My Digital Camera Universe

Multi-Functional Digital Camcorders From Mustek

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:33:00 +0000

The new Mustek DV700TZ and DV530TZ camcorders are simple to use as point-and-shoot cameras. These new camcoders are designed to be very compact and portable with multi functions such as built-in digital still camera, digital voice recorder, MP3 player and webcam.

The DV700TZ features 3X optical and 8X digital zoom with 7.0 megapixels CCD sensors and equipped with 2.5inch LTPS swivel LCD displaying 720 X 480 resolutions at 30fps. A 64MB internal memory is not very ideal for video capturing but you have the options to add more storage using its SD memory slot.

The cheaper DV530TZ features a 5.3MP CCD sensor for recording 640 x 480 video at a fluid 30 frames-per-second in MPEG-4 format. As with the DV700TZ, there is also WAV-format voice recording, MP3 music playback, and webcam capabilities.

The DV700TZ will cost you $299 and DV530TZ will retailed for $229.

(c) www.slashgear.com

Canon Announces Five New Consumer Cameras

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:51:00 +0000

Canon expands its consumer camera portfolio

While Canon's new professional-level 10.1 megapixel 1D Mark III D-SLR may be hogging much of the spotlight this morning, the company also has five new consumer models on tap.

First up are the new PowerShot A570 IS and the PowerShot A560. Both cameras feature 7.1MP image sensors, DIGIC III image processor, 4x optical zoom, 2.5" 115k pixel LCD display and Canon's new Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology. The A570 IS ups the ante by including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The A570 IS and A560 will both be available in March at a price of $279.99 and $229.99 respectively.

PowerShot A570 IS

Next up is Canon's PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph and PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph. The cameras both include a 7.1MP image sensor, DIGIC III image processor and 3x optical zoom. The SD750 offers up a 3" LCD display, weighs less than five ounces and measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 0.75". The 4.5 ounce SD1000 includes a 2.5" screen and is smaller than a deck of playing cards. The SD750 and SD1000 will both be available in late March at a suggest retail price of $349.99 and $299.99 respectively.

PowerShot SD750 Digital Elph

Lastly, Canon showed off its new PowerShot TX1 which doubles as a digital camera and an HD video recorder. The 3.5" x 2.4" x 1.1" TX1 features a 7.1MP image sensor backed with Canon's DIGIC III processor and 10x optical zoom with image stabilization. It also incorporates a 1.8" Vari-Angle LCD display into its 7.8 ounce stainless steel body. The added bonus is that the TX1 can capture 30 FPS high definition 720p video.

PowerShot TX1

"We developed the PowerShot TX1 digital camera for people who appreciate its vast technological advances in both still and movie digital imaging and developed one, very compact, very powerful, very easy to use camera that provides high-resolution still images and HD movie capabilities as well," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group for Canon U.S.A.. "The PowerShot TX1 digital camera is the fulfillment of Canon's innovative thinking and vision that mixes the best of photography and video features like never before."

The PowerShot TX1 will be available in March for a suggested retail price of $499.

(c) www.dailytech.com

CES 2007: Casio unveils Exilim V7 - 7x optical zoom compact

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 02:44:00 +0000

This latest addition to the EXILIM series offers 7.2 megapixel picture resolution along with a 7x internal optical zoom. Despite the large zoom it is still enjoys a pretty slim form factor (just 1" thick) and that makes it the thinnest 7x zoom camera available. You can also pop into 3 megapixel shooting mode and enjoy a 10x zoom using digital enhancement without a drop in picture quality.

The new Auto Tracking AF function follows moving subjects, keeping them continuously in focus until the photo is taken and it uses a newly redesigned EXILIM 2.0 image processor. It also boasts a mechanical CCD image stabilisation function that works alongside Casio's Anti- Shake DSP to keep image blur to minimum.

Along with the usual array of picture modes, it has a new ebay mode. The eBay Best Shot takes photos at a size that is optimised for display on eBay, allowing you quickly create photos for selling items on eBay. eBay Best Shot mode also includes Auto Macro, a setting designed for capturing images of small items such as jewelry, tags, etc.

(c) www.techdigest.tv

Hitachi DZHS500A DVD&HDD Camcorder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 02:22:00 +0000

The DZHS500A Hitachi DVD&HDD camcorder brings the convenience of a hard drive (faster access, larger storage capacity) and the unlimited storage capacity of removable optical discs

I tend to use HDD-only camcorders because they have a smaller footprint, but other people told me that they prefer to have a removable storage system such as mini-DV or DVD because they feel like they can’t run out of storage – even thought they rarely use more than one tape or a couple of DVDs. With the DZHS500A, users don’t have to choose anymore.

The Camcorder is a bit bulkier than HDD camcorders, a detail that important to me. Hitachi has an entire line (think: price segmentation) of DVD&HDD camcorders that unfortunately don’t support HD formats at the moment.

(c) www.uberzigmo.com

Kodak's Rainbow of Budget Cameras

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:08:00 +0000

Real men eschew girly frivolities like manicures, facials, and gizmos in colors other than black or silver. But real men aren't buying enough cameras on their own, so Kodak's offering the choice of ten colors (including black and silver) on its EasyShare V803 and V1003 to entice ladies and men who read Details. The hues are midnight black, java brown, pink, red shimmer, cosmic blue, mystic purple, golden dream, slate grey, silver essence, and a super-cool white glaze that resembles the porcelain finish on antique kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

For just $199, the 8-megapixel V803 is a sharp looker that contrasts with the clunky My-First-Digicam style of similarly-priced models from companies like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and well, Kodak. If you want to blow an extra $50, plus more money for memory cards, you can get a 10-megapixel sensor in the otherwise-identical V1003 version.

We didn't get a chance to take sample photos, but at least one spec is promising: Kodak upped the light sensitivity to ISO 800 to improve the chances of picking up something recognizable in a dark setting. (Most previous Kodaks were stuck at a wimpy ISO 400 level.)

And Kodak finally got smart enough to make a camera that can remember its settings -- like ISO, white balance, and resolution -- after you shut if off (long a given capability from rivals such as Canon). But to keep it from being truly useful, Kodak makes you specify individually which item should be remembered and which should keep resetting to default when the juice goes out (which happens often because of power-save modes on digicams). So instead of a single "reset" button, you get a screen full checkboxes. Hmmm...that's a slight improvement.

Kodak also modified the "Favorites" button so that pressing it actually saves a copy of a photo to the camera's internal memory. Uh, we thought it already did that -- as did most of Kodak's PR team. (Instead, it used to just tag a photo as a "favorite" for when you upload it to Kodak's PC software.) Well, at least they finally installed a feature we thought they always had. – Sean Captain

(c) www.gizmodo.com

Celestron VistaPix IS70 Hands-on

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 15:01:00 +0000

CES Unveiled – This imaging spotter has a 14x optical zoom, is capable of snapping 3MP pictures and also supports continuous video (relay, not record). At around $500, it might fill a void where consumers often have the choice between a cheap camera with a minuscule zoom or a DSL-R with an excellent zoom and image quality, but at a prohibitive price. it will not replace a camera, but if you’re into observing at a distance (think wild animals), this might be handy. Because there's no image stabilization, we recommend the use of a tri-pod.

(c) www.ubergizmo.com

JVC HD Everio: Full Consumer HD?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 14:55:00 +0000

The lines between prosumer and consumer have been become even murkier...err...though sharper...with JVC's new HD Everio.

