« August 2007 | Main | October 2007 »

September 28, 2007

Canon Digital ELPH SD870 IS Review

PhotographyBlog recently reviewed the Canon digital ELPH SD870 IS that features an 8MP sensor, 1/2.5” CCD, and a 4.6 – 17.3 mm focal length.

The little camera has an odd 3.8x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom. The f/number range is f/2.8 – f/5.8 and the camera features face detection for nine people and 1-point center auto focus.

In the end, PhotographyBlog scores the camera a 4.5 out of 5 stars and says it’s the best model in the IXUS line, though they say the images are blurred at ISO400 and its best to avoid ISO 800 and 1600 altogether. They did bemoan the lack of a viewfinder though.

Via PhotographyBlog

Posted by shane at 11:19 AM

Sony DCR-DVD508 Camcorder Reviewed

Sony’s best SD camcorder is currently the DCR-DVD508, which is a replacement for the Sony DCR-DVD505. The new camera has a 10x optical zoom, a 37mm filter diameter for attachments and an aperture range of f/1.8 to 2.9.

The camcorder records directly to DVDs and it has an optical viewfinder as well as a LCD screen. Optical image stabilization is featured and the camera can shoot in as little as 1.15 lux.

In the end, Camcorder Info says to skip this camera in favor of the DVD408 camcorder because they noticed issues with the new cameras CMOS sensor.

Via CamcorderInfo

Posted by shane at 11:07 AM

September 27, 2007

Toshiba Announces Four HD Camcroders

Toshiba announced four new HD camcorders this week that record to internal hard drives. Two of the new Toshiba cameras record in full 1080p resolution and two of the cameras record in 720p resolution and share similar specifications.

The GSC-A100F records 1080p to a 100GB internal hard drive for $1634, the GSC-A40F records 1080p to a 40 GB HDD for $1378, the GSC-K80H records 720p to an 80 GB HDD for $1116, and the GSC-K40H records 720p to a 40 GB HDD for $942.

Both of the A series cameras had a 10x optical zoom with f/1.8-2.8 and a focal range of 4.5-45mm. the K series cameras also have 10x optical zoom and all four cameras use a 3-inch TFT LCD.

Via Camcorderinfo

Posted by shane at 12:35 PM

September 26, 2007

Sanyo Announces the Xacti HD700 Camcorder

Sanyo announced a new member of the Xacti family today called the HD700. Sanyo promises the new HD700 to be 16% smaller and 10% lighter than the current Xacti HD2 model. The HD700 will be available in October for $599.99 in red, silver and brown.

Capable of shooting in 720p HD, the Xacti HD700 stored video and still shots at 7.1-megapixels to SD or SDHC memory cards. Sanyo also gave the tiny camera a 5x optical zoom and a 12x digital zoom.

Automatic “face chaser” function in still shots recognizes faces and adjusts the exposure to get clearer shots automatically. The 2.7-inch LCD screen rotates up to 285 degrees to allow for a variety of shooting angles.

Via Sanyo

Posted by shane at 11:56 AM

September 25, 2007

DPReview Hands-on Nikon D3 Preview

DPReview has a hands-on preview of the Nikon D3 DSLR camera. The D3 is the latest in the Nikon professional series of digital cameras. The D3 is an FX format camera with a 36 x 23.9mm 12.1 megapixel CMOs sensor.

ISO sensitivity is up to ISO 6400 with 25,600 as a boost option. The D3 also uses 14-bit A/D conversion, dual CF card support, a new image processor and 9 fps continuous shooting.

The full ISO range for the camera is 200-6400, supports DX lenses, fast operation with 12ms start up, a 41ms shutter lag, and the camera uses a 51-point auto focus system. The camera is set for availability in November 2007 at an undisclosed price.

Via DPReview

Posted by shane at 11:25 AM

Crayola Digital Camera for Kids

Crayola offers all sorts of items to help your child turn into an artist. If your child’s chosen medium is photography, Crayola has a digital camera just for them. The camera is made by Sakar and has a VGA resolution.

You won’t be blowing shots taken in a 640 x 480 resolution up for large screen prints, but your little ones can shoot their own pictures without you risking your real camera. Two colors are available, green and a purple.

