Aug/100
Canon develops world’s largest CMOS sensor, shoots 60fps video in moonlight
Did you ever think that you’d see a CMOS sensor measuring 202 x 205 mm? That’s 7.95 x 8.07 inches to our fine imperial friends. Its impressive size — about 40 times larger than Canon’s largest commercial CMOS sensor — translates to staggering light-gathering capabilities, capturing images in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a professional DSLR. Better yet, the sensor is matched by new circuitry allowing for video capture at 60fps in just 0.3 lux of illumination (think full moon on a clear night). Unfortunately, the press release is more concerned with promoting Canon’s engineering prowess than with product launch. Nevertheless, we’re impressed.
Continue reading Canon develops world’s largest CMOS sensor, shoots 60fps video in moonlight
Canon develops world’s largest CMOS sensor, shoots 60fps video in moonlight originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Canon EOS 60D: 18 megapixels and 1080p video flexes its articulating screen this September
Well, what do we have here? Last we heard about the Canon EOS 60D it was just a twinkle in our articulating screen of a peripheral vision. And now it’s official — my, how times have changed. Here’s what we know about the 50D successor (with definite nods to the Rebel T2i’s feature set): the 18-megapixel DSLR has a single DIGIC 4 processor and boasts 1080p H.264 video with an in-camera movie editing feature, manual audio level control, a “flexible” (read: articulating) 3-inch LCD screen, an ISO range of 100-6,400 purported to be expandable to 12,800, and support for processing RAW images from within the camera itself. Look for the little photo shooter to hit retail at the end of September for just a dollar under $1,100 body only, or $1,400 with a bundled 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. You know the drill: pics below, press release after the break.
Gallery: Canon 60D press shots
Canon EOS 60D: 18 megapixels and 1080p video flexes its articulating screen this September originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Canon proudly intros 120 megapixel CMOS sensor, probably won’t hit a DSLR in your lifetime
Oh sure, household names like Pentax are already producing cameras with 40 megapixel sensors, and we’ve seen quite a few gigapixel images crafted with a pinch of black magic, but Canon’s newest innovation may take the mainstream megapixel race to its next logical level. Or should we say… illogical level. There’s no two ways about it — just trying to comprehend an APS-H-sized CMOS sensor with 120 megapixels is downright painful, and we’re inclined to believe the company’s claim that it’s the world’s highest resolution for its size. This new concoction has a pixel count of around 7.5 times larger than the company’s highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size (which is pegged at 16.1 megapixels), yet it still supports burst shooting of up to 9.5fps. Furthermore, it’s fully capable of capturing 1080p video, but the one detail we’re all eager to ingest isn’t listed. For now, though, the plan is to let you know about the first camera to ship with it inside at Photokina 2030.
Canon proudly intros 120 megapixel CMOS sensor, probably won’t hit a DSLR in your lifetime originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Sigma SD15 DSLR gets reviewed: unique, but not for everybody
Sigma’s certainly managed to get plenty of photographers’ attention with its line of Foveon sensor-equipped digital cameras, but it hasn’t exactly always managed to meet expectations. According to Photography Blog, it looks like that’s also the case for the company’s latest: the SD15. While the camera is described as ‘less of an obvious odd fish than its forebears,” the site says that it’s still best suited for photographers looking for a “challenge,” and that you likely won’t want to have it as your only DSLR. In particularly, Photography Blog found that while images exhibited less of the odd color casts and white balance issues of previous models, they still left quite a bit to be desired, especially at higher ISOs. On the upside, that Foveon sensor does still offer some capabilities that can’t be found elsewhere, and the site says that the camera is unique enough that it can’t bring itself to actively dislike it.
Sigma SD15 DSLR gets reviewed: unique, but not for everybody originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Photography Blog | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Engadget Podcast 209 – 08.20.2010
Burritophones, Paul McCartney riots, and miraculous new extensions of the English language take center stage on the Engadget Podcast this week. Don’t sleep.
Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Guest: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl)
Music: Rock Lobster
00:04:07 – Epic 4G review
00:21:38 – Motorola Charm hitting T-Mobile on August 25 for $75 (update: Telus version caught on video!)
00:33:45 – Nokia’s QWERTY-slidin’ N9 shows up in the wilds of China (update: running MeeGo!)
00:35:20 – Nokia N9: the MacBook Pro Phone
00:51:27 – Xbox Live launch titles for Windows Phone 7 finally revealed, we’ve got the full preview
01:06:15 – Next gen PSP to have touch controls — on the wrong side?
01:07:00 – Synaptics Fuse concept hands-on (second video)
01:09:10 – Canon PowerShot S95, the SD4500 IS, and SX130 IS play the low-light, HD video cards
01:11:38 – Nikon D3100 DSLR hands-on
01:13:00 – Nikon D3100 gets real, adds 1080p movie mode with continuous autofocus
01:14:54 – Nikon Coolpix S1100pj projector cam arrives with USB projection and touchscreen telestrator capabilities; S5100 arrives in tow
01:16:22 – Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on
01:18:53 – We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system
01:29:24 – The Engadget Show returns next Friday, August 27th with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, and much more!
Hear the podcast
Subscribe to the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).
[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
Download the podcast
LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)
Contact the podcast
1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget @tnkgrl
Filed under: Podcasts
Engadget Podcast 209 – 08.20.2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Nikon D3100 DSLR hands-on
In addition to the S1100pj and S5100, we also had a chance to play with Nikon’s 14.2 megapixel D3100 earlier today. Sadly, due to the non-final firmware, we weren’t allowed to obtain live sample stills and 1080p H.264 clips from the prototype DSLR, so we can’t comment too much on the new CMOS sensor’s picture quality. Still, there were some interesting features to point out here. Most notably, the seemingly solid D3100 has an improved grip compared to its predecessor and our own D5000 — it certainly felt nice and secure in our hands despite the small (and slightly lighter) body. We also dig the new quick switch (resting by the now-larger dial) for quickly switching between various shooting modes, along with the new spring-loaded live-view trigger and video recording button (both at the top-right corner of the 3-inch 460k-dot screen).
Of course, we couldn’t have gone home without having tested the video mode’s headlining continuous autofocus feature — we weren’t able to tell how much motor noise might have gone into the clips, but the bundled 18-55mm lens was able to autofocus or track subjects at reasonable speeds, provided that we weren’t zooming or moving about too rapidly. The only real bug we noticed was that sometimes the tracking may get overridden by large nearby objects with similar colors, so hopefully the final firmware will reduce this error. Another concern is with the new 1,030mAh battery — no word on how many shots or video hours it can provide, but we shall find out when this $699 DSLR comes out next month.
Gallery: Nikon D3100 hands-on
Nikon D3100 DSLR hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on
Nikon’s new projector-equipped camera has broken cover today and we’ve naturally had a little play around with it. Regrettably, the Japanese DSLR dominator had pretty early firmware on board and refused to let us take any sample pictures or video, but we were able to compile a few impressions anyhow. Firstly, as to the S1100pj’s body, it’s your typical compact affair — feeling sturdy and light, it’s basically fit for its intended purpose, but no more or less than that. We found accessing the compartment for the battery and memory card a pain, as it doesn’t auto-lock when you close it, requiring an unnecessary bit of finger adroitness, and removing and replacing batteries can also be a fiddly affair. There’s not much good to say about the built-in “tilt stand” at the bottom, either — it only alters the angle of projection slightly and feels too plasticky — but at least it gives you an extra option.
On the plus side of things, the battery is a generous 1,050 mAh unit, and there’s a pleasingly instant access scheme for the camera’s most regularly used functions. Video recording has a dedicated button, as does switching to projector mode. Both seem to work quite well too, with the 720p video looking smooth and buttery, but then on-camera playback can be deceiving. We got to check out those 14 lumens of projection power in a dimly lit room, and came away with a pair of impressions. Firstly, you should be able to squeeze out a decent-ish 40-inch image out of this shooter if you set the right mood with your lighting, and secondly, focusing is a relative cinch with the included controls on top. All in all, given that it’s intended as a quickie display station at parties, we think the S1100pj does what it promises. We rarely praise compact camera software here, but we’d be remiss not to note the saturation adjustment tool on this touchscreen shooter. It was a particular highlight for us and something we could definitely see ourselves getting creative with.
