Filed under: Digital Cameras

DSLRs get all the photog credit, what with those snazzy interchangeable lenses and decent image quality, but point and shooters get most of the work done for most consumers, thanks the the size and convenience of a tiny, easy to use camera. Well, nothing much going on for the “decent image quality” angle of things, but at Photokina, Pentax is showing off a “X-Change Point & Shoot” concept that demos an interchangeable lens system for a compact cam. The miniscule camera body has a pop-up flash, and can accept a variety of lenses. Interestingly, the CCD is built into each lens, allowing for different focal lengths, protection from dust, and what we suppose would be some hefty prices. Unfortunately, it looks like Pentax has been kicking this idea around since 2002, so we’re not going to get our hopes up too much for an imminent release. Pentax has plenty of other interesting (and old) concepts they’re showing off at Pk, so be sure to peep the read link to catch the rest.

[Via OhGizmo!]

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless

Not to keep harping on Fujifilm‘s newly-unveiled, fixed-zoom S9600 camera, but the company has apparently busted out a less-than-glamorous wireless attachment for the highly-touted prosumer model. While we knew the 10.7x zoom, 9 megapixel sensor, and tiltable LCD were on the docket, wireless transfers is definitely a new addition. Spotting WiFi on cameras isn’t too uncommon (heck, we’re even giving one away), but we’ve yet to see a dedicated wireless adapter for a camera of this stature. Reportedly, the demo was set up to photograph onlookers, and then pass the snapshot along (sans wires, of course) to a WiFi-enabled printer sitting nearby. Unfortunately, details concerning model numbers, pricing, or if this add-on will ever surface outside of the Photokina confines remains to be seen — but honestly, we hope the final design (should there be one at all) trims down a bit, as the current build sure looks to add a good deal of heft for just cutting the proverbial cord.

[Via Daily Wireless]

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

As much as we love shiny new toys, there’s something to be said for the elegance of polished wood. At the Photokina exhibition in Germany, Olympus recently wowed everyone with a Japanese cypress encased camera. Olympus issued a press release with a great number of details about the wood, and included photos of how the wood was carved — but unfortunately neglected to tell us what kind of hardware resides in this hardwood. We’re betting that Olympus is holding off on releasing further info until it can develop a way to convert its pristine images into equally stunning Japanese woodblock prints.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Camera fans worldwide no doubt appreciate Leica‘s attention to quality and detail when it comes to making high-end film-based rangefinder cameras. This month, the famous German company will introduce its first digital rangefinder camera at the Photokina trade show in Cologne — the same location where the first Leica M3 was announced in 1954. The Leica M8 doesn’t just have a pretty body, nor is it resting on the laurels of its predecessors: it’s got a 10.3 megapixel resolution, with a low-noise CCD image sensor that starts at ISO 160 but that can also kick up to ISO 2500. The Leica M8 can take gorgeous shots with an exposure time that drops down to 1/8000 of a second, and to 1/250 of a second with a flash. The cam also has a focal length extension factor of 1.33, which helps to mitigate the problem of “vignetting,” or a fall-off in brightness that would occur without the extension factor. Oh, and there’s one more thing: did we mention that the M8 works with “virtually all” Leica M series lenses produced since 1954? We don’t have any firm information from Leica about what the availability or price of the M8 will be, but estimates on the internets suggest that it will set you back about €4,500 ($5,708) — and this totally amazing camera will probably be worth every euro cent.

Read – Press release
Read – DPR’s hands-on preview

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

In their first Photokina showing, well, ever, Apple is for whatever reason gathering press to make some kind of presentation on September 25th — the day before the show begins. Before your fanciful self starts dreaming up gorgeous new video iPods or revamped Apple QuickTakes, do keep in mind that something having to do with the floundering Aperture and their software push into professional image production is a little more likely than, say, an iPhone announcement. Don’t worry, you’ll get your fall / winter Apple lineup soon enough, says we.

[Thanks, Jay]

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