Polaroid’s C3 is an action camera in tiny cube form (hands-on)
We were hoping to get our hands on Polaroid’s Socialmatic camera, but unfortunately the company only had the shell of a prototype on hand. Luckily, though, we found something even more interesting when we stopped by the booth: the C3 action sports video camera.
It’s a tiny cube of a thing — a 35mm square, to be exact — but its wide-angle lens captures 120 degrees of action, and the form factor lends itself well to going on the road. (It’s also perfect for stacking — but just for fun.) It’s called an “action sports” camera, but we don’t really see it holding up when you’re snowboarding or biking. It is, however, waterproof for up to 2 meters. We also don’t know how practical this guy is, given that WiFi isn’t on board and you’ll need to transfer photos and video via micro-SD. Its compact size, in other words, is the selling point.
Like the Socialmatic, the C3 is still in the prototype phase, though the models on hand seemed closer to final production, with the sensor built in. It has a soft-touch finish and feels very light. We like how the classic Polaroid rainbow carries over to this product, with versions in red, blue and black. There’s a button on top, which you’ll press to record video or snap a photo. The C3 ‘s 5-megapixel cam shoots in 1,280 x 720 or 640 x 480 resolution — we obviously can’t speak to image quality quite yet, but we’re intrigued to see how this gadget works when it debuts in the summer. It will cost $99, and a Polaroid rep told us there will be straps to make the C3 wearable, along with other accessories. Check out our hands-on below.
Billy Steele contributed to this report.
Filed under: Cameras
Nikon CoolPix L830 packs an extra-stable 34x zoom for $300
It wouldn’t be CES if there wasn’t a cavalcade of point-and-shoot introductions, and Nikon is more than happy to do its part by launching four CoolPix cameras. The CoolPix L830 leads the pack with a long-ranged 34x zoom lens (up from 30x in the L820) that touts both lens-based anti-shake and a new hybrid stabilization system for video recording. The 16-megapixel, AA-powered shooter also improves on its predecessor with a tilting (if still 920,000-dot) LCD. Unfortunately, the new features come in tandem with a price hike — the L830 will sell for $300 when it ships in February, or about $20 more than the outgoing model cost when it was new.
Other cameras are mostly subtle iterations of last year’s releases. The S6800 ($220) shares the 16-megapixel sensor, 12x zoom and WiFi of the S6500; it primarily adds target-finding autofocus and more beauty modes. The 20-megapixel S3600 ($140) and 16-megapixel S5300 ($180) build on the formulas of the S3500 and S5200 by including more powerful 8x lenses, while the starter L30 ($120) is chiefly a beauty-focused software upgrade to the L28 that preserves the 20-megapixel sensor, 5x zoom and AA battery power. All of these entry-level compact cams should arrive in February.
Source: Nikon
Nikon’s D3300 DSLR captures detailed, filter-free photos for $650
Nikon started removing optical low-pass filters on pro DSLRs, where owners are more likely to notice the extra detail, but that emphasis on super-sharp photos has been moving rapidly downrange. Today, it’s reaching the entry level through the new D3300. Although the camera shoots at the same 24 megapixels as its predecessor, its filter-free sensor should produce crisper-looking pictures without pushing would-be buyers to costlier models. It also gets the newer Expeed 4 engine and its matching improvements to battery life, performance and image quality. The D3300 is still stuck with 11-point autofocusing, and there’s no built-in WiFi, but it captures at a more sensitive ISO 12,800 (versus the D3200′s ISO 6,400). It’s the first Nikon DSLR with an Easy Panorama mode, too. Should you be intrigued by the D3300′s blend of high resolution and beginner features, you can pick it up in February for $650 paired with an equally new, more compact 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. Veteran Nikon fans can buy the stand-alone lens at the same time for $250.
