Powershovel CLAP Digital Camera

Japanese design studio Powershovel today introduced the CLAP digital camera. Measuring at only 1.4-inch x 2.8-inch x 0.59-inch and weighing 24 grams, the camera has a 2-megapixel F2.8 (3.2mm) lens that can capture JPEG images at 1280 x 1024 resolution and AVI videos at 720 x 480 resolution. The Powershovel CLAP also features a microSD slot (up to 16GB) and a USB 2.0 connector, which is used to export files and recharge the camera's internal Li-ion battery. The Powershovel CLAP is priced at $49.95 each.
source: TechFresh

DSLR Solutions brings follow focus to film-makers on a budget

Using DSLR to shoot and record videos these days are not unheard of. After all with the improvements in camera technology, certain DSLR's will even allow you to shoot in HD quality. In fact here's a little trivia – for those of you who follow the television series House, the last episode of season six, “Help Me”, was filmed using Canon EOS 5D Mark II cameras. Granted DSLR cameras won't be overthrowing dedicated video cameras used for movies any time soon, but the point is that due to the kind of quality they can achieve nowadays, amateur film-makers and those on a budget will find it more value for money to shoot on a DSLR.

However one of the challenges that film-makers face is the ability to land the focus on the right spot while shifting focus. For example if you had two people talking and you have the camera focused on the first person talking, then when the second person starts talking, naturally you'd want to focus on that person instead, but for those who are not so experienced, landing the focus precisely on the second person might prove to be rather tricky. Professionals use a device called a follow focus to avoid this problem but those can prove to be costly, and over the amateur film-makers budget.

Enter the DSLR Follow Focus, which is a product by DSLR Solutions. As the name implies, it has been designed for DSLR cameras in mind. Unlike the more expensive follow focus devices used by professionals, this is entirely operated by hand, which might explain why it's cheaper. The long handle is also said to prove more ergonomically-friendly compared to using your fingers to manually focus your DLSR's lens. Start and stop markers can also be used, so while switching focus, all the user would have to do is pull/push the handle, slowly shifting focus, until they touch the marker. This should help users hit that focus point.

They come in two sizes, original and large, and both cost $59.95 each, although you could get them together for $89.95. Check out the video below for an explanation on how the DSLR Follow Focus is used, or head on down to DSLR Solutions' website to place your order.
source: Ubergizmo

Glasses convert 3D movies into regular 2D

3D movies are all the hype these days, in fact just about every major release will come with a 3D option and to be honest, not every movie needs 3D. I could understand James Camerson's Avatar's need for 3D as it really brought out the beautiful scenery, but for certain other movies it would have been just as good/bad without 3D.

There are some folks out there who avoid 3D movies, not only because they're more expensive but because it can sometimes induce headaches, and even nausea, but that is the price they have to pay if they want to go see the latest movie with a bunch of 3D-happy friends. However if you really have no choice, then perhaps these De-3D glasses will solve your problems.

Typically how 3D movies work is by showing two overlapping images on the screen, with one image that is meant to be seen by the right eye and the other is meant to be seen by the left eye. What 3D glasses do is that they darken the eye that is not meant to see the image.

How the De-3D glasses works is that it apparently takes the image intended for the right eye, and delivers it to both eyes, delivering the movie to you in good old 2D. The system is said to work in any cinema that uses Real 3D technology. They're available for $8.99 at ThinkGeek's website. Does anybody else find this ironic?
source: Ubergizmo

Porsche Design Studio has largest outdoor TV to date

Most of us would associate the name Porsche with fast supercars that look sleek, but do remember that the company also has an offshoot in the form of the Porsche Design Studio, churning out highly attractive items to tempt you in parting with your hard-earned money. Among the latest releases would be the 201 C SEED, which is claimed by them to be the largest outdoor TV in the world, thanks to a collaboration with Global Bright Group. We don't think we are going to dispute that claim considering this LED display will sport 201″ of viewing goodness.

Needless to say, being an outdoor TV would mean having it receive some sort of structural “reinforcements” so-to-speak, and one of the more important points would be to ensure it is waterproof. To make it all the more desirable, the C SEED will rise from the ground, where its screen will unfold into seven panels within 25 seconds to truly inspire awe and wonder from your expectant audience.

Even in the summer, it is said that the C SEED has a high brightness level, letting you view images even in direct sunlight, accompanied by 270-degree rotation, a three-way audio system with 15 speakers and a wireless remote control. This monstrosity has an equally large price tag of $810,000 when it arrives this September. Guess waiting for the iPhone 5 is the much more affordable option then.
source: Ubergizmo

World's Smallest Digital Video Recorder (CVFR-DV54-N1)

Smaller than a Zippo lighter, the CVFR-DV54-N1 from Chinavasion is claimed as the world's smallest digital video recorder. This micro DVR can be functioned as your Car DVR, webcam or spy camera. In terms of specs, it features a small LCD display, a microSD card slot (2GB included), a built-in microphone, a USB 2.0 port, a built-in 350mAh battery and can capture 640 x 480 video in AVI format (30fps). The CVFR-DV54-N1 retails for just $42.97.
source: TechFresh

Holga Twin Image Maker does 3D images on the cheap

In the world of High Definition and digital photography, many of us have already forgotten about lo-fi photography. Well, we are glad to report that the latter niche is still not quite dead yet, as it focuses more on creative experiments alongside inexpensive film cameras to create works of art. The Holga Twin Image Maker (TIM) is one of them, burning a small $60 hole in your pocket, and yet sporting a couple of lenses that enables it to shoot either 3D images or half frames. Not only that, it will also pave the way for multiple exposure of a single frame, sporting a detachable flash with color filters to boot.

The TIM will feature a couple of fixed focus plastic lenses (f/8, 29 mm) which will work together simultaneously to deliver 3D images, where you as the user will have total control of opening and closing their covers. With a multi-exposure button, bulb mode for long exposures and 5 flash covers (red, green, blue, yellow and one clear diffuser), it will open up your eyes to the world of lo-fi photography.

The camera itself does not need any batteries to work, although the flash will call upon the reserves of two AA batteries. Anyone given it a go already, and how do you find taking a different path compared to pure digital photography?
source: Ubergizmo