 ($515), but that's still a lot to pay just to have the coolest Frozone costume ever.
Sony's latest Cyber-shots boast 3D sweep panorama, background defocusing
It's getting to be that time of the year again -- time for Sony to expand / refresh its Cyber-shot lineup. Say hello to the 14.1 megapixel T99 and the 12.2 megapixel WX5 and TX9. All three feature BIONZ processors and 32MB internal memory (no word on external options). The T99's your underwater-capable option, capable of shooting sweep panorama shots submerged as well as 720p 30fps HD video -- or if you want something of an upgrade, the TX9 is also snorkeling-friendly, but itself can tout Full HD 1080i video recording, a Sweep Multi Angle for "3D-style" imagine, and the 3D sweep panorama with which the NEX series was just graced. Another neat trick of the Tx9 is its "background defocus" that gives you the DSLR-like effect of sharp foreground images with a blurry background (c.f. most of our headlining phone review images). If you're willing to sacrifice water resistance for a 5x optical zoom and Sony G lens (the previous two feature 4x and Carl Zeiss) while still retaining TX9's cool 3D tricks, you're gonna want the WX5. At this point, they carry no price tag, but you've got a bit to wait anyway: the trio will all debut in mid-September. Update: Akihabara News is reporting these cameras also support TransferJet. Additionally, AV Watch has listed some expected prices for Japan, so without further ado: the WX5 for 35,000 yen (about $400), the TX9 for 45,000 yen ($512), and the T99 for a more budget-friendly 29,000 yen ($330). %Gallery-97122%
Nokia N8 fights back with heavenly HD video sample (updated)
Nokia is doing its best to rewind the negative spin placed on its flagship N8 after one of its children went missing. As part of the effort, it just published the first un-retouched 720p video captured by a pre-production N8's Carl Zeiss lens as followup to the first sample images released yesterday. We downloaded the H.264 video's .MP4 container to view natively (that's a 600 pixel wide screencap above) and sure enough came away impressed -- though we're curious to hear the original audio that was replaced by a dramatic soundtrack. Now, we're not saying it's better or worse than other similarly equipped smartphones shooting well-lit video -- without seeing side-by-side video of the same footage it's difficult to tell. But Nokia, a company known for using decent optics, sensors, and flash units in its N-series devices, certainly won't be disappointing impromptu photogs making their first jump into Symbian^3. Just imagine what Nokia hardware coupled with a killer user experience could do. Could do. Embedded video sample after the break. Update: All About Symbian has a marvelously detailed breakdown of the N8's camera that dives deeply into the phone's optics, mic, flash, and more.
Carl Zeiss shooting for budding DSLR filmmaker audience with new cine lenses
Even if your interest in photography is fringe at best, you've probably heard the name Carl Zeiss. The optics company has planted its lenses all over the places, from DSLRs to numerous point-and-shoots, and now it's catering directly to our love of DSLR filmmaking. Ol' C. Z. took time at least week's NAB to unveil what it's dubbing "the world's first set of cine lenses designed especially for HDSLR cameras." The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses, pictured, and the more handheld-friendly Lightweight Zoom LWZ.2, should be compatible Canon EF, Nikon F and Arri PL mounts, which should cover your video-enabled photo-snapper lineup. We won't get too into the nitty-gritty details here, except to say the former is claiming no vignetting and the latter less than two kilograms in weight. Both sets should be available in June, and as for price... well, mum's the word, but we wouldn't be surprised if these guys didn't end up about midway into the four-figure range.
Nokia's first TD-SCDMA-based 6788 ready for China Mobile's 500 million subscribers
Nokia might be hemorrhaging smartphone marketshare to North America's meddling upstarts but it still dominates in total handsets sold worldwide. Today's news can only help that cause as Nokia taps into China's homegrown TD-SCDMA 3G marketplace for the first time. The Nokia 6788 does the honor via collaboration with China Mobile, China's (and the world's) largest mobile phone operator. The handset itself brings a 2.8-inch QVGA display, 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and dual-LED flash, 4GB of memory plus microSD expansion, GPS, 3.5mm headset jack, and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, all riding atop S60 3rd Edition -- not 5th as we're accustomed to seeing by now. Unfortunately, it won't start contributing to Nokia's sagging bottom-line until the end of December.
