Consumer Electronics Daily News

Nikon Receives 4 TIPA Awards 2013

Nikon Corporation has announced that four of its products-the Nikon D7100 digital SLR camera, the COOLPIX S01 and P520, and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 normal zoom lens for Nikon 1 cameras-are recipients of the prestigious TIPA Awards 2013 for photographic and imaging products. The 1 NIKKOR lens is the first lens compatible with the CX format used by Nikon 1 cameras to receive a TIPA award.

• Nikon D7100, Recipient of the Best D-SLR Advanced award, selected for its new DX format CMOS sensor, an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and 51-point AF system, including 15 cross-type sensors. The D7100 can record up to six frames per second at full resolution, with an additional frame in the rate (at slightly lower resolution) when using the new 1.3X crop mode.

• COOLPIX S01, Recipient of the Best Easy Compact Camera award, selected for its 1/2.9-inch CCD image sensor and 3X NIKKOR zoom lens that yields a focal length equivalent of 29 to 87 mm (equivalents in 35-mm [135] format). Weighing in at a mere approximately 96 g and measuring approximately 51.2 mm high, 77 mm wide, and 17.2 mm deep, the camera delivers a shutter speed range of 1-1/2000 seconds, an ISO range of 80-1600, and can also record HD video in MOV mode (MPEG-4 and AVC/H.264).

• COOLPIX P520, Recipient of the Best Superzoom Camera award, selected for its 1000mm (equivalents in 35mm [135] format), coverage with built-in lens-shirft VR (Vibration Reduction). The backside illumination CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 18.1-million pixels has an ISO range of 80-3200, with "push" sensitivities available in certain modes. There are numerous scene and creative modes, plus the P520 allow the user to create movie with a host of resolution options, including Full HD.

• 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6, Recipient of the Best CSC Entry Level Lens award, selected for its compact format that measures approximately 57.5 x 31mm (di stance from camera lens mount flange when lens is retracted) and weighs approximately only 83 g. With eight elements in six groups, a seven-bladed diaphragm and one ED and one aspherical element, the lens offers focusing as close as 0.3 m from focal plane at all zoom positions.

Beamr Releases Windows Version of JPEGmini

Novice or experienced photographers using Windows to manage their photo collection can now free up precious computer hard drive space with JPEGmini for Windows, a newly released version of the highly acclaimed JPEGmini photo optimization tool.

Available exclusively as an electronic download here from leading photo and video industry retailer B&H, and based on patented media optimization technology from emerging technology innovator Beamr, JPEGmini for Windows reduces the file size of photos by up to five times, while preserving quality and resolution. 

"Photographers regard JPEGmini as an indispensable optimization tool for storing, editing and sharing photos, but it also enables Web developers to reduce load times for image-intensive web pages, translating to lower storage and bandwidth costs," said B&H Photo Video Director of Communications Henry Posner.  "Feedback from customers already utilizing JPEGmini for Mac has been positive, and we are pleased to bring this technology to our customers using Windows as well."

With JPEGmini for Windows users can easily optimize extensive photo albums with a variety of files simply by dragging them onto the app. JPEGmini technology optimizes photos while retaining full resolution and original quality, but the resulting files are significantly smaller in size, enabling significant storage savings and markedly faster sharing. 

JPEGmini for Windows allows users to free up valuable hard drive space on their laptops, an essential feature for expensive, capacity-constrained SSD drives and any internal or external hard drive.  After JPEGmini optimization, users can attach dozens of full resolution photos to email messages, store up to five times more photos on their online photo services and archive and back up large photo collections faster.

"More than 100 million photos have been optimized to date by JPEGmini users seeking to maintain quality while scaling back valuable storage space," said Eli Lubitch, President of Beamr.  "Our expansion to Windows and partnership with B&H, the world's leading retailer of professional photo and video products, allows us to accommodate the entire spectrum of photo and media workflow from photo capture, editing and storage to online publishing"

For more information on JPEGmini for Windows, please visit: www.jpegmini.com/windows. 

