Sep 04

gdgt’s best deals for September 4: Samsung 50-inch LED HDTV, Lenovo IdeaCentre PC

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Ready to save some cash on your tech buys? Then you’ve come to the right place. Our sister site gdgt tracks price drops on thousands of products every day, and twice a week they feature some of the best deals they’ve found right here. But act fast! Many of these are limited-time offers, and won’t last long.

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Today’s hottest deals are a Samsung 50-inch LED HDTV and the Lenovo IdeaCentre all-in-one PC, both available for some of the lowest prices we’ve seen. Join gdgt and add the gadgets you’re shopping for to your “Want” list. Every time there’s a price cut, you’ll get an email alert!

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Jan 29

Canon PowerShot A2500, ELPH 330 HS, 115 IS point-and-shoots debut ahead of CP+

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Canon PowerShot A2500, ELPH 330 HS, 115 IS pointandshoots to debut this week at CP

You might have figured Canon’s 2013 PowerShot lineup was diverse enough to satisfy just about any point-and-shoot craving. Well, no matter — we’re about to see a trio of compacts added to the mix. The ELPH 330 HS is the company’s premium model for CP+, Japan’s up-and-coming digital imaging trade show, which kicks off later this week in Yokohama. The 330 is similar to the 130 IS, which we first saw at CES, boosting the focal range from 8x to 10x, with a 24mm wide-angle lens. There’s also an upgraded 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a Digic 5 processor, a 461k-dot 3-inch LCD and built-in WiFi. The next higher-end offering is the ELPH 115 IS, which packs specs more in line with the 130 IS, including the same 16-megapixel CCD sensor and 8x 28mm lens. There’s no WiFi to speak of, however, and the display drops to a 2.7-inch 230k-dot panel. It can shoot 720p video and offers the same Eco Mode bundled with all of Canon’s 2013 compacts.

Finally, for photogs on an even tighter budget, there’s the PowerShot A2500. The specs are similar to the 115 IS, including a 16-megapixel CCD chip, a 2.7-inch 230k-dot display and 720p video shooting. Despite the reduced 5x 28-140mm lens, this flavor is a bit heftier, though it’s a step up from most other A-series Canons. If you have the cash to spare, the $230 ELPH 330 HS is clearly the most compelling option launching this week — it ships in March with black, pink or silver finishes. The slightly less capable 115 IS will be available in March for $170, in black, blue, pink and silver, while the A2500 will hit stores in April for $130, in black, silver and red. Catch a few more details in the PR just past the break.

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CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THREE NEW STYLISH POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERAS PROVIDING WIDE-ANGLE AND LONG TELEPHOTO LENSES IN COMPACT DESIGNS

New Lineup Includes the Wireless-Enabled PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Digital Camera With a Powerful 10x Optical Zoom Lens

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 28, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of three stylish, feature-packed PowerShot Digital Cameras: the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS, ELPH 115 IS and A2500. These new models are ideal for photography enthusiasts of all levels looking for great photo quality and excellent video performance in compact, powerful point-and-shoot designs.

The new PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera provides advanced wireless connectivity for easy sharing. Providing great performance in dimly lit situations, the ELPH 330 HS digital camera includes the Company’s HS SYSTEM that delivers clear images with minimal noise and maximum detail even when shooting in low-light. The new cameras offer great features such as Canon’s Smart AUTO, enabling even novice users to get optimal camera performance automatically, so whether photographing a running child or a solo recital on stage the cameras deliver spectacular images with ease. Smart AUTO allows the cameras to detect up to 58 scenes for the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera and up to 32 scenes for the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera and PowerShot A2500 digital camera. All three models also feature ECO Mode, an advanced new method that manages power consumption and extends battery life by approximately 30 percent, when enabled, allowing you to shoot more photos for a longer amount of time.

