Cameras

Samsung adds facial recognition to compact cameras

Face detection technology has been around for a while on digital compact cameras. The technology can determine if there are faces in a particular scene and adjusts the focal point so that the face takes focus priority over the rest of the composition.

Samsung are taking this technology a little further though with their new ST10 which includes facial recognition where the can actually recognise the people you are taking photos of and, taking a crowd scene for example, will prioritise focus on those people you know rather than those that you don’t!

I’m a big fan of face recognition and have used the Riya service for a while as a way to index family photos. I hope that software provided with the ST10 will go as far as this. I hope to get the chance to check it out soon.

Samsung, is breaking new ground with the launch of the world’s first digital camera to feature face recognition and highly responsive Haptic Interface integrated into a 3.0” hVGA Touch Screen – giving physical feedback and feel for greater control over the camera’s functions.

The ST10 is packed with advanced technology and a host of cutting edge functions, including an in-built PMP (Personal Multimedia Player) with integrated MP3 player and Digital Image Stabilization, providing outstanding sharp images.

Face Recognition Technology

The 9 mega pixel ST10 takes Samsung’s Face Recognition technology to a new level – it’s the first camera that actually recognizes the people you’re taking photos of. Face Recognition prioritizes friends, family and those you photograph most; in smile shutter mode the camera only takes a photo when a recognized person smiles and, in blink shutter mode, photos are automatically retaken when a recognized person blinks. What’s more, the camera automatically classifies photos according to the most recognized faces, helping you instantly create a slide show of your closest friends and family.

Smart Scene Recognition

The ST10 also introduces Samsung’s new "Smart Scene Recognition" technology with 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, and Macro Colour helping people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. You can also use these settings when sorting through your photos – making it quick and easy to find all the portrait, outdoor or macro images you’ve taken.

Angle/Composition Guide

The Angle/Composition Guide setting on the new ST10 means you no longer need rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for those perfect holiday snaps. When you use the setting, the camera takes a ghost picture of your desired shot and displays a template when you pass the camera over to someone else – ensuring they take the picture you want them to take with you in it.

Digital Contents Management

The ST10 features a new Digital Contents Management system (DCM); a contents management program within the camera itself that significantly reduces the time it takes to find a photo – meaning it’s quick and easy to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour or themes.

The ST10, priced at £179 (TBC), is available in various colours and will be available from leading high street and online retailers from February 2009. All Samsung Cameras include a two year warranty. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamera.co.uk

Posted by: Matt

RICOH Announces the new GX200

In a press releases we received yesterday Ricoh announced their new high-end digital compact camera, the Ricoh GX200.

The Ricoh GX200

We should be getting our hands on a review sample within the next week or so and naturally we’ll be talking about the GX200 more when we do. For now, here’s the Ricoh press release:

A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III

Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007.
The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm ?lm equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic view?nder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III.
Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further con?gured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution.
With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs.
This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic view?nder.

*The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera.

Main features of the new Ricoh GX200

1.    Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and
continuous RAW mode capture.
•    An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution.
•    The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacri?cing resolution or saturation.
•    High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*.
•    *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous con?guration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal con?guration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit.

2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD.
•    The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced.
3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically
level.
•    If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible.
•    It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting.
•    The electronic level can also be utilized while using the view?nder.

4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability.
•    Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to ?ve images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode.
•    The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for de?ning your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.)
•    There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity.
•    The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both.
•    The ?ash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual ?ash function in which intensity can be set, and a ?ash synchro setting where ?ash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“
•    An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display.
•    Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark.
•    There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens.
•    When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure.

5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera.
(1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation).
•    By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera.
(2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation).
•    Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram.
(3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities.
•    Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be de?ned on a ?ve-level scale.
•    Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible.

6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use.
•    Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement.
•    135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible.
When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100.

7. Removable electronic view?nder can be attached.
•    A removable and tiltable electronic view?nder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT).
•    The ?eld of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display.
•    It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional ?lm camera style.

Posted by: Matt

The Samsung 3 – New Camera’s, New Features

Samsung today announced the release of 3 new camera’s to their catalogue. Here is the press release.

