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Eye-Fi Mobi simplifies DSLR image sharing through your iOS device
I love my Canon DSLR for the flexibility of selecting high-quality lenses, a plethora of shooting modes, the faithful color renditions, and the high storage capacity I can get with inexpensive SD cards. But I find myself also shooting a lot of photos with my iPhone simply because I want to share those images with the world immediately. The Eye-Fi Mobi Wi-Fi memory card (starting at US$49.99 for an 8 GB capacity) offers a simple way to quickly "shoot and share" from a DSLR through your iOS device. I'm no stranger to Eye-Fi cards. I currently use the company's Connect X2 card when I'm shooting review photos for TUAW, since I can have them automatically transferred to my Mac without needing to remove the SD card and put it into the computer's SD card reader. You can find out if your DSLR or point-and-shoot is compatible with Eye-Fi's products through a compatibility program that's available through any of the Eye-Fi product pages. %Gallery-194924% My Canon DSLR, for example, integrates well with the Eye-Fi cards. It keeps the camera powered on until the Wi-Fi media uploads are done, displays a Wi-Fi icon on the camera's touchscreen that shows the status of uploads, and allows enabling/disabling of the card from the camera's menu. Setup of the Eye-Fi Mobi card for use with an iOS device is fast and easy. First, you install the free Eye-Fi app (universal, also available for Android and Kindle). The installation process requires that you enter the activation code that's on the back of the SD card case on the package; once that's done, the app installs a profile onto your iOS device. Next, the app asks for access to your Photo Library so that images sent from your DSLR can go right in without a need to be moved manually. Your next step is to pop the card into your camera and enable it. Once that's done and you take a picture with the camera, the card sets up a secure Wi-Fi network that's tied to the app you activated. Select that network in the Settings app, and you're ready to roll. Upon launching the app again, the photos are quickly uploaded to the iOS device. When I mean quickly, I mean that it takes only a few seconds for DSLR-quality images to be transferred at full resolution. I find this quite interesting, since the Eye-Fi to Mac connection on my home network is slower. In the future, I may use my iPhone as the intermediary for image transfers for reviews, since an Eye-Fi to iPhone to Mac (via Photo Stream sync) transfer is faster than what I've been seeing with a direct to Mac Wi-Fi connection. One more great thing is that you can share the DSLR images while Eye-Fi transfers are taking place, since enabling the ad-hoc Wi-Fi network still keeps your cellular data connection up and running. The Eye-Fi Mobi card comes in both 8 GB and 16 GB versions, and is available from many online retailers including Photojojo and Amazon as well as direct from Eye-Fi.
Lomography reinvents Petzval lens for analog and digital SLRs
When it was invented in 1840, the Petzval lens revolutionized photography thanks to its f/3.6 aperture. It's legendary for producing images with super sharp centers and unique backgrounds with a whirly bokeh -- as such it's particularly well suited for shooting portraits. Most Petzval lenses today are defective because of age and not optimized for modern cameras, so Lomography set out to reinvent the lens for the 21st century. The company just launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the Petzval lens back for $300 -- it's teaming up with Zenit to manufacture high-quality lenses for analog and digital SLRs with Nikon F and Canon EF mounts. Lomography's Petzval lens is made of brass, features a gear rack focusing mechanism and comes with a Waterhouse aperture set (f/2.2, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16). Are you as intrigued as we are? Follow the source link below for the full campaign details.
Nikon feels the pressure from smartphones, says it needs to 'change the concept of cameras'
With slumping point-and-shoot camera sales and falling earnings, even a conservative company like Nikon can see the writing on the wall. President Makoto Kimura told Bloomberg that the number of people dropping compact shooters in favor of smartphones is "exploding" and that his company has created a new imaging business team to address the problem. He said that its task is "to create a product that will change the concept of cameras," adding that such a device will come to market in less than five years. Kimura didn't respond when asked if Nikon might build its own smartphone, though he said "(a new device) could be a non-camera consumer product." Whatever it turns out to be, given the current trend in smartphone sales and the fact that its imaging division nets 84 percent of Nikon's revenue, a little more diversification surely couldn't hurt.
