Jun 20
Samsung introduced two new tablets today: the ATIV Q, a hybrid PC-tablet device, and the ATIV Tab 3, a remarkably thin Windows 8 tablet. Also, an interchangeable-lens camera that runs Android.
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Jun 20
After last year’s Galaxy Camera, Samsung split in two directions. It went closer to the phone with the Galaxy S 4 Zoom, shrinking the form factor (and some of the specs) for something that closer approximates a pocket-friendly device, and it got serious about interchangeable-lens cameras. This is the Galaxy NX, an ILC with LTE connectivity that’s capable of capturing at 8.6 fps and contains a hybrid autofocus system made by Samsung. In fact, the company says it’s behind every part of this new device, from the quad-core 1.6GHz Pega-Q processor, to the 4.8-inch LCD screen, to even the shutter mechanism. With a “DSLR-class” 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor we’ve seen on other NX cameras, new DRIMe IV image processor and ISO settings from 100 to 25,600, Samsung appears to be making a serious pitch for photographers interested in more than just an Instagram hook-up. This mirrorless shooter will be compatible with the full gamut of NX lenses, currently totaling 13. We paired the Galaxy NX with its 18-55mm OIS kit lens and tested it out for a bit. Read up on our impressions after the break.
Update: Now with a dollop of video from the Premiere event in London.
Gallery: Samsung Galaxy NX camera hands-on
Jun 20
It’s easy enough to describe the Galaxy S4 Zoom, since it’s essentially a Galaxy S4 Mini with a 10x zoom lens stuck on the back. But that sort of summary doesn’t do it justice. When you hold the phone-slash-camera and look at the optically stabilized image captured by its 16-megapixel, point-and-shoot grade sensor, you begin to realize that — at least for those who do a lot of snapping and sending — this combo of components holds some serious power.
Just like the first Galaxy Camera, it’s all about fun and immediacy: the ability to edit, organize and share decent-quality images using Android apps and cellular data connectivity. The key advantages are that the GS4 Zoom can work as a regular phone for voice calls, and that it’s just about portable enough to be used that way, whereas the Galaxy Camera was a lot bulkier. With these gains, the smaller zoom (10x instead of 21x) and lower-res screen (qHD instead of 720p) don’t overly faze us, so long as the final selling price takes it all into account. Ultimately, our only hesitation is the impending arrival of the so-called Nokia EOS, likely due on July 11th, which takes a totally upside-down approach to smartphone photography and is likely to be much more pocketable as a result. Those are two devices we can’t wait to put head-to-head, especially in terms of image quality, but our hands-on gallery (and impending video) might help to tide you over in the meantime.
Update: Hands-on video added.
Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom hands-on
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Samsung
Jun 20
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE
Posted in: Today's Chili
True to JK Shin’s promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google’s mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company’s glorified point-and-shoot for all comers. Rather, the Galaxy NX is what Samsung calls an interchangeable-lens CSC (or Compact System Camera), featuring a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as 3G / 4G LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity — making it worthy of that Galaxy moniker.
As you can tell from the above image, the Galaxy NX also packs a large 4.8-inch HD LCD display on its rear and is powered by a 1.6GHz Pega-Q quad-core setup and separate DRIMe IV Signal processor for imaging. The UI should look pretty familiar to anyone who’s used an Android device before, with the common apps and widgets submenus, as well as the device wheel for its 30 Smart Modes — employed when selecting imaging settings. And if you happen to own any of the company’s other NX cameras, you’ll be able to swap out lenses (13 in all) as the Galaxy NX is fully compatible with that range. It also incorporates a hybrid AF, culled from the best of DSLRs and compacts, with a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and 8.6fps shooting.
Samsung’s been pretty forthcoming about all the tech and software it’s put into the Galaxy NX, but there are two key bits it’s still withholding: pricing and availability. For now, it appears UK residents will have first crack at the Galaxy NX, as PR pegs its release for that territory as sometime this summer. The same, however, can’t be said for a US launch. Regardless, as the Galaxy NX is more a proper camera for experienced photogs and less Android phone like the Galaxy Camera and S4 Zoom, you can bet on its price tag being relatively high. In the meantime, check out our Galaxy NX hands-on for more detailed impressions.
