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Mustek announces DV536 super gadget
How much would you pay for a music- and video-playing gadget that could also take 10 megapixel still photos with a 10x zoom, capture 30fps VGA movies, record your whimsical musings, function as a digital card reader, and even encode footage directly from your TV or DVD player? $1000? How about $750? Surely you'd shell out at least $500 for such an amazing product. Well you'll be shocked to learn that Mustek is practically giving away all this and more for under $200 with its new DV536 Digital Camcorder-PVR. Too good to be true, you say? Well, yes and no; you really do get all of those functions in this new super gadget, but the list of caveats is rather long: the 2.4-inch screen isn't the best for watching flicks, that 10 megapixel resolution is really achieved through interpolation from a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor, and the 10x zoom we mentioned is of the digital variety, as no optical zoom is included. Plus, there's no way to schedule recordings and you're only getting 32MB of internal memory, meaning that you'll need a pretty big SD card if you want to store all those movies, photos, video clips, and songs you'll be loading this up with. Still, $200 isn't too bad for all the features you're getting here, even if none of them hold a candle to dedicated devices performing the same tasks. [Warning: PDF link]
The CP-8660: Acer's new flagship digital camera
Chances are, if you walk up to the red carpet, or into the photo pit at the next U2 concert, sporting the new Acer 8660, the pros will die laughing behind their 1Ds Mark IIs and D2Hs, so we were a little surprised to see the word "professional" on the product page. Sure, the specs are fine, with an 8.28-megapixel sensor (maximum resolution 3320x 2496), big 2.8-inch TFT LCD, image stablization and 6x optical zoom, but any cam with 25MB of internal memory, which is only expandable to 1GB using an SD card probably isn't going to cut it for the aspiring paparazzi. Other specs include an 8.5x completely useless digital zoom, 30 fps VGA video recording, 17 different shooting modes and a complete lack of bright red paint. No word on pricing, but the product page suggests it will be "competitive," so your guess is as good as ours.[Via Mobilewhack]
Fujifilm FinePix V10 reviewed
We first peeped Fujifilm's compact FinePix V10 at CES earlier this year, but if you've been wondering how it actually performs, the folks at Lets Go Digital have got your fix in the form of an in-depth review. The camera itself is a 5 megapixel number, with a 3.4x optical zoom, and a large 3-inch LCD taking up pretty much all of the real estate on the rear side of the device. Also notable is the high ISO settings (up to 1600), which is rarely seen in a camera of this class. Lets Go Digital really didn't find much negative to say about the camera, giving it high marks for its great lens, fast start-up speed, good color rendition, and general user-friendliness -- they even dug the camera's built-in games. Sticker price is still $349, but it looks like most retailers are selling it for closer to the $300 mark -- although the orange model here seems a bit harder to come by. Why, we don't exactly know; we're assuming it's probably not due to demand.[Via DP Blog]
Kurzweil set to unveil portable reader for the blind
Even though we've seen a ton of products designed to aid the visually-impaired in their daily lives, technology still has a long way to go before disabled folks are able to enjoy a completely unrestricted lifestyle, which is why inventor/visionary Ray Kurzweil has spent the last quarter-century building devices that make reading easier for the blind. His latest invention, called the K-NFB, is basically a five megapixel digital camera attached to the back of a Windows Mobile 5.0-powered PDA, which is loaded with software that uses optical character recognition and text-to-speech technology to read aloud the words contained in user-captured photos. Once it's called into action, the $4,860 device supplies the operator with an initial "situation report" that attempts to describe whatever's in the camera's field of vision; if the report indicates that the desired text is within range, owners can then choose to snap a photo and listen to the resulting translation. Although the K-NFB is scheduled to be released soon by the UK's Sight & Sound, several technical issues -- most importantly, the software's difficulty in understanding inverted (white-on-black) text -- still have to be ironed out before it's available to the public.[Thanks, Megan]
Han Shing cam magically turns 3 megapixels into 12
Like most of you, we ignore the interpolation numbers that digital camera manufacturers continually trot out to make their cameras seem more impressive than they actually are. But Han Shing Technology managed to catch our attention, with a humble 3 megapixel camera that interpolates to not six, not eight, but 12 freakin' megapixels. We don't even want to know what those pics look like after they're put through the wringer, especially ones captured with the 8x digital zoom (what, you were expecting optical?). The rest of the camera's specs are fairly run-of-the-mill, with a 2-inch TFT LCD, 32MB of built-in memory, and an SD slot for expansion. And unless "Logo" is actually the name of this camera, we're guessing this'll probably end up rebadged in any number of incarnations, so be on the lookout.[Via MobileMag]
Sima's Hitch allows USB devices to share files
Transferring digital files between disparate hardware no longer has to be such a chore thanks to a new Mass Storage- and Picture Transfer Protocol-compliant offering from Sima Products called Hitch (model USB-101), which lets you connect nearly any digital camera, DAP, PMP, or flash drive with a USB connection and send single files or entire albums to a like device. Once both products are hooked up, you simply need to choose what you want to send and where you want it to go using Hitch's 2.5-inch backlit black and white screen, and your digital swag starts zipping between devices at USB 2.0 speeds (or USB 1.1, if your gear is a bit pokier). You'll be able to pick one of these up -- DRM-compliance and all -- later this month for about $150.
