First Panasonic GH2 picture

Finally we have the first image of the Panasonic GH2! The deisgn is closer to the current Panasonic G2 than the older Panasonic GH1.

The GH2 has following specs:
- 18 Megapixels multiscale sensor (16 effective Megapixels)
- 100-12.800 ISO (But I dont know how it takes the 12.800 ISO pictures)
- 1080i60 24Mbit/s AVCHD video recording
- The GH2 has one LSI with three cores (instead of current two cores of the GH1)
- Improved AF speed (0.099 second with the 14-140mm kit-lens)
- High-speed burst shooting of 5 fps with 16 MP
- Super high-speed burst shooting of 40 fps (lower resolution)
- Touch screen LCD
- announced 21 September at photokina
- (FT3)Two new sources just told us the camera has real 1080p60 output “masked” as 1080i60. This because AVCHD specification does not include 1080p60. You have to set it to 60p (manually) in Final Cut (or other editing software). This rumor has to be confirmed by our sources so take it with a grain of salt!

Via : 43rumors.com

HP V5020u camcorder does 1080p in style

HP's just outed a new camcorder, the 1080p loving V5020u. Among its other attractions, this camcorder boasts full HD 1080p video recording at a resolution up to 1920×1080, a built-in gyroscope for image stabilization, 10x digital zoom, a 5 megapixel sensor, a motion detector, a 2-inch LCD, and an SDHC slot for extra storage capacity. This bad boy, which we think is pretty good looking, will be available in October for $159.

Via : engadget.com, ChipChick

Contour announces 1080p ContourGPS helmetcam, lets friends locate your extreme exploits (video)

When it comes to the high-end helmetcam game, GoPro and Contour seem to have the market cornered. Contour was first to bring 1080p to your headgear of choice, and now it's the first to add GPS in to the mix. (GoBandit started talking about doing the same back in February, but we're still waiting on that to become a reality.) The $349 ContourGPS still offers the same video specs as the $279 ContourHD 1080p we reviewed this time last year, but now when sharing your videos you can also embed a real-time map view. Read on for more details, and a look at the UI.

Built on Google Maps, Contour will launch a ContourGPS community where users can upload videos. When embedded those videos will display the position, altitude, and speed next to the footage so that friends can find their way to the same bunny slope you were shredding with the nü metal backing track, or calculate just how long it took you to hit terminal velocity after taking that first big step out of a perfectly good airplane. GPS coordinates are captured at 1hz intervals -- too slow for perfectly accurate lap times at the track, but good enough for most outdoor pursuits.

Via : engadget.com

Panasonic announces AF105 Micro Four Thirds camcorder, interchangeable lenses not included

The splicing of video and stills cameras continues unabated today, as Panasonic has just outed a serious-looking piece of photographic hardware. The AF105 (AF100 in Europe) is the world's first camcorder to offer a Four Thirds-sized sensor and provides 1080/60i or 1080/30p AVCHD video recording skills, while matching up to the growing selection of glassware for the company's Micro Four Thirds mount. SDHC and SDXC storage cards are accepted and there's a note that "cinema" lenses can also be fitted on via an extra adapter. The price is set at ¥837,900 (about $9,960) and launch is expected this December.

Via : Panasonic, engadget

Nikon Coolpix S8100 gets 1080p video, S80 sprouts an OLED touchscreen

In addition to the intriguing new Coolpix P7000, Nikon also announced the Coolpix S8100 (pictured above) and S80 tonight -- sure, they're not the dramatic new models, but they're certainly respectable updates to the S8000 and S70. The S8100 actually learned one trick from the P7000: it's dropped the megapixel count to 12.1 from the S8000's 14.2 in order to improve light sensitivity -- it can now hit ISO 3200 natively, which isn't bad for a tiny cam with a 10x zoom. It's also got a new 1080p movie mode and a faster 10fps burst mode -- although we're told it can only burst five frames at a time, so that's not nearly as interesting. It'll hit later this month in a few colors for $299.

The S80 goes the other way, boosting the megapixel count to 14.1 from the S70's 12.1, and upping the 3.5-inch touchscreen to OLED. The touchscreen enables all the same snazzy tricks as on the new S1100pj, including the ability to draw right on your pictures, and and the 720p movie mode and 5x optical zoom are unchanged. It'll hit this fall in all sorts of colors for $329. Honestly, we're still not entirely sold on touchscreen controls for cameras to begin with, and on top of that we're definitely concerned that OLED will make a touchscreen camera virtually useless in daylight, but we'll wait to see this thing in person before we rain too hard on this parade. Check a pic of the S80 along with both press releases after the break.

