Atree J100 Launched at Korea

I certainly can't knock the 4GB Atree J100 when it comes to its well stocked arsenal of goodies: it has a three-inch touchscreen, an e-dictionary, DMB digital TV tuner, video playback, and microSD expansion -- and it plays music too. Audio formats are also plentiful, with MP3, WMA and OGG for the commoners, and FLAC and APE for the lossless fanatics. Too bad it's held back by the chunky casing, which looks big enough to have fit a five-inch screen if the designers were so inclined. With slicker-looking competition from the likes of Cowon and Samsung, the otherwise entirely useful J100 might struggle to stand out, but if you're willing to look beyond its superficial shortcomings, it's available now for 198,000 KRW ($158) or about IDR 1.6 million.

Dell Launches Inspiron 11z

Today Dell officially took the wraps off its first CULV System: the Inspiron 11z. We took a first look at this attractive thin and light notebook with an 11-inch screen designed to fill the gap between netbooks and larger budget notebooks. At a price of just $399, Dell might have a winner on its hands.

The Inspiron 11z is the first Dell ultraportable notebook to blend netbook portability with full-featured laptop capability. It weighs 3.05 lbs. and at roughly an inch thin it's easy to carry, yet has the capability to deliver smooth HD video playback and snappier performance with your applications. The biggest differences between a netbook and the new Inspiron 11z are inside. Most netbooks feature the Intel Atom processor and GMA 950 graphics while the Inspiron 11z is based on the new Intel CULV processor family combined with more memory and improved graphics to deliver better performance.

Many consumers wondered what Dell had in store after Dell discontinued the Inspiron Mini 12 earlier this year ... the Inspiron 11z is the answer. Consumers have been asking for a netbook-like device with a netbook price point that is capable of handling traditional laptop activities (like full HD video and multitasking). The Inspiron 11z does just that with a starting price of just $399 in the U.S. on www.dell.com and starting Aug. 25 will be available in Carphone Warehouse in the U.K. and the Phone House in France.

While the Inspiron Mini series of netbooks are designed as "companion PCs" (miniature laptops that are easy to slip into a bag or briefcase but can't replace a full-featured notebook) the Inspiron 11z has all the power of a traditional budget notebook in a small, easy-to-carry design. Netbooks offer slower performance and certain types of HD video playback will stutter because of the limitations of the Intel Atom processor and Intel GMA 950 graphics. The Inspiron 11z doesn't suffer from these limitations thanks to a new Intel CULV processor and Intel GS45 Integrated Graphics.

One potential issue we noticed with the pre-production Inspiron 11z is that users will have a hard time making their own upgrades. Dell sacrificed the typical RAM expansion and hard drive expansion doors on the bottom of the notebook in order to make the Inspiron 11z as thin (and as low cost) as possible. This means you will have to disassemble the entire bottom of the notebook if you want to perform your own upgrades.


Right side view of the Inspiron 11z: 3-in-1 card reader, audio jacks, two USB ports, power jack, and Kensington Lock slot.

Left side view of the Inspiron 11z: Ethernet, HDMI out, and USB port.

A few more facts about the Inspiron 11z - as I mentioned, today you can purchase a pre-configured system for $399 including the following specifications:

• Intel Celeron 723 processor (1.2GHz/800MHz FSB/1MB cache)
• 2GB DDR2 memory
• 250GB (5400 rpm) hard drive
• Built in Wi-Fi, 1.3MP Webcam
• 11.6-inch HD (1366x768) display (WLED)
• 28WHr battery with approximately 3 hours of battery life
• Windows Vista Home Premium WITH free upgrade kit to Windows 7
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 0.92" (235mm) front / 1.02" (258mm) back (with 3 cell battery)
  • Depth: 8.43" (214mm)
  • Width: 11.5" (292mm)

At the time of lauch the Inspiron 11z will only be available in Obsidian Black, but more colors will likely become available later this year.

There will be more configuration options down the road. The Inspiron 11z is only the second member of Dell's "Z family" of notebooks with thin and light with great battery life space - so stay tuned, I'll have more coverage of the Z-series notebooks in the future.

Casio Releases Exilim EX-Z450 and EX-Z90

Casio has announced a pair of Exilim Zoom series digital compacts. The EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 feature an Intelligent AF function that attempts to identify photographic subjects beyond just looking for humans as faces. The Z450, which has a 4x zoom lens starting at 28mm equivalent, also incorporates an enhanced version of the company's Dynamic Photo mode that now allows a moving subject to be cropped from a single shot, as long as the background flat and of a single color. Both feature 12.1MP sensors and offer HD recording.

CASIO RELEASES LATEST EXILIM DIGITAL CAMERAS THAT AUTOMATICALLY DETECT PHOTO SUBJECTS WITH NEW INTELLIGENT AF

Composite Moving Image Creation Even Faster with Improved Dynamic Photo Function in New EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 Models

DOVER, NJ — AUGUST 18, 2009 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release today of two new additions to the EXILIM digital camera lineup. The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 both are equipped with Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, allowing the models to automatically determine the focus and exposure area. In addition, Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo function, for composite moving image creation, is now faster and easier to operate, allowing users to produce animated electronic greeting cards and other digital creations.

New to the Casio EXILIM lineup is the Intelligent AF feature which, in addition to the line’s usual face detection technology, automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. By simply pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF ensures a focused, crisp picture without an out-of-focus subject. Taking pictures of your family pet or even beautiful scenery can be done in a snap, utilizing Intelligent AF to help minimize the number of photos that need to be taken to get a perfect picture. Thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0, users can enjoy taking quality photographs with ease.

Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice*in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shot, as long as the background is flat and in one color.

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 is built with a stylish design, producing a 12.1 effective megapixel image while boasting a wide-angle 28 mm 4X optical zoom lens. In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking enhanced scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of a person’s face. The high performance features Casio is known for are evident in this camera, while the image quality is never sacrificed with the addition of new functions.

Also announced today was the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 – a high-powered 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z90 offers advanced based performance and a wide range of functions. The camera’s stylish design creates a fashion accessory for users that can fit in your pocket, clutch or the palm of your hand.

“Casio continues to create cameras that come equipped with high-powered, cutting -edge technologies such as the new Intelligent AF feature and improved Dynamic Photo function which creates a whole new picture taking and sharing experience for users,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “The two new additions to the EXILIM line continue to demonstrate Casio’s commitment to producing quality digital cameras that can be utilized by novice users and professional photographers.”

The EX-Z450 will have an MSRP of $199.99 and will be offered in champagne. The EX-Z90 will have an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available in pink and black, making it the perfect fashion accessory for consumers. Both cameras will begin to ship to stores in early October.
Features

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90
Digital Cameras that Automatically Detect Photo Subjects with Intelligent AF

Both models have an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels

EX-Z450
This stylish model features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,400 dots of high resolution, as well as a lens ranging from 28-mm wide angle (35 mm film camera equivalent) all the way to 4X optical zoom. Its advanced base performance is supported by a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, and longer battery life lasting about 550 shots on a single full charge.
EX-Z90
Compact enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the EX-Z90 comes in a range of colors that appeal to sophisticated women, and is designed to feel like a fashion accessory. In order to accent the camera’s attractive color, the 3X optical zoom lens barrel is rendered in black.