“With the introduction of these sleek, new models to our family of PowerShot digital cameras, we are able to provide our customers with a range of imaging options including more models with wireless connectivity to upload and share their amazing creative images,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Digital Camera

Photography today is as much about image quality as it is about sharing, whether through prints or online communities. With this in mind, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera builds upon the success of the PowerShot line with built-in advanced wireless capabilities to easily share high-quality images captured with an impressive 10x optical zoom lens and 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor. After an initial one-time set-up, the camera can connect to both iOS(R) or AndroidTM smartphones and tabletsi for quick and easy sharing. Users launch Canon’s free CameraWindow application [i]i, available on both the iOS(R) and AndroidTM operating systemsi, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from the camera to their device. Frequently used devices and accounts are conveniently stored in the camera’s wireless history menu for quick one-touch access.

With these enhanced wireless capabilities, users now have the ability to comment on their uploaded photos directly from the camera – so being part of conversations taking place on social networking sites is easy and convenient. In addition, individuals can control the destination of Facebook uploads – choosing to share content with everyone, or post photos only to selected Facebook groups. Users can also instantly upload images wirelessly from the camera to Canon iMAGE GATEWAYiii, and automatically upload them to a computer remotely. Photos can also be printed wirelessly using Wireless PictBridgeiv on select Canon wireless inkjet printers, including the new PIXMA MG6320 Photo All-In-One printer, so special moments can be preserved and cherished.

A fantastic multipurpose lens: the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera provides a 10x optical zoom lens taking images from 24mm wide, up to 240mm at the telephoto end, able to capture that group shot, or zoom in for a dynamic close-up. Great even in low light, the camera’s 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor combine and deliver on Canon’s HS SYSTEM helping ensure detail is captured even in dark or shadowed areas at a maximum ISO speed of up to 6400. For capturing memorable moments on video, at the touch of a dedicated movie-record button, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera shoots beautiful 1080p Full HD video and includes a built-in stereo microphone for great sound. Helping document vacations with your own personal highlight reel, the camera’s new Hybrid AUTO mode utilizes a combination of Smart AUTO and Intelligent IS to create a beautiful and steady HD video clip (up to approximately 4 seconds) in Movie Digest mode every time you shoot a still image. Helping ensure you don’t miss those magic moments, the camera features both High Speed AF for fast focusing speed and High‐Speed Burst for continuous capture at up to 6.2 frames per second while maintaining superb image quality. The combination of features, including wireless connectivity, Canon’s Intelligent IS system and ECO Mode, help make the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera a great imaging companion for vacations, all-day sporting events, or family parties.

Expected to hit store shelves in March, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera will be available in three modern colors: black, silver and pink for an estimated retail price of $229.99.

PowerShot ELPH 115 IS Digital Camera

The new pocket-able PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera features an 8x optical zoom lens (28-224mm), which provides a focal range to capture most any situation. The PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera includes a 16-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor for exceptional image quality. For those photographers who “shoot it all” and seamlessly move from scene to scene, the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera provides Canon’s Smart AUTO mode that intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on up to 32 predefined shooting situations for capturing spectacular images in a variety of settings with ease. For creative video capture, users can record HD video with a built-in microphone for great sound. The PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera also includes Canon’s unique Intelligent IS system technology, matching the lens movement with one of six stabilization modes for smooth video and sharp still images. The camera also includes Canon’s new ECO Mode allowing you to shoot more photos for a longer amount of time.

With anticipated in-store availability in March, the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera will be available in four sleek colors: blue, silver, black and pink at an estimated retail price of $169.99.

PowerShot A2500 Digital Camera

Rounding out Canon’s new PowerShot lineup is the PowerShot A2500 digital camera, which includes a 16-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, as well as a 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom that can extend out to 140mm at the telephoto end. The camera also features Canon’s Smart AUTO mode that analyzes each scene to intelligently select camera settings based on 32 predefined shooting scenarios to help capture stunning images with ease. The PowerShot A2500 digital camera can also capture great video, recording HD through a dedicated movie button. Helping ensure crisp images, Canon’s Digital IS reduces the effect of camera shake and subject movement. For travelers and those on the go, Canon’s new ECO Mode conserves battery life, allowing you to shoot more photos over a longer period of time. For those photographers looking to be a little more creative, the camera also features various Scene Modes such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome to help provide additional creative freedom when capturing your photos. And for those just learning the art of photography, a Help Button will provide simple explanations of camera settings and functions.

