Extra Photo Cams

Panasonic's point-and-shoot bonanza

2009-01-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

Call them refreshes, call them line extensions, or simply call them new, Panasonic announced six snapshot cameras Tuesday with a handful of unique features that'll hopefully have you running with your wallet out to buy one come April.

Joining the two, Lumix FS-series and LS-series cameras announced earlier in January are the FX48 (12 megapixel; 5x 25mm wide-angle lens); the FX580 (12 megapixel; 5x 25mm wide-angle lens; touch-screen); the FS25 (12 megapixel; ultracompact; 5x 29mm wide-angle lens); the ZS3 (10 megapixel; 12x 25mm wide-angle lens; AVCHD Lite 720p HD movie mode); the ZS1 (10 megapixel; 12x 25mm wide-angle lens); and the TS1 (12 megapixel; 4.6x 28mm wide-angle lens; AVCHD Lite 720p HD movie mode; shockproof/waterproof/dustproof).

Features scattered about on the models include a new Face Recognition mode, which instead of just detecting faces can actually be programmed to remember individual faces and will adjust focus and exposure accordingly, 720p HD movie capture branded AVCHD Lite, dual-CPU image processing, and wider, longer lenses.

Hit the links below to get more details on which camera does what and slideshows for each model.

Panasonic touch-screen camera gets megapixel bump

Play rough in HD with Panasonic's TS1 camera

Panasonic FX48 camera both wide and slim

Thin body, wide lens, big screen: the Panasonic Lumix FS25

Panasonic megazoom gets 'new' HD video format

Play rough in HD with Panasonic's TS1 camera

2009-01-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic's no stranger to shockproof and waterproof devices, but the new Lumix DMC-TS1 is the first of its rugged cameras to feature AVCHD Lite, which is branding for 720p video. Aside from being a 12.1-megapixel pocket camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom, the TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof.

The $399.95 camera available in April in silver, green, or orange models will also feature many of Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) operations that automatically adjust things like ISO, contrast, focus, and exposure. Plus, it'll have the company's latest iA feature, face recognition, which "remembers" faces from previous shots so it can prioritize focus and exposure for them when in frame. The iA features are now available in both still and movie modes.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1

Panasonic FX48 camera both wide and slim

2009-01-27T05:00:00.003-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

Coming to a store near you (or possibly far if you shop online) in April is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48, an ultracompact camera with a wide-angle 5x f2.8-5.9 25-125mm-equivalent lens. The 12.1-megapixel camera also has the company's Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization and new face recognition technology.

Yes, that's right, face recognition--not detection. As part of Panasonic's suite of Intelligent Auto features, the system allows you to register a face once it's been shot several times. It'll then pop up the name of registered faces when they appear in the frame, and then prioritize those people for focus and exposure. If it's a child less than three-years-old is the subject, it'll automatically switch to Baby scene mode.

Available in silver and black, it'll sell for $349.95.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48

Panasonic touch-screen camera goes wide-angle

2009-01-27T05:00:00.002-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

The new Lumix DMC-FX580 is a lot like the FX48 (that Panasonic also announced Tuesday). Both are 12.1-megapixel cameras with a wide-angle 5x f2.8-5.9 25-125mm-equivalent lens with optical image stabilization. Many other features are the same, too. Well, except for one big one: the FX580 has a 3.0-inch touch screen.

A refresh of the FX500, the FX580 has what Panasonic calls a "hybrid operating system" letting you use a standard cursor key system for some settings, while leaving shooting options for touch control. Things such as adjusting white balance or selecting subjects to focus on are done by touching the screen.

You'll also find all of Panasonic's Intelligent Auto features including the new facial recognition system, which allows you to register frequently snapped faces with names so that the camera will properly expose and focus on who's important.