Voigtländer adapter expands lens pool for Micro Four Thirds cameras
Granted, this was totally expected, but we can't possibly be more excited to see such a peripheral emerge before the Micro Four Thirds segment even has a chance to blossom. Cosina, parent company of Voigtländer, has just introduced a new adapter which aims to make Micro Four Thirds cameras (you know, like Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1) compatible with a slew of existing Voigtländer, Leica and Carl Zeiss lenses. Unfortunately, we're told that the device is mechanical only, which could cause issues with some of the more advanced features that require tight knit camera-lens communication. Head on past the break for a full list of suitable lenses, and feel free to ping your favorite Japanese importer with a mailing address and at least ¥19,800 ($205).[Via Wired]
Nokia busts out its own 8 megapixel slider: the N86
Whoa, Nelly! While Samsung is strutting its 8 megapixel Memoir and Sony Ericsson is letting us all in on the forthcoming 12 megapixel Idou, Nokia is getting even with its 8 megapixel N86. Amazingly, we saw that the suits in Espoo had this thing on the brain way back in 2007, but not until today have we seen a real live product. The N-series slider boasts a Carl Zeiss lens, AutoFocus, dual-LED flash and Symbian S60, not to mention a 2.6-inch OLED display, 8GB of internal memory, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, microUSB connector and Share on Ovi integration. We're left in the dark when it comes to pricing and availability, but we're hoping to hear more really, really soon. More shots are waiting in the read link.Update: The full specs sheets have just leaked, yum!
Carl Zeiss pushes 3D with updated Cinemizer "video eyeware"
Last year Carl Zeiss tantalized us with promises of an eye-level, "cinema quality" display for iPods (and only iPods). The result was a somewhat funky looking set of "video eyeware" that, to put it mildly, didn't quite catch on in the Apple community like the company's tiny lenses have elsewhere. Undaunted, Herr Zeiss is releasing a new version -- cunningly titled the Cinemizer plus -- that offers mostly minor tweaks, like improved cable management and better compatibility with external (higher quality) earbuds. The company is also pushing studios to produce more content that will show off these things' 3D capabilities, but we're guessing there still won't be much of the stuff available when these drop in March for $499.[Via Pocket lint]
Carl Zeiss combines spotting scope, digital camera with the PhotoScope 85 T* FL
Esteemed lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss is breaking new ground by releasing the PhotoScope 85 T* FL, a spotting scope that also serves as a seven megapixel digital camera -- just in case "super-zoom" wasn't enough for you. With 15 - 45x magnification, a focal length of 600 - 1800 mm, a flip-out OLED display, and an IR remote for vibration-free release, it's great for birdwatchers but perhaps even better for the paparazzi. Look for it in Spring or Summer 2009 if you're planning to profit off the next Amy Winehouse meltdown.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
Carl Zeiss' powerdomeVELVET planetarium projector: 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio
We've seen dynamic contrast ratios on HDTVs climb as high as 2,000,000:1, but an in-house design from the famed Carl Zeiss blows that right out of the water. The powerdomeVELVET planetarium projector was obviously not designed with home cinema in mind, though the specifications are no less impressive. We've got a 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio, DLP / BrilliantColor technologies, a 1,200p native resolution and a DVI input. Not like you're actually considering one for your own domed theater, but it'll be available for a small fortune in Q1 2009.[Via DVICE]
Carl Zeiss surprises with lenses for Canon's EOS EF mount
We don't cover too many lenses here at Engadget. However, when Carl Zeiss surprisingly announces support for Canon's EF mount, well, we're pretty sure you'd like to know. The first EOS compatible lenses in the ZE range will be the Planar T* 1.4/50mm (pictured) and 1.4/85mm manual focus lenses priced at $660 and $1,170, respectively, when they ship before the end of the year. [Via dpreview, thanks Brett D.]
