Eye-Fi Celebrates 5th Anniversary with New Developer Program
September 7, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Today Eye-Fi celebrates its fifth anniversary by introducing a new Developer Program to expand its digital connectivity platform. Eye-Fi has enhanced the photo and video sharing experience by narrowing the gaps and hurdles that lie between photo taking and memory making, creating an ecosystem of seven camera partners and 45 online services that enrich those personal memories.
Now, Eye-Fi introduces the Developer Program in response to the growing interest from application developers, granting them access to web services that can further enrich the Eye-Fi experience by:
- Extending the platforms with which Eye-Fi’d content can be viewed and shared, allowing users to view photos and videos sent to an Eye-Fi account from any website or application.
- Narrowing the gap between photo software and the plethora of online sharing and memory making platforms by granting access to send photos and videos to Eye-Fi’s ecosystem of 45 sharing sites.
- Enhancing the photo management experience by facilitating customization of the Eye-Fi card settings panel.
Sony Intros New Digital Photo Frames
September 6, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Sony has announced three new S-Frame digital photo frames (models DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100 and DPF-D830) that are designed to let consumers keep their favorite memories close with innovative, high-quality features, including video playback and battery operated capabilities. The DPF-XR100 and DPF-VR100 models offer AVCHD video playback capabilities, allowing consumers to view detailed, realistic video with vivid colors and contrast directly on the units’ high-resolution WSVGA LED backlight LCD screen. The DPF-D830 model is Sony’s first battery operated digital photo frame, allowing for portability in the home.
The high-end XR100 and VR100 offer AVCHD video playback via media card, allowing you to conveniently enjoy your favorite HD videos without a television. The 10.2-inch diagonal high-resolution WSVGA LED backlight LCD screen provides detailed video and life-like images with vibrant colors. An advanced image processor inside the frames scales and displays content up to 256 megapixels, making these frames capable of handling footage taken with even the most advanced digital cameras or HD camcorders.
The frames also feature stereo audio, a convenient alarm mode and Sweep Panorama playback.Sony’s exclusive TruBlack technology improves how your content looks on the S-Frame XR100 by reducing reflection and enhancing contrast to ensure more natural tones. The D830 is Sony’s first digital photo frame to offer operation via a built-in rechargeable battery (up to 100 minutes, based on photos only), so the frame can become portable and easy to show off anywhere in the house when you have family or friends over. Featuring a high-resolution SVGA LED backlight LCD display, photos locked away on your computer will now come to life on the photo frame’s 8-inch diagonal screen.
With 2GB of internal memory, each of these three frames can store thousands of images. The models offer auto-resizing that downsizes photos so you can store them within the device and return your memory card back to your camera. Additionally, they’re equipped with three preloaded music tracks, but allow users to copy their own MP3 files to the internal memory.
Sony has also included eight additional S-Frame models (models DPF-A710, DPF-D710, DPF-D810, DPF-D75, DPF-D820, DPF-D1010, DPF-D95, and DPF-D1020) to its line of digital photo frames, offering a range of options for consumers on any budget. The frames vary by screen size and internal memory, and range in price from about $70 to $150. Models including DPF-D820, DPF-D830 and DPF-D1020 are also compatible with Motion JPEG (AVI and MOV) files.
All the frames offer features such as slide show variations, an auto orientation sensor to detect if your frame has been placed horizontally or vertically, clock and calendar views, and index modes so you can preview several photos at once. You can also conserve energy by using the auto power on/off setting to program when you want the frame to turn on in the morning and off at night. Functions of the digital photo frame can be managed using the included remote controller.
Digital images can be loaded onto the internal memory of the digital photo frames from several types of media cards, including Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD and SDHC Memory Card, and MMC. Photos can also be transferred to the frames from a computer via a USB cable (optional). All models support JPEG and RAW (thumbnail preview) image file formats.
