Jan 25
Can you remember what you were doing last week? How about last month, or a year ago? Life-loggers like Narrative’s Clip promise to make that possible, a wearable camera snapping … Continue reading
Jan 15
Samsung Galaxy NX Camera Review
Posted in: Today's Chili
Shortly before the first Galaxy Camera came out, we knew that Android cameras were going to land and stay. As cameras get smarter, the complexity of the software stack also becomes too hard to develop for camera makers (which are definitely NOT software-centric folks). Samsung is the company that has the best Android Camera offering today, and with the Galaxy NX, it just took the whole sector to the next level.
Optically, the Galaxy NX is more or less a Samsung NX300, a rather potent interchangeable lens camera that our friend Karsten Lemm has reviewed recently. The user interface is however a powerful Android platform that comes with everything that you can expect from a high-end phone, including a 4G LTE connectivity (you have to provide the subscription, obviously). The combination is the Galaxy NX, a smart camera that you use like a smartphone, but that has the image quality of an enthusiast shooter. I’ve used it for a few weeks, and I will tell you how my experience could map into your own. (more…)
Samsung Galaxy NX Camera Review original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Oct 22
Samsung NX300 Camera Review
Posted in: Today's Chili
Samsung never used to be a big name in film cameras but has become one of the leading brands in digital photography. Ironically, its popular Galaxy smartphones are helping to dig a grave for point-and-shoot cameras – including Samsung’s own. In response, the company is following an idustry trend by focusing on “compact-system cameras,” which feature interchangeable lenses and promise the performance of a grown-up SLR in a small and light-weight body.
The NX300 is Samsung’s flagship model of this kind, aiming at ambitious photographers who want more than just megapixels. Because sure, even smartphones snap pictures now that are big enough to print a real-life wallpaper – but if you want a good zoom, play with depth-of-field, and generally go beyond the simple “click!” you may still want to consider a real camera with extra talents.
Or so the makers hope. But they’re willing to meet you half-way: if you like to post your favorite shots on the Internet this very second, straight from the camera, the NX300 can play along. Wi-Fi Internet is built in, and Samsung claims that its camera’s specialty is to “shoot fast, share faster.” True? Well, let’s see… (more…)
Samsung NX300 Camera Review original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Jul 23
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Review
Posted in: Today's ChiliThe Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is a smartphone with a rather sizable camera on its back. While you’ll find this machine appearing to want o take the place of the Samsung Galaxy Camera, we’ve found it to be attempting to carve out a different category entirely. Here Samsung aims to cross-breed a smartphone with a high-powered pocketable camera. Can it stand the test of the average, everyday user, or better yet, the common hobby-level photographer?
Hardware
This machine comes in at 125.3 x 63.3 x 15.25mm (4.93 x 2.45 x 0.6 inches), quite a bit thicker than any smartphone or tablet from this generation of Samsung devices. It’s not especially wide, nor tall, coming much closer to the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini than it does to the full-sized Samsung Galaxy S 4 if you’re not considering its thickness. It’s certainly not heavy at 208g (7.34 oz), either.
This device is made of the same materials as the Galaxy S 4, made mostly of the same light, hard, and rather crackable plastic across the bulk of its body. As a result, this device does not feel like it’s ready to hit the field the way the Samsung Galaxy Camera did at CES 2013. This device is ready for basic hobby photographers instead, as a sort of stepping stone between smartphone and what most would consider your average mid-to-high-level pocketable camera.
The Galaxy S4 Zoom works with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display at 960 x 540, that is: 256 PPI. Inside you’ve got 8GB of storage and a microSD card slot allows for MicroSDXC cards up to 64GB for storage expansion.
This device’s processor is a 1.5GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos 4 (4212) (the same as appears in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0) paired with 1.5 GB of RAM that’s certainly not meant to bust the charts out with benchmark greatness, tuned instead, it would seem, to the camera UI alone. It’ll still be able to be your general smartphone engine as well, but don’t expect to be playing the highest-powered games any time soon – not without lag.
This device can connect to the rest of the device universe with DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, infra-red with its IR blaster, and a variety of Wi-fi and Wi-fi direct-based Samsung-specific apps. Also included is an NFC reader and Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, GLONASS, an accelerometer, digital compass, proximity sensor, gyroscope, and light sensor – essentially everything on the market.
Wi-fi on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom kicks in at 802.11a/b/g/n. Depending on your region you’ll be able to pick this device up with 3G HSPA+ or LTE connectivity – the same goes for the processor, apparently, but we’ve yet to see another processor version in the wild – we’ll see what it comes with when it hits the states, if it does!