Shooting functions made possible by high-speed image processing

Intelligent AF
When the camera is pointed at a desired shot, the Intelligent AF function automatically detects the photo subject even if it is not a human face, and determines the focus and exposure area accordingly.

Landscape Mode
This mode is for taking beautiful scenery shots. Users can choose between the Vivid Landscape option, which enhances only impressive colors, or the Mist Removal option, which produces clearer pictures when the atmosphere is misty or hazy.

Makeup Mode
The camera helps create beautiful pictures of people’s faces. This function ensures that faces are correctly focused and well exposed, adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight.

Handheld Night Scene function** or Lighting function
The camera can automatically detect difficult situations, such as night scenes where there would normally be camera shake, and backlit scenes where faces or backgrounds can be poorly exposed, and then make the most appropriate settings. All the user has to do is to press the shutter button to take great pictures.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Dynamic Photo can create composite moving images ideal for animated electronic greeting cards
Without the need for a computer, Dynamic Photo enables users to cut out images of a moving subject that have been photographed, and combine them with a different still image that forms the background. The result is a unique still photo containing a moving subject. Dynamic Photo can be used to create highly original and creative electronic greeting cards. Thanks to improvements made to Dynamic Photo, fun composite moving images can now be created even more easily.

• A moving subject can be cropped from a single shooting, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
• It is now possible to expand or shrink the size of the cut-out subject to suit the still image that it will be combined with.
• A Dynamic Photo can be converted into a Motion JPEG movie file right on the camera.
• Using the included PC software, Photo Transport, still images can also be uploaded to the camera for use in composite moving image creation.
• Eight different Animated Characters (such as a heart or a dinosaur) are included in the camera so that users can have fun decorating their still images.

High Resolution HD Movies
The camera also features an HD Movie function. Just press the dedicated Movie button to take beautiful movies at 1280x720 pixels.

iHome's iHMP5 headphones

It's a dilemma that even your mother has likely faced. You'd like a new set of headphones, but you'd also like to fill your dorm room with sound should a few friends stop by. In a beautiful effort to solve said quandary, iHome has introduced a 2-in-1 stereo speaker / headphone system dubbed the iHMP5. For those unaware, these are the first over-the-ear cans produced by the company, and unlike most other alternatives, these boast an inline pre-amp that flip 'em "from private to party" mode on a moment's notice. In other words, these headphones double as a portable speaker system, and they're available in a trio of colors right now for $59.99. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

PSP Minis Digital Comics and Bite Size Games

The PS3 Slim might be getting all the attention today, but the new PSP Minis bite-sized games and PSP Digital Comics service are actually potentially game-changers as well -- so of course they get their own promo videos. Minis are 100MB or smaller games that will launch on the PlayStation Store the same day the PSP Go arrives, and while the launch lineup doesn't have any standout must-haves, we think they'll be quite popular. The real sleeper might be the Digital Comics service, though, which will launch with Marvel titles and eventually add more publishers -- although pricing and other details haven't been announced, we've got a feeling quite a few PSP owners will be into the idea of getting comics on the go. Innovative new ideas or clever reaction to games and ereaders on the iPhone? Hit the break, watch the videos, and sound off.

Dell Mini 3i Revealed

Another big name in the computer industry is dipping their toes in the mobile phone market - Dell unveiled the Dell Mini 3i at an event on which China Mobile presented their online mobile store.

Dell have officially called the Mini i3 only "a proof of concept". According to the manufacturer the name has been made up by our fellow tech journalists over at Engadget and even Dell themselves don't have a name for the displayed device.

All the listed specifications are not final or even confirmed and Dell have simply intended to spice up the China Mobile event by "waving around" a prototype. For now Dell still don't have any current smartphones on the market - be it in China or elsewhere. So have that in mind please, while you're going through the photos below - those are officially "unofficial".

The spec sheet of the Dell Mini 3i is a bit self-contradicting. First off, it runs the China Mobile developed OMS - Open Mobile System, which is based on Android with TD-SCDMA phones in mind (TD-SCDMA is China's own 3G brew). The Mini 3i isn't 3G capable, just 2G GSM and doesn't count on Wi-Fi or WAPI - Chinese equivalent of Wi-Fi (those Chinese sure like homegrown solutions). Bluetooth is the only local wireless connectivity method.

Live shots of the Dell Mini 3i

China Mobile launched an online store offering media, games and apps, which makes the lack of any sort of fast connection to the Interned a real downer. The store will cater a list of manufacturers including Nokia, Samsung and LG - plus apparently Dell. You can find the store at www.mmarket.com (it didn't work for me but it may be a regional sort of thing).

The screen of the Dell Mini 3i is 3.5" capacitive touchscreen with 360 x 640 pixels resolution. This resolution is a first for Android (OK, technically this isn't pure Android but still).

While the touchscreen nature of the device sets the tone for the design, there's something interesting about the front of the Mini - no keys. Vanilla Android is usable without the keys, but just barely, so the OMS interface will probably be very different - reportedly, it's inspired by the iPhone (rather unsurprisingly). An ambient light sensor adjusts the backlight automatically.

Some more shots of the Dell Mini 3i

The camera on the Mini 3i is a 3-megapixel one with LED flash. There's a microSD card slot for storage. If OMS is anything like Android, it'll have a really tough time doing almost anything without a card so the slot is pretty much a necessity.

A miniUSB port handles PC connectivity but whether it will be able to charge the phone is still not known.

The specs so far read as rather low-end, save for the screen, so the built-in GPS comes as a pleasant surprise, and one of the Mini 3i's saving graces.

It's hard to tell if we'll ever see the Dell Mini 3i outside China, the launch date is not know either. Perhaps it depends on how well it performs, but more likely, it will stay China-only and Dell's next attempts will be the ones that manage to get across the Great Wall

Leica S System

Leica has revealed specifications and a release date for its medium-format 'S system'. The S2 as a 37.5 megapixel Kodak CCD sensor which measures 45 x 30 mm, sensitivity is pegged from ISO 80 to 1250 and the camera can shoot 1.5 fps for up to 8 RAW DNG files. Around the back you'll find a three inch LCD with 460,000 dots (surprisingly not the higher resolution 920,000 dot screens found on other DSLRs). Everything else is pretty much to be expected; three metering modes, four exposure modes, integral metal shutter provides 32 to 1/4000 sec and a flash sync of 1/125 sec, optional lens leaf shutter delivers flash sync up to 1/500 sec. A basic 'kit' (S2 and one lens) will set you back around $30,000 and the first units should ship in October.

Press Release:

The LEICA S2: In a class all its own

Unveiled for the first time at the Photokina 2008 trade show in Germany, Leica is pleased to announce the first shipments of the S2 will be delivered in October 2009. This new system product will set the standard in professional digital photography.

A perfect synthesis

The LEICA S2’s excellence is based not only on its high-resolution image sensor but also the unique S format and full range of features, such as autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for the professional photographer. The S2 achieves a perfect synthesis, combining the highest image quality in a camera with incomparable ease-of-use. It breaks new ground in every way, ensuring that photographers will enjoy perfect results from a camera that is truly easy to handle. The Leica S-system is the only professional camera system to make a clean break from legacy categories such as the “35mm” or “medium format” and was developed solely for the digital domain. This means the S2 has established its own format focused primarily on ease-of-use and optimal image quality - the Leica S format. This format pioneers the optimal quality of all components and embodies easy handling, giving photographers the creative scope they require. The decisive advantage of the LEICA S2 is the sum of its features: flexibility, durability and easy operation combined with industry- leading resolution and image quality. The S2 outperforms other camera systems in the medium-format category, setting a completely new standard for quality.

