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Sep 22

Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera

Posted in: hands-on, sensor, Today's Chili

We know you’re a hardy crowd and aren’t impressed by mere megapixels, but how about this: the 50MP sensor inside Hasselblad’s new CFV-50 digital back is physically twice as large as a full-frame imager. Yeah, now we’ve got your attention. Intended as the attachment that finally makes film shooters break down and go digital, the CFV-50 comes with Hasselblad’s DAC lens correction features that’ll hunt down and ruthlessly obliterate any distortion, vignetting, lateral chromatic aberrations, or stray feelings of buyer’s remorse. Yours for only €11,990 ($15,750) plus whatever taxes your local bureaucrat elects to slap on top. Full press release and a closeup of the CFV-50 await after the break.

Update: We managed to stop by the outfit’s booth here at Photokina and snag a quick hands-on. Man, does thing feel retro.

Gallery: Hasselblad CFV-50 hands-on at Photokina 2010

Continue reading Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera

Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

Olympus Zuiko-equipped compact camera eyes-on: optical zoom, HDMI spotted

Posted in: concept, digicam, digital camera, DigitalCamera, hands-on, micro four thirds, MicroFourThirds, olympus, prototype, Today's Chili, video

Olympus’ PR branch left us digging for details when announcing the outfit’s new Zuiko-equipped camera, a concept piece that’s actually on track for the real world in early 2011. It seems as if this, along with Fujifilm’s FinePix X100, is carving out a new niche in the compact space. It lacks the flexibility of Micro Four Thirds / mirrorless, but it packs a bigger quality punch than any other point-and-shoot on the market. At least with this guy, though, you’ll be getting an optical zoom. During our gaze session at Olympus’ Photokina booth, we spotted “optical zoom” labeling as well as a toggle switch for pulling the lens in and out, and we also found an HDMI output, video record button, hot shoe accessory port and a pop-up flash. Join us as we go round and round in the video after the break.

Gallery: Olympus Zuiko-equipped compact camera eyes-on at Photokina 2010

Continue reading Olympus Zuiko-equipped compact camera eyes-on: optical zoom, HDMI spotted

Olympus Zuiko-equipped compact camera eyes-on: optical zoom, HDMI spotted originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

Sony reveals ‘color variation concept’ models of NEX-5 and NEX-3 (eyes-on)

Posted in: concept, hands-on, prototype, sony, Today's Chili

In typical Sony Style, the outfit’s booth was comically large at this year’s Photokina. Not that we’re complaining or anything, particularly when it’s using the show to demonstrate an eight-pack of colorful new mirrorless concepts. Tucked away in the NEX corner were four NEX-3 and four NEX-5 cameras, all doused in colors that aren’t available anywhere at the moment. We’re guessing that Sony’s doing its best to beat Colorware to the punch here, and a kind booth representative noted that these were simply “ideas” and that the company wasn’t yet committed to making any of them. If you’re accepting opinions, Sony, the whole red-black-silver thing is getting a bit tired, so why not throw out a few more options for the style-conscious among us? We’ll take two — an orange and a white. Dankeschön.

Gallery: Sony’s colorful line of NEX-3 and NEX-5 concept cameras at Photokina 2010

Sony reveals ‘color variation concept’ models of NEX-5 and NEX-3 (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

LaCie pushes serious pixels on 24-inch 324i professional IPS display

Posted in: hands-on, LCD, monitor, screen, Today's Chili

Need a few new pixels to display your shiny new digital images on? LaCie‘s got you covered, with its new 324i offering a premium feature set to accompany a premium price. Aimed specifically at creative pros with the pockets to appreciate a 10-bit P-IPS panel, exceedingly wide color gamuts (102 percent NTSC; 98 percent Adobe RGB), a slew of input connectors (DVI-D, HDMI, component and DisplayPort), 178-degree viewing angles and an anti-glare coating. The 24-inch panel boasts a 1920 x 1200 resolution, and the multifunction stand enables users to pivot the display for horizontal or vertical viewing. We gawked at it for a few minutes here at Photokina, and while the design is thoroughly corporate, the picture quality is indeed stunning. Other specs include a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a trio of USB 2.0 ports and an integrated cable manager; she’s on sale today for a stiff $1,249.99, but man, we’d almost pay it for that anti-glare action.

