Camera Lens Cap Holder

Lens cap covers are a necessary evil. They protect my DSLR camera's lens when I'm not using the camera, but they are so easy to lose. I've resorted to buying those keepers that you glue on to the cap and attach to the camera strap with an elastic band. You don't lose the lens cap – if the glue holds – but the cap is flopping around while you use the camera. And when you have multiple lenses, you have to change the lens cap keeper as you change the lens. Enter Mark Stevenson, who invented a patent-pending Camera Lens Cap Holder that slides over your camera strap and holds multiple sizes of lens caps for a given camera type. You just snap them on the holder and they're held by friction – just as they are when they're on your lens. Mark's Kickstarter project was funded at 375% percent of the request. Hopefully these will be available for purchase soon.
source: The Gadgeteer

Kodak considering selling 1,100 of its patents

With the Apple vs Samsung legal battle going on, you may have forgotten about Kodak's very own legal battle against Apple and Research In Motion (RIM). For those who may have forgotten, early last year Kodak sued Apple along with RIM for infringing on their image-previewing patent. Apparently the cost of an ongoing lawsuit can be quite expensive as Kodak has expressed interest in raising cash as their patent litigation income has started to dry up over the last two quarters.

In an attempt to raise money (and perhaps to end the lawsuit once and for all), Kodak has been reported to be considering selling some 1,100 patents which makes up for about 10% of the company's portfolio, and among those 1,100 patents is the very same image-previewing patent that Apple and RIM are accused of infringing upon.

Some are speculating that Apple and RIM may try to buy those patents not only to put an end to the lawsuit, but also to protect themselves. If another company were to buy those patents, Apple and RIM could very well see themselves back in court or be forced to pay royalties. As it stands, both Samsung and LG have already settled the lawsuit with Kodak for $900 million and could be one of the companies that may try to place a bid for those patents, also in an effort to protect themselves from future lawsuits.
source: Ubergizmo

JVC launches GZ-HM670 HD capable video camera

Looking to get your hands on a HD capable video camera? If so, JVC's latest offering could be just what you're looking for.

The latest video camera offered by JVC will be utilizing the company's Falconbird processor which the company claims to provide smooth HD video recording thanks to improved tracking during changes in a scene.

The GZ-HM670 also features a 40x Konica Minolta Optical Zoom which is said to not degrade images even when zoomed in, a BSI CMOS sensor (back side illuminated) that should allow you to film in low-light conditions and comes with 32GB of internal memory as well as its SDX slot should the 32GB prove not to be enough.

According to its website (translated from Japanese to English), the GZ-HM670 will also be able to record still photographs at 3.2MP. It also measures 50.5x55x110.5mm and will weigh just 235g. Unfortunately there is no word on pricing or availability.
source: Ubergizmo

Sony NEX-5N, NEX-7 and Alpha A77 to be unveiled August 24th?

Mirrorless cameras have started gaining traction and popularity with more companies hopping aboard the mirrorless bandwagon. Sony was a bit late to the mirrorless camera game, releasing their NEX-3 and NEX-5 just last year. Despite that they are moving along pretty quickly and according to recent rumors, Sony may be unveiling the NEX-5N, NEX-7 and part of their DSLR series, the Alpha A77.

The unveiling is expected to occur at an event that is scheduled on the 24th of August. According to the rumors, new lenses are expected to be unveiled along with the three brand new cameras, and they are the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 fixed-length lens, a 55-210mm f/4-6.3 super zoom lens and a 50mm f/1.8 OSS (Optical Steady Shot) lens.

As far as the camera specifications are concerned, the NEX-7 is expected to target the more professional users who may require a smaller sized camera. It is also expected to be a rival for the Fujifilm X100. The Sony NEX-5N is said to be a refresh of the NEX-5 with a new sensor and a build that is somewhat similar to the NEX-C3. Unfortunately not much is known about the Alpha A77.
source: Ubergizmo

Leica Offers to Remove M9 Red Dot for Just $2,000

Leica sure makes some fine cameras, and some even better lenses. But what is it with those prices? When I picked up a used M6 with a 35mm aspherical lens some years ago, they cost me around £800 ($1,300) apiece. Back then it was probably the most money I has ever spent on anything. Now, next to the $7,000 M9 body, it looks like pocket change.

But Leica's latest effort is possibly the most ridiculous yet. For just $2,000, the company will remove the famous red dot from the top of your M9.

The “upgrade” package essentially turns your M9 into the recently-announced M9-P. Along with a replacement top-plate, which on the M9-P comes without the red dot, buyers will also get a sapphire crystal cover on the rear LCD, and a replacement bottom plate. These plates can be specced in black paint or silver chrome finishes, the latter of which is not available on the bare-bones M9.

Finally, you get the choice of vulcanite or leatherette trims.

If you don't care about the red dot (or if you have discovered how to peel and stick electrical tape) then you can opt for the cheap-o “Sapphire Glass Upgrade.” This costs just $1,300, and replaces only the glass and leatherette trim.

A new, tough LCD cover is nice, is it $2,000, or even $1,300 nice? For that kind of cash you could buy a 28mm ƒ2.8 Elmarit-M Aspherical lens.

Leica Offers Upgrade Package to Transform M9 into M9-P Camera [PDN]
source: Gadget Lab

Coby SNAPP Mini Camcorder For Only $19.45

Here's your chance to take home this Coby SNAPP Mini Camcorder for only $19.45 (normal price $45.99) over at Amazon. Powered by 2x AA batteries, this compact video camera is equipped with a 1.3MP CMOS image sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 1.44-inch TFT LCD screen, an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 8GB), a USB 2.0 port and can capture 640 x 480 video at 30fps.
source: TechFresh