 

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Oregon Scientific Launches Dual Lens Camera Designed For Action Sports

 If you've ever wanted to film your adventures from multiple angles at once, with no crews, no extra equipment, and no reshoots, look no further than the ATC Chameleon!  The groundbreaking ATC Chameleon action camera from Oregon Scientific has two built-in lenses that can shoot two videos simultaneously, capturing footage from a first-hand perspective as well as the action ahead. Whether capturing exhilarating action sports, or backyard family games, the ATC Chameleon is designed for both fun and convenience. This new hands-free camera has two adjustable, built-in wide angle lenses, allowing users to shoot two videos simultaneously and in sync. The camera's sleek, lightweight design was also honored with a prestigious red dot design award. 

Features

The ATC Chameleon features two wide angle lenses that shoot video with a field of vision (FOV) of 170 degrees and a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second. Ensuring special moments aren't missed, a built-in Lithium Polymer re-chargeable battery can shoot up to two hours of continuous action. Other features include a built-in microphone and speaker, a micro SD card slot that supports up to 32GB of memory and a mounting system that can attach to most hard surfaces - helmets, bikes, snowboards, kayaks, baby carriages and more.  Already splash-proof and ready for the road, the ATC Chameleon is fully compatible with all ATC mountings and can also be fitted in a special waterproof case (sold separately) for underwater adventures up to 60 meters (196 feet)!

Price and Availability

The ATC Chameleon is currently available at Target, Best Buy, Meijer, Costco, and the Oregon Scientific store for a suggested retail price of $199.99.  It comes complete with a mini USB charging cable and applicable software.  Several mounts, a waterproof enclosure, and a required Micro SD card are each sold separately. 

To learn more about the ATC Chameleon and its available accessories, and to see a video of the camera in action, check out us.oregonscientific.com/chameleon.  Information about Oregon Scientific's full line of product offerings can be found at oregonscientific.com/us.

OmniVision Launches Smallest Full HD CameraChip Sensor for Mobile Devices

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. launched today its smallest full high-definition (FHD) CameraChip sensor designed for front-facing camera applications in smartphones, tablets and ultrabooks. The new OV2724 delivers high frame rate 1080p/60 HD video with best-in-class sensitivity and dynamic range, and can fit inside a 5 x 5 x 3.5 mm module, making the OV2724 an ideal camera solution for video chat and video conferencing applications on mobile devices.

"High-definition video chat and our latest video-in-video (ViV™) functionality have quickly become highly desired features in mobile devices. However, enabling these features and integrating the necessary hardware into ultra-slim, high-performance devices is a continuous challenge for manufacturers," said Justin Kim, Senior Product Marketing Manager at OmniVision. "The OV2724 is uniquely positioned to address that challenge by offering smartphone and tablet manufacturers an easy-to-integrate front-facing camera solution that can meet both the performance requirement demanded by consumers, and the increasingly tight z-height constraint for next-generation mobile devices."

Utilizing an advanced 1.34-micron OmniBSI-2™ pixel architecture, the OV2724 captures 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second (FPS) with enhanced high dynamic range and low-light performance. The sensor's improved pixel performance ensures high-quality video recording even in the most difficult high- and low-light scenes. By using OmniVision's proprietary imaging technology to reduce or eliminate common sources of image contamination, such as fixed pattern noise and smearing, the 1/6-inch OV2724 produces clean and fully stable color images.

The OV2724 features a dual-lane MIPI interface and is available in chip scale package (CSP) and reconstructed wafer (RW) formats. The sensor is currently sampling and is expected to enter mass production in the third quarter of calendar 2013.

 

Panasonic Releases New Compact Digital Camera

Panasonic has announced a new digital pocketable compact camera LUMIX DMC-LF1(LF1), part of the new LF series – a sister line of the world-renowned LX series.

Features:

1.    Practical EVF and Large, High Resolution LCD for Easy Viewing of Image  
The LF1 is a premium sleek, stylish digital compact camera with the only 0.2-inch EVF with an adjustable diopter (Electronic Viewfinder) in its class. Its EVF features 200K-dot resolution and 100 percent field of view. It assures stable framing and high visibility of live view image even under strong sunlight.