From Left to Right we have the NV100HD, L310W & NV9

Get Picture Perfect with Samsung Cameras

– Never suffer with bad skin or frowning photos again –

23 September 2008 – Samsung Cameras has come to the rescue for all those times when you’re not looking your best in a photo. With social networking sites such as Facebook meaning the world can see your party poses, looking your best in photos has never been so important. Luckily, Samsung’s new and unique Perfect Portrait System means you’ll never have to suffer from the shame of an embarrassing photo again.

If blotchy, uneven skin tone has you hiding and ‘de-tagging’ your photos in embarrassment, Samsung’s clever “Beauty Shot” function allows you to retouch facial skin for a brighter, smoother skin tone. So if you’re having a ‘bad spot day’ you can rest safe in the knowledge that retouching is no longer just a treat for A-list stars.

There’s nothing worse than taking a photo before anyone’s smiling, unless of course you’re aiming for that killer Posh Spice pout. With Samsung’s “Smile Shot” function, the camera automatically takes the photo when it detects smiles. With a great smile and perfect skin sorted, your photos should be looking great – now it’s up to you to find the perfect pose!

The Samsung Perfect Portrait System is available on the L310W, NV9 and NV100HD and is a great addition to the existing features offered by Samsung’s camera range. The L310W is priced at £199, the NV9 is priced at £179 and the NV100HD is priced at £229. All three will be available on the high street nationwide and online retailers from September 2008. All Samsung cameras include a two year warranty. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamera.co.uk

So lets start with the NV100H. The NV100HD features touch-screen technology for intuitive navigation, and HD capability for high definition images and videos. Stats include a 14.7 MP, 3.6x Optical Zoom & a 3.0" hVGA Touch Screen.

Lets look at it in more detail:

• 28mm Wide Schneider Kreuznach Lens
• High Definition (HD)
• Smart Touch 2.0
• Dual Image Stabilisation
• DRIM
• Face Detection
• Red-Eye Fix
• Blink Detection
• Beauty Shot
• Smile Detection
• Scene Mode
• Auto Contrast Balance
• Photo Help Guide
• Li-on Battery, in camera charging system
• Recycle Bin
• Function Description
• Multi Slide Show

Next up we have the L310W with 13.6 megapixels, 28mm wide angle lens, 3.6x Optical Zoom, 2.7" Screen and a host of other quality-driven features.

In detail these features are:

Posted by: John

Sony makes the Alpha A900 official

In a press release received just moments ago Sony have finally made their latest and greatest DSLR, the Alpha A900, official.

The Alpha A900 looks like an awesome piece of kit with an astonishing 24.6 Megapixel full-frame sensor!

No indication of cost at the moment but I suspect that, with this kind of specification, it will compete with the Canon EOS-1DSIII. Naturally I an hoping to get my hands on one to review but I suspect there might be a long waiting list! Watch this space.

Sony Alpha A900 DSLR front view (click image to enlarge)

Sony Alpha A900 DSLR back view (click image to enlarge)

Sony press release:

Sony Introduces Alpha A900 the World’s First Full-Frame 24.6 Megapixel DSLR: A900 Delivers the Unmatched Image Quality, Creative Expression and Performance Demanded by Professional Photographers

• Superlative, detail-packed images from full-frame 24.6 effective megapixel CMOS sensor Exmor™
• Bright optical glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Enhanced SteadyShot INSIDE™ offers up to 4.0 steps anti-shake performance with Alpha lenses
• Ultra-sharp shooting responses and flawless, low-noise images from dual BIONZ™ image processor
• Review images on High Resolution 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD
• Fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF with 10 focus assist points
• 5fps continuous shooting at full resolution 24.6 megapixels

The A900 digital SLR from Sony sets a new benchmark for serious photo enthusiasts who demand the unrivalled quality and creative possibilities of full-frame imaging.

The flagship of the Alpha digital SLR camera range features the industry’s first ever 24.6 effective megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Developed by Sony, this groundbreaking sensor’s ultra-high pixel count and large size — equivalent to a 35mm film frame — deliver extraordinary image detail and wide dynamic range.

The new-generation sensor captures flawless images with unprecedented fidelity, characterised by vibrant colours, ultra-real textures and subtle tonal gradations. Complementing the extremely high native resolution of the sensor, Exmor™ performs on-chip analogue/digital (A/D) signal conversion and two-stage noise reduction. This guarantees ultra-low noise image files that take advantage of the superb resolving power of high-precision Alpha lenses.

