Jan 26

Panasonic churns out DMC-FX66, DMC-TS2, DMC-ZS5, DMC-ZS7 and DMC-ZR3 Lumix compacts

Posted in: camera, lumix, Panasonic, Today's Chili
Panasonic‘s just announced quite a handful of Lumix compact cameras, featuring both the new Venus Engine VI and Venus Engine HD II that claim to perform quicker with better noise reduction. What’s more exciting is that these are all compatible with the forthcoming SDXC cards too, but check out their “Happy Mode” — it makes photos “more vivid and true to the color of the scene you memorized.” Yeah, as if we’d want photos that are more, um, real. Anyway, let’s break it down here (clockwise from top left; non-US model numbers in brackets):
  • DMC-FX66: This one’s a 14.1 megapixel slim camera with an F2.8-5.9 25-125mm (5x zoom) ultra-wide-angle lens (with Power O.I.S lens-shift stabilization). The 720p video capture and 1.06 second start-up time are sweet too, but no AVCHD Lite here. On the back there’s a 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen with wide viewing angle. All this is just 5.11 ounces including battery.
  • DMC-TS2 (FT2): This camera has a lot in common with the FX66 above — same sensor, same image stabilization, same scene modes (but with three extra), same focus modes and same screen. The main differences are its AVCHD Lite 720p video format, F3.3-5.9 28-128mm (4.6x) lens and added ruggedness — waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and dustproof. It’s of course slightly heavier too — 6.63 ounces including battery.
  • DMC-ZS5 (TZ8) and DMC-ZS7 (TZ10): These two appear to be twins, except the former has a smaller screen (2.7-inch with 230k dots instead of 3-inch with 460k dots) and lacks GPS, AVCHD Lite and mini-HDMI port. Both do 12.1 megapixel pictures and 720p videos, have F3.3-4.9 25-300mm (12x) lens with lens-shift stabilization, and have identical scene and focus modes. With battery these weigh 7.55 ounces and 7.69 ounces respectively.
  • DMC-ZR3 (ZX3): Whoa! Another 14.1 megapixel camera which does AVCHD Lite. The specs are almost identical to the TS2 except for the lens (F3.3-5.9 25-200mm 8x ultra-wide-angle) and lack of ruggedness. It weighs 5.61 ounces with battery.

Phew! No prices or availability announced yet, so take your time with picking out your favorite.

Gallery: Panasonic Lumix camera line-up 2010

Panasonic churns out DMC-FX66, DMC-TS2, DMC-ZS5, DMC-ZS7 and DMC-ZR3 Lumix compacts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 22

Twin Video camera has two lenses, two mics, one body

Posted in: camcorder, camera, Today's Chili, video

Ion Audio, who seem to enjoy doing unconventional work in the electronic peripherals space, are back with a two-way pocket camcorder that records both sides of a conversation, literally. Strapped with pairs of microphones and cameras, it is capable of doing picture-in-picture or split-screen recording, and can selectively switch between the audio streams depending on which side you want to hear at which time. Just skip along past the break and all will be elucidated — price is not yet specified, but the Twin Video cam should be arriving at some point in the first half of this year.

Continue reading Twin Video camera has two lenses, two mics, one body

Twin Video camera has two lenses, two mics, one body originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 21

Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof camera sprung from a leak

Posted in: camera, digicam, digital camera, DigitalCamera, leak, point and shoot, PointAndShoot, sony, Today's Chili, waterproof

Think Sony would be happy with just making its latest shooter waterproof and calling it a day? Not a chance. Early information on this as yet unannounced compact indicates a 10fps burst mode, 4x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, an intriguing image stacking mode for reduced noise in high ISO shots, and full 1080p MPEG-4 movie recording. 1080i / 60fps AVCHD video is also possible, apparently, and if recent trends are continued the DSC-TX5 will also be able to store media on SD cards. Hallelujah. You’ll find a couple more water-soaked images after the break, and the official launch is expected to take place at PMA 2010.

Continue reading Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof camera sprung from a leak

Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof camera sprung from a leak originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 15

Steadicam Rig for iPhone Is the Real Deal

Posted in: Accessories and Peripherals, camera, iPhone, Today's Chili, video

smoothier-rear-view_721You know all those lame old camera stabilizers for the iPhone, the ones that promise you “steadicam” shooting? Well, you can forget them. Tiffen, the people who make the real
Steadicam, now offer a little iPhone version. It’s called the Steadicam Smoothee.

The holder works like the big Steadicam rigs used in the movie industry (and also just like the $14 home-made Steadicam
). It puts the iPhone 3GS on a mount which sits atop a dangling counterbalance and pivots on a handle. This counterweight, although just 25 ounces in total, damps any wobbles and allows the iPhone’s video camera to capture the swooping, shake-free shots we all love.

The quick release mounting case into which the iPhone settles can be removed and sat atop a table or screwed onto a tripod. Tiffen haven’t yet announced a price for the Smoothee, but you can be sure it will cost less than, say the Steadicam Ultra 2C, which will set you back $50,000.

