The rumor mill is churning up new speculations of the next-gen iPhone camera. The upcoming iDevice could very well end up with an OmniVision camera, instead of the previously rumored Sony snapper. Also an LTE-enabled iPhone is unlikely to hit the market in 2011 due to low interest and the slow growth of the LTE networks.
According to the DigiTimes sources the next-gen iPhone will begin its production in August and go on sale as early as September. The device will supposedly be dubbed iPhone 4S, which if true might be one of the most unfortunate namings we have ever seen (just say it out loud and you will see what we mean). Also we got word that Qualcomm will be the manufacturer of the 3G and CDMA radios of the smartphone.
The camera of the iPhone 4S has been a target of discussion before, when we thought Sony will be the 1 to manufacture it, supplying their Exmor R backside illuminated sensors to Apple. However latest gossip points at OmniVision sticking around for another round. It's rumored that OmniVision will supply the image sensors, while Largan Precision the lens kits.
This leaves us guessing about the sensor resolution. Smart money are still on an 8 MP unit but OmniVision has just announced their new generation 5 MP sensor, the OV5690, which has the ability to shoot 1080p video at 30 fps or 720p video at 60 fps. The new sensor will be 20% slimmer side, which might help it find its place and knowing Apple's love for slim devices might end up in their next smartphone.
It's less than a month now until the WWDC (it's starting 6 June), where the iPhone 4S should be unveiled. Source
Sony’s 3D capability cameras is not a new concept but 2 new products of it are added to the Cyber-shot series, which are first point and shoot cameras providing 3D image Capability with a sole lens to create 3D photos.
The DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 Cyber shots was released last year and the successors of these 2 gives the 2 new products which are Sony’s Exmor R CMOS sensor based Cyber shot, DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5. These 2 new cameras feature many in-camera options and panorama mode. There is a 3rd point and shoot camera that works on the CCD sensor called DSC-T99 which has got no 3D panorama.
Dual Lens, 3 Dimensions
The Cameras produce 3D images in this ways. They actually have a dual lens system, in which the 2 lens are kept apart from each other like that of a person eyes. When a photo is taken, 2 offset images are produced which are laid upon each other to produce a visual 3D effect with various in camera settings. (Some are red/blue filters, polarization methods, projecting photos on a display screen).
Both the cameras possess the dual lens system which allows it to take advantage of the Sony’s Sweep panorama mode, where the shutter button is clicked once and the camera can revolve around taking a discrete scene of images which will be stitched together to produce a 3D panorama image finally.
The images produced will be several offset images which produce the 3D effect. To view the 3D effect, the image should be observed with a HDTV set via 3D glasses. You can make use of Sony Bravia HDTV and the company’s 3D glasses to have the best compatible 3d view of the image.
Though, this looks costly but to experience the 3D technology, it is essentially needed as the 3D view produced of that HDTV gives a high quality 3D effect, where the images were found to have depth as it was popping in front of the glass.
Alpha NEX-3 and Alpha NEX-5 were given some software update to integrate this panorama effect into them, which enabled the cameras to have good start up times and long life for batteries.
Source: http://www.itechfreak.com/latest-technology-news/sony-cyber-shot-cameras-%E2%80%93-3d-shooting-review-and-specifications/
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Vacations can lead to lots of idle downtime for browsing photo galleries and videos. But what about editing and producing some short movie gems on the fly?
Luckily, Apple’s iPad 2 was packed for this two-week New Zealand trip. It was included to use e-mail and Skype, plan travels, play endless hours of Angry Birds — and shoot and edit high-definition video on the go.
The iPad’s nearly 10-inch sexy screen was a natural for reviewing homemade videos right on the spot. Spectators were amazed when showed newly captured footage of erupting geysers or Kiwi bungee jumpers.
And courtesy of Apple’s $4.99 iMovie app and rival video programs ReelDirector and Splice, you can turn these little productions into mini video postcards. It’s then a breeze to get them right onto Facebook, direct from your motel room. You don't have to wait until you get home. Nor do you have to worry that your creation will forever rot in your camera.
