December 28, 2007

CNET Lists the top DSLR Cams for under 1K

You can spend well over $1000 getting a DSLR camera, but you don’t have too. CNET has a list of the best digital cameras for under $1000.

The interesting part about these relatively inexpensive DSLR cameras is that they all rated at least a very good in CNET reviews.

Sure you can go the full monty on any of these cameras with fancier lenses and run the price well over $1000 but for the new to the DSLR crowd the kit lenses will do just fine for starters.

Via CNET

Posted by shane at 11:27 AM

December 7, 2007

MSNBC Picks Best Camera Gifts for the Holidays

MSNBC has a list of the best camera gifts for the holiday sup from CNET editor Brian Cooley. The list helps shoppers not familiar with digital cameras know what to look for. The best lightweight camera is listed as the Sony DSC T2.

The best medium price camera for fast moving subjects is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3-K. the best high-end camera for serious photography fans is the Nikon D80.

The final camera on the list is the Canon PowerShot A570 getting the nod for the best camera for first time shooters or capsular photo takers. All the cams seem like good choices, but you can find tons more that will fit the bill for holiday gift giving as well.

Via MSNBC

Posted by shane at 12:29 PM

November 20, 2007

Sony Launches Two Pro Camcorders in the UK

Sony announced two new HDV camcorders in the UK today aimed at professional users. The HVR-Z7E and the HVR-S270E both feature interchangeable lenses, native progressive recording and hybrid media flexibility.

The Z7E is a handheld camera and the S270E is a shoulder mount version. Both use the new 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS sensor system. The sensor allows the cameras to shoot in low light conditions down to 1.5 lux.

Both use standard 1/3-inch bayonet mounting attachments for lenses and both sip with a 12x zoom Carl Zeiss optics lens. The cameras can record 60 minutes of video to a miniDV tape and record in 1080i resolution.

Via Sony

Posted by shane at 10:12 AM

November 7, 2007

Pen Camcorder Records Digital Video and Writes

There isn’t much in the way of details on this slick camcorder pen that Gizmag is reporting to be forthcoming from Pacific Defense. Supposedly, the pen will be able to record 30fps video and audio.

The form factor is a pen shaped device measuring in at 0.55-inch x 5.7-inch with the ability to send video wirelessly to other sources via Bluetooth. The camera is said to operate well in low light.

Recording can be activated by motion detection or when the mic picks up sound. The pen is supposedly still under development and specs are subject to change. As it is now video is stored to microSD cards. The camera is rumored to be headed to retail in March 2008.

Via Gizmag

Posted by shane at 11:43 AM

November 2, 2007

CNET Reviews the Handycam HDR-SR5C

CNET has a review of the Sony Handycam HDR-SR5C 100Gb camcorder. The camera was given an overall ranking of 7.0, equating to very good on the CNET scale. The camcorder has a touch-screen LCD, a 1100Gb HDD, and a 1/3-inch 2.1MP ClearVid CMOS sensor.

The camera can record in 1080i HD and shoot still images as well. The hard drive is large enough for 13 hours of video at full resolution. The good points of the camera were face index feature and a bundled dock. The bad points were no eye-level view-finder, no wind filter, no USB port on camcorder, and a small touchscreen.

The final verdict is that the camera isn’t worth the price due to video quality and performance. Seems odd to say the camera isn’t worth the money, and rate it a 7 to me.

Via CNET

Posted by shane at 12:51 PM

October 5, 2007

JVC GZ-MG155 camcorder Review

CamCorderInfo reviewed the JVC GZ-MG155 camcorder recently. The camcorder records to a HDD with 30GB of storage space and shoots still images stored to SD and SDHC cards as well as the internal HDD.

Optical zoom is 32x with an 800x digital zoom and the camcorder features image stabilization. Still pictures are shot at a resolution of 1632 x 1224 at its largest. The camcorder can shoot still images every 0.3 seconds.

The price for the camera is $600. In the end CamcorderInfo says the camera is an entry model and if image quality is you main concern, go for a MiniDV camera.

Via CamcorderInfo

Posted by shane at 10:40 AM

October 4, 2007

Sony Announce scompact XDCAM EX Camcorder

Sony recently announced a new entry level professional HD Camcorder called the XDCAM EX PMW-EX1. The camcorder is tapeless and uses the SxS PRO memory card for video storage.

