| Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed |
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The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets "almost everything right," and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewedFiled under: Digital CamerasPanasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 10/12/2009 3:29 AM (159d 2h 44m ago) |
| Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs |
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The EX-Z450 above is Casio's new Exilim Zoom flagship model, but you'll be forgiven for confusing it for its predecessor the Z400. Their spec sheets are almost identical: both come with 4x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, 720p / 24 fps video, and Exilim Engine 4.0 -- hell, even the max ISO setting is identical at 3200, and you can upgrade that 'for free' since nobody expects your highest settings to be usable anyway. What's new? An autofocus for the ages, apparently, as the sole difference is a new Intelligent AF feature that automatically adjusts focus and exposure for photographic subjects, human or otherwise. The Z90 shrinks those innards into a more portable package, but drops to 3x zoom in the process. The two cameras are expected in early October for $199 and $149, respectively. They'll be joined by the unpriced Z280 shooter that misses out on the auto-detect magic, but gains a wide-angle 26mm lens. Full frontal shots of each camera after the break. [Via Impress] Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z280 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z90Continue reading Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more ZzzsFiled under: Digital CamerasCasio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/18/2009 6:17 PM (213d 11h 56m ago) |
| Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots |
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Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in "his-and-her designs" with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400. As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.Gallery: Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80Continue reading Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shootsFiled under: Digital CamerasPentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/05/2009 11:23 PM (226d 6h 50m ago) |
| Samsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses |
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Promising to allow the differently rich consumer a chance to experience "the latest and most advanced digital imaging technology" (of 2008), Samsung has today announced two new entry-level cameras. While the headline features -- 12.2 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom -- are identical, the PL70 (SL720 here in the US) comes with a 3-inch LCD screen, 28mm wide-angle lens and an optical image stabilizer, whereas the PL55 (SL502 for us Yanks) makes do with 2.7-inches, 35mm and digital image stabilization. The senior model also records video at 720p ( 640 x 480 for the PL55) and boasts the nifty ability to search images by a person's face. The usual scene, face, smile and blink detection is available on both cameras, while pricing is set at $229.99 and $149.99, respectively, for the August-bound shooters.Gallery: Samsung PL70 and PL55 digital camerasFiled under: Digital CamerasSamsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/14/2009 4:21 PM (248d 13h 52m ago) |
| Pentax goes deeper with Optio W80 |
| | (Credit: Pentax)
There's been an explosion of waterproof and rugged cameras and camcorders this year, and Wednesday Pentax added one more to the list (though it's been making them since 2003). The Optio W80 is a water/dust/shock/freezeproof 12-megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD selling for less than $300.
The W80 can apparently survive an impressive dunk: down to 16 feet for up to two hours. It'll also take a decent fall of up to 3.3 feet and keep working in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
On top of its "proofing," the W80 has fairly good camera specs, too. The internal lens has a zoom range of 5x and is wide angle, too, at 28mm. It records 720p, HD-quality video at 30fps. It also has the expected convenience features such as face, smile, and blink detection; auto scene recognition; and a bunch of other automatic shooting options.
About the only thing missing is optical image stabilization; the W80 only has Pentax's digital Pixel Track SR, which though it's good, still degrades photo quality.
... |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (254d 7h 9m ago) |
| Get 64GB CompactFlash--via 4 microSD cards |
| | (Credit: PhotoFast)
Admittedly, CompactFlash cards are no longer as popular as they were when digital photography first started. These days, most digicams use SD/SDHC media, while mobile phones mainly accept the physically smaller microSD format for storing data.
This is why I'm puzzled as to the reason PhotoFast ... |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (254d 7h 9m ago) |
| Olympus' compact E-P1: A breath of fresh air |
| | The Olympus E-P1 with its small 17mm lens attached.(Credit: Olympus)
The Olympus E-P1 camera, a hybrid designed to combine advantages of both compact cameras and SLRs, is a welcome arrival in a digital camera market struggling to find new directions.
The small and light camera that debuted Tuesday features interchangeable lenses and relatively large sensor that endow SLRs with flexibility and higher image quality, but it's also got a small body of a compact camera. It has the potential to appeal to SLR owners who want something smaller and to compact camera owners who want something better, if Olympus can convince people to surmount a significant obstacle, price.