The New Zealand trip yielded four finished iPad-produced pieces. There would have been more had it been possible to include the video clips shot and imported from other cameras into the iPad. But they don’t work in iMovie without going through a serious workaround. More on that in a moment.
First, let’s talk about the iPad 2 as a video-capture device. The pros are big: a huge screen, instant gratification, exceptional video quality in good light. But the cons are many: no flash, no zoom and it’s bulky. It does not fit well into a pocket or tote. There’s no tripod mount for it either, so your finished video could get quite shaky. And the unsteadiness is much more noticeable on the larger screen.
That issue can be fixed by using instant crutches — like positioning the iPad on a fence, a desk, the ground, anything to keep it steady.
On the trip, point-and-shoot cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Panasonic were also brought along, to test out for future reviews, and they all had the features the iPad lacks: zoom, flash, tripod mounts, removable memory and better lenses.
In each case, the video quality from the cameras was sharper and crisper, especially on the Canon PowerShot S95.
But none had that huge tablet screen for monitoring the video. Nor the add-on features that people love about the iPad, such as the Web browser and all those apps. And you can’t make a video on a Canon camera, edit it right there on the spot, click a button and send it directly to Facebook.
So let’s get back to the editing process. Apple’s mobile iMovie, introduced for the iPhone 4 in 2010, is a nifty little program that will trim the excess from your clips and put in menus, titles, music and sound effects. You also get the ability to record voice-overs for narration. But it has some shortcomings.
In iMovie, you begin with your raw video footage, and Apple gives you three choices: video — most likely from the iPad — photos from the “camera roll” and music from your iPad.
The bad part is that you won’t be able to access video clips shot on other cameras and imported into the iPad. So if you plan on editing while on vacation, using a variety of video sources, you’re out of luck unless you also bring a laptop — and that’s a pain.
To convert, you’ll need to import the footage to a computer and iTunes, click the Advanced tab, and click the “convert to iPad” tab. Then you’ll need to sync the laptop and iPad to get the video back onto the tablet.
This step was especially frustrating, as the clips from the Canon and Nikon cameras had already been imported and played just fine on the iPad — but were non-existent in iMovie.
Fortunately, the App Store offers other video programs. Yet there are only a few video-editing tools there. Both Splice — which has a free version — but you'll need to spend for transitions, background music and other features — and ReelDirector, which goes for $1.99, were at the top of the list. Both came in handy on the trip by allowing point-and-shoot camera footage along with the iPad footage.
Those programs are bare-bones compared with iMovie, though. ReelDirector is the better of two, but unlike iMovie, you won't get menus, audio-editing controls or one-click uploads here.
Still, after spending time editing with the iPad 2 when it first came out, then in New Zealand on travel videos, here’s what would be nice to see in iMovie: easier trimming of videos, more transitions, manual options on photo zooms, more menu choices, better control of video titles and more fadeout controls.
Let’s face it, though. Most people never get around to editing their videos. So having easy-to-obtain software on a device that lets you edit anywhere, like the iPad, will, hopefully, result in more polished videos. This is a great start.
But just as with games, which bring you in for a small fee then sell you add-ons, Apple might just have a good market for iMovie add-ons, either with tools or a more robust iMovie Pro version.
Here’s one customer ready to fork over another $5 or more before starting the next video.
Samsung Announces NX Series Camera Firmware Upgrade
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced firmware upgrades for two products within Samsung’s NX compact system camera range – the NX100 and NX10. The upgrade will give a unified user experience for the full NX range and provide enhanced features for existing customers.
Following the availability of the innovative i-Function lens feature on both models, the latest upgrades are set to make the cameras even more convenient for the photographer to use, bringing added value to Samsung’s NX range customers and putting the perfect picture at their fingertips.
Users of the NX100 and NX10 cameras can now benefit from the availability of the Panorama Shot in Scene Mode, using the camera’s wide angle lens to capture even more within their landscape images.
