Canon EOS dSLR thumbdrive won't take pictures

Over here at CNET Asia, we've seen some quirky thumbdrives, but this ought to hit the sweet spot for photographers. The acclaimed Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been miniaturized to fit a USB plug into the lens rear, which can be screwed into the faux camera body to protect the contact points.

We're guessing this USB peripheral is as petite as the Glico-issued Nikon collectible, though the difference is that the Canon thumbdrive actually works and is available in only 4GB capacity. It can be found on eBay for US$95. I wonder if we will ever see an 8GB version built to replicate the higher-end EOS 1Ds Mark III.

Via Gizmodo

I spy with my dSLR

With large lens barrels, dSLR optics look professional and intimidating. This is why it can be difficult to take candid street shots with them. But Photojojo has a solution--the Super-Secret Spy Lens.

This attachment fits onto most lenses via adapters, and the opening along the side shows a precision mirror which reflects light into the optics. The swivel barrel lets shutterbugs take discreet shots in any direction without having to point the lens at the subject.

Photojojo's Web site lists the price for the Super-Secret Spy Lens from US$50 to US$85, depending on which combination of adapters you require.

Philips retro-looking shooter is a blast from the past

I have a penchant for old cameras, which is why this new Philips shooter caught my attention. Wrapped in faux leather and looking very much like what Audrey Hepburn would have carried around in Breakfast at Tiffany's, the MIC4014SB is stylishly retro. However, its specifications trail behind what today's point-and-shoots are offering.

The online brochure and user manual did not provide much information about the camera save that the CMOS sensor captures QVGA-resolution (640 x 480-pixel) photos. The internal memory can store approximately 100 pictures at the highest image quality, and the onboard rechargeable battery can be juiced up via USB to a PC. The rear LCD is not for reviewing pictures, but for limited menu navigation such as shooting modes.

The MIC4014SB can double as a Webcam when the shooter is connected to a computer, too.

Philips did not state how much the camera will cost on its Web site, but we're guessing it's going to be very affordable for a novelty gadget.

Phase One takes driver's seat in Mamiya camera partnership

Phase One, a Copenhagen-based maker of professional-grade digital camera technology, has invested in and assumed some control over Japanese camera maker Mamiya.

Phase One and Mamiya already had a partnership for one medium-format camera through a partnership begun in 2006, but now the alliance is much tighter, with Phase One in the driver's seat for some key areas, Phase One said Wednesday.

"Phase One is making a significant financial investment in Mamiya Digital Imaging, thus becoming a major shareholder in the company behind the Mamiya brand of medium-format cameras and lenses," Phase One said in a statement. "To ensure clarity of brand positioning and minimize product overlap, in close cooperation with Mamiya top management, Phase One will take on strategic leadership for the companies' research and development, marketing, and distribution management."
Read more »

Pentax goes military with olive green K-m dSLR

Last December, Pentax unveiled the stormtrooper white K2000 dSLR. The company is following up with a camera that adheres military guidelines--the olive green K-m.

The specifications remain similar at 10.2-megapixel resolution, a 5-point autofocus system, 3.5 frames-per-second burst mode and a 2.7-inch LCD on the rear. All that's missing to make this dSLR a rugged commando are shockproof and waterproof features.

Rambo wannabes will also be glad to know that this iteration of the K-m will ship with an 18-55mm olive green lens, too.

According techblog Akihabara News, the camoflage-colored Pentax dSLR will be on sale only in Japan, and can be had for US$716.

Via Akihabara News

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