Archive for the ‘Digital camera’ Category
Ricoh will release its second function-enhancing firmware update for the GR DIGITAL II digital camera. This new update will make following functional enhancements available:
1. Option to finely adjust white balance color tones
2. Specify noise reduction based on ISO sensitivity
3. Automatically shift aperture value in priority mode
4. ISO Sensitivity display by half-pressing the shutter
5. Detailed image information display in playback mode
…
Go to the Ricoh GR DIGITAL II firmware download page
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX37 with astonishing 25mm equivalent ultra-wide-angle* LEICA DC lens and a powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125 mm on a 35mm film camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. The world-acclaimed FX series pursues high picture quality and unique features in an urbane, sophisticated profile to which the DMC-FX37 proudly joins.
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.
Fujifilm’s new digital camera is cool enough for us anyway, so I guess they dont need to scream from the rooftops that there is a social network / marketing campaign attached to it. So, here is the dope on what exactly does the campagin do and does it really help. I think not. Fujifilm on thursday launched ZSpotNow.com, a site constructed using the social networking tool Ning. ZSpotNow is ostensibly a community for owners of the Fujifilm FinePix Z20 digital camera, but Fujifilm is using it to promote a series of events like a pro skating competition, a Z20-logo designing contest, and a video-making contest asking members to record clips of themselves speaking about trends in fashion and technology (??). I dunno how do the winners benefit but before you get too excited with the social networking and marketing crap lets pour in the details like this camera barely has anything to do with the web site, forget that, it can’t even connect to the internet. The Z20 does have some social networking capabilities which means you can exchange photos wirelessly within five feet of each other, and the camera features a button to convert movies into smaller sizes for easy blog posting, that’s what they mean when they say social networking. So if that just broke your heart we are truly sorry!
Anthropics has released Portrait Professional 8, its automated portrait retouching software. This release is available for the first time on the Mac platform, but only for Intel Macs.
Among the highlights of the new version are:
• Smooth, recolor and thicken the hair
• Control the eyes and mouth in much greater detail
• Change the eye color of the subject
• Save and use multiple changes at once with Saved Slider configurations
• Improved User Interface: Help, Tutorial and Undo functions
A free trial download is available at the Anthropics site. We previously reviewed the earlier Windows version.
Solio makes a range of solar-powered battery chargers, but the Hybrid 1000 improves upon the more basic models because it contains a rechargeable battery that holds power for up to a year.
The ‘Hybrid’ in the name indicates that the device can be charged either by plugging it into the USB port of a computer (notebook or desktop) or, of course, by leaving it in the sun.
Supplied in the box is a USB power cable and three adaptors so that the device can be connected to a portable music player, phone or other portable device. The adapters supplied in the box connect it to Nokia phones and devices that accept mini-USB power (which more and more phones and cameras do).
There’s also a generic USB connector so that you can plug in any USB cable supplied with a product that offers power. There is a wide range of additional fittings for other devices, all of which can be bought from the Solio website, but that obviously adds to the cost.
Once you’ve got the necessary connections sorted the Hybrid 1000 is very easy to use, with a simple Start button to kick off the charging process and a series of lights that report on the current level of charge of the internal battery.
The device worked well during our tests but we did notice that it needs to be placed in quite direct sunlight in order for the solar panels to do their job. Solio reckons that a full battery will charge the average mobile phone fully or give around 10 hours of music playback on a music player. One hour of direct sunshine will give you around 15 minutes of talk time or 40 minutes of music, then.
In our tests we found these figures a little ambitious but they’re not so far off that it became a major problem. We can see the charger coming in very handy during outdoor pursuits in favourable weather (it comes with a carabiner clip for attaching to a bag). It’s a shame that the Hybrid isn’t a bit more rugged, or waterproof for example, but overall it’s an effective way to charging portable devices in an emergency or on the move.
World’s First 50 Megapixel CCD Sensor Sets New Standard for Professional Photographers
Eastman Kodak Company has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography.
At 50 million pixels, or megapixels, the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1- 1/2 miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot).
What’s more, the KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor features a newly designed pixel that is smaller in size than the pixel used in current products for this professional market. This new pixel also reduces “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, lowers power consumption for improved battery life, and improves color fidelity without compromising on the benefits to be enjoyed from larger pixel sizes.
Hasselblad announces the new HTS 1.5 tilt and shift adapter. Compatible with the HCD28mm, HC35mm, HC50mm and the HC80mm lenses it effectively adds four different tilt and shift lenses to the HC/HCD lens range. “Shift” is the moving of a lens, up and down or to the sides, from its central position while retaining its perpendicular orientation to the film plane. “Tilt” differs from shift in that the normal perpendicular orientation of the lens to the film plane is changed resulting in a change in the plane of focus…
Hasselblad announces the H3DII-50 camera system, featuring Kodak’s 50 Megapixel 36×48mm sensor, more than twice the physical size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The system represents the 4th generation H-system, and brings all the advantages of a truly integrated DSLR to the large sensor format, enabling all photographic parameters to be optimized. The H3DII-50 provides improved controls and functionality, better sensor cooling, a new and more intuitive user interface, and a bright three inch display…
Polaroid has announced to launch PoGo instant mobile printer, which is as small as the pack of playing cards. That means the printer is as small as a mobile phone and can be carried anywhere in the pocket.
The new Polaroid PoGo printer can easily be attached to any digital camera or mobile phone through USB cable and desired photos can be printed at any time, anywhere.
The PoGo printer is capable of printing 2×3-inches, borderless color images. The printer works without requiring any ink. Instead it uses Zink Zero Ink Printing Technology from Zink Imaging. Polaroid believes that the latest printer delivers smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-resistant photos.
The pocket-sized printer works on rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A fully charged battery will deliver up to 15 photos.
The printer comes bundled with AC Adapter, rechargeable Lithium battery and 10 sheets Digital Instant ZINK Photo Paper.
The PoGo instant mobile printer is expected to cost approximately $149.
Three New Cases Perfectly Suit Ultra-Compact, Trendsetting Z-Series Digital Cameras
VALHALLA, N.Y., July 1, 2008 - FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today introduced new fashionable, fitted cases that are specially designed to protect and complement the stylish Z-Series digital cameras, such as the colorful Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd which is available in Ice Blue, Hot Pink, Jet Black and Wasabi Green.
The cases come in three unique styles:
TRE
Made of black nylon with a mesh overlay design, the fitted TRE camera case comes with color-coordinated snap-on wrist straps, in black patent, pink patent, or blue patent, which is ideal for pairing up with a colorful Z20 digital camera. It can also be worn on the hip with a silver clip-on carabineer.
BULLET
A black nylon shell that sports a peek-a-boo cutout to show off the encased Z20’s brilliant coloring, the BULLET has a silver reflective trim and an accent loop that completes the look. The compact BULLET also fits nicely into a purse or pocket.
CUBO
Made of black nylon with a mesh overlay, the CUBO is decorated with a two-tone (black/grey trim) neoprene insert. The case has Z branding on the front, and a black plastic carabineer on the back, making it easy to clip onto a belt loop or purse.
“We’ve found that today’s stylish camera owners in tune with our Z-Series lineup want their cameras to be as fashionably dressed as they are,” said Melanie McNichol, product manager, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc. “With these new cases, Fujifilm customers will be able to accessorize and protect their camera according to their own personal style.”
The cases will retail for $14.99 each and will be available in August 2008. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmusa.com.