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Sony's CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera gets official, coming March for $500
Sony has finally shown its cards for PMA this year, and that Ten of Clubs up its sleeve looks to be the CyberShot DSC-HX1 we heard about last week. According to the presser, it's the company's first digital camera with sweep panorama technology for up to 224-degree horizontal and 154-degree vertical panorama shots with the push of a button. It's also sporting a 20x optical zoom, 1/2.4-inch Exmor CMOS sensor for 10 frames per second at 9.1 megapixel resolution, a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie recording. Look for it this March for around five Benjamins.
Ask Engadget: Best digital camera for the price?
Now that we got Lenny's wireless TV situation sorted last week on Ask Engadget, let's turn our attention to cameras. And of course, don't be shy about sending in your questions to ask at engadget dawt com, because life is too short to listen to your Uncle Ted's unsolicited tech advice. This one's a little vague, but it sounds to us like Ebzy here would like to take pictures of stuff, with, um, something."I'd like to know what are the best price vs. performance cameras out there. It would be particularly helpful if people could suggest what they think are the best cameras in each price range and category, (including DSLR). The type of memory the card takes is not an issue. Although a good UI is worthy of mention."Alright, so that's a little broad, but if you've got a favorite shooter in your bag, be sure to shout it out in the comments.
Digicam tech goes wafer-thin, cellphones cheer
It's kinda exciting when new tech comes along that promises a digital camera chip size reduction of 50 percent and cost reduction of 30 percent. That's precisely what has been announced from Tessera Technologies, and cellphone makers worldwide will join in the glee in the near future if they'll be able to slave even more size off of teeny, tiny slim sliders and clamshells. According to Tessera's OptiML product announcement, the "simultaneous manufacturing" allows for the cost and size reduction while still allowing for digital optical zooming and auto-focus, all without any moving parts. Derek Zoolander would be proud.
Ricoh Caplio GX100 reviewed
The chaps over at PhotograhyBLOG have an extensive (as in six pages) review of the handsome Ricoh Caplio GX100 that we told you about in March. Opinions from the experts concerning this 10 megapixel camera seem largely favorable, with high marks for design, features and ease-of-use, and only a few minor quibbles in the image-quality department. They seemed particularly excited about the Caplio's use of a RAW storage format, which the competition has apparently been moving away from. But hey, it's your $700, so if you really want to know all the details, follow the link to the full review.
Kodak's new EasyShare C613 and C763 keep it slim and cheap
Kodak's hitting all the budget-friendly sweet spots today. Alongside those "fancy" Z712 IS and Z885 shooters, these new C613 and C763 (pictured) EasyShare cameras are positively barebones, with $120 and $180 pricetags, respectively. Luckily, Kodak didn't do away with specs entirely: the C613 sports a 6.2 megapixel CCD and 3X zoom, while the C763 bumps it up to 7.1 megapixels. The screens are particularly impressive for the prices, at 2.4-inch and 2.5-inches. ISO, in about the 800 range, naturally isn't as notable as that of the Z series we saw earlier, and there's no optical image stabilization to keep your pics blur-free, but the combination of low price, small size and beefy megapixels should garner this pair a bit of success when they drop in April. Peep the C613 after the break.Read - C613Read - C763
OmniVision brings out 5 megapixel auto-focus shooter module for mobiles
The day when digicams in wireless handsets start catching up in the megapixel race to standalone digital cameras is rapidly coming to an end we think. This week at 3GSM, OmniVision Technologies -- almost a year to the day after announcing a 2 megapixel mobile camera sensor -- announced the details of a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera module for, you guessed it, our beloved mobiles. The new 5 megapixel shooter is a CMOS model that has auto-focus (instead of the normal fixed focus in most cellphone digicams) and it should see the setting of a new standard as customers come to expect better and larger image quality from those tiny cams inside those tiny handsets. According to OmniVision, "the module is already in mass production and in development with customers, and we expect to be shipping soon." Are you ready for that 2592 x 1944 rez in that spiffy new handset? Your day may come soon.
GE slaps its brand onto a line of... digital cameras?
