The New Lytro Camera – Focus After the Fact!

Photographs are an important part of my life. I admit I’m the one that has a camera everywhere I go, no, I don’t drag my giant Nikon with me to every walk in the park, but I almost always have at least a point and shoot camera in my pocket… you just never know when that magical shot will reveal itself, if you love pictures, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Check out the new Lytro camera, and although it gives a fun and almost toy-like appearance, it is everything but. Touting the ability to focus “after the fact,” this camera actually captures all planes of light in a given picture, this allows you to take a truly instantaneous shot, without waiting for focus or for shutter delay. In other words, you get the shot exactly when you wanted it and you can play with the focus later.

Okay, so field of light photography isn’t actually new, but having this kind of ability in a tiny hand held camera is, and being able to share these photos with family and friends, and let them get in on the action and play with all your interactive photo features also makes for a novel photo experience. I don’t believe this is the only camera you’ll want to own, but if you already have a camera, this one certainly provides a fun alternative.

The Lytro Camera comes in either 16G ($499.00) or 8G ($399.00), with an 8X optical zoom, it includes the desktop application needed to process and interact with your cool HD quality “living pictures.” I have to say I did not find any mention of megapixels, so I can’t comment on print quality, but I can say, it sounds like an interesting gadget for the shutterbugs among us. Find more information, or interact with some fabulous photos at lytro.com. The Lytro Field of Light Camera will be available in October.

 
[ The New Lytro Camera – Focus After the Fact! copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Samsung announces EX2F SMART camera

It seems to me that Wi-Fi connectivity in digital cameras these days seem to be an in-demand feature. It makes perfect sense, really, especially when you have GBs of photos as well as videos to transfer over to your computer, why not rely on a wireless connection to get the job done instead of wasting precious minutes hunting down that ever wayward cable? Not only does it reduce the clutter around your workspace, it also looks a whole lot neater. Before I rant on to another topic altogether, let us see what is the main reason for this story – the Samsung EX2F digital camera that will come with Wi-Fi connectivity (which we will talk about in greater detail later), where it will target the prosumer class of users.

First of all, the Samsung EX2F might seem to be a compact camera with its $499.99 price tag, but don’t be fooled by its outward appearance. For starters, it will boast of a bright f/1.4 lens for premium image quality and performance, continuing the good work of its predecessor, the TL500. Those who want to up their game in the world of digital photography will definitely find the inclusion of full manual controls a boon, where the entire get up comes in a strong yet lightweight magnesium body.

It does seem to be an option for professional photographers who want something more portable than a dSLR, and yet can shoot above average images. The Samsung EX2F is said to excel in dim atmospheres with its 1/1.7” 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, where accompanying the full manual control would be Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. There is a Dual Dial and front wheel keys so that photographers are able to quickly and easily adjust exposure for effortless manual control.

Last but not least, there is the 3-inch Swivel AMOLED display that makes it ideal to line up shots from a creative angle, and you can view your images under virtually any lighting conditions, now how about that? Throw in Dual Optical and Digital Image Stabilization (OIS and DIS) to the mix, and you have quite the pocket rocket there in terms of digital cameras for shoppers on a budget.

Press Release

[ Samsung announces EX2F SMART camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Samsung MV900F SMART Camera announced

When it comes to the world of digital cameras, you have three tiers to choose from – professionals will settle for the dSLRs as well as Micro Four Thirds for certain jobs, while there is the pro-sumer class of cameras that can be said to be “neither here nor there”, and last but not least, the entry level class which is where most beginners would start off with. Samsung’s latest attempt in the digital camera market would target the entry level segment with the Samsung MV900F SMART camera, where it is said to offer a high-performing lens that works well even in low light conditions, without breaking the bank in the process.

The Samsung MV900F will be the latest member of Samsung’s Wi-Fi SMART camera family, where it intends to pursue the market that its predecessor, the MV800, left off. One of the MV900F’s more unique and innovative features would be a 180-degree MultiView display that makes it a snap to shoot creative self-portraits regardless of the angle, and when you throw Wi-Fi connectivity into the mix, you know that sharing images with family and friends have become far easier than before.

With Integrated Wi-Fi technology, you can hook up to Facebook, Picasa, Photobucket and YouTube instantly, where the dedicated SMART LINK button lets you transfer or share images and videos in a jiffy.

Not only that, the Samsung MV900F will also come with a F/2.5 bright lens so that you can shoot decent looking images even in low light conditions, now how about that? Samsung’s ground-breaking Gesture Shot has also been thrown into the mix, where you can now zoom and snap a photo from a distance using simple hand motions, although it remains to be seen just how far or effective Gesture Shot is until we actually manage to try it out for ourselves.

If you are interested in the Samsung MV900F, then you will be able to pick it up for a relatively affordable $349.99, where it will come in sophisticated white and black shades. Any takers?