Resolution is full 1080p but the camcorder can record in 1080i and 720p as well. Dual SxS PRO memory card slots are offered that allow users to record 100 minutes of 35Mbps HD footage, or 140 minutes of video at 25Mbps.

The cam also includes software to help manage the video and allows easy copying of clips to a computer for editing. The camera is expected to be available in November at an undisclosed price.

Via Hardwarezone

Posted by shane at 11:13 AM

October 1, 2007

VTech Kidizoom Camera

VTech makes all sorts of electronic learning toys for kids and recently they announced a new digital camera for kids called the Kidizoom Camera. The cam runs off four AA batteries and sells for a MSRP of $59.99.

The sensor used is only 0.3-megapixels, and the camera uses a double viewer or a LCD screen on the back for lining up shots. The cam has 16MB of internal memory, which is enough to store up to 500 images at the meager resolution the cam is capable of.

If you little shutterbug runs out of space, the memory is expandable via a SD card as well. Cables to connect the camera to the TV or computer are included and photo editing capability is included as well. Three built-in games or preschool kids are included and the camera uses changeable faceplates. The LCD screen is a 1.8-inch color LCD.

Via VTech

Posted by shane at 7:51 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 25, 2007

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 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

August 31, 2007

Estes Astrovision Rocket Takes Video While in Flight

When I was a kid I had a rocket set that shot hundreds of feet in the air from Estes. Estes is still around and has a new rocket out that will be selling at Hammacher for $59.95 and comes with a launch pad and controller.

The rocket has an internal digital camera that can shoot a whopping three photos per launch. The cam can also record video at 640 x 480 for 500 feet up.

Once the rocket comes back to earth you can transfer images and video to your computer via USB. The rocket uses C-size engines. From what I recall of the quality of the parachutes used to get the rockets back down, I would fear for the durability of the digital camera inside.

Via OhGizmo!

Posted by shane at 12:00 PM

August 24, 2007

Balloon Takes Pictures from over 22 Miles Above Earth

A group of guys in Canada got together and strapped a Nikon Coolpix P2 digital camera and an APRS tracking device to a big balloon and let it fly. The camera topped out at about 22.27 miles, or 117,597 feet above the Earth.

Once the balloon achieved this altitude, it popped and the payload parachuted back to earth where ground crews were waiting to snatch it up.

I can’t think this sort of thing would have flown (pun intended) in the U.S as I am sure the FAA wouldn’t appreciate a giant balloon floating around. The really impressive part was that the guys were able to get their gear back unharmed. The shots you see here were taken automatically at 1 minute intervals.

Via Gizmodo

Posted by shane at 12:44 PM

August 22, 2007

Are Disposable Digital Cameras Worth It?

If you have been in a CVs pharmacy you have probably seen the disposable digital cameras they sell. I always wonder what the point is of a disposable digital camera myself.

The Washington Post gathered up disposable digital cams from CVS, RiteAid and Ritz Camera and put them through their paces. They found that all three cameras were actually made by the same company.

Even with the same construction, both cameras from the pharmacies photo quality was deemed unacceptable in testing. Only the Ritz disposable was deemed decent enough. All three cameras allowed you to shoot pics, and then delete the ones you don’t want. The catch is they have to be taken back to the store to be developed; you can’t get the pictures into your own computer.

Via Washington Post

Posted by shane at 1:27 PM

August 21, 2007

Helmet Mounted Action Cam

If you are into sports like skate boarding, snow boarding, motocross or similar and want to record your antics for posterity, you can with the Helmet mounted action cam. The camera is small measuring in at 40mm in diameter and 110mm long.

Video is recorded at 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 at either 30 or 15 frames per second. There is 32MB of onboard memory for video storage and a SD expansion slot for more storage space.

In addition to being dust and shock proof, the Action Cam is waterproof to 3 meters as well. Once your video is recorded you can output the video to your PC via USB. You can get your own Action Cam at CrazyAboutGadgets for about $209.

