Microsoft is getting ready for video conferences with the new VX-5000 and VX500 LifeCams. Both cameras feature a VGA resolution and are compatible with Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft is also releasing a headset called the LifeChat LX-2000. The VX-5000 will be available in June for $49.95 and the VX-500 and LX-2000 will hit shelves this month for $16.95 and $29.95. [Microsoft viaDigital Camera Blog]
Creative is launching a webcam/video camcorder for people looking for a bargain. The new Vado pocket video cam comes with a YouTube friendly 640 x 480 resolution, 2GB of built-in memory, a 2-inch display, a flip-out USB connector, and two hours of battery life on a charge. You can get the Vado video cam today for $100 in pink or silver. [Engadget via Digital Camera Blog]
Some dudes at Photography BLOG have reviewed the recently released Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 digital camera. The camera offers a T-Mobile HotSpot service and can upload photos directly to Google’s Picasa Web Albums. The DMC-TZ5 also features a 9.1MP sensor, 10x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p movie mode, SD expansion slot, video output, red-eye correction, optical image stabilization, the Venus Engine IV and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor. Here is a verdict.
In summary the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a marginally better camera than the TZ3, with improved image quality, an excellent LCD screen, useful Intelligent Auto mode for beginners, and the attraction of HD video. It’s a shame that Panasonic haven’t added any manual exposure modes, as with the recent DMC-LZ10 model, which is the only Panasonic compact camera to offer any control over aperture and shutter speed (apart from the ageing DMC-LX2). If you don’t mind sacrificing half the focal length, the 5x zoom DMC-LZ10 is an excellent alternative. But if you’re happy to accept the purely point-and-shoot nature of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, that unchanged combination of huge focal range and compact dimensions is still too liberating to ignore.
Samsung Korea has released the VM-HMX20 HD flash-based camcorder that features a 6.4MP CMOS sensor and electronic image stabilization. The camcorder supports a full HD and a 1080p mode with 30 fps recording capability and able to record fast motion at 300 frames per second for up to 10 seconds and then drastically slow down the playback of the recording. Samsung’s proprietary swivel hand-grip makes this video recorder to record in multiple angles, including regular and low-angle shots. The Samsung VM-HMX20 comes with a 2.7inch LCD and supports Anynet+ connection to HDTVs, which allows consumers to control the camcorder though their HDTV remote while viewing movies. The Samsung Korea VM-HMX20 HD flash-based camcorder is priced at around $900 (899,000 Korean Won). [AVING via Digital Camera Blog] More »
Fantasea has recently released the FS-51 underwater housing which is compatible with the new Nikon Coolpix S52 and S52c digital cameras. This water proof case is depth rated up to 60 meters/200 feet under water and has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, built-in flash diffuser and a 41mm lens port. The Fantasea FS-51 housing is priced at $245. See more pictures after the jump. [PhotographyBLOG via Digital Camera Blog] More »
Young Hwan Kim has designed the Sony Cybershot camera concept called “Snap”. The camera is inspired by man’s wallet and its surface is covered in leather. See more pictures after the jump for more details. [Yanko via Digital Camera Blog] More »
Here is a video of the Casio Exilim PRO EX-F1 press conference. Casio has released the camera in Korea. The Casio Exilim PRO EX-F1 features a high speed CMOS sensor and a high speed LSI processor, an ultra-high speed 60fps burst rate for still images. The digicam is also able to capture 1,200 fps high speed movie recording and record movies at full HD quality. The camera will be available in both Japanese and Korean markets on April 30th, 2008 for 1,000,000 Korean Won. Click this link to watch the video. [AVING via Digital Camera Blog]
Here is good news for those who love to take underwater pictures. Sealife today introduced the DC800 Underwater Digital Camera. The 8MP camera comes equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD display, wide-angle lens, SD/SDHC card support, and 4x optical zoom. What makes this camera cool is that it sports five underwater modes. Priced at $549, the DC800 is able to work perfectly at 200 feet underwater. [Engadget via Digital Camera Blog]
RF System Lab’s RC-12 Wireless Mini Cam is able to send video over distances as far as 30 meters away or about 98 feet. The camera is able to shoot images underwater with the help of a waterproof case. FYI, the mini camera utilities a 0.25″ CMOS chip to snap full color images in VGA quality(0.27 megapixels). The RC-12 Wireless Mini Cam is available in Japan for $269 each. [Product Page via Digital Camera Blog]
Looks like DXG knows how to attract consumers with their quality products and low prices. The 569V HD camcorder is now exception. It shoots 1280 x 720 video at 30 fps, captures 5 megapixel still photos and has a 3-inch foldout LCD for only $169. No word on when this cheap camcorder will be available, so keep a look out for the 569V. [Engadget via Digital Camera Blog]
