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GE's 'Create by Jason Wu' digital cameras get 2GB model, no more enthralling
Look out, Wu fans -- Mr. Jason is at it again. But if you were expecting an entirely refreshed lineup of branded cameras from General Imaging, you'll be sorely disappointed here. In fact, the only thing Wu's bringing to the masses here in September is a more affordable lineup, with the 'Create by Jason Wu' collection now being available in a 2GB model (as opposed to 4GB). Thankfully, the inbuilt USB plug remains, and the barrier to entry has been ratcheted down to $129.99 (a $50 savings over the big brother, if you must know). After all -- when you've got style, who needs capacity?
Samsung NX100 mirrorless camera gets official: 14.6MP, i-Function lens, 3-inch AMOLED
Look out, world -- the mirrorless camera game just got a lot more interesting. Shortly after Olympus introduced a new mid-range DSLR, Samsung has outed its newest, the (previously rumored) NX100. It's the predictable successor to last year's NX10, offering a sleeker body, 14.6 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 3-inch VGA AMOLED display 'round back, an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (with a boost mode hitting 6400), 720p movie recording (H.264), SD / SDHC card slot, optional geo-tagging with GPS10 module and 'Sound Picture' mode that allows users to record audio when a photo is taken. The standout feature here, however, has little to do with the body itself; instead, it's the new i-Function lens system, which features a dedicated 'i-Function' button that allows users to scroll through manual settings, and a focus ring which is used to change parameters for each setting. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO by simply using the i-Function button and ring on the lens, and it's a feature we're frankly desperate to try out ourselves. Sammy's planning to offer a variety of lenses for the NX100, including a 60mm macro, 18-200mm telephoto, 20mm wide-angle pancake and a 20-50mm compact zoom. The full details on the camera as well as the glass arrangement is just after the break, but good luck finding a price and release date. Depressing, we know. %Gallery-102062%
Canon proudly intros 120 megapixel CMOS sensor, probably won't hit a DSLR in your lifetime
Oh sure, household names like Pentax are already producing cameras with 40 megapixel sensors, and we've seen quite a few gigapixel images crafted with a pinch of black magic, but Canon's newest innovation may take the mainstream megapixel race to its next logical level. Or should we say... illogical level. There's no two ways about it -- just trying to comprehend an APS-H-sized CMOS sensor with 120 megapixels is downright painful, and we're inclined to believe the company's claim that it's the world's highest resolution for its size. This new concoction has a pixel count of around 7.5 times larger than the company's highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size (which is pegged at 16.1 megapixels), yet it still supports burst shooting of up to 9.5fps. Furthermore, it's fully capable of capturing 1080p video, but the one detail we're all eager to ingest isn't listed. For now, though, the plan is to let you know about the first camera to ship with it inside at Photokina 2030.
Pico projector camera concept is, as usual, better than the real thing
Oh, don't get us wrong, we rather enjoyed our time with Nikon's S1100pj projector camera, but this here Pico concept design is on a whole other level. We're talking both in terms of cuteness and inventiveness. You might have recognized by now that one of the Pico's "eyes" is the camera lens while the other is the projector, but what of the "smile?" Why, that's your microphone's sound intake port. And its little feet -- acting as a stabilizing stand when in projector mode -- also double up as covers for the external connection jacks. Masterful. Look for it to appear in your dreams some time very soon.
Canon's PowerShot G12 leaks out, promises HD video mode
To say that Canon's PowerShot G11 is growing long in the tooth would be understating things rather dramatically, and with Photokina just a few weeks away, now's as good a time as any to launch a prominent new camera into the world. In fact, Canon just got finished outing a trio of point-and-shoot models, but it seems that Cnet Asia didn't get the memo that a full foursome wouldn't be introduced. The publication's original writeup on the company's new cameras featured a number of G12 mentions throughout the text, and a full-on specifications chart was captured above. If all this is to be believed, we're looking at a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom, 2.8-inch tilt-and-swivel LCD, "HD-quality" video recording, optical image stabilization and an inbuilt HDR mode, topped off with a pinch of "sheesh, finally!" Obviously, there's no mention of a price or expected launch date, but something tells us that'll change dramatically before we touch down in Köln.
