Canon unveils new Speedlite with an interesting twist

Together with the announcement of the spanking-new EOS 500D entry-level dSLR, Canon is also introducing an external flashlight of similar class. The Speedlite 270EX replaces the Speedlite 220EX, and the new strobe includes several new features.

Unlike its predecessor, the flash head of the Speedlite 270EX is able to tilt in four angles. This lets photographers bounce the light off surfaces to give their picture a more natural look. Canon also claims the improved circuits of the flash gun deliver near-silent recharging from the two AA-sized batteries power source.

Controlling the flash output (up to 27m at ISO 100 and 50mm zoom setting) can be done via the camera's menu since there is only a power switch on the rear of the Speedlite 270EX.

The new Speedlite will be available from April in the US, and it shouldn't be long before you can get it in Asia. Pricing was not announced at press time, but check back in due time when we update this page.

Leave a memory card for others to find

There is an activity called photo chaining and it involves a certain degree of trust. Photo chaining requires you to take a picture, then leave the memory card and a note with the gist of the project in a public place for others to find. The finder will then upload the last taken photo online, then use the card to take another image before leaving the memory card elsewhere. The cycle continues.

Photo chaining brings up several issues though. Those who have no interest in photo chaining could well keep the memory card and the project ends there. Also, after reviewing so many compact cameras, we noticed that some shooters won't accept media formatted in another device, so there is a chance the flash card won't work in your camera.

You can read more about photo chaining at Photochaining.com, though it's not clear who the founder of the activity is and or purpose it serves. However, you can take a look at the images people have posted after finding theses memory cards. It's interesting to see how some of the flash media have traveled halfway around the globe and the kind of pictures taken on them.

Rumormongering: Nikon D400 imminent?

Right on the heels of a rumor about a new Canon entry-level dSLR, rumors that originally surfaced in November about a Nikon D300 replacement have also reappeared, this time with a screenshot, ostensibly from Nikon Germany's site.

According to the capture posted on Nikonrumors and translated by Gizmodo, it's a 15.3-megapixel model with sensitivities up to 6400 and support for "Full HD" video (which Gizmodo incorrectly assumes must be 1080p; 1080i is also considered "Full HD," which is defined as a spatial resolution of 1,920x1,080).

Although I've really been expecting an entry-level D60 replacement instead--that camera was announced in January of 2008, and it's in a higher turnover, faster growing market segment--a new midrange model is certainly overdue as well, lending credence to the timing. And if it's true, look for price drops on the D300 over the next month that will make it an excellent deal for shooters who don't care about video.

Via CNET Crave

Lomo's Diana now does Polaroid-like instant prints

Lomographic Society's Diana is known for its quirky colors, out-of-focus shots and often unexpected results, thanks to the plastic body and lens construction. Now, the company has developed a camera back to attach to the Diana and this device accepts the Fujifilm Instax photo paper, which is the modern equivalent to Polaroid. Therefore you can expect the same dreamy results as you would when shooting with film on the Lomo camera.

However, this attachment doesn't come cheap. Listed at US$95 on Lomo's Web site, it is approximately the cost of a Fujifilm instant shooter. Of course, you'll get all the trademark effects of the Diana, which hardcore Lomo fans are sure to appreciate.

Cisco buys Flip Video maker for US$590 million

Cisco Systems, the world's largest maker of switches and routers that power the Internet, has taken another step toward becoming a major player in the consumer electronics market.

On Thursday the company announced it has acquired Pure Digital Technologies, the maker of the popular Flip Video camcorders. Cisco will pay about US$590 million in stock for the company and will also provide about US$15 million in retention-based equity as incentives to PureDigital employees, the company said in a statement.

Pure Digital started selling its consumer-friendly mini camcorder in May 2007. The device, which is a little bigger than a deck of cards and has a built-in USB connection, was designed to provide an easy and simple way to take video and upload it to the Internet, especially to popular sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace.
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