Like most hybrids--gaming laptops, for example, or bicycles with aspects of both road bikes and mountain bikes--the E-P1 sacrifices specialization for versatility. But the digital camera market is saturated, and the E-P1 is a promising member of a newer camera breed.
There are a handful of competitors with similar aspirations. Canon's G10, the newest in its G series of high-end compact cameras, is one example. Nikon's GPS-enabled P6000 is another, though, like the G10, it doesn't have an interchangeable lens. And Panasonic's G1 and GH1, which employ the same Micro Four Thirds lens and sensor standard as the E-P1, are probably closest.
The biggest knock against these cameras is price. Their relatively large sensors--especially those in the Micro Four Thirds cameras--cost a lot to manufacture, and fast electronics and high complexity just make things worse. Few people are willing to spend more than $300 on a camera, much less the hybrid cameras.
Brace yourself for some sticker shock. ... Originally posted at Underexposed |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (254d 7h 9m ago) |
| Get a 4GB Eye-Fi wireless SD card for $59.99 |
| | Though still pricey, the 4GB Eye-Fi card is now a much better deal.(Credit: Eye-Fi)
I really dig Eye-Fi memory cards, which wirelessly beam photos from your digital camera to your PC (and/or an online sharing service). But I always thought they were overpriced.
They still are, but at ... Originally posted at The Cheapskate |
| | 6/22/2009 8:42 PM (270d 9h 31m ago) |
| Olympus E-P1 now available for pre-order |
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You might've noticed this already, but for those out there who share our lust for Olympus' E-P1 "digital Pen," but haven't done too much digging, consider this a public service announcement. The retro-chich micro four thirds camera is now available for pre-order from a handful of online retailers, with several different packages to choose from based with various body color (silver or white) and lens color (silver or black) combinations. Looks like it'll still cost you about $750 if you want body only, but really, at this point we don't know why you wouldn't pay an additional Ulysses S. Grant and grab a lens with it. Ready to smash that E-P1 piggy bank a bit early? You've got plenty of retailers willing to help you out there, but don't feel too pressured, there's still a little bit of time to decide before the July launch.Read - AdoramaRead - AmazonRead - B&HRead - J&RFiled under: Digital CamerasOlympus E-P1 now available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/22/2009 8:33 PM (270d 9h 40m ago) |
| Budget shopping tips: Point-and-shoot digital cameras |
| | Panasonic's FX150 is nearly a year old, but it's currently an amazing deal.
There are so many snapshot cameras available that it can actually be a fairly miserable experience shopping for one. Add in concerns about pricing and you're likely going to continue using your camera phone as your primary point-and-shoot for digital photos.
Finding the right camera at the right price is easier if you start by asking yourself two questions: how will I use the camera and how will I use the photos? These are important for determining what type of user you are and how little you can expect to spend without being disappointed with your choice.
Check out our full digital camera buying guide to help determine what specs will meet your needs. Then, use the tips below for finding the best deal on your new camera. Happy hunting.
Eliminate features
There are three key components most people look for when picking a camera: megapixels, LCD size, and zoom range. Current entry-level models start at 10 megapixels for the most part, which is plenty of resolution for snapshot prints of 8x10 or smaller. The common LCD size on these models is 2.5 inches, and they typically have a 3x or 4x zoom. Features on these cameras usually include basic face detection, a dozen scene modes, a low-resolution movie mode, a full automatic mode, and a program auto mode giving you controls for ISO, white balance, light metering, and focus. (Here are some good examples.)
Any additional features start to drive the price up--in other words, they are things used to upsell you to another model. So if you don't think you'll ever want to control shutter speed or aperture settings, don't need a 3.5-inch touch-screen display, you won't be using the movie mode for anything except YouTube clips, or a 10x zoom will get you way closer to your subject than you want to get, feel free to skip them.