In addition, when using the 50-200mm lens with the cameras, they will now be able to benefit from Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which can be easily selected by using the menu system on the camera’s screen – resulting in hassle-free, crisp and clear images. .
The firmware upgrade also includes an improved Movie Auto-Focus, using the very latest algorithms from camcorder technology for improving the steadiness of video recording when moving from subject to subject.
It also incorporates an enhanced Contrast Auto-Focus, to deliver clearer low contrast shots, even in low light conditions. The firmware upgrade also makes these functions faster and quieter than ever, giving photographers the ability to take noise-free, professional-looking still images and movies with ease.
In addition, through the upgraded firmware, the NX100 and NX10 now provide the i-Function setting help guide via the camera’s display, as available on the recent NX11 model. The feature helps users take impressive shots more easily by guiding users with explanations on different functions of the i-Function lens.
The upgrades will be available from April 18, 2011 for all NX100 and NX10 customers to download at www.samsung.com.
“We continually look for ways to improve the photography experience, to make it more fun and add value for our customers. The latest upgrade is reflective of this,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “Users of the NX system already benefit from key features such as compact portability of the devices, and innovations like the i-Function lens. Through ongoing developments, we hope to offer even more to enable photographers of all levels to get the best results and professional-looking pictures every time. We look forward to announcing a number of additional developments in the future to make the NX range even easier for our customers to use.”
There is a new Nikon model in the market – the Nikon Coolpix P100. It’s really quite extraordinary, you have many shooting options which are built around a high-speed CMOS sensor, and a 26x megazoom lens. With this camera, you get photo and video shooting on high speeds, and the opportunity to play around with fun modes, plus you can experiment as much as you want. Add to that the fact that you get 1080p HD-quality movie recording. The Nikon Coolpix P100 has easy-to-operate controls; you just need some time to get used to them by reading the manual. The camera itself costs a fair amount, approximately 400 dollars – quite a large sum of money for many people. It weighs about 17 ounces, is of 10 megapixels, and comes with a 3-inch LCD screen.
So how’s the P100 different from the P90? Well, the zoom has been extended to 26x (so you can see really far ahead of you), and while the P90 had 12-megapixel CCD sensor, this particular model has a backside-illuminated 10-megapixel CMOS sensor. This improves the speed of shooting, and the level of noise in low-light photos is considerably reduced. In fact, you also get the option of a few specialty shooting modes. The feel of this P100 camera is rather good; it’s also a compact model. It’s a good grip, and the camera itself has sensor-shift image stabilization, which Nikon refers to as Optical VR. This stabilization minimizes the level of blur, and if you combine this with Nikon’s Best Shot Selector, you stand a much better chance of a sharp shot of a stationary subject. The Nikon Coolpix P100 also has a rather good electronic viewfinder, and if you want to frame up your shots, then that too is possible with a vari-angle LCD. This pulls out of the body, and can be tilted up or down, but it doesn’t swing out from the body horizontally. The controls of the camera are responsive and also comfortably placed. You’ll find the Mode Dial, power button, and the shutter release with zoom ring on the top. At the left of the EVF, you’ll find the button for moving from information viewing on the EVF or LCD and a diopter adjustment dial. On the right of that is a Display button which allows you to change the information you view on the display, there is also a Movie record button which a switch, that allows you to choose what kind of video you would like to shoot – high speed or regular. There is also a horizontal dial which allows you to change aperture settings and shutter speed; you can also zip through images and videos in playback.
The P100 is a decent buy because you get many shooting options – right from full manual and semi-manual options with shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/2000 second, and an aperture range of 10 steps of 1/3 exposure value. You also get many scene modes, as well as auto scene recognition and subject-tracking autofocus meant for moving subjects.