2.    The F2.0 Fast LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens with 7.1x Optical Zoom  
The LF1 is equipped with newly developed 28mm wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 7.1x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-200mm). This superb lens features F2.0 high speed, which boasts approximately twice the speed of an F2.8 lens. 

3.    The Large 1/1.7-inch 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor  
The LF1 integrates a large 1/1.7-inch, 12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor which is larger in size than standard digital compact cameras. Thanks to the extensive light receiving area of each cell, the performance of image recording in low light is superior with its excellent wide dynamic range. The result is a high resolution image with stunning clarity not only in high sensitivity recording but also in low ISO settings reproducing rich gradation with the exquisitely wide dynamic range even when there is a great deal of contrast in the subject.

4.    Creative Panorama & Creative Control / Creative Retouch 
The LF1 is also equipped with popular Creative Control and Creative Retouch featuring a total of 15 filter effects – Retro, Expressive, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Star Filter , Cross Process, Soft Focus, One Point Color and Old Days. The Creative Control lets users shoot with a filter effect while checking how it makes a difference in the picture, which can also be used for video recording, too. The Creative Retouch enables applying a filter effect on the picture even after shooting in camera.

5.    Wi-Fi® Connectivity with NFC  
The LF1 integrates a Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. The NFC allows "Touch & Share" in which users can connect the camera to their smartphone/tablet anywhere at one touch to share an image easily right on the spot by just pairing the two devices. 

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Panasonic LUMIX LF1

Sony Introduces Smaller, Lighter, Weatherproof Digital Recording Binoculars

From rare wildlife activity to monumental sports plays and scenic travel views, observing and capturing these "wow" moments can easily be achieved with Sony's new digital binoculars.

The DEV-50V model is the second generation of binoculars from Sony, delivering an improved and unparalleled experience. In addition to sensational observing capabilities with autofocus, image stabilization and flexible zoom capability, the DEV-50V can record full AVCHD™ 2.0 video with stereo sound or snap 20.4 megapixel still photos at the touch of a button, even after sundown with enhanced low-light capability.

 "With the DEV-50V, you can observe wildlife in a way no other binoculars can achieve," said Hidenori Toyoda, Director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. "Couple that with its ability to capture impressive photos and video, and you have an innovative device that outperforms the competition on all levels."

Light and Damage Resistant. Now 30 percent lighter than their predecessors, the splash- and dust-resistant binoculars are a faithful travel partner for consumers to watch wildlife, sports action and more in steady, sharply-focused close-up views. Users can select the variable zoom to sweep their surroundings at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, such as deer in a field. Digital zoom on the DEV-50V model allows a total magnification range from 0.8x up to 25x, rivalling traditional high-powered binoculars.

Help for Dim Conditions. Stunning new independent XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinders deliver improved resolution and contrast for left and right eyes, resulting in a highly immersive viewing experience. In low light situations, paired with an "Exmor R^®" CMOS sensor, the electronic viewfinder brightness on the DEV-50V model is boosted by the newly developed Hyper Gain function. Hyper Gain electronically increases brightness in the viewfinders so subjects can be quickly located and framed in dim conditions.

Autofocus. Unlike conventional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in focus at all times, eliminating the need to focus manually as your scene changes. Electronic autofocus allows the new binoculars to focus quickly and cleanly on subjects far away in high magnification and on subjects less than half an inch away when recording in 2D (minimum of 32 inches when recording in 3D). And with Optical SteadyShot™ stabilization (Active Mode) on board, images remain balanced and blur-free, even for viewing at high magnifications when image stabilization matters the most.

Sony Announces the Cyber-shot HX50V

 Today, Sony introduced the Cyber-shot™ HX50 camera – a powerful new compact featuring an impressive 30x optical zoom range and advanced 20.4 MP "Exmor R" CMOS image sensor. Measuring approximately 4.4"x2.6"x1.2" in size and weighing in at approximately 9.6 ounces, it is the world's smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom capability.