Via : engadget.com

New Toshiba Pistol-Grip Camcorders Get Touchscreens

Toshiba has dropped a pair of new camcorders at IFA, both of the genus Pistolgrippus. The P20 is the chubbier of the two, though that’s not saying much, since the S30 is only 19mm thick. Once you’re past the point where these things slip into your jacket pocket, though, a millimeter here or there doesn’t really signify much. Good for them, though.

The P20 is the lower-end of the two, not being as thin and only shooting 5-megapixel photos, as opposed to the S30′s 8. Both, however, have 10x optical zooms packed into those tiny lenses. I believe they are also both 1080p like the more traditionally shaped H30. And they also both have nice 3-inch touchscreens.

Those differences don’t seem so important to me, and the fact is they’re not priced very far apart. It comes down to whether you like the form factor of the S30 more and are willing to pay a small premium for it. Right now only British pricing is available; the P20 will be £119 when it arrives in October, the S30 will be £139. That corresponds to ~$180 and ~$210, but US pricing may differ.

Via : crunchgear.com

Sony Releases New Bloggie Camcorders With Touchscreens: the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10

Sony added two more members to its line of ultracompact Bloggie camcorders with the release of the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10. The new Bloggies have the surname "Touch" because of the addition of a 3-inch touchscreen, which is the primary new feature on these models. In addition to the new touch-sensitive LCDs, the new Bloggies offer Full HD 1080p HD recording, built-in USB connectors, HDMI outputs, and 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensors. You can expect to see the Bloggie Touch models hitting the shelves in October of this year.

The Bloggie Touch camcorders have three HD video recording options—1080/30p, 720/60p, and 720/30p—but they have no standard definition record modes. There are also three photo size options on the camcorder, with the largest being the 12-megapixel setting. A new autofocus system on the camcorders allows for macro shooting up to 4 inches away from your subject, which is a much closer range than most ultracompact camcorders can accommodate.

Taking a page out of the design of the Flip line of camcorders, Sony did away with a memory card slot on the Bloggie Touch models. Instead, the camcorders either have 4GB (MHS-TS10) or 8GB (MHS-TS20) of internal flash memory. When shooting using the 720p setting, the 4GB MHS-TS10 should be able to capture 2 hours of video, while the 8GB MHS-TS20 can store up to 4 hours of video. Both camcorders also feature non-removable batteries and built-in USB connectors (no cable required).

Most intriguing is definitely the 3-inch touchscreen on the back of the Bloggie Touch models. This screen makes it possible for the camcorders to only include three actual buttons (power, photo, and video), while relying on the touch-interface for the rest of the controls. Ever since Flip released its SlideHD a few months ago it seems touchscreens have become all the rage on ultracompact models. JVC recently announced touchscreen versions of its Picsio line (the GC-WP10 and GC-FM2), as did Samsung with its new HMX-E10.

With the Bloggie Touch you can record video holding the camcorder either horizontally or vertically, and the video will fill up the entire screen either way (something that is not possible on the Flip SlideHD). Videos shot vertically, however, will appear with black bars on either side during playback. The LCD is also a capacitive touchscreen, which means you can use gestures like flicking and sliding for certain adjustments (to flip through videos during playback, to zoom, etc.).

Via : camcorderinfo.com

Sony introduce the Sony Bloggie Touch

It’s brilliantly easy to create Full HD video clips and still photos with the new Bloggie™ Touch from Sony. A radical evolution from first-generation Sony Bloggie™ models, the all-new HD snap camera boasts gorgeous looks with its slim, rounded body and finely brushed aluminium finish. It’s also the perfect ‘all-in-one’ solution for shooting and sharing life’s special moments, wherever you are.

Available in a choice of vibrant pink, silver and black finishes, the Bloggie Touch is a stylish partner for day-trips, weekend breaks or fun-filled nights out.

The camera’s cool, clean lines are dominated by a large, bright 7.6cm (3”) LCD touchscreen that gives a brilliant view of your photos and video clips. A sleek new user interface simplifies intuitive ‘touch and flick’ enjoyment of your clips and pictures.

Operation is equally straightforward. Just point and shoot to capture the moment: you can even grab still images while video recording continues uninterrupted.

The sensitive Exmor™ CMOS Sensor captures sparkling Full HD videos and crisply-detailed still photos. Picture quality is enhanced further by the bright, high quality lens with F2.8 maximum aperture for clear, low noise images – even when you’re shooting on an overcast day.

Bloggie™ Touch features a versatile autofocus lens with wide angle function. There’s also a new auto macro mode to focus sharply on objects as close as 10cm away. It’s ideal for snapping the menu of that unforgettable restaurant meal or a beautiful flower discovered on holiday.