The notable statistic is that the HD Everio records in a full 1920 x 1080i resolution, earning it the billing as the "World's first full HD consumer camcorder". Sure, we've all heard of HD camcorders before, even at the "consumer" level, but most record at a scaling 1,440 x 1,080 resolution. JVC's new HD Everio equates to a 1:1 pixel ratio to most HD TVs, meaning that even HD can be sharper than it was previously.

Other specs include three 1/5-inch CCDs (meaning that each basic color gets its own chip) and HDMI, USB 2.0 and iLink (IEEE 1394) connections. The 60GB hard drive will provide quite a bit of storage for the suggested $1799.95 price tag in April.

I know, the first question on most of your minds is "no 1080p?". Just hold on. The JVC HD Everio is a huge step in the right direction of Gizmodo's definition of full consumer HD. I'm just excited at the prospect of Hollywood wetting their pants when 15-year-old boys everywhere are shooting in HD. Also, JVC has released a line of hard drive-based camcorders with the GZ series.

The GZ-MG555 part of the 5-model Everio hard drive camcorder line. All of these SD models feature 10X zoom and 30GB hard drives that can store what we are sure is a ton of MPEG2 video. Using the bundled dock, from which you can burn DVDs directly from the Everio hard drive, or use to back up source footage to PC. Keep in mind that MPEG2 doesn't do well when edited natively, so you may need to do some conversion if you are going for the family video Oscar this year. Oh, and this bad boy takes 5 megapixel stills. $900 in March. Finally, JVC is also releasing/updating their mini-DV line. Look for pretty standard stuff here, other than the notable F1.2 34X optical lenses, new 2.7-inch LCDs and a tiny 1/6-inch 680K CCDs (one per camcorder). JVC claims to have improved battery consumption by 50% with this mini-DV line, which is also promising.

Once again - we'll let you know what we think when we get our hands on these new models. But so far, JVC is looking good. – Mark Wilson

(c) www.gizmodo.com

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens Review at The Digital Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:31:00 +0000

The Digital Picture has posted their review of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens where they write - "The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is going to be purchased by those who want the best image quality they can get from f/1.2 to f/2, by those needing a more-pleasing background blur quality than the other two 50s deliver, by those requiring the least amount of lens flare in their results or by those who need/want the best quality (build) lens they can get. I can't say that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is a good value, but I do think it is worth the price to serious photographers who need what it can deliver."

(c) www.livingroom.org.au/photolog

Stop misleading 'image stabilization' labels

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:27:00 +0000

Here at dpreview we're always pleased to see new technological innovations which lead to genuine improvements. However one thing which has become annoying is the increasing use of the label 'Image Stabilization' or 'Anti-Shake' to describe nothing more than a (noisy) high sensitivity mode. In our product database we only give a 'yes' flag to those cameras which implement image stabilization in the true sense, as either stabilization of a lens element or of the sensor itself (on a shifting platform) which allow you to take a blur free shot at slower shutter speeds. Some manufacturers prefix with 'Digital', however to the average consumer this isn't enough to correct what is a misleading and confusing description.

Phil: Turning up the ISO helps to freeze the action (although only if the camera primarily increases shutter speed rather than stopping down aperture) however on the cameras we're talking about here (compacts) sensors are so small that this also means a decrease in image quality thanks to more noise and noise reduction. We would like to see an end to the use of the word 'Image Stabilization' where no physical stabilization mechanism (lens shift or sensor shift) exists, a better description would be 'Low Light mode' or 'High Sensitivity mode'. We get tens of emails a week from confused consumers who assume when they see a label like 'Image Stabilization' or 'Anti-Shake' they are getting optical stabilization.

Some examples of this misleading labelling can be seen below:

"It also features an electronic anti-shake function that delivers beautiful movies by minimizing blur from shaky hands."
"...and the camera comes with ----- ’s Anti Shake DSP to reduce photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects."
"...intuitive controls, large displays, and long battery life. And the series continues to break new ground, with the recent introduction of functions like Anti Shake DSP, which reduces blurring due to unsteady hands or moving subjects, and the Super Bright display."
"...between the camera’s eight different programmes (including Image Stabilisation Mode with ISO 800), relieving users of the chore of having to make their way through countless menus."
"...which touts two 7.0 MP sensors, anti-blur technology and..."
"...with anti-blur technology, can be carried where bigger, bulkier high-zoom digital cameras cannot — in a pocket while skiing, in a small purse during a day on the town, or on a wrist while hiking."

A better description, although still somewhat confusing to the average consumer:

"...this model features an easy-to-use Blur Reduction High ISO mode to help reduce the effects of camera shake and subject blurring for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera adjusts shutter speeds automatically to an ISO as high as 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds."

(c) www.dpreview.com

Fujifilm Finepix A610

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:25:00 +0000

The Fujifilm Finepix A610 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

The A610 has an ISO range of 100-400 and is compatible with both SD and xD cards to back up its 10 megabytes of internal memory.

It is the little brother of the A800 and will be priced at $129 when it's released in March.

Fujifilm Finepix A610 (and A800) News Release
FUJIFILM UNVEILS FIRST 8-MEGAPIXEL ENTRY-LEVEL DIGITAL CAMERA

Expands A-Series Line-Up with Two New Models

It is now easier and more affordable than ever for consumers to capture high-quality, natural-looking photographs at the click of a button. FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today raised both the picture-taking and purchasing power of first-time digital camera buyers with the launch of two new models, the six-MegaPixel FinePix A610 and eight-MegaPixel FinePix A800.

More than half of all digital camera purchases in 2006 were made by first-time buyers. Almost 60% of these first-time purchases totaled less than $200*. Designed specifically for the first-time digital camera buyer or consumers seeking an easy-to-operate upgrade to their current digital camera, Fujifilm’s A-Series models provide users with a choice of digital cameras that offer top-notch image quality at consumer-friendly price points.

The FinePix A800 is the first model in Fujifilm’s A-Series line-up to sport an eight-MegaPixel Super CCD Sensor and the first to incorporate light sensitivities of up to ISO 800 at full resolution. Borrowing a page from Fujifilm’s more advanced camera models, the FinePix A800 shoots at higher light sensitivities with less noise than comparative models. This results higher quality “natural light” photos and less blur in images as the FinePix A800 matches these higher light sensitivities with faster shutter speeds.

Fujifilm’s A-Series digital cameras are among its most popular models and the FinePix A610 should help continue this trend. This camera has the same comfortable design as the FinePix A800 and is priced right for the first-time digital buyer. In a first for Fujifilm’s compact digital camera range, the FinePix A800 and A610 both feature a “xD/SD Compatible slot”, which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards, but also Secure Digital (SD) cards.

In addition to the highlights previously referenced, Fujifilm’s new A-Series models offer the following attractive features:

• New icon-based Graphic User Interface (GUI): Fujifilm debuts its intuitive icon-based graphical user interface on the FinePix A610 and FinePix A800. When users switch shooting modes, scene positions or control settings, a brief explanation of the setting is momentarily displayed on the LCD screen, taking much of the guess work out of digital camera operation.
• Fujinon Lens: The 3x optical zoom lens for both cameras was developed specifically for the A-Series by Fujinon, a Fujifilm sister company and leading provider of broadcast-grade television lenses.
• Internal memory: When the xD Picture Card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have a little extra internal storage space on each camera to capture additional pictures. A great storage fall-back option for the most active picture-takers.
• Mode Dial: The FinePix A800 is the first A-Series camera to feature a mode dial, allowing users to easily toggle between camera, playback and movie recording modes.
• Single slot compatibility with both xD-Picture Card and SD storage media
• Large LCD: 2.5-inch LCD display with anti-glare properties
• Scene Modes: A wide range of scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions. The FinePix A800 has 2 shooting modes and 17 scene positions and A610 has 2 shooting modes and 14 scene positions.

