AdminSpy Latest Gadgets and Gizmos

Samsung S760 and S860 digital cameras preview

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000

Both cameras offer excellent performance and stylish design, and have a competitive edge over others in their class in terms of functionality, performance, quality and price.

With the SAMSUNG S860/S760 Digital Cameras, much emphasis has been placed on user convenience and a reliable shooting experience, with 8.1/7.2 million pixels, a 3x optical zoom and a 3x digital zoom. They are available in 4 colors: silver, black, pink and blue.

The Samsung S860/S760
The S860/S760 are expected to catch the eye of consumers with their compact, slim design; they are offered in the sort of trendy colors that will tickle the fancy of the young generation, but which have not been available hitherto in compact cameras: silver, black, pink and blue.

More emphasis has been put on the firm grip that is the design concept for the existing S-series. They are equipped with a Mode Dial that allows smooth switching between various shooting options, from Automatic Mode to Video Recording.

The SAMSUNG S860 and S760 use advanced face detection technology to provide the best portrait shooting experience. With the Self Portrait function, they provide a system of warning signals that allow more accurate composition of an image when a self portrait is taken.

Furthermore, they enable clear shots without flash in indoor settings, by supporting up to ISO 1000, and using Samsung’s exclusive Digital Image Stabilization technology for correction of hand-shake. They have an extra E button and shortcut keys on the rear side, providing easy access to various functions such as color adjustment and red eye correction.

Finally, function descriptions and a photo help guide are available in the cameras themselves. Whilst the function descriptions provide brief but clear descriptions of the major shooting function icons, the photo help guide provides a guide mode that assists users to obtain the best shots, making them versatile cameras that can be used by anybody without difficulty.

Article Source Samsung S760 and S860 digital cameras preview

Pentax Launches Optio a40 with 12 megapixels

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Pentax launches Optio a40 Digital Camera with 12 megapixels and super-slim optio v10 with 3 inch monitor

PENTAX Optio A40 is the latest model in the Optio A series of advanced compact digital cameras with superior image quality and performance. The Optio Optio A40 features 12 megapixels, three types of Shake Reduction including mechanical, digital and movie.

Each version helps deliver sharp, blur-free shots where camera shake is an issue such as action photography or in low light conditions at dawn, dusk or at night. The Optio A model also features the newest Face Recognition technology including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-length Portrait mode, which automatically takes a head and shoulder photograph of subjects.

PENTAX also announced the Optio V10, an ultra-slim compact digital camera equipped with a large 3.0 inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. The Optio V10 features 8 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and easy operations in a slim, stylish, affordable body.

The Optio A40 will ship in October 2007 for US $299.95 and the Optio V10 will ship in November for $249.95.

Article Source Pentax Launches Optio a40 with 12 megapixels

Microsoft VX-7000 LifeCam Webcam Preview

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Microsoft is about to launch a new webcam called the VX-7000.

The camera has a 2.0 megapixel sensor for high definition video and can shoot still images at 7.6 megapixels interpolated.

Microsoft Webcam VX-7000 Features:

Photo Swap
Share and swap photos in real time with your friends and family using Windows Live Messenger—right in the video call window!

Windows Live Call Button
Just press this button and select an Online Contact to start a video call.

LifeCam Dashboard
Add special effects and control your webcam—all from the Windows Live Messenger window.

One-touch Blogging
Upload your blog on Windows Live Spaces with any of your photos at the simple click of your mouse.

Optimized for Windows Live Messenger
Seamlessly integrated with Windows Live Messenger for easy setup and use.

2.0 Megapixel Sensor
True 2.0 megapixel sensor offering crisp, clear video quality.

Universal Attachment Base
Fits on most monitors, including fl at screens and notebooks, or sits directly on your desk.

Built-in Microphone
The built-in microphone automatically picks up your voice with remarkable clarity.

Crystal-clear Audio
Automatic audio control for enhances clarity.

Glass Element Lens
See your friends up close and personal with this glass element lens.

Auto-Adjustment for Low Light Conditions
Get superior video quality with automatic low-light adjustments.

Wide-angle Lens
The 71 degree wide angle lens ensures no one gets left out of the picture.

Video Effects
Discover a fun way to express yourself with these entertaining video effects built into the LifeCam dashboard.

High Definition Photos
High Definition photos show you in the best light.

Broad IM Compatibility
Works with other instant messaging programs, such as Skype, Yahoo! Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger.

You can pre-order this fab cam from Amazon

Article Source Microsoft VX-7000 LifeCam Webcam Preview

Casio developing world's fastest-shooting digital camera

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Casio announced today that it is developing an entirely new digital camera which will be able to take still images at an astonishing shooting speed. It will also take movies that capture movement so fast that it cannot even be seen by the human eye.

The prototype of Casio’s latest revolutionary camera features a new high speed CMOS sensor and a high speed LSI image processing chip. This 6.0-megapixel, 12x optical zoom, high-performance digital camera prototype with CMOS-shift image stabilization function offers not only ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images, but also high speed movie recording.

For still images, the camera achieves ultra-high speed burst shooting of 60 images per second at maximum resolution — the fastest in the world.

The camera can also capture movies at VGA resolution at an incredible 300 frames per second, which means it can record movies for replay in ultra-slow motion, a function that has only been possible so far with a limited range of professional movie equipment.

Main Specifications of Prototype

Effective pixels: 6.0 million
Imaging element: 1/1.8 inch high speed CMOS sensor (total pixels: 6.6 million)
High speed burst shooting: 60 images per second at 6.0 million pixels, JPEG
High speed movie: 300fps, Motion JPEG, AVI format, VGA
Lens/focal distance: 12 lenses in 9 groups, F2.7 to 4.6, equivalent to approximately 35 to 420 mm on a 35 mm film camera
Zoom: 12X optical zoom
Image stabilization mechanism: CMOS-shift image stabilization
Monitor screen: 2.8-inch widescreen TFT color LCD, approx. 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Color LCD, approx. 200,000 pixels

The precise product release date, pricing, brand name and specifications remain to be determined. Casio will continue working on the camera to further improve performance and functionality, and is determined to produce an amazing digital camera that offers brand new ways of enjoying photography and creates new applications for digital photography.

Article Source Casio developing world's fastest-shooting digital camera

BenQ DC-E1000 digital camera preview

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:00:00 +0100

The BenQ 10 mega pixels E1000 features a classic, timeless look with its metallic casing that truly reflects an individual’s character, personality and above all, masculinity.

The E1000 features a bright 3-inch LTPS LCD display, a 10 mega pixels image sensor, 3X optical zoom in both static and moving recording mode, automatic face-tracking function and a high ISO of up to 1600, metallic casing and an a solid metal grip with brushing treatment on the front of the camera, along with matted black finishing case to boost up the overall taste.

The BenQ E1000 supports ISO of up to 1600 to facilitate shooting and ensures clear photos in dark environments if the use of flash is not desirable. The camera arrives with a Shake-Free hotkey located right next to the shutter button that allows instant access to activate the Shake-Free function anytime. Capturing moving objects in a darkly-lit environment can now be achieved easily with BenQ’s enhanced image stabilizer – the Super Shake Free function, which adjusts ISO and shutter speed according to the environment where the image is taken.

With Face-Tracking function, the E1000 is able to detect up to nine faces within a scene to ensure that the faces are perfectly presented in terms of color, contrast and clearness in the photos. The camera boosts 24 shooting modes, including Composed Scene Mode, Oil Painting Scene Mode and Sketch Scene Mode. Other features include a unique function that enables user to capture twelve consecutive scenes in just one second, embedded creative photo frames and PictBridge mode, which allows easy connection and printing directly via a compatible printer. Moreover, the camera also supports two output sizes that enable users to print, display and edit pictures on a widescreen displays (16:9) or traditional 4:3 displays.

Aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted with the Av mode and Tv mode, respectively, whereas the Manual mode allows adjustment for both aperture and shutter speed, and with the Program mode, aperture and shutter speed are automatically set according to different lighting conditions.

Article Source BenQ DC-E1000 digital camera preview

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ18 digital camera preview

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:00:00 +0100

LUMIX DMC-FZ18, a High-Zoom Camera, Introduces New Intelligent Auto Mode, Featuring Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus

In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the Intelligent Auto Mode, which include Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus functions, allowing you to easily capture clear, professional-quality images in any situation or setting.

When the LUMIX DMC-FZ18 camera, with an optical zoom up to 18x, is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multi-faceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust settings every time conditions change.