Posted by shane at 12:26 PM

July 31, 2007

SeaLife ECOshot Camera is Seriously Rugged

Sports and sensitive electronics don’t always go together, one hard bump and your normal digital camera could be junk. SeaLife cameras is debuting a rugged sports camera that can take some hard knocks called the ECOshot.

The camera is said to be truly waterproof and shockproof. The 6MP camera uses the latest technology to capture fast action under different conditions with very minimal shutter lag.

The ECOshot is guaranteed waterproof to 75 feet or 25 meters and shockproof to 6 feet or 2 meters. SeaLife says they will be running over the ECOshot with a SUV during a live demo to shoe the cameras durability. Check out the video below to see one of their cams getting run over repeatedly and still working.

Posted by shane at 1:05 PM

July 25, 2007

Clarion DriveEye Records Accidents

Clarion DriveEye is a camera housed in a titanium enclosure that mounts to the windshield of your car. Inside the camera is a G-sensor that can sense emergency braking and begins to record video automatically to a 128MB CF card.

The camera holds 15 seconds of footage in the buffer from right before the crash occurred and keeps an additional 5 seconds in the buffer from after the crash. The footage can be moved to a computer later for help supporting a case against a lawsuit.

Currently the DriveEye is only available in Japan for about $412. The camera uses no moving parts to help reduce the chance that it is damaged in the crash that it is recording. You can also trigger recording manually if you just want to shoot footage as you race around town. Via Technabob

Posted by shane at 12:09 PM

January 1, 2007

3D Scanning Webcam

An interesting technique for scanning 3d objects has been created by [Jan].  The software is set with the preset background object and a laser line is run over it.  It seems that the software measures the form by the gaps in the lines as it passes over the form.  One measurements are taken the object is then created in the software.

[Jan] purports to have won the “work group for Patteron recognition” main prize in Berlin this year.  Better news worth telling is if it could work under anything besides Windows and .NET.

Via Hack A Day

Posted by eric at 6:09 PM

December 28, 2006

Waterproof Wrist Camera

For the types who collect the latest and the most unique looking technology, this one’s for you.  The Digital Hero Waterproof Wrist Camera is waiting for you to wrap it around your wrist and dive up to 30 feet under water.

This, for lack of a better description, 360 low-resolution monstrosity of a device (such an eyesore that it’s almost cute) is recommended, not only for underwater exploration, but for surfing and skiing.

It has a self-timer and other distracting bells and whistles… so watch out for that tree!  This one’s up to you.  You like.  You buy.  For $80 dollah!

Via Jaunted

Posted by eric at 7:44 PM

December 23, 2006

CameraBright's New Digital Photo and Video Camera

CameraBright, Inc. is making its CameraBright! Xacti Edition available through its photo-retail distributor Brandess Kalt Aetna Group, Inc. The CameraBright! X1-ER+ Xacti Edition light connects to any of the popular Sanyo Xacti Digital Media Video Cameras to improve picture and video quality in low and no light situations. What makes the CameraBright! Xacti Edition unique is that it compensates for the ergonomic and unique angle of the Sanyo Xacti camera len’s design.

There are four versions of the CameraBright! X1 lighting accessories. The X1-R Original, X1-W Warm White, X1-ER Extended Range and X1-ER+ Extended Range Plus.

Bar Brandess, CEO of Brandess Kalt Aetna Group, Inc. says, “BKA is very excited to offer the Exacti Edition light to retailers carrying the Sanyo product line.” Check out the entire product line in the BKA booth 70850 at the Sands during the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.

Via Market Wire

Posted by eric at 9:43 PM

December 13, 2006

Voigtlaender Unveils Unimpressive Vito 65

It almost seems as if Voigtlaender got pretty bored with its DM6365 camera’s name and decided to slap a less impressive name on the front of it:  Vito 65.

Even less impressive are the specifications, as they still hold true to the old DM6365.  The same old 3.48- x 2.17- x 0.75-inch enclosure; featuring a played-out six-megapixel CCD sensor, 2.5-inch LCD monitor, 32MB of internal storage, SD slot, 30fps movie mode, 3x optical zoom, built-in red-eye reduction, USB 2.0 connectivity, and PictBridge compatibility. 

The asking price is an exaggerated $265, but the price they’ve chosen, nevertheless. Needless to say I won't be asking for this camera for Christmas.   

