Arca-Swiss Mini L-Bracket

The mini L-Bracket from Arca-Swiss is developed for compact, mirrorless and rangefinder cameras such as Olympus E-PL1, Olympus E-PL2, Olympus E-450, Samsung NX-100, Canon G series, Lumix LX series, Pentax K-r and Canon EOS 1100D. This mini L-bracket complements the monoball Fix lineup perfectly and is compatible with the current monoball Fix quick releases. Too bad, there is no info on pricing at this time. [ePHOTOzine]
source: TechFresh

Delkin Fat Gecko Quick Release Kit

The Fat Gecko Quick Release Kit from Delkin gives you the ability to swap cameras, camcorders and DSLRs on and off any mount in seconds. The anodized aluminum Quick Release kit features two built-in liquid levels to ensure precise vertical and horizontal angle set-up as well as flanged edges and a push button key to prevent slippage. Delkin's Fat Gecko Quick Release Kit will be released on July 11, 2011 for $39.99. [Pop Photo]
source: TechFresh

Toshiba launches highly sensitive CMOS image sensor with Back-Side illumination

Designed for smartphones and other mobile devices, Toshiba new 8.08Mpix 1x4x1.12 Micrometer CMOS image sensor is the company latest super sensitive censor that will, according to Toshiba, revolutionize the way we shoot photo on mobile devices.

Schedule to be available from the end of 2011 (iPhone 4s 5??) This new Image censor has been designed to fit both people's photo needs but also their videos needs as well and support 1080x60p and 720x60p video mode.

The new sensor is also said, according to Toshiba, to feature enhanced sensitivity and improved imaging performance thanks to its back-side illumination (BSI) technology.

As smartphones get smaller and their image sensors continue to offer higher resolutions the challenge is reducing pixel size when miniaturisation can result in a fall off in performance. BSI overcomes this and brings a new level of responsiveness to CMOS imaging. BSI sensors deploy lenses on the rear of the sensor – on the silicon substrate - rather than the front, where wiring limits light absorption. This positioning boosts light sensitivity and absorption, and allows formation of finer quality image pixels in smaller CMOS image sensors. This also makes BSI CMOS sensors more suitable for motion picture applications.

Toshiba has made full use of the advantages of BSI to realize image pixels with a pitch of 1.12 micrometres, and to pack 8.08 million of them into a 1x4-inch (6.35mm) sensor. The new sensor achieves high level imaging and processing that will bring a new level of image quality to smartphones.

Toshiba expects BSI CMOS image sensors to become the mainstream technology in portable digital designs, with applications expanding from mobile phones and digital cameras to smartphones and tablets. CMOS image sensors are a focus product of Toshiba's Analogue and Imaging Systems business. The latest addition to and enhancement of its BSI CMOS sensor line-up will reinforce the sensor business and the company's ability
source: Akihabara News

Adapter Puts Nikon and Canon Lenses on iPhone

Pretty much the only thing stopping me from buying an iPhone to use as my next camera is the fact that I can't shoot photos with a shallow depth-of-field, which throws the background into a distraction-free blur while keeping your subject pin sharp. The ridiculously impractical iPhone SLR Mount probably won't change my mind, but if I had an iPhone already, I would be fingering my credit card right now.

The “mount” is actually more of a case. You slide in your phone, screw on the long cylindrical adapter and then snap on your SLR lens. The kit comes in Nikon and Canon flavors, so you can mount pretty much any Nikon lens ever made, or use any Canon lens manufactured since the 1980s (when Canon switched mounts).

You can't remove your iPhone's own lens, of course, so this adapter comes with its own focussing screen, just like the one in your actual SLR. The iPhone then just takes a snap of this screen, which results in a sharp, bright (but upside-down) images.

Like I said, I'd be fingering my credit card in anticipation. Once I saw the price, though, I might slide it back into my dusty, moth-infested wallet. The iPhone SLR Mount costs $250, or $190 if you choose the iPhone 3-compatible version. For that money, you could buy an actual lens for your real camera.

The iPhone SLR Mount [Photojojo]
source: Gadget Lab

Hands-On With the Pinwide Wideangle Pinhole for Micro Four Thirds

Back in April, I wrote about the Pinwide wide-angle pinhole lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. I liked it so much I ordered one, and I promised to let you know how it worked out. The short answer? Pretty good, for a pinhole. The long answer? Read on.

The Pinwide is a plastic disk that clicks onto the lens mount of my Panasonic GF1 like any other lens. It has a slightly dished conical shape which puts the pinhole back inside the body. This is what makes it wide-angle, and it's something not possible on an SLR because of the mirror that slaps around inside the body. The pinhole itself is laser-cut into a tiny disk of metal at the center.