A unique image sensor design for unparalleled quality

The S2’s image sensor was developed especially for the S system by Kodak. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. In the interest of preserving image sharpness, the camera disregards the standard low-pass filter. Instead, Moiré effects are detected and eliminated by the camera's internal signal processing, thus taking full advantage of the system's high-resolution lenses. A special micro-lens pattern allows complete capture of angled light rays on the image periphery for optimal use of available light. With a sensitivity of up to ISO 1250, low-noise images can be captured under limited lighting conditions.

Compact design and familiar feel

The LEICA S2 has the look and feel of traditional 35mm SLR cameras, preserving the handling qualities that have long been appreciated by professional photographers. The integration of electronic components and the very latest design methods have made the S2 remarkably smaller than other medium-format cameras. The number of controls was kept to a bare minimum without limiting the camera’s many features and options. Operation of the S2 becomes intuitive after minimal operation of the camera. The result is a finely balanced camera with a pleasant weight that allows photographers to work fluidly and spontaneously.

The size and weight are far lower than comparable medium-format systems in a camera that features a high-resolution CCD as well as high-speed operation. The LEICA S2 is not only the right choice for the studio, but also for working on location and capturing images without the use of a tripod.

Faster results with a high-speed system

The S2’s high-speed MAESTRO image processor chip and supplemental camera control processor deliver exceptional processing power. Fast signal processing by the MAESTRO chip allows up to 1.5 images per second at maximum resolution. The powerful MAESTRO dual processor allows high-quality JPEG files to be created in the camera, the only medium-format to have this feature. The LEICA S2 has slots for both Compact Flash and SD, with an option for saving RAW format Adobe DNG data onto Compact Flash and JPEG to the SD card, simultaneously. This allows for easy image viewing on the camera while streamlining post-processing. Using Adobe DNG for raw imaging data gives photographers the ultimate flexibility because this open-source data format is supported by almost all major graphic-editing and workflow solutions. Leica supplies the universal Adobe Lightroom workflow solution as part of the camera’s equipment. Leica’s proprietary Image Shuttle software allows all of the S2 features to be controlled remotely from a computer, and image files are written directly onto the hard drive for immediate processing. An HDMI interface allows images to be presented and checked directly on monitors, television sets, and projectors.

Reference-class lenses

The highest priority during development of the Leica S lenses was image quality. Their sophisticated design features special grades of glass and aspherical surfaces rarely found in optics of this size. In addition, lenses manufactured to extremely narrow tolerances, with each lens centered by hand, guarantees superior quality and optical performance. The maximum performance of each lens is available even at full aperture setting, or when shooting from a distance or capturing close-up images. Vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberrations have been reduced to the point of imperceptibility, eliminating the need for quality-degrading image corrections and simplifying digital post-processing considerably. The newly developed S-bayonet mount ensures rapid and precise digital exchange of data and commands between the camera and lens.

Four S series lenses will be launched for the key focal lengths by the end of 2009, including the classic LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70mm F/2.5 ASPH and the LEICA APO-TELE- ELMAR-S F/180mm telephoto lens. The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm F/2.5, the solution for close-ups and portraits, and the wide-angle LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35mm F/2.5 ASPH are set to follow in late 2009. By multiplying the listed focal distances by 0.8, the user is given a comparison to corresponding 35mm-format lenses. A selection of the S lenses will also be available in a CS variant with an integrated focal-plane shutter. Leica is planning to prioritize the expansion of its range of S lenses in the near future.

Dual shutter system

The LEICA S2 allows photographers to choose the shutter system which best matches the task at hand. The S2 is equipped with a metal focal-plane shutter with the fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and a flash synch time of 1/125 of a second. Lenses of key focal lengths will be available in the future with integrated leaf shutters designed by Leica engineers that photographers can activate via the camera’s main switch. The integrated leaf shutter allows flash units to be used at the fastest shutter speed of 1/500 second, giving photographers more options for suppressing unwanted ambient light. Several patents are pending for the Leica leaf shutter, which features an electronically-controlled drive guaranteeing reliable, fast exposure times and low energy consumption.

Precise, high-speed autofocus

The autofocus developed by Leica for the S2 is based on a centrally positioned cross-hair sensor for high precision focusing. Each S lens has its own Leica-designed microprocessor for precise autofocus and iris diaphragm control. The integrated focusing drive is a proprietary Leica design that features silent gearing. All S lenses have a generous focus ring with just the right amount of drag, letting the photographer override the autofocus at any time.

Rugged, durable design

The camera’s body is made of robust die-cast magnesium with a leather-grain finish for maximum grip. The S2 and all S lenses are extensively weatherproofed and can withstand exposure to rain and dust, and the USB and remote control ports feature rugged bayonet locks with strain relief. The S2 can also be supplied with a highly scratch-resistant LEICA S2-P sapphire glass display cover for the most extreme and demanding conditions.

Authorized sales and service network

The LEICA S2 is only sold through authorized dealers who also offer specialized consultation and support. This network of dealers is part of the extended S system service package.

The S system has its own customer care team with a dedicated helpline, making immediate service accessible for any questions that may arise. Professional photographers who demand absolute reliability from their camera systems can choose from additional service package upgrades to enhance the generous standard warranty coverage. The Platinum service package includes free maintenance in addition to offering loaner equipment for the duration of the service work. Please review the attached warranty table for more details.

Pricing and availability

At the end of September 2009, LEICA S2 will be available for $22,995 at select photography dealers. At $27,995 the LEICA S2-P with sapphire display includes the Platinum service package. The LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm f/2.5 ASPH. for $4,495 and the LEICA APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3.5 for $6,495will also be available when the S2 is launched. The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120 mm f/2.5, also priced at $6,495, and the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm f/2.5 ASPH, priced at $5,295, will reach the market in late 2009. The CS variant models of the S lenses will be introduced successively over time. The first CS models to reach dealers will be the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm f/2.5 ASPH. CS ($5,995), the LEICA APO-MACRO- SUMMARIT-S 120 mm f/2.5 CS and the LEICA APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3,5 CS (the macro and telephoto selling for $7,495 each). The LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm f/2.5 ASPH. CS will follow for $5,995. Many of accessories will also become available with the market launch, including the professional S charging unit that recharges two batteries simultaneously ($399) as well as various components such as alternative viewfinder screens. Specialist dealers will also have many other accessories such as lens caps, cable releases and the LEICA SF 58 flash unit. An S all-purpose grip will be available starting in early 2010 for $1,295. Prices include taxes where applicable.

Lenovo Introduces IdeaPad U450p

Lenovo Intros IdeaPad U450p

Lenovo today introduced its latest consumer notebook, the IdeaPad U450p. The U450p is based on Intel's Consumer Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) platform, commonly referred as an 'ultra thin' notebook. The U450p features an anti-glare 14-inch display (1366x768), integrated Intel GMA X4500 graphics, Windows Vista, and a six-cell battery. The base model starts at $799 with a Pentium SU2700 (1.3GHz) processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 250GB hard drive, while the $899 version bumps the specifications to a faster Core 2 Solo SU3500 (1.4GHz) processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive.

