Latest Technologies

Highlights:
10x optical zoom for photo
16x advanced zoom for video
Large 3.0-inch LCD
Face Chaser technology (up to 12 faces for photos & videos)
3D DNR noise-reducing function
12 megapixels photo output (real-time interpolation)


The Full HD Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 Dual Camera is truly a benchmark in high definition, offering 1920x1080 pixels at 60 full frames per second to record crystal clear and smooth motion for videos directly onto SDHC memory cards. The FH1 comes with a 1/2.5 inch 8.0 megapixels CMOS sensor, which combined with a 10x optical zoom lens for photo-taking and video, allows a special 16x advanced zoom using the latest in zooming technology. The advanced zoom gives a broader view as it zooms in, meaning more of the scene makes it into the zoom than ever before. The Xacti FH1 is highly portable and is a mere 342g after loading it with battery and memory card. When using a 16GB memory card with the Sanyo FH1, you can expect a maximum of approximately 41 hours of footage (web-UHR mode) or approximately 1.5 hours of HD footage at maximum quality (FULL-HR mode). All this can be comfortably viewed on the 3.0-inch (230k pixels) LCD of the Sanyo Xacti FH1 and you can also take still images up to 12 megapixels in size for poster sized prints.


Packaged Weight: 0.7 kg

Highlights:
10x optical zoom for photo
16x advanced zoom for video
Large 3.0-inch LCD
Face Chaser technology (up to 12 faces for photos & videos)
3D DNR noise-reducing function
12 megapixels photo output (real-time interpolation)


The Full HD Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1 Dual Camera is truly a benchmark in high definition, offering 1920x1080 pixels at 60 full frames per second to record crystal clear and smooth motion for videos directly onto SDHC memory cards. The FH1 comes with a 1/2.5 inch 8.0 megapixels CMOS sensor, which combined with a 10x optical zoom lens for photo-taking and video, allows a special 16x advanced zoom using the latest in zooming technology. The advanced zoom gives a broader view as it zooms in, meaning more of the scene makes it into the zoom than ever before. The Xacti FH1 is highly portable and is a mere 342g after loading it with battery and memory card. When using a 16GB memory card with the Sanyo FH1, you can expect a maximum of approximately 41 hours of footage (web-UHR mode) or approximately 1.5 hours of HD footage at maximum quality (FULL-HR mode). All this can be comfortably viewed on the 3.0-inch (230k pixels) LCD of the Sanyo Xacti FH1 and you can also take still images up to 12 megapixels in size for poster sized prints.


Packaged Weight: 0.7 kg

Highlights:
30x optical zoom
2.5-inch LCD
Face Chaser technology (up to 12 faces for photos & videos)
3D DNR noise-reducing function
HDMI output


The Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1 allows users to capture high-definition (1280x720) 30 fps footage without worrying about the effects of water or snow thanks to its waterproof performance up to 3 meters (10 feet). Whether you are out in the rain, at the beach or on the ski slopes, you can depend on the WH1 to capture all the action. The WH1 features a 30x optical zoom for superior video-capturing as well as a 3D DNR noise-reducing function for clearer, more professional-looking videos. With Face Chaser technology, the Xacti WH1 can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos for accurate exposure and focusing. The WH1 also comes with a 2.5-inch LCD and a HDMI output giving you the choice of sharing the footage with your friends either on camera or directly on a HD TV via the HDMI connection.


Packaged Weight: 0.7 kg

Highlights:
32GB Dual Flash Memory
SDHC memory card recording
Instant AF, Super Range OIS, Face Detection
Pre REC; Quick Start
x.v.Colour; 25p Cinema Mode
3.3MP photos; Dual Shot