Obviously these cameras don’t build so much hype on its leak recently so Sony have decided to unleash this new compact super-zoomers –the 16.2-megapixel HX100V and HX9V. These two compact zoomers were lined to those high-class cameras from Sony. We got the press release and few details including images after the break, check it out The DSC-HX100V features a 27mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonar T lens with 30x optical zoom which is first of its kind on the Cyber Shot clan, along with DSC-HX9V, is also the first to feature a 24mm Sony G lens with a 16x optical zoom. Paparazzi or those people who want to stoke over their neighbor is sure going to love this shooters especially when both cameras records 1920 x 1080 60p HD video. Not to mention, both have the new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor also is the first to support a so-called Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode, which lets users capture up to 42.9 megapixel scenes with a whopping 10480 x 4096 resolution. These cameras also have the Sony Cyber Shots features introduced earlier at CES with 3D Sweep Panorama Mode, GPS, and Dual Recording functions. Accordingly, “the cameras and a range of accessories will be available in April online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide. Presales will begin in February. The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V cameras will be available in black and will cost about $450 and $350, respectively.”
Press Release High-Zoom HX100V and HX9V Models Offer 3D, New Intelligent Sweep Panorama High Resolution Mode and GPS/Compass
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony today unveiled two new 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot® digital still cameras that offer Full HD video shooting capability at the touch of a dedicated movie button. Recording video at 60 progressive frames per second (1920×1080 60p), both cameras can capture fast-moving action with exceptional smoothness and clarity. The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V Cyber-shot cameras are the company’s first compact digital still cameras to include a 27mm Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonar T* lens with 30x optical zoom and a 24mm Sony® G lens with 16x optical zoom (respectively) combined with full HD (1920 x 1080/60p) video capability. Another Cyber-shot camera first, the 16.2-megapixel “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS sensor inside both cameras supports a brand-new Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ HR (High Resolution) mode. Just press the shutter button and sweep the camera, and it captures up to 42.9 megapixel panoramic images with crisp 10480×4096 resolution. Images can be viewed on the cameras’ 3-inch 921,000-dot Xtra Fine LCD™ display with wide viewing angle. “These new H Series cameras are a great addition to the already explosive high zoom market, loaded with cutting-edge innovations by Sony to shoot stills and video,” said Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging group at Sony Electronics. “With these unique Sony technologies, including GPS, 3D, AVCHD™ video as well as increased zoom, Sony is offering consumers the best of both worlds.” High Zoom for Stills and Videos Ideal for travelers and photo enthusiasts, the flagship DSC-HX100V packs an ultra-powerful Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonar T* lens with 30x optical zoom range for crisply-detailed close-ups of distant subjects. Comfortable to hold and carry, its design echoes the style and control layout of larger DSLR models. Smaller and lighter still, the DSC-HX9V offers a high-performance G Lens with powerful 16x optical zoom range with 24mm wide angle to accommodate virtually any photo opportunity. Borrowed from the Handycam® camcorder line, the new cameras feature Dual Record mode which can shoot video, while simultaneously capturing 3-megapixel digital still pictures (2-megapixel in 4:3 ratio when recording in MP4). The cameras also offer a dedicated still image button and a dedicated movie capture button to make it easy to use for consumers (Dual Record feature is not compatible with 60p mode).
