Hasta La Gadget!

If you want to look for life on another planet you don’t build one radio telescope that’s miles wide, you build a bunch of smaller ones and create an array out of them. As it turns out that basic idea works for capturing visible wavelengths as well. It’s called a plenoptic camera, using an array of very small lenses that, when combined, can create an image as good as a larger one. Pelican Imaging is largely interested in the slim factor this kind of system could offer, potentially allowing for thinner phones, but this could also open the door to some interesting effects. Check out the video after the break for an example of the dynamic aperture control this sort of setup can allow, where you can change the focal plane of an image after it was taken. Given the small size of the array here you probably couldn’t do anything too crazy, like take a picture through a tree, but the days of poorly focused cameraphone shots might finally be at an end — whenever this actually comes to market.

Continue reading Pelican Imaging’s prototype array camera could make your pictures better, phones thinner (video)

Pelican Imaging’s prototype array camera could make your pictures better, phones thinner (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu’s latest image processor, the Milbeaut MB91696AM, has a new bag of tricks on tap, and it’s fixing to unload them in April. The new Milbeaut sports ARM processors and a “newly-developed” Full HD H.264 codec engine, making for 14-megapixel shooting at 8fps (or about 20 megapixels at 5.5fps) and low-noise Hi-Vision video recording at 1920 x 1080. So the processor, in its sixth iteration, sports high resolution photos and HD video all on the same chip, and features continuous photography speeds up to five times faster than its predecessors. Fujitsu’s got plans to show off Milbeaut’s mobile solutions at MWC next week, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the MB91696AM make its debut in Barcelona as well. Either way, the new processor is scheduled to ship starting in April for ¥3,000 (right around $36), which means new Milbeaut-equipped cameras won’t shouldn’t be far behind. Full PR after the jump.

Continue reading Fujitsu’s next-gen Milbeaut image processor does single-chip Hi-Vision video, 20MP stills

Fujitsu’s next-gen Milbeaut image processor does single-chip Hi-Vision video, 20MP stills originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some interchangeable lens standards have been around for ages. Others, however, are rather more modern contrivances, and Sony’s E-mount definitely falls in that latter category. We’ve seen it hit HD camcorders as well as the NEX-3 and NEX-5 compacts, but so far the greatest selections of lenses we’ve yet seen has come courtesy of a simple adapter. Sony wants that to change, releasing the “basic” specifications for its E-mount interchangeable lens system and doing so for free, a move that lens makers like Carl Zeiss and Sigma have all lauded — though none went so far as to say they’d actually start making this particular flavor of glass. Oh, and the specs for the NEX-5 Lego viewfinder? Still totally free.

Continue reading Sony releases specifications for E-mount lenses, desperately wants you to build some

Sony releases specifications for E-mount lenses, desperately wants you to build some originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who woulda thunk it? Half a year ago, finding a conventional point-and-shoot with integrated GPS was a chore, but these days, it’s growing tougher and tougher to find one without it. Pentax is joining the geotagging frenzy this evening with its Optio WG-1 GPS, a rugged 14 megapixel shooter that’s waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof in nature and engineered with a “crushproof” body that can withstand weight force of up to 220 pounds (but not another Black Eyed Peas halftime show). You’ll also get integrated face detection technology, the ability to snap in sub-freezing temperatures, a 5x optical zoom lens and a 2.7-inch rear LCD. There’s also a 720p movie mode, HDMI output, IR control compatibility and support for Eye-Fi‘s wireless SD card. It’ll ship this April in black or yellow-green for $399.95, and if you’re uncomfortable remembering where you took each and every photograph, the GPS-less Optio WG-1 will also be available (in black or purple) for $50 less.

In related news, the company is taking this opportunity to issue a limited edition K-5 DSLR, with this one touting a silver body, a uniquely shaped grip and shock-resistant, scratchproof glass surrounding the LCD. Outside of that, everything else about the 16.3 megapixel shooter will remain the same as it ever was, and the $1,699.95 (body only) price point is most certainly no easier to swallow. For those still sold on the idea, Pentax will also be offering a trifecta of silver prime lenses: the 21m f/3.2 AL, 40mm f/2.8 and the 70mm f/2.4. Check out Sir Silver (and the full press releases) just after the break.

Continue reading Pentax reveals Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS rugged cameras, limited edition K-5 DSLR

Pentax reveals Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS rugged cameras, limited edition K-5 DSLR originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not looking for a new PowerShot? How’s about a new DSLR? Canon has just rolled out a new entry-level Rebel and a new flagship Rebel this evening, with the T3 (1100D) and T3i (600D) offering mild updates over their predecessors. The EOS Rebel T3 will ship at the end of March with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens for $599.99, offering up a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Imaging processor, nine-point autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. You’ll need to provide your own SD, SDHC or SDXC card, but unlike entry-level bodies of the past, this guy will capture full-motion video at 1280 x 720. There’s an ISO range of 100 to 6,400, a pop-up flash and a newfangled Basic+ non-technical interface that should help beginners grow accustomed to more technical aspects of photography without the steep learning curve.

Stepping up, there’s the new T3i, which boasts an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100 to 6,400, support for SD / SDHC / SDXC cards, DIGIC 4 Imaging processor, pop-up flash, integrated Speedlite settings (to go along with a few new Speedlite flashes also introduced today) and a tilt / swivel LCD monitor. It’ll ship at the start of March for $799.99 (body only), or $899.99 bundled with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens. Hit the source links below for the devilish details, not to mention information on two new telephoto lenses (the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM).

Continue reading Canon trots out Canon Rebel T3 and Rebel T3i DSLR cameras

Canon trots out Canon Rebel T3 and Rebel T3i DSLR cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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