Look for it in April in black and silver for $399.99.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580

Thin body, wide lens, big screen: the Panasonic Lumix FS25

2009-01-27T05:00:00.001-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

For the reasonably low price of $249.95 this April, Panasonic will be offering up a 12.1-megapixel ultracompact camera with a 5x f3.3-5.9 29-145mm-equivalent lens, a large, 3.0-inch LCD that automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, and optical image stabilization.

Dubbed the Lumix DMC-FS25, it's the top-of-the-line camera in the company's slim-and-stylish FS series. The camera, which will be available in gold, silver, and black, is loaded up with Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) features including autofocus tracking, exposure, ISO, and scene selection control, and face detection (but sadly not the new face recognition system).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25

Panasonic megazoom gets new HD video format

2009-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

At only 1.3-inches thick, it's pretty great that Panasonic was able to pack in a 12x optical zoom to its new 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1 cameras. The lens is wide angle to boot at 25mm. But the bigger draw for some will be the fact that it's the world's first camera to feature 720p video recorded in AVCHD Lite. (Since Panasonic jointly developed the format with Sony, I'm willing to take its word for it being a first.)

The new cameras replace the TZ-series megazoom camera that featured a 28mm lens with 10x optical zoom. The ZS1 has a lot in common with its line mate, but the ZS3 gets more of Panasonic's new technologies, such as its facial recognition system, which allows you to register frequently snapped faces with names so that the camera will properly expose and focus on who's important. It has 26 scene modes for photos and 17 scene modes for video.

Also, the camera is driven by dual image processors to manage the load of HD recording and its HDMI output. There was no mention if the 12x zoom works while shooting video (my money is on "yes" though), but it does support the use of Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization.

The ZS3 will sell for $399.95 and comes in red, blue, black, and silver. The ZS1 (available in black and silver) is $100 cheaper at $299.95, but loses the AVCHD Lite, drops down to a 230,000-dot, 2.7-inch LCD (from a 3.0-inch LCD with 460,000 dots on the ZS3), and doesn't have the face recognition system. Look for them in April.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and DMC-ZS1

Safari Leica M8 goes for a mere $10,000

2009-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

he Safari Leica M8 with matching case and 28mm F2.8 Summicron.

(Credit: foto-konijnenberg.nl)

Leica has a reputation for making some of the world's finest cameras and lenses, as well as some of the most expensive shooters. Even now, its film-based rangefinder snapper, the M6, still costs approximately $1,500.

The German company's only digital rangefinder, the M8, has been given a makeover and a new price tag. The normal black or silver version of the M8 costs $6,500, but the luxury green iteration is going to set you back $10,000. With the ongoing recession, it's hard to see just who would splurge on such a premium camera.

However, collectors should rejoice at the package: It comes with a matching canvas/leather carrying case and 28mm F2.8 Summicron lens. But for most of us commoners, this shooter is way out of our league.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Indecent Exposure 35: Interrogative excitement

2009-01-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Reflections on our reflections contest, why depth of field varies deeply, and digitizing Mom's photos.

Listen now:

Download today's podcast

Episode 34

Today's links:

News

Panasonic's new point-and-shoots: cheap and shiny

Sanyo's camcorders for spring

Contests

Last topic: Reflections

Winner: Reflections in an ornament

Too many good choices this week for a definite runner-up!

Next topic: Self-portraits

To enter, please use the blog comments to provide a link to your entry plus any background information you'd like to share with us and other listeners.

Today's questions

Digitizing old photos

Hi Lori and Matt:

1. Is there a preferred method to get my mom's old b&W photos into digital format?

2. Do you have any information (or guide me to another source) about the quality of those photo books producers such as Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.? (I'm wanting to create many of them for my mom.)

Thank you,

Claire

Depth of field

Hi

This is a question that's been on my mind for quite some time. I do know a bit of thigs about depth of field. For example to achive greater detail and focus with subjects both near and far, one should increase the f-stop on the lens for something like f11 or up. If one wants to achieve grat macro shots with "blurred" backgorunds one should use a small f-stop like f3.5 or f2.