The camera has a 1.3-inch LCD on the back to let the kids see the pictures they shoot. Software is included as well that allows the images to be turned into a storyboard and allows them to make puppets.

Via Sakar

Posted by shane at 11:16 AM

September 24, 2007

BenQ Unveils T800 Digital Camera

BenQ announced a new digital camera today called the T800, which is an upgrade to their T700 camera. The T800 is expected next month in Europe, Asia, and Latin America next month. There is no word at this time on if the camera will make it to America.

The cam uses an 8-megapixel sensor with a 3x optical zoom lens and a 3-inch LCD on the rear that features touch screen capability. The touch screen feature allows you to write memos for the images on the back screen.

Four color options will be available for the camera and it allows editing of photos on the camera. BenQ calls the T800 the world’s slimmest 3-inch touch screen camera. There is no word at this time on the price of the camera.

Via SlipperyBrick

Posted by shane at 1:06 PM

September 21, 2007

BenQ C840 8-Megapixel Camera

BenQ announced a new digital camera today called the C840. The camera features an 8-megapixel resolution and a 2.5-inch LCD screen that features face-tracking mode as well.

Also integrated is a shake-free mode to stabilize images while using the 3x optical zoom. It can shoot video as well at 720 x 400 resolution and has 15 different shooting modes.

ISO sensitivity is down to 1600 and the camera has 6MB of internal memory. Storage of photos and video to SD cards is supported as well. There is no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Via Digital Trends

Posted by shane at 11:22 AM

September 20, 2007

Aiptek A-HD Camcorder

Fans of YouTube and other online video sharing websites will be glad to hear that there is now another compact, cheap HD camcorder available to shoot your videos with. The Aiptek A-HD will retail for $169 and record in 720p at 30fps.

Storage is to SD/MMC cards and the camera is sized to fit comfortably into a pocket. The CMOS sensor is a 5-megapixel version that can record in 1280 x 720 (H.264), 720 x 480 (D1), and 352 x 240 (CIF). The camcorder can also shoot still images at up to 3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, and 2048 x 1536.

The camera has a 4x digital zoom and a 2.4-inch LCD screen along with built-in flash for shooting image sin dark environments. A/V out, component out and USB round out connectivity options for the Aiptek A-HD. Power is via a Li-ion battery charged via USB.

Via CamcorderInfo

Posted by shane at 11:37 AM

Leaf Reveals New AFi Medium Format Digital Camera

A camera company by the name of Leaf announced the start of a road show in Europe to show off their working prototype of a next generation AFi digital camera for professional photographers. The camera is specifically designed for high-resolution digital photography.

The Leaf AFi product line will include three models including the Leaf AFi 7, Leaf AFi 6, and Leaf AFi 5. The camera provides a 6 x 6 medium format camera solution in a compact ergonomic design.

The AFi series uses the latest Schneider AutoFocus digital lenses and uses 30 megapixel camera backs. A changeable viewfinder system is featured that allows for waist level of 90-degree prism view. The AFi cameras will be available towards the end of 2007 at an undisclosed price.

Via WhatDigitalCamera

Posted by shane at 11:24 AM

September 19, 2007

Canon Powershot G9 Reviewed

Wired Magazine recently reviewed the cool Canon Powershot G9. Wired called the camera small, powerful, perfect in its review. The G9 is a compact 12.1 megapixel camera that is sort of in between your typical point-and-shoot and a DSLR camera.

Wired says the menus and manual controls are plentiful, but learning the camera takes lots of tweaking. The good things about the G9 are the picture and video quality, RAW capture capability, hot shoe for larger flash and a good macro mode.

Bad points are the viewfinder is not needed with the large sharp LCD (I say pffffttt to Wired on that one) tons of modes and settings are staggering and overwhelming. For the price of the G9 you could buy some rather nice DSLR cameras. The G9 carries an MSRP of $500.

Via Wired

Posted by shane at 12:16 PM

September 18, 2007

Fuji's Colorful FinePix Z10fd Camera

Many camera users are no longer content with simple black or silver cameras to shoot images with. To meet the demand for more colors options manufacturers are releasing some interesting color choices.

