All a user needs to do is use the provided CyberLink software on a Windows PC, and he or she can easily upload their video clips to YouTube with the touch a button. This is, of course, the GZ-MS100’s biggest selling point. The GZ-MS100 is part of the Everio S Series. There are no cassettes or discs for storage capacity, but video can be stored via SD card or USB to PC. It also features Laser Touch Operation, which has a scroll bar and touch-sensitive buttons not on the LCD screen. As for power, the supplied BN-VF808 rechargeable battery is good for about 2 hours of operation, but the user can purchase higher capacity batteries for 4 or 6 hours of power. Other features include the Konic Minolta lens for a 35x optical zoom. There are also six digital noise reduction systems, and a MPEG-2 encoder to block more noise. There is also a Digital Image Stabilizer minimize camera-shakes.
JVC’s GZ-MS100 Proves It’s a YouTube World After All
SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
Shocking Digital Camera Prank
We’ve only got 10 months to plan for our next April Fool’s Day pranks! That might seem like enough time, but you know those weeks are going to fly by. Before you know it, it’ll be the end of March and you’ll be left with only your words and creativity. It’s so much easier to just buy a prank, and much less brain consuming. This awesomely mean Digital Camera Shocking Gag looks just like a modern day point-and-shoot, but is actually a concealed prank. Remember those handshake shockers from the vintage old days from decades passed? This is sort of like that, but with an extremely modernized twist and surely a stronger dose of electrical shock. The SourcingMaps product page describes the Digital Camera shocking prank, saying that “this digital camera looks and feels like real, but if you hand the camera to your friends or co-worker. They will just pick it up to use it and get a electric shock! It is strong enough to make him or her scream!” This leads us to believe that this electrical shock is more than your typical vibrating buzzer, but more of an actual zap. The fact that this prank gadget gives a disclaimer warning that the pranksters should “Use at your own risk. Not recommended for children under 14 years old, adults over 50 years old, or persons with any medical conditions” leads us to believe that this toy isn’t one for the tame of heart. Isn’t it sort of hard to find someone with absolutely no medical conditions these days? I mean, even acne can be considered a medical condition.
Casio EX-Z9
A few months ago, Casio introduced the EX-Z9, and I had a chance to try it out. The camera has 8.1 megapixels of image resolution, and has a 3x optical zoom. I was amazed that it worked so easily from out of the box. I was ready to take pictures as soon as it was done charging on the included charging station. Easy is definitely the rule as the EX-Z9 was clearly designed with the consumer in mind. One of the best features is the YouTube Capture mode, which allows videos to be recorded and then uploaded onto the famous video clip site in just three simple steps. The 2.6 inch wide LCD allowed me to go through operations, and there was an alarming 23 Best Shot Modes, with categories such as Fireworks and Pets. In other words, the company figured out what people are photographing, and designed a camera around it. Other features include the Anti Shake DSP to reduce photo blur, as well as the Easy Mode that can simplify the camera settings to three easy menus (image size, flash, and self timer). The Face Detection technology also makes it easier to take pictures than ever. See what I meant earlier about the EX-Z9 being easy? Maybe they should have named it the EZ-X9. By the way, it was also easy to upload photos to the computer. All you need to do is plug it in and the computer recognized them like a thumb-drive.
Camoria Gets Your Life On Camera
I think we all know that people just want their lives on the Internet, and they will gladly paste their photos and videos on their MySpace and FaceBook pages without any regards to the consequences. This is why the Camoria has been developed. The Camoria is an over-the-ear digital camera that is designed to put your life in the form of pictures. Of course, there is no way that you can get your own face in the shots, unless you stand in front of mirror. Right now, the Camoria is a concept device by German designer Akbiyik Vokan. Information that I got about the Camoria is very sketchy, so I don’t know how much memory it has, or how long the battery will last. I have a proposal as to how it could be better. Make it so the Camoria can be charged and automatically download its pictures or videos at the same time. Better yet, make it so it will automatically download its footage in chronological order directly to the user’s social networking site. I’m not certain that I am ready for a future where every person has a Camoria. Because when I talk to someone wearing one, I will wonder if I am going to see a video of this on their site later, with their commentary.
DXG-567V HD Camcorder
Yesterday, DXG released their newest video camera, the DXG-567V HD, to the general market. This portable camcorder is designed to capture high definition video, and is very user-friendly. The DXG-567 HD is apparently designed for everyone. In fact, the company claims that even an older person can do it. The company claims that the controls are “intuitiveâ€, and the front bears a strong resemblance to an iPod. Younger people ought to be able to operate this camcorder with ease. Another feature is the Rapid Blog Manager software, which allows videos to be easily uploaded to the Internet on sites like YouTube. All you need to do is connect it to a computer with the flip-out USB connector, and follow a simple, three-step process. This is very similar to the Casio EX-Z9camera. The user also has the option of connecting the DXG-567V to any plasma or HDTV so he or she can view his or her footage from anywhere. The DXG-567V HD is available at stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart for the price of just $179 in black, red, pink, and blue. I have heard that this is just one of many simple-to-use camcorders that will be available from DXG before the end of this year.
