Capturebuzz

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 10MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor

Editor — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:03:01 +0000

CMOS sensors previously found only in DSLR cameras are finding their to point-and-shoot cameras. Sony hopes CMOS point-and-shoot cameras will appeal to photographers who also want to carry a compact, high performance digital still camera. The 10.2 mega-pixel WX1 camera has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display and measures just 3 9/16 x 2 1/16 x 2 5/32 inches.

The Cyber-shot WX1 camera features a Sony G lens with an extraordinary wide angle 24-120mm 5x optical zoom. Sony G lenses are used in top of the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD Camcorders. The f/2.4 aperture lens gathers twice as much light as typical point-and-shoot camera lenses, allowing you to shoot indoors or in low light without flash with less noise.

When shooting in Program Auto Mode, selectable ISO settings include: Auto, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and high-sensitivity 3200. The Cyber-shot WX1 can capture ten 10.2 megapixel resolution images at up to 10fps with its mechanical shutter.

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.

Sweep Panorama mode lets you capture wide landscapes (185 and 256-degree). Using the high-speed “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the cameras shoot continuously while you sweep across the scene. The BIONZ imaging processor automatically stitches the pictures together to create panoramic photos.

The Cyber-shot WX1 records HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for large-screen home movie playback. It can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2 GB) per movie in 720p format.

The Cyber-shot WX1 is priced at $349.99 (MSRP) and is available for pre-order at Amazon USA.

Quattro Case for iPhone with Conversion Lenses

Editor — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:12:58 +0000

A Japanese company called Factron has released a metal iPhone case with a mount for conversion lenses. The Quattro Case for the Apple iPhone is currently only compatible with the iPhone 3G - a modified version for the iPhone 3Gs will be released later this year. The conversion lenses available include two close-up lens, a superwide converter and 2 circular fisheye lens (x0.24 and x0.33).

The case is made of aluminum alloy with a metallic gloss, polished finish and fastened with metal screws.

The case alone costs 19,600 Yen (about US$205). The lenses are available from 1,700 to 5,300 Yen (about US$20 - US$55).

Sample photos on the Factron website, show a significant amount of chromatic aberration.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 - Waterproof, High-Definition Dual Camera

Editor — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:04:24 +0000

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. has announced the Xacti VPC-WH1 - Waterproof, High-Defintion Dual Camera. The Xacti VPC-WH1 has earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating (IPX8/IPX5) allowing users to capture high-definition (1280×720px) 30fps video without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The Xacti VPC-WH1 is operable down to a water depth of 3 meters (10 feet). Unlike the Xacti VPC-CA9, the Xacti VPC-WH1 has the shape of compact camcorder.

The Xacti VPC-WH1 acts as a high-definition video camcorder and a high-resolution camera. It retains full still photo functionality which has been improved from previous models to allow shooting of 2MP photos at 13fps.

Features

Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
2 megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
Hi-speed sequential shooting at 13fps
30x optical zoom, aperture: F=1.8(W) – 4.3(T)
50x digital zoom (playback 25x max.)
2.5″ LCD monitor (approx. 150,000 pixels, 7-level brightness, 285 degrees rotation)
Photos: Digital Image Stabilizer (electronic)
Videos: Digital Image Stabilizer (electronic)
Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
ISO Stills: Auto (ISO 50 – 400), Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600, Switching system)
Microphone: Built-in stereo, Speaker: Built-in monaural (L+Rch mixed output)
Internal memory: Approx. 43 mb
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card (up to 32GB)
Lithium-ion battery x 1 (DB-L50 included: 1900mAh)

Languages

English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Price and Availability

Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 will be available in blue and yellow colors for US$399.99 (MSRP). Not available in white color!

For Amazon UK, go here. For Amazon USA, see below.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9 - Waterproof, High-Definition Dual Camera

Editor — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:55:27 +0000

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. has announced the Xacti VPC-CA9 - Waterproof, High-Definition Dual Camera. The Xacti VPC-CA9 has earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating (IPX8) allowing users to capture high-definition (1280×720px) 30fps video without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The Xacti VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet).

The Xacti VPC-CA9 acts as a very high-resolution camera and as a high-definition video camcorder. It retains full still photo functionality which has been improved from previous models to allow shooting of 9MP photos.