Source: Nikon
Nikon previews pro-grade D4S camera with faster autofocusing
The D3300 isn’t the only DSLR that Nikon will show at CES. The camera maker has revealed that it will preview its next-generation flagship camera, the D4S, at its booth on the show floor. While Nikon isn’t saying much about the new pro cam’s advantages over the D4, it’s already talking up a new imaging engine that should deliver faster autofocusing — no mean feat when the D4 is already quite nimble. It’s still too early for any launch details, but you can be sure that we’ll take a look at the D4S as soon as possible.
Source: Nikon
Sony announces Alpha 5000 with 20.1MP sensor, 180-degree display, WiFi for $600 with lens (hands-on)
Sony’s NEX branding is officially no more. The Alpha 5000 is the company’s first entry-level camera to drop the familiar moniker, falling instead under the higher-end Alpha lineup. Everything else about this CES model fits the mold, however. There’s a 180-degree tilting LCD that flips forward for self-portraits, built-in WiFi (with NFC) for instantly sharing pictures and videos on the web, Camera Apps for tweaking shots and uploading directly through a wireless hotspot and Sony’s latest 16-50mm power-zoom kit lens for smoother zooming during video capture. On the imaging front, there’s a 20.1-megapixel sensor, a 16,000 top ISO and 1080p shooting at 60i, 30p and 24p. There’s also a built-in flash — an appropriate feature for Sony’s target demographic of beginner photographers stepping up from a less-capable point-and-shoot.
Despite the new name, the Alpha 5000 feels very much like an NEX. There’s a more pronounced grip (think NEX-5T, not 3N), and the same tweaked (and improved) multi-page settings interface that we first met with the Alpha 7 and 7R back in October. Like its recent Sony counterparts, the 5000 charges via its micro-USB port, and it sports an HDMI output (this time, with 4K image support), for photographers looking to share their captures on a TV. Of course, with WiFi built in, you can also transfer shots to a smartphone or tablet, back up your media on a connected computer or boot content to a compatible television via DLNA. You can take a closer look at the Alpha 5000 in the gallery below. Expect it in stores this March in black, white and silver for $600, including the 16-50mm power-zoom lens.
Sony’s latest Action Cam sports splash-proof body, pro features for $300
Sony’s targeting amateur shooters and professionals alike with its new HDR-AS100V Action Cam. For consumers, the biggest addition here is the new splash-proof body, which lets you shoot in rain or snow without using the bundled (and relatively bulky) waterproof case. There are also “vast improvements in the optics,” according to Sony, including an updated lens with a fixed 170-degree viewing angle (120 degrees with SteadyShot turned on), an 18-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and new capture options, including 1080/24p, 720/120p or 720/240p video shooting and an ability to snap 13.5-megapixel stills. There’s also an integrated stereo mic and an input jack, should you wish to add an external mic.
Professional shooters can take advantage of new time-code support when editing XAVC S footage with Vegas Pro, making it easy to merge clips from the Action Cam with content from a variety of other cameras. There’s also a new option to shoot at 50 Mbps XAVC S, thanks to the new BIONZ X processor, and a record light up top that makes it easy to confirm that the camera’s actually recording. Cosmetically, the AS100V looks nearly identical to its predecessor, with limited on-camera controls and a basic info readout on the right side and SD and Memory Stick Micro storage in the rear, along with USB, HDMI and a mic jack hidden behind a panel at the bottom of the cam.
The new AS100V will hit stores in March for $300, or $400 when bundled with Sony’s live-view remote. The previous-gen AS30V will remain on the market, albeit with a TBA reduced price. A software update will add livestreaming and a high-speed continuous-shooting mode to both models this summer.
Intel unveils RealSense hardware and software line, including 3D camera module
The takeaway at today’s Intel press event? All signs point to the RealSense product line — a number of hardware and software products that “make interaction with technology simple, more natural and immersive,” according to Intel’s own words. The first product bearing the compound name is the RealSense 3D camera. Intel describes the product as “the world’s first integrated 3D depth and 2D camera module that helps devices ‘see’ depth much like the human eye,” suggesting that this isn’t just a substitute for Leap Motion or Kinect.
