Pentax has introduced yet another set of rugged point-and-shoot cameras, the Optio WG-2 and WG-2 GPS. Both feature backlit 16-megapixel sensors capable of shooting 1080p video at 30fps, while a "microscope" mode utilizes a ring of six LEDs to light shots as close as 1cm from the lens.
Wireless networking specialist Trendnet is showing off its additions to its Wi-Fi network range extenders and IP camera lines at CES with a total of 13 new products, most of the new models of IP cameras for home, SOHO and small-to-medium business (SMB) markets. Already offering 23 models of IP camera, the company has outed another 12 models to be launched over the next six months. The company also added a 300Mbps "N" range extender.
Polaroid is attempting to bridge the gap between smartphone cameras and regular point-and-shoot cameras with its new Polaroid SC1630, a "smart camera" powered by Android. The 16-megapixel, 3x optical camera features a touchscreen display and built-in Wi-Fi receiver, allowing users to upload pictures to various social networks and geo-tag pictures. The camera also shoots video and has a feature that can auto-organize images in the camera by date, location or faces.
Casio has announced several new EXILIM compact cameras. The flagship model is the EX-ZR200, a 16.1 megapixel compact which uses a 12.5x optical zoom lens, and supports 1080p video recording. Light sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to 3200, and the camera also includes features such as Rapid Shutter and Premium AUTO PRO modes, the latter automatically enabling the likes of HDR, night scene, and anti-shake functions as needed.
Across the net online retailers are offering Black Friday price cuts on digital cameras and camcorders. Save 50% on the Fujifilm FinePix F505 digital camera that features 16MP resolution, CMOS sensor and 15x optical zoom, plus it includes a 4GB class 10 SD memory card all for only $199 at Amazon.com. On the low end of the pricing scale is the Flip MinoHD pocket digital camcorder, which features a 2-inch LCD screen and 60 minutes of video capture for $39.97 after $20.02 in instant savings at TigerDirect.com.
Sony has reportedly resumed production operations for its Alpha and NEX cameras that were being manufactured in areas affected by the recent record-breaking floods in Thailand. To bring the operations back up to speed, the company is said to have moved production from the inundated Ayuthaya site to a plant located further south in Chonburi.
Apple has posted a new Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update, v3.9. The patch extends support for different RAW formats within Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11. Newly supported camera lines include Nikon's 1 J1, 1 V1, and CoolPix P7100, as well as Sony's NEX-5N, Alpha SLT-A65, and Alpha SLT-A77, and Olympus' PEN E-PL1s, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1.
Polaroid has introduced its latest digital camera, the Z340, which resurrects aesthetics from the company's instant-film cameras of the '80s. The large build enables the camera to integrate its own printer, which produces 3x4-inch prints that feed out of a slot on the front panel. A 2.7-inch display can be used for previews or photo editing, with options for cropping or adding artistic frames.
Adobe has posted the final editions of the Lightroom 3.5 and Camera Raw 6.5 updates. In both circumstances the software adds support for over 20 cameras. Consumer-level additions include the Fuji FinePix F600EXR, Nikon Coolpix P7100, Pentax Q, and Ricoh GXR Mount A12, as well as Olympus' E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1, Panasonic's DMC-FZ150, DMC-G3 and DMC-GF3, and Sony's NEX-C3, NEX-5N, SLT-A35, SLT-A65 and SLT-A77.
Apple has posted Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.8, a new add-on for OS X Lion and Snow Leopard. The download expands the number of native RAW formats supported by iPhoto '11 and Aperture 3. RAW files represent unprocessed photo data, unlike the JPEGs many cameras default to.
DSLR buyers are reportedly mostly satisfied with cameras' image quality, though some users are left desiring improvements to shutter speed and durability, according to the JD Power and Associates 2011 DSLR survey. The report measures five groups of factors: picture quality; durability and reliability, including battery life; features, such as zoom and image stabilization; ease of operation; and shutter speed/lag time.
Pentax has launched an entirely new camera system, labeled the Q. The platform aims to compete with Micro Four Thirds SLRs, but with Pentax's own Q-Mount lenses. The company claims it is offering the "world's smallest and lightest body" for an interchangeable design, constructed using a magnesium alloy. Like many small DSLRs, the Q lacks an optical viewfinder; users must rely on a three-inch LCD with 460,000-dot resolution and a viewing angle claimed to reach 170 degrees.