The FinePix A610 and FinePix A800 will debut in March 2007 with retail prices of $129 and $179, respectively.

(c) www.livingroom.org.au/photolog

Lexar JumpDrive 360

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:23:00 +0000

CES 2007: Lexar Press Release

Lexar Debuts New “Capless” JumpDrive® 360, Plus Recently Upgraded and Award-Winning JumpDrive Mercury with PowerToGo™ software, and New JumpDrive Secure II and Firefly Models with Greater Capacities --

Fremont, CA , January 5th, 2007—Lexar Media, Inc., a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, will exhibit its broad lineup of JumpDrive® USB flash drives at CES 2007, including both new and upgraded models. Most notably, the company is introducing JumpDrive 360, an innovative “capless” drive encased in a stylish rotating metal jacket. In addition, the company is demonstrating its JumpDrive Mercury with PowerToGo™ software and showcasing its new 8GB JumpDrive Secure II and JumpDrive Firefly drives. All Lexar JumpDrive products will be compatible with Windows Vista, and all the company’s speed-rated drives will be enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost™.

Introducing JumpDrive® 360: No More Lost Caps!
Thanks to its innovative capless design and tough rotating metal jacket, JumpDrive 360 elegantly solves a common problem faced by many flash drive users – namely misplacing the cap. Available in 1GB and 2GB capacities, JumpDrive 360 offers total ease-of-use, durability and reliability, with the high-speed performance and vast capacity that lets users quickly transfer large amounts of data.

Adding to its functionality, JumpDrive 360 comes pre-loaded with Lexar’s PowerToGo mobile computing software. Lexar is also bundling the company’s popular Secure II software with JumpDrive 360, which features 256-bit AES Encryption to secure folders and files so consumers can easily store and protect valuable files, data and images.

Farshid Tabrizi, General Manager, USB Products at Lexar, noted: “At Lexar, our approach to the flash drive market is to create a broad line of differentiated products that offer high-quality, reliable solutions geared toward virtually all lifestyle needs, from simple “basic storage” to advanced features and capabilities, including application portability and security.”

Newly Upgraded JumpDrive Mercury with PowerToGo
Lexar’s recently upgraded and award-winning speed-rated JumpDrive Mercury USB flash drive provides users with enhanced performance, as well as the advanced PowerToGo mobile computing software platform. The innovative Mercury also features a convenient built-in capacity meter that lets the user know how much memory is available even when power is removed. JumpDrive Mercury also comes preloaded with Lexar Secure II security software. (Existing JumpDrive Mercury customers can get a free version of PowerToGo software simply by visiting http://www.lexar.com/PowerToGo and downloading a full version of the software at no additional cost.)

JumpDrive Firefly: Functionality and Fun
Lexar’s JumpDrive Firefly, now available in capacities up to 4GB, will soon be available in an 8GB model. A super portable, fun and functional drive, the Lexar JumpDrive FireFly also has a tethered cap for security and a distinctive blue “tail light” LED that blinks during data transfer, letting users know exactly when a transfer job is complete. The 8GB edition will be available in March 2007.

Lexar’s popular JumpDrive Secure II Upgrades Capacity
The dashboard onscreen interface of Lexar’s JumpDrive Secure II makes it easy for consumers to navigate all of the advanced security features. Users can quickly create secure files on either the USB flash drive or on the host computer using the new unique ‘Encrypted Vault’ feature. Simply drag and drop files into the ‘Encrypted Vault’ to automatically secure them with on-the-fly 256-bit AES encryption. When files are dragged out of the ‘Encrypted Vault’ they are automatically decrypted.

Another useful feature of the Secure II software is the File Shredder that discards files including the ‘digital trail’ normally left behind when files are deleted. Files that have been deleted using the File Shredder feature cannot be recovered by file recovery tools. JumpDrive Secure II 8GB will be available in March 2007.

About Lexar Media, Inc.
Lexar, a subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc., is a leading marketer and manufacturer of NAND flash memory products including memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers and ATA controller technology for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial and communications markets. Lexar also sells memory cards under the Kodak brand.

About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets DRAMs, NAND flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components, and memory modules for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking and mobile products. Micron’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit http://www.micron.com.

Lexar, JumpDrive, PowerToGo and the Lexar logo are trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. Micron is a trademark of Micron Technology, Inc. Windows, Vista and ReadyBoost are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Pentax Optio E30

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:19:00 +0000

The Pentax Optio E30 is a new compact digital camera from Pentax that features a 3x Optical Zoom, 2.4 inch LCD screen, 7.1 megapixel image sensor and 11 megabytes of internal memory.

The Pentax Optio E30 is powered by a AA battery and will retail for $149.95 and should hit stores in February.

Pentax Optio E30 News Release

PENTAX OPTIO E30 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA ANNOUNCED

PENTAX Imaging Company introduced the PENTAX Optio E30 compact digital camera today in advance of the upcoming Consumer Electronics (CES) Trade Show in Las Vegas. Named for the easy-to-use line of PENTAX compact digital cameras, the Optio E30 offers 7.1 effective megapixels for exceptional high-resolution photography.

Featuring AA battery compatibility, the Optio E30 is a convenient travel companion that uses less power and captures up to approximately 200 photos with alkaline batteries or 760 shots with lithium AA batteries. A helpful Green mode allows new digital camera users to enjoy effortless picture-taking, while additional features include a large 2.4 inch LCD monitor, a 3X optical zoom, and 11 MB of built-in memory.

The PENTAX Optio E30 will be available in February 2007 for US $149.95 and will be displayed along with the full line of other PENTAX products in Booth 31577 in South Hall 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES 2007.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

(c) www.livingroom.org.au/photolog

National Geographic All Roads Photography Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:18:00 +0000

Company Invests Time, Resources, and Website Marketing Tools to Train Young Photojournalists to Build Their Business

San Francisco, CA. – January 2, 2007 – LiveBooks, Inc., the leading provider of editable portfolio websites for professional photographers, continues to support emerging, talented photojournalists with its sponsorship of National Geographic’s “All Roads Photography Project” by providing the winners of this year’s international competition with a hands-on workshop about web marketing best practices and their own liveBooks personalized website. Through the liveBooks participation in this competition winners are able to gain an understanding of how to leverage the web to increase the exposure of their work and how to capitalize on that exposure with professional marketing skills.

The All Roads Photography Project, now in its third year, recognizes and supports talented indigenous and minority-culture photographers from around the world who are documenting their changing culture and communities through photography. In addition, the program provides a forum for photographers to showcase their unique perspectives to a global audience through exhibitions and panel discussions and offers all winners workshop and networking opportunities.

