Digicambeat

Sony is once again in trouble with its digital cameras. The company has just announced a global recall of 416,000 Cyber-shot DSC-T5 digital cameras to rectify bottom plates because the case can bend and can turn into an edge that can cut or scratch the user’s hands.

The Cyber-shot DSC-T5 was announced couple of years ago and offers 5.1 megapixel resolution, a 2.5-inch LCD display, 3× optical zoom, sliding lens cover, and aluminum bodies available in black, silver, gold, red, and champagne colors.

This recall will replace the bottom casing of affected cameras absolutely free and according to the Sony’s spokesperson statement in Tokyo, the shortcoming was noticed by the company after a month ago when the camera was launched. Complaints from about 30 customers of Japan and of other markets also reported the problem, with small cuts or scratches.

According to Sony, approximately 350,000 Cyber-shot DSC-T5 cameras are sold in the U.S., Europe, and China whereas almost 66,000 are sold in Japan. Affected camera model and serial numbers comes between 3500001 and 3574100. U.S. customers can report to Sony’s support Web site.

Image

Via: Miamiherald

Liquid lenses that switched from a normal view to 2.5-times magnification was first introduced by French company Varioptic. Now, German research team has developed the first liquid camera lens that features no moving parts and the best part is, it can also move between two levels of magnification.

This is also known as an important attempt to make liquid zoom lenses that can sweep through a range of magnifications and can bend light by using the curved boundary between watery and oily liquids. And when the two liquids are seized in the right container, the boundary between them can be curved in such a manner to focus light simply by applying a voltage. This apparent advantage appears from the fact that liquid lenses are smaller than conventional optics and are cost effective. It is also noteworthy that Samsung has already introduced them into some cellphones.

This new method has appeared more profitable to cut costs and size in the creation of zoom lenses.

How it works:

‘By altering the focusing power of a set of liquid lenses should offer the same effect with the change of distance between solid, fixed-focus lenses in a traditional zoom lens.’

Major barrier that can stand in the development of this lens:

‘As zoom lens’s magnification changes it also affects its focus and causes tribulations such as pincushion distortion and chromatic aberration.’

Therefore now, in the initial stages researchers are more focused to design a lens so that it offers different levels of magnification instead of continuous range.

Via: Newlaunches

For the photographers and documentarians here’s some great news. The latest and unique hands free camera is finally here. Previously, there have been other hands free models manufactured, but this one is different. The recent model can be wrapped loosely around your neck or head as shown in the picture.

The Camera is designed by Johan Frossen. The best part about this camera is that everything it ‘documents’ get transferred via a WiFi network onto the computer real time. The camera uses a weird looking fish eye lens that has a headphone attached to one end.

An unique fact about this camera is that it does not have any sort of memory. So there’s no storage. Everything is real time. I think the concept is just keep it simple concept. This camera will telecast whatever you see in a first person basis. So, what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG). The WYSIWYG format is a good deal. No gimmicks, no special effects and no zoom. It’s just pure and simple images.

I think this is a super deal for surveillance groups and people who shoot documentaries. They can eliminate their heavy SLR and video cameras. Instead they can fall back on the tiny hands free system. This concept camera is as close as it gets to the recording device shown in Star Trek.

Well, it seems like this has taken photography to a new level. Pricing information and release dates are nowhere to be found.

Image Credits: Scifi, Yankodesign

The 5 Mega Pixel barrier has been breached. And, the feat has been achieved by none other than Digicam leader Casio. The company has succeeded in introducing the first 5+ MP digital camera with the EXILIM W53CA that sports a cool 5.1 MP camera with auto-focus.

Raising the bar to a new high, the W53CA loads a power-packed feature range with innovative additions like an electronic dictionary function. Additionally, the camera uses image stabilization technology for blur-free pictures. You can save your precious moments in memory card that fits into the microSD slot in the camera.

The saddest part is that this wonderful gadget would be available only in Korea. However, if you happen to visit the place, you could pick one of these in any of these colors - red, black or silver.

Via: Uberphones

With BenQ, you can be sure about one thing – there is always going to be a new feature. And, in line with its reputation, BenQ has launched DC E720, a 7MP digicam that features the cutting-edge PictBridge function.

With the new function, you do not need a PC to print photos. Images can be directly transferred to a printer for printing. You can bypass a computer with this function. When you connect the camera to a printer, print options are displayed on the LCD screen. You can make the necessary changes and print the images. Now that’s cool, ain’t it? Other notable features include a lowly 3x optical zoom and Shake-free image mode.

There is not much information about the release or the pricing. However, we believe the DC E720 would not pinch your pockets since it is a camera with basic features, except for PictBridge.

