Posts filed under 'Digital Imaging'
X2 today launches the X2V, the next generation of its award-winning line of Portable Media Players.
Weighing in at a mere one half pound with a size smaller than a 3×5 photograph, this unit is the smallest, lightest and most versatile PMP (portable media player) on the market today, setting a new standard for design and feature set in the category.
Like its predecessor, the MEGA View 566, the X2V is a versatile device that functions as a video player, photo viewer, MP3/WMA music player, portable storage device, personal digital assistant with calendar and contacts database and a voice recorder plus it adds a 6-megapixel (interpolated) digital camera and MPEG-4 camcorder. Coming standard with a 30GB hard drive and a SD/MMC/Memory Stick memory card slot, the 8-in-1 portable digital entertainment device sells for under $400.
The X2V is the next generation Portable Multimedia Player allowing users the ability to play hours of MPEG-4 video with DVD quality video and CD quality audio using MPEG-4, plus it plays MP3/WMA audio all on a single device. X2V users can bring their favorite movie, TV shows, videos or music on the road plus with the digital camera and camcorder, they can record their own memories. With the large 30GB internal storage, users can record up to 120 hours of video so there is almost no fear of running out of tape. It can also be plugged into a TV or projector to watch and share movies, videos and photos on a bigger screen. The unit comes with a high-resolution 3.6″ LCD Screen offering a clear, vibrant picture and an easy-to-use, interactive video menu with convenient navigation buttons for easy access.
The X2V features a 6-megapixel (interpolated) digital camera complete with flash and 4X Digital Zoom as well as a 640 x 480 resolution MPEG-4 digital camcorder. Its 30GB hard drive can also store over 15,000 songs, 150,000 digital photos, almost 1,000 hours of digital voice recording and/or 30GB of portable PC data storage. With its built-in 3-in-1 SD/MMC/memory Stick memory card slot the X2V can be used to backup, store and view your digital photos and features a one-button backup feature allowing for effortless transfer of data and photos making it the perfect digital camera companion.
“As a 8-in-1 device, the X2V is a complete portable digital entertainment center which comes in handy for many situations,” raves Brandon LuTran, Vice President of X2 Corporation. “With the new digital camera and camcorder features, the X2V is ready to capture all your memories and play it back anywhere, anytime.”
January 8th, 2006
Making its debut at the 2006 International CES, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s first high-definition compact digital media camera.
Offering advanced, next-generation video performance, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s smallest and lightest high-definition digital media camera, ideal for recording today with the future in mind.
SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, designed the Xacti HD1 Digital Media Camera to easily record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. The SANYO Xacti HD1 will be available in the U.S. in late March at an MSRP of $799.99.
Key to the Xacti HD1’s ability to record high-definition video is its high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing. This powerful “high-definition engine” executes a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. It enables the HD1 to realize image processing functions such as high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression and noise reduction.
The HD1 features an ultra-clear 2.2-inch SANYO-developed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display with 210,000 total pixels for exceptional viewability. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on axis for taking great video or still images in otherwise difficult locations. Trademark features of OLED display technology are expanded viewing angles and up to 5,000 times faster response speed when compared with conventional display technologies, enabling smooth playback of rapid movements. When not in use, the display nicely tucks back into the side of the camera.
Displayed prominently in the front of the HD1 is a bright, highly
efficient 10x optical zoom lens. Built from 12 elements designed in 9 groups and with a built-in neutral density filter, the 10x zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 in both wide and telephoto angles, allowing for clear images in lower light situations. Combined with a 10x digital zoom capability, the HD1 is capable of a total 100x zoom.
As with all previous SANYO Xacti digital media cameras, the HD1 can record still images in addition to video clips. A newly developed 5.36 megapixel (total) CCD captures beautiful 5.1 megapixel still images which are recorded directly onto a standard SD memory card. The camera can record both 5.1 megapixel still images and high-definition (1280 x 720-pixel) digital video at the same time with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of
a video clip.
The HD1 can record over 21 minutes of 720p HD video on a 1-Gigabyte SD card or over 42 minutes on a 2-Gigabyte card. Alternatively, HD1 users can select to record in Standard Definition mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30fps progressive) for up to two hours on a 2-Gigabyte SD card. Users can easily switch between high-definition and standard-definition recording modes by simply pressing the “HD/Norm” button located on display side of the camera body. SD cards sold separately.
An ergonomic, one-handed grip and convenient, thumb-operable controls makes the SANYO HD1 exceptionally easy to use whenever inspiration strikes. Lightweight at only 8.3 ounces (including battery and a standard SD memory card), the HD1 measures 3.1″ W x 4.7″ H x 1.4″ D.