Software
This device brings Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz on top in an amalgamation that’s essentially the same as you’ll find on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, limited only slightly in its abilities below the build you’ll find on the Galaxy S 4. This is one of a series of devices based on the hero of this generation of Samsung devices in the Galaxy S 4, each of them with their own little odd additions or exclusions therein.
Inside you’ve got WatchON for connecting to your television with your IR-Blaster, Group Play for connecting to other Samsung smartphones and tables live inside a local area network, and a full collection of Samsung-specific apps like ChatON to remind you that you’re part of the Galaxy S 4 team. As expected, Galaxy S 4 specific apps like Air View and Smart Scroll/Pause/ etc are absent, these being reserved for the hero – until the Galaxy Note III arrives, of course.
This device is not meant to be a competitor for the likes of full-fledged connected cameras, even those edging in on the smart space with Wi-fi connectivity. This device is half smartphone / half camera, and it’s not really dominating in either category by any means. Have a peek at a collection of benchmark results below and see how this device does in a mathematically measured way.
Can the Galaxy S4 Zoom go to war with the closest thing on the market today – or soon, depending on when you’re reading – in the Nokia Lumia 1020? Have a peek at the Galaxy S4 Zoom vs Nokia Lumia 1020 camera war we’ve got set up and check back when we’ve got the full 1020 review, too.
Camera / Battery
This device’s camera interface takes the abilities delivered – rather inspiringly, at the time – in the original Samsung Galaxy Camera – and brings them to a new level. While if this interface were brought to the Samsung Galaxy Camera itself, we’d give it a full thumbs up. Instead there’s just one thing holding this device back from being a next-level Galaxy Camera: its smartphone side.
As described a bit in the hardware section above, this device feels exceedingly fragile. Its hard plastic body on all sides save the display side feel as though they’d crack at the lowest drop, while the reinforced glass is just as hard as it’s ever been from Corning. The Galaxy Camera did not attempt to be the baby clone of the Samsung Galaxy S III – so too should the Galaxy S4 Zoom have skipped such a set of similarities. Once you’re past your fear of dropping this device, its camera features are actually pretty neat.
The Zoom Ring up front doesn’t just access this camera’s 10x optical zoom, it brings up a feature selection screen unique to this device. This “ring” shows a collection of shooting modes for the camera which are highlighted with the ring itself, selected then with a tap of the device’s shutter button. If only because we’ve literally never seen this combination of selection modes with a physical contraption such as this before, it stands out as one of the most interesting bits on the Galaxy S4 Zoom.
As you’ll see above in brief, this device works with the full collection of Samsung Galaxy S 4 camera modes, coming clean with – if it worked a bit smoother – the best of the bunch with “Smart mode suggest.” This mode detects what the scene might be in your camera’s viewfinder, giving you a choice of three possible best modes for your selection.
In the end though, it was the simplest Auto Mode that we ended up using most given the intended audience of this machine. Have a peek at a collection of shots and video below to see what you’ll be rolling with internationally. We’ll see if the quality of this machine’s shooter changes if it ever hits the USA in a carrier iteration when it happens!
Up front you’ve got a 1.9 megapixel camera that works surprisingly well – or is at least tuned to look superior even when shooting something so terrifying as the users’ face (as shown above).
The back-facing camera amalgamation brings on a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a 24-240mm 10x optical zoom and ISO 100-3200. This all works through a F3.1-F6.3 Samsung lens. You’ll have the ability to kick out ISO 100-3200 and up to 4fps burst photography – and the results are, on the whole, generally excellent enough for top-notch non-professional hobby photography.
NOTE: You can see additional original-quality full-sized images in our first Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom hands-on with photo examples.
Battery life is just about the worst we’ve seen in this generation of Galaxy devices, if you’d like to consider everything in the Galaxy Tab 3 and Galaxy S 4 lineup. If you’re planning on this being your daily driver as a smartphone, you’ll certainly need to charge it up halfway through the day if you intend on getting to the end. If you’re using it as a camera, you’ll want to bring another battery to help you make your way through a full workday if you’re at an event.
Above you’re seeing the device working it’s relatively decent stand-by abilities for the most part. And just supposing you are using this device and need more up-time than it’ll delivery on the regular, there’s always a replaceable battery or two you could be picking up. One size only: 2,330 mAh in the side alongside the microSIM card slot.
Wrap-up
While we’ve found this device to be taking one of several awards home for most unique device in Samsung’s most recent collection of smart devices, it’s not necessarily the best device for any one use-case. While we expected the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom to take the place of the Samsung Galaxy Camera, instead we’ve found it to be another entry point for new users to get in on the smart device universe through Samsung’s flavor of Android.