Small enough to carry with you everywhere and weighing just 340g, the Canon LEGRIA HF20 records stunning Full HD movies straight to SDHC memory cards as well as its 32GB internal memory. The combination of a 3.3 megapixels Full HD CMOS sensor, a 15x optical zoom Canon HD Video Lens and the super-fast DIGIC DV III processor, makes the HF20 a very capable HD camcorder. On the highest quality setting, movies can be captured at 24Mbps with the HF20. User-friendly technologies also make shooting HD easy, as the HF20 offers Instant AF (to achieve pin-sharp focus quickly), a Super Range OIS (to prevent camera shake from ruining shots) and Face Detection Technology (to optimise shooting settings for perfect people shots – up to 35 faces in a frame). The LEGRIA HF20 supports the expanded colour space of x.v.Color. When movies are played back on a compatible HD TV, colours look better than ever. Choose 25p Cinema Mode to make movies that have the traditional look of film, or for improved low-light shooting. In Photo mode, the HF20 can capture still images up to 3.3 megapixels and it can also capture 2 megapixels stills during video recording in Dual Shot mode.


Packaged Weight: 3 kg

Highlights:
Full HD SD card Camcorder
16x optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens
Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
2.7-inch wide LCD
Weight approx. 270g


The Panasonic HDC-SD20 is an easy-to-use, Full HD SD card camcorder with a 16x optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens. TheSD20’s iA function automatically activates several convenient shooting functions. These include Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to eliminate blurring; Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; and Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast. Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the optimal scene setting. While AF Tracking keeps the subject in focus even if it moves around to ensure continuously perfect image quality.

The SD20 comes with a 16x optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens and also features a 2.7-inch wide LCD. The SD20 records on both SD and SDHC Memory Cards, which require no transport mechanism, making the SD20 highly resistant to external impact. This combines with its small size and weight to achieve unmatched mobility.


Packaged Weight: 0.9 kg

Highlights:
35x optical zoom Konica Minolta lens
60GB Hard Disk & MicroSD slot
40x dynamic zoom
1/6-inch 800k pixel CCD image sensor
2.7-inch 16:9 Widescreen Clear LCD
Laser Touch Operation


The JVC Everio GZ-MG630 comes is an ultra-compact HDD/microSD hybrid camcorder featuring 60GB HDD for up to 75 hours of recording. With 35x optical zoom Konica Minolta lens, the Everio MG630 achieves a 40x dynamic zoom, by using nearly all of the 1/6-inch 800K pixels CCD’s effective pixels without any picture quality degradation. Powered by the HD Gigabrid Premium Engine, the MG630 also comes with Laser Touch Operation on its 2.7-inch Widescreen Clear LCD and convenient "One Touch" buttons for easy sharing and carrying.


Packaged Weight: 1 kg

Highlights:
HD up-convert with HDMI for 1920x1080/50p Output
35x optical zoom Konica Minolta lens
60GB Hard Disk & MicroSD slot
40x dynamic zoom
1/6-inch 800k pixels CCD image sensor
2.7-inch 16:9 Widescreen Clear LCD


The JVC Everio GZ-MG645 comes is an ultra-compact HDD/microSD hybrid camcorder featuring 60GB HDD for up to 75 hours of recording. With 35x optical zoom Konica Minolta lens, the Everio MG645 achieves a 40x dynamic zoom, by using nearly all of the 1/6-inch 800K pixels CCD’s effective pixels without any picture quality degradation. Powered by the HD Gigabrid Premium Engine, the MG645 offers HD up-conversion that converts the camcorders’ standard definition recordings for output as a 1920x1080/50p up-converted video signal, allowing HDMI connection to compatible HD televisions via an HDMI mini terminal. The MG645 also comes with Laser Touch Operation on its 2.7-inch Widescreen Clear LCD and convenient "One Touch" buttons for easy sharing and carrying.


Packaged Weight: 1.1 kg

Highlights:
Film-like Progressive Scan 1080/24p, 1080/30p, or 1080/60i
3x 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS Sensors
20x optical zoom G Lens (29.5mm to 590mm, 35mm equiv.)
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
3.2-inch Xtra Fine LCD display
3x manual rings for superior control


Place the pinnacle of high definition in your hands with the HDR-FX1000 high definition MiniDV Handycam camcorder. Equipped with 24p progressive scan mode, you'll experience high-quality, film-like motion for brilliant scene reproduction while CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Color provide the colour and gamma range to give your footage an amazing film-like feel. In addition to 1080/60i recording, the HDR-FX1000 offers a 1080/24p and 1080/30p Progressive Scan mode that enables shooting with film-like results. Signals scanned at 24p/30p are converted to 60i (using 2-3 pulldown for 24p) and recorded on MiniDV tape, allowing footage to be played and edited using existing HDV products. In this way, progressive images can be handled in the conventional HDV editing environment.