Via engadget

Posted by eric at 9:38 PM

December 7, 2006

Hello Kitty Camera

Not sure which market KFE Japan is targeting, but one thing’s for sure this feline bejeweled camera caught our attention. 

  At first glance we’d figure this embellished digicam was fashioned for the much younger generation until we checked out the specs and price.  The Tink Pink X Hello Kitty DC571 is quite comparable to the DC500 sporting features like 5 megapixels, 32MB of internal memory, and a SD storage slot.  It displays photos on a 2.4-inch LCD, and a somewhat choppy VGA video at 20fps (or QVGA at 22fps).  It also supports USB 2.0 opposite of the 1.1 action on the previous model. 

After checking out the price of 24,000 yen ($217 US), we cancelled out the youth market and decided hands down on the… well, eccentric crowd. 

Via engadget

Posted by eric at 9:53 PM

December 2, 2006

Mobotix M22 IP Digital Camera

Paqwork’s M22 Industrial Network Camera has joined the new breed of intelligent IP cameras from Mobotix. The M22 is a professional network camera that can be used in extreme industrial environments, such as manufacturing and mining.  It can provide clear indoor/outdoor and day/night visualization. And with the 4X digital zoom and frame rates up to 30fps at VGA resolution this industrial device supports either security or process monitoring applications.

The M22 supports the full 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard, 30 frames per second at VGA resolution.  This tough device provides both two-way communications and lip synch audio and includes a built-in microphone and speakers with complete audio functionalities like Voice over IP and SIP telephony with simultaneous video.

Via Ferret

Posted by eric at 1:19 PM

November 28, 2006

5 Megapixel "Binocam"

Take these babies to a football game. The Pro View Binocam is a gadget with three different faces: It’s a pair of binoculars with an 8x zoom view that can take photos and record AVI video clips at 2.1 megapixel and 5.0 megapixels.

Pictures and videos can be viewed on the attached 1.5-inch LCD and can those same pictures and videos can be stored on SD memory cards. Any gadget that totes the amount of megapixels that this little gadget totes is worth mentioning. Get it for $200.

Via Gizmodo

Posted by eric at 11:25 PM

November 17, 2006

iLoupe Microscopic Digital Camera

Aven has magnified it’s presence with the iLoupe, a colorful, fun looking camera that’s ready for real business. This cute contrivance is a digital camera with a microscope add-on. “A microscope add-on??” You echo? Yep! You read it right.

This digicam was designed for forensic investigators, other field professionals, or anyone who need to peruse something pretty darn close. It can capture images at an intensifying 60x to 150x (minuscule, tiny barely seen by the naked eye). It’s available, but you have to call Aven for the price.

Via Gizmodo

Posted by eric at 10:06 PM

November 16, 2006

Hi-Tech Digital Camera Only On eBay

This digital camera is selling like hotcakes, but only on eBay (for such a ‘hi-tech’ gadget, you gotta wonder why).  This two-in-one film and digital camera has a 35mm motorized compact camera with auto-rewind and power-rewind combined, with a digital cam that takes 26 high resolution pictures and 99 at low.  

For a less than mediocre device, it’s a decent stocking stuffer at $38 (£19.99).

Via Gizmodo

Posted by eric at 1:17 AM

November 13, 2006

Fisher Price's Digital Camera

This holiday season it looks like one of the hottest selling digital cameras will be one with the lowest amount of features, the new Fisher Price camera. Thats right a digital camera is now a child's toy.

The Kid-Tough Digital camera not only will take pictures, but offers good resolution.  Up to 60 pictures can be viewed at once and can be uploaded via a USB cable.  If that’s not enough, this camera can be stepped on, thrown, chewed and abused in any child-like way and still perform.

Recommended for kids ages 3 to 7 years old. This tough device is going for $70.

Via Fox News

Posted by eric at 9:06 PM

November 11, 2006

PNY 2GB xD-Picture Card

PNY and Olympus have come together to create their highest capacity xD-Picture Card.  One thousand digital shots, with a camera resolution of 8 megapixels, can pull on this card’s source of a plentiful 2GB storage capacity.

