Kodak's 24x megazoom with vertical grip

Although Kodak is one of the pioneers of modern photography, it has been overshadowed by other brands in this digital era. You probably don't know this, but the US company was one of the first to announce a point-and-shoot with HD video-recording capabilities.

Before CES kicks off on January 8, Kodak has already slipped out a prosumer shooter with 24x optical zoom, according to Engadget. The Z980 houses a 12-megapixel sensor, and, as with most of its siblings, HD video capture. The long lens is optically stabilized and offers shutterbugs a nice 26mm at its widest.
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Turbocharge your iPhone camera: Four great photo apps

Everybody knows the camera on the iPhone is a bit rubbish. It's a 2-megapixel snapper that doesn't even do video. And don't get us started on the media messaging thing! But the strength of the iPhone--besides its sleek styling, seamless software integration and glorious user interface--is the range of applications you can add to your phone. There's even a fistful of photo apps, which Crave is proud to present for your edification on the next few pages--along with some alternatives if you're not feeling the iPhone love.

If you've spent much time on Facebook lately you'll have come across the meme of people retrofying their profile pics. If you want to look like you've just been awarded "Most Likely To Buy an Overpriced Albeit Exquisitely Designed Mobile Phone in 30 Years Time" in a 1970s school yearbook, complete with Dazed and Confused-style barnet, download OldBooth. You can also choose taste-free options from other eras, and there's even secret looks to unlock. It's US$1.99 in the iTunes Store.
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Lumix DMC-LX3 lens cap mod is brilliant

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is a popular pro-level point-and-shoot and has won much praise from its users. However, one minor gripe which most shutterbugs have with it is the lens cap. Some photographers find that a hassle and are looking for alternatives to protect the optics.

Malaysian blogger Ian Ho has found a pretty good solution, and no, it is not manufactured by Panasonic. Instead, he utilized the Ricoh LC1 self-retaining lens cap which was produced for the company's own GX100 and GX200. By using a combination of springs and hinges, three flaps protect the lens when the camera is not in use, and can be pushed open easily by the optics when it extends.

Ho mentioned in his blog that it requires a bit of force to push the LC1 onto the LX3 or the Leica equivalent, the D-Lux 4. Take a look at the video below to see how it works. I think it's pretty cool.
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White balance with your lens cap

Even the greatest picture can be a victim to ugly color casts.

Most people I know don't bother to adjust the white balance on their cameras and that's because the auto and preset options work fine under most lighting conditions. As for shooters that can record images in RAW formats, white balance usually becomes an afterthought. But what happens when you are indoors with tungsten and fluorescent lamps, or at a wedding dinner with varied lighting conditions? Your camera's sensor may be fooled and your subjects will end up with a slight color cast. Depending on how capable your camera in reading ambient color temperature, you could end up with a bride wearing a yellowish gown. Not quite the way to impress anyone, especially the bride.

Although most digital cameras come with built-in presets for adjusting the white balance, dSLRs usually offer a higher degree of control with options to tinker with the precise temperature setting. Custom white balancing with a white-washed wall or a gray card is also a common photography practice.

Here's where the baLens White Balance Lens Cap comes into the picture. A removable translucent dome that works like a conventional light meter resides in the center of a conventional lens cap, making use of the otherwise wasted space. All you have to do is take a reference picture and set a custom white balance profile in the settings. The lens cap, which is available in thread sizes from 52mm to 77mm, costs approximately US$55 and comes with neutral and warm filters. It's a small price to pay for getting your colors right sans all the hassle of carrying an extra light meter.

Via OhGizmo!

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