We also spent some time with the S5100, which surprised us with its quick autofocus and generally snappy execution of instructions. Its 720p movie mode also looked competent, but bear in mind that it doesn’t allow you to zoom while recording video. Ah well, such is the fate of budget shooters, we suppose. Hit up the galleries for the hands-on imagery or skip past the break for video of the S1100pj’s projector in action.
Gallery: Nikon Coolpix S1100pj hands-on
Gallery: Nikon Coolpix S5100 hands-on
Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on
Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
iPhone 4 cuddles up against telescope, snaps impressive moon closeups
What’s a boy to do when he desperately needs a portfolio full of galactic imagery of his own doing? In most cases, we’d suggest he grab up a telescope (or one of these), the biggest DSLR he can find and a planetary expert who knows a thing or two about exposure. But thanks to a mod that’s becoming more and more common these days, it seems that you can replace the latter recommendations with an iPhone 4. Yep — Apple’s latest smartphone, when paired up with a miniature tripod mount and a telescope, can apparently take lovely shots of our dear moon, and if you’re struggling to actually spot it, we hear that Planisphere app is pretty handy. Hit the source links if you’re scouting some inspiration.
iPhone 4 cuddles up against telescope, snaps impressive moon closeups originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Tomytec, Jurilog | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Canon’s EOS 7D ‘Studio Version’ features parental controls, barcode mode
Loaning out your precious DSLR to a friend who doesn’t know shutter from aperture? Got a classroom full of trainee photographers whose lesson requires they be set to a particular mode? Canon’s hoping you’ll drop an extra $129 on a version of the critically-acclaimed EOS 7D that lets you control how your lackeys fire off shots. The $1,829 EOS 7D Studio Version adds four tiers of password-protected locking controls, plus an optional barcode and data transfer kit (to organize and commit large photo sessions to databases) using a custom version of the company’s WFT-E5A wireless transmitter for just $770 more. We can’t say we know anyone who’d use these features, but hey — if enough corporations spring for the advanced model, perhaps the original will drop in price. PR after the break.
Continue reading Canon’s EOS 7D ‘Studio Version’ features parental controls, barcode mode
Canon’s EOS 7D ‘Studio Version’ features parental controls, barcode mode originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 
WIRED | | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Mirrorless camera shootout: DSLR alternatives get sized up and ISO-examined
It all started with Micro Four Thirds, but now just about everyone is jonesing to play along in the mirrorless camera game. The crew over at Serious Compacts managed to get ahold of quite a few contenders (Samsung’s NX10, Sony’s NEX5, Olympus’ E-P2 and E-PL1, and Panasonic’s GF1, GF2 and GH1), and rather than taking ‘em apart one by one, they’ve decided to size ‘em up in a fantastic size comparison piece. From lenses to bodies, all six cameras are shown from various angles, and even if you’ve convinced yourself to not be in the market for one of these bad boys, the eye candy alone is worth a peek. Furthermore, the group has been entered into a telling ISO comparison test, but if you came here looking for a spoiler, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Tap those links below to get your study on, won’tcha?
Mirrorless camera shootout: DSLR alternatives get sized up and ISO-examined originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Serious Compacts 1, 2 | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Sony circles August 24 for all-new Alpha DSLR launch event
News has been a bit barren on the DSLR front lately (not counting Pentax’s color explosion earlier on), but that’s not going to last for much longer. Sony is starting up the fall refresh cycle with “never-before-seen” Alpha models, which will be shown off at an event on August 24 alongside the NEX-VG10 and some 3D-capable Cyber-shots. We’ve no way of knowing what’s in store, but if you’re in a speculative kind of mood, Sony Alpha Rumors suggests the new shooters will include a semi-transparent mirror (most intriguing!) and a pleasingly fast 10fps burst shooting mode. That’s enough to whet our appetite, now bring on the full dish of details already.