Like other ultra thin notebooks, the U450p has an external optical drive.

The World's First Multi-Wireless Compact Samsung CL65 (ST1000)

Samsung has released three compacts with a smattering of 'world's first' features. Top of the range is the CL65 (ST1000 in Europe), the first compact to offer a 3.5" touch screen LCD with 1.2 million dot (megadot?) resolution and multi-wireless connectivity. It features Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity allowing wirelessly connections to internet routers or DLNA compliant devices. Built-in GPS enables geo-tagging of images with location data. The camera, which uses MicroSD memory cards, also features built-in Intelli-Studio PC software to directly upload images online or e-mail them. The 12.1 MP camera also offers an optically stabilized 5x zoom lens (35-175mm equiv.) and HD video recording.

SAMSUNG DIGITAL IMAGING INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST MULTI-WIRELESS DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERA – ST1000

Capture and share pictures on-the-go with built-in ‘3 Wireless Connectivity’

13th August 2009 : Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and technology, today unveiled the ST1000 camera with never before seen built-in geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi* connectivity. Offering consumers an ‘always on’ experience, users can now send and post pictures almost as quickly as they take them, whilst the GPS capabilities will keep track of exactly where each picture was shot.

Multi-Wireless Connectivity
Thanks to the in-built GPS, the ST1000 displays the city name and region on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a real-time display of their location and reference for when they are reviewing and managing images.

Using Bluetooth 2.0 technology, users can wirelessly beam their favourite images to other compatible mobile phone devices. With the Wi-Fi technology, users can email photos direct from their camera and upload their photos or videos to selected popular social networking websites including Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, without needing to connect to a PC. The ST1000 is also DLNA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing users to wirelessly connect the camera to other DLNA compliant devices, such as HDTVs, digital picture frames, media servers or gaming systems in their networked home to view and share their precious moments.

The ST1000 comes with the ‘intelli-studio’ PC software package embedded in the camera itself. The software can be used for viewing, editing and managing pictures and the clever part of it being built into the camera means it automatically loads onto your computer when you connect your camera to it. Through the intelli-studio software users can then easily pinpoint their images and link to popular social media photo-sharing sites, such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Flickr**.

“This new powerhouse point-and-shoot camera will raise the bar for innovation and set a new standard by which all other manufacturers will be measured,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing for Samsung Digital Imaging.

“Never before has a manufacturer provided such a range of technologies in a compact digital camera, giving consumers unprecedented flexibility when it comes to how, when and where they share their digital images,”

Packed full of innovation and encased in a sleek compact frame, the ST1000 sports the world’s highest resolution 3.5” Wide touch screen LCD*** at 1152k pixels, with almost four times the size of many other cameras, giving an enhanced viewing experience.

Smart Gesture User-Interface
Showcasing further innovations, a Smart Gesture User Interface (UI) with built-in orientation sensor, means a simple tap or hand gesture allows users to access key features quickly.

Smart Touch Auto Focus
The 12.2 megapixel ST1000 comes with a powerful 35mm and 5x optical zoom lens, providing clean and clear images with even resolution from the centre of images to the edges.

Additionally, the camera’s touch screen user interface provides users with Samsung’s innovative and intuitive Smart Touch Auto Focus system. This puts complete command of the camera’s focusing system right at the photographers’ fingertips, allowing them to pinpoint the exact area they wish to lock their focus on by simply touching the location on the LCD screen. Users can also automatically trigger the camera to then take the image by continuing to hold the location with their fingertip.

Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s advanced Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.

Smart Face Recognition
Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology actually remembers faces it sees frequently and then prioritises them when focussing and exposing future shots. It can store up to 20 recognised faces in the cameras’ internal memory and allows users to search for their favourite faces in playback. This can be done quickly by using the ‘Face’ search in Smart Album, instead of viewing every single photo on the memory card.

In “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so everyone is captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched to three different user defined levels for brighter and smoother skin tones.

HD Movie Recording
The ST1000 records HD video in 1280x720p resolution, and at 30 frames per second in H.264 format. This format allows more than twice as much recording capacity as the MP4 format, so gives you more room on your memory card for images and movies. The ST1000 also features HDMI connectivity via an optional adapter, so you can see your HD video creations in glorious HD on an HD TV.

The ST1000 is available in silver/red, black/black, red/black, black/gold and blue/grey colours. All will be available from leading high street and online retailers from late August 2009.

Features

The hub of your wireless network with ‘3 Wireless Connectivity’
Geo Tagging
The ST1000 utilizes advanced GPS technology to automatically geo-tag digital images, recording the exact latitude and longitude of where in the world each photo is taken. The location data is automatically embedded into each image’s EXIF file. Social media photo-sharing websites such as Google Earth, Google Maps and Flickr provide options for sharing one’s images on a map of the world and you can utilize the information stored in the image’s EXIF file to pinpoint where on the globe it was taken.

The ST1000 will display the city name and region on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a real-time display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a handy reference for when they are reviewing images on the camera’s LCD screen.

Bluetooth 2.0
Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity is also included allowing users to share and transfer photos wirelessly and seamlessly. Using Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity simply beam your favourite digital images from the ST1000 to compatible devices, such as mobile phones. When using Bluetooth 2.0, the ST1000 will automatically resize the digital image to best fit the resolution of the host screen it will be displayed on.

Wi-Fi
The ST1000 is DLNA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing the camera to wirelessly connect to other DLNA compliant devices, such as HDTVs, digital picture frames, media servers or gaming systems. This gives the ST1000 user the ability to move content from their camera to other consumer electronics devices throughout their home. To maximize speed and efficiency, all images transferred through Wi-Fi will be reduced to a resolution of two mega-pixels.

The ST1000 makes it easy for users to upload or share their digital images with others right from their digital camera. Through Wi-Fi, users can send a digital image to any email address stored in your camera’s address book or by using the camera’s touchscreen QWERTY keypad. The ST1000’s Wi-Fi connection allows users to upload their images directly to popular websites such as Facebook, Picasa and YouTube or even Samsung’s own website without using a computer.

Smart Gesture UI
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the ST1000 is leading the way. Take for example its innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in Orientation sensor, which lets you quickly access and use the key features with either a simple tap or hand gesture.

With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using Smart Gesture UI by marking a cross (X) on the screen using your finger or you can simply save your favourite photos into a separate folder.

If you want to rotate the images draw a circle (O) on the screen; if you want to see the next image you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.

World’s Highest Resolution 3.5” Wide Touch Screen Back LCD
The 3.5” wide LCD touch screen located on the back of the ST1000 displays the sharpest images of any camera available today. This ultra-wide LCD*** contains 1,152k pixels (almost four times more than many other cameras).

Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS)
Samsung’s Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS) feature allows you to capture crystal-clear, blur-free shots without using a flash or tripod. The ST1000’s true Dual IS combines both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images without the confusion commonly found in other cameras. The optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure blur-free images.