Pricing and Availability
The S-Frame DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100 and DPF-D830 digital photo frames will be available in November for about $250, $200 and $150, respectively, direct at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores around the country, and through the Sony Retailer Network nationwide. Pricing and availability for the additional models are as follows:
DPF-A710 - available in October for about $70
DPF-D710 - available in October for about $80
DPF-D810 - available in October for about $100
DPF-D75 - available now for about $100
DPF-D820 - available in October for about $120
DPF-D1010 - available in October for about $130
DPF-D95 - available now for about $140
DPF-D1020 - available in October for about $150
Olympus Releases New MFT Lenses and Black E-P2 Kits
August 31, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still, Digital Video
Olympus did not wait for Photokina today by revealing a new version of the E-P2. The Special Black EVF and Flash Editions includes either a black viewfinder or flash add-on. In both cases, they come with a unique black 17mm f2.8 pancake lens with the “F” logo from Olympus’ 1963 Pen F camera.
The two cameras are unchanged from the 12-megapixel, 720p-capable original and should ship in October at prices of 1,079 euros ($1,365) for the EVF model and 1,049 ($1,327) for the Flash version. North American releases hasn’t been given stated.
Accompanying the cameras are two Micro Four Thirds telephoto lenses to extend the reach of both Olympus’ cameras and any others using the mount system. A 40-150mm f4-5.6 lens is considered ideal for video as it covers typical distances while supplying a quick autofocus. Unlike the special E-P2s, the lens is intended for the US and will hit stores in November for $300, Europeans get it a month earlier for 329 euros.
The second lens, a 75-300m f4.8-6.7 lens, is a rare long-range telephoto for the format and also has fast autofocus. Black and silver versions will be available. It arrives in December for both Europe and the US and will cost 899 euros or $900
Canon EOS 60D has 1080P Video and Swivel Screen
August 25, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still, Digital Video
Kodak Gallery Releases New Holiday Products
August 24, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Kodak Gallery has announced the launch of new products and designs for back-to-school, end-of-summer and Grandparents Day.
For back-to-school, Kodak Gallery is offering new products to help students create a home away from home. Photo items such as school year calendars, personalized mousepads, creative collages, pen and pencil holders and fun photo magnets can decorate lockers, apartments or dorm rooms.
“We’re providing users with an easy transition from summer to fall with our unique photo gifts, cards and prints,” says Rachel Heit, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Kodak Gallery. “With new save-the-date cards and magnets, a calendar collage, and 30 new frames and contact cards, Kodak Gallery helps users create, upload and share summer memories that will last for years.”
With Kodak Gallery, you can upload and preserve photos of your summer vacation, precious family moments or quality time with friends. You can create Photo Books, photo cards or display special shots in archival frames, and slip into that vacation frame of mind anytime — at home, school or in the office.
Grandparents Day — September 12
Kodak recommends that you honor Grandparents Day with the perfect gift –a luxurious woven throw blanket featuring a high quality picture of their grandchild, grandchildren and family. The generous 50″ x 60″ sizing makes this throw perfect to display and use on a couch, bed or chair — or to keep grandma and grandpa warm during the winter months. Grandparents Day specialty photo gifts from Kodak Gallery include sterling silver jewelry, leather key chains, puzzles and playing cards.
Creating and uploading these photo gifts are a breeze, and with convenient access to Kodak Gallery products and services from any desktop and most mobile devices, users can create, share and upload in no time. You can enhance photos using Kodak Perfect Touch Technology and can assure exceptional Kodak quality in every order. New items are available now on the Kodak Gallery website. Check periodically for more products, added features, and special promotions throughout the late summer/early fall season.
Sony Debuts New DSLR Cameras
August 24, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still, Digital Video
Sony has introduced two new alpha cameras (models SLT-A55V and SLT-A33) that adopt Sony’s newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology.
Translucent Mirror Technology was developed to provide performance previously unattainable with traditional DSLR technology. Using the new technology, the a55 and a33 models can continuously and quickly focus (with TTL phase-detection) while shooting stills and recording video—even in full HD. They can shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second on the a55 (and up to seven on the a33.
Translucent Mirror Technology
Both cameras are equipped with a translucent mirror, which enables light passing through the lens to be simultaneously received by the image sensor and the auto focus sensor, allowing continuous shooting and continuous focusing at speeds never before possible. The a55 offers the world’s fastest 10 fps high-speed burst shooting with continuous AF (TTL phase-detection) in an interchangeable lens digital camera with APS-C sensor.
Because of its structure, the Translucent Mirror Technology does away with the motion of raising and lowering the mirror. The absence of the moving mirror mechanism contributes to making the whole body size significantly compact compared to traditional DSLR cameras.
