The gadget blogs have spoken and fortunately someone, some where was listening.  That’s right, you can now buy the Canon Lens Mug that we saw last week for $30.  Talk about the perfect gift for the photog in your life.  Expect it to arrive April 16th.

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Over the weekend, Panasonic finally and officially unveiled  the Lumix G2.  It’s the first micro 4/3 camera to sport an articulating 3-inch touchscreen.  In addition, it can snap 12 megapixel photos, record 720p HD movie and hopefully capture some artfully delightful moment for you and your backpacking buddies.  It looks like the kit will include a 14-42mm lens and expect pricing info 30 days before the G2 actually ships.

Panasonic also announced the G10. It’s similar in feature set to the G2, but lacks an articulating screen and boasts a ‘world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder’ title.

Wanna give your photographer friend a heart attack?  Next time you meet in the wee early hours roll up with one of these: an insulated coffee mug disguised as a $700 Canon 70-200mm L-Series lens.  Apparently, Canon was handing these out at this year’s winter Olympics.  It would be a crying shame to mix up the two in an early morning dash out the door, but you’d have to be pretty thick, or drunk, to achieve that feat.

So Canon, can we buy one?  This sure would make for a great stocking stuffer or gag gift for whatelse, the photographer in everyone’s life.

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Mayima busted out what they’re calling the “industry’s fastest large-sensor DSLR”, the DM40. It can capture 40 megapixel RAW stills at a maximum of 60 frames per minute. There are two user-selectable shutter systems: leaf or focal plane and up to 3 different lenses to choose from; 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm. Sadly, the LCD screen is only 6×7cm, but at least it’s touchscreen.

Price you ask? $21,990, which includes a Mamiya 80mm f.2.8 D lens. Or you can save $2k and score just the back.

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Making it easy for kids to get into digital photography, the KidZoom Plus Digital Camera is a great way to get them started.  The internal memory of 256mb’s can be upgraded to 2GB’s through the SD card slot and the camera also shoots movies and has games.

The camera also has TV hookups and a small onboard editing program in addition to a CD-ROM photo editor for adding silly frames, stamps, funny face effects, kaleidoscope and distortion effects.

Buy one now for your budding little voyeur for only $50.

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Paparazzi or no paparazzi, if you’re carrying an SLR shaped camera you’re gonna get some looks.  If it ain’t the wannabe celebs sneering at you it’s the locals rolling their eyes at your benign tourist interests.

But now you can move freely amongst the elite in a discreet fashion thanks to the cloak bag.  This handy bag – it’s actually more of case – snugly holds your camera and when that time arrives for a quick snap shot, you just flip open either end, stuff your hands through the side inserts and start shooting.  So you see, you never have to remove the camera from the bag, and when you’re done with your snooping you just sling it back over your should like any everyday bag.

The Cloak bag is available now for $49 and comes in gray and turquoise or coffee and green.

[via Craziestgadgets]

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Samsung kicked out the Tl500 late last week. It looks like your standard digital point and shoot, but it actually has a little to more to offer.  For instance, it rocks a 24mm wide angle lens with a F1.8 rating.  On top of that it uses a 3-inch AMOLED articulating screen for not only added clarity but a bit more bang for your battery charge.  Other features include a 3x optical zoom complete with manual lens ring.  Unfortunately, it only shoots VGA video from its 10 megapixel sensor, but hey, it can snap photos in RAW.

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE TL500 – A HIGH-END COMPACT WITH AN ULTRA‑WIDE AND BRIGHT F/1.8 LENS

Fast Operating Speed and Ultra-Sensitive 1/1.7″ CCD Will Impress Enthusiast Photographers

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today’s advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company’s compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21‑23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500’s lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures.”

High-Quality Optics and Images

The Samsung TL500 is sure to turn heads thanks to its ultra-wide, f/1.8 Schneider lens – one of the brightest ever featured on a compact digital camera. The impressive f/1.8 lens offers photographers a wider range of aperture steps and shallow depth-of-field, giving them the ability to blur out the background of their images while maintaining focus on their subjects. The ultra-fast, f/1.8 lens also allows users to take better photos in low-light environments as more light is passed through to the new high-performance 1/1.7″ CCD sensor. Larger than the sensors typically found in compact digital cameras, the TL500’s 1/1.7″ CCD offers unrivaled sensitivity (max ISO 3200/full-resolution). Together with Samsung’s re‑engineered and fast, DRIMeIII imaging processor, the TL500 captures high-quality images, regardless of the lighting environment.