Press Release

[ Samsung MV900F SMART Camera announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Looxcie HD video cam has integrated Wi-Fi

Are you one of those who love to have an adrenaline rush by indulging in activities that tend to result in a raise in your insurance premiums? If you have answered in the affirmative, then surely you would be interested in recording your adventures from your point of view, so that regaling those death defying tales to a circle of wide-eyed audience is made easier, and they will be able to know that you are not simply making things up in order impress them, but rather, sharing the gospel truth. Well, what kind of devices out there are able to keep up with your rough and tumble lifestyle? Perhaps the Looxcie HD video cam will be able to help, and good thing this puppy is not only battle-ready to meet any challenges coming your way, it will also feature built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that comes in handy to stream video in real time to an audience watching remotely, although you would need a pretty decent data connection for that to happen.

Thanks to the ability to handle full 1080p recording and built-in Wi-Fi, the Looxcie HD can capture razor-sharp video while simultaneously share a live video stream for those connected. This is the first wearable cam of its kind that delivers direct-to-Facebook live streaming, where you are able to create your own personal broadcasting network, in addition to starting either a public broadcast or a private stream.

Don’t worry if you are going to use the Looxcie HD during winter or the rainy season, it has a new water-resistant design, while a low-light camera sensor allows you to make the most of even dark situations. There is also a unique Instant Clip button for creating “instant replays” of what just happened, while a protective lens filter adds an extra layer of durability. The battery can be replaced, so you can always bring a spare with you, while additional memory can be extended via a microSD memory card.

If you are interested in having the Looxcie HD share your adventures in the future, then you will be able to place a pre-order from Looxcie.com or from Amazon.com already, where depending on the kind of configuration that you select, it will retail from $279.99 and goes all the way to $349.99. Any takers?

Press Release

[ Looxcie HD video cam has integrated Wi-Fi copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Syrian Rebels Hack Together Digital Cameras To Replace Machine Gun Scopes [War]

Rebels in Syria are not satisfied with the munitions and technology readily available to them. So, increasingly, they’re building their own badass battle tools. New York Times’ At War blog is discovery these crazy awesome DIY weapons, like a machine gun, which instead of a traditional scope, has a digital camera installed: More »

Toshiba Camileo BW20 camcorder is one tough cookie

I am quite sure that some of us out there do our very best to make sure that the shiny new device which we just purchased is covered with a layer of protection, but despite our best and most sincere efforts, the inevitable eventually happens, where a momentary lapse of concentration results in the heartbreaking sound of your smartphone hitting the concrete floor from the height of your waist. Another broken screen and a few hundred dollars poorer later with a replacement device, you swear to yourself that your next purchase had better be able to match your legendary butterfingers ability, which is exactly why we are talking about the Toshiba Camileo BW20 camcorder today.

The Toshiba Camileo BW20 camcorder is not only waterproof but shockproof as well, and to dive straight into its extra tough features, here we are with word that it is capable of working just fine even up to 16 feet underwater, and will shrug off dust as well as shocks, brushing off accidental drops of up to five feet. Definitely families and sports enthusiasts who love recording whatever comes their way regardless of the situation will fall in love with the Toshiba Camileo BW20 camcorder, and parents, too, will be able to let their little ones perform some video capture at times without worrying about whether the Camileo BW20 is able to live up to the rigors of a child.

That’s for its durability, how about its imaging performance? Toshiba will not sell itself short with the Camileo BW20, where it boasts of an f/2.2 aperture lens, a 5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, and video image stabilization so that you can shoot video with greater clarity, even when you are underwater. Not only that, sharing your videos and photos on YouTube, Facebook, Picasa and TwitVid are a snap, not to mention being able to relive those magical moments on a HDTV thanks to the built-in HDMI output port. The BW20 even comes with a handy floating wrist strap so that it will not end up at the bottom of the pond or lake.

Toshiba is asking for a reasonable $129.99 for the Camileo BW20 camcorder as it makes its way to decent retail stores all round.

Company Page

[ Toshiba Camileo BW20 camcorder is one tough cookie copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Barbie Photo Fashion Doll – Because Fashion and Photos Just Go Together

I played with Barbies when I was a kid, I can’t say it was a very lengthy period of my childhood.I guess Barbie just got a little boring after a while, although I owned a newer Barbie-type concept, it was a doll that came with 3 heads, so you could pop on a different one if you desired a different look. Looking back, it was more than a little strange. Looking forward… isn’t it amazing how far we’ve come?

Check out Barbie Fashion Photo Doll, with a camera lens lodged between her shoulder blades, whatever pictures you snap, Barbie can “wear” on her cool graphic tee! You understood it correctly, you can customize Barbie’s t-shirt by taking photos with the embedded digital camera and those pictures then show up on the shirt, as they are, or customized with some included special effects.