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| | 6/11/2009 4:11 PM (281d 14h 2m ago) |
| Casio megazoom has extreme battery life* |
| | (Credit: Casio)
Casio joined the list of manufacturers with a pocketable megazoom Thursday with the announcement of the EX-H10. In retail around mid-July, the $299.99 12-megapixel camera is fronted by a wide-angle 24mm lens with a 10x zoom with CCD-shift image stabilization in a body that's 0.96-inch thick and weighs only 5.8 ounces. Even more impressive, though, is Casio's battery life claim of a 1,000 shots on a single charge.
That number comes courtesy of low energy requirements of the the multi-CPU Exilim Engine 4.0 circuitry and operational controls coupled with a high-capacity battery. Usage is based on CIPA standards calculated with the LCD monitor on; a full zoom back and forth every 30 seconds; the flash used every two shots; and the power cycled every 10 shots.
Underneath it all it's still a typical Casio camera, too, with a gazillion Best Shot scene modes (OK, just 38, but that's still a ridiculous amount), high-speed shutter continuous shooting, and 720p HD movie capture at 24fps.
... |
| | 6/11/2009 4:10 PM (281d 14h 3m ago) |
| Casio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closer |
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Casio's just pushed another 10x zoom compact camera into the market with its EXILIM EX-H10. Here we've got a 24-mm wide-angle lens stabilized by a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD-shift sensor with up to ISO 3200 sensitivity, a 3-inch LCD, and the ability to grab Motion-JPEG video at 720/24p. EXILIM 4.0 image processing and a 10 frames per second burst mode for 1,280 x 960 pixel images too in a point-and-shoot measuring just 102.5 x 24.3 x 62-mm. Watch for it to hit Japanese retailers first starting next month for ¥40,000 (about $400). Pink rear-end after the break.Continue reading Casio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closerFiled under: Digital CamerasCasio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/11/2009 3:52 PM (281d 14h 21m ago) |
| Jazz up your shower curtains with custom photos |
| | (Credit: Photo Shower Curtain)
Here's a new way to exhibit your photos, if not yourself in the buff. Photo Shower Curtain has a service that prints pictures onto shower curtains that you can hang in your bathroom. If you're wondering whether the ink will fade after a hot ... |
| | 6/03/2009 4:33 PM (289d 13h 40m ago) |
| Sony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zooms |
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Sony just announced a pair of Cyber-shot cameras in Europe. Both offer Sony's smile shutter technology, 3x zoom stabilized with SteadyShot, 2.7-inch LCD, a claimed ISO 3200 sensitivity, and 7 automatic scene selection modes. The W180, though, has a 10.1 megapixel sensor to the 12.1 megapixels of the W190 (pictured). Oddly, Sony's pushing the 17x/18x digital zoom capabilities on these -- something we haven't seen hyped for a few years:Pristine picture quality is further enhanced by the high-quality 3x optical zoom lens. Smart zoom boosts maximum magnification to a frame-filling 18x for W190 and 17x for W180 for even more dramatic close-ups. In other words, these cams are targeting entry-level consumers prone to enjoying a Big Mac and tattle-rag while shopping instead of doing any real pre-purchase research. Available starting July in silver, black, and red for "an outstanding value." Backside front, after the break.Continue reading Sony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zoomsFiled under: Digital CamerasSony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zooms originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 03:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/28/2009 4:05 PM (295d 14h 8m ago) |
| Latest cameras that do HD video |
| | (Credit: Kodak)
I still remember a conversation I had a couple years ago with a digital camera product manager about movie recording in his company's cameras and why it was limited to clips only 30 seconds long. His response was "our research tells us consumers don't use the movie mode or don't even know it's on their camera so it's really not a concern for us." YouTube and other video-sharing sites weren't exactly a secret at that time so the answer--regardless of research--seemed pretty off to me.
Since then, camera makers have been steadily rolling out improvements to movie recording. The main thing they've gone after--no surprise--is resolution. Slapping "HD" on a camera is the video equivalent of megapixels. Put "full HD" on a model and you'll really grab some attention. Squeeze an HDMI jack on the camera and you're in even better shape to sell some units to consumers interested in getting one product that takes good photos and videos and can play them back instantly on an HDTV.