The Galaxy S4 Zoom connects well with the rest of the most recent collection of Samsung Galaxy S 4 devices, it’ll be interesting to see how it fares in the market with little to no direct competition. Stay tuned as we see what US mobile carriers think of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom in coming weeks, and if they’ll give it as much faith as they did the Galaxy Camera.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Feb 08
The action camera known as the HD Ghost is one that Drift innovation delivers as their premiere top-of-the-line on-the-go media collector for the next mobile-friendly generation. With it, you’re going to be able to collect 1080p HD Video, 11 megapixel photos, and up to a massive 120fps video (in VGA mode). The basics for a top-tier action camera are all here – now it’s all about making sure we’ve got the connections we need to compete with the the other big guns in the industry.
Hardware
Here with this hardcore amalgamation of metal, soft-touch plastic, and real-deal Gorilla Glass protection, you’ve got a camera that’s ready to be tossed around. Of course you’re going to want to treat this several hundred dollars worth of electronics with the care that such a price describes, but you should take rest in the fact that this device was indeed built to take a hit or two. The Drift HD Ghost is water proof to 3m (9.84ft) right out of the box, too – mind that correction in the hands-on video here:
The Drift HD Ghost works with what Drift notes is an “Enhanced 7 Element Lens Design”. In this case they note that with seven separate unique elements right up front, you’ll be able to capture high clarity video with “stunning” color no matter where you’re filming. You’ll be able to judge that for yourself in the set of images and video we’ve got below, should you care to take a look. This unit’s lens works at 170 degrees (or just 130 degrees at 60fps) and is fully rotate-friendly – and it’s so tightly connected you’ll never turn when you don’t want to!
In addition to being able to capture audio right from the built-in microphone on the device, you’ve also got a 3.5mm microphone connector coming out the back. This port is accessible with one of several in-box backs you can attach to the device, each of them with their own unique purpose. The back we’ve got on the device here also allows you to connect directly to your computer through the device’s mini-USB port. Under the back you’ve also got a mini-HDMI port (Type c) so you can play videos and videos you’ve captured straight through an HDTV!
Inside the box you’ve also got a goggle mount, curved and flat surface mounts, a universal camera clip, and a velcro strap. The battery you get with this camera is 1700mAh strong and has lasted us over a week at a time with regular use – it’s almost magical. And if you need more time away from civilization, Drift sells individual batteries you can swap in and out. Also in the box is a miniUSB cable, 3.5mm microphone extension cable, accessory travel case, and a simple guide (if you happen to need it).
Software
This device uses its own unique user interface and software as you’ll see plainly in the hands-on video above. It also connects easily with your iPhone right out of the box using wifi. All you’ll need to do is click in to the settings on the camera, turn on wifi, and connect to the camera as you would on your iPhone to any other wifi network – the HD Ghost is the projector of said wifi signal rather than the receiver. Control works then through your iPhone with the free Drift App straight from the iTunes app store – it’s just called “Drift App”.
This device also connects to an included two-way remote that works with a couple of buttons that make operating extremely simple. Turn it on, connect, and you’ll have only to press record from there. This “Drift Active Status Two-Way Remote” allows you to capture media from up to 30 feet (10 meters) away wirelessly in each of the device’s main capture modes: Video, Photo, Timelapse, and Photoburst.
In short – the software is surprisingly simple to use given the four-button control you’ll be using on the camera itself. Connecting remotely is even simpler than the basic on-device experience, too – anyone can do it. This control panel interface also works in 15 languages so the whole universe can have a try.
Video and Photos Examples
This device is able to capture 11 megapixel photos, but more than likely you’ll be working mainly with video capture at 1080p at 30fps. Our first example of video is captured from a shopping cart exiting a department store in the evening on an otherwise snow-covered clear day. Note that this capture was done with the straight out-of-box camera experience, no attachments or audio enhancements made – standard mic, that is.
The camera has thus far proven itself to be a generally generous video capturer, though not one we’d use outside of hardcore situations that require such protection for the unit itself. In other words, if we’re heading to a birthday party and where a gift opening needs to be filmed, it makes a bit more sense to simply use a smartphone. If we’re jumping off a cliff with a parachute, it’s time for the Drift HD Ghost. Below you’ll see a collection of photos captured with the device as well. Note that the wide-view angle is one of the stronger points of excellence on this device.
