Archive for the 'Photo' Category
FotoNation announced today that its innovative patent-pending “Face Tracker”™ technology is now available in the newly announced Pentax Optio A30 digital camera. This latest Pentax camera incorporates FotoNation Face Tracker for the “Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure” Function, which is automatically activated when using the camera in “Portrait Mode” to assure properly exposed portrait photos every time.
FotoNation Face Tracker detects the location of faces and adjusts focus and exposure accordingly for optimal results. The technology automatically focuses on faces regardless of where they appear in the photo frame. Exposure settings are instantly applied so that faces are never dark, even when taking photos in difficult backlighting.
Especially important for shooting under poor lighting conditions and at night, FotoNation Face Tracker uses a radically new approach to identify and lock onto human faces in a camera’s preview image. Face Tracker follows one or multiple faces as they move around within the frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure before the image is captured, ensuring that skin tones and lighting are reproduced with exceptional accuracy.
“Pentax’s newest model reflects the competitive edge that Pentax is maintaining in the industry, and we are delighted to be able to contribute to one of the newest capabilities of their new products,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO, FotoNation.
FotoNation Face Tracker is shipping with the Pentax Optio S7 & Optio A20 digital cameras. In addition, FotoNation Red-Eye Detection and Correction technology has been integrated into the Pentax Optio A30, as well as two additional new models from Pentax: the Optio M30 and T30 digital cameras, which were announced in January 2007.
The PENTAX Optio A30 with FotoNation Face Tracker will begin shipping in March. For more information, see www.fotonation.com or http://www.pentax.co.jp/english/
Credit: oskaline
FotoNation announced today the world’s first red-eye technology for cameras phones, the FotoNation award-winning Red-Eye Correction Technology. A highly portable software implementation, FotoNation’s Red-Eye Correction Technology is directly embedded in the camera phone so consumers can automatically take perfect red-eye free photos from their camera phone every time, with no software re-touching needed.
FotoNation is the leading licensor of embedded red-eye reduction technology to the digital camera industry, with licensees including Kodak, Nikon, PENTAX, Sanyo, Samsung, Nikon, and and other popular brands. The company recently won the prestigious 2006 European IST award in recognition of its superior automatic correction of the red-eye photographic problem and has been issued 2 United States patents with over 20 additional patents pending in the U.S., Europe, and the Far East.
Since more powerful flashes are now shipping with the latest models of cameras phones, red-eye technology is crucial for taking photos with these devices. The presence of stronger flash technology, as well as the close proximity of the flash to the lenses of camera phones also contributes to the frequent occurrence of red-eye.
“FotoNation’s Red Eye detection and reduction technology has become the defacto standard for embedded implementations of red-eye correction in today’s digital cameras,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation. “We have optimized the implementation of our red-eye technology over many different DSC platforms. Our most recent port to mobile camera platforms is the logical next step.”
FotoNation Red-Eye Technology automatic detection and correction of red-eye will be available on the Nokia N73, N80 and N93 series of camera phones. FotoNation will be demonstrating this new capability at the Photo Marketing Association Show (PMA) in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 8-11, 2007.
Samsung today announced the launch of the super slim 7 mega pixel L77 digital still camera. In combining a sleek compact body less than one inch thick with an impressive 7x optical zoom lens, Samsung has once again set new standards in style and technology. The L77 offers an extremely compact and elegant design, combined with a host of advanced features and functionalities, making it the ideal camera for those looking for the latest in sleek design and premium digital compact camera performance.
With shutter speeds that reach up to an effective 1/1,250 sec and an ISO equivalent of 1600, users will be able to take advantage of the L77’s high resolution in any situation, ranging from landscapes at dusk to fast action sports photography. The L77 has an elegant metal body and features a bright 2.5” TFT LCD for bright and clear viewing of images. It also comes equipped with Samsung’s ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) image stabilization system to minimize the effects of hand shake and ensure the best shots are captured even in dimly lit conditions.
The L77 can easily capture moving action and is able to record in MPEG-4 at VGA quality (30 fps). When activated, its Movie Stabilizer mode enables users to compensate for unwanted camera movement and subject blur. In addition, the L77’s Continuous Movie mode allows its operator to pause, then resume filming of video clips without having to save the clips as individual files. For added convenience, editing film clips and photographs is possible through the L77’s in-built editing capabilities, making it simple to trim, resize, or add effects right on the camera without having to wait until you’re back at a home computer.
The Samsung L77 - the World’s slimmest 7 Mega pixel/7x optical zoom lens camera - will be available in April 2007 at an MSRP of $399.99.
Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., Secaucus, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung Opto-Electronics markets a full line of auto focus cameras, zoom and digital cameras for the amateur as well as the professional under the Samsung brand name.
For full specifications and hi-res images visit the Samsung Camera website at: www.samsungcamerausa.com.
If you’re looking for a small camcorder that will also take some pictures to spare your pocket of yet another bulky item, you may want to take a look at the DXG-506V. Sporting 5 megapixels as well as four different colors (Deep-Sea Blue, Metallic Pink, Midnight Black, and Classic Silver), the DXG-506V will record video, still pictures, voice only, as well as play MP3’s and be used as a webcam with your computer.