We're so used to GE staying above the fray -- at least for the most part -- with it's snazzy medical imaging devices and non-stick plastics, that it's rather odd to see them really going head to head with the likes of Canon, HP and Sony in the consumer digicam space. No word on the use of non-stick plastics in the development of these things, but it looks like GE is playing it pretty safe for the moment. Its lineup, which will be announced in March and available mid-April, will range from 7 megapixel shooters with 2.5-inch LCDs on up to 12 megapixel cameras with 3-inches of screen. The cameras will be designed, manufactured and distributed exclusively by General Imaging, a new player on the scene formed of former "photo industry veterans" including CEO Hiroshi Komiya, a former president of Olympus. Apparently all of the cameras will include image stabilization, high ISO and panoramic stitching as a standard feature, and there will be a photo printer joining the ranks as well. Otherwise we're in the dark besides that concept render up above, but it seems like we'll be hearing a good bit more about these down the road, 'cause according to Rene Buhay, lead of sales: "Our aim is to be Number 1 in all aspects – quality, technology, performance and value – and these cameras will do that."[Via PhotographyBlog]
Canon beefs up its line of budget PowerShot cams
Canon's really loving on the budget set, with them ZR and DC camcorders it released a couple weeks ago, and now a trio of PowerShots that go ultra-easy on the pocket book. The new A-series cams include the PowerShot A550 and A460, which go for $200 and $150, and sport 7.1 megapixel and 5.0 megapixel CCDs, respectively. The new cameras, which should be available mid-February, feature 2-inch LCDs, 4x optical zoom lenses and the fancy DIGIC II image processor for speedier performance and less battery drain. Both cameras are SDHC compatible, feature AiAF "smart" autofocus, and the A550 can pull off 30 fps VGA video, but that's about all that's going on here -- no image stabilization for this kind of mula. Canon's also introducing an A450 model to certain markets, which mirrors the A460 other than an inexplicable 3.2x optical zoom. More reasonably, Canon is also tossing a pair of AA batteries and a 16MB MMC card into each box, so you or the technophobe buddy of yours you end up buying one of these for should be able to start shooting right away. Peep the other two cameras after the break.[Via LetsGoDigital]
BenQ announces dangerously-slim 7.2 megapixel X720
Just last month we saw BenQ bust out a super-slim 7 megapixel shooter called the E720, which at just 19.5 millimeters thick, was one of the trimmest cameras at this resolution level -- even beating out waifs like Casio's Exilim EX-Z700 and Sony's Cybershot DSC-T50. Well if you thought that the E720 was as thin as they come, think again, because old BenQ has managed to shave off almost five full millimeters with its brand new 7.2 megapixel X720 (we're pretty sure the "x" stands for "xtra breakable"). Besides being almost as thin as a credit card (not really), this award-winning ultracompact boasts a pretty impressive set of features, including a maximum ISO of 4000 (no word on noise at that level, however), 2.5-inch LCD, and Super Shake-Free image stabilization. Less impressive is the familiar 3x optical zoom, although you're still getting 30fps VGA video with sound, and they even managed to cram a regular SD slot into that tiny 120-gram body. Unfortunately BenQ's press release was so eager to tout the benefits of this "perfect blender of pleasure and work" that it neglected to mention pricing or availability, but this model may be snazzy enough to warrant a separate post when we catch wind of those deets, so keep your eye out.