By eliminating the need to raise and lower the mirror between shots, the technology makes it possible to achieve focusing while images are captured. Existing systems can only focus in the interval between image capture, limiting the ability to track fast moving subjects. The cameras also have continuous Advance Priority AE Mode and will automatically adjust for the best exposure to help you get the most professional looking results.
High-Speed Capture with Auto Focus
Additionally, a newly developed 15-point AF system assures ultra-fast, high precision focusing. The high-speed shooting with continuous Phase Detect AF tracks rapidly moving subjects accurately.
Creative Video Capture
The continuous phase detect AF also works in movie shooting for the first time in the world. The Translucent Mirror Technology also allows the a55 and a33 to be the first cameras to ever maintain continuous phase detection AF while recording Full HD AVCHD video. With fast, precise phase detection AF continually tracking subject movement, even fast action and subjects that move quickly towards or away from the camera are easy to keep in focus.
With a 16.2 megapixel (for the a55) and 14.2 megapixel (for the a33) Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, background defocusing effects can be easily captured. The APS-C sensor size is nearly 20 times larger than a traditional compact camcorders’ 1/2.88 type image sensor, providing more creative control.
Compatible with all A-mount lenses, video and photography enthusiasts alike can choose from macro to telephoto lenses to achieve their desired artistic effect.
Full-time Live View
Full-time Live View offers freestyle shooting versatility with fast, precise AF using either the viewfinder or LCD monitor. The a55 and a33 have a fully articulated 3-inch 921,600 Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology with 100 percent coverage.
The Tru-Finder eye-level viewfinder provides a combination of 100 percent coverage and 1.1x magnification for easy and natural framing. By combining Translucent Mirror and Tru-Finder technologies, a33 and a55 are the first interchangeable lens digital cameras to offer movie recording with the familiar eye-level shooting style – a significant advantage in fast moving and extreme lighting conditions (bright sunlight and low-light situations).
The variable angle tilt LCD is adjustable to accommodate shooting from low or high angles. The electronic view finder has a high-resolution effective 1.15 million dots conversion Xtra Fine LCD display, is bright and easy to see even in low light, has a selectable shooting parameter display and shows the effects of exposure and white balance adjustments.
Advanced Shooting Features
With an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ high-speed image processing engine and ultra-high ISO sensitivity (ISO 100-12,800), the a55 and a33 cameras offer advanced shooting features.
Auto HDR shoots and combines three frames into a single high dynamic range (HDR) photo with rich shadow and highlight detail. Multi frame NR shoots and combines six frames into a single photo, enabling smooth low-light imaging at half the noise level. Hand-held Twilight shoots and combines six frames into a single photo, suppressing blur to enable clear night-scene imaging without a tripod or flash.
3D Sweep Panorama technology creates two images from a single frame, enabling panoramic photos to be viewed in 3D on compatible 3D systems and other devices that support 3D technology. Using the a55 model, built-in GPS capability enables global positioning coordinates to be recorded along with the date and time. HDMI connectivity enables PhotoTV HD display of images on compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs.
AUTO+ (Advanced Auto) mode offers the same benefits as Auto mode and more, resulting in cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. The camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shots layering technology.
Pricing and Availability
The a55 and a33 cameras will cost about $750 and $650 (respectively) for the body only and about $850 and $750 (respectively) for the body and 18-55mm zoom lens. The a33 camera will be available in September and the a55 model will be available in October at Sony Style retail stores and at authorized dealers nationwide.
Adobe Ships Redesigned Photoshop Express Apps
August 24, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Cell Phones, Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Adobe has announced the immediate availability of Adobe Photoshop Express Editor, Photoshop Express Organizer, and Photoshop Express Uploader, a free set of integrated online apps for editing, organizing, syncing, and sharing photos. Available on Photoshop.com, these renamed and redesigned apps are faster and easier to use for uploading and organizing photos for easy access anywhere, applying quick fixes and fun effects, and sharing albums and slideshows online with family, friends, and colleagues.
“All of our customers, from high-end professionals to more casual photo enthusiasts, want to do more with their digital photos on the web and on different devices,” said Matt Domenici, director of product management for online and mobile digital imaging at Adobe. “We’ve redesigned our Photoshop Express online apps to make it easier and faster to work with photos online and then share them broadly. These online apps also integrate tightly with our recently released Photoshop Express apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices, so customers can truly interact with their photos anywhere they happen to be.”