The DMC-FZ18’s intuitive Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of:

Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently-used modes such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait;
Face Detection System, which helps the camera to focus, set auto exposure and detects up to 15 human faces capturing them clearly and brightly
Continuous Auto-focus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject without having to press the shutter button halfway and allowing for the best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the auto-focus time.

Similar to the entire 2007 line of LUMIX digital still cameras, the DMC-FZ18 camera sports advanced countermeasures against blurring – the Intelligent Image Stabilization system, which combines MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to compensate for hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and adjust for motion blur caused by subject movement.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch large, high resolution LCD with 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch Electric Viewfinder with 188,000 pixels, f/2.8 brightness and is powered by the high-quality, high-performance, Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode.

The auto focus, auto exposure lock, and Macro buttons are now independent, to allow quick and direct operation, a metal-finished mode dial adds design strength and an enhanced rubber grip makes the camera easier to hold. The redesigned body also incorporates the joystick made popular by the DMC-FZ8 model, which enables a host of settings, such as manual focusing and exposure, to be done quickly and easily.

Other LUMIX DMC-FZ18 features include:

Custom Setting Mode that memorizes your frequent setting patterns for instance use applied by simply selecting this function on the mode dial.
1920 x 1080 pixel photos ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen HDTV.
Six auto-focusing methods including: face detection, multi, three-point high-speed, one-point high-speed, one-point normal-speed, and spot. With the one-point auto-focus or spot auto-focus method, the auto-focusing area can be chosen from as many as 11 points with the joystick or cursor button.
Advanced Scene Modes provide users more control over some frequently-used scene modes such as, indoor and outdoor modes when selecting portrait or sports mode and nature or architecture settings when selecting portrait mode.
Bundled SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE software application for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.
Extra Optical Zoom feature extends zoom power to 28.7x at 3 Megapixels.
Compatibility with large-capacity SDHC memory cards
Title Edit Function allows inputting of text and additional picture information.
Picture Playback by category: Sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events and motion pictures. Also, allows slideshow playback of images in the same category.
Optional accessories including a tele-conversion lens, close-up lens, ND filter, MC protector, lens adaptor, AC adaptor, battery pack, soft case and camera Bag.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ18 is available in two colors: silver and black.

Article Source Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ18 digital camera preview

BenQ launches Two New Digital Cameras

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0100

BenQ today launched two upgrade additions, the BenQ E820 and C740i, both featuring a large bright 2.5-inch LTPS screen, and Pentax lens.

BenQ C740i Digital Camera
The BenQ C740i brings a true-to-life high image performance satisfactory to even photo experts with its versatile features, including a 7 Megapixels CCD image sensor, 3x optical zoom, continuous movie recording with optical zoom and a face-tracking function that can automatically detect and track human faces.

The high ISO portrait mode supports high sensitivity to up to 1600 to ensure clear photos in a dark environment and the PASM mode enables users to manually customize the aperture and shutter speed to one's own preferences.

BenQ E820 Digital Camera
The sleek E820 arrives with a 8.0 megapixel CCD image sensor, 3x optical zoom, Pentax lens and a bright 2.5-inch LTPS display. The BenQ E820 camera is equipped with direct printing mode, continuous movie recording with optical zoom, 13 scene modes and 3:2 and 16:9 special output sizes; 3:2 resolution mode for easy printing without trimming edges; 16:9 resolution mode for direct display on a 16:9 TV making the E820 an all-round, highly versatile high performance camera.

The E820 also features a face-tracking function and comes embedded with creative photo frames for photo decoration.

Article Source BenQ launches Two New Digital Cameras

FinePix Big Job HD-3W Review

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Fujifilm has just launched the Big Job HD-3W digital camera ��" the first camera of its kind to be released by Fujifilm in the UK.

The FinePix Big Job HD-3W digital camera is a heavy-duty and highly practical digital camera designed to be used in the most challenging of environments. Having withstood a drop test to 70cm and featuring a rubber grip and big buttons, this waterproof, dust proof and shockproof camera can endure what other cameras only dream of.

The FinePix Big Job HD-3W is perfect for the construction, engineering, health and safety and manufacturing industries, or any environment where it is likely to get knocked around.