HD Movie Recording in the palm of your hand
The ST1000 is like having a compact HD video camera that also takes professional-grade photos. It records HD video in 1280x720p resolution at 30 frames per second. Its H.264 format also allows you to record twice as much as an MP4 and four times more than an MJPG (the format used in many other digital cameras), delivering much higher video and sound quality. With the ST1000’s mini-HDMI connector, you can also now watch your HD videos with any HDTV or HD monitor.

Smart Auto: shoot like a pro
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.

Smart Album
A 4GB memory card can store over 1,200 12megapixel photos. That means a lot of photos to sort through, but with Samsung’s convenient Smart Album feature, you can quickly scroll through your entire library of images and organize them in the way that’s best for you. This unique feature allows you to organize photos by Favourite (if tagged as a “favourite” photo), Face (someone you’ve taken many photos of), Timeline (date photos were taken), Colour, Content (photos, videos, voice) and Week.

Perfect Portrait System

Picture-perfect moments at their best
The Perfect Portrait System takes the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of this system are the Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies which automatically detect when your subjects are smiling and have their eyes open so you capture them looking their best. Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode. This in-camera feature automatically fixes the typical occurrences of red-eye before the photo is produce. That means you don’t have to spend time afterwards removing red-eyes from your photos.

One touch shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the centre of the frame. In cases like this, the ST1000’s One Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. That means your subject will always be in focus. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.

Smart Face Recognition
Built with Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology, the ST1000 automatically adjusts the focus and exposure on up to 20 faces of your choosing. Or, let the camera select the most photographed faces in your photo album. Smart Face Recognition also lets you quickly search for people within your album without having to go through every single photo.

Beauty Shot
Samsung’s Beauty Shot feature lets you remove all the imperfections on your subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes and moles, leaving skin flawless. Simply select one of the two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.

Photo Style Selector: unleash your creativity
The ST1000 is designed to help you find your inner artist and shoot beautiful pictures. With Samsung’s unique Highlight feature, you can focus on one area of your photo and blur everything around it, so turning a normal photo into something much more. Transform your photos from simple memories to works of art with the Photo Style Selector feature. Choose from a wide selection of artistic treatments from classic black and white to something more colourful. Take control of the colours to be an artist.

US Pricing and Availability
Availability: September 2009
Price: $399.99 or about IDR 4 million

World's First Compact With Dual LCDs Released By Samsung

Samsung has also released the TL225 and TL220 (ST550 and ST500 in Europe), the world's first compact cameras with front and rear LCDs. The 3.5" touch screen LCD (1.2m dot resolution) of the TL225 and the 3.0" LCD (230k dot resolution) of the TL220, incorporate a Smart Gesture User Interface technology, enabling users to tap and browse through features. In addition both feature 1.5" 61k dot front LCDs for shooting challenges such as self-portraits. Both 12.2 MP cameras, which use the MicroSD memory format, sport optically stabilized wide-angle 4.6x optical zoom lenses starting at 27mm equivalent.

SAMSUNG UNVEILS ST550 AND ST500 DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERAS – INNOVATIVE CAMERAS WITH WORLD’S FIRST FRONT AND BACK LCD SCREENS

Front and back display helps you take the perfect self portrait

13th August 2009: Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and technology, today announced the arrival of the ultra slim and stylish ST550 and ST500 compact cameras which boast yet another ‘world first’: front and back LCD display technology.

Delivering an unrivalled user experience, the hidden 1.5” LCD located on the front of the camera allows consumers to take accurate portraits using the front image as a guide – whether it’s a group shot with friends or a snap of yourself on holiday. There is no need to even press the shutter button – just a big smile will trigger the cameras to take the picture.

On the reverse, the Samsung ST550 features the world’s highest resolution 3.5” wide touch screen LCD* , almost four times the size of many other cameras, complete with haptic feedback for ease of use.

Complementing this, the 12.2 mega pixel cameras also use the perfect combination of a 27mm wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens with 4.6x optical zoom. This gives the photographer a wider shooting range from a shorter distance, producing clear, clean images with even resolution from the centre of the picture right to the edges.

“These cameras are the very first of their kind,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

“The use of digital imaging technologies has evolved and we are offering functionality and capabilities that no other digital camera manufacturer has yet addressed. These cameras will be must-haves for those individuals that use popular social networking websites and for families that want to get everyone, including the photographer, in the picture.”

Smart Gesture User Interface (UI)
Showcasing further innovations, a Smart Gesture User Interface (UI) with built-in orientation sensor, means a simple tap or hand gesture allows users to access key features quickly. A simple tap can also turn the front LCD on instantly, ready to take the perfect self portrait photo.

One touch shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the centre of the frame. The ST550 and ST500’s One Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.

Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s advanced Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyses key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.

Smart Face Recognition
Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology actually remembers faces it sees frequently and then prioritises them when focussing and exposing future shots. It can store up to 20 recognised faces in the cameras’ internal memory and allows users to search for their favourite faces in playback. This can be done quickly by using the ‘Face’ search in Smart Album, instead of viewing every single photo on the memory card.

In “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so everyone is captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched to three different user defined levels for brighter and smoother skin tones.

HD Movie Recording
The ST500 and ST550 record HD video in 1280x720p resolution at 30 frames per second in H.264 format. This format allows more than twice as much recording capacity as the MP4 format, so gives you more room on your memory card for images and movies. The ST550 also features HDMI connectivity via an optional adapter, so you can see your HD video creations in glorious HD on an HD TV.

Dual Image Stabilization/Perfect Self Portrait & Perfect Self Timer
Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology combines advanced Digital and Optical image stabilization to ensure outstanding photos without blur – even in low light conditions. Couple this with the new front facing LCD screen and Samsung’s Perfect Self Portrait & Perfect Self Timer functions, and taking professional looking pictures of yourself and others is easy.

The ST500 is available in silver, red and blue colours and the ST550 is available in black, gold, orange and purple colours. All will be available from leading high street and online retailers from late August 2009.

Features

Dual LCD Displays
With the Dual LCD on front and back, ST550 and ST500 provide the easiest way to take the perfect self portrait, either by yourself or with friends or family, every time. On the front of the camera is a 1.5” LCD that shows you exactly what the picture will look like, so you can now be a subject of the picture, as well as the photographer.

• When you tap the front LCD, it turns on and automatically goes into Self-Portrait mode, ensuring that the user will always be framed exactly the way they want. You can also turn on the front LCD with a simple selection through the intuitive interface. As soon as you smile, the camera automatically takes the picture. But the Dual LCDs do more.
• In Children mode, the front LCD plays a fun animation to capture a child’s attention while taking their photo.
• Shutter Info ensures you take a photo of your subject while they’re smiling, the front LCD will display a “smiley face” when the shutter is pushed halfway thus signalling to the subject they should smile.
• Function Info helps you to know the features of every function, with the front LCD providing a visual readout of key camera settings, including whether or not the flash is engaged or if macro focus is in use.
• With Self-Timer, when taking a group photo using the self-timer, the front LCD will show a preview of the shot as well as a visual countdown timer so that everyone knows exactly when the photo will be snapped.

Smart Gesture UI
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the ST550 and ST500 are leading the way. Take for example its innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in orientation sensor, which lets you quickly access and use the key features with either a simple tap or a hand gesture. To turn on the smaller LCD located on the front, simply tap the screen and activates automatically and immediately.