Features

Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet)
9 megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video
Hi-speed sequential shooting at 7fps
3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking video
5x optical zoom lens, aperture: F=3.5(W)-4.7(T)
Digital zoom: 12x max. shooting, 62.5x max. playback
2.5” LCD monitor
Face Chaser technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos
ISO Stiils: Auto (ISO 50 – 400), Manual (ISO 50/100/200/400/800/1600, Switching system)
Microphone: Built-in stereo, Speaker: Built-in monaural (L+Rch mixed output)
Internal memory: Approx. 43 mb
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card (up to 32GB)
Lithium-ion battery x 1 (DB-L20 included: 720mAh)

Languages

English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Price and Availability

Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA9 will be available in black, red, and green colors for US$349.99 (MSRP).

Now available at Amazon UK.

Polaroid launches PoGo Instant Digital Camera

Editor — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:02:06 +0000

Polaroid has announced the launch of the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, the first digital camera and instant printer combination that is portable enough to take anywhere. With the push of a button, consumers can select from among the digital photos on the camera, crop or edit them and in less than 60 seconds, print full-color, 2×3-inch prints - all with a single device.

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera is a full-feature digital camera with 100 percent inkless printing. It outputs 2×3-inch sticky-backed photos with or without fun borders and has the advantage of reviewing photos on a three-inch color LCD screen before printing. The camera measures 4.7-inches wide by 3-inches tall and weighs 10 ounces. Unlike traditional Polaroid instant cameras, photos from the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera emerge fully developed.

Features

Full-feature digital camera
2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints
PC, Mac and PictBridge compatibility
Smudge-proof, water-resistant, virtually tear-proof photos
Fade-resistant, long-lasting images
No waste – no ink cartridges
60-second print time
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Specifications

3.0” bright color LCD for viewing images
4x digital zoom
SD compatible for expanded memory
View and crop image on camera before printing
Automatic picture lighting enhancement
In-camera red-eye removal
Electronic self timer
PictBridge compatible
Size: Approx. 3.0” H X 4.7″ W X 2.0” D
Weight: Approx. 10 oz. (without battery, memory card, and photo paper)

The Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Digital Camera uses the same ZINK Paper and ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging. ZINK is an ink-free printing technology which replaces ink cartridges or ribbons with ZINK Paper - a composite material that has embedded, heat-activated dye crystals. Before printing, ZINK Paper appears white like regular photo paper. Once the pictures are printed, they are immediately dry to the touch, durable and smudge and water resistant.

What’s in the box

Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera
Wrist strap
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
10 sheets Polaroid PoGo ZINK Photo Paper
Carrying case
AC adapter/charger
USB cable

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera will be available beginning in March 2009 at major retailers for a suggested retail price of $199. Ten-packs of ZINK Photo Paper, which can be used in both the Instant Digital Camera and the Instant Mobile Printer, retail for $4.99 and 30-packs for $12.99, and widely available at retailers in the USA and Europe.

Canon Celebrates 50 Years of SLR Innovation

Editor — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:51:22 +0000

Canon is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the introduction of their first SLR - the Canonflex.

Introduced in May of 1959, the 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera used a high-quality, breechlock lens mount. The lens flange ring was turned to lock the lens onto the camera flange’s bayonet lugs. The lens flange and camera flange did not rub against each other like today’s lens mounts.

The camera used Super-Canomatic lenses which had a fast, fully-automatic diaphragm. A 130-degree winding trigger at the camera bottom enabled quick film advance. An external selenium exposure meter could also be attached.

The top-class 35mm camera market gradually shifted from rangefinder cameras to single-lens reflex cameras. The major reason was that SLRs could handle close-ups, photomicrography, duplication work, and other applications without being constrained by the limits of rangefinder camera lenses. When Canon introduced the Canonflex, there were already eight SLR models on the market.

The cost of the Canonflex in 1959 was 59,500 Yen (US$ 643). Quite a bit if money in those days!

