The next version of the Flip Mino Pocket Camcorder will have wireless capability ...

When Apple announced video capability in the iPod Nano and a video camcorder in the iPhone 3Gs, Cisco saw a dramatic increase in YouTube video uploads. And as such, they saw the handwriting on the wall. Sure, the Flip has the edge with HD, but to have an all in one solution with the iPhone has forced Cisco, the new owners of Flip Video, to get working on a response. And to that end, they’ve announced that the next model of the phenomenally successful Flip Video Pocket Camcorders will come with built in Wi-Fi. But that’s not all.

In addition to being able to transfer video wirelessly, new Flip models will also have double the onboard memory (although they should just bite the bullet and put in an SD card already) a larger screen which will slide up to reveal control buttons, and have the capability to not only upload to YouTube, but also direct Facebook uploads via the wireless connection.

The first model to get the Wi-Fi overhaul will probably be the MinoHD line and rumor has it we’ll see an actual mockup of it at CES this January.

You know, I rather like a feature war between Cisco and Apple brewing. It only means that the consumer will be the ultimate winners. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a new iPhone with HD capability …

Hat Tip – Mashable

This CanCam has 4GB worth of memory to record VGA quality video that can support 15 hours of continuous recording. As you can see, the lens is located slightly below the logo.

The on and off switch is located underneath the can itself, as well as the record button. There is a USB port there to help charge the camera, and is presumably there to download the video footage as well. It even has a remote control for even more secrecy.

You could leave this on your desk all day and feel comfortable knowing that all the actions of your co-workers will be under surveillance. Unless someone comes and looks too close, no one will ever know.

Of course, I’m sure people will probably wonder why someone has the same Coke can on their desk 24/7. I can’t help but wonder if the weight of the CanCam feels the same as a full can of soda, because that could easily ruin the effect.

If you want to see it for yourself, the CanCam can be purchased at the China Grabber website for a price of about $61.99.

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The Bubo has a hotshoe mount with LED lights, with four tripod mounts. It has a standard 37mm lens that is threaded so you can put other lenses on it, besides the one that the Bubo already comes with. I believe that it also comes with a front-facing microphone.

So what are we looking at, some new way that video bloggers can gain better video footage? I certainly hope so.

By the way, I think I know why they call it the Bubo. Anyone remember the 1981 Ray Harryhausen Greek myth film Clash of the Titans? Yes, Bubo was the name of the mechanical owl that Athena gave to Perseus to aid him on his quest. I guess someone wanted an R2D2 character in their classical Greek movie adaptation.

Anyway, this OWLE has been on quite a quest since its first concept drawing, and the designers won some award for iFund’s “Most Promising Startup”. The Bubo will be available for pre-order tomorrow for $99.95.

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This is one of those gadgets that I imagine we’ll be seeing in some cheesy kids spy movie, but you have to admit it is pretty cool.  Instead of taking pictures and video from the ground, now you can do it in the sky.  Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay someone to fly you around in a helicopter or airplane to do it either.  This little remote control helicopter allows for the average person to see pictures at a whole different angle.

Of course, by average person, I mean average person with a whole lot of extra cash.  Hey, once you pay the $9,000 though, at least you’ll always have access to aerial photography.  That is until it breaks or something at least.  This little helicopter can carry a DSLR camera or camcorder that weighs up to 6lbs.  Anything heavier and this miniature helicopter won’t be able to quite handle it.  Despite the hefty price tag, you have to admit, a gadget like this just brings out the kid in anyone.  You can’t help be think of all the possibilities.

Source: Gizmowatch

Although the screen on your digital camera gives you an idea on how the picture will look, it’s not entirely accurate.  Usually once you blow the picture up you can notice details like the picture being the slightest bit blurry or when a mischievous child has decided to pull a prank in the picture.  Usually it’s not a big deal to get home and notice those issues.  However, for professional photographers if they miss a shot they really need it could cost them.  Which means their laptop stays with them quite a bit.  Well this stand will make it possible for them to use their laptop a little easier in different environments.

When you’re outdoors you don’t exactly want to just sit your laptop in the grass.  This deck will hold your laptop and keep it right where you need it.  It’ll hold up to a 17 inch laptop and one that weighs up to 8lbs.  Just hook it up to a tripod and it’ll stay plenty steady.  Of course the attachment is a little expensive.  It’s going to cost you $85 from Tallyn’s Professional Photographic Supply.