Barbie can hold up to 200+ pictures and the camera controls are cleverly incorporated into Barbie’s belt. For more design options, your little techie fashionista can plug the doll into a computer via included USB cable and have access to more backgrounds and graphics. Then, when she’s done, she simply uploads the pics back to the Photo Fashion Doll and her t-shirt “fashion” is complete.

The 11.5 inch Barbie comes complete with an embedded digital camera and LCD screen, a doll stand, a pink USB cord, rechargeable battery, and instructions, all for under 50 bucks at amazon.com (internet connection required for added editing effects)

[ Barbie Photo Fashion Doll – Because Fashion and Photos Just Go Together copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 announced

The “multimedia photographer” must be a new breed of shutterbugs, as Panasonic has just announced their latest device known as the Lumix DMC-GH3. Not only does it come across as a compact and lightweight device, it is also easy on the eyes, and yet occupies the high end of the mirrorless single lens system camera segment. Despite its apparent beauty, you should take note that more than capable of holding its own in everyday rough-and-tumble situations, shooting perfectly fine even under the extreme conditions of heavy field use.

For starters, the new Live MOS Sensor that has been incorporated is capable of achieving high-resolution images with minimum noise. Throw in the spanking new Venus Engine and you are able to enjoy high-speed, high-quality signal processing under most photo capturing conditions. When these features come together, they will be able to maximize shooting fun as well as operating ease without having you bat an eyelid, and folks will wonder just what it is that made you elevate your photo shoots to a totally different level.

Apart from that, a notable mention of the Lumix GH3 has to be made about its tough body that is rugged enough to stand up to professional use. Made out of a magnesium alloy full diecast body and advanced splash/dustproof construction, it lets you go where no camera has gone before – of course, there are some rugged cameras around, but how many offer DSLR-like image quality while being compact? Three dials on the front and back as well as single-function buttons make up the new controls layout for easier accessibility and use regardless of the condition.

Not only that, the 16-megapixel Lumix GH3 even boasts of integrated Wi-Fi connectivity that helps you expand shooting possibilities, where your smartphone or tablet can double up as a remote control and a remote monitor. Are you stoked yet, and is your wallet screaming to have its credit card busted out when the Lumix GH3 arrives at a store near you?

Press Release

[ Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Olympus E-PL5 and E-PM2 interchangeable lens cameras leak into view

Olympus

Secrets have been hard to keep in the camera world lately, and now Olympus has undergone its second leak in as many days, but this time with a couple of higher-profile actors — the E-PL5 and E-PM2 mirrorless cameras. Both will use the Olympus E-M5 sensor with TruePic VI image engine and touchscreen, and are reported to be priced at €399 ($520) for the E-PM2 with a 14-42mm kit lens (in silver, below the break) and €599 ($780) for the E-PL5 with the same lens, shown above. That follows earlier leaks from Sony, Fujifilm and others, along with two upcoming lenses from Olympus that were also outed ahead of time. Hopefully, there’ll still be a couple of surprises left when Photokina rolls around next week.

[Image credit: Digicam Info]

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Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder

Sony scores another first with their Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder, where it is touted to be the first 35mm full-frame Handycam camcorder in the world. Make no mistake about it, the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam will be part of the interchangeable lens video camera family, hence I guess the cliche comes in handy here – whatever you shoot is only as good as your imagination, as the hardware has progressed to such an extent. Well, let us check out just what the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder is capable of right after the jump, shall we not?

Touted to be the “world’s first consumer 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camcorder”, the new NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder will enable demanding cinematographers to have the kind of control and flexibility that they require in order to flesh out their creative vision. Sporting a resolution count of 24.3 effective megapixels, it comes with an Exmor CMOS sensor that is said to be approximately 40 times larger than its equivalent in standard consumer camcorders, and more than double that of the APS-C sensor found in other interchangeable lens Handycam models.

Capable of capturing full-frame, 24 megapixel still photos, it will also deliver RAW format support, now how about that? This delivers all the post-processing flexibility and quality expected from a pro-class DSLR camera, except that this is a camcorder that we are talking about here. As for the sensor, it also lets one create distinctive ‘bokeh’ (defocus) effects; experience high sensitivity for extremely clear, low-noise images; and effortless reproduction of smooth, true tonal gradation.

You might just end up being the resident movie maker in your family as you spend more and more time mastering the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder, and we cannot blame you for that.

And last but not least, the pricing surrounding the Sony Handycam NEX-VG900 35mm full-frame camcorder. If you want just the body only with a LA-EA3 adaptor will arrive later this November, it will cost you a whopping $3,300. I guess that would mean you have just a couple of months or so to save up for one of these puppies, no?

Press Release

[ Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam camcorder copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]