Canon reinvents video focusing with the fiercely fast EOS 70D (hands-on)
Looking to capture professional-quality video on the cheap? You've probably considered a DSLR, but for many users, an interchangeable-lens camera might not be the best pick. Camcorders and higher-end video rigs typically offer far more powerful autofocus capabilities, and while Digital SLR footage can look great, if you're not tweaking the lens manually, things might not go as smoothly as you'd hope. Canon's setting out to change that, with its brilliant new EOS 70D. On the surface, this 20.2-megapixel camera doesn't venture far from its 60D roots, but internally, it's an entirely different ballgame. At the core of the 70D's modifications is what Canon's calling Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Essentially, the sensor includes twice the number of pixels in an (very successful) attempt to improve focusing. There are 40.3 million photodiodes on the sensor, and when they're all working together, "it's like 20 million people tracking the focus with both eyes," as Canon explains. The result is camcorder-like focusing for both stills and video, when you're shooting in live view mode. During our test with a pre-production sample, the device performed phenomenally, adjusting focus instantaneously when snapping stills, and quickly but gradually when recording video. Join us after the break for a closer look.%Gallery-192575%
Ask Engadget: best starter camera for an 11 year old?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Diego, who wants to give his son the gateway drug into photography. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm an amateur photographer, and my 10-year-old son has started to show an interest in what I do on weekends. I've shown him a thing or two on my DSLR and he wants to learn the basics, but I'd prefer it if he didn't do it on my $1,500 rig. His birthday's coming up, and I'd like to get him something that he can use for himself, that lets him customize ISO, white balance, aperture etc. Naturally, I was thinking of just a regular compact camera, but if you can suggest something else that won't break the bank, I'll gladly listen. Thanks!" So, we turned this question over to one of our photo experts, who suggested that really, if you've got the budget for it, you might as well pick up a very old, very cheap DSLR. For instance, you can pick up an old Canon Rebel XT for around $200, and while it won't be shiny and new, will let them play with features and settings beyond the average compact camera. But what do we know, eh? This is the part of the weekend where we poll our community for their sage wisdom, so have at it, chums.
Pentax intros K-50 and K-500 DSLRs, Q7 mirrorless camera
When it rains, it pours -- we knew Pentax was due for new interchangeable lens cameras, but it just surprised us by unveiling three of them at once. The mid-range K-50 and entry K-500 DSLRs at the front of the pack represent slight upgrades to the 16-megapixel K-30 on the inside, with both gaining a higher ISO 51,200 sensitivity and Eye-Fi card support. They mostly differ on the outside. The K-50 keeps the K-30's weather sealing, lithium batteries and extreme color customization; the K-500 caters to the budget crowd by going without weatherproofing, running on AA batteries and shipping only in black. Both bodies are available in stores this July, starting at $600 for a K-500 with an 18-55m kit lens and $780 for a similarly equipped K-50. The smallest camera of the bunch, the Q7, may be the most intriguing. While the mirrorless body still shoots at the 12.4 megapixels of the Q10, it upgrades to a larger 1/1.7-inch sensor that delivers a big performance boost -- sensitivity has jumped to ISO 12,800, and there's faster autofocusing to boot. Pentax also touts a faster shot-to-shot time, better image stabilization and Eye-Fi support. The Q7 will cost the same $500 in kit form as its ancestor does today, although photographers will have to be patient when the tiny camera doesn't hit retail until August.
Canon 50D gains video recording through Magic Lantern RAW hack
It may be time to dust off that Canon 50D you purchased back in 2008. The folks behind the Magic Lantern firmware add-on have pulled yet another rabbit out the proverbial hat (or is it lantern?) by enabling RAW video recording on the APS-C-based DSLR. What's even more impressive is that the 50D lacks video support out of the box, so this new-found functionality is truly magical. This hack comes hot on the heels of the Magic Lantern team coaxing the Canon 5D Mark II / III into capturing 24 fps RAW video. With the firmware add-on installed, the 50D is capable of shooting video up to 1592 x 1062 pixels at 30 fps. There are some caveats, though. First, there's no audio recording since the camera lacks a microphone input and associated electronics. Second, capturing RAW video requires fast CF cards (at least UDMA 6). Third, we now fully expect to see the 50D skyrocket in value on the used market. Hit the break for a few sample videos.