Expected for sale in April, the PowerShot A2500 digital camera will be available in silver, red and black for an estimated retail price of $129.99.

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Jan 07

Canon PowerShot N hands-on (video)

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Canon PowerShot N handson video

What’s square and rounded with white all over? That’d be Canon’s new PowerShot N — a point-and-shoot that can be held in any which way. At first glance, it’s a bit of a strange proposition — the camera’s square shape is admittedly a bit bizarre, and it does’t look like it’d be terribly comfortable to use. So, did Canon get it all wrong with the boxy N? Not exactly. It’s surely not going to be a first choice for everyone, but we do see what the device’s design team was thinking here. The idea is that you can hold the camera any way you like, thanks to a shutter release and zoom trigger positioned around the lens itself. So, if you want to flip it upside down, that’s perfectly fine. In fact, doing so will let you take advantage of the 2.8-inch flip-up LCD in order to snag some overhead shots, while keeping it in a more traditional orientation will enable below-the-waist captures.

The camera seems a bit thick because of the small square design, but it’s still compact enough to fit in a jeans pocket, or to be dangled from a wrist strap. And, because there’s no shutter release at the top right corner, it’s a solid fit for lefties, too. The white version we saw was incredibly glossy, and paired with the unconventional design, it’s sure to attract a fair amount of attention on the streets. All in all, it’s designed for fun — the Creative Shot mode lets you add in a bit of color, while the built-in WiFi and direct connect button enable instant sharing on social media sites, via your smartphone. Take a closer look in our hands-on video after the break, or you can pick one up for yourself for $300 in April.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot N hands-on

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Jan 07

Canon PowerShot ELPH 130IS brings WiFi to the company’s high-end point-and-shoot line

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DNP Canon PowerShot ELPH 130IS brings WiFi to the company's highend pointandshoot line

Were you betting Canon would announce a few WiFi-enabled cameras at CES this year? Ding ding ding — you’re a winner! Fork over 200 bucks and claim your prize. The company’s latest ELPH may be tiny, but it still packs all of the banner features you’d expect in 2013. On the wireless front, you’ll have the ability to create an ad-hoc network for booting stills and videos directly to connected computers, tablets or smartphones. There’s also compatibility with Canon’s CameraWindow app (for Android and iOS), along with the ability to add comments to images that you choose to upload to Twitter or send via email. You can also upload shots to Facebook, with control over where the images show up on the site.

As far as hardware is concerned, there’s a 16-megapixel sensor, a DIGIC 4 processor and an 8x optically stabilized zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle position and a maximum aperture range of f/3.2-6.9. You also get a 3-inch, 461k-dot LCD with the same Eco mode offered with other models in the company’s 2013 lineup, which serves to power down the display after eight seconds of inactivity, providing an up to 30-percent boost in battery life — simply press any button on the camera to wake it back up instantly. There’s Intelligent IS, HD video capture and the same Smart Auto mode (and scene modes) offered with previous models. Canon’s planning to release the ELPH 130IS with a $200 sticker price — you can expect it to hit stores beginning next month.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot ELPH 130IS

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Jan 07

Canon PowerShot A2600 and A1400 offer modest feature bumps, little incentive to upgrade

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DNP Canon PowerShot A2600 and A1400 offer modest feature bumps, little incentive to upgrade

Every member of a company’s CES lineup can’t be a blockbuster — that’s certainly the case with this duo of mid-range Canon PowerShots. The A2600 and A1400 are fine point-and-shoots, sure, but they’re destined for the bags of beginner shooters, with modest feature sets and price points to match. The A2600, which replaces last year’s A2400, is the pricer of the two models, ringing in at $150 with a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, a 5x 28mm zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-6.9, along with a 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD. It can shoot 720p HD video and includes a Smart Auto mode for basic users, along with a new Eco mode, which dims the display after two seconds, powers it off completely after eight seconds, and jumps back to life with a single button press — all in the name of an up to 30-percent boost in battery life.

