November 18th, 2009 4:23 PM | by Christen da Costa
Today, Casio trotted out what they’re calling the thinnest ruggedized digital camera, the EX-G1. And at .78-inches I might have to agree, although I didn’t really do any comparison, but it does sound thin for being shock-resistant, freezeproof, dustproof and waterproof. And as you’ve probably noticed the styling bites off of their G-Shock line of phones.
Spec wise were talking a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 848×480 movide mode, microSD card slot, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD and Advanced Dynamic Photo function. There’s a bit more details on just how rugged the EX-G1 is after the ‘leap’.
November 11th, 2009 4:16 PM | by Christen da Costa
Ricoh, who rock some seriously solid cameras, announced a new and novel approach to the digital camera space yesterday, the GXR. Unlike traditional DSLRs, the GXR, which is more digital point and shoot, has a removable lens/sensor system. For the consumer, that means you can upgrade not only the optics of the camera, but its ability to capture high rez photos without buying a whole new back or system.
Take for instance the two lens/sensors to be launched. The 24-72mm-equivalent f2.5-4.4 lens includes a 10 megapixel sensor that can capture VGA movies, while the second module, a 50mm-equivalent f2.5 macro lens, can capture 12.3 megapixel photos and 720p video (and more).
But there are drawbacks. The camera ain’t cheap – $549 for just the body – and each lens/sensor costs over $400 as of right now. So without trying to wax too philosophical, the debate really lies within what kind of consumer you are. Would you prefer to have a set of lenses that you can use on a wide variety of cameras, or a camera that has a wide array of lenses that can only be used with one camera?
Update: Ricoh might build a printer module for the GXR.
November 10th, 2009 4:05 PM | by Christen da Costa
If you’re not feeling the hip slinging Spider Pro camera system then you might wanna checkout the Cotton Carrier. It uses a very similar hooking system but instead of sitting at your hips, which can potentially inhibit your ability to walk or run, the Cotton Carrier adhears to your chest like a tactical vest.
The harness itself can carry up to one camera, but they’ve also seen fit to include a Velcro harness system that not only supports an additional camera but can be attached to any bag or strap (turns out that this is the more expensive version). There doesn’t seem to be a specific weight limitation but they’ve tested it up to 18lbs and found no problems with comfort or durability.
The Cotton Carrier is available now and you can get the complete system for $139.
November 10th, 2009 3:36 PM | by Christen da Costa
Sure, Intel is primarily a chip maker, but every once and a while they throw us a product curve ball. The Reader (yup, that’s what it’s called) is a handheld device that can literally read aloud the text of a physical book. It’s intended use is for the physically blind or those who are challenged by a learning disability, but it could also serve as an archiving system.
It works by using OCR, or optical character recognition, and captures the text through a small built-in 5 megapixel camera. I’m skeptical as to how much text it can read and convert in one given snap shot, but Intel says that “conversions [are] fast”.
Total on board storage of the device is 4GB (solid state) and a USB port helps to transfer any stored data to your personal computer. The battery should be good for about 4 hour of audio playback and the reader is also compatible with a variety of file formats (DAISY 2.02* (DAISY), NISO 2002* (z2002 or DAISY 3*), NISO 2005* (z2005 or DAISY 3), NIMAS 1.0/1.1*, MP3, WAV, ASCII text) and contains a 3.5mm headphone jack for greater privacy.
The Intel Reader is said to ship sometime in the next few weeks and cost about $1,500.
November 9th, 2009 10:25 PM | by Christen da Costa
Small, powerful and portable probably best describe the Olympus EP-2 PEN Camera, the follow up to the EP-1 which launched earlier this year.
For the most part the micro four thirds 12 megapixel DSLR remains the same as the first iteration, but this time around Olympus has added a few additional features such as an all black body and a detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder that enhances dark scenes and allows you to view the camera’s viewfinder from a variety of angles. And despite the small upgrades, Olympus has seen fit to tack on an additional $300 to the price tag when it launches sometime in early December (preorder here).
Remember how we just finished talking about the Tele Scouter, which interprets every language and translates automatically? Well, it’s a bit of a misnomer because there’s one language it won’t interpret–American Sign Language.
That’s right, folks–Ameslan is completely out of the Tele Scouter’s bailiwick. But now, we may have the answer for that one–the Sign Language Interpreter.
Basically, what this is is a camera connected to a microprocessor that “sees” the motions of sign language, matches them against its own internal systems, translates them, and announces the word or letter that the gesture is the equivalent of. I’m doing a bit of interpolation there as the read link wasn’t exactly clear on if it can handle words and letters or only letters, but either way, a sign language interpreter gadget will change the lives of deaf people everywhere.
November 2nd, 2009 11:04 PM | by Christen da Costa
Oh celebrities, they can be so squirrelly sometimes when it comes to the snooping and intrusive paparazzi. That’s why you gotta have your DSLR available at a moments notice. The SpiderPro system incorporates a quick release system that attaches to any belt or their optional Spider Belt for heavier loads, using the camera’s built-in hardware. The Spider Pin and Plate attaches the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera and slips in and out of the clipping system, which can be locked for occasional access or unlocked for unfettered access. Since it’s a bit difficult to explain I recommend watching their video.
At one point holograms were the stuff made of dreams, but now you can produce your very own 80s future tech in the comfort of your home. The DIY Hologram Kit includes all the necessary components, includes a model sized car and enough film plates to produce up to 20 hand sized ((2” X 3”) holograms. What the practical application would be is ‘difficult to see right now’, but this is sure to keep your kids and the neighbor’s kids entertained for weeks to come.
You can grab one now for $100 and when you run out of the necessary film plates you can purchase more from the manufacture.
When the Joby GorillaPod hit the scene some time ago, it amazed consumers worldwide with its tenacious approach to all things tripod related. Capable of countless angles and poses, the Joby GorillaPod is a must buy for anyone that owns a digital camera or camcorder. …Continue reading: Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod Review
Talk about useless crap. I mean, whoa I totally need this. I suppose if you were doing a short film about this gadget or the wonders of iPhone video, then it would maybe be cool? The whole point of shooting video on your phone is to not need something like this.
Priced at $300 I would have trouble holding back malicious laughter if I saw some dude toting this thing around pretending to be professional. I beg to be proven otherwise as I am continuously amazed at consumerism.
