Posted 09/18/09 at 05:39:51 PM by Jason Barry

Point Grey has developed the “world’s first” Superspeed-enabled USB 3.0 digital video camera and has plans to show it off at the Intel Developers Forum (IDF) in San Francisco next week.  The camera takes advantage of the massive throughput advantages USB 3.0 is expected to offer.

As a prototype, the camera uses a Sony IMX036 CMOS image sensor capable of 3 megapixel video.  The Sony sensor also boasts a raw output format streaming video at full 1080p with 60 frames per second.  "One of the potential benefits of the increased bandwidth of USB 3.0 is that it allows the main processor to handle compression," explained Point Grey spokesperson Vlad Tucakov.

“This demonstration gives users insight into some of the other applications that are possible with SuperSpeed USB in addition to the high-speed data transfers with external storage devices that we have seen so far," added Jeff Ravencraft, Chairman of the USB Implementers Forum.

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Posted 09/02/09 at 09:46:42 AM by Mark Edward Soper

Canon fired the latest salvo in the hotter-than-ever digital SLR wars this week, introducing its new EOS 7D. The $1699 (body-only) EOS 7D includes some now-familiar features, such as APS-C image sensor size (1.6x crop factor), 3-inch LCD with Live View, and Full HD Video.

The 7D boasts an 18MP image sensor and ISO expandable to 12,800, but that's just the beginning of what makes it bigger, faster, smarter, and stronger than previous mid-range Canon DSLRs. For the rest of the story, join us after the jump.

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Posted 08/14/09 at 09:03:13 PM by Paul Lilly

Samsung this week announced two new point-and-shoot digital cameras -- the TL225 and TL220 -- both of which sport two LCD screens, a 3.5-inch one on the back (slightly smaller on the TL220) and a less traditional placement on the front with a 2.5-inch display. So what's the point of a front-mounted LCD?

"With one LCD located on the front of the camera and other one on the back of the camera, photographers can now step out from behind the camera and join their subjects in the photo," Samsung wrote in a blog post.

Samsung also says the front-mounted display will come in handy for taking profile pics for social networking sites. We think it's the perfect feature who can't stop looking at themselves.

Both cameras also boast a 12.2MP, 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor, 27- to 124.2mm, f/3.5-5.9 8.6x zoom lens, and the ability to shoot 720p HD videos at 30fps.

The TL225 and TL220 will be available in September for $350 and $300 respectively.

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Posted 08/04/09 at 09:41:13 AM by Paul Lilly

We heard rumors Nikon would be releasing the world's first digital camera with a built-in projector, but didn't have much information to go on. However, we've been able to confirm the speculation with Nikon, who sent us information on not one, but four new digicams it plans to release as part of its Coolpix series.

The one everyone is talking about -- the S1000pj -- will come with an "ultra-small" integrated projector capable of beaming images 5 to 40 inches in size. Nikon advertises a flexible throw distance ranging from 10 inches on up to 78 inches (6.5 feet) with brightness rated up to 10 lumens. While using the projector, you can expect about an hour of battery life.

Other features include the ability to record movies at 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps, a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom, 2.7-inch high res LCD, 5-way hybrid VR image stabilization, motion detection with automatic shutter and ISO settings, up to 6400 ISO, 16 scene modes, and other odds and ends.

Nikon says the S1000pj will be available in September 2009 with an MSRP set at $430.

Hit the jump to find out what other Coolpix models Nikon plans to release, including one with an OLED touchscreen interface.

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Posted 08/03/09 at 04:30:53 PM by Paul Lilly

Is that a projector in your pocket, or a Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital camera? Perhaps both, if the latest rumor turns out to be true.

According to NikonRumors.com, the Coolpix S1000jp will be the first digital camera with a built-in projector that allows users to project photos or movie clips onto any flat surface at up to 40 inches in size. In addition to an LED projector, the Coolpix will also include a projector stand, a multi-function remote control, and other goodies.

Other details remain sparse, although preliminary specs show the new digicam sporting an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels, a 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, and a 28mm (equivalent) wide-angle coverage.

Look for availability sometime this September at an as-yet unannounced price.

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Posted 03/03/09 at 04:54:11 PM by Andy Salisbury

If you’re any kind of fan of adding WiFi to your digital camera, you may want to check out Eye-Fi’s latest cards, which will double the previous storage cap and add support for uploading videos.

The new versions are the 4GB Explore Video, which will run you $100 and the 4GB Share Video, for only $80. The Explore will automatically geotag photos and videos for you, and offers hotspot access at over 10,000 locations. The Share loses the ability to geotag, and only allows users to send photos and videos to the Web and your home computer.

These new cards are available today. If you’re not looking for all of the fancy frills and are happy with the 2GB space limit, you get the old cards for only $50.

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Posted 01/07/09 at 04:57:37 PM by Mark Edward Soper

Need a good reason to "go green" by recycling your old electronics? How about getting some green (money, that is) for your old desktop or laptop computers, digital cameras, monitors, PDAs, smartphones, inkjet or laser printers, table PCs, or workstations? HP has teamed up with Market Velocity, Inc. to offer the HP Consumer Buyback and Planet Partners Recycling Program. Whether you think you're sitting on a potential gold mine of old stuff or are looking for a painless way to get worthless digital junk out of your office, give it a try.

For details, join us after the jump.

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Posted 09/26/08 at 01:00:10 AM by Paul Lilly

Hasselblad can already boast bringing the first digital camera to market outfitted with Kodak's wicked 50 megapixel sensor, but the flagship H3DII-50 won't have much time to sail the high MP seas by its lonesome. Hasselblad CEO Christian Poulsen promises a 60MP version will debut in April 2009.

Of course, digital photographers know that it isn't necessarily the size of the megapixel that counts, but how you use it. Even still, 60MP sounds pretty damn awesome. That will give the H3DII-60 a 94 percent full frame coverage, and Poulsen wants to make clear that "although we hear the phrase 'full frame' being used quite frequently, no manufacturer has yet achieved true medium full frame."

Not that it needs any reaffirming, but the new 60MP DSLR won't come cheap. Expect to pay a smidge over $27,000 for the bragging rights.

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