The HDR-FX1000 also features three 1/3-inch ClearVid CMOS image sensors with Exmor derived technology which let you capture sharp, detailed images even in lower-light situations. And the 29.5mm wide-angle to 590mm telephoto G-lens with 20x optical zoom brings the action closer and allows for wider angle shooting. Take control of light in extreme settings with three built-in neutral density filters and three manual rings for adjusting zoom, focus and iris. Plus, the 3.2-inch Xtra Fine LCD and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization give you an unparalleled recording experience.


Packaged Weight: 4 kg

Okay, it may be a marketing gimmick but when Canon says it has redefined the future of photography people sit up and listen.

In September, Canon announced the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II, which it claims is the first EOS with full HD video capability.

“Compact, lightweight and with environmental protection, the successor to the EOS 5D boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in low light conditions. The new DiG!C 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.”

It has an awesome spec:

* New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
* New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
* 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
* High performance DiG!C 4 processor providing superb image quality
* Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
* 3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
* ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
* 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

And an awesome price:

“The EOS 5D Mark II (body only) is available from end of November 2008 priced at £2299.99 / €2999.99 RRP inc. VAT. ”

We don’t have a dollar price for this item at present.

Sony has announced eight new models in its Cyber-Shot range of digital cameras.

They are produced in colourful designs for the youth and female markets at affordable prices. They are listed below:

Cyber-Shot T900 and T90
• Chic, ultra-slim design (15.1mm T900, 13.9mm T90)
• 12.1 effective megapixels
• 3.5-inch wide Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen (T900) / 3.0-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen (T90)
• Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
• Record 720p HD movie clips
• Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
• Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology

Cyber-Shot W290, W270 and W230
• 12.1 effective megapixels
• Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom with 28mm wide angle lens (W230 4x/30mm)
• Record 720p HD movie clips (not W230)
• Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
• Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology

Cyber-Shot H20
• 10.1 effective megapixels
• Carl Zeiss 10x optical zoom lens
• Record 720p HD movie clips
• Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
• Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology

Cyber-Shot S980 and S930
• 12.1 effective megapixels (10.1 megapixels S930)
• 4x optical zoom lens (3x optical zoom S930)
• SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
• Enhanced Face Detection technology

We have not yet got details of when they will be on sale.

The Lumix DMC-L10KEB-K can be purchased from the UK Panasonic eShop: shop.panasonic.co.uk, for £391.99.Since I own a Lumix DMC FZ8, I can thoroughly recommend this range.

The DMC-L10 features:

10.1 Mega pixels
MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
Free Angle 2.5 inch Diagonal LCD
Ergonomic Grip
2x, 4x Digital zoom
Advanced hybrid-type AF system
Dust reduction with a Supersonic Wave Filter system

It is equipped with a LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens designed specifically for a digital SLR camera to be sold as a kit, the DMC-L10K.

The camera is especially designed for the consumer who is familiar with compact digital cameras and would like to experience digital SLR photography, but also for the ambitious photographer who wishes to take more impressive pictures.

Nikon’s D5000 “baby Nikon” is positioned between the D60 and D90 and is not intended to be a replacement for either.

The D5000 lacks an autofocus motor in the body but it does sport a tilt-and-swivel LCD.

Following the pre-credit-crunch boom in digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs), these smaller, stripped-down models seem to be the norm now.

The D5000 fills a gap below the enthusiast grade D90 — Canon’s 500D and Olympus’s E-620 point to a similar market.

Here are the main features of the Nikon D5000

* 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
* 2.7″ tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
* Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
* Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
* Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
* 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
* IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
* 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
* Expeed image processing engine
* Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
* Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
* New battery with increased capacity
* 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

This is certainly one to watch and, to the right market, sure to be a success.