Nikon D700 digital SLR now out
Nikon has just released the D700 digital SLR camera for the masses, and this will be a huge step up for those who originally stepped foot into the world of dSLRs, starting with the entry level D40. The D700 is a totally different beast altogether as it was based upon the Nikon D3 professional dSLR, boasting pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations packed into a nimble platform. Not only that, it comes with the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes, enabling shutterbugs to frame a shot with the camera’s 3″ LCD display. Other features include a new and sophisticated Scene Recognition System as well as a new active dust reduction system. More to come after the jump.
The D700′s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 micrometers allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash card. The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.
Sony DVDirect DVD Burner
Do you remember back when only the super-wealthy could afford to have video cameras? Now, with today’s cheaper digital camcorders, practically everyone has one. Of course, the one trouble that everyone has is transmitting digital formats directly to DVD. Fortunately, Sony has created the DVDirect DVD Burner, a device that is starting to gain some popularity in the consumer video camcorder market. The DVDirect DVD Burner allows the transfer of content from other media straight to a DVD without the PC middleman. The Burner has a 2.5 inch color screen that allows you to preview your material. It also has five memory card slots for transferring digital video content, and has a dual recording mechanism to store up 8.5 GB of footage on a DVD+R Dual Layer Disk. It even has an automatic DVD tilting along with menu creation in four different design styles. Not only can you connect your camcorder to the DVDirect DVD Burner, but you can connect your VCR or DVR as well. There is the option of recording clear photo slideshows and videos in high definition AVCHD video from Sony HDD or Memory Stick camcorders to DVD format, which is playable in Blu-ray compatible devices.
Pets Eye View: See things from Fido’s POV
Ever wonder how your pet sees the world? I can imagine that it is pretty low of the ground, and food is always so high up.
Now, you don’t have to imagine anymore with the Pets Eye View digital camera! The Pets Eye View clips to a pet’s collar like an ID tag, and is completely water resistant.
The camera can be programmed to snap a photo every one, five, or fifteen minutes, and store them in its internal memory. These pictures can be downloaded onto your computer with the included USB cable. This cable can be used to charge the lithium ion battery inside the camera.
I am all for putting a camera on cat or a dog. It definitely gives a new meaning to the word watchdog. Hee hee hee. Seriously now, I’m not certain how I feel about the ad campaign used to sell the Pets Eye View.
The Pets Eye View camera advertises that it is a “scientific fact†that “pets can’t be trustedâ€. Not only that, but “they look like little angels, but they’re just buttering you up so you’ll feed themâ€.
Man, I know that my dog sleeps on the couch when I’m not looking, but every pet misbehaves. Don’t make them into the villain. Personally, I want to use the Pets Eye View just to see my dog’s POV, not to indict him!
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 Digital Camera
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I’ve been looking into a lot of digital cameras, such as the Casio EX-29Miscellaneous Gadgets, Cameras. Today, it is Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4. This camera is similar in design to the aforementioned EX-Z9, and has an equal number of pixels (8.1, to be exact).
I might as well get the other specs out of the way. The lens of the camera is a 28mm, and it has a 10x Optical Zoom. The LCD menu screen is at 2.5 inches, and allows the user to access all the options.
One of the options is the iA (Intelligent Auto Mode) which allows for great shooting. The Intelligent Exposure function can correct lighting differences, and the Intelligent Scene function changes the mode to fit the situation. MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) prevents blurring from hand shaking, and Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur. Face Detection technology also helps to produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings.
It appears that Panasonic has made the Lumix DMC-TZ4 easy-to-use for the average consumer, and they have also made it ideal for travelers. The user has the ability to download his or her photos into a clipboard folder that allows for a Time Edit and Stamp. Later on, the user can find his or her photos and find what day and time the photo was taken.
DXG-569V HD Digital Video Camera
The other day, I reported on the DXG-567V HD Camcorder, and since then, the DXG company has been nice enough to send me that camcorder and another HD Camcorder model, the DXG-569V.
This video for the 569V is HD, up to 1280 x 720, at 30fps. The 569V has a 5MP CMOS sensor, and can take still pictures as well as video. There is about 8M of memory, and it will support high capacity SD cards.