Bloggie™ Touch also records amazing 360-degree panoramic videos and photos to capture everything that’s happening around you – just clip on the supplied lens adaptor. 360 videos are now twice the resolution of previous-generation Bloggie™, and low-light video quality is also improved thanks to the Exmor™ CMOS sensor. In addition to fun 360 Video, Bloggie Touch features “free-style shooting” which allows you to capture movie both in landscape and portrait.

Despite its slim, compact size, Bloggie Touch allows nearly 4 hours HD movie shooting time (1280 x 720/30p mode) on its 8GB internal memory. (Continuous maximum shooting time: approx. 29 mins).

After shooting, it’s never been easier to share your favourite photos and video clips on the web. Bloggie™ Touch connects instantly to any PC via its flip-out USB arm that also charges the camera’s battery. There are no fiddly cables or software CDs to worry about: hook up Bloggie™ Touch and the built-in sharing software launches automatically.

Simply drag and drop to upload your favourite moments without fuss to social networks and popular sites like YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. While you’re on the move, it’s easy to tag content with a new ‘Share-it-Later’ function for simple uploads when you’re next online.

Built-in Bloggie software also allows easy uploads to Personal Space, the brand-new online service from Sony for sharing content safely and securely. Once you’ve uploaded your pictures and clips from Bloggie™, just email invited members of your own sharing group with a link to your Personal Space. It’s easier and quicker than sending big file attachments via email. Viewing options are widened further by an HDMI port that connects Bloggie™ Touch to any HD television.

The new Bloggie™ Touch MHS-TS20K mobile HD snap camera from Sony will be available in November 2010.

Via : ephotozine.com

Panasonic Lumix LX5 vs Canon Powershot S95 – low light, size comparisons and other questions

Our recent article comparing the new Panasonic Lumix LX5 and Canon Powershot S95 high end cameras has resulted in us getting a fair bit of email, so we thought we’d post a follow up article answering some of the points raised.

Only for snappers?

Nick Wade commented:

"At the end of the day, these are all “happy-snappy” cameras. i.e., you can’t take them too seriously – despite the heavy price tags. The results are going to be pretty marginal in comparison. The Canon does sport RAW format which is a big plus though."

We disagree. The Lumix LX5 also supports RAW and both cameras are far from ‘happy snappy’ cameras – in the right hands, they’re extremely versatile tools capable of very high quality results – check out the Lumix LX3 and Canon S90 photo pools for examples of what their predecessors could achieve .

We’ve sold numerous photos taken on our long-serving Lumix LX3, and it’s proved a reliable and durable performer – in fact, when reviewing some of our photos we weren’t able to immediately tell if some were taken on our Nikon D300 dSLR or the LX3 without indulging in a bout of pixel-peeping.

That said, Nick is right to say that the difference in output from both the new Canon and the Lumix cameras will be marginal: with the two cameras packing similar, high quality components you’ll be unlikely to see any huge advantage either way.

Via : wirefresh.com

Weekly news roundup: Rumoured handset lineup for Windows Phone 7, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 review and more

Want to know what's been hot in the world of technology and gadgets this week? It's been an entertaining week in the world of technology a gadgets as stories flood in from all angles.

First up we have the news that Gaming downloads have overtaken the downloading of music and films as Ofcom reports on the state of play. Whilst slightly controversially we make note of possible Apple plans to take greater control over your iPhone device.

Phone and camera news is rife as we bring news of big releases from Sony as well as a First Look review of its A55 Digital Single Lens Translucent camera, along with reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. And we reveal a whole host of potential phone candidates for the Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system

Via : pocket-lint.com

Sony Alpha A580, A560 Leaked, Record 1080i Video

Sony’s camera department seems to be quite prone to leaks as of lately, as just now another two models have emerged and have been made available to the curiosity of the public eye – this time it’s a new pair of Alpha DSLR models, and they’re both looking like quite the tasty deals.

The new cameras are both successors to the Alpha A550, and their model names are A580 and A560. According to the leak, the first camera features a 16 megapixel sensor, while the latter is equipped with a 14 megapixel one. Both cameras can shoot in a wide 100-12,800 ISO range, and feature slots for Memory Stick and SD cards. The display is also looking interesting, as it can be tilted.

Also worth mentioning is that both models will feature 15 autofocus points, which is quite an improvement over the previous number of 8. They can also record video in a 1080i AVCHD mode, which makes them even more spectacular – we definitely can’t wait to see how much they’re going to cost.

Via : devicemag.com

Sony whets your appetite with Alpha A560 and A580 leaks

Sony's Alpha range of DSLRs have proven to be a success on their own so far, so it is refreshing to know that the consumer electronics giant is working on a couple more models to hit the market soon - namely, the A560 and A580.

The former will be a classic DSLR that will share many features with the A33, boasting a 14-megapixel sensor, an ISO range of 100 to 12800, the ability to record video in 1080i resolution, 15 AF points with some of them being cross-point, dual memory card slots and a swiveling display.

How does the A580 fare? Well, it does better in the megapixel count at 16-megapixels, but then again do bear in mind that a higher figure does not automatically translate to better looking images. One can only wait until Sony releases an official statement on either camera.

Via : ubergizmo.com

Panasonic HDC-SDX1 HD Budget Camcorder and Web Camera

Panasonic's HDC-SDX1 HD Camcorder packs full HD video capability with advanced features like image stabilization, but is light and compact enough to be used as a webcam.

Weighing just under 0.41 lbs, it features a new 35.8mm (35 mm equivalent) Wide-Angle Lens with 23x zoom, and optical and electrical hand-shake reduction.

It's flip out 2.7 inch LCD monitor features touch screen operation.

It has full-HD AVCHD recording capabilities with 1920 x 1080 image quality

Other features include Face Recognition, AF/AE Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Intelligent Contrast Control.

Face Recognition finds the registered faces of subjects and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure, while continuously tracking them as they move around within the LCD frame.

The SDX1 features a 3.32 megapixels, 1/4.1" MOS sensor.

In addition to being a camcorder, the SDX1 also serves as a Web camera and microphone, allowing for users to connect with online video chat programs, such as Skype, and make video calls over the Internet.

The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 will be available in black in September 2010 with a suggested retail price of $499.95.

Buy @ sawfnews.com

Makes Shooting with the SONY Digital Camera DCRDVD605

A range of easy-to-use features makes shooting with the DCRDVD605 a pleasure. Recording direct to DVD makes sharing your memories so easy to share with family and friends. Choose from a wider range of DVD formats, including DVD+RW for immediate playback. Features such as Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization compensates for camera "shake" and makes it easy to record smoother video. Read More Details
It's also easy to capture distant objects with 20x optical zoom and 800x digital zoom. The 2.5" Touch Screen LCD provides image clarity and easily rotates to give you the best possible viewing angle. The additional Start/Stop and Zoom controls on the LCD panel ensures that filming at any angle is a breeze. Easily organise and edit your videos, or burn multiple 8cm DVD's to a 12cm DVD. Read More Details

The high performance 3CCD Canon XM2

The high performance 3CCD DV camera with 20x zoom for advanced movie making.

• Advanced 3CCD camera system with Super Pixel Shift delivering exceptional image quality
• High magnification Canon L-series 20x fluorite zoom lens for outstanding resolution and colour
• Professional level manual audio control, gain control, zebra pattern and colour bar
• High quality 1.68 Megapixel still image capture, removable memory card and USB interface

The silver body and fixed microphone are features of a general consumer level camera, the thick view finder which doesnt seem to be in a 16:9 aspect ration either is consistent with canons bulky plastic toy like designs. The 1.6Megapix still camera is far from impressive when a basic mobile phone will now do over 5Meg pictures, hopefully the large lens will compensate for some quality. Read More Details.

Digital Camcoder Canon MVX3i Camera Mini

The MVX3i is powerful yet simple to use. Featuring a 2.2 megapixel CCD, RGB Colour Filter and DiG!C DV signal processing the MVX3i produces both high quality stills and video. A 10x Canon zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer ensures recordings are both sharp and shake free even when using the full power of the zoom lens. View Details Review

• Powerful 2.2 megapixel DV camera with advanced features and 3.5 inch LCD screen
• 2.2 megapixel CCD and DiG!C DV signal processing for outstanding still and video image quality
• High performance Canon 10x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
• Advanced multimedia features including USB interface, SD memory card and Direct Print

Mini Magic Digital Digital Camcoder 2010

Its also a Digital Camera so you can use it to take holiday snaps or record like a normal video recorder - its up to you!You can also use the Mini Magic as a PC camera and as a digital voice recorder too! Video Camera.
Now you will never miss out on capturing a special moment because your Mini Magic Digital Cam Corder will always be close by and its so easy to use.The Mini Magic Cam Corder is so much more than a Digital Cam Corder.
The 4 mega Pixel Mini Magic Digital Cam Corder gives you an all in one Video Camera & Digital Camera that’ s remarkably affordable and fits in the palm of your hand!Because the Mini Magic Digital Cam Corder is so small you really can take it anywhere with you because it literally just pops into your pocket, handbag or glove box in your car.

You can also use the Mini Magic as a PC camera and as a digital voice recorder too!

• Video Camera
• Digital Camera
• PC camera
• Digital voice recorder
• 4 mega Pixel
• Fits in the palm of your hand
• Lightweight
• Runs on standard batteries
• Totally portable. View Details Review