Medium-format camera maker Leaf has released Leaf Capture 11.5, an update of its workflow tool for digital cameras. The software handles capture, processing and editing, as well as necessary file management. Version 11.5 includes major upgrades of the firmware for Aptus II camera backs, amongst which is a new interface with options like favorite settings and an outdoor mode, which has better visibility.
Samsung has revealed several prototype cameras, including several square models and three compact designs. The prototypes, which were shown in a picture on the company's Imaging Blog, include a retro-styled design that resembles a Leica X1 or Fujifilm X100. The square camera mimics the appearance of some medium-format mirrorless cameras.
Sony is reportedly set to introduce a range of new photography gear early next month, including the NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 cameras, a 30mm macro lens, and a NEX flash. Leaked information posted on Photo Rumors suggests the A35 DSLR will integrate a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, with an ISO range up to 12800, while a new tele-zoom high speed shooting mode offers continuous autofocus. The camera is also said to offer 7fps shooting, 15 AF points, built-in HDR processing, and 1080p video recording.
Daily upload stats of Apple products used to create photos submitted to popular photo site Flickr reveal, unsurprisingly, that the cameras on the iPad 2 are not particularly popular for photography, particularly when compared to other Apple mobile products. While users upload about 4,400 photos per day taken with an iPhone 4, a mere 22 per day on average upload a photo taken with an iPad. Various factors could be behind the disparity, including the large gap between numbers sold of each model -- but the consensus is that the iPad 2's camera is simply better suited for video than still images.
Israeli medical device company Medigus has created what it claims to be the world's smallest video camera, with a diameter of just 0.99mm. The technology is geared for medical applications that require a small-diameter endoscopic device, potentially enabling new procedures that prove impossible with the larger cameras currently in use.
Corroborating earlier rumors surrounding a mirrorless Pentax camera, several press photos have finally surfaced. The images are tied to the model NC-1, which is said to represent one of the smallest mirrorless cameras to arrive on the market, while the company is also alleged to be working on a second mirrorless system with a larger build.
Apple and Canon are laying the groundwork for a future collaboration, Canon Rumors alleges. Information is scarce however, to the extent that even the focus of the collaboration is unknown. Apple has a variety of digital imaging products which Canon might want to become involved with.
Sony has introduced two new superzoom point-and-shoot cameras, the CyberShot DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V. Both models integrate 16.2-megapixel Exmor R sensors capable of recording 1080p video, 3D content, and 42.9-megapixel "Sweep Panorama" stills when the user rotates the camera. The new cameras also allow users to capture three-megapixel still pictures while shooting movies.
FujiFilm announced five new FinePix S-Series cameras at CES2011, the FinePix S3200, S3300, S3400, S4000, and S2950. All five cameras have 14-megapixel CCDs, Fujinon electric zoom lenses, 3-inch preview displays, and mini-HDMI ports. They take stills at 1080p HD resolution, and record 720p HD video at 30fps. The differences between the models are the length of the zoom and resolution of the LCD viewscreen. The S4000 is the best of the bunch with 30x optical zoom and a 460K-pixel LCD.
Sony has announced a collection of new Cyber-shot cameras for CES. Five of these -- the TX100V, TX10, HX7V, WX10 and WX9 -- are all 16.2-megapixel models capable of capturing 3D stills, including panoramas, notably using only a single lens and imager. The TX100V is claimed to be the first compact camera capable of 1080p60 video, while the other four in the group are limited to 1080i60.
Canon announced three additions to its compact Powershot A-series cameras capable of shooting 720p HD video: the A3300 IS, A2200, and A1200 digital cameras. The new cameras offer 32 presets for different lighting and shooting situations and a blur reduction feature. A new Discreet mode turns off the auto-focus assist beam, sound, and flash, for taking pictures when those features would be a distraction. For those consumers new to digital photography, the cameras come with an easy-to-use interface for adjusting brightness, vividness and color tone.
Eye-Fi has debuted a new feature for its X2 cards, Direct Mode (website not updated). The option blends Eye-Fi cards and Eye-Fi mobile apps to allow direct transfer between a camera and an iOS device or various smartphones. The process occurs wirelessly, eliminating the need to use additional hardware.