The thing is that with the lens I have (14-45mm f3.5 f5.6 olympus ED) I can achieve the great macro "blur" when I extend the zoom to it's greatest (45mm f5.6 minimum). Why is that? I don't get the great macro "blur" at 14mm f3.5.

This also happens with my larger lens (54-140mm).

- JD

Spandex-like camera harness looks uber-nerdy

2009-01-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Optech)

I wouldn't be caught dead with this camera harness to protect my dSLR, not even if it means I have to carry a heavy bag to store my equipment in. Honestly, the first word that came to mind when I saw the Optech Stabilizer Strap was: geek.

But I have to give credit to the U.S. company for coming up with a product for those who aren't ashamed to be laughed at for looking silly. The Stabilizer Strap is made of neoprene and stretches across your torso. Just stretch the harness and slip your camera between the harness and your body and the dSLR will be secured against your abdomen. When you want to take pictures, just slip it out. Optech's Web site claims it's fast and easy.

No doubt it's a nice innovation for those who go trekking with their dSLRs. But I think my Domke bag is way cooler than this, thank you very much.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Sanyo's spring 2009 Xacti (don't call it a camcorder) lineup

2009-01-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sanyo steered clear of the madness that was CES 2009, and instead opted to announce its spring 2009 lineup of Xacti camcorders on Wednesday. Headed to stores in March are six new models (three horizontal and three vertical, pistol-grip siblings), all of them capable of shooting in HD--two of them in full 1080p.

Oh, and Sanyo's decided it's time to create a new category name by calling these "dual cameras" since they can take still photos at point-and-shoot camera resolutions.

Check out the slide show below to see up-close-and-personal shots from the press conference.

Sanyo's Spring 2009 Xacti lineup

New firmware for Canon 40D and Nikon D3, D700

2009-01-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

The top two SLR makers have released relatively minor firmware revisions for three cameras, Nikon's higher-end full-frame D3 and D700 and Canon's prosumer-grade EOS 40D.

The fixes generally address rare and unusual problems. One notable fix for the D3 and D700 is for a problem which, as Nikon describes it, "in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR (long exposure noise reduction) in the shooting menu set to On." Canon fixed a black-dot issue of its own with the EOS 5D Mark II earlier this month, but Nikon's issue sounds rarer.

Forthwith, the release notes:

Canon 40D firmware 1.1.1

Firmware update Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.

1. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes a low battery indication to be displayed when using the EF 85mm F1.2L II USM lens. Depending on the battery check timing of the camera, the battery level displayed on the camera's LCD data panel may show Battery will be exhausted soon or Battery must be recharged, even though the battery capacity is sufficient.

2. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes an Err 06 Self Cleaning Sensor malfunction to appear on the camera's LCD monitor and LCD data panel, even when the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is operating normally. This message may appear depending on the timing of when the camera is switch to the ON position.

3. Fixes a malfunction that prevents correct colors from being printed when direct printing. RAW images captured using the camera's custom Picture Styles (Emerald, etc.), which have been downloaded from Canon's Web site and registered under User Def. 2 or User Def. 3.

4. Modifies the level of subject brightness that causes the AF-assist beam to fire when using an external Speedlite.

5. Enables an external flash connected to the camera's synchro terminal to fire even when the camera's built-in flash is popped up.

Version 1.1.1 firmware is for EOS 40D cameras with firmware up to Version 1.1.0. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Nikon D700 firmware 1.01

Modifications enabled with A and B firmware Ver. 1.01 (Windows and Mac OS X)

When Custom Setting a4 Focus tracking with lock-on was set to Off in Continuous-servo AF, the lens drive moved gradually without achieving focus. This issue has been resolved.

When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

When the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 was mounted on the camera and an EN-EL3e battery inserted in the camera but no batteries inserted in the MB-D10, and SB-900 flash mode set to TTL auto flash mode, the flash mode changed to A mode when the exposure meters turned off or were reactivated, or the camera was turned off or on. This issue has been resolved.(This issue has also been resolved with SB-900 firmware Ver. 5.02.)