Olympus introduces mju-7050, FE-5050 and FE-4050 point-and-shoot cameras
Fancy they aren't, but Olympus' newest digicam trio will definitely get the job done in a pinch. Kicking things off is the mju-7050, a rather conventional looking shooter with a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, 7x optical zoom lens, an HD movie mode, SD card slot, 2GB of internal memory and a 3-inch rear LCD monitor. The slim and seductive FE-4050 offers up a 12 megapixel CCD sensor, 4x optical zoomer and a far less inviting rear, while the FE-5050 (shown above) steps thing up with a 14 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom. Curiously enough, the outfit has refrained from dishing any further details beyond that, only saying that they'll be hitting Japanese store shelves later this month. We can't say the mystery is driving us mad, though.
Mirrorless camera shootout: DSLR alternatives get sized up and ISO-examined
It all started with Micro Four Thirds, but now just about everyone is jonesing to play along in the mirrorless camera game. The crew over at Serious Compacts managed to get ahold of quite a few contenders (Samsung's NX10, Sony's NEX5, Olympus' E-P2 and E-PL1, and Panasonic's GF1, GF2 and GH1), and rather than taking 'em apart one by one, they've decided to size 'em up in a fantastic size comparison piece. From lenses to bodies, all six cameras are shown from various angles, and even if you've convinced yourself to not be in the market for one of these bad boys, the eye candy alone is worth a peek. Furthermore, the group has been entered into a telling ISO comparison test, but if you came here looking for a spoiler, you'll be sorely disappointed. Tap those links below to get your study on, won'tcha?
Sony circles August 24 for all-new Alpha DSLR launch event
News has been a bit barren on the DSLR front lately (not counting Pentax's color explosion earlier on), but that's not going to last for much longer. Sony is starting up the fall refresh cycle with "never-before-seen" Alpha models, which will be shown off at an event on August 24 alongside the NEX-VG10 and some 3D-capable Cyber-shots. We've no way of knowing what's in store, but if you're in a speculative kind of mood, Sony Alpha Rumors suggests the new shooters will include a semi-transparent mirror (most intriguing!) and a pleasingly fast 10fps burst shooting mode. That's enough to whet our appetite, now bring on the full dish of details already. [Thanks, Dario]
Is this the Samsung NX100 interchangeable lens camera?
Samsung's been dishing quite a few pocketable cameras of late, but it seems as if its NX100 may have slipped out a few moments before showtime. The screen capture you're looking at above was snagged from the end of a new National Geographic promo video -- one that was uploaded on August 5th but has already been pulled back. Rumor has it that the white device there on the right is a forthcoming NX100, which would make it the latest in Sammy's promising NX line of interchangeable lens cameras. There's obviously no telling what kind of components lie beneath the shell, but the grab does give us reason to believe at least a few new lenses are also on the horizon. We'd say that this lines up nicely for an official reveal at Photokina, but you already knew that, didn't you? Update: And now we're hearing that the NX100 will make its official debut at IFA in just under a month. Huzzah!
How would you change Nikon's D3S?
It's still not as widely available as we would like, but Nikon's D3S has finally moved from "this thing simply has to be vaporware" to "I may catch one in stock if I stay up all night clicking around." Without a doubt, it's one of the most impressive leaps in digital imaging at the $5k DSLR level that we've ever seen, and it has become next to essential when dealing with tragic lighting conditions on trade show floors. But as with every gem, there's a flaw or two be found somewhere. For those who plunked down thousands to bring home Nikon's low light monster, how would you change things if given the opportunity? Would you have bumped the movie mode to 1080p? Put a few more buttons on the rear? Lightened the load a bit? Go on and spill your guts below -- you've earned the chance, chief.