The $100 A1400 looks nearly identical to 2012’s A1300, but adds in the imaging and power features outlined above. Spec-wise, the biggest difference between the A1400 and A2600 is the substitution of twin AA batteries for the latter camera’s rechargeable cell. While manufacturers often boast about the flexibility of an AA-powered camera, considering that you can purchase these batteries anywhere on the globe, such a solution ultimately cuts back on Canon’s expenses while potentially becoming quite pricey and inconvenient for the camera’s owner. So, don’t forget to factor in those double-As when it comes time to pull the trigger. Both PowerShot models are expected to hit stores next month, with the A2600 retailing for $150 and the A1400 running you about 100 bucks.

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Jan 07

Canon reinvents the point-and-shoot with ambidextrous PowerShot N

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DNP Canon reinvents the pointandshoot with ambidextrous PowerShot N

No, you’re not holding it wrong — in fact, with Canon’s new PowerShot N, any and every orientation is correct, thanks to a unique square design with key controls mounted around the center-positioned lens. In this case, a picture (of the camera body) tells far more than a thousand words — this radical build is a bit tricky to explain, but we’ll do our best. The idea here is that there’s no one top or bottom, left or right side to the camera. Instead, those positions change based on how you’ve opted to orient the point-and-shoot. At 1.1 inches deep, the camera is very thin, yet it still packs an 8x 28mm f/3-5.9 lens. There’s two rings around the barrel, with the first serving as a zoom toggle and the second used as a shutter release. The 2.8-inch, 461k-dot capacitive touchscreen is fixed at a slight angle, making it possible to take overhead and lower-angle shots simply by rotating the entire camera. There’s a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5 processor and an ISO range of 80-6400. It can snap 1080p video at 24 frames per second or 720p at 32 fps, and includes a bright LED that serves as an AF-assist lamp, a flash /and/ a video light.

Canon opted to use microSD cards here, due to the camera’s small size, along with a rechargeable battery that can be replenished through the USB connector — a new Eco mode will enable an up to 30-percent boost in battery life, with the display powering down after eight seconds, then waking up when the built-in gyro sensor detects movement. There’s WiFi connectivity with a dedicated Mobile Device Connect button, for direct access to an ad-hoc sharing mode. You’ll also find a few software additions, including a Creative Shot mode that duplicates the image you just captured and applies “Intelligent Scene Analysis,” cropping the frame and adjusting color and brightness without overwriting the original file. The PowerShot N is set to ship in April for $300, and will be available in both black and white. Canon also plans to release a handful of accessories, including a few unique concepts for wearing the camera around your neck, playing off of the model’s compact form-factor and light weight.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot N

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Oct 27

Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute

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Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats the best Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute

How was your week? We got to spend a couple of days trekking around the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, PA to check out some of the latest projects from the school’s world renowned Robotics Institute — a trip that culminated with the bi-annual induction ceremony from the CMU-sponsored Robot Hall of Fame. Given all the craziness of the past seven days, you might have missed some of the awesomeness, but fear not, we’ve got it all for you here in one handy place — plus a couple of videos from the trip that we haven’t shown you yet. Join us after the break to catch up.

Continue reading Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute

Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 26

Visualized: GigaPan circa 2006

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Visualized GigaPan circa 2006

GigaPan sure has come a long way in a few short years. Sure, it’s no Epic Pro, but this old device marked S/N 15 is a pretty cool piece of history for those who love really hi-res images. We spotted it on the shelf of an office here at Carnegie Mellon, clutching on to an old PowerShot point-and-shoot. According to its owner, the tangled device dates back to around 2006. We knew it looked familiar….