An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved.

Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama.

Nikon D3 firmware 2.01

Modifications enabled with upgrade of A and B firmware to v.2.01 (Windows and Mac OS X)

Geodetic information is now displayed in ViewNX 1.2.0 or later and Capture NX 2 2.1.0 or later shooting information for images captured with the GPS Unit GP-1 mounted on the camera.

Autofocus-response performance in focus mode C (Continuous-servo AF mode) with relatively dark subjects has been increased.

When the AF-ON button is pressed, the monitor turns off and a focus point can now be selected using the multi selector.

Photo information displayed in full-frame playback has been modified as follows:
--HI-, LO- has been changed to Hi, Lo
--WARM TONE has been changed to WARM FILTER
--COLOR CUSTOM has been changed to COLOR BALANCE

Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama.

An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved.

When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

An issue that, in some rare cases, caused images captured with the following lenses to be under-exposed, has been resolved.
--AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
--AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED (5.0x)

(Via DPReview and Rob Galbraith)

Playstation 3 moves one step closer to becoming self-aware

2009-01-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Sony)

So it looks like the Playstation 3 is about a couple years away from becoming self-aware, taking over the world, and making us all its human slaves--if a few of us aren't already.

Sony announced on Tuesday that an upcoming firmware update (v2.60) for the PS3 would purportedly have many enhancements to the system's media capabilities. The company didn't announce when the update would be released.

The key feature according to Sony, will be a new photo gallery app which will allow your digital pictures to be organized by various criteria including the camera used to take the photos, the event date and time, colors in the photos, as well as the number, ages, or facial expressions of the people pictured.

Yep, that's right the according to the video, the PS3 will be able to determine the relative age of the people in the photo and whether or not they are smiling.

Also included in the upcoming release is guest access to the Playstation store for non-Playstation Network members. With this access they'll be able to check out demos, video, etc. Sony will also be adding DivX 3.11 support to the system with this release.

I guess in a few more releases we'll be seeing an update that reads our minds, fulfills our deepest desires and then, when it's gained our trust completely, it drops the other shoe, takes over the world and we're done. Until that inevitable day, we might as well enjoy what we have now.

Check out the video for a walkthrough of the new features.

Panasonic's new, cheap, auto-everything compact camera

2009-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

If the announcement of the new FS-series cameras from Panasonic wasn't enough for you, the company announced the Lumix DMC-LS85, too. If you have a penchant for digital cameras that run on AA batteries (and I know you people are out there), you'll want to pay attention.

The DMC-LS85 does in fact run on two AA batteries (good for about 270 shots using alkalines, 550 on NiMHs). It also has a 4x f2.8-5.9 33-132mm-equivalent lens with optical image stabilization--a rarity in a compact camera for its price of $119.

It also features Panasonic's Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), which along with the Mega O.I.S I mentioned a second ago includes Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Face Detection.

You'll be able to stick one in your pocket this April in a choice of silver, black, and pink.

Panasonic goes 'Intelligent' with new FS cameras

2009-01-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Panasonic)

This here is the 10-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. I know that not just because it says so on top of its skinny, 0.8-inch body, but because it's the only one of the two newly announced FS-series cameras that comes in this love-it-or-hate-it green that seems to be popular this year. (It'll also come in silver, black, blue, and pink.) It's joined by the DMC-FS15, a 12-megapixel version in silver, black, and blue.

So, other than fun colors, slim bodies, and reasonable prices (the FS7 is $159, the FS15 $199), what have these ultracompacts have goin' on to make reading the rest of this post worthwhile? Well, they both seem to be loaded with every automatic feature Panasonic has in its stable.

The FS15 has an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) that controls ISO, exposure, scene and face detection, and auto-focus tracking. Plus, it's fronted by a 5x 29mm wide-angle lens backed by Panny's Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization).