One of the biggest missteps in this quest for the perfect movie mode, however, seems to be whether you get use of the optical zoom while recording. Kodak was one of the first, if not the first to add HD capabilities to its cameras. Its longest megazoom, the EasyShare Z980, is currently under review and like most of its other cameras features HD-quality movie capture with full use of its 24x zoom lens.
So, is a good movie mode crucial to a purchase decision these days or is it just one more thing manufacturers can slap on the box to up-sell you?
See the latest reviews of digital cameras in all types and sizes that capture HD video after the break.
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| | 5/22/2009 8:33 PM (301d 9h 40m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's 4GB WiFi Video cards now with more options for Internet regret |
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You know that video mode you haven't used since first bought your compact point and shoot? Right, the one that does 720p HD video if you've purchased a camera within the last 6 months? Well, Eye-Fi's back to remind you that it's now selling its $99 Eye-Fi Explore Video (with geotagging) and $79 Eye-Fi Share Video SDHC cards nationwide. They've also enabled video sharing with Picasa, Photobucket, and SmugMug in addition to Flickr and YouTube. The result is dead-simple, un-edited direct-to-internet video sharing without the need for a tethered computer. Of course, these cards work equally well for dumping your films and photos over WiFi to your Mac or PC at home -- but why live your life in a bubble?Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless, StorageEye-Fi's 4GB WiFi Video cards now with more options for Internet regret originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:38 PM (318d 14h 35m ago) |
| Ritz Camera store liquidations start Saturday |
| | In case some of you missed this Thursday, Ritz Camera--and by association Wolf and Kits Camera among others--is shutting down more than 300 stores around the U.S. as part of a court-supervised bankruptcy reorganization. This of course means stock liquidation sales, which will begin Saturday, April 4.
As ... |
| | 4/20/2009 9:20 PM (333d 8h 53m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's 4GB WiFi SDHC cards start to ship out |
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Nah, Eye-Fi's latest Secure Digital cards still aren't nearly as capacious (nor as cheap) as other alternatives on the market, but good luck getting that free-after-rebate 8GB SDHC card from IAWANNA Corp. to upload images via a wireless hotspot. We pinged the company today to see if the company's 4GB Explore Video and Share Video SDHC models were shipping out, and we were informed that orders placed over the web were indeed leaving the docks. If you're not kosher with handing $99.99 or $79.99 (respectively) over through the intertubes, both devices will splash down in stores starting on April 19th.Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless, StorageEye-Fi's 4GB WiFi SDHC cards start to ship out originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/09/2009 4:47 PM (344d 13h 26m ago) |
| Ritz Camera store liquidations start Saturday |
| | In case some of you missed this Thursday, Ritz Camera--and by association Wolf and Kits Camera among others--is shutting down more than 300 stores around the U.S. as part of a court-supervised bankruptcy reorganization. This of course means stock liquidation sales, which will begin Saturday, April 4.
As ... |
| | 4/07/2009 5:00 PM (346d 13h 13m ago) |
| Electronics innovation on track, despite the recession? |
| | The Wall Street Journal is out this morning with an analysis showing that, as major U.S. companies are cutting jobs and wages, many (including many consumer electronics companies) are still spending on innovation. Big U.S. companies spent nearly as much on research and development in the dismal last quarter of 2008 as they did a year earlier, even as their revenue fell 7.7%, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis. (Registration and a subscription is required to read the Wall Street Journal article online.) The sampling looked at 28 of the largest U.S. R&D spenders, excluding deeply troubled auto makers and the drug industry, where R&D spending is dictated by government requirements. The takeaway: On the one hand, the study suggests the flow of innovative new electronics products may not diminished by the recession as much as feared back in January, when electronics editor Paul Reynolds posted that "it's hard to imagine that the many job cuts announced by electronics sector, and the rumors of more to come from the likes of Sony, won't in some way affect development of new products." The WSJ analysis, which begins on page one of today's paper and turns to a full inside page, points out that many companies have “learned from past downturns that they must invest through tough times if they hope to compete when the economy improves.” It includes a cautionary comparison from the last major recession, when Apple boosted R&D spending even as their sales dropped while Motorola cut theirs by 13 per cent. The result: Apple launched the first iPods in the midst of the recession, and later saw its sales soar, while Motorola lost ground in developing sequel products to its hit RAZR cellphone, eventually losing ground. However, the piece also cautions that "the robust R&D spending may be temporary," and may in part reflect how long it can take to cut corporate budgets, including those for innovation. Also, the WSJ notes that some R&D is being retooled to deliver safer, short-term... |
| | 4/06/2009 4:03 PM (347d 14h 10m ago) |
| Nikon readies entry-level DSLR with articulating display for April 14th launch? (updated with spyshots!) |
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Word on the prismatic, hinged mirror streets of camera-land suggest that NIkon is preparing to launch "new products" for Spring. Rightful speculation made after a press invite was purportedly sent to a variety of photog publications announcing an April 14th launch event. Expectations vary widely as to what will be announced including a new entry-level D60-followup with 720p video on up to a D400 with 16 megapixel Sony CMOS. We even have the dubious photo above showing a Nikon with articulating display taken by a jockey riding a humor forum who claims to have been traveling "somewhere in Eastern Europe and stumbled across a commercial shoot for Nikon." Sure, that's believable. Fortunately, we're just over a week away from knowing for sure.Update: Well, well, what's this... we just received a big batch of spy shots that look authentic enough and clearly show what looks like a low-end Nikon with articulating display.