Fuji today announced their new FinePix Z10fd digital camera that features a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD screen, 54MB of internal storage and face recognition built-in.

The face recognition technology can recognize 10 faces at once and choose exposure to get ideal shots of all faces. One other cool feature is the assortment of colors the camera is available in and the svelte 18.8mm thick body. Alas, the camera is currently only available in the Korean market.

Via Aving

Posted by shane at 12:22 PM

Nickelodeon and Imation Launch Digi Cams for Kids

Nickelodeon has teamed up with Imation to bring a line of Npower Gadgets to stores. The gadgets include digital cameras, digital frames, PMP devices and even a LCD TV. There are over 20 products in all in the Npower line.

Each of the products is branded with a character from Nickelodeon shows including the ever-popular sponge Bob. A Sponge Bob VGA digital camera will also be available for $39.95.

The camera has 3-megapixels, a 1.5” color LCD, 32Mb of memory and a built-in flash with a retail price of $79.99. There are also rugged digital cameras in Dora and Diego motifs with 1.2 megapixel sensors designed for younger kids that sell for $59.99.

Via Imation

Posted by shane at 12:03 PM

September 17, 2007

Leadtek Launches its First Webcam

Leadtek has announced the launch of their new webcam called the iCAM. The camera will record full motion video at 30 fps via UYSB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. The WinFast iCAM 200MA has 1.3 megapixels and records HD video.

The WinFast iCAM 100M provides a dynamic 2.0 megapixel, static 5-megapixel camera with a software enhanced maximum resolution of 2560 x 2058. This camera features six LED lights to shoot video in low light environments.

Software is included with both cams to allow for conversion of video to PSP an iPhone. There is no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Via Hardwarezone

Posted by shane at 12:41 PM

Pure Digital Flip Ultra YouTube Camera

There is a market for digital camcorders that record low-resolution video that is easy and well suited to uploading online for YouTube and the like. Pure digital has one such camera that fans of YouTube will enjoy.

The Flip Ultra is pocket sized and sells for around $179. It is available in black, white, red, orange, and green. The software needed to formatting the video is included pre-installed on the camera.

Internal storage space is 1GB, which allows for 30 minutes of video recording on the base model selling at $149.99, the Flip Ultra 2GB model records 60 minutes of video and runs $179.99. both versions offer 1.5” LCD screens and a tripod mount.

Via CamcorderInfo

Posted by shane at 12:32 PM

September 14, 2007

Webcams Look Like They are from Bikini Bottom

If some of Sponge bobs pals decided to turn to a life of webcam, this is what they would look like. Lili and Oscar are a pair of sea creature looking stuffed USB devices. Lili looks like an octopus and hides a web cam in her Cyclops-like eye.

Oscar on the other hand is a USB hub with four ports for USB 2.0 devices. There is no word on any real specifications for the web cam other than it has 1.3 megapixels.

It is a safe bet that the camera is low quality. However, those into recycled devices will like the fact that most of the components and even the packaging of the devices are recyclable. The price is about $60 for the webcam and about $40 for the hub.

Via Treehugger

Posted by shane at 10:30 AM

Kodak EasyShare V1253 HD Pocketcam

Kodak’s new EasyShare V1253 is the first compact camera with video capture that records in 720p resolution. The little cam has a 3x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel sensor.

The 720p resolution video is also captured at a full 30fps and sports built-in image stabilization. The bad points seem to be a proprietary USB adapter.

The rear screen is an ample 3.2-inch unit that takes up nearly the entire back of the camera. This is good considering the cam has no optic viewfinder. The MSRP is right at $300 and it should be available as you read this.

Via CrunchGear

Posted by shane at 10:18 AM

September 13, 2007

Nikon COOLPIX S51c is WiFi Capable

Nikon’s new COOLPIX S51c has some interesting features including an 8.1-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, optical VR image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD and more.

The auto adjust has an ISO setting of up to 1600 and one of the more interesting features of the camera is WiFi access. The WiFi capability combined with a deal Nikon has with T-Mobile allows the use of T-Mobile hotspots from the camera.