Canon 5D Mark III now captures 24 fps RAW video thanks to Magic Lantern firmware add-on (update: Mark II also)
It's no secret that Canon's 5D Mark III is the go-to DSLR for videographers the world over, but things are about to become a whole lot more interesting. The people behind Magic Lantern have successfully coaxed the 5D Mark III into shooting 24 fps RAW video at resolutions up to 1,920 x 820 pixels using 1000x speed cards. If you're not familiar with Magic Lantern, it's an open source firmware add-on that brings additional functionality to Canon EOS cameras. The ability to capture RAW video at 24 fps improves dynamic range and resolution -- it also provides extra flexibility during post-production. According to the team at Magic Lantern, more work is required before the feature is ready to be deployed. So until then, you're invited to follow the via link below and watch the RAW vs. H.264 videos after the break, or if you're feeling brave, check the source for download locations. Update: We just received news from Magic Lantern that Canon's Mark II is now also a go for 24 fps with the new firmware. Nic from the development team said "After some further testing it is clear the older, cheaper Mark II should be able to record at least resolutions of 1880x840 in full-frame mode (with line skipping)."
Canon 5D Mark III firmware update enables improved AF, uncompressed HDMI output
If your camera arsenal includes a 5D Mark III, prepare to get your download on. Earlier today, Canon released a major firmware update for the hit DSLR -- version 1.2.1 enables clean, uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous LCD display and recording to CF or SD cards, along with cross-type autofocus for apertures as small as f/8, bringing that aspect of AF capability in line with the EOS-1D X. You'll be able to take advantage of improved autofocus performance even when using an f/5.6 lens with a 1.4x extender, or an f/4 lens with a 2x extender. On the video front, version 1.2.1 will let you boot an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 feed to an external recorder, enabling your pick of codecs and frame rates, while also eliminating arbitrary limits on record time. The free download, available for recent versions of Mac OS and Windows, is yours for the taking at the source link below.
Watch the first footage from Blackmagic's Pocket Cinema Camera (video)
Noted Blackmagic Design shooter John Brawley has released the first footage from the company's upcoming $995 Pocket Cinema Camera that might leave your DSLR green with envy. Though it's always tough to judge compressed web footage, to our eyes it looks completely untouched by the moire, aliasing and compression artifacts that tends to plague other digital cameras. While not specifying whether he used the compressed RAW setting or not, Brawley said he shot it using a Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds lens with image stabilization turned on, meaning that feature's likely to be enabled on the camera when it arrives in late July. He also said he was "literally grabbing shots whilst I was shopping," which bodes well for serious filmmakers with a bit more time to spare. Head past the break to admire the video.
Pentax K-30 DSLR adds 15 new color options, gets both matte and gloss finishes
You might recall the weather-sealed delights of Pentax's K-30, but if you don't, perhaps a new palette of colors will leave a more permanent impression. The 16.3-megapixel DSLR can now be picked up in 15 new finishes, split between gloss and matte, and includes Bordeaux (that'll be deep red), White, Orange, Yellow, Green, Silver and Blue colors. However, it's still not the most customization options Pentax has offered. The K-30 has a long way to go if it wants to best the 100 variants of its mirrorless sibling, the Q10. Each one retails for $800, but to get the full catalog, you'll have to pass the digital doors of Pentax's online store.
The Daily Roundup for 03.21.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Canon unveils EOS T5i and Rebel SL1, the world's smallest DSLR (hands-on)
If you haven't already come to grips with the fact that Canon won't be releasing a mirrorless camera with DSLR-like performance, you might as well cut your losses now. Instead of replacing the sluggish EOS M with a compelling shooter, the company has decided to focus on shrinking its DSLR. The result, the EOS Rebel SL1, is the world's smallest Digital SLR. SL stands for "super lightweight," which seems appropriate, given that it tips the scale at just over 14 ounces, yet the camera still accommodates EOS lenses, such as the new EF-S 18-55mm IS STM optic that ships in the box. There's an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 image processor, a 1.04M-dot fixed touchscreen, a new hybrid autofocus and standard 9-point AF. It offers sensitivity ranging from ISO 100-25,600, can capture 1080p video at 30 or 24 fps, and it includes a built-in mono mic, along with a stereo mic input jack on the side. Jump past the break for our hands-on.%Gallery-181049%
Satechi Smart Trigger: iOS-compatible DSLR timer remote
