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Sigma acquires Feveon, maker of the X3 image sensor
Foveon (developer of the X3 image sensor for digital cameras) has just announced that they have been acquired by Sigma, the Tokyo-based camera and lens company. According to the press release, Foveon -- whose image sensors are already being used in Sigma's entire digital camera line -- will remain in San Jose, continuing to "evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology." Congratulations, you crazy kids! And best of luck to you. We mean it.
Tomy xiao digital camera has built in Zink printer, the spirit of Polaroids
Like just about everyone else, we miss the Polaroid film format; maybe it's just nostalgia, but we enjoyed having something we could hold on to (and shake) after taking a picture. Polaroids may be dead, but the basic concept lives on -- remember Zink, that company whose technology prints digital photos on the spot without ink? It's joined forces with toy-maker Tomy to make the xiao TIP-521, a digital camera with a printer built in. The xiao has a modest five megapixel resolution, so we might wait and see how Polaroid's own Zink camera turns out, but in either case we're stoked the tactile experience is back.[Via Market Watch]
Sony Ericsson's new ad shows off the C905's camera and absolutely nothing else
An ad campaign shot entirely on a mobile phone camera? Well, Sony Ericsson -- claiming to be the first -- has done it, using the C905, ostensibly to prove what an awesome (8.1-megapixel) camera it boasts. The results can be found exclusively in December's issue of FHM, and are what Sony Ericsson Marketing Director David Hilton calls an "amazing opportunity" to "show off the capabilities" of the Cyber-shot. So let's just get this straight: your ad uses a professional model, a fashion photographer, professional lighting, and makeup, not to mention all that retouching, and we're supposed to be impressed with the camera? Okay, we'll admit it: we're pretty impressed.[Via PicturePhoning]
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 ninja-ships to consumers
Panasonic had us fooled with that press release dating its micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1, for mid-November. We're not sure what Panny was trying to pull, but when we took a gander at its online store today we discovered that the G1 has already started shipping. The price is $799.95 as expected, so your time has come if you've been dying to try this slim and sexy micro Four Thirds thing out -- though we might wait for a few reviews to drop to confirm that the performance matches the price.
AgfaPhoto DC-1338sT touch screen digital camera
Let's hope Agfa brings more to Photokina than the 1338sT, because otherwise it's going to be a pretty lonely booth. The 10 megapixel camera isn't quite the top of the line, even with the 3-inch touchscreen: smile detection, face tracking, and a low-res YouTube video mode aren't exactly huge selling points -- especially for €179 ($265). The non-touchscreen DC-1338i version has been available in the States for a while now, so the morbidly curious can expect to see this bad boy at a Walgreens sometime in the future.
Pentax K-m DSLR leaks out a little early
Just in time for the big Photokina show in Koln, Germany, rumours are buzzing about a new Pentax DSLR that briefly appeared on the Pentax Germany site. Though details are sketchy, the K-m looks to be a lower-cost take on the K10D, with the same 10.2 megapixel Sony sensor and in-body stabilization but a lighter and smaller plastic case and slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD display. Sadly, there's no live view, but if the rumored pricing -- €500 ($725) for the single (18-55m) lens and €600 ($875) for the 2-lens kit (18-55mm and 50-200mm) -- is accurate that might not be a dealbreaker. We'll find out soon.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Crapgadget: pathetic peripherals on parade
Seriously, our hands are trembling at the mere thought of having to actually use any of these shameful peripherals. A camera that takes the good with the (mostly) bad? A star-shaped mouse guaranteed to accelerate the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome by 409%? A USB fan that blatantly lies about purifying the hot air coming from that clogged up tower of yours? All present and accounted for, sir, and that's not even the half of 'em. We have all ideas you too would want to keep your digits far, far away from any of the disasters linked below, but give the list a look and let us know which one you think is the most pitiful of all.Read - Mouse pad / USB hub / micRead - USB Whack ItRead - Yang Ying CameraRead - Star MouseRead - Key-shaped USB keyRead - Totally original touchscreen MP3 playerRead - USB fan with super-secret germ killing powers %Poll-19184%
Sony Ericsson patent applications reveal wireless digital camera plans
It looks like your future digital camera could have considerably more wireless options than built-in WiFi or an Eye-Fi card, at least if Sony Ericsson has its way. As Unwired View reports, the company has filed a number patent applications that detail its plans to add various wireless connectivity options to digital cameras, including GSM, CDMA, and WiMAX, in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That would apparently come both in the form of wireless cards built into the cameras themselves, and in the form of wireless adapters or docks that would attach to the camera, with some dedicated flash memory also thrown in for storing settings for Flickr and the like. Of course, there's no indication as to when we can expect to see such cameras and, as Unwired View points out, the idea itself may not be the most patentable, but you can sign us up for any connectivity option that doesn't involve a tangled mess of cords in our gadget bag.