Samsung Digimax i6 reviewed
DigiCamReview got a chance to play with Samsung's Digimax i6 digital camera, which you may recall was touted by the company earlier this year as "the world's first PMP slim camera," and even promised to deliver "big-screen performance - in the palm of your hand!" While Samsung may have gone overboard in the hype department, DigiCamReview nevertheless found the Digimax i6 to be a very solid camera, with good image quality, a great 2.5-inch screen, 3x optical zoom, and a nice and sturdy design. And the PMP functions, while obviously not living up to Samsung's hyperbole, proved to be a welcome addition. They also found the price to be very reasonable, at just £179 (about $330US).
Creative announces DiVi CAM 525D
Creative's just announced the DiVi CAM 525D, a typical run of the mill digital video camera that also doubles as a 5 megapixel still camera. The pocket-sized camera will record MPEG-4 video at VGA resolution and 30 frames per second and uses SD cards for storage, maxing out at 2GB (it also has 32MB of built-in memory). The camera also packs a fair bit of PMP functionality, incuding realtime recording from any source via its audio/video inputs, and playback of MP3 and WAV audio and AVI video. And that 2.5-inch LCD should make playing back your video at least roughly as bearable as using an iPod. Price is $229 US but, like most things Creative, its only available in Singapore for now.
HP intros four new Photosmarts: R967, R827, M627, E427
Among the 100 new products HP introduced today (we're not joking) are these four new Photosmart digital cameras, the R967, R827, M227, and E427. The R967 is the highest-end of the bunch, a 10 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD, an anti-shake, and 32MB of internal memory -- price is $449. Next up is the $299 7.2 megapixel R827, packing an internal 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD in an ultracompact body. Rounding out the entry-level side of things are the $229 7 megapixel M627 with a 3x optical zoom, and the $129 E427 with six megapixels and no optical zoom. All four will be available in September.
FujiFilm's FinePix Z3 Zoom, for the ladies
Ok grrrls, FujiFilm has gone all pearls-in-the-kitchen with their new FinePix Z3 Zoom camera, calling it the ideal "handbag companion" for the ladies. The Z3 is nothing more than the Z2 (or Z1 for that matter) dolled-up in pink of course, with the addition of a picture stabilization mode, intelligent flash, and a new flash mode which snaps both a natural light and flash shot with a single press of the shutter. So like the Z2, you get a 5.1-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, an xD Picture card slot, and 640 x 480 videos recorded at 30fps. Oh, and it's available in blue and silver too in case your man-bag is looking for a little action.[Via Let'sGoDigital]
Kenko releases multi-colored DVC-306 camcorders
Japanese firm Kenko has just announced its DVC-306 camcorder, available in your choice of red, blue, or silver. Also doubling as a 3 megapixel digital still camera, it has the usual smallish 1.5-inch TFT but lacks a optical zoom, relegating it to the world of the irrepressiblylow end .The video quality doesn't seem so hot either shooting in MPEG-4 640x480 at 20fps, but at least you can record a lot of it -- up to 720 minutes on a 2GB SD card. The camera also has 32MB of built-in memory and MP3 playback capabilities. Price is ¥20,000 (about $170 US), but it looks like this is Japan-only, as far as we can tell, like most everything else today.
Olympus Stylus 810 reviewed
C|net just layed mits to the 8 megapixel Olympus Stylus 810. In their review of this weatherproof (not waterproof) shooter with image stabilization, c|net calls the 810 a "very good" camera with "solid" image quality. Sure, noise is the "biggest problem" with the 810 -- quite visible at ISO 400 until becoming a "distinct texture" by the time you reach IS0 3200. However, the reviewer still considered the quality "acceptable" when compared to the alternative of dark and blurry shots taken under low lighting conditions. But by now, no one should really expect the small CCDs found in these compact shooters to perform any differently, right? Notably, the camera suffered from an "easily washed-out" LCD when used in sunlight which is potentially crippling at times due to the lack of a glass viewfinder. Still, the $349 cam pulled a 7/10 rating largely due to its hot (for a compact) burst mode capable of 12 shots in about 2.6 seconds (at 3 megapixel resolution) and generally good image quality. Still, if you're looking for an 8 megapixel camera, you can probably do better.[Via Digital Photography Blog]
Canon PowerShot SD700 reviewed
Digital Camera Tracker got a chance to check out Canon's PowerShot SD700 6 megapixel digital camera and came away impressed, giving it an 8.5 out of 10. Packing a 4x optical zoom in a sleek and sturdy body, they gave the camera high marks for its high quality images, great color balance and saturation, image stabalization, nice LCD, and high 800 ISO. On the downside, the camera is a mite bit expensive (about $500 list), the optical viewfinder apparently stinks, and apparently the auto focus a bit noisy. It's probably not a camera for the pros out there, but it seems like the more point-and-shoot inclined should be happy -- as they usually are with Canons -- if they can justify the somewhat hefty price tag.[Via DP Blog]
Polaroid's i1032 10 megapixel compact
The megapixel race is sort of like the old US / USSR arms race: all parties involved are in a mad rush to see who can out shoot the other. But instead of suffering a thermonuclear holocaust, we're subject to equally painful joyous, super-detailed photos of Uncle Fred's celebretory leap after bowling a perfect game. That said, Polaroid enters the fray with the latest addition to the 10 megapixel club, the i1032. It packs typical digital camera fare: a 3x optical zoom (with 4x digital zoom), a 2.4-inch LCD, 32MB of internal memory, PictBridge support, and a SD slot. The race is on, but you don't have to bankrupt your country to own one: you can pick up this pixel packer at Wal-Mart for under $300.