The high-end Schneider lens offers a 24mm, ultra-wide focal length and 3x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL500’s 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as beautiful landscapes and large groups of friends or family. For blur‑free images, the TL500’s lens is also paired with Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology.

Versatile Display Enhances the Viewing Experience

Composing and reviewing images on the TL500’s three-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen is a pleasure. The rotating AMOLED display will allow photographers to precisely frame their images the way they want and shoot from just about any angle, including overhead or low‑to‑the-ground shots. Compared to the traditional TFT-LCD found on most digital cameras, the TL500’s AMOLED provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The TL500’s AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Multiple Shooting Options

The TL500 supports RAW and gives enthusiasts full control over their images thanks to its shutter‑priority, aperture‑priority and full Manual shooting modes. When using these settings, shooters can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds and depth‑of‑field; however, for those who prefer ease-of-use over manual controls, the TL500 also offers Samsung’s Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Applicable for video recording (640×480 / 30fps / H.264) and taking digital stills, this intelligent feature analyzes the scene and then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the best results possible. Using this mode requires minimal effort and does not sacrifice image quality for simple operation.

Sony might be the masters of convoluted press releases but here goes:  At the PMA in Anaheim they’re showing off what appears to be compact micro four-thirds lens camera.  It’s closest competition would be something like the Olympus PEN E-P1 or E-P2.  Inside is an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, which is said to provide full AVCHD video recordings (i.e. 1080p).  Hang tight as we’re sure more details will emerge in the next few days.

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Pentax’s latest rugged camera, the W90 is all but ready for store shelves.  In addition to taking the usually beating, as indicated by the above pic. the W90 will sport a ring of LEDs around its lens that is said to help with close-up shots.  Has any other camera rocked this feature to date?  It will also include a 5 megapixel sensor, HD movie mode (probably 720p) and a 12 megapixel sensor.

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Another day another point and shoot…or is it?  Sony’s TX5 is a tough as nails digital camera that is ready to go a few rounds with the elements and then some.  It can survive in down to 14 degree F, be dropped 5 feet, submerged in up to 3m of water and kicked around in the Mojave’s dust and keep on ticking.

On board is a 10.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom with image stabilization, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, a 720p movie mode and 10fps burst mode.  It looks like it will be available in a variety of finishes and hit the street this April for $350.

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To kick things of at this year’s Photo Marketing Association, Joby will introduce the Gorillapod Magnetic flexible tripod. Much like the GorillaTorch this tripod will feature 3 magentic feet at the end of its flexible legs, only this version is built specifically for cameras and cameras that weigh no more than 11.5oz.   There’s no word on a price or release date but I’d expect it soon.

Joby highlights commitment to the photo market; announces Gorillapod Magnetic and Ballhead X

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 18, 2010 – Joby, Inc., the world renowned designer of the Gorillapod™ flexible camera tripod, is pleased to introduce two new additions to the Gorillapod family of products at this year’s Photo Marketing Association International tradeshow, February 21-23 in Anaheim, CA.  Joby will showcase its entire suite of products from the Gorillapod, Gorillamobile™ , and Gorillatorch™ lines at the Joby booth (#1436, Anaheim Convention Center), demonstrating its commitment to making thoughtfully-designed, revolutionary products that meet the creative and active needs of the photography community.

Inspired by the overwhelmingly positive reception of the Gorillatorch hands-free flashlight, which features powerful magnetic feet in addition to flexible, wrappable legs, Joby is thrilled to introduce the Gorillapod Magnetic flexible tripod.  The world’s most versatile tripod is now even more adaptable!  With the addition of powerful magnets in the feet, the Gorillapod Magnetic can now be anchored to any magnetic surface, in addition to being secured with its fully-articulating legs.  Stick it to a pole, wrap it around a tree-branch, or perch it on a jagged rock – the positioning possibilities are truly endless.