Realising the immense creative potential of the 24.6 megapixel full-frame sensor, the new advanced dual BIONZ™ processors handle massive amounts of image data at extremely high speed. Powerful noise reduction algorithms are applied prior to RAW data conversion and then again during image processing, yielding flawless, detail packed images with an absolute minimum of noise. The dual BIONZ™ processors also underpin the camera’s razor-sharp shooting responses, allowing sustained 5fps continuous shooting at full 24.6 megapixel resolution.

Serious photo enthusiasts will appreciate the ground-glass optical pentaprism viewfinder that offers exceptional brightness and a field of view covering 100% of the full-frame sensor’s imaging area (approx.).

The camera’s uncompromising credentials are underlined by a fast, high-accuracy 9-point AF system to ensure fewer missed shots. It’s supplemented by 10 focus assist points to assist subject detection, improved out-of-focus detection to reduce focus hunting and a dedicated F2.8 sensor for enhanced AF accuracy with wide aperture lenses.

The A900 digital SLR camera is also the world’s first full-frame camera to feature SteadyShot INSIDE™. This enhanced in-body optical stabilisation system delivers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with all compatible lenses*, opening up even greater creative possibilities when shooting handheld.

Shots can be evaluated critically on the 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD with an exceptionally high resolution (921k dot) that offers sharp, clear viewing — even outdoors or in bright a mbient light. There’s a wide choice of index view options to simplify best-shot selection, plus a full-featured RGB histogram and shooting information display.

At the touch of a button, the LCD display switches to Quick Navi mode, allowing rapid on-the-fly adjustment of camera settings without disturbing your creative workflow.

A new Intelligent Preview function simulates the effect of White Balance, D-Range Optimiser and exposure level on the LCD screen without actually taking a picture. By simple confirmation on the camera, all the new settings are applied to take the next picture. This simplifies precise control over the final image in complex setups.

Shots can also be viewed on a connected HD television. PhotoTV HD mode provides optimised still image viewing with breathtaking clarity and lifelike colours on compatible BRAVIA™ televisions. The HDMI terminal also give access to HD picture viewing on any compatible TV.

Built for years of unstinting service in challenging environments, the A900 digital SLR camera is ruggedly constructed from a high-tensile aluminium chassis with magnesium alloy body panels. Viewfinder, card slots, controls and other sensitive areas are protected from dust and moisture by rubber seals for worry-free shooting. The inside of the camera is also protected by an anti-dust system that safeguards the full-frame sensor from the effects of dust entering the body during lens exchange.

Allowing stable, comfortable handling in portrait or landscape orientations, the optional VG-C90AM Vertical Grip holds up to two high-capacity batteries for extended shooting time and all the major controls are available in vertical holding for easy operation. The grip has also been designed in the same high quality material as the A900 with magnesium alloy and rubber parts.

There’s now a wide range of compatible alpha lenses to fully realise the incredible imaging potential of the camera’s full-frame sensor.

The choice of premium G series optics by Sony is joined by the high-power 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM telephoto, featuring a High-torque Super Sonic wave Motor for fast, silent AF operation.

Also from Carl Zeiss, the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is a fast, high-performance wide angle zoom that’s ideal for interiors, landscapes and challenging photo-reportage applications.

Posted by: Matt

Wikio Universal RSS button makes RSS easy

OK So we’ve been working with the team over at Wikio to get ourselves a new fancy RSS button for the site. The Wikio Universal RSS button is simple to use and you can get one for your site too. If you want to let your readers subscribe to your blog with their personal choice of RSS reader then this is for you.

You simply need to follow this step by step guide in getting your own Wikio RSS button.

• Get yourself over to http://www.wikio.co.uk/tools/universalsubscription

• Enter the URL of the page you want the RSS Button for in the area as shown below

• Choose your button type and grab the code presented to you in the box beneath (see screen shot) and get it to your site.

The general idea is that this button will allow you to put just one single RSS button on your blog. Clicking on this button will then enable your readers to subscribe to your blogg via the RSS feed using the RSS service of their choice, and it thus means you no longer have to display a long list of various RSS services and their corresponding buttons.

Clicking on the button once it’s been installed on your site should open a new page containing a selection of the most popular RSS subscription buttons.