Instead of a wide-angle lens on the DMC-FS7, Panasonic went wide aperture using a 4x f2.8 lens, and the company backs off a little on the iA features, going with just the Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, and face detection.

Look for them both in April.

Indecent Exposure 34: Insouciant expressions

2009-01-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

An outpouring of pet photos, Lori's CES snapshot and when to compress.

Listen now:

Download today's podcast

Episode 34

Today's links:

News

CES 2009: Digital imaging wrap-up

LensAlign system helps you sharpen focus

Blu-ray Owners: You Should Get Your Eyes Examined

Contests

Last topic: Pets

Winner: Uco--The Dog, not the Valley

Runner up: Manu

Next topic: Reflections

To enter, please use the blog comments to provide a link to your entry plus any background information you'd like to share with us and other listeners.

Today's questions

Shrink or compress

Hi guys,

Thanks for the great podcast. I listen intently every week and love the show.

I have a question regarding managing files sizes. Generally I shoot at the max resolution of my camer (Alpha 100) but this yields some large file sizes. So when I'm just messing around with the camera OR when I want to export a full size photo for the web or email, there's a couple options in reducing file size: down-sample the resolution or increase the compression (IE: reduce the JPEG quality). Is there a suggested strategy to use between these two?

Secondarily, does it make a difference if making this decision when shooting (in-camera) vs exporting from a full res? IE: in camera would it be better to shoot at higher res with low quality but exporting is better to down-sample to lower res with higher quality?

Thanks,

Chuck

Another first: Presidential portrait shot with digicam

2009-01-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

Taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II...

(Credit: Pete Souza)

Barack Obama's campaign proved itself quite worthy of the Digital Era, what with launching Facebook Connect integration, dominating Twitter, and buying an ad in an Xbox 360 racing game, among other tech-savvy milestones.

So it seems fitting that the President-elect should be the first U.S. commander in chief to have his official presidential portrait snapped with a digital camera, according to the transition Web site change.gov. (It seems a little hard to believe this hasn't happened sooner, but we're sure the new administration wouldn't risk credibility over camera models.) The shot was taken by Pete Souza, the newly announced official White House photographer.

Probably more importantly for all you camera buffs, however, is the fact that the 1916x2608-resolution shot was taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. With that news, Canon is probably extra happy it has resolved the "black dot" problem that marred some images from the high-profile, high-end SLR.

Other details revealed about the presidential portrait in the attached Exif file data, courtesy of Cameratown:

105mm focal length

ISO 100

Aperture: F/10

Exposure: 1/125 second

Metering mode: Pattern

Date taken: January 13, 2009 at 5:38 p.m.

But now that Obama has helped usher in the era of digital photography for official presidential portraits, we have to wonder: will those portraits be Photoshopped?

Nikon's new SLR leads the pack for sensor quality

2009-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

The top four SLRs in DxO Labs' current rankings.

(Credit: DxO Labs)

It's not a surprise that the Nikon D3X, the company's brand-new $8,000, 24.9-megapixel SLR, tops DxO Labs' sensor performance test. What is a surprise is the margin by which it leads its rivals from Canon and Sony.

When the French firm unveiled its DxOMark Sensor benchmark test last year, Nikon's D3 was the top scorer at 80.6, a composite number that represents various performance features. Very close on its heels were Nikon's D700 at 80.5, Canon's EOS-1Ds Mark III 80.3, and later Canon's 5D Mark II at 79 and Sony's Alpha A900 at 78.9.

All those cameras were close, but the D3X stands apart with a score of 88. The result shows how much ground Nikon has made up on Canon, which has dominated high-end digital SLR technology.

DxO Labs said cameras must be about 5 points apart for people to see a difference; a 15-point difference is equivalent to a full stop of improvement, meaning that a camera would have the same image quality as a rival with half the available light.