BenQ intros the DC-X735 ultra-slim camera
BenQ has been firing on all cylinders lately, dropping more projectors, cameras, and Intel-based MIDs then you can shake a stick at (trust us, we've tried to shake a variety of sticks at them). Joining the fold today is the DC-X735 compact digital camera, a sleek little shooter which looks conspicuously similar to the company's recently release T800. Regardless, the 7.2-megapixel camera does it up with a 2.5-inch LCD display, 3 x zoom (4 x on the digital side), ISO to 6400 (in Movie Mode), MPEG4 video recording, and an SDHC slot for up to 4GBs of storage. The camera comes in "Vixen-red" or "Midnight-black" paint jobs, so you can match it to your handbag (provided your color schemes are based on The Masquerade), and will be available this month for an indeterminate amount of cold, hard cash.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
What is wrong with this Picture?
Image Capture automatically launches when I attach my new iPod Touch to my Mac. The problem is, of course, that unlike the iPhone, the iPod Touch is not a camera. So why is it reporting itself as a camera to my computer? I haven't personally tried hooking it up to my Windows PC, but TUAW reader Gonzalo reports that Windows recognizes it as an imaging device.To switch this behavior off in Windows, open Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Scanners and Camera > (your iPod). Right-click the iPod and pick Properties from the contextual menu. Tap on the Events tab and choose "Camera connected" from the "Select an event" pop-up and select Take No Action.
Samsung's 7.2 megapixel S750: yet another compact digital camera
Samsung, known for its vast (and we do mean vast) selection of digital cameras in all shapes and sizes, has yet again dropped a new model -- at least on the unsuspecting citizens of Germany. The S750 is a 7.2 megapixel compact shooter, available in a black or silver finish, with all the standard fixin's, such as: ASR stabilization, PictBridge integration, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, ISO to 1000, and USB 2.0 connectivity. Actually, it's awfully similar to this group of cameras we told you about last week. We admit, it does look pretty sweet in black, but who is buying all of these things? Only Samsung knows for sure. No word on pricing or availability, or when Samsung will slow down and release a truly innovative compact.[Via LetsGoDigital]
GiSTEQ PhotoTracker brings GPS phototagging to the masses
We've been seeing a bunch of GPS camera-trackers pop up lately, but the implementations have all seemed a bit silly, like Jelbert's big honkin' GeoTagger. GiSTEQ is looking to change all that with the introduction of the PhotoTracker, a $99 GPS receiver that's designed to unobtrusively work with virtually all digital cameras. Like Sony's GPS-CS1, you sync the unit to your cam's built-in clock and then toss it in your bag or pocket, where it can record location data for the next 3-4 weeks. The included software then takes this info and adds the appropriate geotags to your photos as you're pulling them off your memory card. It's a simple (and great) idea, we just wish the software didn't look like it's going to insist on being your primary photo manager.
Kodak 1881 concept cam takes discreet snaps, is not discreet
Apparently designed so Flava Flav could secretly record his travels back in time, the "1881" concept designer Lindsey Pickett showed at a recent Kodak design exhibition is a bold new entry in the uber-competitive non-existent camera / locket space.The foldable cam takes snaps just by squeezing the case, or you can crack it open and line things up on the dual LCD screens. Pickett also tried to capture some of that old-school photo locket vibe by setting those the screens to auto-play the internal memory when opened, which'll keep you entertained during the frequent rest breaks you'll have to take while lugging this thing around on your neck. No specs to be had, since the 1881 is just a concept, but first Kodak and Pickett need to figure out how to build a camera smaller than a manhole cover.[Via Techie Diva]
BenQ's (minor) upgrade to the DC C1000, the ten megapixel C1050
Continuing on with the minor camera updates today, it looks like BenQ is readying the replacement to the C1000, the C1050. They've bumped the screen on the 10.1 megapixel shooter to 2.5-inches (a whopping .1-inch up from the C1000) and the optical zoom to 5x (up from 3x), and dropped the internal memory down to 9MB from 24MB for some reason, but other than that, this is basically the C1000 all over again, all five ounces of it. No official product shot yet, so here's a photo of the C1000 -- unless BenQ's decided to get crazy on us, we'll bet the C1050 looks just like it. Jeez, people, haven't you heard of silent upgrades?
Minox drops 10.1 megapixel update to the DC8122, the DC1022
While it's not like Minox has exactly cracked the upper echelon of camera brands, the German company has been pumping out solid shooters for a while now (and some, well, not-so-solid). The DC1022, announced today, is based on the well-received DC8122, and retains most of the same basic specs while updating the CCD to 10.1 megapixels and reducing the thickness to an even 1-inch. Other than that, you're basically looking at the 8122: 2.8-inch LCD, 6x optical zoom, 0.8-inch macro ability, digital image stabilization, VGA video, and 32MB of built-in memory, along with the obligatory SD slot. No info on pricing or expected availability, but we've ended every other Minox post with a prediction of "cheap" and we haven't been wrong yet.
Games shoehorned onto a digital camera
What features do you look at when buying a digital camera? Megapixels? Battery life? White balance override? How about games?We can't really imagine the consumer who will be swayed to buy the DXG-589V because of what the press release describes as "20 built-in full-color 2D or 3D video games." If a consumer is interested in playing games on the go, they can already buy a portable gaming system or download some games for their cell phone or PDA without denting their bank account too much. If they're not interested in games, then the promise of being able to play what will likely end up being derivative ports directly on their digital camera isn't likely to turn them into instant gamers.We also can't imagine that Sony will be too happy with the colored shapes being used as control buttons on the camera, which bear a striking resemblance to the arrangement the PlayStation line has been using since 1995. Patent infringement lawsuit, anyone?Previously: Fuji camera adds gaming features
BenQ rolls out DC-E605 6 megapixel camera
The trickle of digital cameras out of BenQ looks to be holding steady, with the company following up its P860 and T700 cams released last month with its new DC-E605 model, itself and update to the DC-E600. Like that earlier model, the big selling point here is the cam's "3D-rotating lens," which promises to speed up your zooming while still keeping things in focus. That questionable benefit aside, the cam's other features all look to be decent enough, with a 6 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and a 2.4-inch LCD on the rear, along with 32MB of built-in memory and an SD slot for expansion. While those specs aren't a heckuva lot different than the earlier E600, this latest cam does look to add a bit more in the way of features, including shake-reduction in sports mode, and an apparently new user interface. BenQ's also managed to keep the cam fairly pocketable, measuring just under an inch thick, 3.6 inches wide, and 2.36 inches tall. While there's no word on price, we wouldn't expect it to be too far off the E600's $300 asking price.[Via LetsGoDigital]
BenQ intros T700 compact digicam
BenQ may have its troubles these days, but that hasn't stopped 'em from churning out its usual variety of products, one of the latest of which is its new 7 megapixel T700 compact digital camera. Measuring just a sliver under 15 mm thick, the cam boasts a sizeable 3-inch touchscreen display that takes up the majority of space on its backside, along with a 3x optical zoom, BenQ's "Super Shake Free" mode, and 18MB of internal storage with an SD slot providing some much-needed expansion options. You'll also be able to snag this one in your choice of four colors (black, white, sliver, and red), with each now available (in Taiwan) for the local equivalent of $333.[Via Engadget Chinese]
New Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 and T100 targeted towards party crowd
As part of their batch-release of new Cybershots, Sony introduces the 8-megapixel DSC-T20 and DSC-T100, "destined to be the fashionista crowd's favorite party companion," at less than 0.5-inches thick. The T100 is a slight upgrade with its 3-inch LCD screen and 5x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens, while the T20 sports a 2.5-inch LCD and 3x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens. Both come with three accessory options for high def photo viewing, all compatible with Sony's VMC-MHC1 HD component cable for an easy connection to an HDTV set or to Sony's CSS-HD1 high definition Cyber-shot Station that includes a bundled component cable and remote. They also offer Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and a Bionz processing engine, initially used in Sony's Alpha DSLR system, that allows users to "keep snapping for the duration of the party" -- about 340 shots for the T20 and 380 shots for the T100, on a full charge. Keeping with this party-hardy theme, both also feature Sony's face detection technology, automatically adjusting white balance, flash, focus and exposure while identifying up to eight faces in the LCD frame. The color selection, of course, will "match your party gear" with coordinating cases sold separately. The T100 will ship in March for about $400 while the T20 will be available later in April for about $330.%Gallery-1825%
Details emerge on Sony's DSC-W90, W200 digital cameras
The big PMA 07 trade show is still weeks away, but we seem to be already getting a pretty good idea of what Sony will be showing off, first with word of its 7.2 megapixel DSC-W80 getting out earlier today, and now with details on two additional models appearing on SonyCenter.lu's discussion forums before not-so-mysteriously disappearing. Thankfully, good 'ol Google Cache has preserved all the relevant information so you won't have to wait until March to satisfy your curiosity. Apart from the difference in megapixels, with 12 on the W200 and 8 on the W90, the two cameras appear to be virtually identical, each boasting a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optics, Sony's trademark SteadyShot and Face Recognition features, ISO settings up to 3200 and, perhaps most notable, HDMI outputs. Unfortunately, there's no pics of either camera, although they'll apparently be similar in design to the W55 (pictured here), only with a "finer," "more beautiful" case. There's also no word on price or availability, although that should be revealed at the official PMA launch next month.[Thanks, Rashid]