Despite their powerful zoom range, DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V can capture crisp, blur-free images with significantly reduced handshake, even while you’re walking along. Featured on both cameras, Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode image stabilization is a powerful image stabilization system with ’3-way shake cancellation’ as found on premium Handycam® camcorders by Sony. You’ll be rewarded with clearer results when you’re shooting handheld, even at telephoto settings where camera shake is most pronounced. Create Personal 3D Content Sony makes it easy to create personal 3D content that can be viewed on an HDTV with 3D home theater system. 3D images are captured using 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode or the 3D Still Image mode. In this mode, the camera takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths, and then it creates left-eye and right-eye images to produce a 3D effect. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions (3D-compatible HDMI™ cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately). The 3D Sweep Panorama feature lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These 3D images can also be saved and viewed on a PlayStation3, using the “Play Memories™” application software downloadable from the PlayStation® Network. The new models will let you view images in a completely different way. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle™ technology lets you view images in simulated 3D on the cameras’ LCD screen. This shooting feature captures 15 images at different angles and then compiles them into one photo. By tilting the camera back and forth, it creates a 3D-like effect on the display. DSLR Speed With the high-speed auto focus feature, these cameras provide a smarter way to focus with DSLR-like speed. High-speed autofocus locks onto subjects in as little as 0.1 seconds, letting you grab the most fleeting photo moments with ease. In addition to speed, these cameras’ GPS/Compass function makes them ideal for travel and holidays. The enhanced GPS/Compass function captures your location and shooting direction and allows you to enjoy the results after shooting as online maps with any Internet-connected PC. The Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V camera also features a manual control ring that can be assigned as desired to adjust focus or zoom. It’s ideal for applications like macro photography, where focus can be adjusted precisely while viewing a magnified portion of the image. Easy Menu Selection Technology The advanced imaging possibilities of both H Series cameras offer fuss-free operation. Superior AUTO mode recognizes a wide range of shooting conditions, automatically adjusting settings and shooting a high-speed burst of multiple frames as required in low-light conditions. These are automatically combined within the camera to create beautifully-exposed, low-noise results with virtually any subject-even in challenging low light conditions without flash. While most cameras compile two images in Backlight Correction HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, enabling crisp details in difficult lighting, these models utilize an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create one realistic-looking photo. With Backlight Correction HDR in the Scene Selection Shooting mode, getting the best shot in difficult lighting conditions is simple. Designed to help users learn about the cameras’ features and how to use them on the spot, the “In-Camera Guide” is accessible from the menu button on the camera. Users can search by purpose or keyword and easily access the functions they seek. The cameras also have Background Defocus mode, which highlights your subject like a DSLR; Soft Skin mode, which reduces visible blemishes and wrinkles, and Natural Flash, which corrects color balance for more natural shots. They also offer fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2-megapixel resolution. Images and videos can be easily viewed on the cameras’ 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display with TruBlack™ technology, which provides deep blacks and more color variation on the thin display. New accessories for Cyber-shot Cameras There’s a choice of elegantly styled carry case options for the DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V models. Giving easy access to your camera, the design avoids electromagnetic interference with the GPS/Compass function of both cameras. Both cases feature a quality leather-like finish, with a handy pocket for a spare memory card – ideal if you’re shooting lots of HD video. Crafted to protect the Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V, the LCS-HG case offers extra carry space for an additional battery. Compatible with the DSC-HX9V camera and several other Cyber-shot models, the Party-shot™ IPT-DS2 dock automatically captures smiling, relaxed portraits of everyone in the room – including you. Just touch a button and the Party-shot™ dock starts ‘on demand’ shooting. There’s also support for Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode with compatible Cyber-shot models. The Party-shot IPT-DS2 dock comes supplied with a protective cover and dedicated stand. All new Cyber-shot models are compatible with the latest range of premium-quality SDHC cards by Sony. The perfect partner for your Cyber-shot camera, they’re also a great match for SD/SDHC-compatible cameras, camcorders and devices from other manufacturers. The affordable Essential Series and value-added Experience Series are joined by the flagship Expert Series (Class 10) for photo users who demand class-leading capacity transfer speeds. Personal, Secure Online Sharing with Personal Space Site The Personal Space™ site is the network service by Sony that makes it easy and secure to share photos and video clips captured on your Cyber-shot camera. Upload your images from any Internet-enabled PC with the cameras’ supplied Picture Motion Browser software, or using pre-installed PMB Portable software. An email sent with an embedded link ensures that invited family and friends can view your pictures. Videos and photos shared via the Personal Space site can also be viewed on Android™ smartphones such as the Xperia™ X10 by Sony Ericsson or iPhone®, via a dedicated application that can be downloaded from Android Market™ or iTunes® app store. Xperia users can also upload images directly to their own Personal Space account from their smartphone. Pricing and Availability The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in April online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide. Presales will begin in February. The DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V cameras will be available in black and will cost about $450 and $350, respectively.