In use, you get to adjust the camera's ISO and shutter speed, and that's it. The aperture is fixed at around ƒ96-ƒ128, so even in bright sunlight you'll need to crank your ISO to a minimum of ISO 800. And with such a tiny aperture, everything in the frame, near or far, is in focus.

It's surprisingly fun to use. Set the camera to aperture priority, crank up the ISO and all you have left to do is point and shoot. The 22mm focal length (35mm equivalent) means you can stand a couple of feet from a person and capture them from top to toe. It also means dreamy, super-wide landscape and cityscape shots.

The resulting pictures are grainy (noisy), blurry and have some distinctly weird color shifts. In short, just the kind of thing you spend long minutes achieving in grunge-ifying apps like Instagram.

If you're looking for high-fidelity shots, you won't find them here. If you're looking for $40 worth of fun, along with some truly unusual-looking shots, then the Pinwide is just the thing. Recommended.

Pinwide product page [Wanderlust]
source: Gadget Lab

DIY camera takes Lomo-like photographs

If the thought of making your own camera sounds ludicrous, perhaps this DIY camera that was made out laser-cut acrylic parts and scavenged lenses may change your mind. If fact, Kit Man of Kit Da Studio is even providing the AI template file that he used, so that you could cut out your own camera if you chose to.

If you're thinking this is just some silly disposable-type camera, you would be wrong. In fact, it's pretty darn advanced! It's advanced to the point where it actually features interchangeable lenses; interchangeable camera backs for different film types, bulb and normal shutter modes, and even a frame counter! Of course some other parts had to be sourced from elsewhere, but nothing that you would have to go out of your way for, all that is required is just a little resourcefulness.

The process is pretty detailed, so if you're interested in checking out how the project got started all the way until the end, head on down to Kit Da Studio's website. Below are some photographs that were taken using the KDS-POTO2, photos that should make Lomo fans pretty jealous.
source: Ubergizmo

Sigma SD15 Twin Zoom Kit

Sigma Japan is preparing to launch a new Sigma SD15 Twin Zoom Kit for the Japanese market. The bundle will include a Sigma SD15 DSLR camera body, a 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM standard zoom lens and a 50-200mm f/4.5-5.6 DC OS HSM telezoom lens. This new Twin Zoom kit will become available from July 15th for unannounced price yet. [PhotographyBlog]
source: TechFresh

Thanko Camera Diving Mask

Thanko has rolled out the Camera Diving Mask. This underwater camera features a built-in 4GB storage space, a 2.0MP sensor and the included snorkel. Its battery provides enough juice for up to 2.5-hour of operation time. GeekStuff4U sells the Thanko Camera Diving Mask for 10,980 Yen or around $135.
source: TechFresh

Stabilize your videos with vReveal

Unless you use a tripod or have super steady hands or are fortunate enough to have access to professional filming equipment, chances are your home made movies tend to be a bit on the shaky side, and we can't blame you. After all you were probably thinking of capturing the moment, rather than worrying about image stability, right?

However if the shakiness of your videos is starting to concern you and you're not looking to create the Cloverfield sequel, how about using military grade software vReveal to stabilize your videos?

It supposedly uses the same technology found in UAV drones that the US military uses for surveillance. After all, how much use can they get out of surveillance footage if they turn out blurry and shaky, rendering them unusable? Since blurry and shaky videos is highly unacceptable, the solution was to use various software along with sophisticated multi-frame algorithms to help stabilize full-motion video in real-time.

The good news is that the software is free, although there is a premium version that you can purchase for $49 which will remove advertisements and temporary watermarks that can be found in the free version. If you don't mind paying $49 or having temporary watermarks, just head on down to vReveal's website and download your copy.
source: Ubergizmo

Hipstamatic releases Cowboys & Aliens freepak

iPhone users should be familiar with the Hipstamatic app by now. For those unfamiliar, Hipstamatic is a photography app found on iOS devices that allows the different combinations of film, lens and camera flash effects to create truly unique looking photographs.

Lenses, films and flash generally have to be paid for and they are sold in packs, but it looks like in conjunction with the upcoming Cowboys & Aliens movie, Hipstamatic is releasing a Cowboys & Aliens freepak containing the Matty ALN and Libatique 73 lens, as well as the Steambox camera case, which gives your Hipstamatic camera a steampunk look.

The Matty ALN pack produces slightly more bizarre colors and is said to resemble an extraterrestrial's perspective, while the Libatique 73 lens are said to produce photos that look like they may have come from 1873.