See, it’s that simple……. enjoy!

Posted by: John

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, RSS, wikio, Treo 850, Tracy & Matt]

Sony announces Cybershot T77 and T700

Sony today announced two new models for their Cyber-shot range, the DSC-T77 and DSC-T700. Both look like exceptionally slim and well-spec’ed cameras, the T77 being the worlds world’s slimmest camera with 4x optical zoom. I hope to have my hands on one for review shortly!

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T77

Slim and Stylish: The DSC-T77

• — Super-slim, beautiful design with choice of five fashion colours
• — 10.1 effective megapixels
• — Smile Shutter automatically captures smiling faces
• — Beautiful portraits with Face Detection and Anti-blink technology
• — Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
• — Optical SteadyShot for crisper, clearer photos
• — Stunning 3" touchscreen LCD
• — Intelligent Scene Recognition with new Portrait mode

Photo Album in your pocket: The DSC-T700

• — Slim, beautiful design with choice of five fashion colours
• — 10.1 effective megapixels
• — 4GB internal memory, stores up to 40,000 photos
• — Powerful album functions to store, organise and share your photos
• — Smile Shutter automatically captures smiling faces
• — Beautiful portraits with Face Detection and Anti-blink technology
• — Enjoy your images on the Extra-large 3.5" touchscreen LCD
• — Easy web upload for sharing images on social networking sites

Two gorgeous new T-Series Cyber-shot™ cameras from Sony are bursting with amazing features to help you take great pictures. Slim, colourful and easy to carry, they’re the perfect partner for any occasion, from fun-filled nights out to holidays, parties and family moments.

Cyber-shot™ T77: World’s slimmest camera with 4x optical zoom

The breathtaking Cyber-shot™ T77 proves that less really is more when it comes to beautiful pictures. Just 15mm thin (13.9mm at thinnest point), the stunningly styled T77 won’t spoil the lines of a jacket or shirt pocket. It’s available in a range of five mouth watering colours including black, silver, pink, green and brown.

Sleek, chic looks are accentuated further by the big, beautiful 3-inch touchscreen LCD. All functions are controlled with a touch of the screen, cutting down on fiddly controls while giving you a widescreen view of your pictures.

Inside its super-svelte lines, the Cyber-shot™ T77 is crammed with smart Sony technology to help you shoot, share and enjoy better-looking pictures. There’s a crisp, clear Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens to ensure peerless image quality, with a powerful 4x optical zoom range for detail-packed close-ups. Additionally, the T77 is the thinnest Cyber-shot™ ever to feature a powerful 4x optical zoom range for detail-packed close-ups.

Now even easier to use, Smile Shutter lets you capture more happy moments. Just select Smile Shutter mode and aim the camera: the Cyber-shot™ T77 automatically fires the shutter when someone smiles. Face Detection has also been improved for even better results, allowing you to prioritise children or adults for natural portraits with spot-on skin tones, exposure and focus.

Brand new ‘Anti-blink’ technology cuts the risk of closed eyes spoiling portraits of friends and family. Portrait Mode shoots two images in quick succession, automatically throwing away pictures where the subject’s eyes are closed.

Intelligent Scene Recognition has been further refined. Now it will automatically adjust settings for great results over an even wider range of common shooting situations like portraits, landscapes and close-up macro pictures.

Complementing the powerful BIONZ processor, High Sensitivity (maximum ISO 3200) and Clear RAW Noise Reduction help to ensure beautifully natural results indoors or at dusk without the help of flash. There’s also a Dynamic Range Optimiser (DRO) that ensures a better balance between bright highlights and deep shadows. It’s great in tricky situations like taking portraits against the sun. After shooting, bring all your memories back to life as a slideshow with music soundtrack. If you want an even bigger picture, just connect the T77 to your HD television for spectacular results in your living room.

Also available, the genuine leather soft LCS-THP carry case protects your Cyber-shot™ from dust and scratches.