Three new cookie-cutter ultracompacts from Rollei
Usually when manufacturers unleash several new cameras upon us, it takes awhile to weed through the specs in order to spot their differences and identify the features that consumers will find most compelling, but as luck would have it, Rollei's da-series of unremarkable shooters tend to completely lack innovation from generation to generation. Such is the case with three new so-called "Prego" models from the once-esteemed brand -- the 10 megapixel da1325, 7 megapixel da7325, and 5 megapixel da5325 -- which besides sporting different resolutions, are exactly the same in every single way (making our job a lot easier). When it comes to Rollei these days, when you've seen one you've seen them all, so these 128-gram ultracompacts' features should come as no surprise whatsoever: you're getting a 2.5-inch LCD (no viewfinder, of course), 3x optical zoom, maximum ISO of 400, 30fps VGA video with sound, maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second, and video out for showing off your imaging skillz on a bigger screen. We have a feeling that the interest in these cams is slim to none, but just in case this write-up has somehow piqued your interest, all three will be available next month for €149 ($189), €199 ($252), and €249 ($315), depending on resolution. Keep reading to peep the two lower end models -- though once again, there's nothing here that you haven't seen before...Read- da1325Read- da7325Read- da5325
BenQ's ultraportable, 7 megapixel DC E720
Tsk, tsk, BenQ. You know how we like to round up all your cookie-cutter cameras into one post, so we're a little disappointed that you didn't tell us about your new DC E720 at the same time you announced the other three new members of your consumer lineup yesterday. No matter, we're still committed to bringing our readers all that is new and exciting in the world of digital photography, even if the 7 megapixel E720 doesn't really stand out from the crowd in any discernible manner. With this model, you're basically getting a slimmed down version of the C740 -- they both sport a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 30fps VGA video mode, and SD card support -- but at only 130 grams and 19.5 millimeters thick, the E720 definitely takes home the "most pocketable" award. No word so far on pricing and availability for this model, but judging from the sparse, negative reaction that yesterday's releases got, we highly doubt that many of you will be seeking this one out, anyway.
Nikon intros five new Coolpix models
With the Photokina trade show just around around the corner, we've been expecting an onslaught of cameras, and Nikon today proved that its no slouch; the venerable manufacturer has introduced a total of five new members to its lineup of Coolpix consumer cams. We'll start out with the S7c, a compact 7.1 megapixel shooter highlighted by a huge 3-inch LCD, maximum ISO of 1600, and like the previous P3 and S6, that sweet WiFi radio for wirelessly sending your winning shots over the internet (including through email). You're also getting 30fps VGA movie capabilities (with sound), electronic image stabilization, 14MB of internal memory, but as usual, only a 3x optical zoom. Keep on reading for pics and deets on the rest of the new Coolpix posse...Update: Oh, and did we mention T-Mobile Hotspot users will also be able to use the S7c with their WiFi account using at Coolpix Connect feature? Because they can. Not bad.
The seven megapixel Olympus SP-510UZ
Olympus just dropped a new 7.1 megapixel member of the Ultra Zoom family on us, and this is one shooter that thrives at night. Although it's got a fairly impressive maximum ISO of 1600 and a very impressive 10x optical zoom at full resolution, the real fun comes when you step the SP-510UZ down to 3 megapixels; at that res, you can bump the ISO all the way up to 4000 and employ a special Fine Zoom of 15x -- you know, for late night sporting events and such. Like its 6 megapixel predecessor, the SP-500UZ, this model also sports a 2.5-inch LCD, digital image stabilization, and support for those same damn xD cards that would seem to encourage consumers to turn to other brands. Still, if this sounds like your type of cam, you'll be able to pick one up in September for around $490.[Via Digital Camera Review]
Nikon's D80 finally official
Ok, alright already, we get it, the Nikon D80's officially real. We've been waiting for this one for the last few weeks, but by now any real mystery about the device has surely gone up in smoke. So, what've we got? The D80 features a 10.2 megapixel (uh huh) DX format CCD, Nikon F lens mount, 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 11 area autofocus, 0.18 second bootup, 80ms shot response, and... apparently an SD slot? (from the release: "Images are processed instantly and recorded quickly to the inserted SD memory card." (This is the first time we've seen an SD slot appear in a high end DSLR in, well, a while.) Then there's also the 3fps rapid fire shots, and 2.5-inch LCD; elsewise, besides the bundled 18-135mm lens the body comes with, Nikon is releasing a AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens (and we thought Samsung had rough product names) for the D80, with a 4.3x zoom and Vibration Reduction II OIS. The lens is going to be available worldwide in October (if you have to ask how much, it's probably not for you), but the camera's due September, and will set you back $999 body alone, or $1299 for the body with that 18-135mm lens.[Thanks, Blake & Trevor]
More Nikon D80 DSLR deets leaked?
We're not entirely sure how much more you needed to knw about the Nikon D80 that's due to be announced tomorrow, but from the looks of things it's not going to differ all that greatly from their other more professional offerings; the camera will have a 170 degree viewing angle 2.5-inch LCD, 0.18 second startup time, 3fps continuous shooting, and a £699 UK price tag (about $1,300), which, unfortunately, is without lens. Guess we'll find out for sure tomorrow, eh?
