LEICA V-LUX 20 has been announced. It’s a 12.1 megapixel camera with a 12x optical zoom lens and built-in GPS tagging (it is the first Leica to feature GPS tagging). It comes with the integrated LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMAR 4.1-49.2mm f/3.3-4.9 ASPH. zoom lens with a focal range of 25-300mm (35mm equivalent). New Leica features 1/2.33” CCD sensor, 3” TFT LCD, 460,800 pixels LCD display (100% field of view), mini HDMI output, 895 mAh battery (300 pictures according to CIPA standards) and enables 720p movie recording at 60 fps. V-LUX 20 will be available from May for $699.
The T2i (EOS 550D outside the US) is a new flagship model for the Canon Rebel DSLR line that bridges the gap between an entry-level camera and a true prosumer camera. It includes a variety of new features, including: 3.7 fps continuous shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System (intelligent Evaluative metering with finer segmentation), and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. It comes with Full HD 1080p 30 fps video and 18-megapixel still images (CMOS), 3-inch LCD monitor (1.04 million dots, wide 3:2 aspect ratio), HDMI video-out, expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation, an external stereo microphone jack and support for SDXC memory cards. It is compatible with Canon’s BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture. The T2i is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. in early March, and will be sold for $799.99 (body only) or for $899.99 in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens.
Unveiled at CES, Ion’s Twin Video is the world’s first video recorder with front and back lenses. This means anyone can capture themselves and what they are seeing at the same time on one device. The front and rear lenses can be controlled independently. While recording, Twin enables us to select and swap which picture is being recorded, split the screen to view both video feeds and even inlay picture in picture to create exactly the desired effect. This compact, web-friendly device makes vlogging, or video blogging, easy thanks to a few live editing features, has two stereo mics and records onto a standard SD or SDHC. No word on pricing; coming Q2 2010.
Joby, a company known for its Gorillapods flexible tripods, launched a new app for iPhone 3G/ 3GS that enhances the iPhone’s camera functionality. Gorillacam features self-timer (includes audible countdown notification), continuous rapid-fire (up to 1.6 photos per second), 3-shot burst (three quick photographs with one tap), grid overlay and bubble level. Auto-save lets you keep shooting while your photos save in the background and time-lapse takes multiple photos spaced at an interval. Press anywhere turns the whole screen into the shutter button. You can also share photos without ever leaving the app. Gorillacam comes with a bunch of helpful tips on how to take better shots with the iPhone. It’s already available on App Store for free.
Compring to already available on the U.S. market EX-FS10, Casio Exilim EX-FS10S has an additional function that helps golfers evaluate their swing by showing golf swing lines. The camera has built-in software that analyzes your posture and improves your swing by helping you to improve the placement of your elbows, arms, or head. TheEX-FS10S has the capability of burst shooting at up to 1000 fps, 410 fps, 210 fps, and 30 fps modes (hi-speed movies), 9.1MP sensor and will be available in Japan from 26th November at $380.
Ricoh finally unveiled its first digital system camera, the GRX. It’s an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. The lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.
There are two units available: GR Lens A12 50 mm f/2,5 Macro with 23.6 mm×15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS, 12 MP sensor and RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC with10 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor. The body comes with HD 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD display, built-in flash and accessory shoe, HDMI connector and optional electronic viewfinder. Prices: $549 for the body, $830 for A12 50 mm unit and $440 for S10 24-72 mm unit. Electronic viewfinder will cost you $257.
Less than six months after launching E-P1, Olympus released the E-P2 with even more power! New PEN is the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization.
This time Olympus additionally offers a stylish retro black metal body reminiscent of a traditional PEN camera, accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1, a Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System, two new art filters – Diorama & Cross Process, fullmanual control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode and HDMI control of camera’s playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV. Unfortunately, the built-in flash lamp is still missing.
The E-P2 comes with either the small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent) and will be available in December for – watch out! – $1099.99.
New Vivitar camcorder features Infrared Night Vision – night-shooting mode (640×480 VGA, 30 fps) and is waterproof down to 16 feet. That’s already pretty much for $50! But 150 also has 8x digital zoom, 1.8″ TFT LCD, 2 GB NAND built-in memory (expandable via an SD spot), USB 2.0, TV Out (NTSC/PAL), webcam mode and comes in five different colours.
Samsung has finally announced long-expected world’s first phone with 12MP camera and optical zoom – the SCH-W880 (also called AMOLED 12M). Although we’re not sure whether it’s a cellphone with a great camera or a compact camera with mediocre phone functionality, it’s certain that ‘the device’ comes with 4000 x 3000 pixels sensor, 3x optical zoom, dual Xenon and LED flash, dedicated hardware buttons to control shooting mode, shutter and zoom, 720p video recording at 30fps, 800 x 480 3.3-inch AMOLED WGA screen and 4GB internal memory. It also supports face detection, touch auto focus and image stabilization. Smart Auto function will automatically select the scene according to environment. It doesn’t have WI-FI and GPS but rumors say Samsung will incorporate this features into M8920 – the international version of ALOLED 12M.
SCH-W880 is expected to hit the Korean retail shelves in October this year.
Earlier introduced at PHOTOKINA 2008, Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D camera has been just announced to be launched in Europe and US in September at the price of $600. Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D promises to be the world’s first compact digital camera snapping stills in three dimensions. Fuji‘s 10-megapixel shooter employs two lenses, spaced about the same distance apart as human eyes, which allow for the taking of simultaneous photos of the same scene from different angles. This is how 3D becomes real. To view the images properly you will need special stereoscopic LCD photo frame or will have to print the photos on a special paper with a clear plastic overlay that acts as a kind of 3-D lens. Fujifilm plans to launch an online service that will make 3-D prints for consumers.
Less than six months after launching E-P1, Olympus released the E-P2 with even more power! New PEN is the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization.
