Hasta La Gadget!

Motorola were quick to tell us that we’re testing on pre-release RAZR i here — software updates may arrive before the device does, but these figures below should give you a good estimate at what the 2GHz Intel processor can do. We’ve pitched it against the US-bound Droid RAZR M, with a capable dual-core Snapdragon S4 clocked at 1.5GHz, and ZTE’s Grand X IN, which houses Intel’s 1.6MHz Medfield Z2460 and Android ICS.

So what do all these numbers mean? Well, Intel’s 2GHz processor is pretty capable. Although the RAZR i only bests the RAZR M on SunSpider browser performance (something that Intel’s been focusing on with its mobile hardware), it’s a substantial score difference. Otherwise, the Europe-bound RAZR skates pretty close, if behind the RAZR M’s benchmarks. There’s a hiccup on the CF-Bench score, something that we also noted on the Grand X IN. While both the ZTE and Motorola devices are running Android 4.0, there’s still a tangible difference in these early benchmarks — perhaps testament to both Motorola and Google’s proximity and the debut of Intel’s faster 2GHz Medfield processor. We’ll be testing out those power-saving promises from the chipmaker over the next few days.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Motorola’s RAZR i: benchmarking Intel’s first 2GHz Medfield smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Leica deluge continues here at Photokina in Cologne. We played around with two new point-and-shoots from the company, starting with the D-Lux 6, the larger and pricier of the pair. The camera features an all black body, with a red Leica logo on the front. It’s got a 1.7-inch CMOS image sensor, a processor capable of ISO 80 to 12800 and adjustable aperture on the lens that can be changed with a twist. It’s also got a large three-inch display on the rear and is capable of full HD video.

The cheaper V-Lux 40 features a similar all-black build with red logo in a smaller form, with a 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor. On the rear of the camera, you’ll find a three-inch touch display with the same bright resolution as the D-Lux 6. The camera, which bears a striking resemblance to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20, can also do 1080p video. The V-Lux is available now here in Europe for €590 and the D-Lux is coming soon, priced at €699.

Continue reading Leica D-Lux 6 and V-Lux 40 hands-on (video)

Filed under: Cameras

Leica D-Lux 6 and V-Lux 40 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola has a lot to prove now its under the Google umbrella, and the RAZR i has taken an atypical path with its choice of an Intel Atom 2GHz processor. Announced this morning in London, the 4.3-inch RAZR i is one of those rare devices where the in-hand feel belies the screen size on offer: Motorola’s “edge to edge” design language may smack of hyperbole, but it does add up to a surprisingly compact handset despite the 720p qHD HD panel.

And what a panel: the RAZR i’s Super AMOLED screen is a vision, a genuinely impressive display with graphics that sit just beneath the fingertip, and brightness and detail that make it perfect for video playback. [Update: Motorola told us 720p resolution at the event; in actual fact it’s qHD] It’s a surprisingly light handset too, Motorola eschewing the traditional metal for more of its favored Kevlar, and while the raw-effect back may be a little try-hard in its look, the phone doesn’t feel cheap.

It’s too early to talk performance, though we’ll be putting the RAZR i through its paces in the full review to see how Intel’s 32nm chip keeps up with the ARM processors we’d more typically see in a smartphone. However, Android – Ice Cream Sandwich, sadly, not Jelly Bean – showed no lag in our brief play, and Motorola’s customizations, such as a “Circles” launcher, work smoothly.

There’s also customization in the camera app, with a new HDR mode that automatically suggests turning it on when the RAZR i decides the scene warrants some extra punch. It’s possible to shoot stills while simultaneously recording video, too.

In short, it’s a surprisingly compact handset for those who want a big screen without a pocket compromise; what may end up being the weak link is Intel’s chipset, but we won’t know that until we run it through the gauntlet of daily use.

Motorola RAZR i Hands-on video:

Motorola RAZR i Hands-on is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Sure the XF1’s nice to look at, but the real star of Fujifilm’s 2012 Photokina lineup has to be the X-E1. The X-Pro1’s little sibling offers up most of the functionality of its bigger, pricier brother — save for its inclusion just an electronic viewfinder — into a body that’s roughly a third smaller. That said, this is hardly a compact mirrorless — the X-E1’s still got a bit of girth and weight to it, compared to some of the smaller entries in the field. Still, it feels nice in the hand and isn’t likely to weigh down your shooting — particularly for those accustom to using a larger DSLR. It’s also worth pointing out, right off the bat, that the retro-styled interchangeable lens camera is significantly cheaper, running you $700 less than the X-Pro-1.

Flip the camera over and you get a 2.8-inch 460k-dot LCD. Just above the display is a devoted button that will pop up the retractable flash directly above. The X-E1 will be hitting stores in April, carrying a $1,000 price tag. Buy a kit with a lens and you’ll still come in $300 under the X-Pro1’s $1,700 price tag, making for a full-featured and great looking little mirrorless for a lot less money.

Filed under: Cameras

Fujifilm X-E1 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 05:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yesterday, Canon stole the show, but today’s darling of Photokina appears to be the just-announced Leica M camera. Show attendees flocked to the “new M” demo counter this morning, nudging through the crowd for a chance to check out Leica’s first live-view equipped M. This new feature is powered by a new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, and also enables 1080p video capture at 24 and 25 frames-per-second — another first for Leica. Live-view and HD video shooting may not seem like banner features for a €6,200 (about $8,100) camera, but considering they’ve never been offered before, these additions seem to be highlights for hopeful M10 owners.

The camera itself is quite beastly, in typical M fashion, and appears to have just as much heft as the M9. There’s a new Gorilla Glass-equipped 3-inch, 920k-dot display, that’s plenty sharp and quite responsive in live-view mode. Adjacent to the display, you’ll find a new LV button, which, as you may have guessed, launches the new realtime display mode. There’s also a playback button, along with direct access to ISO, image deletion and menu settings. Up top, there’s the Leica trademark shutter speed dial (aperture control is on the lens), letting you select from bulb all the way through 1/4000 second. There’s a full-size hot shoe up top with an accessory connector for the EVF 2 attachment, and a second proprietary connector on the bottom to interface with the accessory grip, which adds USB connectivity and built-in GPS.

We can’t comment on image quality just yet, but there’s no question that the “new M” marks Leica’s commitment to finally bring otherwise commonplace features to its popular (and pricey) rangefinder line. Look for this latest model to hit stores in early 2013, but you can take a closer look today in our hands-on gallery below and video demo after the break.

Update: This post originally stated that the new Leica M had yet to be named, however the company has confirmed that the new camera will simply be named, “The Leica M,” without numbers. “The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in the Leica product naming policy. In [the] future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems.”

Continue reading New Leica M camera has live-view and 1080p video capture, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Cameras

New Leica M camera has live-view and 1080p video capture, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 05:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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