[Thanks, Dario]
Sony circles August 24 for all-new Alpha DSLR launch event originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Sony Alpha Rumors | Email this | Comments
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Sony circles August 24 for all-new Alpha DSLR launch event
Aug/100
Pentax K-x introduced in four new colors, double rainbow now fully complete
Well, well — what have we here? Oh, four more K-x hues? Who would’ve guessed. Just months after Pentax introduced the latest round of colors to hit its long-standing entry-level DSLR, along comes a new foursome to consider: chocolate, beige, olive and pink. We actually witnessed the last one there back in mid-February (go on and guess, we’ll wait), but now the whole group is up for sale on the company’s webstore for $649.95 each. Too bad Pentax seems more interested in pumping out more exterior variations than a bona fide K-x successor, eh?
Gallery: Pentax K-x DSLR colors
Pentax K-x introduced in four new colors, double rainbow now fully complete originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Pentax | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Is this Canon’s 60D DSLR, articulating display and all?
If you’ll recall, we first heard a notion that Canon was considering a 60D and 550D with articulating displays way back in January; PMA came and went, and no such camera emerged. But now we’re back in familiar territory, and this go ’round we’ve got IFA and Photokina happening next month in Germany. The image above is bruited to be the 60D we’ve all been waiting for, and while it’s usually easy to brush these off as possible fan renders (or worse, Photoshops), that display hinge looks mighty legitimate. Nikon hasn’t seen fit to take the articulating LCD on its entry-level D5000 to any higher-end units just yet, but if Canon goes ahead with this one… well, we all know how competition works, now don’t we?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Is this Canon’s 60D DSLR, articulating display and all? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Kakatu | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Nikon D3100 bundle pops up in Best Buy database with September 18th release?
We still don’t know for sure what Nikon has planned for its August 19th press event — if we did, there wouldn’t be much of a reason to have a press event. Whispers, murmurs, and other rabble rousing point to a D3100 digital SLR capable of 1080p video with continuous autofocus — and now Best Buy is apparently lending credence to such talk. According to Nikon Rumors, SKU 1222817 has popped up in the retailer’s database along with the description “Nikon D3100 DSLR w/ 18-55mm v” and a September 18th availability date (no pricing details mentioned by the site). We haven’t seen the entry for ourselves yet — and unreleased product listings in retail databases shouldn’t be taken as gospel anyway — but forgive our excitement as we look for more ways to both keep our Nikon quota and oust the aging D3000 from our arsenal.
Nikon D3100 bundle pops up in Best Buy database with September 18th release? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Nikon Rumors | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertantly pimping your ride
Trying to snap a shot of your cherry red Mazda, but can’t keep your hands still? You’ll find all the tech you need to smooth things out in an iPhone 4 or (MotionPlus-equipped) Nintendo Wiimote. Experimenting with 6DOF inertial measurement sensor packages, scientists at Microsoft Research have developed a software algorithm that literally records your exposure-destroying shake via accelerometer and gyroscope, then magically removes the blur by canceling it out. While the technique still isn’t perfect — spot ghostly line above some of those background cars — the Microsoft researchers compared their results to other in-progress algorithms, and we think you’ll agree this new solution presents the best results by far. It’s a shame Microsoft doesn’t say when we’ll see the tech in a spiffy DSLR attachment, or better yet a cameraphone. See before and after animated GIFs after the break, and find high-res comparison images and much more at our source link.
Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertantly pimping your ride originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 
Slashdot | 
Microsoft Research | Email this | Comments
Aug/100
Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride
Trying to snap a shot of your cherry red Mazda, but can’t keep your hands still? You’ll find all the tech you need to smooth things out in an iPhone 4 or (MotionPlus-equipped) Nintendo Wiimote. Experimenting with 6DOF inertial measurement sensor packages, scientists at Microsoft Research have developed a software algorithm that literally records your exposure-destroying shake via accelerometer and gyroscope, then magically removes the blur by canceling it out. While the technique still isn’t perfect — spot ghostly line above some of those background cars — the Microsoft researchers compared their results to other in-progress algorithms, and we think you’ll agree this new solution presents the best results by far. It’s a shame Microsoft doesn’t say when we’ll see the tech in a spiffy DSLR attachment, or better yet a cameraphone. See before and after animated GIFs after the break, and find high-res comparison images and much more at our source link.
Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 
Slashdot | 
Microsoft Research | Email this | Comments
Jul/100
Nikon planning "new concept" mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with enhanced video modes
The past year has seen both Sony and Samsung unveil tiny interchangeable lens cameras designed to compete with the Micro Four Thirds units from Panasonic and Olympus, and now Nikon’s getting in the game as well — company president Makoto Kimura told Bloomberg Nikon will introduce a “new concept” mirrorless cameras with enhanced video functions as early as this year. (That sort of sounds like the Canon G11 competitor with DSLR tech Nikon was hinting at earlier this year, but we can’t tell if they’re the same.) Kimura says that Nikon is “intensively” focused on developing the new mirrorless product as part of a plan to increase SLR revenue — Nikon’s goal is to increase interchangeable lens camera sales a whopping 80 percent over the next three years. That’s ambitious, but if Nikon can produce a tiny shooter with some of the D3S’s low-light capabilities and the ability to accept even a subset of its modern family of lenses, we don’t think it’s out of the question. We’ll see what happens.
Nikon planning “new concept” mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with enhanced video modes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink 
Slashgear | 
Bloomberg | Email this | Comments
Jul/100
Sony’s latest Cyber-shots boast 3D sweep panorama, background defocusing
It’s getting to be that time of the year again — time for Sony to expand / refresh its Cyber-shot lineup. Say hello to the 14.1 megapixel T99 and the 12.2 megapixel WX5 and TX9. All three feature BIONZ processors and 32MB internal memory (no word on external options). The T99’s your underwater-capable option, capable of shooting sweep panorama shots submerged as well as 720p 30fps HD video — or if you want something of an upgrade, the TX9 is also snorkeling-friendly, but itself can tout Full HD 1080i video recording, a Sweep Multi Angle for “3D-style” imagine, and the 3D sweep panorama with which the NEX series was just graced. Another neat trick of the Tx9 is its “background defocus” that gives you the DSLR-like effect of sharp foreground images with a blurry background (c.f. most of our headlining phone review images). If you’re willing to sacrifice water resistance for a 5x optical zoom and Sony G lens (the previous two feature 4x and Carl Zeiss) while still retaining TX9’s cool 3D tricks, you’re gonna want the WX5. At this point, they carry no price tag, but you’ve got a bit to wait anyway: the trio will all debut in mid-September.
Gallery: Sony Cyber-shot TX9, T99, and WX5
Sony’s latest Cyber-shots boast 3D sweep panorama, background defocusing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Sony | Email this | Comments
Jul/100
Panasonic FZ35 and Canon SX20 IS superzoom cameras shoot it out in group test, rise to the top
Panasonic FZ35 and Canon SX20 IS superzoom cameras shoot it out in group test, rise to the top originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
DP Review | Email this | Comments
Jun/100
Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review
Nikon’s D3S didn’t exactly emerge out of nowhere, but the DSLR’s boosted ISO ceiling of over 100,000 (102,400, if we’re being precise) has certainly shaken up the industry. Nikon claims that it’s set a new bar for low-light performance and raw speed in the crowded DSLR arena, and we were tickled pink when given the chance to see if this thing was worth its weight in gold. Now, the master photogs over at DP Review have already broken down the nitty-gritty details in an exhaustive 34 page critique, but for those just looking for a little insight — and perhaps a short answer to “should I buy this?” — we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for. Head on past the break for two distinct takes on Nikon’s most capable shooter yet — and some thoughts on how Nikon’s latest monster professional cam will radically change the consumer camera as well.
Gallery: Nikon D3S unboxing and hands-on
Continue reading Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review
Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments