Friday, June 1, 2007

Ricoh Updates GX100 v1.14

Ricoh yesterday released a firmware update to the Caplio GX100 camera. Firmware version 1.14 corrects a number of bugs and promises better auto focus.

The 10-megapixel Ricoh GX100 was launched in March with RAW shooting and a removable viewfinder. Among the improvements with firmware 1.14 is an improved AF algorithm for better accuracy. The updated software also fixes focus corruption including switching from auto to manual focus or with multi-auto focus use with AAA batteries. The update also corrects an irregularity with exposure compensation when shooting DNG files or long exposures, according to the Ricoh website.

The Ricoh GX100 1.14 firmware is compatible with Windows 98 and higher and Mac OS 9.0 and higher and is currently available for download at www.ricoh.com/r_dc/download/firmware/gx100/.

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Ricoh-Updates-GX100-v114-13063.htm

DXG 711 Camera Announced

DXG today launched the 7-megapixel DXG-711. The camera comes with audio voice memo and video capabilities. It has a retail price of $149.99 and is immediately available.

The DXG-711 camera is part of DXG's growing line of digital cameras and multi-media devices primarily targeted towards the youth market.

DXG-711 DXG-711 Camera
“The DXG-711 is perfect for users who want to migrate to more features, better technology and a device that is multi-functional, convenient and affordable, like parents who are looking for a replacement unit for their ‘old’ 35mm cameras, and college students,” stated the company press release today.

The 7-megapixel DXG-711 is fitted with a standard 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD. Measuring less than an inch thick, the camera is designed to work as a portable device. With 32MB of internal memory and additional SD storage, the camera can act as a portable hard drive, according to the release.

The DXG-711 camera has 15 scene modes and a max sensitivity of ISO 400. It includes audio capabilities and shoots 640x480 video with sound at 30fps.

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/DXG-711-Camera-Announced-13079.htm

Microsoft Surface Unveiled

Microsoft made headlines across the tech industry at yesterday’s Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, where the computing giant unveiled new display technology, simply known as the “Surface.” The Microsoft Surface is a tabletop computer that uses gesture technology to interact with digital information, including photos. The Surface will be used in hotels, retailers, and restaurants by the end of the year.

“With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in a company press release. “We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror. Surface is the first step in realizing that vision.”

The 30-inch display allows users to view and move information with the touch screen monitor without the use of a mouse or keyboard. Surface’s photo application allows users to sort and organize pictures with the option to delete and zoom. The Surface allows for multiple users to surround it, making for coffee table-type interaction.

The Surface also includes object recognition and can read bar codes. It will soon be at Harrah’s Entertainment in Las Vegas, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and T-Mobile retail stores. While the technology is being released first in public spaces, Microsoft stated that the Surface could later be used in the home.

“Many features available in mobile phones, PCs and other electronic devices like digital cameras aren’t even used because the technology is intimidating,” said Microsoft Corporate Vice President Tom Gibbons of Productivity and Extended Consumer Experiences Group in a separate release. “Surface computing breaks down those traditional barriers to technology so that people can interact with all kinds of digital content in a more intuitive, engaging and efficient manner. It’s about technology adapting to the user, rather than the user adapting to the technology.”

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Microsoft-Surface-Unveiled-13088.htm

Camera Phone VS Digital Camera

Cell phones with cameras are everywhere nowadays. It really makes us thinking whether we now have a mobile phone with camera or a camera with telephone capability.

Cell phones with cameras are everywhere nowadays. It really makes us thinking whether we now have a mobile phone with camera or a camera with telephone capability.

What’s up with mobiles?
The Sharp 903 cell phone now comes with a 3.2MP camera, the Sony Ericsson W800i and the N90 from Nokia Nseries both pitch in with 2.0MP (N90 has also got a Carl Zeiss lens and the autofocus). These phones have good enough quality for everyday pictures. And given the pace of development it is likely that the standard will only raise. Who would have thought that we would be talking of the music capabilities of the iPod phone, or anticipating the launch of the N91 from the Nokia Nseries with a 4 GB hard disc?

Why camera cell phone?
There are digital cameras capable of 10MP or more resolution, but who really needs pictures with such resolution? 2MP is enough for day to day usage and general printing purpose, and it ensures that images are not too large to be transferred to other devices. The picture quality of N90 from Nokia Nseries can match that of some lower end digital cameras. Cell phones can have files transferred the same way as digital cameras (cable, memory card and Bluetooth). The inclusion of MMS function in camera phones means that the images can also be directly sent to other phones and emails, which is not achievable with digital cameras. The major advantage of the camera cell phone over the digital camera is its immediate availability, the ability to capture that fleeting image without having to unzip a camera bag and fumble with settings. So you will not miss that precious moment again.

Professionals are up for the challenge
Five of the world’s leading photographers (Juergen Teller, Jiancheng Dong, Nick Waplington, Philip Lorca-DiCorcia and Raghu Rai) have taken up the challenge of camera cell phones. They have produced a stunning selection of professional images using the N90 from Nokia Nseries, see it yourself at seenew.com

Are you up for the challenge?
If you think you’re pretty good with a camera, take a look at the competition that can also be found on the site. Submit your shots taken with camera phone, and you could be assisting one of the photographers on a commercial photo shoot. Other prizes include the N90 from Nokia Nseries, two return tickets to be flown anywhere in the world and your winning images to be pre-loaded to future Nokia Nseries handsets.


About Author

Robert Thomson is a librarian interested in developments in phone technology and small device information retrieval. Born and brought up in South Oxfordshire. Worked in libraries in England, Scotland and the United States and is at present a freelancer researcher.