DXG USA is one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers and it wants to bring style to the masses. Aiming the unit toward the MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube crowd, DXG USA hopes that lots of teens pick up one these little units where price, quality, and style are emphasized.
The $149 unit comes with minimal buttons for increased ease-of-use and slips easily into your pocket. Features include:
- 5.1 Megapixel digital camera and camcorder in one
- MP3 Player
- Digital Voice Recorder
- Webcam
- Portable Storage Device
- 4 Fashionable Colors
- 32MB of onboard internal memory
- Built-in SD slot
- PictBridge direct printing without computer
- 4X digital zoom
- 1.7” TFT LCD flip-out display screen
- Built-in flash in 3 modes
- White Balance and EV Compensation features
- Macro Mode
The DXG-506V comes with a camera case, wrist strap, earphones, editing software, USB and AV cables, manual, and AAA batteries. The DXG-506V has a suggested retail price of $149 and is available immediately through leading retailers.
Spymac announced yesterday that it has sent out it’s first wave of checks to users who have posted on their site, Leapfrog 2.0, the most popular content. Users receive a cash award for having the most popular music, videos, and pictures uploaded onto the website. Winners are chosen using two criterion: 1) most revenue collected from that users uploaded content and 2) the popularity of that content. Spymac is sharing the money it earns from the website with the people who helped earn that money, not a bad deal!
“Our unique revenue sharing model has proven to be a hit with uploaders, we’ve already sent out thousands and we’re now getting ready to pay out the large monthly jackpot to January’s top contributors” said Spymac’s CEO Holger Ehlis.
With Spymac, users have unlimited storage space for whatever they wish to post, and several useful tools they can use to promote their uploaded items. Users also have the ability to chat with other people and network to share their content around the globe. There are versions of Spymac available to 95% of the online population in 18 different languages. This gives pretty much anyone and everyone the chance to win large daily and monthly Jackpots.
“Last week, we were getting more than 500 uploads a day, and that number has quickly climbed to more than 1,000 uploads from around the world every 24 hours — about a new upload every minute of the day…Already in the first month, we have individuals making enough money that they can literally quit their day-job and spend all day creating videos and uploading to Spymac,” joked Ehlis. “We are paying out between $3,000 to $5,000 a day.”
Apple’s iPhoto lets you rush those photos of yours off to cyberspace to a professional presentation system company where they will take your art and laminate and bind it and send it back to you with hard cover and all. I’ve seen them and they do look really nice but you’ve got to wait for it. Looks like our wait is over.
MyBook Photo Book Kit is a DIY photo book for the home. You print the pix, put them in order, bind them, and impress your friends. All from the comforts of your home. The kit comes from Peleman Industries whom is well known for its professional binding, lamination, and presentation abilities. It now brings those ablities to your house.
“MyBook Photo Book Kit is a perfect fit for retail photo labs, kiosks, professional and amateur photographers, scrapbookers, and all others who want to share their photos. When finished, our customers are amazed over the professional look and feel and the simplicity of the assembly,” said Rusty Redecker, Marketing Director, Peleman Industries Inc. “People are looking for a cost-effective and elegant way to display and share their digital photos that have remained on their computers and MyBook Photo Book Kit offers that solution, at a price that is affordable for all. Coupled with a simple software program, the package can be used with ease.”
MyBook Photo Book Kit includes 1 book with a window cut, 2 end sheets, and photo book layout software for under $20.00. Grab yours in Spring from all major retailers when they hit the shelves.
Samsung Camera has just released the fourth model of in its NV flagship series. The NV11 (pictured top) is a 10 Mega pixel that, “offers the same unique blend of style and technology that has set its predecessors apart from the field,” according to Samsung. So what sets the NV11 apart from the rest? Good question, SvenOnTech is told that the NV11, “Features a premium Schneider lens, as well as Samsung’s intuitive Smart Touch user interface which enables easy navigation of the camera’s comprehensive feature set by simply sliding a finger across its control buttons positioned around the 2.7” high definition LCD. Discerning photographers and tech enthusiasts will immediately recognize these two features as being among the hallmarks of the NV Series, along with the brushed black, stainless steel body and trademark Samsung blue ring located around the lens barrel.” Aah, okay, now we see.
Other highlights include 5x optical zoom, 1600 ISO, ASR image stabilisation system, 2.7” LCD screen, “Samsung’s Face Recognition technology, which detects a subject’s face, and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality in portraits and other shots featuring people”, as well as MPEG-4 recording. All this for MSRP of $399.99.