Logitech's flagship QuickCam Vision Pro is Mac only
Logitech, a name long synonymous with PC webcams, just announced its newest, flagship camera which -- are you ready? -- is Mac-only. A move which, quite honestly, makes us feel, well... dirty. The USB 2.0 QuickCam Vision Pro works with iChat and Skype and features a 2 megapixel sensor, a quick autofocusing Carl Zeiss lens, and the ability to record VGA video at 30fps while mounted to your display or, redundantly, to your MacBook which of course have featured an integrated webcam for the last few years. Hitting shelves across Europe and the US in July for $130. See this chunk of a webcam attached to an Apple Cinema Display after the break.
Sony intros the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 "super zoom" camera
Sony is no stranger to digital cameras, as the company has professed in its press release detailing the Cyber-shot DSC-H50, a new 9.1-megapixel shooter that should have camera fans perking up their ears. The new model -- a successor to the DSC-H9 "super zoom" camera -- sports a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch tilting LCD display, ISO to 3200, and a long-distance flash (capable of lighting subjects from 55 feet away). The DSC-H50 also has an "advanced sports" shooting mode which allows it to utilize ultra-high shutter speeds (like 1/4000 of a second). The camera is expected to go on sale in May, and will only slightly break the bank at $400.
Carl Zeiss to unveil "Cinemizer" iPod movie-viewing accessory at Macworld
While details are expectedly hard to come by at the moment, the folks at iLounge have gotten word that lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss AG is set to show off some sort of iPod movie-viewing accessory Macworld in San Francisco next week. Dubbed the "Cinemizer," the device is apparently designed by FROG and, according to the company, will allow "users to watch their favorite videos on the iPod display at eye level and virtually in cinema quality." Exactly what that entails, we're not sure, but it apparently is something, and with Carl Zeiss optics behind it (and name on it, presumably), it should at least be of halfway decent quality. Whatever it is, it won't be a mystery much longer, and you can be sure we'll be bringing you the details as soon as we're able to.
Sony intros 'entry-level' HVR-HD1000U HDV camcorder
Sony's no stranger to the HDV camcorder realm, so it's no real shock to see the firm introduce a brand new model for "entry-level professionals." Rockin' a shoulder-mount design and aimed at "wedding videographers, freelancers, and educational video creators," this unit supports both HDV and standard-definition DV formats, sports a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonner T 10x optical zoom lens, and features Super SteadyShot technology to keep things stabilized. Additionally, the HVR-HD1000U uses Sony's 1/2.9-inch ClearVid CMOS sensor system and enables users to capture stills up to 6.1-megapixels (or 4.6-megapixels whilst recording in HD). 'Course, all this HD goodness won't come sans a premium, and although this bad boy is tagged entry-level, you'll still be forking out $1,900 for it come December.
Logitech's QuickCam Pro 9000 and Notebook webcams bring Carl Zeiss glass
Logitech just stepped up their webcam game with the introduction of a pair of $100 QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro for Notebooks. These are the first two webcams to carry a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens under a new exclusive deal 'tween the two. Besides the highly touted optics, the cams feature a less than 3 second auto-refocus time, a 2 megapixel sensor, recordings at 30fps and 960 x 720 pixels, and compatibility with Skype and all the other popular PC video messaging applications. Both should ship in Europe and the US before July is done. Read -- Carl Zeiss deal Read -- QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro
Sony's DSC-H7 / DSC-H9 CyberShots get official, pack 15x optical zoom
If you're here for surprises, you're not apt to leave satisfied, but if you're interested in a few extra deets on Sony's latest duo of megazoom digicams, this is the spot. Set to replace the DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 just about one year after their respective releases, Sony once again did a horrendous job keeping the DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 on the low, but we're not complaining or anything. Anyways, future H7 / H9 owners can look forward to a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, 8.1-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, HDTV output, the ability to shoot up to 1/4000 of a second, Bionz processing engine (seen in the Alpha lineup), Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and red-eye reduction. The H9 steps it up ever so slightly by adding a three-inch flip-up LCD (compared to the H7's 2.5-inch rendition) and Sony's own NightShot technology, which purportedly allows photographers to snap legible shots even in dark alleys. Notably, neither camera sports any kind of movie mode whatsoever, and those hoping to shoot in RAW will also be sorely disappointed, but if you're fine with those two oversights and the massive zoom tickles your stalking instincts, both cameras will be landing in April for $400 (DSC-H7) / $480 (DSC-H9). %Gallery-1827%