The Gorillapod Magnetic supports compact digital cameras and mini video cameras weighing up to 11.5oz, weighs just 2.5 ounces, is 6-inches tall, and will be available globally in April.

Joby is also excited to announce the Ballhead X for Gorillapod Focus, the latest addition to its Professional Line of photographic equipment.  The portable yet sturdy Ballhead X supports 11.1lbs (5kg) and allows the user to easily and fluidly pan, tilt, and rotate his camera while still enjoying the versatility and reliable support of a Gorillapod on virtually any surface. Built with the serious photographer in mind, the Ballhead X is lightweight and compact, yet still robust enough to support professional SLR cameras with substantial zoom lenses and sizable camera rigs.  It further extends the functionality of the Gorillapod Focus by allowing even more creative camera positioning, enabling the user to capture great shots anywhere his travels take him!  While it is optimized for use with the Gorillapod Focus, the Ballhead X can accommodate both 3/8” and ¼” threads, allowing convenient compatibility with any tripod.  The Ballhead X will be available both separately and bundled together with the Gorillapod Focus.

The Ballhead X for Gorillapod Focus is constructed from precision-machined anodized aluminum, weighs just over 9 ounces, is 3.3-inches tall, and will be available globally in April.

All of Joby’s products will be on display at the Joby booth, #1436, Anaheim Convention Center.

In what must be the most portable full size tripod available, the ZipShot Tripod is also an undeniable design achievement.  Weighing only 11 ounces and capable of downsizing to just 15 inches, the ZipShot Tripod aluminum legs unfold to form a 44-inch tall camera mount platform for the metal ball head.

Capable of handling any camera under 3 pounds, the ZipShot Tripod is on sale at the link below for $50.

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The Wild Planet Spy Video TRAKR is absolutely everything you wanted as a child.  Broadcasting wireless audio and visual feeds from the TRAKR to the remote is simply awesome and you can even hook it up to your PC via USB and program commands into it.  I’m not sure how deep this programming goes but it’s got to make this thing that much better.

What is easily the most notable feature however, is the inclusion of the microphone on the remote and the speaker on the RC drone.  You can broadcast your imminent arrival from afar, or simply sneak up on somebody and scare the hell out of them.

The Wild Planet Spy Video TRAKR will go on sale in October of this year for a retail price of $120.  I gotta try one.

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Yesterday Canon released the Rebel T2i, an 18 megapixel DSLR.  It can shoot full 1080p HD movies at 30 fps or 720p movies at 60fps.  It also supports HDMI out, SDXC cards, a 6400 ISO, a continuous shoot mode of 3.7fps, 9-point auto focus and boasts a 3-inch LCD on its back.

You can grab the T2i, body only, for $800, or drop an extra c-note and score Canon’s 18-55mm lens with it.

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Canon added four new point and shoot cameras to their line up today. Some notable features include 720p HD video, a blink or smile timer which looks for the blink or smile to snap the photo, fish eye mode in addition to many more.

First up is the SX210.  It boasts a 14.1 megapixel sensor, 3-inch LCD, optical image stabilization, a 28mm wide angle lens, 720p video and is available in black, purple and gold.  It will hit the street in late March for $350.

Next is the SD3500.  Features include a 3.5-inch wide touchscreen LCD, 24mm wide angle lens with a 5x optical zoom, 14.1 megapixel sensor, 720p video and more.  It will be available in black, silver and pink and will hit late February for $330.

The SD1400 measures less than one inch thick, has a 28mm wide angle lens with a 4x optical zoom, a 14.1 megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization and does HD video.  It will arrive in late February and retail for $250.

Lastly and the least, is the SD1300.  It sports a lesser 12.1 megapixel sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD and does NOT do HD video.   It will come in silver, pink, green, blue and brown.  Expect it to arrive in late February for $200.

Full release after the ‘leap’

CANON U.S.A. UNVEILS FOUR NEW ADDITIONS TO AWARD-WINNING POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERA LINEUP

New PowerShot SX210 IS and ELPH Cameras Offer Improved Features For Increased Image Capture Control

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the addition of four new PowerShot Digital cameras, the PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS, PowerShot SD1400 IS and PowerShot SD1300 IS, offering today’s photographer a compelling blend of cutting-edge photo capture technology and superior styling. The new PowerShot cameras offer increased shooting flexibility in a number of settings through advancements to the Smart Auto mode while offering greater photo personalization and enhanced creativity with new Scene Modes and Image effects. The addition of Fish-eye and Miniature Effect modes help photographers add a creative element or lend a humorous look and feel when capturing images of their favorite household pet or landscape scene.