Kodak announced two new HD pocket video cameras, the ultraslim Playfull and the rugged Playsport. Both are autofocus cameras with digital image stabilization and smart face-tracking, and take full 1080p HD video and 5-megapixel still photos. A dedicated Share button activates built-in software for easy uploading via USB to PC or Mac to popular social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr. The Share function also works with international social media sites Orkut, Yandex, and Kainxin001.
onOne says it is preparing an iPad edition of its DSLR Camera Remote app. Called DSLR Camera Remote HD, the app will use a new interface, with features like larger previews and quicker access to functions like auto-bracketing. It should also have upgraded, gesture-based preview commands, and the ability to start, stop and monitor video on compatible Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
Today's deals from DealNN include a wide range of bargain priced items from iPods to digital cameras. Most notable is Newegg.com's Shell Shocker deal of the day, which is on the refurbished Olympus Stylus Touch 6000 10MP digital camera, which has been cut from $139.99 to $99.99. The Olympus Stylus Touch 6000 is waterproof, freeze-proof, shoots in panorama, has 5x digital zoom and 3.6x optical zoom, as well as dual image stabilization.
Following several weeks after the last beta release, Adobe has posted the final version of Camera Raw 6.1. The software supports various cameras' RAW formats within Photoshop. New is support for 10 more cameras, including the Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i), Kodak Z981, Sony A450, Panasonic G2 and G10, and the Olympus E-PL1 and E-600.
DXG has unveiled one of the first consumer-level cameras capable of recording video in 3D. The DXG-321 allows users to record standard-definition video and still images in either 2D or 3D. A flip-out 3.2-inch LCD works as a viewscreen during recording, while the company also includes a seven-inch LCD display that shows 3D content without requiring special glasses.
Canon has published a new plugin for Mac owners of its DSLR cameras, simply called EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1. Users can import video directly into Final Cut Pro, Apple's professional editing suite. In particular the plugin takes advantage of Final Cut's Log and Transfer technology, which permits marking and tagging clips that are still on camera. The video is then transferred in the background so that editing can begin as soon as possible.
Following several teasers, Pentax has finally announced availability information and detailed specs for its upcoming 645D medium-format camera. The DSLR integrates a 40 megapixel sensor manufactured by Kodak, along with a SAFOX IX+ autofocus system providing 11 sensor points. Like many other Pentax cameras, the 645D features a semi-rugged body with 70 seals for resistance to dust, water and low temperatures.
Apple on Thursday released a RAW compatibility update for Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09. Version 3.1 expands the list of supported cameras to include the Hasselblad H3DII-50, Leica M9 and X1, Olympus E-P1 and E-P2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, Pentax K-7 and K-x, and Sony's DSLR-A500, -A550 and -A850.
Apple may be looking into improving the consistency of video input on its handhelds, a newly exposed patent application suggests. The problem, Apple comments, is that the manufacturing process for camera modules can create subtle flaws, for instance altering lens thickness or color behavior. To address the issue, Apple is proposing the use of captured "video images of colored light," which would serve as a reference point for calibrating a camera's biases.
Canon has announced a new plug-in for Final Cut Pro, EOS E1. Set to appear on Apple's website later today, the software is designed to import video from a handful of Canon's DSLR cameras. The current compatibility list includes the EOS-7D, the 5D Mk. II, and the 1D Mk. IV.
Panasonic is set to expand its line of LUMIX digital cameras with several new models in the FH- and FP-series, along with the DMC-F3. The FH cameras are designed with slim profiles and 28mm wide-angle lenses, with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x optical zoom with the FH3 and FH1. The FH1 integrates a 12.1-megapixel sensor, providing slightly less resolution than the 14.1-megapixel components in the FH20 and FH3.
Olympus's CES offerings this week include six new camera models, divided between the company's Stylus and FE collections. The Stylus 7040 is a 14-megapixel camera, with a three-inch LCD, and a 7x lens providing the equivalent of a 28-196mm SLR range. The camera uses both optical and digital image stabilization, and supports 720p video recording as well as sensitivities up to ISO 1600.
As a part of its CES unveilings, Casio has announced four new EXILIM cameras. The first, the FH100, is rated at 10.1 megapixels, and uses a 10x optical zoom lens. Its primary feature is burst photography, allowing users to shoot stills at up to 40fps; when active however, burst speeds limit users to 30 shots and a resolution of 9 megapixels. A separate high-speed movie mode records at up to 1,000fps.
Kodak has unveiled several future EasyShare cameras, all contained within the company's M series. Like the Slice, the new EasyShares all have a dedicated Share button, which tags photos and video for later uploading to sites like Flickr, Facebook, YouTube and Kodak Gallery. Face recognition technology is said to make it easier to locate photos with particular individuals.
Continuing its CES-related announcements, Canon has revealed four new A-Series PowerShot cameras: the A490, A495, A3000 IS and the A3100 IS. The group has been enhanced in several ways, most notably with increased light sensitivity ranging up to ISO 3200. The cameras have also been made compatible with SDXC cards, which will store up to 2TB when the format launches ahead of March.