Key technical specifications

                     Cyber-shot™ T77           Cyber-shot™ T700

Effective megapixels   10.1 effective megapixels  10.1 effective megapixels

Image processor        BIONZ processor with       BIONZ processor with
                       Dynamic Range Optimiser    Dynamic Range Optimiser

Image sensor           Super HAD CCD              Super HAD CCD

Internal memory        15MB                       4GB stores up to
                                                  40,000 photos

Shooting modes         Intelligent Scene          Intelligent Scene
                       Recognition with new       Recognition with new
                       Portrait, Landscape and    Portrait, Landscape and
                       Macro modes                Macro modes

Lens                   Carl Zeiss 4x optical      Carl Zeiss 4x optical
                       zoom lens                  zoom lens

Display                3.0-inch Clear Photo       3.5-inch (921K dot)
                       Plus touchscreen LCD       Xtra Fine wide
                                                  touchscreen LCD

Image stabilisation
system                 Dual anti-blur with        Dual anti-blur with
                       Optical SteadyShot and     Optical SteadyShot and
                       High Sensitivity           High Sensitivity

                       (ISO 3200)                 (ISO 3200)

Smile Shutter          Smile Shutter with         Smile Shutter with
                       selectable Adult/          selectable Adult/
                       Child priority             Child priority

Face Detection         Face Detection with        Face Detection with
                       selectable Adult/          selectable Adult/
                       Child priority             Child priority

Additional features    Portrait mode with         Powerful album functions
                       Anti-blink technology      to store, organise and
                                                  share your photos

                       Easy image management      Album mode with automatic
                       with folder, date,         indexing
                       favourite and event views

                       Image search by            Easy image management
                       faces (People/Children/    with folder, date,
                       Infants/Smiles)            favourite and event
                                                  views

                       HD Slideshow with          Image search by
                       Photomusic                 faces (People/Children/
                                                  Infants/Smiles)

                       HD output with PhotoTV HD  Easy web upload for
                       (requires compatible       sharing images on social
                       television)                networking sites

                       Fun in-camera image        HD Slideshow with
                       retouching                 Photomusic

                                                  HD output with PhotoTV HD
                                                  (require compatible
                                                  television)

                                                  Fun in-camera image
                                                  Retouching

Posted by: Matt

Sony HDR-TG3E Handycam answers

Ater posting my Sony HDR-TG3E Handycam unboxing video a few days ago I received a large number of questions about the camera so I thought I would put all the answers in one place along with a few sample images and videos that you’ve been asking for.

The TG3 records videos in AVCHD format on to an MSPro Duo card. At its highest, 1920x1080i, setting you can record around 40 minutes of video on a 4GB card.

The TG3 can record in 720p mode.

When shooting stills the highest resultion is 4MP for 4:3 format and 3MP for 16:9

‘Steady shot’ mode is included.

According to my contact at Sony, who supplied the demo unit, they have yet to fix the retail price of the TG3. They are expecting to do that this week but say that they anticipate that it will be around the £600 mark.

The TG3 should be released in the UK on the 1st May 2008

You can see the full spec. of the TG3 on the Sony website here.

A few still photos taken with the TG3: Sample 1 and Sample 2

You can also download the raw MTS file from here. The video was recorded at the highest quality setting and is straight from the camera.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone news, Pocket PC news, Tracy & Matt, Handycam HDR-TG3E, camcorder]

Sony announces the worlds smallest HD Camcorder

Today Sony officially unveiled their new HD camcorder, the Handycam HDR-TG3E. At the moment the TG3E is the worlds smallest HD camcorder. Furthermore it has a pure titanium body, another worlds first, and some excellent features such as intelligent facial detection and BIONZ image processor.

You may well think that in order to come up with a compact design there must be a trade off somewhere but looking at the specification that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Sony Handycam HDR-TG3E

Take a look at some of the info from Sony below:

Now there’s no excuse for leaving your camcorder behind when you could catch the moment in sparkling HD. Sony’s sensationally styled Handycam® HDR-TG3E is your perfect partner for nights out or weekends away. What’s more, it’s tough enough to keep up with today’s active lifestyles – whether you’re on the piste or paragliding.

Great for city breaks when you don’t want to be weighed down, the TG3E slips effortlessly into a purse, bag or jacket pocket. Little bigger than your mobile phone, it’s the smallest, slimmest, lightest camcorder* ever to feature 1920×1080 Full HD recording with crisp 5.1ch surround sound.

It’s also the world’s first camcorder that features a body using pure titanium – a material that’s 40% lighter than steel and twice as strong as aluminium. The tough titanium shell is finished with a Premium Hard Coating. This extra-strong protective layer shrugs off everyday scratches – from active sports or hectic holidays – ensuring the HDR TG3E keeps its high-fashion looks for longer.