Steadicam Smoothee [Tiffen]

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Jan 14

RED ONE getting Mysterium-X sensor upgrade next week

Posted in: camera, sensor, Today's Chili
RED may be busy talking up and showing off its new EPIC-X and Scarlet cameras these days, but it’s not about to leave its loyal RED ONE users behind, with it now announcing that they’ll be able to upgrade their camera to the new Mysterium-X sensor starting January 22nd.. That’s the same sensor that will come standard on the EPIC-X, and promises a range of improvements for the $5,750 it’ll cost you — not the least of which is improved low-light performance (one of the few knocks against the original sensor). Along with it, you’ll also get a new version of REDCINE-X to handle the improved video, and those interested in stepping up to the EPIC-X beta program can expect to get a $1,250 credit if they qualify and join at the first or second stage.

RED ONE getting Mysterium-X sensor upgrade next week originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 13

Philips Cam, Muse and Ariaz mark a renaissance for the boring PMP

Posted in: camera, philips, PMP, Today's Chili

This is soon enough to market that it’s hard to blame the iPod nano specifically for its appearance, but either way it seems that the Philips Cam is the newest member to the oh-so-small club of MP3 / camera combos. The new player is joined in its life of crime by the new Muse and Ariaz, which at last offer a higher-end aspect to Philips‘ long-lackluster PMP lineup. The Cam does up a 1.8-inch screen, 8GB of storage and a 2 megapixel camera for $100, but the Muse has a full 3.2-inches of touchscreen, 16GB of flash, SD expansion and HDMI out for a mere $50 more. The Ariaz finds a simpler calling, with a 2.4-inch LCD, HDMI, 8GB and an $80 tag. We’ll have to play with these to see if they’re worth taking home from Walmart, but we’re glad to see Philips is trying to stay in the game — we can’t all be lucky enough to be Zune HD owners.

Philips Cam, Muse and Ariaz mark a renaissance for the boring PMP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 11

Classy Swann Pen Takes Secret Videos

Posted in: camera, digital camera, security, Today's Chili, video

PenCam.jpg

Spy gear brings out the secret agent in all of us. Today we learn that the Swann Security PenCam Mini Video Camera & Recorder has been upgraded. While it appears to be a working executive pen, this gadget records color AVI video at a 640-by-480 VGA resolution and takes JPEG images at a 1280-by-960 resolution. The pen includes 2GB of memory, enough for over an hour of video or 9,600 images. The included rechargeable lithium ion battery will keep you spying for 90 minutes.

The pinhole camera is located just above the clip, so you should be able to hold the camera naturally while recording. The box includes a USB connection cable and three replacement ink cartridges. The pen is available with either gold or silver trim and sells for $99.99.

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Jan 11

Samsung and Kodak put an end to patent squabbles

Posted in: camera, Law, lawsuit, legal, patent, samsung, Today's Chili
It looks like Kodak and Samsung’s ‘patent squabble’ can be attributed to misplaced affection. According to some newly minted PR, the companies have inked a technology cross-license that will allow each access to the other’s portfolio. Details are scarce, but apparently Sammy has already made a payment to Kodak as credit towards the royalties it will owe once it dives into the classic imaging company’s back catalog. And how about all that alleged patent infringement? The lovebirds have agreed to file joint requests to terminate proceedings and settle their lawsuits against each other, heralding a new era of peace, love, and cooperation — a great way to begin a new decade, don’t you think? Chuck Woolery, you’ve done well. PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung and Kodak put an end to patent squabbles

Samsung and Kodak put an end to patent squabbles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 10

LG’s 55-inch 3DTV is 3D (photo) ready too

Posted in: camera, hands-on, hdtv, LCD, LG, Today's Chili

Taking 3D pictures with Fujifilm’s 3D point and shoot is pretty easy — even if ultimately unsatisfying — but if you need a place to display them, LG has that covered. Tucked away in its booth was a demo of “the world’s first 3D camera compatible HDTV” dutifully taking SD-card stored snaps and putting them on the big screen. Not an entirely complex process, but we figure if a better reviewed 3D camera makes it to market, you might appreciate picking up the right HDTV for the job.

Gallery: LG’s 3D Camera compatible HDTV

LG’s 55-inch 3DTV is 3D (photo) ready too originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 09

Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggles heads-on

Posted in: camera, hands-on, Sports, Today's Chili

Even the most exuberant fan of 3D displays and tablets has to admit to feeling a tiny bit jaded at this point. To sate the need for variety we went off exploring the quirkier booths and located this head-mounted video and stills camera being demonstrated by Liquid Image. We laid hands on a non-functional prototype, but as far as feel and comfort go, the few seconds we had these on led to no complaints. There’s an overwhelming amount of padding around the eyes, probably kinda important when you’re flying down the hills, and a tint to the visor keeping sunlight at bay. Recording can be done at 720 x 480 resolution and up to 5 megapixels for snapshots. The Summit Series will be available in July (perfect timing for a winter sports product!) for $149.

Gallery: Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggle Camera heads-on

Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Goggles heads-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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