Satechi has just started shipping the new Smart Trigger, a US$44.99 Bluetooth add-on that makes it simple to turn your iOS device into a timer remote for your DSLR. Design The Smart Trigger comes in five different versions, all of which work with a specific set of DSLRs. For my test, I was using a Canon EOS Rebel T4i camera, which used the "C" variant of the device. Strangely enough, there's nothing on the outside of the box that indicates exactly what camera it's supposed to work with... The device includes a small receiver powered by a pair of AAA batteries that sits in the hot shoe mount on your camera. A coiled connecting cable (two different ones were included) is plugged into the receiver on one end and the camera's remote port on the other end. %Gallery-183234% There's a free accompanying app -- Satechi includes a QR code on the product box, which assumes that every iOS user with a DSLR also has a QR code reading app on their device. Note to Apple: when are you going to build in a QR code reading capability for iOS? Fortunately, it's easy to search for Smart Trigger in the App Store to download the app. The Smart Trigger won't work with all iOS devices. It's compatible with the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 3 and 4, iPad mini, and 5th generation iPod touch. Why would a photographer wish to use a remote triggering device like this? Because it helps to reduce camera shake since the photographer isn't pressing the shutter release button, because the app can be useful in doing long exposures, and because it enables a way to easily set up time-lapse photographs. Functionality The Smart Trigger is quite easy to set up; in fact, the hardest part was figuring out how to shut the door on the battery compartment. There's a button on top of the device that's used reconnect to the currently paired device (most likely a nice portable iPhone), put the receiver into sleep mode, or set up the Smart Trigger to pair with another iOS device. The Smart Trigger uses Bluetooth 4.0, giving it a 50-foot radius of operation and pairing that just takes a pair of taps to complete. One tap on a scan button in the app finds the Smart Trigger and displays it, another tap finishes the pairing process. There are three different shot modes available in the app: regular, manual, and timed. Regular Shot mode is useful for taking photos without having a hand on the shutter release button, which means that those shots taken from a tripod will have less shake and that you can also "push the button" while you're posing for a self-portrait. The Manual Shot mode has additional controls, letting DSLR users focus their cameras through the app, lock the shutter open and take long exposures. As the manual for the Smart Trigger notes, this is perfect for light painting or photos of star trails. Finally, Timed Shot Mode is used to turn your iPhone into an "intervalometer" -- in other words, letting you take shots at pre-determined intervals. Timed Shot Mode actually has three sub-settings: Delay, for setting the amount of time before the first exposure is captured; Bulb, which controls how long the shutter is held open; and Interval, controlling the amount of time between exposures. There is also a setting for how many images you want to take in a sequence, all the way up to "infinite" in which the shots keep on coming until you tap the shutter control button to stop the camera. With my Canon EOS Rebel T4i, the app and features worked perfectly. In Manual Shot mode, tapping the focus button actually worked like depressing the shutter button on the camera by allowing it to autofocus on an object. The Timed Shot mode looks incredibly useful -- it took only moments to set it up for a one minute delay and then taking five images at a 5 second interval. One thing DSLR owners should be aware of when using Timed Shot mode is that they should turn off any "auto power off" function on their camera to insure that the camera is able to function properly. Satechi notes that the use of Bluetooth 4.0 "Smart" connectivity, those two AAA batteries in the device should last a long time in normal use -- two to ten years. Conclusion With the Smart Trigger, Satechi has created an accessory that should be in the camera bag of every DSLR owner. With a full feature set and extremely reasonable price, the Smart Trigger is a valuable helper for any intermediate to professional photographer. Pros Easy to use and set up Long battery life in the device Excellent Bluetooth range Included app is well-implemented and fairly self-explanatory Price is a bargain considering the functionality Cons None to speak of Who is it for? Any intermediate, advanced or professional photographer who wants to use an iOS device as an intelligent Bluetooth remote control for a DSLR
Canon's tiny next-gen EOS Rebel spied, reportedly with modest specs to match
It's virtually an annual tradition for Canon to unveil new EOS Rebel DSLRs well before the summer hits, and we're very nearly due for the next installment. It shouldn't be a shock, then, that Digicam info claims to have both images and details of the EOS Kiss X7, which may be the smaller and lighter EOS-b. As you'd imagine, most of the differences versus the Rebel T4i appear to be more ergonomic than technical. While there's mention of a second-generation hybrid autofocusing system, the most conspicuous changes appear to center on a space-saving design that moves the AF assist light to the opposite side. The 18-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 5 processor, ISO 25,600 sensitivity ceiling, 9-point autofocusing coverage and 3-inch LCD all appear to be retreads -- the new model would be more to attract first-time owners than catch habitual upgraders. If the details are accurate, Canon would sell the Kiss X7 late in April for ¥79,000 ($828). There's no word on plans for the camera's US counterpart, but we wouldn't be surprised to see an American edition arrive around the same time.