Swann Security has introduced its latest all-in-one security system, the DVR4-2500 recorder kit with support for Internet viewing. The package consists of four indoor/outdoor video cameras, a DVR4-2500 recorder and remote control. Video can be recorded locally, while web-based utilities can be used to access the live feed from an Internet-connected computer or iPhone.
Apple has been hit with a lawsuit over its use of digital camera technology, according to reports. The case is being processed through the US District Court for Delaware, and specifically charges Apple with violating four different patents in the manufacture of the iPhone. The plaintiff, St. Clair Intellectual Property Consultants, is demanding damage compensation and a jury trial.
Imagine Products has introduced new versions of its ShoutPut Pro and ProxyMill applications, which support workflows for Canon 5D Mark II and JVC ProHD digital cameras. ShoutPut Pro delivers tools for managing HD digital media, enabling users to make secure copies of a memory card or hard disk’s contents, in up to three locations, along with the ability to create Blu-ray or DVD archivies. ProxyMill is an HD conversion software, that allows users to create HD Log files, to customize QuickTime codec, image quality or bit rates, and to make low-resolution H.264 or MPEG-4 QuickTime movies.
Sakar International has launched a new line of Kodak webcams, which includes a driver-free webcam, the S100; an auto focus webcam, the T130; and a webcam with a three megapixel sensor that produces HD quality video, the P310HD. The series also features the W100, an entry level model, and a two megapixel auto focus webcam called the L200. The new Kodak line of video cameras can automatically connect to IM and VoiP services including AOL, MSN Instant Messenger and SKYPE -- which automatically launches the designated application without the user having to navigate their computer to open the program.
Several image leaks allegedly show upcoming Leica cameras, the X1 and M9, according to Leica Rumors. Unconfirmed specs point to a full-frame 18.2 megapixel sensor on the M9, up from the current 10 megapixel component. The camera is also claimed to offer improved noise performance at high ISO settings, while adding an SD card slot and a free copy of Adobe Lightroom.
Samsung's Tap and Take teaser campaign is finally over and has revealed a pair of point and shoot cameras that add a front-facing LCD screen for helping users compose self-portraits. The 1.5-inch front LCDs adorn both the DualView TL225 and TL200, with both sporting 12.2-megapixel sensors. Instead of pressing the shutter button to capture the image, the front screens can be touched (the tap part of tap and take) to focus the camera and capture the image. Also, Samsung announced the CL65, which sports Wi-Fi connectivity and geo-tagging capabilities.
After an unexpected delay, onOne says it has at last submitted DSLR Camera Remote 1.1 to the App Store. The update was originally intended to debut in mid-July, but was postponed due to the need to test all functions with every supported camera. Central to v1.1 is support for Nikon cameras, including the D40 and D40x; the D60, D80 and D90; the D3 and D3x; the D200, D300 and D700, and lastly the D5000. Bulb mode is not an option with any Nikon camera, but all LiveView-capable models should allow live autofocus.
Deals from DealNN today include a variety of items from MacBooks to digital cameras. Most notable is a price drop on the 13.3-inch unibody MacBook from MacMall.com, it is now priced at $924.99 after mail-in-rebate. The unibody MacBook features a 2.0GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive as well as a glass multi-touch trackpad, built-in iSight webcam and microphone.
Olympus has announced the Stylus-7010, an upcoming compact camera. The model relies on a 12-megapixel sensor, backed by a TruePic III image processor. Distinguishing the 7010 from rivals is the presence of a 7x zoom lens, providing range equivalent to 28-196mm on a full-sized SLR sensor. Hardware image stabilization is handled through sensor-shift technology.
The Olympus E-P1 is now shipping to the US through Amazon. The camera avoids the common SLR profile and instead has a more retro look that resembles the former Olympus PEN cameras. Although the camera is visibly smaller than an SLR, the E-P1 features a large DSLR sensor and removable lenses. The 12-megapixel camera is the first Olympus to incorporate the Micro Four Thirds system and, unlike Panasonic's cameras using the system, does not include a electronic viewfinder above the 3-inch LCD. However, an optical add-on viewer is available.
Brushed Pixel has announced Catapult, a new Aperture plug-in designed to integrate external RAW photo converters. Supported software currently includes Adobe Camera Raw, typically associated with Photoshop, and Nikon's proprietary Capture utility. Catapult automatically exports RAW files to one of the converters, and imports the resulting JPEG or TIFF files, all the while stacking versions together to keep photos organized.