Gallery: Samsung Premiere 2013
Gallery: Samsung Galaxy NX
Jun 20
If last year’s Samsung Galaxy Camera looked like Dr. Frankenstein had sewn a point-and-shoot camera onto the back of a Galaxy S3, the new Galaxy NX is the opposite. It takes the Android UI 3G/4G/LTE connectivity of a smartphone, and slaps it onto the back of an interchangeable-lens camera.
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Jun 20
Samsung Premiere 2013 liveblog!
Posted in: Today's Chili
Samsung’s got big news for its Galaxy and ATIV ranges, and we’ve already seen teasers that point towards new laptops, cameras and hybrids. Join us here at 2pm ET — we’ll be liveblogging it all from London!
June 20, 2013 2:00:00 PM EST
Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Cameras, Laptops, Tablets, Samsung
Jun 20
Leica unveils G-Star RAW edition of D-Lux 6 compact, co-branded with Dutch denim label (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili
Leica’s just taken its vintage branding strategy to a new level with the D-Lux 6 “G-Star RAW” compact model, styled by the Dutch denim maker of that name. Design touches include a textured leather body and gun-metal grey accents, along with an embossed leather case and strap, all firsts for a compact Leica camera. The 10-megapixel model (based on the Panasonic LX7) arguably merits such a treatment, though, packing as it does a 24-90mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.4-2.3 fixed zoom, 1/1.7-inch sensor, manual control dials, full-HD video and of course, RAW still image capture. As with previous Leica designer models, the G-Star RAW version (which will hit dealers soon) bumps the standard D-Lux 6 ticket considerably to around $1,300. While that’s arguably a steep price to pay for zero extra functionality, we can’t say we blame them for trying — considering how often its early styling has been appropriated.
Filed under: Cameras
Source: Leica
Jun 20
MAKI Corporation – Inexpensive Full HD Waterproof Action Video Camera “GEANEE AC-01″ – Less than 15,000 yen!!
Posted in: Today's Chili
Today MAKI Corporation announced that they will release a full HD waterproof action video camera “GEANEE AC-01″ very soon.
It’s a IPX8 waterproof video camera that is usable at a depth of up to 10 meters so that you can use it at the pool and shore side and so on. With the accompanying mount kit, you can attach “GEANEE AC-01″ to your bicycle and take a full HD (1920×1080 dot) video while road or mountain biking. Maximum duration of shooting is 6 hours (HD mode).
“G sensor” that detects the direction of the video camera is built-in, so even if you set the video camera upside down, the image that is shot won’t be displayed upside down.
CMOS image sensor (effective pixel: 5 million pixels) is built-in. Video format is MOV (Codecs: H.264/ADPCM) and video size is 1920×1080 / 30 fps, 1280×720 / 60fps, and 1280×720 / 30fps. Still image format is JPEG, and the size are 4608×3456, 2592×1944, and 2048×1536. It adopted a 120 degree wide angle lens.
Estimated price: ¥14,800
Size: 40x96x45.8mm
Weight: 112g
Interface: mini USB2.0, microHDMI output, microSD memory card slot
Jun 19
The Lytro miniature camera just received a fairly significant update today. The company just outed an accompanying iOS app that allows you to share the photos taken on a Lytro with your iOS device. From there, you can do all sorts of stuff that iOS will allow you to do, such as upload it to
Jun 19
University of Tokyo’s fast-tracking camera system could revolutionize sports coverage (video)
Posted in: Today's Chili
Researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Ishikawa Oku Lab have been hard at work on a camera system that can track fast moving objects incredibly well, and the technology may change the way sports like baseball and soccer are televised. Recently, the team building the system has entered the next phase of testing: taking it outside, to see if will perform as well as it has in a lab setting. If all goes according to plan, they expect it’ll be ready for broadcast use in roughly two years.
Demos of the tech are pretty impressive, as you can see in the video below showing the (warning: not recommended watching for those easily prone to motion sickness). To get the ping-pong ball-centric shots, the system uses a group of lenses and two small mirrors that pan, tilt and move so the camera itself doesn’t have to. The mirrors rely on a speedy image tracking system that follows movement, rather than predicting it. Swapping the camera out for a projector also has some interesting applications — it can paint digital pictures on whatever its tracking. Sounds like the perfect gadget for folks who wish their table tennis balls looked like emoji.
Via: Diginfo
Source: Ishikawa Oku Laboratory
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