The test measures a sensor's color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance through a variety of detailed tests of the camera. No lens is mounted during the test of the SLRs, so differences from optics are minimized. Unlike other tests, DxOMark Sensor measures performance based on the cameras' raw-format images, which eliminates changes that the camera or software make when converting the raw data into a recognizable photo.

DxO has real chops in the testing business; the company makes a business selling analytical tools and services to camera makers and others. Don't confuse the DxOMark results with a full evaluation of a camera, though; other significant factors include autofocus, in-camera processing, durability, optics, interface, accessories, customer support, and availability of third-party and used lenses.

The Nikon D3X beat out the D3 and Canon's 1Ds Mark III in image sensor performance. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: DxO Labs)

Sony builds the D3X's sensor with Nikon dictating much of the design.

How exactly did the D3 fare better than its top rival, the 21.1-megapixel 1Ds Mark III, which currently goes for about $6,550? A notch better in color depth, which measures the fineness of gradations between different hues, a big notch better in low-light performance, and a very big notch better in dynamic range, which measures how well the camera can accommodate details in bright and dark areas at the same time.

There's been a lot of teeth-gnashing over the price of the D3X, especially given how much it shares with the $4,100 D3, which still beats out its higher-end sibling on low-light performance and shooting speed. But with most technology, top-end products sell in vastly smaller quantities, and the higher up the ladder you go, the more each step costs.

All the top-scoring cameras employ full-frame sensors, which are the size of a frame of 35mm film from days of yore. The attendant larger pixels and extra light-gathering ability allows much lower noise. Most SLRs sold use smaller, vastly cheaper sensors, of which 200 can be carved from an 8-inch silicon wafer compared to 20 full-frame chips, according to a Canon white paper on sensors (PDF) from August 2006 that's still relevant.

Compact cameras use yet-smaller sensors, which shows in part why the performance even of high-end models such as Canon's newer PowerShot G10 significantly trails even elderly, low-end SLRs.

The next big shake-up on the DxOMark list should come in the next few weeks, when DxO Labs adds results from medium-format digital cameras, whose sensors have about twice the area of full-frame SLRs. That will help show just how big a competitive threat these high-end, high-megapixel SLRs are for the studio photographers who are the biggest customers of the super-expensive medium-format models.

DxO Labs also added a new reviews section that describes cameras. So far the D3X is the only camera so featured.

XDepth Raw Converter

2009-01-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Trellis Management has announced the availability of the XDepth Raw Converter for Windows, available free of charge for both personal and professional use. The XDepth Raw Converter is a RAW development and 48-bit image-processing software tool that features the proprietary XDepth RAW image compression technology.

The XDepth Raw file format is a new (announced in October) file format that features JPEG compatibility, visually lossless compression, JPEG compatible thumbnails, and full RAW development controls. The XDepth file format not only offers raw compression, it also offers copyright protection by securing copyright and author data within the file itself. The security features of the XDepth file format can also be enhanced to offer full DRM (digital rights management) by using certified digital signatures and time stamps.

Although primarily designed for raw processing, the XDepth Raw Converter also works with 48-bit images by importing and saving out as TIFF, PNG, or XDepth48 file formats providing high bit depth image processing.

You can download the XDepth Raw Converter for free from the XDepth Raw Converter web site here.

Transformer-looking rig holds DSLR for filmmakers

2009-01-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Zacuto)

With more and more shutterbugs using the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90 to make short films, it was inevitable that camera rigs would be redesigned to accommodate these snappers.

Previously, we've reported on Redrock's rail mounts and focusing rig for the Canon DSLR. But now another company, Zacuto, has a more universal solution that can fit almost any DSLR. The company has five kits consisting of different components such as baseplates, grips and shoulder/tripod mounts to meet the different needs of cinematographers. The designers of these kits, Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn, placed emphasis on stability since a shoulder-mounted DSLR would have most of the weight in front. Their solution is an adjustable counterweight on the rear end, which is dependent on how much heft you place on the front.