The stylish new Handycam® has been created around the design concept of ‘My HD to Go’ – a pocket-sized Full HD camcorder that’s small enough to carry at all times for capturing great movie moments. Its ultra-compact size, chic looks and tough finish makes the TG3E ideal for any situation, from family breaks to the smartest party.

The camcorder’s elegant, pared down lines are complemented by easy, intuitive operation via the LCD touchscreen. Record, Movie/photo mode and zoom can all be accessed via a conveniently-placed thumb lever and buttons. With ‘Quick On’ mode activated, the TG3E is ready for action within a second of flipping open the bright, clear 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus touch panel.

Recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo media (4GB Memory Stick supplied) means there’s no need to carry bulky tapes or discs if you’re out for the evening or spending a weekend away and want to capture your favourite moments. An optional 16GB Memory Stick records up to 5 hours 55min of full HD movies (LP mode).

Despite its tiny dimensions, the Handycam® TG3E makes no compromises on recording beautiful, detail-packed Full HD images. Sensitivity and low-noise performance are assured by the ClearVid CMOS Sensor that features Exmor™ derived from technology found in Sony professional camcorders and  digital SLR cameras.

It’s complemented by the powerful BIONZ image processing engine that maintains superlative image quality for video and stills shooting alike. Thanks to the speed and responsiveness of the BIONZ processor, high-resolution 4.0 megapixel still picture can be taken with photo mode, and 2.3 megapixel still pictures can even be taken during HD video recording.

Intelligent Face Detection automatically adjusts focus, exposure, colour balance for clear, beautifully realistic videos and still pictures of friends and family. It recognises up to 8 faces in one scene, making it easier to shoot people in different situations. For even better ‘people pictures’, advanced compression technology automatically allocates more data to human subjects for more detailed faces with greater detail and lower noise.

Also powered by the responsive BIONZ processor, D-Range Optimiser technology adjusts dynamic range for more natural reproduction of high-contrast and backlit scenes with strong highlights and shadows.

Sound quality is just as important as great pictures. 5.1ch digital surround sound quality is enhanced with an automatic Zoom microphone function that focuses on foreground subjects for crisper dialogue.

After shooting, Visual Index, Film Roll Index and Face Index make it easier to track down your favourite scenes on the large, easy-view touchscreen LCD.

Files stored on Memory Stick can be burned to DVD at the touch of the ‘Disc Burn’ button using the supplied Handycam Station. Alternatively, files can be backed up to your computer’s hard drive. After transferring files to your PC, supplied Picture Motion Browser software makes it easy to organise and browse images by date in an intuitive calendar view. Alternatively, Map view displays where images were recorded when used with an optional GPS unit.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone news, Pocket PC news, Tracy & Matt, Handycam HDR-TG3E, camcorder]

Deal Alert: Sandisk 2GB SD Card – £7.50

It’s not often I post deals, but occasionally there are some too good to miss.

Although a little out of date now, large SD cards (NOT SDHC) are still useful, particularly in digital cameras.

Morrisons, a large UK supermarket are currently offering genuine Sandisk SD Cards for just £7.50 for 2GB. You may also find 1GB cards for £4.99 but these are not such a good deal.

Sandisk 2GB SD Card

Frankly, the 2GB card is useful at that price even as a spare!

This deal is only available in store, but does seem to be nationwide

Store finder @ Morrisons.co.uk

Posted by: Mark

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Sandisk, deals, Tracy & Matt]

Canon announce EOS 450D

In a press release this morning Canon announced the launch of their latest digital SLR camera, the 12 megapixel EOS 450D.

The 450D includes many new features borrowed from its bigger brothers; twelve megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0″ LCD monitor, Live View, 14-bit processing and RAW, spot metering, improved AF, 3.5 fps continuous shooting, a larger viewfinder, SD/SDHC storage and a new higher capacity battery.

Canon EOS-450D

The Press Release:

Canon today launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market.

The EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.

“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”

The EOS 450D features:

With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.

Built for better photos

The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.

Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Live View

Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus – a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.

For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Other improvements

The EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, canon, EOS 450D, DSLR, Tracy & Matt]