Enhanced Capabilities in Photoshop Express
While registering for a free Photoshop.com account is a requirement for storing photos online, creating and sharing galleries and albums, the Photoshop Express Editor no longer requires registration, which means the online editor is available to anyone who visits Photoshop.com. The Editor also now supports the ability to upload directly from a hard drive, apply edits, filters and effects, and save the results back to the hard drive, without ever replacing the original.
Photoshop Express galleries have a fast-loading new layout and design, featuring many enhancements requested by customers. The new gallery design makes taglines, descriptions, and comments more visible, making it easier for people viewing a gallery to add and review comments. Sharing is also much easier with instant options for posting a gallery page to Facebook or Twitter. Visitors can also browse albums for the new single image presentation page where a new filmstrip viewing option and more comprehensive EXIF data display enrich the presentation.
The revised Organizer is faster and more streamlined, and also includes new slideshow functionality that’s more intuitive and customizable. Now users can quickly apply the new Midnight slideshow theme to an album and share a rich full-screen experience with friends, family, and colleagues. Additional presentation themes are available for purchase (North America only) and are easy to preview and try.
The Photoshop Express Uploader is a small client application that installs on the user’s desktop and streamlines uploading and syncing photos between their hard drives and Photoshop.com. The Uploader handles JPEG, PSD, and a wide variety of Camera RAW formats. Using the Uploader, any of the Photoshop Express for mobile apps, or the syncing functionality in Adobe Photoshop Elements, users never have to worry about backing up or having access to their images online anywhere they have an Internet connection.
Updates to Photoshop.com
With the release of the redesigned Photoshop Express apps, the Photoshop.com website introduces updated site navigation, so users have easier access to tutorials, product information, the online Photoshop Express tools, and their personal information, including their libraries, galleries, friends, and account information. Customers can even share other content on the site, such as tutorials they like, on Twitter and Facebook.
Photoshop Express 1.3 for Android Devices
Adobe also announced the free Photoshop Express 1.3 for Android devices. This new version now lets users play back videos from their Photoshop.com online library, even in slideshow mode, and share videos in email. The Facebook Photo Upload feature also includes several performance improvements.
The introduction of new and better camera capabilities in the latest versions of Android devices also increases the value of earlier Photoshop Express features such as Auto-upload. Once enabled, Auto-upload runs behind the scenes and automatically syncs photos taken with the user’s Android device camera to their Photoshop.com account. With Auto-upload, photos are always backed up, and even the newest ones are easily accessible from a personal computer, as well as a mobile phone.
This announcement follows closely on the release of the new iOS version of Photoshop Express with support for the iPad and iPhone. Combined, these updates further demonstrate Adobe’s commitment to bringing more digital imaging power to new devices. For more information, visit mobile.photoshop.com.
Availability
Adobe Photoshop Express Editor, Organizer, and Uploader apps are now available for free on Photoshop.com in English, German, and Japanese. Adobe Photoshop Express 1.3 for Android devices is available on the Android Marketplace. Visit www.photoshop.com to create or log into your account, try out the Photoshop Express online apps, or link to downloads of Photoshop Express for iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Kodak Releases New Socialized Digital Cam and Frame
August 24, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still
Eastman Kodak Company has introduced the new Kodak Easyshare M590 Digital Camera,designed to be the ultimate social networking accessory for people who love to share their pictures. With Kodak’s exclusive Share Button, consumers can tag pictures and videos directly on the camera for uploading to popular social networking sites including Fcebooka, Kodak Gallery, Flickr, Orkut, and YoutTube. Pictures can also be tagged to email and to send to any Kodak Pulse Digital Frame.
The new Kodak Easyshare M590 Digital Camera is the world’s thinnest 5X optical zoom digital camera. On top of its sleek, modern and stylish design, the camera also boasts other features including Kodak’s Face Recognition feature, and Kodak’s Smart Capture feature that helps them take better pictures automatically.
“We are thrilled to see how people have embraced Kodak’s Share Button as an easier way to share life’s moments with family and friends, in three simple steps,” said Phil Scott, Vice President of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices, Kodak. “With the new Kodak Easyshare M590 Digital Camera, we are continuing our commitment to bring to market innovative, intuitive and stylish products that make it fun and easy for today’s socially savvy crowd to share all their favorite moments.”