Since it's free, Hipstamatic users should probably give it a go.
source: Ubergizmo

FujiFilm Instax Mini 50S Instant Camera

FujiFilm has added another instant camera to its range by bringing you the Instax Mini 50S. Coming in a shiny black finish, this sleek and compact camera features two shutter release buttons (1x front, 1x side), a macro lens for close-up shots up to 30cm away, ISO 800 film speed (20 exposures) and a handy self-timer that takes one or two pictures at once. The Instax Mini 50S is now available for purchase in the US via Amazon for $106.
source: TechFresh

Zune HD firmware update released

Wait a minute here, let me check my calendar. Are we in 2011? Yes we are, so why the heck is there a firmware update released for the Zune HD from Microsoft? All right, all five of you Zune HD owners out there, chillax! I'm just kidding – the Zune HD is more than a decent portable media player, but somehow it never really picked up its mojo in the fight against the iPod from Apple. As for the latest firmware update that pushes it from 4.5(109) to 4.5(114), you will get a bunch of changes that seem to point towards minor bug fixes and security issues.

Someone did comment that the latest update messed up his artist backgrounds and Pin tiles, so go ahead and make that update if you are willing to take the chance. For the full list of update changes and security fixes
source: Ubergizmo

Sony Handycam HDR PJ50 Comes With A Built-in Projector

Recording home videos no longer becomes a problem with many camcorders now available in the market. But while choices abound, not all may have the same features that most people may consider quite useful. Having unique features like a built-in projector can make new camcorders like the Sony Handycam HDR PJ50 stand out from the rest.

The new Sony Handycam HDR PJ50 is more than just a regular camcorder. It can be considered even as a mobile theater with its built-in projector able to project recorded videos for up to 60 inches and with powerful built-in stereo speakers for audio. That is enough to enable users to share videos with a greater number of people at any one time.

This Sony camcorder features a 29.8mm Sony G wide angle lens which allows the camcorder to capture and record Full HD videos. Its Exmor R CMOS image sensor also allows capturing 7.1MP still pictures. A built-in 220GB HDD ensures that there is more than enough storage space for lengthy videos. The Sony Handycam HDR PJ50 is available at Sony for around US$1,200.
source: Gadget.com

Twin-Lens Holga Sees Double

Holga's TIM looks like an alcoholic Englishman after a particularly nasty Friday-night brawl, eyes half closed and all but a single tooth knocked from his stupid grinning mouth. And like that violent drunk, TIM will also stumble through life seeing double.

TIM stands for Twin Image Maker, and to this end the camera's “eyes” are a pair of identical lenses. Shoot with both open and you can make 3-D photos. Shoot with either one closed and you get half-frame images, allowing you to put the same image on either side off the photo, or make a diptych of any two images.

TIM's single tooth slides around in his smiling mouth to set the aperture for correct-ish exposure, and the camera also comes with an optional ($15 standalone) flash with color filters. Combine this with the half-frame and multiple exposure options and you have enough image-bending tools to make even a sober viewer dizzy.

All of these shenanigans are recorded on 35mm film.

TIM, from Holga, is available now and will cost you a very reasonable $50 or $60, depending on whether you opt for the flash or not.

Twin Lens Holga with Color Flash [Photojojo]
source: Gadget Lab

Capture App, a ‘Record Button For Your Home Screen'

Capture: Launch the app and you're already shooting video

Capture is an app that does just one thing. And if that thing is useful to you, this could be the best 99 cents you'll spend today. Capture is a video-shooting app that starts recording as soon as it is launched.

Hit the icon on your home screen or — even better — the dock, and you'll be shooting one second later. No fiddling to switch between still and video, no adjusting settings, and no missing the moment you want to record.

Once you get going, you can make a few adjustments. You can tap to shift focus, hit another button to toggle the rear LED flash, and of course start and stop recording.

The app also works on the iPad 2, although not with a native interface. I tried it out and it does just what it says it does, saving the captured footage direct to the camera roll. It's like having a dedicated video-record button on the home screen. You'll never miss a skateboarding dog ever again.

Capture - The Quick Video Camera [iTunes via MacStories, an Apple enthusiast site]
source: Gadget Lab

Sony Alpha SLT-A35 DSLR Camera (Body Only) Available For Pre-Order At Amazon

Amazon has begun taking pre-orders for Sony's upcoming DSLR camera ‘Alpha SLT-A35 (body only)' via its online store. In case you didn't know, the Alpha SLT-A35 sports a large 16.2MP APS-C size CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD monitor, Sony's BIONZ image processor, RAW image capture support, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, an HDMI output and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities (60fps). The Sony Alpha SLT-A35 sells for $599.99.
source: TechFresh