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.

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.

So that 1x lens built into your camera just can’t seem to get close enough to your subject, huh? You wished you had a telephoto option like on your point-and-shoot since the digital zoom just really sucks? Well, for $20 you can snap on this lens that gives your camera up to 6x zoom! You’ll have to zoom and focus yourself, but for $20, dude what a deal! Just look at XXXX site to see the improvement on those camera phone pix. Think of the better rubber-necking moments you’ll now get!

The clip is compatible with Nokia N72, 6230, 6230i, 6680, 6600, 6630, 7610 and 6681 phones and Sony Ericsson K750i, W800i, W810i and W550i/W600i models.

[Via gizmag]

I love my Nikon D70 and use it to death. Now that I’ve really just begun to learn how to use the M on my dial, I could never go back to a point-and-shoot. But at a thousand dollars for just the body, this DSLR is for the serious photographier. What’s someone to do who wants a good camera but doesn’t have that kind of money in their budget? Get the new D40, of course!

The D40 is equiped with a 6.1 megapixel sensor that saves its pictures onto an SD, of either RAW or JPEG format, and will show your shots on a 2.5-inch display. Nikon will gladly give you a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens as well. Not bad for $600, indeed!

Take a look at Nikon’s site for more information.

Camera phone ownership and usage is climbing across the U.S. and Europe, reports M:Metrics, the mobile market authority. With summer vacations in full swing in America, photo messaging has increased 32 percent since February, while in Europe, it has increased 20 percent in France and 16 percent in the United Kingdom, while remaining steady in Germany, where 19 percent of mobile phone subscribers used photo messaging in June.

“At 50.7percent, the number of mobile subscribers in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States owning camera phones has grown 22 percent since February of this year,” said Mark Donovan, vice president and senior analyst, M:Metrics. “We also see a direct correlation between camera resolution and propensity to use photo messaging, as 44.3 percent of subscribers who own phones with cameras with resolutions exceeding one mega-pixel sent a photo over the network, versus a global average of 30.5 percent.”

The RAZR is the popular camera-phone in the United Kingdom and the United States, while the Nokia 6230 tops the German market and the Sagem my X-5 is the camera-phone of choice among the French. However, in terms of conversion rate, meaning those who use their camera phones to generate revenue for their operator by sending a photo on the network, the top devices are the Nokia 6630 in France, the Nokia 6280 in Germany, the Nokia 6111 in the United Kingdom and the Danger Sidekick II in the United States.

M:Metrics applies trusted media measurement methodologies to assess the audience for mobile content and applications. As the world’s most authoritative mobile market measurement firm, M:Metrics delivers the most accurate mobile market metrics through the largest monthly survey of mobile subscribers in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France, as well as automated data collection methodologies.

Source M:Metrics

Camcorder buyer beware: the new breed of “tapeless” camcorders, that is, those that record to DVD or built-in hard disk, record in MPEG-2 format, which is NOT a good originating format, especially for editing.

A few months ago I had a friend call me who was eager to get into video production. He called me
and said, “I want to start editing some stuff. I bought a new Dell and Sony Vegas and I’ve got this DVD
camcorder and I can’t wait to put something together. But I can’t figure out how to get the footage into my computer.” At the time, I was under the impression that NO low-budget editor was capable of editing MPEG-2 natively, and I gently told him he’d have to find some utility to convert the MPEG-2 footage to an “editable” format such as DV. I’ve since discovered that Sony Vegas Movie Studio ($89.95) does have the ability to import footage from DVD Handycams, although I have not tested this and don’t know how well it works or if it works with footage from the hard-disk-based camcorders (non-Sony). Having worked with MPEG-2 footage and knowing how it’s encoded, I remain skeptical of this prospect, particularly the stability and the quality. I do understand this stuff is not intended for professionals, but I can’t shake the video purist in me that demands a higher quality video format to edit with. I would assume these cameras are intended for those that don’t want to edit, but simply want to shoot casually and have unedited archives on DVD. So if that’s you, this article is not for you. Grab one of those cams and shoot to your heart’s content. If you do want to edit your footage, or may want to some day, and are eyeing these new “tapeless” camcorders, read on.

To put it simply, these tapeless camcorders don’t play nice with most NLEs (non-linear editors) like iMovie. Specifically with iMovie, there is no way to import footage from these cameras directly. You might be thinking this is a deficiency of iMovie and it’s imitators, and I somewhat agree, but before blaming the software developers, you might point the finger in the direction of the camera makers. These new cams record in MPEG-2 format, which is a classic case of putting the cart before the horse. MPEG-2 is a highly compressed format that traditionally been used as a “finishing” delivery format. After you’ve edited and want to burn a DVD, you encode in MPEG-2. This has been the routine for anyone who’s ever shot and edited with miniDV. The camera-makers have decided to speed up the process and encode straight to MPEG-2 while video is being shot. This does take you one step closer to DVD, but it limits your opportunities for editing as well as lowers the quality.

Standard DV, including miniDV, utilizes the DV codec, which is a compressed, but still a frame-based codec. In English, this means every frame is specifically written to tape. Contrast this with a codec like MPEG-2, which basically only writes a few frames per second, and lots of “predicted frames” in between to fill in the gaps. This is similar to the difference between RAW and JPEG formats in digital photography. The result is smaller file size, but as with any compression, you also get a significant quality loss when you decompress the files (say, when you want to edit it).

In my opinion as a “no compromises” video professional, these cameras are a step in the wrong direction. Until they include the option to record in DV, I would avoid them altogether. I’m surprised to see that even JVC’s newest offering in the HDD (hard drive) market, which sports a high-quality 3-CCD imaging system, does NOT include the option to record in DV. There are some major advances in tapeless acquisition happening in the pro video market. Panasonic’s newish HVX-200 records a myriad of high-quality formats directly to a pair of P2 memory cards. There are also several add-on devices available that record to an external hard drive via Firewire.

My fear is that lots of people are snatching these things up not realizing that editing their footage is not going to be as fun and easy (if possible at all) as it’s been with the likes of iMovie and miniDV. The camera manufacturers certainly don’t make it clear that this is not the same game as miniDV, and why would they? They want to sell cameras, and even if they did want to fully disclose this disadvantage, it would be tough to explain. It’s certainly not a selling point in my book.

The pie in the sky: a consumer-market camcorder with a built-in 80 GB hard drive, and switchable recording formats including DV. Frankly, I’m surprised we haven’t see it yet, but I have a feeling it’s due in part to the fact that Sony, Panasonic and the others want to keep selling us removable media like tape.