The FinePix Big Job HD-3W combines a wide-angle 3x (28-84mm) optical zoom lens with a large, scratch resistant 3" LCD screen so images can be viewed on the back of the camera more clearly. The camera also features a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and ISO sensitivity of up to 1600, so detailed, low noise images can be captured in low light levels, such as dark construction sites, without the need for flash.

The Big Job HD-3W also has the powerful built in strobe which enables longer flash distance of up to 10 meters. In addition, the layout of the big, easy-to-use buttons allows the camera to be used whilst wearing gloves, ensuring it will not be dropped at the most crucial moment.

FinePix Big Job HD-3W features:

• Robust body with a rubber grip
• Big, easy-to-use buttons and menu systems
• Waterproof, dust proof and drop proof ��" tested to 70cm
• Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens (28-84mm wide angle)
• ISO 1600 light sensitivity at full resolution
• Powerful flash, up to 10 meters
• Detection of Manipulation mode
• CALS mode ��" images taken at 1MP for easy distribution via email
• Shot Date function
• Large 3" LCD screen with reinforced glass coating
• 6 Megapixel CCD sensor

Article Source FinePix Big Job HD-3W Review

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100 Preview

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Panasonic Compact LUMIX DMC-FX100 is the world’s first compact digital camera to feature 12.2 Megapixel resolution with a 28mm wide-angle.

The Lumix-FX100 also features 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens features 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness, 1/1.72-inch large CCD and Intelligent Image Stabilization with Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO Control. The LUMIX DMC-FX100 is equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and its slim lightweight design makes it extremely portable and stylish.

Intelligent Image Stabilization, a feature across the entire 2007 LUMIX digital camera line, incorporates the industry's most advanced countermeasures against blurring. This system comprises two features – MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) and Intelligent ISO Control. Together the features make it easy to capture beautiful photos by compensating for the effects of hand-shake and image movement, making it possible to take clear, crisp photos anytime, in any mode.

The Lumix DMC-FX100 also introduces a more powerful flash with reach up to 16 meters, high-speed burst shooting, which allows consecutive shooting at a lightning-fast eight shots per second and a new high sensitivity mode in which ISO 6400 recording is realized.

The DMC-FX100 can also record 1920 x 1080 high-definition still pictures and 1280 x 720 at 15 frames per second motion pictures, both perfect for viewing on 16:9 High Definition Plasmas.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100:

Easy Zoom feature that shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7x.

27 MB of built-in memory

Added Scene Modes: New high sensitivity mode and new high speed burst shooting mode, making it easier than ever to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations and taking further advantage of high resolution image recording.

Picture Playback by category: Sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events and motion pictures. Also, allows slideshow playback of images in the same category.

Available in two colors: silver and black.

Article Source Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100 Preview

Panasonic Launches 12.2 Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX100 Digital Camera

Wed, 23 May 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100 is the world's first camera to feature 12.2 Megapixel resolution with a 28mm wide-angle.

The newly developed and exclusive 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens features 3.6x optical zoom, f/2.8 brightness, 1/1.72-inch large CCD and Intelligent Image Stabilization with Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO Control.

The LUMIX DMC-FX100 also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen.

Intelligent Image Stabilization, a feature across the entire 2007 LUMIX digital camera line, incorporates the industry's most advanced countermeasures against blurring. This system comprises two features - MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) and Intelligent ISO Control. Together the features make it easy to capture beautiful photos by compensating for the effects of hand- shake and image movement, making it possible to take clear, crisp photos anytime, in any mode.

The LUMIX DMC-FX100 also introduces a more powerful flash with reach up to 16 meters, high-speed burst shooting, which allows consecutive shooting at a lightning-fast eight shots per second and a new high sensitivity mode in which ISO 6400 recording is realized.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC- FX100 can also record 1920 x 1080 high-definition still pictures and 1280 x 720 at 15 frames per second motion pictures, both perfect for viewing on 16:9 High Definition Plasmas.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100 features:

Easy Zoom feature that shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7x.
27 MB of built-in memory: Perfect for backing up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording.
Added Scene Modes: New high sensitivity mode and new high speed burst shooting mode, making it easier than ever to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations and taking further advantage of high resolution image recording.
Picture Playback by category: Sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events and motion pictures. Also, allows slideshow playback of images in the same category.
Available in two colors: silver and black.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX100 will be available in July 2007.

Article Source Panasonic Launches 12.2 Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX100 Digital Camera