Andy Patrick, President and CEO of LiveBooks, explains that the company’s involvement in the project goes well beyond providing winners with custom Websites. “We teach them the importance of marketing themselves and their photography,” says Patrick. “Obviously a great Website is one very important way to market your work, but the liveBooks workshop with the photographers also prepares them for interviews, client meetings, marketing services they can implement and other personal interaction skills they need to succeed,” Mr. Patrick added.

“LiveBooks is a wonderful marketing tool and will help these young photographers market their work to potential clients in ways they’ve never had access to before” says Chris Rainier, Director of the All Roads Photography Project and a world-renowned National Geographic documentary photographer.

“The aim of the All Roads Photography Project is to provide indigenous photographers with opportunities to tell their stories in their own voices. The project is an exciting forum for indigenous and minority-culture storytellers to bring their lives, experiences, and cultures to new audiences and we are very excited to have the support of companies like liveBooks to help further our cause,” Rainier added.

For a complete schedule of traveling exhibits and film festivals from the All Roads Film Project, please visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/allroads

About All Roads
All Roads is a National Geographic initiative supporting films by and about indigenous groups and under-represented minority culture filmmakers. The All Roads Film Festival is a multimedia event comprised of cutting-edge film, videos, live music, photography, and art from cultures around the world. It offers audience members an opportunity to immerse themselves in a cultural experience that is both insightful and deeply personal. All Roads also features seed grants for indigenous and under-represented filmmakers and photographers, and networking sessions for project filmmakers.

About liveBooks, Inc.
liveBooks, Inc. is the leader in on-demand Website creation, management and marketing services for photographers requiring a rich, image-intensive online presence. As creative professionals ourselves, the liveBooks team understands the passion behind our customers’ work and their need to easily upload, edit, market, send and sell images within a Website they can create within minutes without the need for programming or design skills. The liveBooks Website supports photographers’ creative vision with full-screen, high-quality images that download quickly, an intuitive navigation system based on input from photo buyers, and a professional design aesthetic to help develop their business.

(c) www.photographyblog.com

Fujifilm Finepix IS-1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:16:00 +0000

The Fujifilm Finepix IS-1 is a fairly specialised camera in that it is aimed that those needing to do infrared photography (scientists, dentists, police or just keen enthusiasts).

Based upon the S9100, this camera allows infrared photography without the normal filters needed with most digital cameras. Instead - to use it as a normal digital camera you need an infrared 'cut filter'.

The Fujifilm Finepix IS-1 has a 10.7x optical zoom, 9 megapixel super CCD HR sensor and ISO of up to 1600.

It will ship in February 2007 and will have a retail price of $899 USD.

Fujifilm Finepix IS-1 News Release

THE IS-1 IS FUJIFILM'S NEWEST INFRARED DIGITAL CAMERA

Fujifilm continues to lead in the area of alternative light photography with today’s announcement of the IS-1 digital camera, Fujifilm’s latest model for capturing images in the infrared light spectrum. The IS-1 was developed for use in the law enforcement, medical/dental and science fields and is a follow-up model to the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR D-SLR.Like the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR, the IS-1 will help law enforcement officers solve crimes by capturing evidence not easily seen by the human eye. It can be used in both the visible and infrared light spectrums, making the evidence-gathering process more efficient and accurate.

For example, the IS-1 has a continuous live preview feature, an advantage during infrared photography for focusing and composing when using dark lens filters. It also has an articulating LCD, which simplifies the processes of previewing, capturing and reviewing photos – especially when the camera is in a laboratory environment. Its 10.7x, 28-300mm optical zoom system is built-in, minimizing dust, making operation a snap for forensic photographers.

Through the use of an infrared cut or “hot mirror” filter on the lens, the IS-1 can capture a visible light image very close in quality to that of a standard digital camera, adding flexibility and cost-effectiveness to the overall package.

“The FinePix S3 Pro UVIR has been well-received in the forensic and scientific markets, and we anticipate an even better reception for the IS-1 digital camera in these same channels,” remarked Darin Pepple, Marketing Manager, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.

“Law enforcement and scientific departments often contend with very restrictive budgets so a product that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations, without draining too much of their resources, is quite appealing.”The IS-1 digital camera features a nine MegaPixel Fujifilm Super CCD sensor and ISO 80-1600 (in case of capturing a visible light image) capabilities. The camera's high sensitivity range, made possible by Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology, enables IS-1 users to capture images using visible and infrared light (approximately 400nm –900nm). Users can apply lens filtration to isolate specific wavelengths to achieve a desired effect. In addition, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization technology uses the heightened sensitivity of the IS-1 and high-speed shutter settings to reduce blur caused by camera shake and subject movement. This easy-to-access feature is selectable on the mode dial and allows the IS-1 to choose the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed automatically for the highest quality digital pictures.

HS-V2 Software: The inclusion of Fujifilm's Hyper Utility Software HS-V2 version 3 enables IS-1 photographers to explore the full potential of the camera's RAW file format. This program also provides law enforcement investigators with side-by-side image comparisons along with metadata analysis, a useful tool when examining images of blood stains, documents or other forms of evidence.

Priced at $899, the IS-1 will be available at select authorized dealers in the United States in February 2007. For a dealer list, interested parties should visit www.fujifilmusa.com. Infrared and infrared cut filters are optional.

(c) www.livingroom.org.au/photolog

Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:14:00 +0000

CES 2007: Canon USA Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2007 (CES Booth #12606) – Canon’s new DC50 DVD Camcorder is a dream come true for discerning video enthusiasts and photo buffs seeking an easy way to take, view and share vibrant video and spectacular photos. Canon’s flagship DVD Camcorder starts with the convenience that direct-to-DVD recording offers and then packs advanced video features and photo power, exclusive engineering excellence and intuitive imaging expertise into a compact camcorder that is the soul of simplicity to operate and the master collector of memories for years to come. The Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder incorporates a robust 5.39 Megapixel CCD Image Sensor with an RGB Primary Color Filter that provides vibrantly colored video and brilliant five megapixel photos.

Combined with the range of optical advantages and technological advances beginning with its high quality, genuine Canon 10x optical / 200x digital zoom lens, the DC50 DVD Camcorder delivers the stellar image quality resulting from Canon’s experience and heritage as an optics company. The zoom lens on the DC50 DVD Camcorder goes beyond simply drawing the far off subject close in and bringing the distant vista near. With Canon’s smooth zoom control, the user can select one of three steady zoom speeds that maintain their constancy regardless of how hard the user presses on the zoom button.

“Canon continues our commitment to translate the best technology for imaging professionals whether their specialty is broadcast video or still photos into a user-friendly form that consumers can easily enjoy,” says Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The DC50 DVD Camcorder delivers on that promise many times over, with its potent mix of the latest technology and optical excellence.”

Canon’s Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps correct camera shake almost instantly even when the camera is hand-held and in motion, or the zoom is held at a long focal length. The “lens shift” type OIS employs both gyro and vector detection methods, compensating for a greater degree of camera shake while avoiding the loss of image quality typical in electronic image stabilization systems. What’s more, the OIS system can be engaged to steady the camcorder shake when shooting five megapixel photos, further enhancing the functionality of this dual-purpose camcorder.

The Canon DC50 DVD Camcorders accept three-inch DVD-R/-RW discs, which can store up to 60 minutes of video on a single layer disc, or up to 108 minutes of video on dual layer discs. Canon chose the DVD-R format to ensure high compatibility with a range of DVD players, both old and new. DVD allows consumers to easily locate scenes without having to rewind or fast forward, to create playlists of favorite scenes and can even do some quick editing right in the camcorder.