Canonflex Specifications

Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter single-lens reflex camera
Negative Size: 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens: Canon R50mm f/1.8
Lens Mount R mount: Dedicated bayonet (spigot) mount (inner dia. 48 mm) with three outer lugs
Shutter: Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains
Shutter Speed: X, B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec
Timer: Built-in self-timer and shutter button lock
Flash Sync: FP- and X-sync (automatic-switching sync contacts, X-sync speed of 1/55 sec)
Viewfinder: Interchangeable eye-level pentaprism. 0.9x magnification, 92% vertical coverage, 94% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder (diffraction grating)
Exposure Meter: Aperture-reading selenium photocell coupled to the shutter speed dial. Metering range (at ISO 100) switchable between EV 10 - 19 (high) and EV 4 - 13 (low)
Film Loading & Advance: After opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-bottom trigger. (130 single stroke)
Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened. 1.5x loupe provided
Film Rewind: Collapsible crank
Dimensions & Weight: 145 x 100 x 49 mm, 940 g (body)

Want one for your collection? Try eBay:

Canon Canonflex R2000 Clip On Light Meter w/Case RARE

US $51.00 (5 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Nov-10-2009 20:31:06 PST
Bid now | Add to watch list

Cyber-shot® DSC-T500 - High Def Movies on a Budget

Editor — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:10:48 +0000

Sony is adding high-definition movie recording to its digital camera line starting with the Cyber-shot® DSC-T500 model. The 10MP DSC-T500 features wide and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30fps in fine, standard and VGA recording modes. This resolution is three times higher than standard-definition movies. The movie function is based on the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and stereo audio. Benefits of the format include high-quality video as well as small file sizes that are easy to download, upload and share.

The DSC-T500 can continuously record a video clip up to 10 minutes in length. It can hold hours of clips by expanding the camera’s capacity with a Memory Stick® media card (sold separately). Memory Stick® media is now available in capacities up to 16GB. It also features a dual photo and video capture mode. Simply press the photo button while in movie mode and capture up to three photos with no recording interruption.

Features

10.1-megapixel effective recording
5X optical zoom (2X digital/10X total zoom)
Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization
3-1/2″ touchscreen LCD with anti-reflective coating
35mm equivalent lens focal length: 33-165mm
highest JPEG resolution: 3648 x 2736
high sensitivity mode (ISO 3200) for low-light shooting without flash
face detection controls focus, exposure, and color for detailed portraits
16:9 widescreen high resolution photo mode
9 scene selection modes including Beach, Landscape, and Twilight Portrait
stereo microphone/speaker
720p high-definition movie mode with audio (1280 x 720 at 30 frames per second)
9-point autofocus for shooting multiple or off-center subjects
macro mode
burst mode takes up to 100 consecutive rapid-fire photos
variable ISO (film speed equivalent) settings
in-camera slide show with music playback
4MB built-in flash memory holds 1 photo at top resolution
high-speed USB interface
compatible with Memory Stick® Duo and Memory Stick® PRO Duo™ media
compatible with PictBridge-enabled printers
Dimensions: 4″W x 2-1/2″H x 15/16″D
weight (with battery): 6.4 oz.

The DSC-T500 camera integrates a wide (16:9), 3.5-inch (measured diagonally), transflective, touch panel LCD screen for easy navigation, framing and viewing in strong light conditions. It has a Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lens with a wide field of view (33 – 165mm, 35mm equivalency). It incorporates Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and high sensitivity settings up to ISO3200 helps combat blur and facilitate flash-free shooting for natural-exposed photos. The DSC-T500 also incorporates face detection technology, an intelligent function that automatically detects up to eight faces in the camera frame and adjusts focus, exposure and flash.

What’s in the box?

Cyber-shot® DSC-T500
rechargeable InfoLithium® battery (NP-BD1)
battery charger (BC-CSD)
audio/video and USB multi-connector cables
wrist strap
software CD-ROM

Price and Availability

The Cyber-shot® DSC-T500 can be found at camera retailers in the USA for about $350.

Creative Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder

Editor — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:26:23 +0000

Creative has followed the introduction of the Creative Vado with a HD version. The new Creative Vado HD is the only pocket video cam to feature HDMI connectivity (includes a HDMI cable that provides 1080i output to an HDTV). It also features a wide-angle precision glass lens for ’stunning’ video quality.