Source: Crave

Sadly, it only has a 1/4 CMOS 1.0 Megapixel Sensor, which is only good for still shots on an ordinary cameraphone. It also only has 128MB of Flash Memory, but this can be expanded with a SD card. The video can shoot in High Definition formats of H.264 and WVGA and 720p, both at 30 frames per second.

As you can see, it has a candybar form that allows the user to point, shoot, and film and view the results with the 2.0 TFT screen. The DXG-125V comes with a clip with a compass for a definite “outdoorsy” look, as well as HDMI cable, USB, software, and all the other usual digital camera accessories plus a nice-looking clamshell zipper-shut case. It also comes with a tiny pair of headphones, because this DXG camcorder is also MP3 compatible.

You should be able to pick up the DXG-125V at the DXG site for $139.99 in red, green, or camouflage colors.

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For those who are not familiar with the Eye-Fi line, this is a memory card that allows the user to upload photos to their computer without any USB cable. You might be wondering how that is possible, and, truth be told, so am I. I can’t deny that it works, though. After a quick setup with my computer, I was able to view photos from my camera on my browser screen like magic. Of course, the user to be very specific about where the photos are to be sent, or it is very easy to wake up to find photos from your Eye-Fi floating all around your computer where you cannot retrieve them.

As for the video function, I found that it took quite a while to upload video footage. Not only that, it had to do this operation uninterrupted. That means if you have a video camera with the Eye-Fi Explore Video, then you better make certain you can leave it on for extended periods of time. Because if the battery runs out while the video is wirelessly downloading to your computer, then you have to do it again.

I also found the software to be a little invasive. When I started my computer, Eye-Fi kept trying to download videos that I didn’t want, and I had to end the program manually or my computer wouldn’t run properly. Perhaps I shouldn’t have set it up for automatic downloads.

In short, you will get your automatic downloads of videos and photos, but with great power, comes great responsibility of upkeep. Fortunately, it doesn’t come at too high of a price of $99 which includes 4GB of memory, unlimited Geotagging, and one year of free Hotspot Access. You can purchase the Explore Video here.

Now here’s a camera that is way better than any of the other types of cameras that give you instant pictures.  Polaroids are cool and all and digitals are convenient, but this tops them all.  With this you get your pictures instantly, plus you get to let out all that pent up aggression.  No more just holding it all back and pretending to be chipper all the time.  Now you have a valid excuse to beat the snot out of something.

In order to get the image that you have just captured on the camera, you’ll have to pound it out.  This is of course tragically just a concept design.  Otherwise, I imagine there would be a lot more stress-free individuals in this world.  The designer didn’t exactly have that goal in mind though, they were more worried about tangible memories.  You know connecting both physical and digital while minimizing materials.  Personally, I just like that you get to thump on it.

Source: SlipperyBrick

It certainly is light enough at 4.3 ounces, and records video footage on microSD cards. The battery life is sufficient for 2-3 hours per charge.

Believe it or not, it shoots in five modes, to remember them, use the simple acronym FTACF:

• Full HD – 1080p (1920×1080) at 30fps
• Tall HD – 960p (1280×960) at 30fps
• Action HD – 720p (1280×720) at 60fps
• Contour HD – 720p (1280×720) at 30fps
• Fast SD – WVGA (848×480) at 60fps

Just to let you know, the camera is not as waterproof as this rafter in the photo is illustrating. It has an aluminum body that is weather and dust resistant, but you’ll have to buy the waterproof case separately if you want to take it on the water.

So for all those who want to wear a camera on their head to record their awesome life for all to see, then surely the VholdR Contour HD 1080p is for you. It even has a big red button to start recording, and you presumably push it to stop.

You should be able to purchase the camera come mid-October for about $329.99.

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The device’s twin rollers gently accept prints up to 4″ x 6″ and scan them at up to 1800 x 1200 resolution, quickly converting each photograph into an individual, high-quality JPEG digital picture file which is saved onto your preferred memory card. The converter supports CF, MS, MS-Pro, MMC, XD, and SD memory card formats – the included 512MB SD card can store up to 250 pictures at the highest resolution. Once stored onto a memory card, you can transfer your pictures to a computer for additional editing as you desire using the built-in USB port and cable. Powered by its included AC adapter.