DIGIC DV II
Canon’s brilliant (and proprietary) video and still image processor, the DIGIC DV II, is the brains behind the dual purpose Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder. The DIGIC DV II image processor is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive signal processing technology. In addition to recognizing the different color requirements of video and photos, and processing both to their optimal level of quality, DIGIC DV II processes video with improved color reproduction and dramatically reduces noise in low-light situations.

Advanced Photography
Photos benefit from Canon’s DC50 DVD Camcorder’s razor-sharp 5.39 megapixel CCD image sensor and array of complementary features, including the camcorder’s Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Lens, 9-point AiAF autofocus that helps ensure that subjects are in focus however far off center they appear in the frame. Indeed, the DC50 DVD Camcorder features an array of digital camera features such as a built-in flash with red-eye reduction; PictBridge compatibility and a Print & Share button for quick and easy one-touch printing or downloading of images. Users will enjoy sophisticated features such as auto exposure bracketing; and a super high-speed shutter capable of shooting at up to 1/720 of a second (perfect for shooting in bright sun light). The DC50 DVD Camcorder has enhanced user controls, including Aperture Priority (AV) Shutter Priority (TV), Special Scene Modes such as Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight and Fireworks; Image Effects that enable users to creatively customize their photos in a variety of ways, and even a histogram that displays a graphical representation of the light values of the image.

Lights, Camera and Action...
Missing magic moments like baby’s first steps or memorable events on a family vacation because the camcorder is powering up is a thing of the past, thanks to the Canon DC50 Camcorder’s responsive, Quick Start Mode. The Quick Start Mode readies the DC50 DVD Camcorder from standby for shooting in less than a second.

The Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder fits firmly and comfortably into the user’s hand, its simple joystick operation and strategically positioned controls making one-handed videography virtually effortless. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing the user to control playback, focus, exposure, and menu options from one convenient place. With its powerfully bright, built-in Ultra Video Light, The Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder is ready to shoot in virtually any lighting conditions.

Moving Images...
Whether doubling as a digital camera with a motor drive for those iconic action shots, catching special photos on a miniSD memory card while simultaneously shooting direct to DVD video or simply letting this cutting-edge camcorder capture high-resolution, true 16:9 widescreen HR (High Resolution) video, the Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder is all about the image.

Indeed, it is that true 16:9 format that brings real cinema style to “home movies” enabling them to play full-frame on wide-screen TVs without the need to crop, zoom, stretch or otherwise distort the picture. The DC50 DVD Camcorder automatically letterboxes the 16:9 footage, allowing users to display their recordings on a standard (non-widescreen) television.

Level and Grid Markers
Canon has incorporated a level marker and a new grid marker to the feature mix. When engaged, the markers appear - in either white or gray - superimposed over the image on the camcorder’s 16:9 color LCD display. The level marker easily lets the user know if the camera is being kept level while the grid marker makes it easier for the user to compose a more appealing and effective shot.

The Canon DC50 DVD Camcorder offers the added convenience of a wireless remote control and features a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed terminal for fast video and photo transfer, as well as easy one-touch DVD dubbing with the included Roxio MyDVD for Canon. The menu system can be set to display in 17 selectable languages.

Canon’s DC50 DVD Camcorder arrives in stores in late February and carries an estimated selling price of $799*.

(c) www.photographyblog.com

How to Make A Inexpensive Light Tent

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 03:59:00 +0000

If you’re like me, you don’t want to spend money if you can do it yourself and yield the same results. One day I was at my local photography store I saw one of these “Pop-Up” light tents. It consisted of a collapsible white fabric box with a hole in the front and 3 lights - used for photographing small objects in photographic studios (like the shot of the chocolate reindeer to the left).

I was going to purchase it until I saw the $100 price tag. No way I am going to spend $100 on some fabric and 3 lights when the material costs far less. So I set off and built one of these light tents and it did not come out bad at all.

Materials Needed:

1.) A Box - It could be any size you want as long as you can light it! I prefer it to be as square as can be. You can find boxes anywhere for free. I got mine from work in which they throw out anyway. You can also find boxes in the back of strip malls, grocery stores, appliance stores or basically any place that makes or sells products. Thicker the better! (Free)

2.) Fabric ‘ This again could be any type. In my box I used white muslin fabric that is found at your local arts and craft store. Buy enough to cover the entire box. (4.00$ US or 1.99$ a yard) People suggested other fabrics like White Nylon and white fleece. If your extremely cheap and have some white under shirts laying around. Cut up the sides to where you have two halves of the shirt. If you use multiple shirts, be sure that the color matches or your end result may not turn out as you like it

3.) Tape ‘ I use tape to secure the fabric to the sides of the box. Reason being is that In-case you want to try out different fabrics. I use regular masking tape. (1.00$ US A Roll)

4.) Glue ‘ You can use a “Glue Stick” (1.00$ US a Stick) or spray adhesive (5.00$ US per Can) to stick the lining in the box.

5.) White Bristol board ‘ This will line the inside of the box and will also serve as your back round (.50 a sheet X2). I would suggest to buy 2 or 3 sheets as you will be cutting up two to line your box (Could be more depending on the size of your box) and one for the back round. Bristol board is a heavyweight paper (.006″ Thick) that is used in drawing/art. The name came from where it was originated, Bristol England. If you wanted a different back round you can also pick up different colors.

6.) Lights ‘ You will need to light this box and this could be the most expensive part of the box unless you already have the lights. In my opinion lighting is the most important part of this box. Without it you will not get the picture you desire. I went to my local hardware store and picked up some “Daylight” Bulbs. Using regular light bulbs will cast a yellow light and should be avoided. I purchased “n:vision” 90 watt equivalent compact florescent bulbs ($7.00 US). Basically any “Full Spectrum” light bulbs will do.

Also suggest a lighting fixture. If you have a one of those desk work lamps, It will work fine. If you don’t I suggest getting a “Clamp On Work Light”. At my local home depot they only had two kinds, A smaller reflector dish (5″) for 5.99$ (US) or the 10.5″ reflector for 11.99$ (US).

7.) Miscellaneous Tools ‘ Tape ruler, Ruler or any straight edge, scissors and knife

Now that you have the Materials I will show you out to make a light tent step by step. When your done you can take nice clean and crisp product shots.

Step By Step Process:

A) Take your box with a tape ruler and marker and measure in 2″ from the side of the box marking multiple points with your marker. When your done you will see your border, connect the points using your straight edge to where you should have a nice looking square/rectangle in the middle of the box with a 2″ border around it. Leave the top and bottom of the box alone as you will not need to mark it

B) Cut out the boxes you’ve drawn. Repeat that to the sides of the box where you have drawn the boxes. When you’re done, cut off the top of the box or remove the flaps on the top of the box. LEAVE THE BOTTOM INTACT!

C) Now take your Bristol board and make lines with your marker for every two inches 16 times. Then proceed to cut out 16 strips with your scissors.

D) Glue the paper strips into the box. Make sure the side with marker goes against the cardboard so it can not be seen.

E) Take another piece of Bristol board and cut is so the width is the same as the inside of the box and the length is much longer then the box.

F) Place the long piece of Bristol board into the box to where the piece curves to the bottom. Avoid creasing as it will show up in your photo. Cut off excess paper that is sticking out the top.

G) Cut your fabric to where it will cover the holes. Then cut a big piece to where it will cover the top of the box.

H) Tape the fabric to cover the holes in the box except the one that is facing your background. Then tape the top piece on.

YOU’RE DONE!

Now all you got to do is light the top of the box and start snapping away!

There are many variations you can do to get the photo you want. If you’re having a shadow problem I suggest lighting the other sides of the box. If you’re getting vignetting I suggest a lens hood or moving the lens more into the box. Photoshop could be a handy tool also! Since my lens and camera are not the cleanest I tend photoshop the dust that is sitting on or in my camera. I also adjust the levels so it’s brighter.

Camera sticking into the box

The Light box in action

Another Result of the above light box.

(c) www.digital-photography-school.com

Logitech's Phenomenal QuickCam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 00:22:00 +0000

by Scott Clark

Logitech has set their QuickCam line of webcams to stun with their newest QuickCam Ultra Vision, the first in the series to incorporate a true glass lens. And taking a cue from page 1 in the Why Most Webcams Look Lousy book, Logitech added RightLight 2 to tackle the uneven and dim lighting that dominates households everywhere. Read on for the full review.

Package Contents
- QuickCam Ultra Vision
- QuickCam 10.0 software
- Quickstart Guide

Ultra Large Design
The QuickCam Ultra Vision is much larger than what you'd expect by simply looking at pictures on the Internet. With a length of 3-7/8" and a diameter of 1-3/8", it's bordering on the size of two stacked shot glasses. On either end of the cam are two large buttons, one for taking snapshot images, and one for a quick video preview before launching your default video calling application.

The front of the camera is decorated by an overly wide opening for the recessed glass lens on the left, and a silver Logitech logo on the right surrounded by a blue ring that lights up when the camera is active. Between the two is a reflective microphone grill that wraps around the entire circumference of the camera, separating white from silver.

The mount on the QuickCam Ultra Vision is much like that found on the QuickCam Fusion, a flexible loop that serves as a counterweight to the bulk of the camera that's hooked onto the front of a monitor with a small edge. The mount works remarkably well on both CRTs and desktop LCDs, simply by flexing the loop so that it lies flat on a CRT or hooks to the back of the LCD to prevent rocking. Where the Ultra Vision differs from the Fusion however is the ability for the camera to tilt a total of 45°, allowing for a perfectly framed shot no matter how the monitor is positioned.

Unfortunately due to the inability of the loop to bend inward less than an inch, the QuickCam Ultra is unsuitable for laptop users, as positioning the camera becomes a balancing act instead of firmly hugging the monitor, and it jitters just enough for an unstable picture when typing or tapping toes.

Streamlined Software
I'm happy to say that Logitech has improved their QuickCam software significantly since I last reviewed version 9. Logitech provides v10.0 on the installation CD, although a newer v10.4 is on their website that I have been using as the basis for this review. Rather than using the bulky tan windows that plagued the older version, the new QuickCam software is essentially nothing more than a colorful toolbar with a silver gradient background and slide-out windows for configuring a multitude of settings.

Three large icons dominate the compacted interface, providing a shortcut for launching the QuickCapture software, changing video effects, and changing the privacy shade. At the bottom are two smaller icons for muting audio and enabling the privacy shade, which essentially replaces the video stream with a static image of your choosing. A decent number of stock nature images are provided for this, although I found myself using my own Photoshop creations more frequently. When expanded, two additional large icons are revealed, one for opening the settings, and one for choosing applications, which is really nothing more than advertising a number of video editing, calling, and blogging services that are presumably Logitech's partners.

QuickCapture has also received a healthy interface refresh, while providing the same easy access to taking video clips and photo snapshots, then quickly emailing or printing them from the embedded gallery. In addition to basic photo and video capture, a number of small extra features are available for enhanced functionality. For example, photos can now be taken with a small timer that goes off after a configurable number of seconds, while the indicator ring blinks before the photo is taken. Unfortunately it does not blink faster or give any audio cues as the countdown approaches zero, but it's a nifty feature nonetheless. Additionally, watermarked timestamps can be automatically inserted into each snapshot in the bottom left corner.

Capturing video has a number of enhanced features as well, including recording after xx seconds, recording for a duration of xx seconds, whether or not to include audio, and the ability to add a watermarked timestamp (This doesn't show the time the video was taken, just the duration of the video). Also, it's possible record using motion detection with an adjustable threshold and a number of seconds to record after that threshold has been breached, although the software will still split the video by that number of seconds even if the motion is continuous. Captured video is outputted to WMV using the WMV2 codec.

Video may be captured at 320x240, 640x480, and 960x720. Photos may go beyond this at either native 1.3 Megapixel 1280x960, or interpolated (stretched) up to 2MP 1600x1200, 3MP 2048x1536, and 4MP 2304x1728. Noticeably absent from the resolution menu is 160x120 that appeared in previous versions of QuickCapture, as it's the only resolution with a default frame rate of 30fps. Other resolutions can be captured at 30fps, although only when manually specified through a 3rd party program such as VLC. Otherwise, they will default to 15fps.

Digital Enhancements
The QuickCam Ultra Vision continues the trend of face tracking, and judging by the improvements since last year's models, Logitech hasn't lost any focus on it either. There's a number of features that utilize this technology, the simplest being the aptly named "Face Tracking" that automatically zooms in on your face. Single and multiple user modes exist, for when you need to automatically frame the picture on more than one head. Stability for this has improved and as can be expected is more reliable when there's adequate light, although when even bordering on dim the face tracking becomes more a distraction than anything as it continues to zoom in and out like some poorly put together music video. That's why there's manual zoom and panning controls.

The other two main features are more funny than functional, and have likewise seen a great number of new additions since last year's QuickCam for Notebooks Pro review as well. I'm talking about Video Effects, and they're here to stay apparently. For those new to the trend, these include funky facial accessories such as pirate hats, novelty 2007 glasses, masks, roses, eyes, noses, horns, etc that constantly line up to your face, and fullscreen 3D avatars of yourself with everything from emo kids to skeletons and santas that mimic your every movement, including speech, eyebrows and winks. You can view them all at Logitech's site.

I'm glad to say that Logitech has added a significant amount of these accessories and avatars to choose from, a testament to their long-term hilarity. In fact, throughout the duration of my review Logitech added no less than nine new accessories and 6 new full screen avatars, many geared towards the winter holidays. Again, these require decent lighting to be effective, otherwise the accessories will continuously blink on and off and avatars will just gaze away, but when working they always produce a laugh from the other party. Use them in moderation of course... :P

RightLight 2
One of the new features touted by the QuickCam Ultra Vision is RightLight 2, the successor to the original RightLight that's meant to cope with dim lighting. The new version is even more robust, taking on backlighting and even sidelighting to create the perfect picture. Why would someone care about this? Oh, I'm not sure, maybe it's because the majority of home users don't have halogen lights lining the walls and actually care that their face is more than a murky shade of black.

In any case, I'm delighted to say that the system works. Mostly. Well, there's an automatic mode that does a fairly decent job, but in some situations it's best to just turn RightLight 2 off and adjust the settings manually. There are 4 main sliders to fiddle with: low light saturation for de-saturating the extreme colors produced in dim lighting, low light boost, video noise for reducing the jitter in a dim environment by refreshing the rarely used areas of the picture less often, and spot metering, which adjusts the backlighting compensation and colors to best look at your face. RightLight will also automatically adjust exposure and gain to compensate for dim lighting at the expense of framerate as well.

Left to behave automatically, RightLight performs well, although the spot metering can be a bit off depending on your head's relative position in the picture. The GIF below is a before and after demonstration RightLight 2 automatically compensating for too much forelighting, with the brightest source of light being the East window in front of me in the morning. As you can see, when my head is towards the top of the frame, RightLight 2 will overcompensate and make me look like a pasty Michael Jackson. When my head is centered, the light is moderately tweaked and the end result does indeed look better. It should be noted that I can reproduce the results from the centered RightLight image manually, so changing the camera angle isn't necessarily a requirement.

Automatic Forelighting Compensation, Centered and Not

With the bright window behind me, RightLight 2 improved the picture with its backlight compensation so that I no longer looked like an informant's silhouette.

Automatic Backlighting Compensation

Sidelighting also saw a minor improvement, although not nearly to the extent that Logitech's website implies.

Automatic Sidelighting Compensation

Overly dim lighting saw a huge improvement as exposure time was automatically increased, although my framerates suffered as expected.

Automatic Dim Lighting Compensation

While not perfect, it's evident that RightLight 2 does indeed improve the picture significantly in a wide variety of lighting environments. The fact you're able to adjust each of the RightLight settings manually makes it that much better.

A/V Quality
In case you haven't noticed already, the picture quality on the QuickCam Ultra Vision is absolutely stunning. I have yet to see a webcam with the same sharpness and ability to adapt to a multitude of lighting environments (even with RightLight turned off). This can be attributed to the 5-element lens that Logitech is using in place of the usual plastic lenses that just about every other consumer webcam uses. Not only does it allow more light in, but the picture and color clarity is stunning, to the point where people actually point that out to me without my asking on Skype.

The only drawback to the lens is the fact that it's still fixed focus, making me wonder if Logitech ever plans on releasing an automatic or ring focus webcam again. This effectively ruins the ability of the QuickCam Ultra Vision to be used to take macro photos, although the focal range is still finely tuned for users sitting at arms length and other guests passing behind you.

Audio quality is also a treat, echo and noise cancellation doing fine jobs of masking the James Bond marathon in the next room and reducing hiss, while echo cancellation stopped one friend from hearing himself through my speakers on Skype, although he claimed to be able to faintly hear the beginning and end of a few phrases of his. That being said, it's safe to assume you can use the camera without the need for a headset. Unfortunately, audio quality was has slightly degraded since my last QuickCam review, as hissing produced from S sounds are more apparent than usual.

Recap
In the end I was left with nothing but good impressions of the QuickCam Ultra Vision. RightLight 2 did a mostly good job of sorting out a variety of extreme lighting situations both bright and dim, and when set manually is nothing short of excellent. The glass lens made a huge improvement in clarity while increasing the available light to minimize exposure time, allowing for higher framerates. The wide assortment of amusing face-tracking video effects saw improved stability, and audio quality, while degraded slightly, remains in the above average category. Highly recommended to any PC desktop user.

(c) www.everythingusb.com

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S650 and S700 get the FCC go-ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 22:48:00 +0000

Do not confuse the Sony Cyber-shot S700 with the Sony Ericsson S700i cameraphone, the Sony Network Walkman S700, Sharp S700 carabiner player, or even Samsung's S700 digital camera, and to a lesser extent, Canon's SD700 -- this thing is different. Different we say! Actually, it's just Sony's latest digital camera, a 7 megapixel number that that uses AA batteries, and has a 2.4-inch 480 x 240 resolution display, or a 2.0-inch display on the slightly lower end S650. We're still a little confused as to why they were in the FCC; as far as we can tell they have no WiFi or Bluetooth, but hey, so it goes. Coming soon to a very confused electronics retailer near you.

(c) www.engadget.com

Capture the Image Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 18:35:00 +0000

I'm sorry kids, but those cheap photo frames that they make you buy at overpriced school fairs for your parents just aren't going to cut it as gifts anymore. Unless it's sporting an LCD screen, and various memory formats we're just going to have to put that back and pick up that flower plant we know isn't going to make it to February. If you've been good with your chores though, and have managed to save up $229 from that measly allowance then by all means splurge on the Image Moments digital photo album frame from Digital Foci and make your parents proud.

The Image Moments 8" hi-res LCD screen with automatic photo slideshow, adjustable time intervals and transitional effects makes for a perfect venue to display pictures from those embarrassing plays you kids seem to pull off swimmingly (even if you were just a tree). The frame even supports video and music playback in case you actually had a singing part. There's also an interchangeable frame design and easel leg to mix things up from the last model. The separate frames sell for $19.95 but don't worry, I'm sure your parents can spring for that later. The Image Moments is compatible with almost all memory cards, but requires adaptors for the xD-Picture Card, miniSD, and MS Duo formats.

With a one-year guarantee you can breathe easy while playing ball in the house, just don't blame us when your parents get back at you by displaying embarrassing "bath-time" sideshows on the Image Moments when you're a teenager.

(c) www.gearlog.com

Panasonic releases two new HD consumer camcorders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 22:59:00 +0000

Panasonic has released two new High Definition video camcorders. The HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 record detailed High
Definition video images and high-quality sound that make for perfect viewing on today’s home theater systems.

The HDC-SD1 records onto high capacity, solid-state SDHC Memory Cards. This model debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest 3CCD High Definition video camcorder. Because there are no moving parts in the recording section, the HDC-SD1 is also exceptionally resistant to impact.

The HDC-DX1 records onto convenient DVD discs. There is never a need to rewind or fast-forward, so users can play back a scene immediately after recording. The video image and sound data are recorded directly onto the disc for easy storage.

Both models use the high-resolution AVCHD format and feature the kind of 3CCD video recording system used in many professional broadcast cameras. The HDC-SD1 provides about 1 hour of High Definition recording on a 4GB SDHC Memory Card and the HDC-DX1 provides about 40 minutes of High Definition recording on a dual-layer DVD-R disc.These two new models also incorporate Panasonic Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) that minimizes the effect of the slightest shake of the hands, resulting in crisp, clear images that are beautiful on a large screen. O.I.S. is truly necessary in the age of large-screen, high-resolution TVs, when every image imperfection is easily visible.

The HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 feature the world’s first 5.1-channel surround sound system with 5 microphones. When recordings made with these models are played on a 5.1-channel home theater system, viewers are surrounded by a clear, detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone’s action to the camera’s action. When zooming in on a subject in the distance, for example, the microphones also zoom in and record the sounds specific to that subject.

Both high definition camcorders will be available in March, the HDC-SD1 for a suggested price of $1,499.95 and the HDC-DX1 for a suggested price of $1,399.95.

(c) www.iyiz.com

Digicam sales outshoot expectations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 00:19:00 +0000

U.S. sales of digital cameras have beaten expectations so far this year and are poised to hit a record as lower prices encourage consumers to buy a more-powerful second or third camera this holiday season, market research group NPD said Wednesday.

Unit shipments of digital cameras rose 24 percent through the end of November, which includes "Black Friday" sales and the traditional first week of the holiday shopping season, NPD said. Similar sales last year grew by 22 percent.

The surprising strength in the filmless cameras comes despite experts' projections one year ago that demand would start to slow--to perhaps about 20 percent in 2006--as fewer consumers looked to replace older film cameras.