Gallery: Mystery NikonRead -- Articulating display spy shotRead -- April 14th press eventFiled under: Digital CamerasNikon readies entry-level DSLR with articulating display for April 14th launch? (updated with spyshots!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/06/2009 3:50 PM (347d 14h 23m ago) |
| Panasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th |
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While we patiently wait for the Micro Four Thirds format DMC-GH1 with 1080p video to pop for purchase, we have to feed on whatever retail crumbs we can grub off Panasonic. As usual, our Japanese camera overlords will have first dibs on this ¥150,000 (less than $1,500 when it arrives Stateside) bundle that includes a 14-140mm lens starting April 24th. Think about it; we've gone from zero to four HD-capable video DSLRs in six months. Ok, ok, three-plus actually, since Micro Four Thirds cams are technically not DSLRs due to the lack of an internal mirror and prism -- just humor us with with GH1's interchangeable lens mount, DSLR-sized sensor, and bevy of manual controls ok? Geesh.[Via PC World],Filed under: Digital CamerasPanasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/27/2009 3:54 PM (357d 14h 19m ago) |
| PMA 2009's photo finish |
| | (Credit: Matthew Fitzgerald/CNET)
For what it's worth, the consensus about the 2009 Photo Marketing Association show seems to be that it wasn't as bad as everyone expected. The mood was low-key, many of the booths were half empty, and several manufacturers were notably absent--like Adobe and Epson--while others only had meeting rooms.
Nonetheless, several announcements managed to generate some buzz, and most of the manufacturers I spoke with agreed that their business-to-business business at the show was quite productive. Despite the economy, tons of new products debuted, partly because planning takes place 6 to 12 months out. So it's likely that the first real signs of contraction will appear with the fall product lines. And, in fact, at least one manufacturer has already changed its dSLR release plans in preparation for tough times.
A random walk through PMA
The biggest hits of the show seemed to be Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, a CMOS-based megazoom with a novel shooting mode that creates panoramas on the fly as you pan across the scene, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, a video-capture enabled version of its interchangeable-lens G1. What has everyone excited about the camera is how much control you have over depth of field when... |
| | 3/10/2009 9:42 PM (374d 8h 31m ago) |
| Eye-Fi releases two SD cards, iPhone app |
| | Eye-Fi, maker of memory cards that can automatically upload photos and video to the Web, announced Tuesday its two new video-uploading SD memory cards called Eye-Fi Share Video and Eye-Fi Explore Video.
(Credit: Eye-Fi)
These two 4GB cards are capable of uploading photos and video clips to more than 20 ... |
| | 3/04/2009 5:38 PM (380d 12h 35m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi no longer video shy |
| | (Credit: Eye-Fi)
Eye-Fi's now ready to unleash its next generation of Wi-Fi SD cards on the point-and-shooting public. The Eye-Fi Share Video and Eye-Fi Explore Video cards, first announced at CES, extend the capabilities of their predecessors to support uploading video directly to YouTube and Flickr via Wi-Fi.