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Visualized: GigaPan circa 2006 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 17

Canon PowerShot G15 features f/1.8-2.8 lens and DSLR-like controls, we go hands-on (video)

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Canon PowerShot G15 features f1828 lens and DSLRlike controls, we go handson video

Not completely sold on Canon’s large sensor-packing PowerShot G1 X? The company’s latest jumbo compact offers a comparable smooth focus effect, thanks to its super-wide f/1.8-2.8, 28-140mm optical zoom lens, with image stabilization that boosts your shooting capability by up to four stops. The camera, which is designed to replace the G12, features a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 5 processor, enabling RAW shooting, 1080p video and a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800 all in a body that’s significant smaller and lighter than its predecessor. There’s also a super-sharp 922k-dot 3-inch LCD (no touchscreen here, not that we miss it) and a built-in optical viewfinder.

The $500 G15 isn’t set to hit stores until October, but we caught an early peek at Photokina today. A Canon representative also clued us in on the camera’s naming scheme — that jump from 12 right to 15. As we know, 13 is an unlucky number in North America and Europe, but the 14 was also avoided because the number four “sounds like an unlucky word” in Japanese. So, there you have it. Regardless of what it’s called, though, the G15 is one powerful shooter, with a very solid design to boot. Though it is smaller than the G12, it’s still far too large to fit in a pocket — you’ll likely walk around with this guy dangling from your neck. There’s a mode dial up top, along with a dedicated exposure compensation dial, enabling more precise EV control. We weren’t able to examine samples in order to evaluate the camera’s bokeh capabilities, but Canon reps said that the effect is on par with the G1 X. You’ll be able to get your own mitts on the G15 beginning next month, and you can catch our hands-on photos just below, along with a video walkthrough after the break.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot G15 hands-on

Continue reading Canon PowerShot G15 features f/1.8-2.8 lens and DSLR-like controls, we go hands-on (video)

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Canon PowerShot G15 features f/1.8-2.8 lens and DSLR-like controls, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 17

Canon PowerShot S110 packs WiFi and touch-enabled display (hands-on video)

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Canon PowerShot S110 handson video

It seems like just yesterday that Canon announced its top-of-the-line PowerShot S100, and now the company is back to demo its brand new S110. This latest point-and-shoot flagship features a very similar body size and design, but adds WiFi functionality, enabling you to interface with a smartphone app to upload pictures and tag your images using your mobile’s GPS (interestingly, GPS no longer comes built-in). Spec-wise, the camera’s packing a 12.1-megapixel, 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor and an f/2.0-5.9, 24-120mm lens. It also offers an ISO range of 80-12,800, and includes a 460k-dot 3-inch LCD with touch functionality, letting you tap your way through menus instead of using the hardware controls (which, thankfully, are also still available). The S110 is still very much a premium product, with a solid metal construction and a $450 price tag to match.

We went hands-on with both the black and white versions of the S110 at Photokina today, and were quite pleased with the design. The black version includes a matte black finish with a slightly rougher feel, which we preferred over the white’s smooth, glossy paint job. Both cameras feel solid, and are clearly still pocketable. The display was bright and vibrant, and the touchscreen responded as expected — we can’t say it’ll be our first pick when it comes to navigation, but it does allow for some useful shortcuts. We weren’t able to shoot with the S110, but it does offer RAW captures, along with 1080/24p video shooting and an impressive 10 fps burst mode. It’s set to hit stores beginning next month — as always, you’ll find hands-on photos below and a video walkthrough just past the break.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot S110 hands-on

Continue reading Canon PowerShot S110 packs WiFi and touch-enabled display (hands-on video)

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Canon PowerShot S110 packs WiFi and touch-enabled display (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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