Samsung's 12.2MP PL90 point and shoot packs inbuilt USB plug, 4x optical zoom
Convergence. The buzzword of the past decade is still working its magic across the consumer electronics industry, this time unleashing hot fury on Samsung's freshest point and shoot. The simplistic PL90 touts a 12.2 megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD around back and a VGA (640 x 480) movie mode with 30fps and 15fps options. The real kicker here is the integrated USB plug, which eliminates the need to tote around a USB cable, a (presumed) SD card reader or a machine with an inbuilt memory card slot. Newcomers to the digital world will likely appreciate the heavy amount of automated features meant to make the best of your terrible photo shoot selections, but considering that Sammy doesn't even mention what breed of flash card this thing accepts, we suspect the pros should keep on keepin' on. Everyone else can get in next month for $149.99. %Gallery-98852%
Canon developing smaller DSLRs to compete with mirrorless cameras?
Ever since we heard that Nikon was joining the league of mirrorless cameras, the whole world's been waiting for its arch rival to make the next move in the battle of smaller prosumer cameras. Today, Canon finally gave away some hints about which camp it'll side with -- probably just sticking with traditional DSLRs, but smaller. Canon's Masaya Maeda didn't share any specific details, but here's how he dodged Reuters' inquiry: "It's not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller. We will meet this need." And to add some icing to that bland statement, Maeda reinforced that it wouldn't be a challenge for his company to retain a mirror (hence a viewfinder, which is essential for obtaining better results and higher shooting rates) in a smaller design, and that they've made very small SLR cameras before (likely in reference to the film era). Whatever happens, here's hoping that Canon's new toy won't be any bigger than the much-loved G11.
Nikon D3100 to split the D5000 / D3000 difference?
We'd obviously take this one with a grain (or two) of salt, but Nikon Rumors has it that Nikon's fixing to give entry level DSLR buyers yet another option in the not-too-distant future. Of course, with the planet's largest photo show coming up in just a few months (Photokina, if you're curious), it's about time that some of these rumors start to pick up traction. Truth be told, this isn't the first time we've heard of the D3100 -- a few months ago it was being bandied about as the D4000. Word on the street has it that the shooter will boast a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor, a dozen autofocus points and a fixed LCD on the rear (read: no swivel). But that's just the beginning; the D3100 will purportedly boast 1080p and 720p movie modes, and each will support continuous autofocus while filming. Yeah, you read that right -- continuous autofocus in video mode. That's a killer feature that we've been begging for ever since the D90 became a reality, and while we'll probably want to swap out the stock 18-55mm lens for something with a bit more flexibility, we couldn't be happier to hear of these features hitting Nikon's range. Look forward to a price and release "in a few weeks." We are.
Sigma's mysterious SD15 DSLR finally ships to US, gets unboxed enthusiastically
We've all waited close to two years for this day to come, and now that it has, just a single question remains: "Does your credit card have the space?" Sigma's SD15 -- which is outfitted with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, 3-inch LCD, True II processor, an ISO range from 50 to 3,200 extended) and support for SD / SDHC cards -- is now available to order on American soil. Better still, both B&H Photo and Adorama show the beast as "in stock" for just under a grand ($989, if we're counting), and the fine folks over at Akihabara News have managed to wrangle one for a glorious unboxing. Dig into those links below if you're hungry for more, but don't blame us if you come away a fair bit poorer.