From untimely blinks and awkward smirks to hard to shoot back-lit situations, the compact PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS and PowerShot SD1400 IS cameras offer a variety of technologies to secure the best pictures under the most challenging conditions. In addition to the Face Detection self-timer, the new Smart Shutter scene mode now has Smile and Wink self-timers where the camera looks for a wink or smile which will act as the trigger and release the camera’s shutter.

The advances to Canon’s Smart Auto mode increases the number of shooting scenarios where each PowerShot camera can automatically adjust to different lighting or movement levels to obtain the best image possible. In addition, Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) function improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, ISO and shutter speed while the Low Light Mode features a wide ISO range (up to 6400), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper more vivid images and further enhancing the overall quality.

“The new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras are designed for consumers seeking a blend of eye-catching style and advanced image capture technology in a compact, easy-to-use form,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Offering a unique blend of features and functionality including new Scene Modes, Smart FE and Smart Shutter, Canon once again brings image-taking and personal photography expression to new levels.”

For users interested in expanding beyond still images, three of the four new PowerShot cameras announced today have the ability to shoot 720p High Definition (HD) video offering extraordinary resolution and clarity when capturing moments such as a child’s dance recital or the latest trip to the local zoo. Also, the built-in HDMI mini-connector allows play-back of video and photos on an HDTV. With the camera tethered to a computer and the included software, movies can be uploaded directly to YouTube via the Camera Window. To further enhance a users ability to capture images and video, all of the new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras will support the high-spec SDXC memory cards with a maximum storage capacity of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is designed for the photographer seeking HD video and brilliant image quality in a stylish, compact camera. Featuring a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization, the PowerShot SX210 IS allows users to capture dramatic close-ups or broad landscapes with ease, while the 14.1-Megapixel resolution ensures stunning image quality. Available in three bold color variations, black, purple and gold, additional features include a 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for improved visibility and glare reduction with enhanced Control Dial with Hints and Tips. For shooting video, the PowerShot SX210 IS has the ability to zoom optically, shoot in stereo sound and has Dynamic Mode Image Stabilization for improved image clarity. Users embracing the freedom of wireless data transfer can connect directly to PCs through Eye-Fi memory cards1. The PowerShot SX210 IS is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the ELPH series through the combination of superior image capture functionality and Canon’s touch screen technology. The camera’s large 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen enables intuitive operation as users can customize their photo settings by simply dragging icons to their preferred on-screen location, then utilizing “tap” operations to switch between images during playback. A 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with 5x Optical Zoom gets more in your shot, like that family vacation at the Grand Canyon or the Empire State Building while Optical Image Stabilization ensure blur free images at full telephoto. The 14.1-Megapixel resolution delivers stunning images and the HD quality video further adds to the overall allure of this new PowerShot Digital camera. Available in three elegant color variations, black, silver and pink, the PowerShot SD3500 IS is also compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards for wireless transfer of video and photo files to PCs1. The PowerShot SD3500 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $329.99.

Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS is the ideal choice for the on-the-go, spontaneous photographer seeking outstanding performance in a super-slim camera. Measuring less than one inch in thickness, the sleek PowerShot SD1400 IS features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization and 14.1-Megapixel resolution for outstanding photo and HD video quality. Available in four vibrant color variations, pink, orange, silver and black, the PowerShot SD1400 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS delivers outstanding value for the consumer seeking a stylish, highly functional digital camera. The PowerShot SD1300 IS features a 28mm wide angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization, 12.1-Megapixel resolution, and enlarged 2.7 -inch PureColor System LCD screen offering superior visibility. Available in five color variations, silver, pink, green, blue and brown, the PowerShot SD1300 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $199.99.

For more information about the new Canon PowerShot cameras, go to www.usa.canon.com/powershot.

