Google+ introduces better RAW-to-JPEG conversion for over 70 cameras

If you’ve been paying much attention to Google+, you already know that the social network is doing its damnedest to become the go-to destination for photographers. Accordingly, it’s attracted a number of RAW format enthusiasts — thanks to the ability to store full-size photos — and to make their lives a little better, Google+ is introducing a new RAW-to-JPEG conversion method that offers noticeably better results. Over 70 cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony are supported as of today, and Google says that it’ll add additional models over time. Since Google+ automatically converts RAW photos to JPEG for viewing purposes (while retaining the original), the new conversion method should be readily apparent. You can view the complete list of supported cameras after the break, and as for the improved quality of conversions, go ahead and have a look for yourself. Hopefully your eyes agree with Google’s claim.

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Source: Ronald Wotzlaw (Google+), Nik Photography (Google+)

IPScan, let you scan any documents thanks to your iPhone or iPad

IPScan, let you scan any documents thanks to your iPhone or iPad

Nakabayashi Co, a Japanese company specialized in sourcing and reselling product from around the world in Japan announced last week the IPScan for iOS, a compact and portable scanner for your beloved iPhone or iPad. In just 331x110x98mm and for 740g, the IPSCan is a compact 300/600Dpi scanner that works as an iPhone/iPad doc and that will immediately scan an A4 document in to a nice JPEG file from the comfort of your iOS device. Only compatible with iOS 6 Devices, the IPSCan also require a dedicated application in order to work, iSCan Pro, that seems to be offered for free to any future IPScan buyers.
Announced at around 25,000 Yen the IPScan (PRN-A01) will be available across Japan within the end of this month (July).

Awful JPEG Compression Turns Romeo & Juliet to LB”8DJ IHR:?S

Awful JPEG Compression Turns Romeo & Juliet to LB"8DJ IHR:?S

O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo. Even if you failed English class, you’d recognize that phrase anywhere. It’s from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. But would you recognize this phrase: O Romep+ Rpldo wiepffnre arr!riov Romep@. That’s Shakespeare too. If Shakespeare was compressed over and over again by JPEG.

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Thanko – Miniature functional camera that looks like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Thanko - Extremely small functional camera that looks like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Yes, everything is small in Japan but this is extreme!

Thanko released an extremely small functional camera that looks like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Despite it’s super small size (38x33x28m, 17g), it is capable of taking photos and movies. Photos and movies can be saved on a microSD card. Battery charge is done via a USB port.

It also features a strobe that detects darkness and flashes automatically and a “Motion-sensing” function that starts taking about 2 minutes of video by detecting body movement. It’s a more useful camera than expected.

Price: 5,980 yen (including tax)
Size: 28 x 33 x 28mm
Weight: 17g
Accessories: USB cable, strap, small bag for the camera
Saving format: Movie – AVI, Photo – JPEG
Resolution: Movie – 1280×720, 1 mega pixel, Photo – 2560×1920

The Thanko miniature camera can be ordered here.

Pioneer – “BDP-3120-K/W” – compact Blu-ray disk player compatible with several different playing formats

Pioneer - "BDP-3120-K/W" - compact Blu-ray disk player compatible with several different playing formats

Pioneer is releasing “BDP-3120-K/W” – a compact Blu-ray disk player compatible with several different playing formats.

It is able to play smartphone/PC contents, BD-R/RE(BDAV), DVD (AVCREC/VR mode/ CPRM), AVCHD images. Also, JPEG, MP3, WMA, WMV, FLAC, MKV etc files saved in USB memory can be playable. It can play the same files as “BDP-160″ except MPO.

Release date: May
Size: 360 mm x 39 mm x 208 mm
Weight: 1.2 kg

Pioneer – “BDP-160″ – Blu-ray disk player that can play movies on smart devices without a Wi-Fi environment and is compatible with several different playing formats

Pioneer - "BDP-160" - Blu-ray disk player that can play movies on smart devices without a Wi-Fi environment and is compatible with several different playing formats

Pioneer is releasing Blu-ray disk player “BDP-160″ with Wi-Fi Direct functionality that allows wireless connections to smart devices without a Wi-Fi environment.

“BDP-160″ also has Wi-Fi functionality so it can connect to a smartphone wirelessly by using a Wi-Fi network.

It’s able to play smartphone/PC contents, 3D still image file (MPO), BD-R/RE(BDAV), DVD (AVCREC/VR mode/CPRM), AVCHD images. Also, JPEG, MP3, WMA, WMV, FLAC, MKV etc files saved in USB memory can be playable.

It has an HDMI terminal, optical digital output terminal, analog 2ch audio output terminal, LAN terminal and USB terminal.

Release date: June
Size: 435 mm x 58 mm x 250 mm
Weight: 2 kg

Panasonic – HX-A100 – Handsfree wearable camera

Panasonic is releasing a hands-free wearable compact camera “HX-A100″ on May 1.
Take action videos or still images of all your activities.
The camera part and body part are 2 separate units. The camera is a light 30g and by using the attached ear hook you can take handsfree movies or photos from the direction of your eyes. The body part can be attached to your arm using the armband case.
It is compatible with Wi-Fi, so broadcast your cycling activity live through Ustream, or …