Posts in Digital Cameras
Canon patents fuel cell-powered cameras
Leonard Goh | May 20, 2008
For those who are not too familiar with fuel cell, it is often mentioned as a greener alternative power source, with some cars already running on it. Another interesting fact about fuel cells is that unlike traditional batteries that supply a constant voltage, the current for the former will fluctuate in accordance to the device's needs.
What this means for Canon is that its cameras, if powered by fuel cells, can draw power from the source more effectively, leading to a longer-lasting battery while at the same time saving Earth.
Although the patent didn't state what the new battery or power pack may look like, people are already speculating that it could appear like the battery grips for dSLRs.
Look through the tube for a shot
Leonard Goh | May 15, 2008
The tube-like conception is what Prada perceives future dSLRs will look like. While I am comfortable with the design of today's cameras, I can't help but to be intrigued by the mechanisms and layout of his concept.
Rings around the camera can be turned to dictate different functions, ranging from a power switch to "adjusting the camera for the user", according to the designer, although we are not sure how that one works.
The circumference of the lens looks like a ring flash, which seems to be a hot photographic peripheral this year. This also brings to mind that a dSLR's advantage is the ability to use different lenses. Though we aren't sure how optics are going to be changed on this model.
Call me traditional, but until someone can convince me that this camera will not roll off the table and fall to pieces, I'm sticking to the old, chunky design.
Via Yanko Design | Picture credit: Manuel Perez Prada
Sony Ericsson looking to add data functions to digicams
Leonard Goh | May 14, 2008
It's only a matter of time before someone decided that enough was enough with mobile phones crammed with imaging features. Surprisingly, it's Sony Ericsson that wants to turn the tables around.
The firm has just filed four patents, with one of it looking to apply GSM (used in mobile phones) as a data-transfer medium in cameras. Other possibly useful proposals include installing presets into the built-in memory of shooters, therefore providing convenient access to popular picture-sharing Web sites (like Flickr or Picasa) or to connect to personal hardware like PCs or printers.
In a world that is getting more and more connected, if these ideas take off, it's going to spark another round in the digital imaging revolution.
Via Unwired View | Photo credit: Unwired View
A bucket full of printing needs
Leonard Goh | May 14, 2008
Before printing, the CP770 can automatically adjust the brightness of images for optimum print results or to correct red-eye effects. While making the 300 x 300dpi print, the printer also applies a thin overcoat of lamination over the paper to prevent smudging and to extend the longevity of the picture.
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Creative's new budget video camera
John Chan | May 14, 2008
Though most well-known for sound cards and MP3 players, Creative has always had a wide range of products including Webcams and even input peripherals. The Vado Pocket Video Cam is the latest, a low-cost video camera which is extremely compact at 100 x 55 x 16mm. It has a 2-inch display and a USB connector which hides away when not in use.
The purpose of this device is to make taking videos easy. It captures at VGA quality with a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Some high-end mobile phones (like the Nokia N82 and LG Viewty) can also capture at that resolution, as well as most modern compact cameras-- a fact that narrows the target audience of the Vado. But for those without an expensive camera-phone or don't carry a digital camera around, it could be a good way to get higher-quality videos for all your YouTube uploading needs.
The Vado will be available starting June in Asia Pacific at a retail price of S$169. It comes with 2GB of in-built memory with no expansion slot and weighs 84g. For more details of its specifications, visit Creative's Web site.
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