The creators of this 2GB are content, but not satisfied and have reverted back to their laboratories to create xD-Picture cards that can reach up to 8GB for the Olympus digital cameras.  

PNY xD-Picture Cards are omnipresent, so you won’t have a problem finding one right in your neighborhood. 

Via dp review

Posted by eric at 1:43 PM

November 5, 2006

New Compact Lightweight Cameras From SUI

Fresh on the scene is SUI’s SU320KTX-1.7RT digital camera.  Weighing in at a fluffy 90g, the lightweight and ultra-compact KTX is available for industrial as well as military applications. The KTS was created for low-light conditions and day and night operation.

 The KTX provides 12-bit images and wide dynamic range for image processing and transmission. Offered as either an OEM imaging module or enclosed in a stealthy housing, both camera packages include a C-mount lens adapter and lens.

The KTS’s High quantum efficiency SWIR KTX is perfect for incorporating into surveillance, robotic or handheld systems and works just fine for all low-light-level imaging jobs, including astronomy, imaging spectroscopy, covert and fixed-site surveillance, laser applications, emission microscopy and machine vision systems.  OEM quantities are now available for shipping.

Via Nestor

Posted by eric at 8:04 PM

October 16, 2006

Single Pixel Digital Camera

A single pixel digital camera? That's right, researchers at Rice University in Houston Texas have developed a prototype camera that uses a single pixel image sensor. But it doesn't look like this technology will be hitting your local Best Buy anytime soon, the prototype takes up several square feet of a large laboratory workbench. Another drawback of the camera is that it takes five minutes for each picture to expose.

The process used is called Compressive Sensing light from an image is scattered using a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) and picked up using a single photodiode sensor.

DMDs are most commonly found in movie projectors, they're tiny microchips covered in mirrors and can be tilted back and forth. In this prototype camera the mirrors are randomly oriented and a snapshot of the scattered light is picked up by a photodiode. This process is then repeated several THOUSAND times and the data collected is them assembled into an image.

Via Tech Digest

Posted by eric at 4:25 AM

October 8, 2006

The SciTech Retiga 4000RV

The company SciTech has developed the new QImaging Retiga-4000RV CCD digital camera. This camera is designed specifically to preform in low light and high-dynamic-range applications.

This advanced camera is in a all-metal, vacuum sealed CCD chamber which provides extreme dynamic range for applications such as chemiluminescence, live-cell imaging, and fluorescence. The camera also has software-selectable regulated cooling which enables precise control in single-degree increments down to -30 °C.

  The camera has a 4-megapixel CCD, 12-bit digital output, and a IEEE interface. So unless you need a camera for these specific instances this isn't the camera for you. While a price has not yet been released my guess is this camera is not cheap. So if you're just looking for a camera for holiday pictures look elsewhere.

Via ferret

Posted by eric at 1:23 AM

October 4, 2006

Pretec Releases 16GB Compact Flash

Pretec sure likes to come out with rather large capacity memory cards, well just last month they came out with the 8GB SD card. While this time SanDisk actually beat them to the 16GB Pretec has been known to be the first with high capacities cards such as 3 GB in November 2002 and 6 GB in March 2003.





According to Pretec the demand for higher capacity and better performing flash cards has been increasing in our daily lives with introduction of ever higher resolution digital cameras and the emergence of new multimedia appliances and industrial applications. Over the last 10 years CompactFlash has seen a 4,000 times increase in capacity from the first announcement of Pretec 4MB CF card to today’s 16GB.

Press Release

Posted by eric at 11:43 PM

September 29, 2006

SW-D II Pro Super Wide Angle Camera

The second generation of the Horseman SW-D super wide angle camera unveiled at Photokina. The SW-D II Pro will feature additional mount compatibility for its interchangeable digital back system plus some new design improvements.

With its unique interchangeable system, the SW-D II Pro is now compatible not only with the Hasselblad "V" mount, but also Hasselblad "H" and Mamiya 645 mounts.

The new camera is a joint venture of Franke & Heidecke, manufacturer of Rollei medium-format cameras, and Komamura, maker of Horseman medium- and large-format cameras. The estimated price of the new camera is $2,799.

Press Release

Posted by eric at 10:03 PM

September 27, 2006

The Sigma SD14

Along with the DP1 Sigma has also announced a new digital SLR, the SD14. The new Sigma SD14 is similar to the more compact SD1 with its 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor and 17mm flash, but offers more advanced features for higher level photographers.

The new layout of control buttons insures quick identification of the desired functions and easy use of the multifunction interface in operating camera settings. Clearly marked buttons make it easy for the photographer to display and adjust the most important settings, namely ISO, resolution, JPEG quality and file type, and white balance, on one screen, using one button. The top LCD panel incorporates a backlight, which enables the camera to be easily controlled in low light or dark conditions.

Press Release

Posted by eric at 11:19 PM

September 23, 2006

SanDisk Extreme IV Reviewed

LetsGoDigital.com has reviewed the SanDisk Extreme IV memory card reader.

Quote: "Some developments are so ground breaking that you just have to give them your attention. Take the new SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash memory cards, for example; they are already ahead of things that have not even been put on the market yet. With the Extreme IV CF, SanDisk is so far ahead of the competition that they don't stand a chance of catching up with them in the foreseeable future."

Read the full Review

Posted by eric at 10:31 PM

Take 360° Shots With The Roundshot D3

Seitz has yet another amazing camera up their sleeves and that’s the Roundshot D3. The new Seitz D3 scan technology makes it possible to create a digital 360° panorama of impressive resolution in only 2 seconds and with very high image quality.

The new camera system is fully mobile and easy to operate thanks to a handheld device with a graphical touch-screen. Also the Seitz D3 sensor cassette can be fitted to other cameras, such as the new Seitz 6×17 Digital panorama camera, which makes the investment in the Seitz D3 technology well worth it.

The pricing for this camera is similar to the Seitz 6x17 panorama camera. The mobile version will be about $37,463 while the studio version is only $34,906. Both cameras are due to come out in early 2007 so place your preorder on their website now.Press Release

Posted by eric at 10:29 PM

Seitz 160 Megapixel Camera!

While most digital camera makers are making their cameras smaller and smaller Seitz has decided to go in another direction. They have just released a camera that is 19” x 6” x 3” and weighs 6lbs. The advantage to the rather large size is the ability to take 6 x 17 panoramas at 160 megapixels.

This camera is not for your average consumer though, with a price tag of $36,266 for the mobile version and $33,715 for the studio version. The camera has an ISO range from 500 to 10,000, a read-out speed of 300MB per second and a ridiculously fast shutter speed of 1/20,000th of a second.

One rather large problem for the rather large camera is the size of the photos. Each picture takes up about 1 gigabyte, so storage of more than a few shots is a challenge. The solution is that the camera sends photos right to a specifically configured Mac Mini via gigabit Ethernet.

Press Release

Posted by eric at 10:11 PM

September 21, 2006

Rollei Rolls Out Prego Cameras

With the big Photokina event less than a week away, some big digital camera news is bound to be hitting the papers in the next several days. That's what we've got here with Rollei. On Thursday they unveiled three new digital cameras, all from the Prego line of their "da" model cameras.

The Rollei da 1325 has 10 megapixles with a 2.5 inch TFT viewing screen and 3x optical/4x digital zoom. Boasting a compact size and "user-friendly operation", it will carry a retail price of 249 euros (roughly $320) when it comes out in October. The da 5325 Prego only has 5 megapixels, but also carries a 2.5 inch screen and optical/digital zooms of 3x and 4x, respectively. This one will also be out in October but will understandably be much cheaper, at 149 euros ($190).

Finally, the da 7325, which also sports a near identical build and feature list, falls right in the middle with 7 megapixels and a price point of 199 euros ($355).

Posted by eric at 9:44 PM

September 20, 2006

Digital Camera Lighter

Photographers are everywhere. First people could sneak a shot with a spy cam, then came the cell phone cameras and now a lighter camera?

Stealth has come up with the Digital Camera Lighter, looks just like a fancy lighter but houses a digital camera. The camera has a timer and continuous shooting functions. You can also upload your pictures via USB to your PC, which you'll have to do quite often since the lighter only holds about 30 high quality pictures.

To me doesn't seem that practical since everyone already has cell phones that take the same quality pictures. But at only $29.99 it could be a fun toy.