Also just announced is the L74 Wide (pictured bottom) that yields a 28mm 3.6x Optical Zoom lens and a 3.0” Touch Screen LCD that is, according to Samsung, “Sure to turn heads.” The 7 mega pixel camera allows photographers to take wide-angle shots to squeeze more into each frame. The L74 also comes with a Tour Guide that, “Provides travel information covering 4,500 regions in 30 countries– helping users to plan trips and find their way while on the road.” Interesting. The 450 MB internal memory helps store that information though no details if users photos can be stored here temporarily. Like the NV11, the L74 also is equipped with Samsung’s Face Recognition and ASR image stabilisation system. A higher quality SVGA recording for MPEG-4 movies are found on this device. Available in the Spring here in North America like the NV11, the L74 wide will MSRP for $349.99.
Samsung released a brand new line of powerful, sleek, and stylish cameras at the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas earlier this month. Each camera is designed with the consumer in mind, packing a powerful punch in a compact and easy to use design. The new cameras displayed at CES included the pocket sized L73, S850, and S1050. Each point and shoot camera has it’s own special features that makes it unique.
the L73 is ideal for photographers that want something small and easy to carry, but doesn’t sacrifice any quality because of it’s compactness. This bad boy boasts a 7 mega pixel image sensor and a precision 3x optical zoom lens and has features that you would normally find in a camera that costs twice as much. Samsung’s ASR image stabilization system helps to reduce image blur and camera shakiness when it’s hard to keep your arm still. With shutter speeds that reach up to an effective 1/2000 sec, users will be able to take advantage of the L73’s high resolution in any situation. Whether it be capturing the sunset or getting a shot of a fast paced sports game, you can do it with this camera. the L73 also includes the Wise Shot, which automatically takes two consecutive pictures, one with ASR stabilization and one with the flash. After you’ve taken the shot you can choose which one you like best.
At just $249.99, the S850 is a great camera that provides all the features you want at a very reasonable price. It even includes a 10 second voice memo so you can add an audible comment to any picture you want. There are also several special effects that can be enabled. Photo Frame allows users to chose one of several frames to border an image. Highlight will sharpen the foreground while softening the backround, and the Screen Split option can combine multiple images into a single file. the S850 also has the ASR stabilization feature, and a shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. This camera also has the ability to resize, cut, and rotate images within the camera itself. This way you don’t have to load them onto your computer first.
The flag ship of the S series, the S1050, comes with a premium quality 10.1 mega-pixel image sensor coupled with a super-sharp 5x optical zoom lens. This combines Samsung’s trademark ease of use with all the advanced hardware that photographers demand. Some of the settings include the dedicated Effect button, which lets users quickly access a host of powerful in camera image effects, including sepia-tone, black-and-white and RGB color effects. View all your pictures as a slide show if you want to on the 3.0″ LCD screen. The S1050 can be powered by an optional high-energy rechargeable Ni-MH battery, or the everywhere-available AA battery.
All of these beauties include a USB 2.0 cable, camera cradle, and CD-ROM containing Samsung’s Digimax Master software (compatible with Windows 98/2000/ME/XP and Macintosh OS X 9.2 through 10.4.) This will get even beginning photographers up and shooting right out of the box. These will be available later this spring with prices ranging from $249.99 to $349.99 MSRP.
We told you about Westinghouse’s Digital LCD Photo frame early this week and now we’ve seen it in the flesh. I must say, when I first glanced at it, my eyes almost seemed to be deceived as the picture was too bright, too vibrant, too hardcopy like. I picked up the frame, gave it a close look to see if pixels in fact where being displayed and not ink. Then I found the NEXT button on the rear. I pushed it and sure enough a new image appeared. ‘Wow,’ I thought, ‘This really is the display!’
It’s incredible kids and if you’re looking for an easy way to display your pictures but would like to add pizazz to the frame with frequent changes to the art being displayed, this I think may be your ticket. In fact, this is the first time that I would even recommend a digital frame. I was impressed!
Get ready for some new TX Series 1080p HDTVs from Westinghouse as it has just unleashed a list of new models to the world from CES today (TX-52F480S pictured). Featuring 42”, 47” and 52” screen sizes, the new TX Series, “Deliver razor-sharp images with their Full Color Spectrum and High Contrast Picture — which creates deeper blacks and richer dark scene details by dynamically matching the brightness of the TV backlight to that of the on-screen image.” DayBright helps give you a stunning picture for daytime viewing while also assisting in stunning night time viewing as well. Bullet details available by clicking the more link.
Westinghouse also is bringing DayBright to LCD monitors and the L2410NM is one such monitor that will be able to display your dull daily work in a 1920 x 1200 resolution with 700:1 contrast ratio, but also play HD content such as DVD movies and high-def video games. This 24″ wide-screen is a multifunctional monitor with HDMI-HDCP inputs, YPbPr with audio, CVBS/S-Video with audio, and PC with Audio In. You’ll be able to grab this by the end of this month for a dollar under $700.
With 22″, 20.1″, and 19″ LCDs also on tap for release in March, Westinghouse is playing serious with its new LCDs. Also on tap are 10.2”, 8”, 7” and 5.7” Digital LCD frames. The frames will play slideshows from your digital content off of just about every flash card type including CF I/II, MD, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, SD, MMC and XD. Pricing starts at $119 for the 5.7″ model going all the way up to $229.99 for the 10.2″ model.