Wrap-up
The Drift HD Ghost is a strong device in its ability to attach to a variety of equipment and capture video and photos on-the-fly. It’s extremely easy to use, and outputs media that you’ll be more than pleased you captured. Drift Innovation is the sort of company you know will continue to support this device, also, into the future – so official accessories and replacement parts will be available to you for some time to come – they’re already several cameras deep!
Right this minute you’ll be able to pick up the Drift HD Ghost action camera for around $399.99 brand new. Again, it’s the highest-end solution offered by Drift and it’s a real contender in this space!
Have a peek at the Looxcie HD Explore as well as the ContourROAM reviews we’ve done in the past to see what else is available out there for you, and note that GoPro Hero series is also available to you as one of the high-end solutions in this space. Mobile connections are hot, hardcore action is a must, and right this minute the Drift HD Ghost is one of the top pacesetters for this type of device, without a doubt!
Drift HD Ghost Review: 1080p hardcore camera action is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Jan 10
Looxcie HD Explore Review
Posted in: Today's ChiliIt’s time to have a close-up look at the newest model wearable camera ready for 1080p recording, direct-to-Facebook live streaming, and the ability to connect to your smartphone for remote control – the Looxcie HD. This machine builds on the abilities of the past with the original Looxcie Bluetooth video camera that we reviewed back in April of 2011. Back then the camera was an ear-wrap sort of situation while here we’ve got a slightly larger machine, made for mounting to your hiking backpack, your helmet, or basically anything flat that you’ll be able to stick to with the sticky pads included in the box.
This machine is roughly the size of a harmonica, able to fit in your pocket quite easily with the included soft material drawstring bag. Also in the box is a Ball Cap Clip, a Helmet Mount, and a Bike Mount, the helmet mount including a couple of stickers and mounts so you can work with more than one helmet if you do so desire. Though the camera is not meant to be tossed down a flight of stairs, it is delivered in such a form as to be damage resistant – you wont have to worry too much about dropping this device out of your pocket onto a hard surface, essentially.
This machine connects to your smartphone via wi-fi this time around, working with a variety of apps like the “Looxcie Mobile app” as well as the Facebook app and LooxcieDesktop. Each of these apps works with iPhone and Android, Facebook, or Windows and Mac, so you’ll be compatible almost no matter what. You’ll be able to control what quality video you’re recording on the camera from your smartphone, turn on streaming (and collect video at the same time if you like), and connect to Facebook – where the stream will be streaming.
You’ll be connecting to your computer to move video to your machine with a microUSB slot that sits at the back of the device, the back being covered by a “water resistant” cover included in the box. The battery that attaches to this unit is a 1200mAh in capacity, this being able to stay alive for several hours (we’ve not run out yet) of video at a time. You’ll be collecting video on a microSD card that you’ll have to supply yourself, the slot under the battery inside the device able to hold up to 32GB class 10 microSD/microSDHC cards for lots and lots of video storage.
The camera’s sensor is able to capture up to 1080p HD, but you’ll be able to switch between that and 720, 480, or 320p resolution if you like. You’ve got a 650 mV/lux-sec low light-friendly sensor working here with automatic light correction (hooray!) for indoor/outdoor operation – you’ll see this in action in the hands-on video above. Each video clip is saved to MP4 format – that being iTunes friendly, they make sure to note – and is easily uploaded to any number of online services without conversion.
There’s a variety of additional accessories you can buy for this machine including a windshield mount and a carrying case, and the folks at Looxcie have been around long enough now that you can bet they’ll be keeping the ecosystem strong for some time. This machine will cost you a grand total of $329 USD if you pick it up online right this minute, and it’s available on the market now.
Looxcie HD Explore Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Dec 04
Turning a dummy’s point-and-shoot camera into a more advanced shooter with manual controls is a challenging design problem. Camera’s like Canon’s S90 nailed it a while ago. But is there a different way to get it right? Maybe! The Fujifilm XF1 certainly tries, with entirely new solution in a handsome package. It’s cool. But it’s also totally wrong.
More »
Nov 28
Yes, it’s action cam season. Sony’s entered the market, Contour has updated its line with the Contour+2. But what about the latest from the brand that’s come to define the category—the Kleenex of action cams, if you will? More »
Nov 13
Olympus Stylus XZ-2 Review
Posted in: Today's ChiliThe premium compact camera you’re about to experience is the Olympus XZ-2, coming in hard with a 12.3 megapixel 1/1.7” BSI CMOS sensor, an ultra-bright zoom lens at 28-112mm equivalent f/1.8-2.5, and a 3-inch touchscreen on the back with full tilting action. It’s not the camera you’re going to buy to blow up your family’s eyeballs with fashionability on the outside – it’s the compact high-class shooter that’s going to make the difference on the inside. What we’re seeing here is a premium experience at a relatively low price considering the quality of the output, that’s for certain.