While ... |
| | 3/03/2009 5:07 PM (381d 13h 6m ago) |
| High-end ideas reshape compact-camera market |
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Compact-camera manufacturers have begun testing the waters with a wealth of high-end features as they search for new ways to gain revenue, market share, and recognition.
In earlier digital photography days, a camera with an extra megapixel of resolution, face recognition, or image stabilization could stand apart from the herd. But now that herd has grown larger, most folks who'll buy a digital camera already have done so, the economy has put consumer spending on ice--and camera makers are making some bolder bets with high-end features.
Among them: Nikon's built-in GPS support to record where a photo was taken, Casio's high-speed video, and the Micro Four Thirds camera system from Panasonic and Olympus.
Photos: Compact cameras race ahead of the pack
View the full gallery
Premium features aren't an easy sell. They tend to appeal to market niches rather than the mainstream. Early implementations are often rough around the edges. And it's hard enough to convince people to buy a new camera, much less one with the higher price of premium features.
But winning those customers can have a good payoff with better profit margins. And that's critical in this day and age. Market research firm IDC expects that after years of growth, the shipments of digital cameras will decline in 2009.
"It's crowded, and it's getting crowdeder," IDC analyst Ron Glaz said of the digital camera market. "We're anticipating that with the slowdown in economy and disposable income, we'll start seeing consolidation of the vendors." In other words, even though something in the neighborhood... |
| | 2/13/2009 4:30 PM (399d 13h 43m ago) |
| Better JPEG standard due in 2009 |
| | digg_url = 'http://digg.com/tech_news/Better_JPEG_standard_due_in_2009';
JPEG XR, an image format created by Microsoft that promises a number of advantages over JPEG, has cleared a key standardization hurdle.
The Joint Photographic Experts Group, which standardized the original and still ubiquitous JPEG format, sent JPEG XR to the "final phases of ... Originally posted at Underexposed |
| | 2/10/2009 5:35 PM (402d 12h 38m ago) |
| Nikon's budget models for spring |
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Photos: Nikon's 'lifestyle' cameras
... |
| | 2/10/2009 5:34 PM (402d 12h 39m ago) |
| Digital photography's missing manual |
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New York Times tech columnist and camera critic David Pogue attempts to take the mystery out of digital photography in O'Reilly Media's new release, David Pogue's Digital Photography: The Missing Manual.
In fairly concise, jargon-free terms, Pogue works to explain shooting, editing, and organizing pictures, and distributing ... |
| | 1/30/2009 4:39 PM (413d 13h 34m ago) |
| CES 2009: Digital imaging wrap-up |
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Most interesting camcorders of CES 2009
All things considered, this year's CES had a surprising amount of innovative--or at least interesting--tech for cameras and camcorders, beyond the usual bigger/faster/cheaper we've come to expect from the show.
Though each manufacturer took a different approach to pumping up its HD camcorder lines, they all ... Originally posted at CES 2009 |
| | 1/13/2009 4:53 PM (430d 13h 20m ago) |
| Attention geotaggers: Nikon GP-1 going on sale |
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Nikon's GP-1, a GPS tracking device that fits into the company's cameras and writes location data into image files, is starting to go on sale for a price of about $210.
The Nikon GP-1 lets people record location data directly in their photos.(Credit: Nikon USA)
Nikon announced the GP-1 in August along with the D90 SLR, ... Originally posted at Underexposed |
| | 12/04/2008 2:52 AM (471d 3h 21m ago) |
| Red cameras encroach on Canon, Hasselblad turf |
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The Red cameras come with a lot of not-so-cheap accessories.(Credit: Red Digital Cinema Camera)
Red Digital Cinema Camera, a new maker of high-end digital movie cameras, is expanding its turf closer to traditional camera makers such as Canon and Hasselblad.
On Thursday, Red announced a new range of modular camera designs that it plans to deliver mostly over the coming year and a half that can take not just high-resolution video but also still images. The move comes just as Canon and Nikon have begun adding video support to their SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras.