Gallery: LaCie 24-inch 324i professional IPS display

Gallery: LaCie 324i professional LCD at Photokina 2010

Continue reading LaCie pushes serious pixels on 24-inch 324i professional IPS display

LaCie pushes serious pixels on 24-inch 324i professional IPS display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

Sony ‘Advanced Model’ (Alpha A77?) DSLR emerges at Photokina, E-mount firmware coming soon

Posted in: camcorder, concept, dslr, hands-on, prototype, sony, Today's Chili

We’ve heard Sony use the term “Advanced Model” when dealing with concepts before, and it seems that it’s using said code once more to disguise what may end up being the A77. Rumors have been flaring over the past few weeks, noting that this particular Alpha DSLR would be showcased at Photokina before being officially unveiled at CES 2011. Few details were given, but we’re able to tell that it’ll shoot HD video in AVCHD and will be compatible with a vertical grip. Moreover, it’ll ship with a translucent mirror (as found in the A55 and A33) and an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. At the company’s Photokina press conference, an executive noted that the cam will be “far more powerful than the a55,” and that it’ll be aimed at “serious enthusiast photographers.”

A slew of concept / prototype lenses were also encased (including a comically large 500mm f/4 cannon) at Sony’s booth, not to mention a few that’ll definitely be available from 2011 and 2012. Back at the presser, we were informed that a grand total of ten A-mount (Alpha DSLR compatible) lenses will be on sale by 2012, and it’s also considering working with a number of partners in order to develop third-party E-mount lenses for the NEX range. Moreover, a firmware update is slated for mid-October to bring autofocus support to A-mount lenses used on E-mount cameras, aperture control in video mode and customizable keys, while the NEX-VG10 Handycam will see an A-mount lens firmware update in November. Speaking of E-mount cameras, Sony’s also developing its own micro flash for use in low(er)-light situations, and considering that it recently grabbed a full 50 percent of the mirrorless market share in Europe, we’d guess it’s nowhere near slowing down on the innovation. Smiles all around, right?

Gallery: Sony’s concept box at Photokina: ‘Advanced Model’ Alpha DSLR, flexible flash, lenses

Gallery: Sony’s Photokina 2010 press conference

Sony ‘Advanced Model’ (Alpha A77?) DSLR emerges at Photokina, E-mount firmware coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 ships March 2011 for $1,000, we go hands-on (update: video!)

Posted in: breaking news, BreakingNews, digital camera, DigitalCamera, hands-on, Today's Chili, video

It’s fitting that Fujifilm’s thoroughly gorgeous FinePix X100 kicked off this week’s flood of Photokina releases, and now we’ve learned a few more precious details from the outfit’s press conference. For starters, it’ll be a non-zoom apparatus, much like Olympus’ Zuiko-equipped concept that was also launched here in Köln. Fujifilm’s Adrian Clarke noted that the decision to include only a 23mm f/2 fixed lens was made in order to not make image quality compromises that are necessary when allowing for a zoom. We’re sure that’ll strike some as displeasing, but those who aren’t afraid of moving forward and back could probably care less. Furthermore, he affirmed that the company was aiming for a March 2011 ship date, with a retail price to hit near the $1,000 mark. That’s hardly affordable, but Fuji’s making no bones about this being a decidedly high-end piece.