Pentax's Optio W20 waterproof digital camera
Looks like enough people thought the ability to dunk their digital camera in a martini glass was a decent buying incentive that it was in Pentax's best interest to upgrade that W10 to the W20. Their new JIS Class 8 waterproof device can stay submerged up to 5 feet in water for up to 30 minutes, and features a SDHC support, 1600 ISO mode, 3x optical zoom, 1-inch macro mode, 7 megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch display, and an "under $300" asking price (i.e. $299.9999999-infinite). Ships September (i.e. next month, for you slacker types), so if you didn't already have a W10 (or a waterproof case) and were planning on trip far or near to take a dip in the drink, you may want to hold out just a bit longer.
Hitachi's Wooo DZ-HS303 DVD camcorder with HDD
T'is the season for DVD camcorders: following the 3CCD VDR-D400 from Panasonic and the iVIS DC22 from Canon that we just spotted comes a model from Hitachi called the Wooo DZ-HS303 (yes, you read that right); unlike these other devices, though, the Hitachi -- dropping August 30th -- also lets your capture video to an 8GB MicroDrive. Billed as the world's first camcorder to sport both a DVD and hard drive, the HS303 features a 10x optical zoom, standard 2.7-inch LCD, and three megapixel CCD, all in a 560-gram package. All-in-all a pretty decent feature set for 130,000 yen ($1,132), but as Digital World Tokyo points out, Canon will give you HD capabilities for only a few bucks more. [Via Digital World Tokyo]
Canon's iVIS DC22 DVD camcorder
Along with the more notable HV10 high definition model we brought you yesterday, Canon has introduced another new member to its family of iVIS camcorders: the DVD-equipped DC22. Besides its ability to record onto dual-layer, 8-centimeter discs, there's not much that makes this product stand out from the pack; you're getting a 2.7-inch flip out display, 2.2 megapixel CCD, and just a 10x optical zoom -- far less than many other Canon cams on the market. Still, they're not asking you to pay through the nose for this one either -- it'll go for about 90,000 yen ($785) when it drops in Japan sometime this month.[Via Fareastgizmos]
Researchers develop algorithm to combat photo blur
Since it's unlikely that your hand will get any steadier with age, and we probably won't see optical image stabilization in cameraphones anytime soon, researchers are concentrating on ways to fix your crappy photos once they've already been captured. The latest salvo in the war against so-called hand motion blur comes from a team of computer scientists at MIT and the University of Toronto, who have developed an algorithm that can create a sharper picture by "estimating the distribution of a number of probable images" and coming up with a happy medium. Introduced at this year's Siggraph Conference in Boston, the algorithm could potentially be included in future versions of Adobe Photoshop -- which currently fights blur with a rather ineffective unsharp mask tool -- although it will do nothing for blurring caused by moving objects or improperly-focused shots. Unfortunately, it sounds like this product is still at least a year away from commercial release, so tripods and nerve-steadying Pentazemin are still your best bets for the time being.[Thanks, Alex]
Canon intros first consumer HD camcorder, the iVIS HV10
After having teased us with the powerful-but-expensive XH G1 and XH A1 high definition prosumer camcorders, Canon has now brought that same 1080i goodness to the the little guy with its first consumer-oriented HD model, the iVIS HV10. Recording onto standard miniDV cassettes using the HDV format, the Optura-like HV10 features a 1/2.7-inch CMOS able to capture 2,048 x 1,536 stills, 10x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD display, and miniSD slot for storing photos. Compared to Sony's HDR-HC3 this device certainly holds its own, as its optical image stabilization trumps the Sony's electronic version, and its maximum video capture resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 is higher than the competition's 1,440 x 1,080 -- though the HC3 sports an HDMI output, while the HV10 does not. Best of all, its 150,000 Yen ($1,300) pricetag will set you back about $400 less than the HC3 when this model (in either black or silver) debuts next month in Japan; the US release, however, is still up in the air.[Via CamcorderInfo, Akihabara News, and Impress]