Red hopes to ship a large-format camera sensor in 2010.(Credit: Red Digital Cinema Camera)
Various new models from Red will be able to accept lenses from Canon, Nikon, and Mamiya, a move that could make them a more serious possibility for professional photographers, but the prices--thousands of dollars to tens of thousands--restrict this equipment to a very small market.
Certainly Red's new cameras will never be as widely used as video-enabled SLRs costing less than $3,000. But Red, if it can deliver on its promised road map, holds the potential now of shaking up professional markets. Its original Red One video camera did, winning high-profile accolades from Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson among others for its ability to outdo film.
What's unclear is how well cinematographers used to video will take to still imagery and photographers will take to video, but the two realms are certainly growing ever closer in the consumer market.
High-end sensors
The models come with a variety of high-end sensors: a 24-megapixel chip the size of the 36x24mm full-frame sensors in the top-end cameras from Nikon and Canon; a 65-megapixel 56x42mm sensor competitive with those in medium-format digital cameras; and one large "617" format sensor that measures a whopping 186x56mm and whose 28,000x9,334 pixel resolution comes to 261 megapixels.
Red divides these new camera models into two lines, the more compact Scarlet... |
| | 11/19/2008 5:12 PM (485d 13h 1m ago) |
| Eye-Fi celebrates one year with 4GB camera card |
| | Eye-Fi, the maker of camera storage cards that can also beam photos directly to a computer or Web site via Wi-Fi, on Wednesday celebrated its first anniversary with a new special-edition product.
(Credit: Eye-Fi)
It's called the Eye-Fi Anniversary Edition, and it offers 4GB of storage space for $129. ... |
| | 11/13/2008 9:04 PM (491d 9h 9m ago) |
| Nikon Coolpix S60 (Ashton's touch-screen camera) is pretty, fun, slow |
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Regular TV watchers have likely seen the Nikon commercial with Ashton Kutcher traipsing around a Hollywood cocktail party with a touch-screen camera--the Nikon Coolpix S60. (In case you haven't and simply must, here's the site dedicated to the campaign.) Turns out, that's exactly what the camera is ... |
| | 11/11/2008 11:20 PM (493d 6h 53m ago) |
| Camera firmware updates galore |
| | Nikon D300(Credit: CNET)
Generally, camera firmware updates fall into the random, infrequently occurring bug- or compatibility-fix category, and unless you've experienced the issues an update resolves, I suggest against updating your camera. Every now and then, though, an update comes out that--theoretically, at least--affects most or all users. ... |
| | 11/02/2008 2:02 AM (503d 4h 11m ago) |
| Nikon adds Wayport Wi-Fi to Coolpix |
| | (Credit: Nikon)
While many might still be questioning the usefulness of Wi-Fi cameras, I'm not one of them and neither is Nikon. The Coolpix S610c marks its sixth generation of cameras with integrated wireless. This time around, owners will be able to get wireless service from Wayport at more ... |
| | 8/12/2008 3:45 PM (584d 14h 28m ago) |
| Speedy Nikon Coolpix S610 ready to shoot in less than a second |
| | (Credit: Nikon)
Is your start-up performance sluggish? Does it take you a little longer than you'd like to get ready for action? Then the Nikon Coolpix S610 might be the cure you've been searching for, allowing you to go from zero to fully extended and ready to shoot ... |
| | 8/12/2008 3:44 PM (584d 14h 29m ago) |
| Touchy touchy: Nikon's Coolpix S60 jettisons bothersome dials, buttons |
| | (Credit: Nikon)Here, my friends, is 3.5 inches of touch-screen bliss on a compact point-and-shoot from Nikon, the Coolpix S60. The only buttons on it are for power and the shutter, everything else requires some finger-on-display action.
For example, should you want to take a portrait shot you'll ... |
| | 8/12/2008 3:44 PM (584d 14h 29m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi answers 'Where was I?' |
| | When we reviewed Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi card for digital cameras back in November, it was but a lonely single child in the company's product portfolio. Today, Eye-Fi announced the birth of siblings, creating a tiered product line of SD add-in cards that deliver Wi-Fi connectivity--and now more--to digital cameras.... |
| | 5/12/2008 5:40 AM (677d 33m ago) |