Posts Tagged ‘Digital Cameras’
The Digital Cameras of 2000 Look Awfully Good For Their Age [Decades]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on January 1st, 2010
This Canon PowerShot G1, released in 2000 and listed at Best Buy for $800 in 2001, has held up well. Sure, 3.34 megapixels isn't much, but spec for spec, this codger can almost hang with the kids.
Seriously, you could just post this spec sheet next to a Canon in a retail store now, and most people wouldn't bat an eye. They sure as hell wouldn't buy it, they probably wouldn't say anything, either: 
In ten years, what have we gained? More megapixels, higher-quality video, some more ports, better low-light performance, smaller memory cards, better battery life, and a little compactness. Canon's cheapest P&S, the 10-megapixel Powershot A480, handily outspecs the $800 G1 for just $110 (though it doesn't have video). Today, if you hand Canon $800, they'll hand you back a DSLR that shoots HD video:
What's amazing, though, is that if you did spend $800 on this camera back in 2000, you could still use it today. It'd be beaten to hell, the zoom motor would sound like it had gained sentience and learned to experience real, mammalian pain, and the 16MB CF card would have been replaced with something a little roomier, but damnit, it would work—and your Facebook friends wouldn't know the difference. You can't say that about many gadgets from 10 years ago, so here's to you, Powershot: You were great, or your category moves slow. Whichever makes you feel better.
Recreate an Extraordinary Radiohead Video with Ordinary Tech and This Guide [DIY]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 31st, 2009
Radiohead's "House of Cards" video was equal parts bizarre and beautiful, until you found out it was all data visualization. Then it was just mind blowing. This detailed Instructable teaches the technique with stuff you probably have around the house.
Point Clouds with Depth of Field from Kyle McDonald on Vimeo.
Those are the results of Kyle McDonald's at-home structured light 3D scanning, a technique that recreates images in "point clouds" purely from data on shape, color, and the relative distance between objects. Using only a digital camera and a projector, McDonald shows how you can replicate the effect that distinguished Radiohead's music video for "House of Cards," released last year:
While you'd need an advanced laser set up to do things just like Radiohead did, this guide will still have you blowing minds in no time. [Instructables]
Apparently, Lithium Batteries Cure Constipation [Image Cache]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 31st, 2009
Who knew? Although, as Jason Chen pointed out, this ad would be really effective without the "a." [i.igmur via Digg]
Epson’s Augmented Reality cards for the New Year
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 29th, 2009
Epson wants you to celebrate the new year with one of the coolest technological achievements from last year. I’m not talking about the tablet, but Augmented Reality.
True, augmented reality was not created last year, but it really flourished in 2009 with numerous ad campaigns. I first experienced it at CES 2009, and I called it the “Coolest Gadget ever”. I’m sure I’ll see it at CES 2010, and on many more applications throughout the next year.
Apparently, there is some tradition in Japan that uses end of the year greeting cards, and so Epson decided to liven it up with a dash of augmented reality. These greeting cards, also known as nengajo, allow the users face to be wrapped in the animal personna of the new year. For 2010, this is the year of the tiger. I have a video of it after the jump if you want to see it for yourself, but I don’t have it translated.
To make one of these cards, all a user needs is an Epson Colorio printer. Then he or she just holds it up to the webcam, and prepare for something very, very awesome.
Granted, I don’t send New Years Cards, but that is only because we don’t have this custom in the United States. However, most people send Christmas cards, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I see some homemade augmented reality Christmas cards next holiday season. Of course, it’s probably too early to start thinking about Christmas 2010.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Epson’s Augmented Reality cards for the New Year copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Robot Hummingbird could one day have a tiny camera
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 29th, 2009
One of the most intriguing creatures in the animal kingdom is the hummingbird. These small birds have wings that move faster than 30 times per second, and they are the only bird that can fly backwards.
It does not surprise me that a Japanese researcher named Hiroshi Liu modeled his flying robot after the hummingbird. His robo-hummingbird, for lack of a better word, weighs up 2.6 grams and 10 centimeters long. Just to let you know, this is about the size of a non-robo-hummingbird.
Believe it or not, research into this robotic avian is at $2 million, and counting. The end-goal of this project is to create a robo-hummingbird with a tiny camera. This will allow the robo-hummingbird to fly into tight corners for going to places that humans cannot reach.
For example, in situations where a mineshaft has collapsed, and there is only tiny openings for air. Just send in the robo-hummingbird and check on the status on survivors. Now, you could achieve the same effect by mounting a tiny camera on a small flying toy copter, but the toy chopper would not be as stable in its flight.
Personally, I can easily see this robo-hummingbird being used as some sort of spy camera. I’m not certain if adding a colorful hummingbird disguise would fool anyone, though.