Using other advanced features is just as simple. With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using Gesture UI by marking a cross (X) on the screen using your finger or you can simply save your favourite photos into a separate folder.

If you want to rotate the images draw a circle (O) on the screen; if you want to see the next image you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.

World’s Highest Resolution 3.5” Wide Touch Screen Rear LCD*
The 3.5” wide LCD touch screen located on the back of the ST550 displays the sharpest images of any camera available today, delivering almost four times more than many cameras. Unlike other digital cameras, the LCD touch screen uses Samsung’s unique Haptic technology. That means the camera responds with a slight vibration and beep whenever you select an option.

12.2 Megapixels CCD, 27mm Wide Angle lens with 4.6x Optical Zoom
Samsung’s ST550 and ST500 come fully equipped with a true colour-filtered 12.2 megapixel CCD and boast a powerful 4.6x Optical Zoom, guaranteeing some of the sharpest and most detailed images available and allow for the printing of poster-sized photos. Whether you’re indoors or out, shooting a landscape or friends around a table, the 27mm wide angle lens plus 4.6x optical zoom give you a wider shooting range from a shorter distance delivering greater flexibility than 35mm cameras. Capture images of beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties and skyscrapers without having to back up to get the shot. The precisely cut 27mm optical lens from Schneider-KREUZNACH delivers clear, clean images with even resolution from the centre to the edges. Each lens surface is multi-coated to minimize ghosting or flaring for a great shot every time.

Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS)
Samsung’s Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS) feature allows you to capture crystal-clear, blur-free shots without using a flash or tripod. The ST550 and ST500’s true Dual IS combines both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images without the confusion commonly found in other cameras. The optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure blur-free images.

HD Movie Recording in the palm of your hand
The ST550 and ST500 are like having a compact HD video camera that also takes professional-grade photos. They record HD video in 1280x720p resolution at 30 frames per second. Their H.264 format also allows you to record twice as much as an MP4 and four times more than an MJPG (the format used in many other digital cameras), delivering much higher video and sound quality. With the ST550’s mini-HDMI connector, you can also now watch your HD videos with any HDTV or HD monitor.

Smart Auto: shoot like a pro
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.

Smart Album
A 4GB memory card can store over 1,200 12-megapixel photos. That means a lot of photos to sort through, but with Samsung’s convenient Smart Album feature, you can quickly scroll through your entire library of images and organize them in the way that’s best for you. This unique feature allows you to organize photos by Favourite (if tagged as a “favourite” photo), Face (someone you’ve taken many photos of), Timeline (date photos were taken), Colour, Content (photos, videos, voice) and Week.

Perfect Portrait System

Picture-perfect moments at their best
The Perfect Portrait System takes the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of this system are the Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies which automatically detect when your subjects are smiling and have their eyes open so you capture them looking their best. Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode. This in-camera feature automatically fixes the typical occurrences of red-eye before the photo is produce. That means you don’t have to spend time afterwards removing red-eyes from your photos.

One touch shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the centre of the frame. In cases like this, the ST550 and ST500’s One Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. That means your subject will always be in focus. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.

Smart Face Recognition
The ST550 and ST500 feature advanced Face Recognition technology that automatically stores up to 20 preferred faces to the cameras’ internal memory. While taking a portrait, the ST550 and ST500 will automatically recognize if one of the user’s preferred faces is in the frame and identify them as a priority for focus and exposure. Users can also save time sorting through their photos and instead search for photos that contain a specific face.

Beauty Shot
Samsung’s Beauty Shot feature lets you remove all the imperfections on your subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes and moles, leaving skin flawless. Simply select one of the two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.

Photo Style Selector: unleash your creativity
The ST550 and ST500 are designed to help you find your inner artist and shoot beautiful pictures. With Samsung’s unique highlight feature, you can focus on one area of your photo and blur everything around it, so turning a normal photo into something much more complex. Simply select one of the two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.

Transform your photos from simple memories to works of art using the Photo Style Selector feature. Choose from a wide selection of artistic treatments ranging from classic black and white to something more colourful allowing you to take control of the colours to be a true artist.

US Pricing and Availability
Availability: September 2009
Price: TL225 $349.99 or about IDR 3.5 million
Price: TL220 $299.99 or about IDR 3 million

Sony Ericsson Jalou Will Have Dolce&Gabbana Edition

Remember the Sony Ericsson Jalou? Well, the photo may have been a fake, but the Jalou is the real deal. It's a fashion phone with a jewel-inspired design and with a limited Dolce&Gabbana edition just around the corner.

The Jalou is a petite clamshell - just 73 mm tall when closed - and weighs the handbag-friendly 84 grams. The internal display has a special finish that allows it to double as a mirror - how thoughtful! Jalou will be available in attractive gem colors like Onyx Black, Aquamarine Blue and Deep Amethyst.

Sony Ericsson Jalou

The Sony Ericsson Jalou will have a limited, Dolce&Gabbana-branded edition giving it serious fashion cred. It will have all the techy features of the regular Jalou but elements like 24 carat gold plating and Sparkling Rose color scheme make it exclusive. There's also preloaded content like photos and videos of the 2010 Autumn/Winter runway show including backstage footage. Specially crafted wallpapers and themes are a given as well.

Sony Ericsson Jalou Dolce&Gabbana edition

The Dolce&Gabbana Jalou will serve as more than just a fashion accessory - with an RSS feed from a special blog you'll instantly get updates on the latest trends, news and gossip. Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce themselves will be crafting an ad campaign, which will start October, to promote the Jalou.

Quite expectedly with the Sony Ericsson Jalou the high-end specs sheet was obviously not a priority - it measures the hefty 18.2mm in thickness and features a 2-inch QVGA screen (with a monochrome one on the outside) as well as a 3 megapixel camera without auto focus.

Sony Ericsson Jalou

A NetFront browser and YouTube application as well as Google search application put the tri-band HSPA in gear with GPS (US version only) and Google Maps rounding it off. Oh, and after you've checked your makeup using the Jalou's internal screen, a video call is just a few key presses away. Threaded SMS, email, instant messaging is the other way to keep you in contact with friends.

Sony Ericsson Jalou

Both editions of the Jalou will be out in the fourth quarter of 2009 with the Dolce&Gabbana edition available exclusively in Sparkling Rose. No word on pricing though - just as usual.

New BlackBerry Storm 2

Today's forecast: cloudy with intermittent leaks of BlackBerry Storm 2 photos. This time it's the Vodafone Germany's version - the 9520. The good news is that it has Wi-Fi too, like it's Verizon-headed counterpart - the 9550 Storm 2 (and Euro 3G, of course).

It shares its looks with it too, which of course means it's a chip of the old block - the 9500 Storm. This one runs the 5.0 version of the BlackBerry OS, unlike the 9550 Storm 2 we saw in July, which had 5.1.

BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2
BlackBerry 9520 Storm 2

As you can see the Storm 2 still has a chubby exterior but at least the other gripe we had with the original - lack of Wi-Fi has been fixed. And the new screen has us holding our breaths - it isn't clicky when the phone is off, but is clicky when it's on. How does that work and is it better than the original?

BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2 BlackBerry 9520 Strom 2
More photos of the Storm 2 • comparison with the original Storm

According to rumors we'll have to wait till October this year to find out - then the Storm 2 should be out for both Vodafone and Verizon.