After the presser, we were able to score some hands-on time with a pre-production model, and we have to say, this thing just feels like a thousand bucks. It’s as solid as a stone, though light packers won’t appreciate just how heavy it is. Regardless, the body exudes quality, and the grip was as comfortable as ever. Sadly, no fully functional units are present here at Photokina, but we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll see one at CES. It’s doubtful that Fuji will sell oodles of these given the limitations and price, but to the niche that’s interested, things are looking up.

Update: We just stopped by the Fujifilm booth in order to grab some video time with this guy, and sadly, the model that they had on display lacked a sensor of any kind. However, the dedicated toggle switch to flip between the OVF and EVF is a lovely touch, as were the dedicated control dials up top. Have a look yourself just beyond the break.

Gallery: Fujifilm FinePix X100 hands-on at Photokina 2010

Gallery: Fujifilm FinePix X100 press photos

Continue reading Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 ships March 2011 for $1,000, we go hands-on (update: video!)

Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 ships March 2011 for $1,000, we go hands-on (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 21

Seagate issues industry’s first 1.5TB external 2.5-inch HDD: FreeAgent GoFlex USB 3.0

Posted in: external hard drive, ExternalHardDrive, hands-on, hard drive, HardDrive, storage, Today's Chili, usb, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

Look out, world — Seagate‘s got a new portable hard drive comin’ your way, and it’s as capacious as ever. If you’ll recall, Western Digital broke the 1TB mark in the diminutive 2.5-inch drive sector back in July of last year, and now we’re seeing a 50 percent boost with the 1.5TB FreeAgent GoFlex ultra-portable drive. The company’s claims that this is a first of its kind, and we certainly aren’t in the mood to argue. It’s designed to play nice with both Macs and PCs (it’s formatted as NTFS), and better still, it’s all set up to take advantage of that shiny new USB 3.0 port on your shiny new laptop. As with the other GoFlex gear, this one also has a removable dongle on the bottom for docking (with an optional GoFlex Net or GoFlex TV HD, naturally), and as with some of the company’s past drives, you’ll also find an assortment of 20 Paramount Pictures movies that can be unlocked via license key online. She’s available in every color you could imagine so long as it’s black, and it can be yours for the tidy sum of $249.99.

Gallery: Seagate 1.5TB GoFlex USB 3.0 external hard drive

Continue reading Seagate issues industry’s first 1.5TB external 2.5-inch HDD: FreeAgent GoFlex USB 3.0

Seagate issues industry’s first 1.5TB external 2.5-inch HDD: FreeAgent GoFlex USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 20

HP’s Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!)

Posted in: Android, hands-on, hewlett-packard, HewlettPackard, HP, nook, printer, tablet, Today's Chili, video, Yahoo

So here it is, after months of details coming to light an inkdrop at a time, the HP eStation all-in-one printing solution. But we’re not gonna dwell but on half of that: the 7-inch tablet skinned out by Yahoo and powered by Android 2.1. As we expected, though, the Google experience is decidedly less that you’re accustomed to: search is Yahoo only, and our attempt to find an alternate method was met with a barebones settings menu. Additionally, there is no access to Android Market, relegating your customization instead to HP’s print-heavy app store — sorry, no games, as that’s not what the company wants to focus on here, according to the rep. That also means no Gmail, much to our dismay. What Yahoo has provided is a suite of apps and widgets that actually work well in their simplicity, from weather to stocks and search.

We were reminded at numerous points that this is a prototype build, and for good reason — the responsiveness was questionably slow, especially in the browser. That said, the Nook store and e-reading app was as fluid as you’d ever need. WiFi is equipped on both the tablet and the printer for cloud-based connectivity on the go. Battery life is measured at four to six hours, and Android 2.2 is expected by holiday still sans Market, but beyond Flash (and at this point we question its performance on this hardware), there’s probably not a lot of value-add in the update. Expect this AIO to be shipping the in the next few weeks.

Gallery: HP Photosmart eStation printer / tablet hands-on

Continue reading HP’s Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!)

