World's highest capacity 100GB CF card

Flash memory maker Pretec was at Photokina to showcase its latest innovations, among them a 100GB CompactFlash card which should satisfy even the most demanding photographers.

Canon's EOS 1Ds Mark III produces 25MB RAW files, and 4,000 of them would be able to fit into the 100GB flash memory card. That's a staggering amount of images for any photographer, and sorting through them will be a nightmare.

There is also a 64GB version with the same write-speed at 233x.

Pretec's press release states that it will start shipping these cards by the end of the year. The company didn't mention pricing, but we are guessing it's not going to be cheap.

New Lensbaby: Same lens effects, simpler interface

Lensbaby's selective-focus lenses thus far have brought a seat-of-the-pants, analog feel to the electronic and digital world that photography has become. But a new model announced Tuesday has a more traditional interface for those who weren't happy with the company's earlier approach of squeezing and flexing the lens until the image looks about right.

For the uninitiated, the company's approach deserves a little explanation here. Lensbaby lenses let people focus tightly on a selected spot; the rest of the view quickly recedes into blurriness. It's a bit gimmicky, but it gives a different look than most lenses, it can be fun to play with, and if done well it can really focus attention well on the subject. The product works because its outer lens element can be bent so it's not parallel to the image sensor--in effect, it's a cheap tilt-shift lens.
Read more »

Fujifilm introduces groundbreaking 3D digital camera system

Stereo cameras are capable of capturing 3D images but they usually require additional accessories such as 3D glasses to view it in its full glory. Also, currently there are only film-based stereo shooters so there is the additional step of processing the negatives and printing them.

Fujifilm aims to eliminate all the hassle by introducing its 3D camera system at Photokina. The blueprint includes dual imaging sensors which can simultaneously capture two pictures and process them with its newly developed RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D. The chip will analyze the two files and combine them into one 3D image.

According to the press release, Fujifilm met with several challenges while conceiving this 3D concept, one of them which was the split-second synchronization of the shutter to ensure that both images depict the same moment.
Read more »

Sigma's offerings for Photokina

Picture credit: Sigma

Although Sigma is better known for its lenses, its innovative high-end point-and-shoot, the DP1, put the company in the limelight earlier this year. This shooter may not have received rave reviews, but that didn't stop the Japanese firm from showcasing a follow-up model at Photokina.

The 14-megapixel DP2 doesn't succeed the DP1, but will be sold alongside it. As with its older sibling, the new shooter sports a larger sensor (20.7mm x 13.8mm) than conventional compact cameras, not to mention different optics. The DP2 will have a 41mm (35mm-equivalent) lens and the aperture is biggest at F2.8. What's also new is the True II image-processing engine which Sigma claims will deliver high-quality pictures.

The LCD measures 2.5 inches and the point-and-shoot supports RAW format image capture, too. Aimed at advanced shutterbugs, it has a suite of features such as manual exposure control and a variety of metering modes to handle tricky lighting situations.

For the professionals, the SD15 dSLR incorporates a 14-megapixel Foveon sensor and will utilize the same True II image processor seen in the DP2. The rear display has been bumped up to 3 inches and users can expect faster performance and operations from this shooter.

We will update the pricing and availability once we hear from Sigma.

New Fujifilm CCD sensor announced

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of FinePix cameras, Fujifilm unveiled its next-generation sensor at Photokina and it promises to produce high-quality images than what is being offered now.

The Super CCD EXR is the next iteration of the Super CCD VIII sensor, and its pixels are rearranged to prevent the generation of digital noise at high ISO sensitivity. To expand the dynamic range, the new sensor implements Dual Exposure Control which takes two similar images at different settings and combines them as one picture to provide a greater spectrum of details in both highlight and shadow regions. Last but not least, when the Super CCD EXR works in conjunction with the Real Photo image processor, it is possible to achieve higher resolutions without compromising on the image quality.

A Fujifilm representative told CNET Asia that shooters using the new CCD can be expected sometime in May 2009.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2231)

» Digital Cameras (985)

» Notebooks (1233)

» PC & Peripherals (1312)

» Handhelds (585)

» Printers (82)

» Home AV (1146)

» Music & Play (893)

» Gadgets (1485)

» Future Tech (394)

» Green Tech (172)

» Lifestyle (157)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (99)

» Games and Gear (248)

» Software (95)

» Web (117)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads