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Pentax's Optio E20 for simple folk
In the rampup to Photokina nought-six, Pentax brings us another new Optio shooter with their entry-level Optio E20. As followup to the E10, the E20 brings 6 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, and a "simple" mode setting which relieves the user of all responsibility for doing anything other than pushing the shiny button up top. No, on TOP we said, that's the zoom button ferchrisake. The E20 runs off a couple of AA batteries 'cause Pentax doesn't trust noobs anywhere near a battery charger. Sorry, no pricing nor ship date, just these pretty pictures. Mmm, pre-tty cam-er-a.
Sony's CyberShots: 10 megapixel DSC-N2 and 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50
If you've been craving that hot, 3-inches of touchtastic screen riding atop double-digit megapixels then check it pixel junkies, 'cause Sony's here to sate that need. The CyberShot DSC-N2 is just what we expected following those leaked images and specs: 10.1 megapixels from a tiny 1/1.7-inch CCD, 52MB of on-board memory, a massive 3-inch touch-screen LCD, and an all-too-familiar image-stabilized 3x optical zoom lens in a 6.6-ounce followup to the DSC-N1. The DSC-T30 also got a bump with the announcement of a new top-end T, the 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50 which ditches some of the mechanical buttons 'round back by introducing touch-sensitive control to the existing 3-inch LCD. This 4.6-ounce cam still maintains the same Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x optical lens with image stabilization but drops the built-in flash memory by 2MB to 56MB. Get your Sony Style, pre-oder on starting tomorrow or wait for these to go retail in October at $450 for the champagne gold DSC-N2 and $500 for the DSC-T50 in your choice of silver, red, or black. Peep the DSC-N2 after the break. [Via Digital Camera Review]
Samsung announces 6-megapixel SDC-MS61 compact
Yet more news outta IFA today, with Samsung taking the occasion to announce a new compact digital camera for anyone looking for a little widescreen action. The SDC-MS61 is a six megapixel cam with a 3x optical zoom that'll take pics at up to ISO 1600, as well as 30fps MPEG-4 video in 16:9 aspect ratio (which should give your home movies that much-needed cinematic edge). You'll also be able to view those vids properly thanks to the camera's 3.0-inch widescreen LCD on the rear. The MS61 will also double as a webcam and an MP3 player/recorder, although little details like price and availability have yet to be made readily available.
Ricoh launches Caplio R5 compact with 7x wide-angle zoom
Ricoh has released an update to its zoomerific Caplio R4 compact digital camera today, the not-too-surprisingly-named Caplio R5. Like the R4, it packs a massive 7.1x optical zoom equivalent to 28–200 mm and also ups the megapixels to a respectable 7.0. Otherwise, the main improvements to this model look to be a new vibration correction function and an all new image processing engine, which promises to increase the quality of images shot in low-light conditions and at high ISO levels (all the way up to ISO 1600) -- if true, that would correct some of main complaints with the R4. No word on price yet, unfortunately, but we wouldn't expect it to be too far off from the sub-$450 pricetag of the R4.[Via DP Review]
Newman's do-it-all, swivel-screen M790 DAP
You'd think that we would have heard of a company that's made (or perhaps rebadged) literally hundreds of DAPs and PMPs since 2004, but until we came across the swivel-screen M790, we'd never caught wind of a Chinese manufacturer called Newman. Most of its products are simply cookie-cutter devices that resemble so many of the other products we've featured on these pages, but the M790's unique design and large-ish 2.5-inch screen convinced us to give it another look. As with many foreign products of its ilk, this DAP's exact specs are a little hard to come by, but we do know that it sports a QVGA resolution, built-in speakers, a camera of some undetermined pixel count (machine translation pegs it as a 20 megapixel shooter, but frankly we're a bit suspect), and support for MP3, WMA, JPEG, and unspecified video files. Storage on this one is a paltry 512MB (expandable through the SD / MMC slot), but that's just as well, as it'll take a pretty long time to load up even that amount of data over the sluggish USB 1.1 connection. Also along for the ride are your typical assortment of dictionaries, games, voice recording, audio line-in, and the all important timekeeping functionality. It seems like you can pick up the M790 sometime this month (maybe even right now!), but it's obviously not available in the US, so factor in the cost of a plane ticket to China along with however many yuan this happens to be retailing for.[Via Anything But iPod]
Samsung announces 3-inch VGA LCD for digital cameras
Samsung has taken the wraps off what they claim to to be the world's first 3-inch VGA LCD that meets industry standards for use in digital cameras. With a 300nit brightness and 350:1 contrast ration, the 640 x 480 LCD also promises to consume less power than displays currently used in digital cameras, operating on a 30Hz source driver instead of the 60Hz commonly used now, as well as employing a so-called "dot inversion scheme" that reduces flickering associated with 30Hz LCDs. We're assuming the water is intended to show how sharp the image is, not that it's waterproof, but you never know. Commercial production is set to begin in the first half of 2007.[Via Photography Blog]
Panasonic's latest 3CCD DVD camcorder gets 20x optical zoom
How do you improve upon a DVD-based camcorder that's already near the top of its class? If you're Panasonic, you jack up the optical zoom on the Leica lens from 10x to an impressive 20x, but hold on to the 3CCD setup that got your previous offering such rave reviews. Besides the longer zoom, the company's new VDR-D400 is almost exactly the same as its well-received VDR-D300, as both devices feature optical image stabilization, capture 3.1 megapixel stills to SD (and now SDHC) cards, and sport 2.7-inch LCD screens. The new model will initially be released in Japan on September 1st for about the same 120,000 yen ($1,050) that the D300 went for upon its debut.[Via Fareastgizmos]
Pentax announces Optio S7
It's a Pentax, it's an Optio, it's got a 7 megapixel sensor, face recognition, DivX / MPEG-4 VGA video recording, optical image stabilization, a 2.5-inch display, 23MB memory, 3x optical zoom, SDHC support, and a name: the S7. Nothing we haven't all seen before; another day, another model. This one will happen to run you $300 (or less) come September.
Sanyo intros water-resistant Xacti CA6 still/video camera
Sanyo's introduced yet another entry in its catch-all line of Xacti digital cameras, the Xacti CA6, a fairly minor update to the C6. We're not sure what the "A" stands for, but the biggest addition to this model, apart from the new sporty colors, is its water-resistant casing -- although Sanyo's quick to cover its bases and point out that it isn't completely waterproof, so don't go all Jacques Cousteau with it. In terms of specs, however, the cam looks to be pretty much identical to the C6, packing a 5x optical zoom, 2-inch flip-out LCD, and taking 6 megapixel still pics and 30 fps VGA MPEG-4 video. Sanyo's also managed to knock a full $200 of the original list price of the C6, with the CA6 now coming in at a more reasonable $400 US. Look for it in August.[Via LetsGoDigital]
Sanyo's similar VPC-S7 and VPC-E7 compact cameras
Without much fanfare, Sanyo has added two compact 7.1 megapixel cameras to its lineup, and other than a few minor differences, the SDHC-compatible VPC-S7 (pictured right) and VPC-E7 (pictured left) are almost exactly the same. Both models feature an oh-so-standard 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD display, along with VGA-quality video with mono sound, maximum ISO settings of 800, and the usual suite of preset scene modes and white balance settings. As far as we can tell, only a few grams of weight and the E7's inclusion of red-eye correction differentiate the two models, plus the fact that the E ships with a rechargeable battery while the S only comes with a pair of AAs. Overall, it seems like Sanyo isn't terribly excited about these two point-and-shooters, judging from the lack of a press release or even the slightest hint as to when or where they'll be available, or for how much. Read- VPC-S7Read- VPC-E7[Via Photography Blog]
Rollei dx63 Tribute compact digital camera
The world just had to have one more middle-of-the-road compact digicam, or at least Rollei figured it did. Their upcoming dx63 Tribute's 6.36 megapixel sensor is accompanied by an average 3x optical zoom and the usual worthless 4x digital, as well as 32MB of internal memory, and a SD slot stifled by a 1GB limit. Sure, it can shoot full motion VGA movies at 30fps and utilizes USB 2.0, but even the inclusion of a 3-inch LCD can't make the dx63 Tribute a camera that's not past its prime -- such is the way for a camera company whose pristine brand is tarnished by Chinese ODM after ODM. For those looking for a perfectly mediocre digital camera, the dx63 Tribute will begin shipping this month for €299. [Via Ubergizmo]
UK scientists seek to restore sight
We're confident that between all these brilliant minds, restoration of sight in humans isn't too terribly far off. Scientists housing their research in Glasgow University are working towards incorporating a device similar to a digital camera (surgery cost based on megapixels and zoom?) into those who have lost their vision due to "age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa." More specifically, an imaging detector would be used to detect light sources that would electrically stimulate the retina in the shape of the given image(s). From there, the process is fairly natural as the brain receives an image via the optic nerve that it can comprehend. So what differentiates this study from the rest? If successful, the image detectors will have memory chips that could allow for slow motion viewing and instant replays of what humans equipped with the device see, possibly giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "double-take."
Asus rocks out with PG191 19-inch gaming monitor
When it comes to gaming monitors, performance is everything, so Asus was off to a good start by endowing its new 19-inch PG191 LCD with a zippy 2-millisecond response time. However, we're not sure that it was also a good idea to build two speakers and a subwoofer into this unit; although they do lend the monitor a rather, um, distinctive look, it would seem that most consumers who are really into their gaming already own a set of dedicated speakers -- and probably a 5.1 or 6.1 setup -- which perform better than the ones Asus is offering here. Also, part of the package is a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, which may indicate that the company is actually targeting wannabe-gamers with this model -- folks who envy the rockstar lifestyle portrayed by Fatal1ty and friends, but who have yet to begin accessorizing their own PCs. Rounding out the specs are your standard 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio, and 320cd/m2 brightness, along with a DVI port, in-game video capture software, and special audio/video settings designed to enhance gameplay. No word yet on pricing or availability, but if the speakers and camera add too much loot to the bottom line, we can't imagine that many real gamers will be interested.
DIY camera for the Nintendo DS
We're all aware that a digital camera/webcam for the Sony PSP is right around the corner, but how many of you knew that you could also snap photos with your Nintendo DS? Don't feel bad; we didn't know it was possible either until we spotted modder Kako's handiwork on YouTube -- apparently he's taken a Treva CMOS chipset, done a bit of rewiring, and written software that allows the unit to output images directly to his DS Lite. We can't vouch for the picture quality, and the frame rates are positively sluggish, but at least this mod gives Nintendo fanboys one less missing feature to defend when the PSP crowd goes into one of those regular, tiresome diatribes listing the many reasons why their product totally "pwns" the little dual screen console -- in fact, you'll probably catch a few examples of said diatribes right here in the comments section of this very post.[Via DS Fanboy]
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]
Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 reviewed
The good folks at Digital Photography Review have come through with a typically thorough review of Sony's latest prosumer camera, the Cybershot DSC-H5 -- the bigger, blacker counterpart to Sony's DSC-H2, both of which were announced way back in February. On the whole, they found the camera to perform virtually identical to the H2, which they also gave a big thumbs up, once again digging the big 12x optical zoom, great image quality, loads of features, and decent battery life out of a pair of AAs. Also like the H2, the H5 lacks a RAW or TIFF mode and the image stabilization isn't quite as effective as that from some other camera manufactures. That means you'll have to decide for yourself if the extra megapixel of resolution (seven as opposed to six), larger LCD (three inches versus two), and black body is worth the extra hundred bucks or so over the H2.
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]
RIM CEO reveals upcoming BlackBerry features
Well, we can't say for sure whether Palm and RIM are going to merge tomorrow (though we obviously have a pretty strong inkling that they won't), but if nothing else RIM's co-CEO James Balsillie did let some interesting information slip today at the C3 expo. Namely, he spoke about how apparently BlackBerry devices should soon have a slew of features never really known in RIM handsets, such as MP3 playback from external memory expansion, "image capture," (which we're taking to mean a freaking integrated digital camera), and even integrated GPS. We're not saying BlackBerrys wouldn't be capable or nothin', but we all know what a serious overhaul these devices would have to undergo in order to make some of these features really shine (especially GPS), let alone to really prep them for mass market appeal. But either way here's to hoping some of this stuff will show up in the Stealth (or sooner).[Via BBHub]
Fuji's six megapixel Finepix F470 reviewed
When it comes to ultracompact digital cameras, they don't get much more pocketable than the Fujifilm Finepix F470 we first spotted at CES, which at 122-grams, is one of the lightest six megapixel shooters you can buy, Yet according to Digital Camera Review, the diminutive F470 is also an excellent performer, with almost insignificant startup times and shutter lag, low to acceptable noise levels up to ISO 400, and most importantly, accurate color and white balance -- save for some purple fringing on shots captured at full 3x zoom. You're also getting a 2.5-inch LCD, VGA video at 30fps, and 16MB of onboard memory, plus, the few downsides here don't sound all that bad: below average life from the included rechargeable battery, only six steps on the optical zoom, and an Exposure Compensation setting that doesn't auto-reset are the only gripes this reviewer had. Oh, that and the fact that you'll have to shell out for an xD card along with your purchase, because chances are you don't already have one, and Fuji doesn't include one in the box.