Nikon’s Picturetown online service and hotspot access allows you to upload your images online directly from the camera and email them as well. One single button press is all you need to mail images. The MSRP for the camera is $329.95.

Via Nikon

Posted by shane at 11:14 AM

September 12, 2007

Olympus' New 18x Zoom SP-560UZ

Olympus announced a new camera recently that is exactly what photographers looking to get real close to the action needs. The SP-560UZ has a monster 18x optical zoom, making it one of the biggest zoom cameras around.

Of course, at 18 x magnification, your shots will be blurry, but Olympus adds in image stabilization to help prevent that from happening. The camera has a 2.5” LCD and can go as high as ISO 3200.

While there is no official word on the price of the camera at this time, since it is a point-and-shoot a good guess would be in the $500 range. The camera uses an 8-megapixel sensor.

Via Mobile Mag

Posted by shane at 11:43 AM

Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000 Announced

Microsoft announced their latest LifeCam offering today, which is called the VX-7000. Like the other LifeCam webcams, the VX-7000 is optimized for Windows Messenger. The camera is slated for availability in September for $99.99.

The lens uses a glass element and has a 2-megapixel sensor that can record HD video. The VX-7000 can also take still pictures at 7.6-megapixels interpolated. A built-in Windows Live Call button makes video chat sessions a snap.

The lens is a wide-angle design with a 71-degree field of view. All the frequently used controls are easy to find in the LifeCam Dashboard. A one-touch blogging button for Windows Live Spaces allows for easy video blogging. The base is universal and designed to work with virtually all displays.

Via Microsoft

Posted by shane at 11:31 AM

September 11, 2007

DPReview Hands-on Preview of the Nikon D300

The guys over at DPReview have a hands-on preview of the new Nikon D300 DSLR camera. This cam is the upgrade to eh D200 camera that is about a year old. The autofocus sensor ahs 51-points and there is focus tracking buy color, scene recognition, picture control presets, six fps continuous shooting and a CF slot.

The LCD display is a 3” 922k pixel unit and the D300 has a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor. There is also a HDMI out for viewing images on a HDTV and the buttons are sealed against moisture.

The image processor used is the Nikon EXPEED and the sensitivity is ISO 200 -3200. With a battery pack the camera can even shoot 8 fps bursts. The D300 measures in at 5.8” x 4.5” x 2.9” and weighs 1.82 pounds.

Via DPReview

Posted by shane at 1:01 PM

September 10, 2007

Sony HDR-CX7 Camcorder Reviewed

Sony’s HDR-CX7 camcorder is up for review over at camcorder Info. This camera uses a 10x optical zoom lens. The camcorder can shoot still pictures as well as video in HD resolution. The camera stores pictures and video to flash memory cards.

Also included is a wireless remote control and it ships with a 4GB Memory Stick PRO duo card. The cables you need for transferring video to your PC and watch video on your TV are included as well.

In the end the camcorder was not the best that they have reviewed this year, but right at the top with a full list of specifications that an amateur filmmaker will love. The biggest drawback seems to be the price.

Via CamcorderInfo

Posted by shane at 12:58 PM

September 7, 2007

Tiny Stainless Steel Camcorder on the Cheap

ThinkGeek has a cool looking stainless steel clad camcorder that is tiny. The device can record DVD quality video at 600 x 425 resolution. Storage is to SD cards, which are not included.

The camcorder does have 64MB of internal memory to record video and still shots too and the SD slot supports up to 4GB SD cards. A built-in flash is included and the camera has 8x digital zoom.

The camera moves video to your Pc via USB and includes software to allow you to format video for iPod, PSP and cell phone use. The device is powered by an internal rechargeable battery. The CCD is 5.36MP and the camcorder sells for $199.99.

Via ThinkGeek

Posted by shane at 12:08 PM

Norcent Releases Boring but Cheap Digital Camera

Norcent announced the release of their DCC-725 digital camera that ships for free and sells for only $109.99. The camera uses a 2.5” TFT LCD for composing photos and it features a 3x optical zoom lens and a 4x digital zoom.