Canon's unannounced $800 18MP EOS-b DSLR pops up on Best Buy's website for pre-order
It looks as though Canon will have a new DSLR to announce very shortly, if a listing on Best Buy's website is any indicator. The page offers us no images to ogle, but it betrays an unannounced 18-megapixel shooter dubbed the EOS-b, accompanied by an 18-55m lens kit and an $800 price tag. Canon Rumors notes a smaller footprint, trimming five ounces of fat and bulk off the T4i's measurements. The camera specs are identical to the T4i and EOS M, too, but an optical viewfinder and pop-up flash make us wonder if it isn't a pint-sized follow up to the T4i. You can look forward to a Digic 5 image processor, nine-point autofocus system, 3-inch 1.04K dot TFT-LCD touchscreen, four frames-per-second burst shooting, an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 with a high setting of 25,600 and HD video capture. There's no word on when this APS-C shooter will officially be announced, but you can try your luck at placing a pre-order by clicking the Best Buy source link.
Aptina and Sony cross-license their camera patents, Nikon smiles
Sometimes, it's the behind-the-scenes deals that matter the most. See Aptina's newly signed patent cross-licensing agreement with Sony as an example: the pact lets the two imaging veterans use each other's know-how in camera sensors for everything from dedicated cameras through to smartphones and TVs. We know customers of both companies will be glad to see technology spreading beyond corporate borders, but we have a feeling that Nikon will be the happiest. When Nikon is using Aptina sensors in its 1 series mirrorless cameras and Sony sensors in its DSLRs, it's likely to reap the benefits, regardless of which sensor maker got the better deal.
Sony's NEX-3N and A58 cameras make an in-person appearance, we go hands-on
Alright, so this is definitely not the first we've written about about these two latest entry-level shooters from Sony. That said, we're excited to finally get some hands-on time with the Alpha NEX-3N ILC and A58 SLT DSLR. To refresh your memory, the NEX-3N is set to sell for $500 with a 16-50mm power zoom, while the A58 will go for $600 with Sony's latest 18-55m f3.5-5.6 kit lens. Although we only had a few minutes with each inside a section of New York's Natural History museum, we're definitely digging the new wares. Join us past the break for some initial impressions. %Gallery-180176%
Sony shipping NEX-3N and Alpha A58 to the US in April
Sony may have teased American photographers by launching the NEX-3N and Alpha A58 in Europe, but it's not cruel: both interchangeable lens cameras are coming to the US this April. The NEX-3N will cost a relatively frugal $500 when bundled with the camera's signature motorized, 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Venturing into DSLR territory with the Alpha A58 will cost an only somewhat dearer $600 when paired with a refreshed 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 kit lens that's quieter and less error-prone than its ancestor. Both A- and E-mount cameras will also be getting a similar raft of accessories for the US unveiling. An RM-VPR1 remote commander comes in April for $65, while a compact HVL-F20M flash is due in May for $150. A-series photographers will have no shortage of lenses to choose from -- they'll get cracks at both a stand-alone version of the 18-55mm lens and a new 50mm f/1.4 prime in May for respective prices of $220 and $1,500, while a 70-400mm f/4-5.6 telephoto zoom is coming in July for an eye-watering $2,200.
Nikon announces the D7100 DSLR: $1,200, 24MP DX sensor, improved speed and focusing (update: hands-on!)
Not eager to fork over two grand for Nikon's full-frame D600? You might take interest with the company's new D7100, a lightweight DSLR with a brand new DX-format (APS-C) sensor and a handful of other goodies to boot. The 24.1-megapixel cam's imaging technology follows a now-commonplace industry trend by dropping the optical low-pass filter in favor of enhanced resolution. Naturally, the D7000 successor includes a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 25,600 (Hi 2), along with improved noise reduction for better results in low-light. There's a D4-like EXPEED 3 processor with support for 6 frames-per-second shooting in any mode, even when capturing 12- or 14-bit RAW images. A unique 1.3x DX crop function boost that rate to 7 fps, however, while capturing a maximum of 15.4-megapixel stills and 1080/60i or 50i video, compared to 1080 30/25/24p in the regular mode. There's a 3.2-inch 1.229M-dot LCD, an OLED display inside the viewfinder for crisper data readout, and plenty more if you read on!