The camera worked right out of the box, and requires 3AAA batteries. DXG had the good foresight to include a charger with 4 AAA rechargeables. The controls felt very instinctive, and I hardly had to consult the instruction booklet to start filming.
The DXG-569V doesn’t have the iPod-ish design of the 567V, and that works to its advantage. I really enjoyed using the rotating flip-out screen that comes in handy for doing solitary shots. Make sure you look at the lens when you’re shooting yourself, not the screen. Otherwise, it will always look like you’re looking to the left when you are viewing yourself on the playback.
Lifemap puts you on the map
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I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of pictures. They are on my digital camera, my video camera, my cellular phone, and some of them have actually made it onto my computer for permanent storage. One day, one fine day, I shall put them all on an album or something as a chronicle of my life.
I believe that the Lifemap is for that purpose. What you do is attach a digital camera or other photo-taking device to the Lifemap, and you can put all of your photos in proper order. Beyond that, that is all my source knows on this particular invention, besides the fact that it has a QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen.
This touchscreen allows you to sit down and manipulate your photos with your hands, just like you would actual photos. Now you don’t have to worry about getting smudge prints on your photo prints, but you will probably smudge up the screen on the Lifemap
So far, this Lifemap is simply a concept, but I think that there is a need for something more touchscreen in the world today. The iPhone and Touchsmart are really making a splash in the marketplace, and the Surface could easily take over as the new digital coffee table.
Samsung’s latest cameras: TL34HD and TL9
Samsung has recently released two new digital cameras. The TL34HD (lower left) is said to be one of the “most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera in Samsung’s historyâ€, and the other camera, the TL9 (upper left), is advanced too, despite its most non-advanced feature.
The TL9 has two analog (that’s right, analog) gauges that display the amount of memory, as well as the battery life. Don’t let the old school display fool you, as this guy has 10 megapixels of action, a 2.7 inch LCD, 5x optical zoom, face detection, and dual image stabilization.
As for the TL34HD, it has 14.7 megapixels, a three-inch touchscreen LCD, plus a Schneider lens with 28mm wide-angle focal length and 3.6x optical zoom. It can also shoot video in 720p high-definition at 30 fps. It also has “H.264 compression, a codec for high-definition video that has become an industry standard and which yields three times the recording length than of MPEG4â€.
Optio E60 one of the cheapest digital cameras?
These days, digital cameras are a dime a dozen. Okay, they aren’t that cheap just yet, but they are a lot less expensive than they were a few years ago.
Pentax announced the release of the Optio E60 digital camera, which could be the cheapest digital camera for a 10.1 Megapixel model with 3x optical zoom lens. Of course, just because it is cheap, doesn’t mean that it is “cheapâ€. In other words, the Optio E60 has a lot of cool features for something of its price.
The Optio E60 has a 2.4 inch LCD, and 6.3 MB of internal memory (with the option of SD/SDHC memory cards). It also has a shutter speeds of 1/2000 to 1/4 of a second. As for sensitivity, it is at 100 to 6400, which can be fixed at specific or auto mode settings. There is also a digital shake reduction option in photo and video modes, as well as Face Detection.
You should be able to purchase the Pentax Optio E60 for about $140 after its initial release in October. I have no doubt that it is targeted toward the typical consumer, and that it will be easy and should take quality pictures.
CamBall could be world’s smallest or roundest camera
I have no idea if the CamBall is the world’s smallest miniature digital video recorder, but seeing it next to the tiny pile of coins might actually convince me. Then again, I’ve seen spy cameras that are small enough to put them on pins. That is, I have seen them being used in movies. At least this one known as the CamBall is real.
The CamBall is able to record MPEG-4 video in 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolution. All data storage is possible via tiny SD card that is able to do about 8GB worth of memory, but I’m not sure what that translates to as far as the amount of time that is actually recorded.
You can even purchase another model that has an MP3 player built-in. The CamBall also comes with a case so it can be used underwater. I’m not certain if these balls mount on places, because I wouldn’t want them to roll over during an important surveillance operation.
Sony DSC-H10 is one cool camera
I had a chance to try out the DSC-H10 from Sony, and I was quite pleased at what I saw, as well as the pictures that I took.
The DSC-H10 has 8.1 Megapixels of action, in addition to a Carl Zeiss 10X Optical Zoom Lens. So not only did I get clearer shots, but this clarity can be accessed from a distance.
The camera worked out of the box after charging, and I was able to take my first picture after entering the date and time. I was soon taking wonderful shots with an automated flash that pops up when needed.