The camera has 15 picture modes and it has automatic white balance settings. Video recording is available at 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. the built-in flash has red-eye reduction modes along with auto, on and off.

Internal memory is 16MB and the camera has a SD card slot as well. Oddly, there is no mention of how many megapixels the camera has, but at this price you can bet it’s not that great. The best thing about this camera is the price.

Via Ecoustics

Posted by shane at 11:57 AM

September 6, 2007

Olympus Introduces Rugged Mju Cameras

Olympus recently introduces a new rugged digital camera called the Mju 795 SW designed for outdoor activities. The camera is water resistant to 10m, shock resistant, low temperature resistant, and resists dust and sand.

The image sensor has 7.1 megapixels and a 2.5” LCD screen along with 3x optical zoom. The camera can capture 30fps video and uses a TruePic III image processor.

Other features includes advanced gave detection and shadow adjustment. Internal memory is so miniscule they shouldn’t have bothered with only 14.7MB. however, more storage is available with xD cards. No word on price at this time, but the camera will be available in September.

Via SlashGear

Posted by shane at 11:54 AM

Sony Announces A700 DSLR Camera

Sony has their new A700 DSLR listed form presale at Sony Style. The new A700 has a 12.24 MP Exmor imaging sensor and uses professional lenses and accessories. The camera also uses Super SteadyShot image stabilization.

The camera uses Sony’s Bionz image processor and can shoot a continuous 5 fps at full resolution. An advanced pentaprism viewfinder helps you line up your shots and the auto focus sensor is an 11-point design.

The LCD screen is a 3” TFT and shutter speeds are 30 to 1/8000 sec in 55 steps. ISO speeds include Auto/160/ 200/400/800/1600/3200/4000/5000/6400. Storage is to Memory Stick PRO cards or CF cards. A remote is also included that controls the HD playback of shots onto HDMI TVs and the shutter. The camera body alone sells for $1399.99.

Via Sony

Posted by shane at 11:41 AM

September 5, 2007

JVC Camcorder with Vertical LCD on the Back

I remember when camcorders actually used tape and you had to look through the viewfinder if you wanted to see what you were filming. I never really liked having to look at what I was shooting from the side of a camcorder where LCD screens are located.

JVC has announced a new camcorder called the GR-DA20 which moves the LCD screen to the rear of the camcorder more like what digital still camera users are familiar with. The screen also tilts up and down for a wider range of viewing angles.

The guts of the camcorder are a 1/6” 800k pixel CCD sensor that records to MiniDV tapes. I admit that this is the first new camcorder I have seen announce din a while that still uses tapes. The cam does have some serious zoom, 34x optical to be exact and can record in 16:9. No pricing information is available at this time.

Via Crave

Posted by shane at 12:26 PM

PMP with Video Camera Sunglasses

If you like to make your own videos for your PMP and don’t mind looking like a major dork while doing it we have the gadget for you. The small PMP records video streamed from the shades.

All the glasses need to complete the geeky look is some paper tape around the nose piece. The small camera in the glasses uses a ¼” interline CCD and records at 510 x 492.

The device should work well in low light conditions as well thanks to a 0.5 lux rating and electronic shutter speed that goes from 1/50 – 1/100000. The real deal breaker here is the cost; this thing sells for $1652.

Via Coolest-Gadgets

Posted by shane at 12:14 PM

September 4, 2007

Hitachi Announces World's First Blu-ray Camcorder

Hitachi announced today a pair of new Blu-ray camcorders that both record at full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. both cameras will have 10x optical zoom and 2.7” LCD screens ad can take still images as well as video.

The Blu-ray discs that will be used are new 30cm size, and if you are considering buying one of these cameras I would certainly check the price of the media first, BD-R disks are still expensive.

One of the cameras records to Blu-ray disk only, though it can record to standard DVD media as well. The hybrid camera also has a 30GB internal HDD that it can record to that allows you to save 4 hours of video and then dub it to Blu-ray disk if you want. Each Blu-ray disk will hold 1 hour of HD video. The hybrid camera will sell for $1499 and the Blu-Ray only will sell for $1299.

Via Hitachi

Posted by shane at 1:11 PM