All if not most digital equipment have an aversion to water – you know the stuff that seeps in and ruins your expensive products.  The Hydrophobia 70-200 is essentially a fitted tarp for your DSLR camera and will accommodate a massive lens, 70-200 to be exact.  In the back are two hand holes as well as a clear screen for viewing your camera’s display and other pertinent info so you never have to expose your camera’s parts to the elements.  There’s also a flash version that features a pop up transparent box, but costs a bit extra.  So rain, snow or blizzards you can keep on snapping.

Price?  They start at $139 and go up to $150 for the larger versions.

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Expanding on some of the design elements found  in Zoom’z Q3, the Ion Twin Video has two cameras facing in both directions making it awesome for recording interviews and more.  Also encompassing stereo microphones, live editing features, SDHC-compliant storage all in a compact body.  The price has yet to be determined  but the release date will be sometime during Q2.  Put in around $100 and it’ll look cool to me.

[via Uncrate]

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The folks out at Chiba University have developed a new kind of robot that they believe will be highly useful for rescue operations due to its incredibly compact size.

Dubbed the Hummingbird Robot, Chiba staffers believe that the tiny robot, featuring four wings that flap an astonishing thirty times per second, a miniature motor to drive the furious flapping, and a control scheme that involves infrared sensors, will be useful as a rescue device once a pair of tiny micro-cameras are mounted to its superstructure sometime around 2011.

Some question the value of a rescue device controlled by infrared signals, which need a clear line of sight between the device and the controller to function. Others make some dark noises about the robot’s value as a tool in domestic spying–after all, who hears a hummingbird coming?–and still others look askance at the Chiba University design, remembering a strikingly similar design that came out of TU Delft in the Netherlands back in 2006.

Hopefully Chiba University will address some of these issues in the final version.

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Joby GorillaPod’s have been a welcome new species over the last several years in the digital camera arena.  The SLR version is a giant GorillaPod capable of handling the weight of these larger cameras while still allowing for the expressive stylings Joby is known for.

What I’ll mention right away is that without the “sold separately” ballhead attachment, the SLR Gorillapod just ain’t that cool.

Not a great way to start a review, but the fact is that the ballhead attachment is where all the action’s at. Without it, the Gorillapod is extremely limited in what it can do and it seems worthless to me that these products aren’t coupled together.

That’s not so say that the absence of the ballhead makes the SLR Gorillapod totally undesirable.  It can still do stuff, but the upper most joints in the legs prevent you from achieving more angular and creative shots.

The thing is, is that Joby’s website lists the standard version for $40 as well as the ballhead sold separately for $40.  That’s $80 for what professional photographers would call a secondary tri-pod.  Can I get an emoticon?

It held up fine using a standard SLR (Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30) in terms of being able to handle the weight while grasping objects9seen above), it was really precarious when attached to my buddy’s Canon EOS-1D Mark II with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens (seen in 1st pic) and couldn’t really hold it safely.

This leads me to another point.  Joby actually has a more expensive SLR Gorillapod designed for the heaviest of SLR’s.  Why not just have one and spare us the trouble if we have multiple camera’s or plan to buy a heavier one down the line?

Other than that, it takes a while to screw on and off and it looks like a gymnast performing a routine on that stationary horse thing.  It’s a bit tedious and unlike the regular (small digital camera) Gorillapod, it doesn’t have a quick release tab allowing for faster attaching and removal.

The movable balls that give the tri-pod it’s unique shape changing abilities are stiff and rugged and I don’t question the quality of construction one bit.  It is bigger than you’d expect so making room for it needs to be taken into account.

Keeping this review short and simple, we know what it does, but the regular SLR Gorillapod by Joby just isn’t strong enough to stand on its own.  The missing ballhead needs to be included and the price needs to drop in order for this product to be taken seriously.  Seriously.

Pros:

• Solid build

Cons:

• No ballhead
• Tedious attachment/removal
• Overpriced

Buy the Joby GorillaPod SLR  for $45

Forgetting a digital camera on a hot night out can be potentially devastating.  To help you stay connected with all you gadgets and such, a new wall decal has emerged to keep you and your gear in check.

I kinda wish there was more decals to choose from and mix and match.  Especially for those who smoke things.  What about condoms too?

The vinyl decal can be applied to any smooth surface and is available now in a variety of colors.  $25 gets you this item.

[via Unplggd]

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