Expect the Portable Photograph To Digital Picture Converter to retail for $119.95 from Hammacher, although we’re not too sure just how many people are going to tote these around. After all, normal photos have been out of vogue among the consumer class for quite some time now, right?

The JOBO GPS data logger goes right where it belongs, on your camera.

Most photo gps data loggers sit in your pocket. But the JOBO photoGPS fits right where it should – on top of your camera, thanks to your hot shoe. And like all other GPS data loggers, it logs it’s GPS location every few seconds. Then, after a days photography, the included software marries the JOBOs GPS data with the EXIF photo data of each picture.

And like others, the JOBO servers download map locations and geotags the photos according to country, region city and post code. It’ll even show nearby points of interest such as theaters, sports stadiums, park, etc. And hard core nav fans will enjoy the optional latitude and longitude coordinates to boot.

The JOBO is accurate to within a standard 30 feet and is powered by a rechargable lithium polymer battery. Charging done by USB, so be certain that you disable any power saving features of the OS which will cut off power to USB in order to save it.

The JOBO works with any digital camera, even point and shoots – and although it’s designed to fit on a hot shoe, it can also work in your shirt pocket. Cost is around $160.

Hat Tip – GizMag

Measuring a mere 17mm thin, the Camileo S20 will come with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling it to capture in 1,920 x 1,080 resolution while its 4x digital zoom lets you get closer to the action than normal. Apart from its super slim form factor and stylish design, it will be accompanied by a rotating 3” display that brings High Definition quality video for style conscious consumers without breaking the bank.

As for the Camileo H30, this robust camcorder merges functionality with supreme ease of use, featuring a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor that is able to snap images in full HD resolution, coming with 5x optical and 4x digital zoom alongside an easy peasy menu system that enables seamless navigation between shooting modes and features. The 3″ LCD TFT touchscreen display also makes it a snap to view captured video. To make your movies even more professional looking, the H30 has video stabilization that assures the quality of all clips and images even when you’re zoomed in via its 10x zoom. Direct YouTube upload functionality does away with the need for a PC to process your captured videos before uploading.

The high end Camileo X100 will come in a stylish black or silver design, offering a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor alongside a powerful 10x optical zoom lens, 10x digital zoom and the ability to shoot 1080i footage at 60fps and WQVA footage (424×240) at 240fps. Of course, it will retain the useful YouTube direct upload function for added convenience. The Toshiba Camileo S20, Camileo H30 and Camileo X100 will retail for ￡119.99, ￡189.99 and ￡269.99, respectively, when they arrive at a local store shelf near you.

Press Release

For those of you in larger families, there’s not always just one camera for the household.  It being just me within mine, even I have two different types of cameras.  Which makes charging them up a little obnoxious.  Personally, I’m getting tired of trying to remember which cord goes with which camera.  Well instead of putting yourself through all of that nonsense, you could pick up this universal camera charger that not only simplifies your life but is capable of charging your camera in an eco-friendly manner.

The charger can function with 85% of the block camera batteries.  If you’re concerned that it won’t work with your cameras there is an online tool they offer to allow you to check things out before you purchase the universal charger.  It’s compatible with both Solar Technology’s FreeLoader and FreeLoader Pro solar gadget chargers.  The CamCaddy can also be hooked up to your car socket or your PC or laptop.  For those of you that do a bit of traveling in both the US and the UK you’ll be happy to know that it comes with an adaptor for both US and European outlets.  You can purchase the gadget for £24.99 or about $41.

Source: Ubergizmo

The world's first open source camera?

Makers are trying to make the digital camera much like the personal computer, something to tinker and custom build with parts taken from here or there to get just the right combination for the kind of pictures you want to take. But will it fly?

MakeZine Blog has a story about the Frankencamera, and open source camera project which gleans parts from everything from a Nokia n95 Cellphone sensor to a Canon EF autofocus Lens. The basic idea being to create a camera which can be updated according to the needs at the time with custom programs that would take advantage of shooting conditions or a desired special effect.

Frankencam uses an ARM development board running Linux on a chip and a small 3 inch LCD screen. The Canon lenses, obviously not native, are compensated for by a series of actuators which gives the onboard software full autofocus, shutter speed and f stop control.

Look at the size of that thing!