"Despite the emergence of smart phone cameras in today's market, the HX50V model gives photographers plenty of reason to invest in a dedicated pocket camera" said Patrick Huang, Director of the Cyber-shot digital camera business at Sony Electronics. "Its wide-ranging 30x optical zoom gives users more freedom to pick their shooting subject and position, and its extensive, advanced imaging capabilities give shooters the peace of mind that image quality will never be compromised - every scene will be given the color, detail and clarity that it deserves. This powerful combination of size and performance makes the HX50 an especially unique, versatile camera."

Performance and Design

Image Stabilization. To complement the extensive zoom, the new Cyber-shot HX50V model offers enhanced Optical SteadyShot ™ image stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur at all ranges.  At full zoom extension (30x) the HX50V camera offers stabilization that is approximately twice as effective as the HX200V high-zoom model introduced last year.

Resolution. The high-resolution 20.4 megapixel sensor in the new camera is paired with a powerful BIONZ processor, allowing the HX50V camera to produce high-resolution, high-quality images in all types of lighting conditions – from broad daylight to dimly lit interiors and everything in between.  Additionally, the HX50V model features exceptionally high-speed AutoFocus that can lock onto subjects at full zoom approximately twice as fast compared to the HX200V model. 

Connectivity. The new HX50V camera has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, utilizing Sony's PlayMemories™ Mobile application, available for both Android and iOS app platforms, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos to a connected smartphone or tablet.  The application also allows a connected device to be used as a handy wireless remote to control the camera – ideal for self-portraits and group shots where the photographer wants to be included.

 

Alien Skin Software Announces Exposure 5

Alien Skin Software today announced Exposure® 5, the new version of its flagship photography effects software. Exposure 5 enables digital photographers to achieve accurate film simulation, using a wide range of creative effects in a simple interface. Significantly, Exposure 5 can be used as a plug-in with popular host software or as a stand-alone program for even greater flexibility.

Exposure 5 brings all the creative tools of traditional film photography to the world of digital, such as the look of discontinued films, darkroom tricks, and trendy lo-fi camera quirks. Popular classic films like Kodachrome, Polaroid and even Panatomic-X are accurately simulated. Hundreds of preset effects can be applied with a single mouse-click, helping photographers achieve their desired look quickly. Exposure 5 includes both Color and black-and-white processing so there's no need to switch between tools.

"With Exposure 5, a photographer's vision is the only element separating an ordinary image from an extraordinary one. Creative control and increased productivity were essential design objectives," said Terence Tay , designer of the new Exposure 5 software. "It's now much easier and faster for photographers of all levels to find the right look for their photographs."

The entire user interface has been redesigned with productivity in mind. A darker theme reduces distractions around the photo and matches other popular tools. The preset and editing panels can be hidden, to further remove distractions and allow more room for the photograph. The new visual preset browser shows how each preset will look when applied to an image. Users can see many presets at once, for quick exploration. In addition, favorites and recently used presets are just a click away.

Significantly, Exposure 5 includes many new textures for a greater variety of vintage and Lo-Fi looks. There are now separate controls for adding borders, dust & scratches, and light leaks. A new randomize option allows a user to easily explore multiple variations on a particular look.

Exposure 5 integrates with the popular tools many photographers use in their professional workflow: Adobe^® Photoshop^®, Lightroom^®, and now Apple^® Aperture^®. Now Exposure 5 can also be launched as a standalone application. That is especially useful for fast batch-processing or as part of a workflow that includes tools that do not support plug-ins.

Pricing and Availability

Exposure 5 will be available in June 2013 through www.alienskin.com for $199 USD. Owners of any version of Exposure may upgrade for $99 USD. Free upgrades will be automatically sent to everyone who purchased Exposure 4 directly from Alien Skin Software in March 2013 or later.