According to Zacuto, what is unique about this system is that the rig was engineered to provide quick adjustments and thus smoother shots. However, the price isn't for the average photographer. At $5,196, it is more expensive than any of the DSLRs out there with video-recording function.

(Via Crave Asia)

Do-it-all card reader from Transcend

2009-01-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Transcend)

Transcend has announced the P8, a stylish new all-in-one multi-format memory card reader. The P8 is a compact USB 2.0 card reader with rounded edges and a streamlined design.

All four of the P8's card slots are clearly labeled to avoid confusion. The P8 accepts most formats including CF, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, RS-MMC, MMCmobile, microSD(with adapter), and the Memory Stick series of cards. It has support for high-speed USMA transfer mode.

It is currently available for about $20 and it comes it white and black.

Brick by brick: Lego pieces together electronics business

2009-01-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

You can't take the Bionicle Lego camera apart--but it would be fun if you could.

(Credit: Lego/Digital Blue)

In a brilliant marketing move, Lego and Digital Blue have partnered to bring out Lego-branded kid's tech products. The line, which is due to launch this summer, will include digital cameras, MP3 players, video cameras, and walkie talkies. There's also talk of Lego boom boxes and clock radios.

Yes, it would be fun if kids could build their products themselves with a kit, but the bricks in these gadgets aren't designed to be pulled apart and rebuilt. That's probably a good thing, but a little customization would be cool.

No word on the exact pricing for the various devices--or what products will be available at launch--but the press release says they'll range in price from $20 to $60. Geared to preteens (7- to 11-year-olds), the Bionicle digital camera (pictured) will be stocked at Toys R Us this fall. Personally, I think they should gear it more to the 4- to 6-year-old crowd. All the preteens I know want real digital cameras.

(Via Engadget via KidsTechReview.com)

Price Watch: 4GB SDHC card, $6.99 shipped

2009-01-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

4GB of storage for 7 bucks?! At that price, buy two!

(Credit: Kingston)

Not every day offers $99 iPhones and $25 TV tuners. Sometimes, the deals are small and unexciting, the items utilitarian.

So it is today: Newegg has a 4GB Kingston SDHC memory card for $6.99. No rebates, no shipping charges.

That's the lowest price I've seen yet on a 4GB card (though only by $1). If you found a new digital camera under the tree last month, you definitely need high-capacity storage to go with it. A 4GB card can store about 800 10-megapixel snapshots or 60 minutes of video.

And, hey, there's nothing wrong with packing a spare card, in case you spot, say, Bigfoot. Or Paris Hilton. Or Bigfoot at a club with Paris Hilton. Could happen.

This isn't some no-name brand, either. All Kingston memory cards come with a lifetime warranty. Thus, this is pretty much a no-brainer for anyone who needs extra storage. A 4GB SDHC card for 7 bucks may be boring, but it's still a helluva deal.

CES 2009: digital imaging wrap-up

2009-01-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Most interesting camcorders of CES 2009

All things considered, this year's CES had a surprising amount of innovative--or at least interesting--tech for cameras and camcorders, beyond the usual bigger/faster/cheaper we've come to expect from the show.

Though each manufacturer took a different approach to pumping up its HD camcorder lines, they all took a split-the-market attitude: new models based on last year's technology designed to reach lower, entry-level prices on one side and beefing up sensors, optics, and controls for more expensive products to appeal to video enthusiasts. For instance, Sony's new XV500 series features a new back-illuminated sensor and geotagging capability, while Panasonic more widely rolled out its 3MOS three-chip system. Canon took the most typical route, going with a higher-resolution sensor and better lens.

Photos: Crazy-long ultrasupermegazooms

Casio delivered the most novel entries, with sleek ultracompact cameras that integrate the high-speed shooting capabilities of its clunky EX-F1 and EX-FH20 megazoom models. Some of Casio's 2009 models also introduce a neat new feature dubbed "Dynamic Photo," which lets you cut out and overlay a still or movie over another--sort of an in-camera chromakeying.