Sony Relesases DSC-WX1 and TX1

Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 and DSC-TX1 digital compacts, the first to use back illuminated CMOS sensors. According to Sony, its 'Exmor R' sensor offers low-light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity of traditional image sensors. The sensor has been incorporated into familiar W and T series bodies. The WX1 features a 5x zoom starting at 24mm equivalent and f/2.4. The TX1 is a touch screen camera with 4x zoom lens (35-140mm equiv.). Like the existing, conventional CMOS-based HX1, both cameras offer HD video recording and a Sweep Panorama mode.

Sony stresses that this latest CMOS technology, combined with the fast lenses (f/2.4 on the WX1) and the six-shot layering technology (first seen on the HX1), offers: "an innovative and comprehensive approach to overcoming the challenge of low light photography that have plagued compact cameras for some time."

SONY DEBUTS WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS WITH
BACK-ILLUMINATED “EXMOR R” CMOS SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

New Cyber-shot® Cameras Excel in Low-Light Performance

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 5, 2009 – Sony today announced two new Cyber-shot® cameras (DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 models) that provide unprecedented advances in low-light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity of cameras with traditional image sensors.

These Cyber-shot cameras are the first to employ Sony’s new “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology to improve shooting in low-light scenarios, enhancing image clarity and drastically reducing grain.

“With these new “Exmor R” CMOS sensor cameras, Sony has vastly improved the customer experience for taking pictures with digital still cameras in low-light scenarios,” said Phil Lubell, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. “We’ve all taken pictures in dimly lit areas, where the results were grainy and unclear. By redesigning the way these cameras capture light, Sony is leading the industry by creating this easy way to take amazingly clear, vibrant photos in low lighting scenarios.”

“Exmor R” Sensor Optimizes Low-Light Performance
Conventional image sensor architecture has required wires and other circuit elements to be positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes, limiting the imager’s light gathering capability. Positioning these elements behind the photo-diodes, Sony’s “Exmor R” image sensors can gather more light, resulting in approximately twice the sensitivity compared to conventional sensors.

To further extend low-light shooting performance, the TX1 and WX1 cameras incorporate the hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur multi-shot modes introduced in Sony’s breakthrough Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Using “Exmor R” CMOS sensor’s high speed, these modes capture six separate images in less than a second and utilize Sony’s BIONZ™ processor to combine the shots into a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise.

Combining the “Exmor R” technology with hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur modes delivers a breakthrough in low-light photography. Users can now capture images of stunning detail and low noise in scenes with no more than candlelight—without flash or the need of a tripod.

Innovative Sweep Panorama™ and High-Speed Shooting
In addition to their breakthrough low light performance, these new cameras also include Sony’s Sweep Panorama and 10 frames per second burst shooting features, which were introduced with the Sony® DSC-HX1 camera. The TX1 and WX1 cameras offer these features in smaller, more compact bodies that match nearly any unique style.

Capturing wide landscapes is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep Panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. Using the high-speed “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the cameras shoot continuously while you sweep across the scene. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, they automatically stitch the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo.

The TX1 and WX1 Cyber-shot models can take up to 185 and 256-degree panorama shots respectively in one easy press-and-sweep motion with an image size of 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).

Advanced Technology and Compact Design
While the HX1 camera is a well-rounded solution for customers who are looking for high-zoom and speed in a smaller size than a DSLR, the TX1 and WX1 cameras are made for an audience that wants advanced technology in an even more compact design.

With its slim profile of just 16.5mm, the 10.2 mega-pixel TX1 offers streamlined, distinguished curves for a sophisticated look appealing to the fashion-oriented who are also looking for great performance.

This model features a new operation on the touch panel that lets you scroll through images with an effortless “flick” of your finger and directly access menus on the 3-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ display.

With a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens, the TX1 camera lets you focus as little as 0.4 inches from your subject for extraordinary close-up shots. The 4x telescopic zoom is perfect for capturing far-away subjects, and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps overcome camera shake.

The 10.2 mega-pixel WX1 camera has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display and is just over three quarters of an inch thin—an ideal choice for DSLR owners who also want to carry a compact, high performance digital still camera.

The WX1 camera features a Sony G lens with an extraordinary wide angle 24-120mm 5x optical zoom. This lens’ f/2.4 maximum aperture offers nearly twice the light gathering capability of conventional lenses, and works together with the “Exmor R” imager and low-light shooting modes to provide low-light photography beyond the abilities of other compact cameras.

Tech Savvy Cameras
These cameras include the most recent Sony technology, including, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode which, recognizes scenes, lighting conditions and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone and less blur; Face Detection that detects up to eight faces and optimizes focus, flash, exposure and white balance and intelligent Scene (iSCN) that delivers nine Scene Selection modes to quickly adjust for specific shooting conditions.

Pet mode is a new Sony feature that minimizes blur when shooting moving pets. This new mode also reduces glowing pet red-eye.

Additionally, the cameras have technologies Sony Cyber-shot customers have come to expect. These include Smile Shutter™ technology that automatically captures a smile, dynamic range optimization (DRO) that improves exposure and contrast, intelligent Auto Focus that captures fleeting moments and HD video capability that records HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format.

With HD video capability, these cameras record HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for stunning large-screen home movie playback. You can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB file size) in 720p format.

Pricing and Availability
The TX1 camera will be available in silver, gray, pink and blue this September for about $380. The WX1 camera will be available in black this October for about $350. Pre-sales will start in August. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online

PENTAX Optio E80 Released

Last in the line of Pentax's announcements comes the Optio E80, expanding the company's affordable E series of digital cameras. It sports a similar interface to its predecessor, the E70 but with larger buttons, a larger 2.7 inch LCD, 3x zoom lens starting at a slightly wider-angle 32mm and HD video recording.

PENTAX Optio E80

An entry-class digital compact camera featuring a large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch LCD monitor and simple, user-friendly operation

August 5, 2009: HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio E80 digital compact camera. This new entry-class model offers a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor and simplified operation to enhance image-viewing comfort and operability.

The Optio E80 comes equipped with a host of user-friendly features and functions to make high-quality digital photography effortless, even for first-time digital camera users. These include the use of world-standard AA-size batteries as a power source, large, easy-to-press control buttons, and the PENTAX original Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene. It also delivers high-resolution still images thanks to its 10.0 effective megapixels, as well as high definition movie clips (equivalent to 720p at 15 fps) making high-quality digital photography available to everyone.

Major Features

Large 2.7 inch LCD monitor for effortless image/menu viewing
Despite its compact body, the Optio E80 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. This monitor allows the photographer to clearly review images and menus on the screen.

User-friendly operation with large buttons and large menu text
All of the Optio E80’s control buttons, including the shutter release button on the top panel, are designed to be large and easy to press. Coupled with the large letters, numerals and icons used in the on-screen menus, this assures outstanding operability while minimizing the risk of erroneous operation.

Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of the ideal shooting mode
The Optio E80 features an upgraded version of PENTAX’s original Auto Picture mode, which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene simply by pointing the camera at the subject and pressing the shutter release button halfway down. In addition to conventional modes (Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Standard, Flower, and Sport), the Optio E80 also features a new Candlelight mode that makes automatic, high-quality digital photography possible with a broader range of subjects and scenes.