Pentax's K100D and K110D DSLRs
Pentax just announced their K100D and K110D Digital SLRs today which hopefully kick that ridiculous, google-hating *ist naming convention to the curb once and for all. The two DSLRs are in fact, the same 6.1 megapixel digital cams only the K100D packs in Pentax's CCD oscillating Shake Reduction technology to keep your pics clean while shooting with a telephoto lens or under low-light conditions. Each camera remains compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses, and features ISO 200 to 3200 sensitivity, a 2.5-inch LCD, and SMC Pentax DA lens with 12x zoom. Expect the K100D to ship for $699 in July with the K110D set to drop in August for an entry-level enthusiast's price of $599.
Ricoh Caplio's R40 6 megapixel digital camera
Ricoh Caplio just announced their new R40 digital camera. This 6 megapixel followup to their 5 megapixel R30 features a 5.7x optical wide zoom (28-160mm 35mm equiv) double retracting lens, 2.5-inch LCD, 350 shot battery, and virtually non-existant 0.09 second shutter lag. Sure, it lacks the image stabilization of their R3 and your images stored to SD will crawl when transferred over that USB 1.1 connector but hey, this is their budget lineup so we'll cut 'em some slack until we see a price. Available this June in your choice of colors, as long as you like black. [Via Digicam Review]
Slide Box camera concept takes all the fun out of self portraits
We can't say we won't miss the rush of adrenaline we get when we balance our $400 digital camera on a precarious ledge, set the way-too-short-timer, and rush into position with a smile ready for that third try at a group portriat, but Jessica Nebel's Slide Box concept has a simpler way. The modular design allows you to place the small camera unit in a convenient location, or attach it to something with its elastic band, and then use the camera's shell as a wireless remote to fire the pic. Then just slide everything back together to view the pic or shoot pics in a more traditional manner.[Via MobileMag]
Fiat introduces line of branded cellphones
In yet another example of an automobile manufacturer leveraging the brand to release a distinctly non-car product (see: BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini), Fiat has announced that it will begin selling a line of cellphones conspicuously emblazoned with the company's logo. Suggesting that this lineup values fashion over function, no specs are immediately available for any of the individual models, although we do know that all will feature cameras, MP3 playback, Bluetooth, and the usual suite of Internet functions. Crafted out of "cold" aluminum, the handsets were designed to be displayed in engine piston-like cases that are meant to invoke the good times you can only find by tooling around the European countryside in your Fiat Panda Monster. The new models -- which were built to easily pair with the Microsoft-powered Blue&Me in-car Bluetooth system -- will be available in chichi Italian boutiques later this month, with a general European rollout to follow this summer.[Via textually and Autoblog]
Sony's 7.2 megapixel Cybershot DSC-W70 reviewed
Wasn't it just a few years ago that $300 wouldn't buy you much of a digital camera? How times have changed, because these days, you can not only score a compact 7.2 megapixel model for under three C-notes, but a good one at that -- especially if it's the Sony DSC-W70, says Digital Camera Review. We've known all about the W70 since before this year's Photo Marketing Association show, where it was introduced along with four other Cybershot models, but this one really seems hit that sweet spot of providing the most features for the least amount of dough. As you probably recall, the W70 sports a 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch display, along with 54MB of internal memory and a 300-plus-shot battery in a case barely bigger than a deck of cards, yet according to DCR, still manages to capture quality images with good color accuracy, white balance, and detail -- although it does produce visible noise at ISO settings above 200. Still, with almost no shutter lag, ergonomic controls, and intuitive menus, the W70 sounds like a serious contender for consumers looking for a hassle-free model that takes a good picture at a fair price -- which is probably, like, most of them.
Casio announces Exilim EX-Z5 compact
Casio has just announced a new member of the Exilim family, a 5 megapixel shooter with 3x optical zoom called the EX-Z5. Successor to the Exilim EX-Z4, the new Z5 also sports a 2.5-inch TFT LCD (but as usual, no optical viewfinder), an odd 8.3MB of internal memory (expandable via SD/MMC), and the usual suite of burst mode, in-camera image enhancement, and multiple flash options. Of special interest to photo buffs will be the Revive Shot function, which lets you take a picture of an old photograph for the camera to perform a little digital restoration on, all without taking your photos out of the album. No word yet on pricing or availability, but with Casio calling the Z5 a "perfect companion for the summer," it's probably a safe bet to expect this model on shelves prior to September 21st.