Via: aving

Remember the Pentax K10D digital SLR camera that was honored by the Consumer Electronics Association with the title of CES Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering award? Pentax, in order to commemorate its triumph in the Camera Grand Prix 2007 Award in Japan, has released a limited edition version of the K10D digital SLR.

The Pentax K10D Grand Prix model has the gold-accented mode dial and K10D logo while the package includes body, a battery grip, a remembrance strap, and the most up-to-date firmware. Each of the limited edition model will bear a number and only 5000 units will be made available.

For your info, the K10D is Pentax’s flagship 10.2-megapixel digital SLR. Anyway, pentax hasn’t commented anything about the pricing of the Grand Prix package.

via: Amateurphotographer

HP has unveiled its sleek range of digital cameras, the Photosmart M742, R847, and R937. These beauties are stacked with features and will hit the markets pretty soon.

The HP Photosmart M742 is a super-slim camera. At 0.95mm in thickness, this 7 Megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD display, 16MB memory and an SD expansion slot. The camera is slated for a release in August and is expected to be priced at $180.

Thicker than the M742 at 1.06 inch is the HP Photosmart R847. It features a 8 Megapixel image sensor, 3x optical zoom and a wide angle lens. It also includes a 32MB internal memory and an SD card slot. The camera is expected to be out in August with a price tag of $230.

To make up for the lack in style in the other two camers, HP is launching the Photosmart R937. Sleek and stylish, the R937 has an 8 Megaixel camera with 3x optical zoom, a wide angle lens and large 3.6-inch LCD touchscreen. To add to these features is an anti-shake, 32MB built-in memory and an SD card slot. Like the M742, the R937 is 1.06-inch thick. And like its brethren, this camera will be unveiled in August and will carry a price tag of $300.

Via: iTECH

Are the days of the microscope numbered? Well, the way things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised if the microscope gets pushed to oblivion. Imagine a camera that offers a mind-boggling 18x zoom feature. For all you know, your imagination might get embodied. Actually, it just has. The Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd camera, with its 18x optical zoom, would not just give the microscopes a run for their money but even ‘roll cameras’ would seriously consider retiring gracefully.

The large 18x inscription on the side of the camera and its super-large name just emphasize the enormity of its character. And we are not talking just about the lens and the name here. The camera is styled like a digital SLR and is loaded with features that can put the best of cameras to shame. Photography buffs need not worry about limitations of fixed lens anymore with the optical zoom, easily the stand-out feature in this camera. Moreover, optical zoom is important if you seek fine resolution. Yes, digital zoom and optical zoom are different. Digital zoom can enlarge an image but destroys its resolution. Another advantage of this camera is its fixed lenses. These lenses in digital cameras are airtight, thereby saving you ‘wiping time.’

The FinePix S8000fd is an 8-megapixel delight that allows you to shoot images with unmatched resolution. Automatic face adjustment and face recognition are two other prominent features of this camera. No more red-eyed snaps, then.

When you have all these features, it would be natural to assume that the camera would be quite pricey. As a matter of fact, it isn’t. For all its features, it costs just $400. Well, we can surely expect a stampede at Fujifilm’s stores to possess this super-camera.

Via:scifi

Do you transmit your activities online daily? Well, if you are a blogger like me, or just an online social networker, here’s something that might help you out quite a bit. It is the new net sharing cam developed by Sony.This cam takes digital imaging to new heights.

Priced at $200, the cam will be available in the market starting September. For the price tag, you will get a slick looking cam that records video in MPEG4 format on a 2GB Memory stick.

The best thing about this camcorder is that it lets you select the videos and photos that you want to upload. Unlike the peers, the cam corder lets you select stuff instead of just uploading all of the files. This way, you get to select whatever stuff you need to upload to your blog. I think this is a cool feature. A software that comes with the camcorder allows the user to edit photos and videos. Th is software also lets users create vlog or video logs with partner websites.

Another unique feature of this camcorder is the fact that it shoots web ready images. I think the best part is it offers users a separate button for this purpose. With the press of the ’sharemark’ button the camcorder lets the users mark the stuff they want to upload. Neat huh?

So next time you want to share your precious moments online please carry one of these Sony net sharing camcorders with you. It will be handy. Trust me on this one. Sony will start taking pre-orders from July 18th onwards!

Image Credits: Sel

The new camcorder by Sony called HDR-SR8 AVCHD digital camcorder that resembles Sony’s next model called SR5c.

With other common specs it features Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x optical 20x digital zoom and the 3.2 Megapixel Clear Vid CMOS image sensor that comes with Enhanced Imaging Processor to give energetic range and to reduce smear as compared to conventional CCD sensors. It also offers Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization and comes with 100GB built-in hard drive for video recording.

The HDR-SR8 will be available from July and to get it on pre-order you have to shell $1,599.99.

Via: Itechnews