The Creative Vado HD captures H.264 AVI videos at 30fps using a 1,280×720 CMOS sensor. You get about 2 hours of battery life from its removable rechargeable battery. You can also shoot 640×480 VGA video.

Included is 8GB of built-in memory to carry up to two hours of HD video and is available only in carbon black. The built-in software allows posting videos to YouTube, Photobucket or Box.net. Also includes Muvee software for video editing and customization, and capturing snapshots.

Features

Slim, lightweight, pocket-sized design
720p HD video capture
8GB of built-in memory
HDMI connector provides 1080i video output to HDTV
Built-in 2-inch color antiglare LCD screen
Removable rechargeable battery
Wide-angle precision glass lens
Built-in USB cable for PC
Built-in Creative Vado Central software

What’s in the box?

Vado HD Pocket Video Cam
HDMI Cable
USB Extension Cable
Silicon Skin
Rechargeable Battery

Accessories

Optional accessories include a Waterproof Pouch, Mesh Pouch, Spare Rechargeable Battery and a Battery Charger.

Price and Availability

The MSRP is $229.99 although Amazon is selling the Creative Vado HD for $199.99. Pricing seems a bit steep given the fact that non-HD version can be purchased for $79.99.

Also, see our Vado eBay Listings page!

Flip Video MinoHD - the world’s smallest HD camcorder

Editor — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:03:33 +0000

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc. has done it again with the introduction of the Flip Video MinoHD. At just 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63″ (H x W x D) and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the Flip Video MinoHD is marketed as “the world’s smallest HD camcorder”.

Features include a simple user interface; flip-out USB connector; rechargeable internal Li-ion battery; built-in editing and sharing software; instant uploads to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video; plus crisp, clear HD-quality video (1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second; 16:9 widescreen).

The Flip Video MinoHD comes equipped with FlipShare software which lets you save and organize videos, upload and publish videos online, email videos, and edit/create movies.

What’s in the box?

Flip MinoHD Camcorder (with built-in FlipShare software)
TV connector cable
Wrist strap
Soft carrying case
Quick start guide
Warranty and Product registration

Any negatives?

On the downside, the Flip Video MinoHD has no SD/MMC card expansion slot. Also, the rechargeable battery isn’t removable or replaceable by the user.

Also, see our new Flip Video eBay Listings page!

Availability

Creative Vado - Ultra-compact Camcorder

Editor — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:40:17 +0000

Does the world need yet another ultra-compact (a.k.a., portable, pocket, etc) camcorder? Evidently, Creative thinks so as it has launched it’s own its own ultra-compact, ultra-affordable camcorder called the Vado.

The Creative Vado is remarkably similar to the Flip Ultra and its successor, the Flip Mino. All three camcorders offer simplicity, ease of use and lost cost. Just in time for the holiday season, Creative hopes the Vado will be a popular with young, budding videographers.

The Vado can record up to two hours of high-quality video (640 x 480) on its built-in 2GB of memory. It uses a removable rechargeable battery, so you can keep an extra battery on-hand for an additional two hours of recording. You can recharge the battery via USB; that’s nice!

Features

2GB Memory size
VGA CMOS (640 x 480) Sensor
Video quality (pixels): 640 x 480
Low light performance: Extremely high sensitivity at 3.8V/lux-sec
2″ (50.8 mm) diagonal, 16 million colors LCD
640 x 240px Screen resolution
2x Digital Zoom
Recording capacity: 120 minutes (good quality), 60 minutes (excellent quality)
Digital video format: MPEG-4 AVI at 30 frames per second
Speaker and microphone Built-in
TV out
Tripod mount
Power saver
Delete all, Play all
Set Date/Time
Set frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz
Built-in flexi USB connector
130 minutes Battery life
YouTubeâ„¢ and Photobucketâ„¢ Online sharing with Built-in Software
Weight: 84g (with battery)
Dimension (H x W x D): 3.9″ x 2.2″ x 0.6″

Available accessories include a customized pouch, a spare battery, A/V cable, and external battery charger.

The Creative Vado is available at leading retailers for US$99.00 (MSRP) in pink and silver colors. Street pricing is a bit lower (ex. $82.87 at Amazon.com).

Just listed Amazon UK: Silver / Pink.