Both Sony and Eye-Fi attacked the problem of wireless photo and video transmission. Eye-Fi expands the capabilities of its Wi-Fi SD card to support video uploads, and Sony takes a stab and solving the myriad issues that have plagued Wi-Fi-capable cameras by building a browser into the DSC-G3.

Clever touches in cameras and camcorders

Even "the usual" threw a couple of curve balls at us. Zoom lenses on standard definition camcorders have simply gotten out of control, with Panasonic hitting 70x and Sony close behind at 60x. On still cameras, Olympus leaped the competition to hit 26x, with Kodak lagging--hah!--at a mere 24x. The scariest moment of the week wasn't the turbulence flying into New York, but when a Kodak representative told me that he thinks "zoom lenses will replace megapixels" in the specsmanship derby.

Finally, we saw signs of the cycle of death and rebirth in media formats. Only Canon announced a new MiniDV model, and not a single manufacturer has a DVD model in its HD lineup; DVD is still going moderately strong for standard definition. Both may be attributed to the relatively slow adoption of HD players. Into that mix the SD Card Association throws the SDXC format, a follow up to SDHC that promises higher capacity and faster speeds. However, don't expect to see products incorporating it for more than a year, the implementation requires a new controller architecture. Maybe for CES 2010.

Polaroid PoGo camera: big, boxy, lots of fun

2009-01-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Polaroid)

People are still lamenting the passing of Polaroid Instant Film into history, but thanks to technology featured in its tiny portable PoGo printer launched in 2008, the company is offering a new shoot-and-print option: the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera. And despite its parent company's woes, Polaroid has no plans to curtail product plans for 2009.

Plans for a 21st-century Polaroid camera were announced in August 2008, but the product itself was announced at CES 2009.

The camera, which has a certain retro boxiness to it, is pretty big in comparison to most point-and-shoots with its camera specs. The 7-megapixel camera/printer measures 4.7 inches wide by 3.0 inches high by 1.3 inches deep and weighs 10 ounces--without paper, battery, or SD card. Keep in mind though, it's not like the original instant-print cameras fit in a coat pocket, but this one does.

There's a 3.0-inch LCD on back and controls are simple. The only disappointment is the lack of an optical zoom likely due to space constraints (there's a 4X digital zoom, though).

The camera uses Polaroid's Zink (zero ink) 2.0-by-3.0-inch paper. The LCD simply pops up and you insert a deck of 10 sheets and you're ready to go. Shoot something you want to print? Hit the Print button on back, pick the photo, and press OK and in less than a minute you have a print.

I have had a chance to play around with the camera and I've got to say, it's a lot of fun, but definitely not for everyone. The print quality is just OK, which for a photo that small is fine (though I hope Polaroid can figure out how to do larger print sizes). Also, the camera itself is comparable to any other inexpensive 7-megapixel camera.

No pricing was announced, but I would guess it to be around $200 when it ships in spring 2009.

Smartparts intros 2 touch-screen photo viewers

2009-01-09T14:54:00.001-08:00

Smartparts has added two new pocket-size touch-screen digital photo viewers to its current lineup, the 2.4-inch SP24PC and the 3.5-inch SP35PC.

These compact digital photo viewers give people the capability to enjoy their favorite photos on the go. Users upload photos by connecting the viewer to their computer via USB cable. Both viewers are compatible with Mac and Windows.

The SP24PC can hold up to 50 images in its internal memory, and the SP35PC can hold up to 100 images. They both have a built-in rechargeable battery that automatically charges when the viewer is attached to a computer via USB cable.

Both come with a USB cable and a microfiber carrying pouch. They also display the date and time and have an alarm. The credit card-size viewers will be available in March 2009 with a MSRP of $29.99 for the 2.4 inch-SP24PC and a MSRP of $39.99 for the 3.5-inch SP35PC.