Filed under: Tablet PCs

HP’s Photosmart eStation Android tablet hands-on (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 20

Samsung NX100 hands-on (video)

Posted in: camera, digicam, digital camera, DigitalCamera, hands-on, samsung, Today's Chili, video

We’re expecting to get our grubby paws on an NX100 later today for some longer-term testing, but for now, we wanted to go ahead and get you our initial impressions after handling the new mirrorless compact for a couple of minutes following Samsung’s Photokina 2010 press event. The device itself is far smaller than the NX10 of last year, but it’s still decidedly solid, if not a touch thick. The 20mm pancake lens on the model we tested was well built, and the i-Function capabilities were downright impressive. It took us a tick to grok how it works, but a good 30 seconds of learning presented us with loads of on-the-fly flexibility. You simply tap the i-Function button with your right hand in order to select what type of setting you’d like to change (exposure, ISO, shutter speed, etc.), and then rotate the wheel on the lens in either direction in order to change the value.

Despite our doubts, it actually worked beautifully, and now we’re eager to see this type of technology on even more cameras (even if its reserved for Samsung’s range). The 3-inch AMOLED on the rear was also stunning, sharp and bright, and the whole thing fit in our hands well. We’re still fond of our DSLR for most things, but we could totally see a unit like this making the most sense for amateurs who aren’t fond of lugging around something so gigantic. Ergonomics, design and i-Function? All were stellar — here’s hoping the image and video quality meet those same standards, and we’ll be bringing you those opinions just as soon as we can form them. Video’s after the break, if you’re thirsty for more.

Gallery: Samsung NX100 hands-on at Photokina 2010

Gallery: Samsung NX100 launch event at Photokina 2010

Continue reading Samsung NX100 hands-on (video)

Samsung NX100 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 20

Casio debuts Exilim EX-H20G (with Hybrid GPS) and EX-Z16 point-and-shoots

Posted in: camera, digicam, digital camera, DigitalCamera, hands-on, point and shoot, PointAndShoot, Today's Chili

Photokina‘s kicking off in earnest today with a serious bang in the point-and-shoot realm; Casio just introduced the planet’s first camera with Hybrid GPS, which essentially enables it to geotag photos and videos where traditional cameras cannot. Yeah, indoors. The Exilim EX-H20G (shown above) also packs a 14.1 megapixel sensor, SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card slot, a 10x optical zoomer, an ISO range of 80 to 3200, 3-inch rear LCD, CCD-shift image stabilization, 720p movie mode and an HDMI output. Moreover, the company has throw in a world atlas with detailed maps of 140 cities around the world, and the rear screen can actually display a user’s current position on said map for kicks and giggles. It’ll hit shops this November for $349.99 (or €300 in Europe).

If that’s a bit too fanciful for you, the lower-end EX-Z16 might just fit the bill. Boasting a 2.7-inch rear LCD, VGA (640 x 480) movie mode, a 12.1 megapixel sensor, SD / SDHC card slot, a whopping 14.9MB of internal storage (um… okay?), CCD-shift image stabilization and an integrated YouTube capture mode, this dead-simple cam is designed to be about as hands-off as they come. According to the company, the only settings you have to adjust on the 2.7-inch panel are image size, flash and self timer — everything else sets itself accordingly. ‘Course, that won’t sit well with the tinkerers in the group, but you can sure brighten a newbie’s day by gifting ’em with one when it ships later this month at $99.99. More details are packed in after the break, should you find yourself thirsty for more.

Update: We snagged a quick hands-on with the EX-H20G, and while the images below don’t do it justice, the rear screen on this bad boy was something to gawk at. The map on there actually looked amazing, and while you’ll have a tough time prying Google Maps Navigation away from our paws, this is definitely a lovely inclusion for those who’d prefer to simply enjoy nearby attractions on a map without pulling out a smartphone (or encountering roaming charges while navigating abroad).

Gallery: Casio EXILIM EX-H20G and EX-Z16 digital cameras