Host Requirements

Exposure 5 may be used as a standalone program or a plug-in. When it is used as a plug-in it requires one of the following host applications:

• Adobe Photoshop CS5 or later
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 or later
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 or later
• Apple Aperture 3 or later

System Requirements

Microsoft Windows users need Windows 7 or later. 
Apple Macintosh users need Mac OS X 10.7 or later. 
An Intel Core 2 processor or compatible is required. 
A monitor with 1280x768 resolution or greater is required.

 

Five Nikon Digital Cameras Receive the "red dot award: product design 2013"

The Nikon D4 FX-format digital SLR camera, the Nikon 1 V2, J3, and S1 advanced camera with interchangeable lenses, and COOLPIX S01 compact digital camera have been awarded the "red dot award: product design 2013," sponsored by Germany's Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.

The "red dot award: product design" is a world-class award presented to products released over the past two years that exhibit superiority in terms of a total of nine aspects, which includes innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecology, and durability.

4,662 products from 1,865 companies in 54 countries were submitted to the "red dot award: product design 2013" competition. Winning products will be on display from July 2, 2013 to July 28, 2013 in the "Design on stage - winners red dot award: product design 2013" exhibition at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen Germany.

•Nikon D4 Overview

The D4 is Nikon's flagship digital SLR camera which offers an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, equipped with a Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor. It also equipped with the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, which is specifically optimized for high-spec digital SLR cameras for superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor that supports sensitivities as low as ISO 50 with expansion as high as ISO 204800.

•Nikon 1 V2, Nikon 1 J3, Nikon 1 S1 Overview

The Nikon 1, advanced camera with interchangeable lenses, proposes new forms of imaging expression.

The Nikon 1 V2 is the world's smallest and lightest camera equipped with a number of functions that enable better image quality and greater speed, including a new super high-speed AF CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 14.25-million pixels and high-speed AF offering 73 focus points with focal-plane phase-detection AF and 135 focus points with contrast-detect AF, as well as the new EXPEED 3A image-processing engine.

The V2 is the perfect camera for those who primarily use a digital SLR camera, but want a very small, yet reliable, camera that is more portable than a D-SLR. It is also for current compact digital camera users who still want auto shooting capabilities, but are ready to try applying and adjusting shooting settings themselves to achieve the desired results.

•COOLPIX S01 overview

The S01 is the smallest and lightest digital camera in Nikon COOLPIX history. Smaller in width and height than the average business card, and weighing approximately 96g, the S01 easily fits in the palm of the hand. Nikon was very particular in the design and materials used for the camera. It has an incredibly smooth form when viewed from any angle. The S01 is made of stainless steel that helps to keep it slim yet durable, and also enables a beautiful surface finish. In addition, great care in the development of the user interface (UI) with intuitive touch panel operation ensures that the S01 is so easy and fun to use that owners will want to take it with them wherever they go.

Maxell Professional Announces Launch of Professional Plus SD Card

Maxell Professional Media expands its line of professional-grade products with the introduction of a Professional SD Card, furthering its dedication to supplying the professional broadcast, video, and post markets with storage media of the highest standard. The SDHC UHS-I (Speed Class 1) Card, for DSLRs and professional HD video cameras, debuts this spring, rounding out Maxell's Professional Plus line of media storage products specifically developed to meet the stringent needs of broadcast, video, and post-production professionals who require storage options.

This Ultra High Speed UHS-I (Speed Class 1) SDHC Memory card, is a full Class 10 with read speeds up to 95MB/s and write speeds up to 45MB/s. It is faster, smarter and more robust than current SDHC cards and has been fully optimized for professional use.

"It is crucial that our customers be provided with data storage options that are optimized for professional use," said Patricia Byrne, Senior Marketing Manager for Maxell. "The SDHC UHS-I cards accomplish that goal on every performance level, and we are happy to add it to Maxell's family of broadcast products."

Maxell's robust SDHC cards, available in 16GB and 32GB, will ensure that the quality of a user's content remains true to the original source throughout the process of capturing, editing and transmission.

List pricing for the Professional SD Cards is $37.83 for the 16GB and $72.99 for the 32GB.