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Robot Hummingbird could one day have a tiny camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Venturer HD action camcorder
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 28th, 2009
Are you one who always loves living life on the edge? Why not record all your experiences in full High Definition with the Venturer HD action camcorder? This camcorder will capture your videos in 1080p glory, while being able to snap 8-megapixel photos at the same time without being larger than the average cellphone in terms of size. Boasting a swivel camera, you are better able to aim your shot while checking out a live preview on its LCD TFT display. If you prefer standard definition videos, it will do so in 60fps for unprecedented smoothness. All videos are stored in the universal MPEG-4 format for easy playback across a myriad of other devices. With an HDMI out port, you will be able to relive those hair-raising moments on your large screen HDTV with others. Heck, it is more affordable compared to other HD camcorders in the market, retailing for $118.58 although it might lack the brand power.
Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Venturer HD action camcorder copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
San Jose cops to get cameras on their heads
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 24th, 2009
Some of you might remember when we reported on the Taser Axon, a camera that mounts on the head. According to Mercury News, the AXON project will apparently be used on police officers in the San Jose area.
Now, these devices are designed to sit right above the ear, just like you see in the picture. They will be activated as soon as the officer speaks to a citizen or suspect.
This is perfect for cases in which it is “your word against the officer”. This sort of makes you think twice when you really want to talk back to the cop you gave you a ticket that you know you didn’t deserve.
By the way, the videos are uploaded to a central server, and I would assume that the officer is to shut them off in downtime such as on the toilet or at the donut shop.
You know what it reminds me off? Aliens. Yes, before there was Avatar, James Cameron introduced us to a world of space marines with cameras on their ears. You might remember the scene where the one guy “adjusts” his camera by banging it against the wall. Hopefully these AXON cameras can take a hit like that.
I’m not certain when San Jose plans to implement this program, but I can’t help but think there will soon be a time when all officers will be required to wear these cameras.
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ San Jose cops to get cameras on their heads copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Fleximus Camera Concept Values Simplicity and Bendability [Concept]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 23rd, 2009
Art Lebedev is known for designing products that serve as elegant solutions for complex problems. If your problem is, "I can't figure out how to use this damn camera," his Fleximus concept is the solution for you.
The Fleximus, designed to take photos and video, features a bendable body that can be used with a built-in viewfinder or with an attachable 3" display. The camera's simplified controls and flexible body let you shoot at "angles never imaginable before": snaked under a door, curved around a corner, or, as the man below is attempting, sighted directly up your anus.
Sadly, like many of Lebedev's designs, the Fleximus will likely be a bit too cool for any company to put into production. [artlebedev.com]
Samsung NX-10 Hybrid Camera: ‘Cause the World Needed Another Camera Format [Unconfirmed]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 21st, 2009
Samsung is the new Sony: Constantly pumping out new formats the world doesn’t need, like their Hybrid NX cameras seen at PMA, apparently finalized in the NX 10 here. Here’s the problem with it:http://gizmodo.com/tag/pst/micro-four-thirds
The idea of the NX series is dandy—a DSLR-sized sensor (APS-C-sized, supposedly, so it’s bigger than the ones in Micro Four Thirds cameras) in a smaller body than DSLRs, since it does away with the the whole single-lens reflex system that makes DSLRs so damn big. If that sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same concept as Micro Four Thirds.
The issue is that the lens mount for Samsung’s NX, at least for now, is exclusive to the NX camera, so lenses you buy will only work with it. Micro Four Thirds might be a young format, but at least your lenses will work on cameras from a couple of different manufacturers, ones that are camera vets. There’s an ecosystem there. Samsung’s an amateur. I admit, an alliance with Pentax like the NX20 could make the idea a lot more appealing, but until it happens—or until I see some mindblowing pictures produced by it—not so sure I can get behind this one. (It’d also be cool to see them get behind Micro Four Thirds, to make that format even stronger.)
Oh, and the NX10 is hideous. [DP Review Forums via engadget]
Kodak wins preliminary ruling in patent squabble with Samsung
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 19th, 2009
Good old December, the busiest time of the year for elves, reindeer, jolly old fat guys... and lawyers, apparently. Joining the rush to make momentous decisions before Santa arrives, the International Trade Commission has made a preliminary ruling in favor of Kodak in its dispute over digital camera patents with Samsung. Though the original lawsuit included LG, an out of court settlement has left only Sammy in the firing line, and this early decision has affirmed that two of Kodak's patents were infringed in the production of its cameraphones. It's still necessary for the full commission to look at and approve the judgment, but considering Samsung's vast range of camera-equipped phones, we'd throw legal caution to the wind and start bombarding the ITC with "holiday cheer" pronto.Kodak wins preliminary ruling in patent squabble with Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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