Adding a Carl Zeiss SLR lens to your iPhone 4
If the 5x digital zoom on the iPhone 4's 5 MP digital camera doesn't make your heart pound with joy, maybe you should dig out some of those lenses from the SLR film camera that you're not using anymore and use 'em with your iPhone. We're not sure of the source of this Franken-cam, but it looks like the real deal. Think of this as an über-Owle Bubo, with the ability to use higher quality lenses with your iPhone to take amazing photos. Starting with a Manfrotto Model 797 Modopocket tripod, the rest of the rig appears to be some sort of clamp holding the lens and (on the camera side) a T-mount adapter. I'd be willing to venture that there's some sort of lens in the T-mount so that our friend, the iPhone, doesn't have to squint to see through that nice Carl Zeiss lens... TUAW readers -- can you identify the other components used here? Should you recognize any of the bits and pieces, let us know what they are via the comments so that the digicam geeks in the crowd can assemble this kit. [via Technabob and Engadget]
Mamiya churns out 33 megapixel RZ33 digital camera: yours for $18k
It's sort of affordable by Mamiya standards, but the $17,990 asking price affixed to the outfit's new RZ33 large-sensor digital camera kit is still apt to detract all but the most professional of professionals. Boasting a 33 megapixel CCD sensor, CompactFlash support and a promise to produce mind-blowing images, this beast-of-a-digicam is said to offer "cable-free digital operation [that's] just as smooth and trouble-free as shooting with film." As you'd expect, it's fully compatible with all RZ system lenses, viewfinders and (most) accessories, and you'll also find rack and pinion bellows focusing, inbuilt vertical-horizontal rotation and an optional interchangeable power winder. Hit the source link for the nitty-gritty, but only if you've got the cheddar to cover the biggest impulse buy of your life.
Canon Wonder Camera Concept promises single-lens perfection (video)
You know all those precious lenses you've been stockpiling for your SLR since the 90s? They're still safe for another couple of decades, but in round about 2030, you're gonna be trashing all that glassware and buying yourself a Wonder Camera. Why would that be? Canon is pretty confident that by then it'll have figured out how to do a single lens capable of going from macro shots all the way out to a 5000mm focal length. And yes, apparently it's small enough to fit in a young girl's hands. This non-interchangeable lens is backed by an all-touch interface (say sayonara to your knobs and dials), an extremely high-resolution sensor, and image stabilization so advanced as to make shooting at that unspeakably high zoom range a viable option. Finally, the whole lurid dream is topped off with video-only capture. Canon argues you won't need to shoot stills when its video is capable of keeping everything in focus all the time -- you'll just pick out your favorite scene from the movie reel. Go past the break to see the highfaultin video demo.
Olympus E-330 shoots vacations by day, spots cancer cells by night
Yeah, that's right -- the first DSLR to ever ship with a live-view LCD on the back is now being put to use for something far more monumental, a full four years after it's original introduction. A smattering of researchers at Rice University have somehow discovered that the Olympus E-330 can be used to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells, and there's no need to even export the photos; instead, the camera's own rear LCD is good enough to show whether or not a dyed cell is harmful or salubrious. The whole skinny is down there in the source link, but the takeaway is pretty staggering: if an off-the-shelf DSLR can now be used to make such profound decisions, why in the world are you still in med school?
Sony NEX-5 preview
In every geek's life, the time must come when he or she steps away from the pocket-friendly compact point-and-shooter and straps up with a hefty DSLR to do real photography with. Or such was the received wisdom until not too long ago. It's still the case that lenses, bound by the laws of physics, will protrude more than most of us want them to, but mirrorless Micro Four Thirds shooters from Olympus and Panasonic, along with Samsung's NX series, have shown that prosumer camera bodies don't always have to be that bulky. This is the stage upon which the NEX-5 enters, with Sony predictably aiming to outdo everyone using an ultraslim magnesium alloy body that delivers 1080p video and 14 megapixel stills. Join us after the break to see what we thought of the Japanese giant's latest product.%Gallery-95474%%Gallery-95477%
Sony NEX-5 pops up in UK for £589, no waiting required
Stock of Sony's premier new compact system camera is still pretty scarce on the ground, but British photography retailer Jessops has managed to round up a batch and is ready to ship you one right this minute. Provided, that is, that you're equipped with £589 ($867) and a lusting for the silver variety of the NEX-5. The swarthy variant and the kit that includes a 16mm pancake lens are not yet ready for their time in the spotlight, but you can pre-order them now as well. Or, should your needs not stretch to quite such stratospheric heights, peek out the NEX-3, which can already be had from US e-tailers at far saner price tags. See the mini shooter in-store after the break. [Thanks, David]