There are a lot of features on this camera, such as the Face Detection, Anti-Blur Solution, Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization, In-Camera Red-Eye Correction, and High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) Mode. It also has an Advanced Sports Mode with a very high shutter speed of up to 1/4000 second.
As for the filming mode, it can shoot for up to ten minutes in VGA (640 x 480) at a rate of 30 frames per second. The internal memory has 31MB, and there is a built-in memory card slot which accepts Memory Stick Duo (as well as Duo PRO) media.
By the way, the user has an option of connecting the camera to any HD Compatible TV in order to view photos from their own television.
The Sony DSC-H10 is available now on the Sony website for about $299.99, and it is quite something for your money.
Kodak announces Pocket Video HD, challenges The Flip
The Flip has taken the YouTube crowd by storm as a low budget, bare bones camcorder for around $129. It has done so well that Pure Digital has vowed to donate a million Flips to to qualifying non-profit organizations in a buy one, get one free affair. So, when Kodak announced a budget HiDef pocket camera for just south of $200, you better believe that Pure Digital was paying close attention. Kodak calls it the Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera. It comes in either black or a rather bold looking, yet girlish, pink, records in 16:9 720p wide screen at up to 60fps, comes with AA rechargeable batteries and recharger, and can be expanded using SD or SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB (internal memory up to 128MB)! It also has the standard jack knife USB plug, direct to YouTube support, 2/4†LCD, AV & HD video component cables and Arcsoft Media Impression software for editing.
Nikon Coolpix S60 unveiled
Nikon will be releasing the Coolpix S60 this September, making it one of the latest Coolpix digital cameras available that aims to being together both form and function without compromising on either. What makes the S60 stand out from many other generic digital cameras is the 3.5″ touch screen LCD display and a new graphical user interface that literally places shooting and playback controls at the user’s fingertips. My guess is you will be requiring plenty of tissues as your mates fiddle around with your latest toy. Alternatively, you can always keep a screen cleaner handy nearby so that those pesky fingerprints can be removed any time you like.
With so many features available on the S60, I’ve gotta start somewhere. We’ll begin with the many innovative shooting modes which have been seamlessly integrated into the camera’s interface, leaving only the power and shutter release buttons as the two physically pressable sections on the camera – everything else is touch driven, and I suspect the phenomenal success of the iPhone has something to do with a touch-based user interface. In addition, the Coolpix S60 also comes with the ability to lock the autofocus and exposure on a subject by simply touching the corresponding location on the LCD screen. Now that’s really smart, ain’t it? I’m already drooling just reading about it, and Nikon’s bag of surprises doesn’t end here.
Images can be viewed by scrolling through using an intuitive sweeping motion of the finger, pretty much like how the iPhone works right now. Don’t think it does multi-touch at this point in time, but that could be remedied in future revisions. Other features include a 10 megapixel sensor, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Nikon’s imaging processing concept, EXPEED and Optical VR Image Stabilization technology to prevent blur images.
Nikon Coolpix P6000 targets more serious shutterbugs
Nikon ain’t letting up with its flurry of press releases, and the Coolpix P6000 is the next digital camera that was announced, much to the delight of folks who want something a little bit more professional looking (and works that way, too) when it comes to digital cameras. The P6000 certainly fits the bill perfectly, coming with a whopping 13.5 megapixels that enables one to unleash the creative control of a D-SLR despite having its innards within the compact body of a Coolpix camera.The Coolpix P6000 is also very special, as it is touted to be the first Nikon digital camera that comes with integrated GPS capability, letting you remember just where all your best shots were taken many years down the road without going through the headache of trying to remember.
In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings. Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon’s new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon’s i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.
Best Buy flies into vending machines
Vending machine kiosks have been a staple of the Japanese electronics world for years. But as gadgets get cooler and cheaper, it appears that Best Buy is poised to begin flooding American airports with vending machine kiosks filled with last minute gadgetry to help stressed out travelers who seek to get their tech on or simply to replace the AC adapter they left in their hotel room. Best Buy has already been testing kiosks in twelve airports around the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas , Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. And by the first of September, the installation of their remaining vending kiosks will be complete all around the country. Then, travelers from all over the good ole USA will the option to purchase media players, unlocked cell phones, digital cameras, portable gaming devices, plenty of chargers, flash drives and other storage, cell phone and computer accessories, headphones, and, of course, Best Buy gift cards. The idea is a great one and should help Best Buy’s bottom line as they won’t have to worry about Chuck like employees running off to save the world at minimum wage, and they won’t have to deal with an excessive amount of demo units which must be sold on clearance. Customers will have to just plunk down their credit card and press a button before they can even hold the device of their choice. But one thing is certain, it’s the ideal remedy for someone who’s late for their flight and realizes they forgot their earbuds.