Frankencam was invented byStanford computer science and electrical engineering professor Marc Levoy and Stanford grad Andrew Adams who hopes to release a kit sometime next year for enthusiasts to build and update. The downside? It’s freaking huge. Here’s hoping the production model will be smaller and lighter for practical purposes of success.

Photo Credit – Technabob

Boasting a lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 is able to offer a platform for experienced photographers to carry this with them all the time, in addition to a DSLR, of course. The pentaprism has been removed here, making this mirror-free structure much smaller and lighter in size and weight, respectively, without lacking in other important and essential features. Don’t be surprised to see the LUMIX GF1 pack in the ability to record high definition video at 1,280 x 720 resolution in AVCHD Lite format for longer recording times, apart from QVGA, VGA and WVGA resolutions to maximize on your storage space. The special Movie Program Mode enables budding directors to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, allowing the background and foreground to be blurred just like how to professionals do at a fraction of the cost.

Another feature found on the LUMIX DMC-GF1 would be the new My Color mode that offers seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom. These allow users to set the color, brightness and saturation levels manually. Live View function provides the opportunity for one to see how the photo will end up like with the effect before it is actually shot – handy for weeding out bad photos before they even happen. Other tools to help one snap better images would be the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), Face Detection and Intelligent Exposure among others. Expect to see the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 arrive sometime early next month for $899.95 in two kits.

Press Release

Recording video in 720p resolution using H.264 compression is made possible on the WB5000 as it relies on an advanced codec that enables one to maximize storage space. In addition, the lens allows one to artistically zoom in and out when recording video, making sure the WB5000’s 26mm wide-angle focal length and 24x optical zoom are put to good use. Other features include Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization that merges the best of optical and digital stabilization in order to further reduce blur even at its maximum zoom. Aperture and shutter priority can be controlled through the full manual shooting mode, making it an ideal bridge for those who are thinking of flirting with a DSLR in the future.

You can choose to use either the color electronic viewfinder (EVF) or 3″ LCD display when previewing your shots, while the easy-to-use Smartdial enables one to effortlessly navigate through the camera’s menu while making it a snap for users to choose from a variety of settings while reviewing their carefully composed images. Apart from that, Samsung has also thrown in their Perfect Portrait System, which includes Face Recognition, Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection and Samsung’s Beauty Shot, into the WB5000 for added flexibility. You game for a digital compact camera like this?

Press Release

The a850 camera was specially built to offer ultra-fine picture quality with a high resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35-mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, accompanied by fast image processing with dual BIONZ processing engines. Apart from that, you can also use the same 24.6-megapixel sensor to shoot continuous images at that resolution of up to 3 frames a second, ensuring you never miss a crucial moment despite how fast the object is moving in front of you. As for the Exmor CMOS sensor within, it offers the photographic expressive power of wide angles and perspective which is available only from a 35 mm full-frame sensor. Thanks to the couple of BIONZ processing engines, one can process large amounts of data captured quickly for superior shooting response.

The a850 also comes with an autofocus system that boasts nine sensors with 10 assist points for improved tracking of moving subjects. You ought to be able to achieve better precision thanks to its center dual cross sensor that is made up of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors, accompanied by a dedicated f/2.8 sensor as well. It boasts an integrated SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system for achieving anti-shake effects that is equal to shutter speeds that are faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. Nice to see Sony make sure its anti-shake system plays nice with all Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta compatible lenses even wide angle or large aperture lenses. Will this latest addition make you take that ambitious jump to the world of DSLRs?

Press Release

Blur detection technology on the EX-Z33 allows this digital camera to shoot a photo the moment hand shake or subject movement stops. Makes me curious to know whether it is able to handle hard-to-please customers like yours truly, as my hands seem to suffer from a perpetual shake despite the fact that I am below 30 and surely do not suffer from any form of Parkinson’s or nerve-related diseases. When snapping self-portraits, the EX-Z33 can also take an image the moment the user’s face fills the frame, although it might be too impromptu since the subject might not be ready and armed with a smile just yet. Best to stick to the smile detecting function first then.

Nice to know that Casio has not left out the YouTube generation with its YouTube Capture Mode which is able to record videos at resolutions ideal for YouTube, allowing you to upload directly thanks to the included computer software without having to go through the hassle of converting your videos into a YouTube-friendly format beforehand. Nice to see a basic digital camera up the ante in terms of technology and features these days.

Source: Photographyblog