High-quality HD movie recording with Movie Shake Reduction
The Optio E80 captures beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels at 15 fps).* The camera also features a sophisticated Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** which uses exclusive software to automatically compensate camera shake during movie shooting. As a result, the user can record high-quality, blur-free movie clips with minimal effort.

Exceptional image quality with 10.0 effective megapixels
Combining approximately 10.0 effective megapixels with the high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio E80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to bigger sizes, the user is assured of detailed, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

Green mode assures easy shooting for beginners
With simple pushbutton operation, the Optio E80’s user-friendly Green mode automatically selects the optimum combination of exposure settings, ISO sensitivity and other factors for a given subject or scene. This mode not only makes high-quality digital photography simple and effortless, even for first-time digital photographers, but it also comes in handy when the photographer asks someone else to take his/her pictures, or when the user has simply lost track of camera settings.

Optical 3X zoom lens covering angles as wide as 32mm
The Optio E80 features an optical 3X zoom lens covering focal lengths from approximately 31.5mm to 94.5mm (in the 35mm format). Its 31.5mm wide-angle coverage is particularly handy when photographing spectacular landscapes, magnificent architectures or group snapshots in a confined space. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows even tighter zooming in on the subject without compromising image quality, the user can extend the zoom range to approximately 17.1 times.

Powered by world-standard AA-size batteries
Because the Optio E80 uses two world-standard AA-size batteries, replacements can be found almost anywhere around the globe, eliminating the concern about running out of power away from a recharge outlet. Thanks to its highly energy-efficient design, it takes approximately 210 images*** with a pair of fresh alkaline batteries.

Digital SR mode to minimize camera shake and subject movement in the dark
The Optio E80 features the dependable Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which is programmed to minimize camera shake and blur due to subject movement under low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting. When the Optio E80 detects these conditions, it automatically raises the sensitivity up to as high as ISO 6400, allowing the use of a higher shutter speed for beautiful, blur-free still images even under unfavorable lighting conditions.

Automatic Face Recognition for quick, effortless snapshots
The Optio E80 features advanced Face Recognition AF & AE functionality, which automatically detects the subject’s face, then optimizes the focus and exposure settings. It is also equipped with user-friendly features made possible by this advanced Face Recognition technology, including the Half Length Portrait mode that automatically creates a well-proportioned bust shot by centering the subject’s face and trimming off the peripheral areas.

Other features

• Image recovery function to retrieve accidentally erased images
• Digital panorama mode to compose a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
• World-time function to keep track of local time at 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world
• Three-point AF system, with Auto-Tracking function, to maintain constant focus on a moving subject
• High-speed continuous shooting of up to 16 images in two seconds (with file size fixed at 640 x 480 pixels)
• Frame Composite mode (with 20 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or edit images using decorative photo frames
• ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and management software included (compatible with Windows VistaTM)
• Compatibility with DPOF functions, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III

* When the Optio E80’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal standard definition. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
*** Based on measurement conditions conforming to CIPA specifications.

PENTAX Optio WS80 Waterproof Revealed

Pentax has released three new compacts. From the top, we have the Optio WS80 waterproof compact. More of a lifestyle camera, it is not quite as resilient as its sister model, the W80 (though is still certified to depths of up to 1.5 meters for two hours). The 10MP camera features an SP (Super Protect) coating on its 35-175mm zoom lens. It also has a 2.7 inch LCD and offers interval shooting, HD video recording and a digital panorama mode.

PENTAX Optio WS80

A go-anywhere, waterproof digital compact camera coupling a compact, lightweight body with underwater-shooting capabilities

August 5, 2009: HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio WS80 digital compact camera. The combination of a compact, lightweight body and outstanding waterproof and dustproof capabilities makes the new Optio WS80 an ideal choice for casual, day-to-day applications, including a variety of outdoor activities.

Within its compact body, the Optio WS80 offers a number of advanced, user-friendly features. These include: the assurance of high-quality, high-resolution image reproduction thanks to 10.0 effective megapixels; an optical 5X zoom lens; a large 2.7 inch LCD monitor; HDTV-proportioned movie recording; and a state-of-the-art Face Recognition function. Its airtight body also allows underwater photography to a depth of 1.5 meters for up to two hours continuously. This eliminates worries in situations where water or dirt can be a concern, such as outdoor events, in the garden or kitchen, or on a rainy day.

Major Features

Exceptional waterproof performance for worry-free underwater shooting
Despite its compact, palm-sized body, the Optio WS80 assures reliable waterproof performance conforming to IPX 8 (or JIS Class 8) standards, allowing underwater photography at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to two hours continuously.

It also features the PENTAX-exclusive, highly water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass element installed at the front end of the zoom lens. As a result, the Optio WS80 can be simply rinsed clean with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand. Coupled with remarkable dustproof capabilities equivalent to JIS Class 6, the Optio WS80 can be used without worry in many different situations where water or dirt can be a major concern, including water and winter sports.

High-speed Face Recognition, with a range of user-friendly features
The Optio WS80’s advanced Face Recognition AF & AE function comes in handy for casual shooting of people. This user-friendly function not only captures 32 faces in sharp focus and perfect exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds, but can even accurately detect a subject standing diagonally to the camera, or one with a tilted head.

The Optio WS80 also offers other user-friendly features, including: the Small Face filter, which makes the subject’s face appear smaller in proportion to the body than it actually is, to produce attractive, well-balanced portraits; the Smile Capture mode, which automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile; and the Blink Detection function, which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

High-performance optical 5X zoom lens
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio WS80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 35mm to 175mm in the 35mm format. It also offers the Intelligent Zoom function, which extends the zoom range up to approximately 28.5 times for even tighter zooming in on the subject.

Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio WS80’s new Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images.
High-Sensitivity SR mode*
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the Optio WS80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions.
Movie SR mode**
During movie recording, the Optio WS80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake through the use of exclusive software.

High-quality HDTV-proportioned movie recording
The Optio WS80 captures beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels)*** at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. It also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly features designed to facilitate movie recording: the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting; and the Underwater Movie mode, which automatically optimizes all camera settings for underwater movie shooting.

High-quality images delivered by 10.0 effective megapixels
Combining approximately 10.0 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio WS80 allows the user to produce brilliant, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness, even when images are enlarged to larger sizes.

Large 2.7 inch LCD monitor for effortless image viewing
Despite its compact body, the Optio WS80 features a large 2.7 inch high-brightness color LCD monitor, which allows the photographer to view on-screen images and menus with great comfort and facilitates mode-setting and other camera operations — during both shooting and playback.

Other features

• Interval shooting mode, convenient for fixed-point observation of starry skies, flowers and plants
• High-speed AF system, with Auto-Tracking function, to maintain constant focus on a moving subject
• Auto Picture mode, to automatically select one of the eight shooting modes for the optimum result
• A variety of digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
• D-Range setting, to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in images
• Digital Wide function, to create a panoramic, extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 25.4mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
• Digital Panorama mode, to create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
• Style Watch function, to display the time with pushbutton operation, even when the camera’s power is turned off
• Image recovery function, to recover accidentally erased images
• Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames

* When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
*** When the Optio WS80’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.