Get More Information

Posted by eric at 12:46 AM

The New Polaroid a520

When most people think of Polaroid they think of the auto-developing cameras, not digital cameras. And based on the release of Polaroid's newest camera the a520 is obvious they are not trying very hard to gain momentum in the digital market.

The a520 is nothing more than bottom of the line camera with 5 megapixels, a 2" screen, 16 MB of internal memory and SD support. This camera has no optical zoom, but instead has a 4x digital zoom.

While it's not the newest 10 megapixel camera with all the bells and whistles it is a very nice compact camera perfect for traveling or to always keep on you. This camera will be avalible in October for a very reasonable price of $85.

Get More Information

Posted by eric at 12:25 AM

September 12, 2006

World's Largest SD Memory Card

Until now you could only take an average of 2000 pictures before you had to change the memory card in your camera. But with the release of the 8GB SD card by Pretec you can not hold around 4000 pictures on your camera.

The only problem with this new memory card is that it is actually a new type of SD called SDHC which can only work with SDHC compatible host devices. So your current memory card reader would need to be upgraded.

Official Press Release

Posted by eric at 7:05 PM

July 12, 2006

The New Rollei dx63

We haven't seen a ton of cameras from the European company Rollei. It's been over a year since we last featured one, so the dx63 is of particular interest to us. It's a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical/4x digital zoom and a 3" TFT display. The camera supports the popular SD format, but only up to the 1 GB size. It's also got a USB interface.

You can record videos in VGA format. Essentially it's just your basic medium-end digital camera, but it does look a bit more slim than most, so it could be a good choice for those who don't like bulky cameras. Seeing these compact cameras makes me realize I need to upgrade mine to a more pocket-friendly size. But I digress.

Right now the dx63 is slated for a mid-July release in Europe for 299 euros (about $380).

Via LetsGoDigital

See other Rollei products

Posted by mark at 12:05 AM

June 24, 2006

Meet the World's Smallest Digital Camera

Digital camera records are being smashed left and right. Earlier this week, the highest meapixel sensor was unveiled. Now we have the world's smallest digital camera sensor. At 2.1 x 2.3 mm, it's about 5 times smaller than a MicroSD card, or in other words about a fifth the size of your fingernail.

Obviously the point of this device is for medical purposes (i.e. swallowing it so doctors can see what's going on inside you). The idea is to put it inside a pill and have the outer casing of the pill dissolve after you swallow it. Via Engadget

Posted by mark at 1:08 AM

June 22, 2006

Acer CP-8660 Announced

Acer, known mainly for their computer stuff, recently unveiled its newest entry into the digital camera world, the CP-8660. Sporting an 8 megapixel resolution and 6x optical/8.5x digital zoom, the CP-8660 looks like the typical run-of-the-mill medium-end digi cam.

The features it's boasting include anti-shake picture taking and a 2.8" LCD that Acer says is equipped with special technology that protects it from harmful effects of dust, etc. The CP-8660 also includes a fairly generous slate of built-in memory, a whole 25 MB worth. Additionally, there's an SD slot, apparently only supporting up to 1 GB SD cards. There's a video recording option as well, with videos of up to 640x480 pixels at 30 FPS. With PictBrige compatibility and a USB interface, it'll be easy to share your pics with your computer and other USB devices.

It's unknown at this point when this camera will be available, the spread of its availability, or how much it's going to cost.

Find deals on Acer products.

Via Mobile Whack

Posted by mark at 6:09 PM

June 13, 2006

Google's Picasa Web Albums Open For Business

Google today launched their new online photo sharing software, Picasa Web Albums.

Designed specificially for Google's Picasa photo editing software that launched in 2004, this new service allows you to actually share your photos through Google, instead of similar sites like flickr.

You get 250 MB of space for free, which pretty much blows the competition out of the water. Also, you can buy an additional 6 GB for a yearly fee of $25, making Picasa Web Albums just about the only Google service that you may end up paying for.

Right now, it's available by invite only (all you have to do is enter your Gmail address and you'll get an invite), on a first-come first-served basis. Go to picasaweb.google.com to get a PWA account.

Posted by mark at 11:45 PM