Pentax's "K7D"—the supposed name of an upcoming DSLR that hopefully includes HD video capture—is on the way, and it looks like on May 21 we'll know more. Because right now, we know very little.

If you're interested in the rumored K7D specs floating around dank Pentax forums, here they are:

* Same sensor as the K20D
* Up to 6400 ISO with better noise treatment
* 5 images/sec
* 100 % viewfinder
* Better weatherproofing
* Mirror lockup
* Liveview and HD Video
* Better stabilizer .
* Better DRE mode
* 77 zones light metering
* Much better AF system even with non-SDM lenses
* 3 inches/ 920 000 pixels screen with in-body editing (crop…)
* 1/8000 shutter with 1/250 sync

There is very little, if any, confirmation in these, or even any confirmation that it will be called the K7D. But with everyone jumping on the HD video capture tip, it would be a surprise bordering on embarrassment for a new Pentax to ship without it. [Photography Bay via Crunchgear]

We told you about the Nikon D5000 (Nikon's latest sub-$1000, HD-shooting dSLR with a swiveling screen) when it was announced two weeks ago. Now, thanks to Amazon, we hear that the first shipments are going out to customers on April 27th. Anyone waiting for their order to arrive?

When does taking a self-portrait look like suicide? When the camera is shaped like a gun that's when. The photos even have that pinhole, James Bond vibe to them.

The only problem is that there isn't a viewfinder—so you are unlikely to get the shot you were going for. More like pinhole images of areas like the forehead, heart and crotch—likely targets as you get carried away by imagining popping a cap into your subject. Actually, there is one other issue—the camera is only a concept

Flickr user Kadath got his mitts on the Nikon D5000 a day before Amazon is scheduled to make the new kit available to the masses, so of course he unboxed it and took test shots.

Judging from all those CB radios car stereos in his Flickr set, this D5000 might be stolen. I kid, Kadath, honestly.

But seriously. Send the D5000 my way or I tell the Princeton police

Is it bad that I'm not excited about the Genius G-Shot HD520?

Priced at $150 and available now, the HD520 shoots 11MP stills and 720P (MPEG-4/H.264) video to SDHC up to 8GB. It features face tracking, a 2.5-inch LCD and weighs less than 6 ounces. But every halfway decent point and shoot is getting 720P capabilities...and no offense to Genius, but I trust the lenses/CMOSs used by Canon, Sony, Nikon, etc more than this.

The G-Shot's form factor is exciting for about five seconds. Then you realize, it's just technological nostalgia, evoking images of more expensive, once-innovative products. But we don't need a palmcorder to shoot crappy HD anymore. Everything is doing it.

Something about bellows in the context of photography just feels right, doesn't it? The new Bessa III comes out in May, and It shoots 6x6 or 6x7 images on 120/220 roll film. It should be around $2,000.

Borescopes are extremely handy devices. These flexible video tubes are perfect for exploring the tight confines of your PC motherboard or that pesky, always-stuffed left nasal passage*.

(*Technically, borescopes become endoscopes when they enter the body.)

This USB borescope features a 300k, water resistant camera with two LEDs at the tip, complete with an optional magnetic ring (for grabbing a pesky screw from the tight confines of your left nasal passage). Priced at a mere $64, that's far less expensive than any of the other scopes we've...scoped out. Just keep in mind that the low resolution camera might not make for the crystal clear Christmas card portrait you had in mind.

For the upcoming BBC nature series "South Pacific," filmmakers rigged a TyphoonHD4 to shoot above and underwater HD in gorgeous slow motion.

(Be sure to watch that clip in HD.)

Shooting a frame rate 20x the speed of normal HD (I'm assuming that's somewhere around 480fps if the standard HD cam shoots at 24fps), this camera/documentary was apparently the first to capture the underwater spiraling vortices of huge waves at such incredible quality. Cameraman/technician Rudi Diesel calls one moment in this clip "probably the best shot" of his life.