The camera does full-color 1080p and has an on-board sensor for gesture and face detection. The latter of which apparently helps it “understand emotions.” It also recognizes foregrounds and backgrounds, so you can replace that messy room and make it appear as if you’re Skypeing from the Moon. But, if you’re looking for something more practical, you can also use it to scan objects in 3D using 3D System’s Sense software. The RealSense 3D camera is set to be integrated into a number of diverse devices come the second half of this year, including tablets, Ultrabooks, laptops and all-in-ones, from top companies like Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and NEC. Seven such devices are being demonstrated today, and Intel itself has a demo unit.
If you’d rather talk to your computer than wave at it, there’s also a next-generation version of Dragon Assistant from Nuance that will be part of Intel’s RealSense push. Of, course, while all this sounds good on paper, it remains to be seen how much people will actually want to wink, point or shout at their laptop to get it to open Netflix or point Chrome towards Engadget.
Filed under: Cameras, ASUS, Intel, HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo
Source: Intel
Polaroid’s Socialmatic camera to fuse retro style, instant prints and Android this fall
Last we heard of Polaroid’s Socialmatic camera, which promises to bring back instant prints with a modern flair, it was bound for store shelves in the first quarter of 2014. Here at CES, the firm’s announced that the hardware is cruising for a fall release now that it’s finalized the necessary legal agreements to make it a reality. For those in need of a refresher, the device runs Android to make sharing images a snap and packs a 14-megapixel cam on its front, a 2-megapixel rear-facing sensor, 4GB of storage with expansion via microSD, a 4.5-inch touchscreen and built-in WiFi. Zink’s ink-free paper will do the heavy lifting when it comes to printing photos, so any vintage film can stay stowed in your closet. Polaroid’s Socialmatic shooter is out in the wilds of the CES floor, so stay tuned for a hands-on.
Filed under: Cameras
Source: Polaroid
Polaroid’s new bridge cameras pack WiFi sharing, as much as 50x optical zoom
In addition to the quirkier parts of its CES camera lineup, Polaroid’s trotting out a line of bridge shooters with a healthy helping of optical zoom capabilities. Each device in the fleet features a 3-inch display and image sharing over WiFi. At the top of the range sits a model with 50x zoom (iE5036W), 18 megapixels, 1080p video-capture chops and a $299 price tag, with a nearly identical 40x zoom variant (iE4038W) perched just behind it. Interestingly, the version toting just 35x optics (Ixx353W) scores an upgrade to a 20-megapixel sensor. A cam with a 30x lens (iE3035W) helps bring up the rear, along with a 15x zoom flavor that drops its video resolution to 720p and its price to $149. If you intend to recruit one of these gadgets for your photographic endeavors, look for them to arrive in stores sometime this spring.
Filed under: Cameras
Source: Polaroid
Canon unveils WiFi-equipped PowerShot SX600 HS, ELPH 340HS point-and-shoots
It’s hard to get excited about an ordinary point-and-shoot after Canon just showed off its funky PowerShot N100, but if practicality’s the name of the game, this new duo will have you covered. The first model, the PowerShot SX600 HS, includes a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4+ processor, an 18x 25-450mm, f/3.8-6.9 optical zoom lens and a 3-inch 461k-dot LCD. There’s also built-in WiFi and NFC, so you can pair the camera with an Android smartphone or tablet and transfer stills and video with ease. There’s a Mobile Device Connect button, enabling instant access to wireless features, such as app control and uploads. The SX600 includes a Hybrid Auto mode, which records four seconds of video before each still photo; a Smart Auto mode with 32 pre-defined shooting modes; and a dedicated movie button, giving you instant access to 1080p captures.
Next up is the PowerShot ELPH 340HS. This more portable cam will set you back 200 bucks, and includes a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4+ processor, a 12x 25-300mm, f/3.6-7.0 optical zoom lens and a 3-inch 461k-dot LCD. It also sports WiFi and NFC, with the same functionality outlined above, along with the same Hybrid Auto, Smart Auto and video shooting modes. The 340HS is expected to hit stores in March for $200, available in purple, black and silver. The $250 SX600 HS will be available a bit sooner — it ships at the end of February in red, black and white.
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