"The market is actually growing, with a combination of people buying for the second or third time, and first time buyers really gunning it (demand)," said NPD senior imaging analyst Liz Cutting.

Cheaper prices are fueling sales in a holiday season where consumers are confronted with myriad electronics choices, ranging from tiny digital music players to video game consoles to pricey flat-screen televisions.

A 6-megapixel camera, for example, is easily available for less than $150, half its price two years ago.

In all, more than 30 million digital cameras will be sold this year, double that of 2003, NPD said. In 2005, 25.2 million units were sold.

But due to lower prices, revenue growth has slipped, with total sales in dollars up only 12 percent in the first 11 months of the year, down from 19 percent growth last year.

Consumer electronics prices typically fall over time as component costs slide. Manufacturers often lose money when models debut, and enjoy bigger profits as markets mature. Point and shoot digital cameras cost an average $180 in November, versus $218 a year ago.

Through October, some 60 percent of sales in the digital camera market, estimated by some experts at about $34 billion, came from the top five brands: Eastman Kodak, Canon, Sony, Nikon and Olympus.

Kodak and Canon have been vying for first place with about 18 percent or 19 percent share for much of this year. Market share data for November was not available.

Consumers think small
NPD's Cutting said repeat buyers are attracted to smaller cameras boasting features that were unavailable in previous models, such as better battery life or the ability to quickly take a second snapshot.

"People who are buying a camera for the second time or greater are seeing the deficiencies of their current cameras...because the technology wasn't there at the time," Cutting said. "It is there now and it is at an affordable price point."

Digital camera sales will continue to grow next year, Cutting said, but only by single digits on a percentage basis.

"It's a natural growth curve--we are in maturation," she said. "I don't think the level of penetration will be as high as it was with film cameras, Not everyone is going to own one."

NPD's outlook mirrors that of Japan's Mizuho Securities, which pegs global digital camera shipments to rise 24 percent to 100.5 million units in 2006, but slowing to 11 percent growth in 2007.

(c) news.zdnet.com

FujiFilm FinePix S6000fd Hands On

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 01:08:00 +0000

You’re past that awkward point and shoot stage but you’re not yet ready to pull the trigger on a full DSLR. What’s a poor photo buff to do? What you need is a super-zoom camera, something like a DSLR and something like a point and shoot but with a powerful zoom lens and some high-end features. What you need is the FinePix S6000fd from FujiFilm.

The hardest part about talking about a super-zoom camera like the S6000fd is figuring out who it’s for. Its base specs are fairly impressive: 6.3-megapixels, 10x optical zoom, and automatic exposure, shake stabilization, and face detection. The lens offers an equivalent of 28 to 300mm on a standard camera and has a number of pre-sets and modes to grab photos in almost any situation.

Best of all? It’s only about $499.95 online and in stores, and should be considerably less this holiday season. So how did it shape up in our tests?

The first thing we have to remember is that this isn’t a DSLR. Pictures were sharp, but the automatic modes were much easier to use than the manual modes but the quality was adequate but not perfect in odd lighting conditions. With a flash, pictures come out crisp and clean and FujiFilm’s i-Flash system can asses important objects in a scene and light them properly without blurring or flash wash-out.

As we see in the comparison below, the quality is there, but not quite on par with a camera twice its price. That’s essentially what we’d expect. When I took this camera out, however, I got quite a few good pictures. Indoors, with a flash, the images look about as good as a standard point and shoot. But, as you can see in some of the detail below, the images are excellent in good light.

Image from Canon Rebel XT on automatic.

Image from S6000fd on automatic.

The S6000fd’s face detection feature is another interesting perk for amateur photographers. It automatically find up to 10 faces on a background and changes to focus to that depth, ensuring that your prom photos don’t focus on a bunch of corsages in the foreground and instead on your friends and their dates. Lots of cameras have this feature now, but the S6000fd has a dedicated chip to identifying one main face and 9 auxiliary faces. Quite a step up.

Ultimately, the S6000fd is a strong camera at a nice price. While it doesn’t beat a monster like the D40 or the Rebel, it’s a great bridge device for photo fans and a great second camera for those who tapped out their point-and-shoot’s potential.

(C) www.crunchgear.com

Sunyang DNT's Volvox webcam and flash drive: does not rhyme with Dolores

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:56:00 +0000

You know, if you really have to carry flash memory around, why not bundle it into something useful like a lego, swiss army knife, or plate of rancid sushi? Sure, Sunyang DNT's Volvox is just another webcam with built-in flash; 512MB of it in fact, with an integrated 0.3 megapixel camera capable of a 640x480 resolution at 30fps. Not bad if you're toting an older laptop lacking a cam in the bezel. Regardless, we've certainly seen worse attempts at convergence. The Volvox is yours for 55,000KRW ($59) with 1GB and 2GB models expected this January. The perfect gift for Aunt Mulva.

(C) www.engadget.com

Peter iNova's Nikon D80 eBook

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:11:00 +0000

Peter iNova, author of several popular model-specific eBook's has just released his new Nikon D80 eBook, a must-buy for any Nikon D80 owner (or potential owner). As iNova says, "Encounter every feature, every button, every menu, every quirk, every secret opportunity hidden away inside your D80. And there are plenty of them. Here you experience each interaction as a means to an end." (Also includes RAW materials by Uwe Steinmueller).

Press Release:

Encounter every feature, every button, every menu, every quirk, every secret opportunity hidden away inside your D80. And there are plenty of them. Here you experience each interaction as a means to an end.

DSLR: Nikon D80 is the culmination of thousands of images, hundreds of interactive illustrations and dozens of techniques you'll find nowhere else. Interactive examples, embedded animations, A/B comparisons sewn into almost every page bring you the science, the tech, the design, the tools, the techniques and the concealed attributes that lie inside its heart.

Two volumes including RAW Materials by Uwe Steinmueller. A total of over 600 large, printable horizontal letter size pages. 14 chapters. 639 original iNovaFX Photoshop Actions cleaned, oiled and adjusted for the big D80 images. Many of them are brand new and/or re-coded from the ground up.

A 31-page Digital Visions Gallery of D80 images interactively exploring a wide range of photographic challenges and unique solutions you can implement right away.

Since the D80 is in so many professional hands, much of the eBook brings focus to the tips and techniques that produce more profitable results. And if the pros can use it, you can use it.

The pixel count has gone up. The quality and volume of iNovaFX Actions have gone up. Postage has gone up. The price of gas has gone up. Yet the price of the eBook has not.

[original post: www.dpreview.com]

JVC's GR-D750 camcorder with "world's highest" 34x optical zoom: for moms and creepy men

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:58:00 +0000

Look, we don't want to know how you're going to use a 34x optical zoom on a camcorder, just know that such a beast is now available. That's right, JVC's latest consumer camcorder -- the GR-D750 -- brings what JVC claims to be a "world's highest" optical zoom to the game. It also packs more mundane features such as recording to miniDV in 16:9 or 4:3 formats, a 2.7-inch LCD, and the low-light shooting capabilities JVC is known for. As a member of the "baby movie" series, we guess that zoom is meant to keep tabs on the the robots we use to babysit our kids and light the menorahkinaratree. However, we'll have to wait for 'em to hit Japan first, starting mid-January for an expected ¥50,000 or about $425.

[original post: www.engadget.com]