Kodak’s Share Button gives consumers the ability to share pictures to multiple destinations at once; when they connect the camera to their computer, their pictures are automatically sent to the tagged destinations, saving valuable time and effort.
Kodak M590 Digital Camera Features:
- Share Button for easy upload to Kodak Gallery, Facebook, Flickr, Orkut, and YouTube sites, as well as email
- World’s thinnest 5X optical zoom digital camera
- Built-in image stabilization
- Kodak’s Face Recognition feature
- Kodak’s Smart Capture feature
- 2.7-inch bright LCD with Kodak Color Science technology
- Li-Ion rechargeable batteries and in-camera charging
- HD picture and video capture
- Uses MICROSD/MICROSDHC Card
The Kodak Easyshare M590 Digital Camera will be available this fall for US $199.95 MSRP in silver, red, purple and blue at major retailers and Kodak.com.
New 10-inch Kodak PULSE Digital Frame
Kodak is also introducing a larger size for its popular and award-wining Kodak PULSE Digital Frame. The new 10-inch PULSE Digital Frame will be available this fall for US $199.95 MSRP at major retailers and Kodak.com. With all the features of Kodak’s current 7-inch PULSE Digital Frame, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a customizable email address, the 10-inch PULSE Frame is the perfect gift for the holiday season. The Kodak PULSE Digital Frame makes it easy for consumers to keep their frames fresh with new pictures and share with family and friends. Pictures can be emailed directly to the PULSE Frame from mobile phones, computers and any device with email capability. It also connects to FACEBOOK and Kodak Gallery photo albums, offers easy set-up with no software to install, and has an intuitive touchscreen interface.
Nikon D3100 is Coming - 1080p Video for $700
August 19, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still, Digital Video
Nikon has announced the D3100, a major revamp of its entry-level DSLR. It’s Nikon’s first mainstream model to shoot above 12 megapixels, at 14, and its first to shoot 1080p video. A new EXPEED 2 processor both improves image quality and switches on long requested video features, such as continuous autofocus and native recording in a more efficient H.264 instead of Motion JPEG.
The sensor itself has much improved quality and flips from the D3000’s CCD to a more advanced CMOS example. It now captures much more light with an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 and has an improved 11-point autofocusing system that covers noticeably more of the viewfinder area. It and the new processor have better object recognition and now support in-camera video editing.
The D3100 keeps features modest with a fixed three-inch LCD and a 3FPS continuous shooting mode. The guide mode remains intact, but photographers can now save photography profiles to shoot with familiar settings later.
The camera ships with Nikon’s familiar 18-55mm kit lens and will be available in mid-September for $700.
Canon’s New Higher-End Compact Cameras
August 19, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Digital Imaging, Digital Still, Digital Video
Canon has launched a trio of higher-end compact cameras.
PowerShot S95
The PowerShot S95 has a10-megapixel high sensitivity CCD and Hybrid IS from pro lenses that can compensate for angular and shifting shaking for more stable shots. It also has a multi-shot high dynamic range mode and finally adds 720p video with HDMI out to a high-end Canon PowerShot.
There is also 3.8X, f2.0 wide aperture lens, a pop-up flash and the option of shooting in RAW with a customizable command dial around the lens. Canon is planning a surprise quick launch and expects to have the S95 in stores by the end of this month for $400.
SD4500 IS
This camera touts a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor that can handle lower light and ultimately shoots faster. It can take continuous shots at up to 8.4FPS or slow-motion at 240FPS.
The SD4500 IS sheds Hybrid IS but gains a Dynamic IS mode that can correct shake even while moving in movie mode. Canon even claims a movie resolution advantage, as the compact is the first regular PowerShot to shoot at 1080p. While sporting a narrower aperture, it shoots a much longer-ranged 10X zoom.
Shipments of the SD4500 IS start slightly later, in early September, but will price it at $350.
SX130 IS
One long-zoom camera joins the mix in the SX130 IS. A direct replacement for the SX120, it reaches out further to 12X zoom with a denser 12-megapixel sensor. While it caps out at ISO 1,600, the camera can shoot video at 720p and is the first SX to have multiple advanced creative modes, such as a tilt-shift effect Minature mode or a fisheye lens effect.
The SX130 IS should be at the end of the month for $250.