Hardware
This camera measures in at 113 x 65.4 x 48mm (without protrusions) and weighs 346g (including battery and memory card), coming with an exchangable grip that’ll be provided with accessories sooner than later and a lovely removable clip up top for your microphone, bright lamp, or whatever else you want to jam into it. There’s also a pop-up flash light that you can trigger with a physical switch or allow you pop up automatically when it’s needed.
The lens that this camera works with is a lovely Olympus i.ZUIKO DIGITAL 4x wide optical zoom ed at 6-24mm focal length and 1:1.8-2.5 aperture. Focal length equivalency to 35mm here is 28-112mm, and it’s entirely non-replaceable. The majority of the camera’s body is made of black metal and, in addition to the traditional buttons up top and on the back, you’ve got a hot-key switch and button up front that you can tell to do basically anything – quite handy!
This little monster keeps both its SD card slot and battery compartment in one place so you’re not messing with several different doors. There’s a plastic door on the right of the device that holds your micro-HDMI port (type D) and your USB 2.0 port – and that’s combined V and USB output, mind you, and the whole beast is able to work with Eye-Fi cards as well as FlashAir for wireless connectivity.
The LI-90B lithium-ion battery will last you several photo sessions at least, though working with video for hours will leave you with that – the display’s to blame for such a thing here. Unfortunately you do have to use the display to see what you’re taking photos or video of, as there is no option to turn it off entirely. You can work with the device’s Sleep Mode, on the other hand, which turns the whole thing off after 1, 3, or 5 minutes of inactivity.
The touchscreen is ready for full-on tilt action for your down-low and up-high photography needs galore. Pull it out and tilt it up if you need to take a photo under your desk, or pull it out and tilt it down to take a photo over the fence into your neighbor’s yard – once you’ve had such a display, you’ll never be able to go back to a flat, unmovable dinosaur. Your ability to touch the display to take photos and make adjustments remains regardless of the angle of the display – if you were wondering.
Software
The user interface you’ve got here works with a combination of physical keys and the touchscreen, but you do not need to use the touchscreen at all if you do not want. On the other hand, you do need to press the physical “on” button to be able to even begin using the touchscreen – after that though, feel free to just tap away.
While some options are buried rather deep in the menu, the most-used items are right up near the top where you need them, and essentially anyone is going to be able to make the basics happen. Make no mistake, though, this device is not for beginners. You certainly can just switch the whole machine over to Auto and have at it, but making precise adjustments here isn’t a “dummy-proof” situation.
That said, we’ve had little to no trouble getting to each of the featured items we wanted to try out, and the most common shooting modes and environmental changes were extremely easy to access.
Video and Photo Samples
First what you’re going to see is a simple showing of the camera’s video-capture abilities in a rather simple situation with both light and dark, far and near subject matter. Pay attention to how quickly the device focuses on the objects at hand and the adjustments to lighting conditions for a basic idea of how high quality your average video is going to be.
Then have a peek at a collection of shots of the same object showing off the effects and special abilities of camera. Note that these are all of the same metal door we had a look at in the basement and in the dark back in our camera comparison between the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Samsung Galaxy S III – this is also a good opportunity to see how well this Olympus camera handles low light in many different modes – and with odd effects turning the whole party upside-down.
Then have a peek at a set of shots in many different sorts of environments with high-quality HD output. Note that in the most basic sense, this camera has shown itself to be every bit the beast that Olympus claims it is, taking high quality photos and video with great ease. Colors appear to be as accurate as any of the highest-quality cameras we’ve tested at the price range and size we’re working with here, and no abnormalities have been discovered in any way.
Wrap-up
This device presents a collection of abilities that make it a camera worth picking up if you’re a photo enthusiast who wants to get into the big leagues without paying monster amounts of cash for high-quality photo gear. At £479.99 / $599.99 and available in any color just so long as its black, this is just the little beast you’re going to want to toss in your backpack or purse.
The touchscreen interface is simple and there when you want it, but you’ve got all the physical buttons and controls you could possibly want or need if you’re not all about the touch. The user interface is simple the understand, adjustments are simple, and the output is great in the end – and best of all, it’s an major name-brand camera so you know they’ll stick with it as far as accessories go – latch on!
Olympus Stylus XZ-2 Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Nov 13
Over the last year, Sony’s NEX cameras have been our favorite of the compact, mirrorless lot. They just handle so well. And on a small camera with big features and DSLR, the way you hold, adjust, and operate it makes a huge difference. More »
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This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.