January 3rd, 2006
Kodak has introduced the world’s first dual-lens digital still camera, the Kodak Easyshare V570 zoom digital camera.
Using proprietary ‘Retina’ Dual Lens technology, the elegant V570 camera wraps an ultra-wide angle lens (23 mm) and an optical zoom lens (39 - 117 mm) into a small, sleek package less than an inch thin.
The innovative Easyshare V570 camera’s ultra-wide angle lens coupled with its optical zoom lens produces a total 5X optical zoom range, providing more options to help today’s picture takers capture the perfect shot - group photos, scenic landscapes, dramatic portraits, and close-ups. No other consumer digital camera offers such a wide angle of view, nor the unique, sophisticated design of this model, whose all-glass, stacked SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON prism lenses never extend from the camera body.
“Today’s picture takers expect high-performance features in an attractive package. Kodak is first to give them a coveted but previously unavailable ultra-wide angle lens in a pocket-size camera,” said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. “Capturing high quality photos with maximum ease of use are at the top of people’s lists when buying a new digital camera. By delivering on these needs in a completely new way, the Easyshare V570 camera pushes the boundaries of innovative design for ultra-compact cameras.”
In addition to its dual lens design, the 5-megapixel V570 camera boasts a variety of notable features to enhance the photography experience, including in-camera panorama stitching, which automatically combines three pictures into a panorama photograph. Using the ultra-wide view in panorama scene mode, people can take in a 180-degree vista with just three shots - an industry exclusive.
Packing advanced video performance, the camera makes it easier for users to shoot all types of action in the way that many filmmakers prefer - with an ultra-wide angle to capture more of the scene. The Easyshare V570 camera records TV-quality video, up to 30 frames per second (fps) using advanced MPEG-4 compression. Built-in image stabilization technology reduces on-screen shaking from unintentional hand and camera movement. The camera also offers an optical zoom feature for video including auto focus. And it is simple to select any frame in a video, then save and print it as a “freeze frame” still picture in just seconds.
January 2nd, 2006
Panasonic today debuted the world’s first 3-CCD digital video cameras SDR-S100 and SDR-S300 that record MPEG2 pictures onto SD Memory Cards. The new “SD Video Camera” series expands Panasonic’s digital video camera lineup to meet a wide range of consumers’ needs. The SDR-S100 will be available in Japan on October 15 and SDR-S300 on November 15.
The SD Memory Card based S100 and S300 offer the mobility and convenience of a tape-less video camera. They also feature three CCDs (charge-coupled devices), the MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer) and MPEG2 Engine to deliver high picture quality.
The two models are the first products to utilize Panasonic’s proprietary integrated platform for next-generation consumer electronic devices. “With this platform, the cameras simultaneously combine less power consumption, higher performance and compactness,” said Mr. Naruo Yoshikawa, General Manager of Camcorder Category, Panasonic AVC Networks Company.
By adopting the postage-stamp sized SD Memory Card, Panasonic has succeeded in making the digital video cameras more compact, lightweight and mobile. The card also increases connectivity with other AV products. The S100 measures 49.9 × 96.7 × 80.4 mm and weighs 242 g without the battery, making it the smallest and lightest 3-CCD video camera to date.
As they do not require moving parts for storing data, the S100 and S300 are impervious to shocks and vibration as well as offering resistance to environmental extremes. The SD Memory Card reduces warm-up time, allowing a start-up of amazing 1.5 seconds. The card also makes recording easy - the cameras automatically find blank memory areas to stop users accidentally recording over images.
The two models can record video and still images in the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. Even after shooting, they offer the convenience of high-speed data transfer without using a cable. For example, when the SD Memory Card is popped into a card slot on the DVD recorder, the video data can be transferred to the hard disk drive eight times faster than normal speeds. Once the video is saved on the DVD recorder, it can be enjoyed on a large-screen VIERA TV with family and friends. When used with the included USB2.0 high-speed cable, the pictures (LP mode) can be transferred 22 times faster to the PC for editing.
Mr. Yoshikawa said, “The SD Memory Card is a de facto market standard in flash memory, accounting for 40 percent of the market. We are continuing to work on expanding the memory capacity and lowering the cost of this highly reliable and secure card.”
The 3-CCD system, commonly used in professional video cameras, is employed to capture each of the primary colors of light, red, green and blue, for color accuracy. The Crystal and MPEG2 Engines process and detect image information to reproduce highly precise and true-to-life images.
Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), a must for any compact cameras, detects and suppresses a slightest handshake, promising foolproof pictures. They feature the Leica Dicomar lens that captures clear and crisp images with detail and contrast.
Embodying Panasonic’s ideas for comfort and ultimate operating ease, the main control buttons are arranged symmetrically - right-handers or left-handers can therefore operate it easily in one hand.
The S100 and S300 feature a large 2.8-inch LCD for easy viewing. They are identical except that the S300 has a more rugged design with carbon reinforced polymer used for the grip and LCD exterior.
They come with a 2-gigabyte SD Memory Card which can hold about 100 minutes of MPEG2 video (LP mode) or 1,280 3.1-megapixel (2,048 × 1,512) still pictures (fine mode).
“We believe solid-state memory based video cameras present an ideal solution for both professionals and consumers,” said Mr. Yoshikawa.
September 16th, 2005
Creative has announced what they call a breakthrough in webcam design and TechSmec.com tends to agree with them.
Featuring MaxView, a combination of motorized Pan-n-Tilt and a ViewPlus 76-degree wide-angle lens, in addition to Smart Face Tracking, the WebCam Live! Motion quietly and smoothly follows user movements during video instant messaging. Capable of capturing high-resolution panoramic images with one easy click, the WebCam Live! Motion (fed up with that exclamation mark yet?) is now available for only $149.99 at www.us.creative.com.
The WebCam Live! Motion auto Pan-n-Tilt feature gives users the freedom of movement during video instant messaging with friends, family or business colleagues. The WebCam Live! Motion automatically follows users’ natural movements during conversations, so they don’t have to continually make manual adjustments to stay centered in the field of view. Users can select Smart Face Tracking so the WebCam Live! Motion follows the movements of one person, or they can leave it off to include the whole group. Ideal for broadband users, the Creative WebCam Live! Motion incorporates true high-speed USB 2.0 for delivering crisp, high-resolution video at up to twice the video frame rates of USB 1.1 cameras.
“We previewed the WebCam Live! Motion to the media in New York and San Francisco, and the journalists got really excited about how our WebCam physically moves to follow motion during video instant messaging, and how it quietly spans the room to take panoramic pictures,” said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. “And as much as we heard about the great performance, we also heard a lot of comments about how cool the WebCam Live! Motion looks.”
The WebCam Live! Motion features a high-quality CCD sensor, and it delivers video at VGA 640×480 quality and software-enhanced still images of up to 1.3 megapixels. An ultra-smooth, exceptionally quiet precision Pan-N-Tilt motor enables the camera to deliver fluid video without distracting motor noise.
The WebCam Live! Motion looks great on any desktop or notebook monitor. Available in either pearl white or charcoal gray with a luminescent blue glowing ring on each side, the WebCam Live! Motion commands attention as it sits atop any desktop or notebook PC. The patent-pending Multi-Attach base easily and securely attaches the webcam to any flat panel, CRT monitor or notebook display for optimal positioning during video instant messaging.
September 14th, 2005
Sony has created what it claims is a new class of digital camera by announcing the astonishing Cyber-shot R1, the world’s first digital camera that combines a large 10.3 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor, and a high quality 24mm - 120mm (35mm) ZEISS Zoom lens in the same body.
The design of the camera is more reminsent of consumer point and shoot systems than a pro SLR, but Sony are confident that they have struck the perfect balance between features and usability.
For a start they’ve positioned the 2″ LCD screen on top of the camera instead of at the rear. This allows waist-high shooting, but as the LCD is swivelable, it’s fine for eye level, or even holding above your head, as well.
The dedicated 24mm-120mm (35mm) wide-angle zoom lens of the Cyber-shot R1 is integrated into the body of the camera. With its F2.8-4.8 aperture, the camera is designed to exacting specifications for optimum performance, reduced internal reflections and fast, quality photography, even at low light levels. Images taken by the Cyber-shot R1 are razor-sharp with excellent colour and contrast rendition.
The unique ’short back focus design’ of the Cyber-shot R1 also allows the last lens to be positioned immediately in front of the CMOS sensor, contributing to a reduction in chromatic aberration. On the Cyber-shot R1 this distance has been reduced to an astonishing 2.1mm.
The flexibility of the lens design also means there is no need to change lenses to capture the shot you want. This allows the Cyber-shot R1 to be exceptionally fast in use - faster than most other high-end cameras. For example, the Cyber-shot R1 is capable of taking a macro of a butterfly, zooming in on an object in the distance, and then taking a wide-angle landscape shot, all within a few seconds without the need for changing lenses.
The fixed-lens design of the Cyber-shot R1 provides enhanced durability, reducing the risk of dust or foreign bodies scratching or damaging the sensor as a result of multiple lens changes. The lens block designed specifically for the Cyber-shot R1 is made up of 10 groups of 12 elements, four of which are aspherical.
The Cyber-shot R1 will be available throughout the world from mid- November priced around the US$1000 mark.
September 9th, 2005
The whole world is going Wi-Fi, or so it seems. Nikon have unveiled the first cameras to support Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11b/g) to ease the transfer of images to your computer, or direct to a network-enabled printer.
Wireless shooting automatically transfers each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot.
Of course, if Wi-Fi isn’t your thing you can still use the traditional memory card / USB methods of getting your shots onto a PC.
In all the excitement about Wi-Fi we nearly forgot to check whether these are actually good cameras, after all, there’s no fun in wirelessly transmitting rubbish photos. Well, we weren’t disappointed. The Coolpix P1 is 8 megapixel and the P2 is blessed with 5 megapixels.
The Coolpix P1 and P2 will be available in September 2005 with an RRP of
$549.95 and $399.95, respectively. A Wireless Print Adaptor (PD-10) will be
available in October 2005 with an RRP of $49.95.
Nikon promises that many future models will include Wi-Fi functionality as they move to position the camera as a device in which network support is ubiquitous.
September 2nd, 2005
Amazon.com customers can now print their photos online after the online retailer partnered with Shutterfly.
“Amazon is looking forward to working with Shutterfly,” said Glenn Cunningham, Vice President of Amazon’s Electronics store. “Our customers have come to expect a superior shopping experience from Amazon.com and we believe, with the addition of Shutterfly’s digital photography products and services, this will serve to enhance their shopping experience with us.”
The following Shutterfly photo products and services are now available to Amazon.com shoppers:
- Professionally developed photographs ranging in sizes from wallets to 20×30 large-formats
- Design-it-yourself photo cards, calendars, photo books and photo gifts, including mugs, t-shirts, and a variety of other personalized products, that can be shipped directly to friends and family all over the world
- Free online picture sharing including sharing a single album at a time and creating up to two free “Collections,” a personal address for storing and sharing an unlimited number of photo albums
- Easy-to-use image organization and uploading tools
- Free, unlimited online image storage
- Free image editing tools (i.e. cropping, red-eye removal, enhancing color effects and adding borders)
“We are very excited to welcome Amazon’s tens of millions of shoppers into Shutterfly’s community of users and to introduce them to all that they can accomplish with their digital images, online,” said Jeffrey Housenbold, President & CEO of Shutterfly. “Together, Amazon and Shutterfly will enable consumers to easily turn their precious memories into distinctive photographs and gifts.”
August 23rd, 2005
Canon has announced new compact PowerShot A620, A610 and A410 digital cameras.
“For three years now, Canon has remained America’s number one choice for digital cameras with the A70 model in 2003, the A75 model in 2004 and now the A510 digital camera in 2005,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc.
“We are building upon the success of our A-series line by expanding our offerings. Our new PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras really pack professional-level features into consumer cameras, while the entry-level PowerShot A410 model is designed to meet first-time digital camera buyers’ needs.”
The PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras feature a sleek new body design and powerful new features that lead the PowerShot A-Series line, without sacrificing the compact size, basic camera design and sensible control layout that have made other A-series digital cameras so popular. What’s more, the new cameras feature some of the most advanced specifications in their class, including:
* 7.1 and 5.0 megapixel CCDs respectively
* 4x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 7.3 - 29.2 mm (35mm film equivalent: 35 - 140 mm) and a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.1
* Canon’s exclusive high-performance DIGIC II image processor
* A full range of manual and 20 Shooting Modes including 8 Special Scene Modes plus a 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD screen
* Full compatibility with wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses
Thanks to DIGIC II and a brighter AF Assist beam, the PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras have reduced AF time by an impressive 60% and improved focusing ability by two full stops in low light conditions compared to their predecessor, thus enabling Dad to get the best quality picture as his child blows out his/her birthday candles. DIGIC II also makes the most of the cameras’ superb all-glass Canon optics and high resolution CCD sensors to deliver exceptional image quality with vibrant yet natural color, low noise and fine detail.
The PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras are equipped with a 9-point AiAF “Smart” autofocus system and 20 shooting modes. The standard Shooting Modes are Full Auto, Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual, and Custom with additional modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, My Colors, Special Scene (including Night Snapshot, Kids and Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks and Underwater), Stitch Assist and Movie. Both models are capable of recording 30 fps VGA movies with sound for up to 1GB per clip and 60fps QVGA fast frame rate movies for up to 60 seconds a piece, so families can capture their memories in motion.
Whether it is raising your camera above your head to get a shot of your child at her first dance recital or dropping your camera below your knees to watch your baby crawl for the first time, the large 2.0-inch vari-angle LCD screen, up from 1.8-inches in previous models, increases the ability to get those hard to view, but essential shots. There’s even a new, optional horizontal and vertical Grid Line function on the LCD screen that lets users compose their photos more accurately than before.
Much like the PowerShot A400 digital camera, its predecessor model, the PowerShot A410 digital camera is geared towards the entry-level photographer. The PowerShot A410 digital camera is functional as well as intuitive for a beginning photographer, including a 3.2 megapixel CCD image sensor, 3.2x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 5.4-17.3mm (35mm film equivalent: 41-131mm), smooth continuous shooting up to 2.5 fps for the entire capacity of the SD or MMC memory card and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot A410 digital camera comes equipped with eight Special Scene modes, including Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach and Fireworks and five Photo Effect modes, including Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, and Black & White. What’s more, the PowerShot A410 digital camera is capable of recording VGA movies, so 10-year old Sue can capture movies of her friends during sleepovers.
Named for their use of AA batteries, Canon’s A-series digital cameras offer easy-to-use, high quality features to consumers looking to capture, save and share meaningful memories, personal milestones and family functions.
The PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras use four AA batteries, while providing more shots (up to 500 with LCD screen on, based on CIPA standards when using rechargeable NiMH batteries) than previous models, thanks to reductions in power consumption made possible by improvements in key components and circuit design. The PowerShot A410 digital camera uses only two AA batteries, yet captures up to 400 shots according to CIPA standards with the LCD screen on when using rechargeable NiMH batteries.
True to the PowerShot tradition, the new PowerShot A-series cameras have many of the latest advances in Canon technology including the proprietary DIGIC II imaging processor. The processor enhances picture definition, vibrancy and quality, while helping increase the speed of the cameras’ startup, autofocus, shutter response, playback and image processing speed and reducing power consumption by 35% compared to the original DIGIC chip. Image transfer speed is accelerated (when used with a USB 2.0 compatible computer, printer or other peripheral), thanks to the inclusion of a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The USB 2.0 port is backwards compatible (at no increased speed) with computers featuring standard USB 1.1 connections(3).
The PowerShot A620 and A610 Kits will include a full set of Canon’s powerful yet easy-to-use digital camera software, featuring the latest versions of ZoomBrowser EX, ImageBrowser, PhotoStitch and PhotoRecord, as well as ArcSoft PhotoStudio. Supplied accessories include Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AVC-DC300, Wrist Strap WS-200, four AA-size alkaline batteries, and a multimedia card MMC-32M (A620 model) and MMC-16M (A610 model). Optional accessories include NiMH Rechargeable Battery Kit NB4-200, Battery and Charger kit CBK4-200, AC Adapter Kit ACK600, Soft Compact Case PSC-60, Waterproof Case WP-DC90, High Power Flash HF-DC1, Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58F and the choice of wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses. (These are the same supplementary lenses used by Canon’s high-end PowerShot G6 digital camera.)
The PowerShot A410 Kit includes the same software bundle as the A620/A610 cameras, plus Interface Cable IFC-400PCU, Wrist Strap WS-800, two AA alkaline batteries, and a multimedia card MMC-16M. Optional accessories include NiMH Rechargeable Battery Kit NB4-200, Battery and Charger kit CBK4-200, AC Adapter Kit ACK800, Soft Compact Case PSC-80 and High Power Flash HF-DC1.
The Canon PowerShot A620, A610 and A410 Digital cameras will be available in September for estimated selling prices of $399.99, $299.99 and $149.99, respectively.
August 22nd, 2005
UK high street retailer Dixons is to pull 35mm cameras from its shelves in a move which signals the beginning of the end for 35mm film. The chain of stores has a reputation for taking tough decisions about aging technology - earlier in the year it stopped selling VCRs.
35mm cameras will continue to be sold until stocks are gone, but with digital now outselling film by 15 to 1 it may take a while for that to happen. Never has a technology gone from mainstream to niche in such a short space of time.
Dixons built its empire on the back of 35mm cameras so the decision to end sales must be a hard one. They will continue, for the moment, to stock traditional film cameras at airport duty free shops.
August 8th, 2005
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