camera

One unadvertised feature in Apple's just-released iTunes 11 lets users tap into their built-in video camera to redeem gift cards and other promotional codes.

The feature, which Apple did not demonstrate at the software's unveiling in September or in subsequent marketing materials, can pull out the alphanumeric codes and submit them. This means you can redeem a code without having to type it in, though that option remains if the software is unable to pick it up.

In order to use the feature, the promotional code must be from gift cards that place the code within a square … Read more

There are a lot of good reasons to choose a camera over a consumer camcorder for shooting video, including larger sensors, which tend to deliver better tonal range and enhanced depth-of-field flexibility, and better photo quality. And an interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) -- a dSLR, fixed mirror (Sony's SLT series), or mirrorless model -- imparts huge creative and logistical benefits over a typical point-and-shoot design.

Most consumer camcorders have pretty ugly polygonal bokeh until you hit the $1,000 or so price point. With an ILC, even the cheap lenses deliver better handling of out-of-focus areas. … Read more

When it comes to dressing well at public appearances, music star Will.i.am has a pretty good track record. Just don't let him get anywhere near your iPhone.

The singer's i.am+ company is dedicated to creating consumer electronics and apps. The foto.sosho is its first iPhone accessory. It clips onto the iPhone, turning it into a much fancier camera. One model, due out next year, is supposed to have its own sensor for taking 14-megapixel images.

The camera-enhancing add-on sports interchangeable lenses. Some models include a slide-out keyboard. It will come with an app for manipulating and sharing the images. A version for iPhone 4 will be out first, with iPhone 5 options coming later.… Read more

At first glance, the lock screen widgets in Android 4.2 may seem like a convenient feature. But you may soon realize having all of your personal information plastered on what was once a secure screen, isn't ideal. Removing the widgets is simple, but you're still left with the box outlines every time you wake your device, which can get annoying. And there's no way to disable widgets, or camera access for that matter, on the lock screen built into Android 4.2.

Thankfully, an Android developer has released a free app titled Lockscreen Policy, enabling you … Read more

When I put together my list of five great enthusiast camera deals for less than $500, I was perturbed by a now-you-see-it, now-you-don't offer for a couple of entry-level dual-lens kits for dSLRs. But one of them popped up again just in time for Cyber Monday: a $449.99 deal on the Nikon D3000 with both the 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses at Best Buy.

The camera is a few years old, but it's still pretty solid, and as a total kit, it covers the zoom range you need for most typical family and vacation shooting. Plus, even if … Read more

If you've got someone on your shopping list who wants to learn more about controlling camera shutter speeds and apertures, Canon's PowerShot SX150 IS is a good and inexpensive option. Even more so now that Target has dropped its price to $99.99.

The 14-megapixel camera features a 12x, f3.4-5.6, 28-336mm lens with optical image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD, and full manual to full auto shooting modes. It's also powered by AA-size batteries, so it's a good choice for travelers, too, who don't want to worry about easy battery replacement.… Read more

An interesting low-cost gift for your favorite photog, the $24.99 Triggertrap Mobile Dongle lets you use an Android or iOS device as a remote shutter release for digital SLR or advanced compact cameras.

The dongle is compatible with more than 280 cameras, but you'll still need to download and install the iOS or Android app to actually use it. Those apps usually costs $4.99, but starting today the apps are free for the holidays.

That's not a huge savings, but it does mean that if you pick up the Triggertrap Mobile for a gift, the recipient … Read more

Camera Launcher for Nexus 7 does something simple and necessary: it adds a launcher icon for the Nexus 7's camera.

As the Nexus 7 tablet does have a small built-in camera but doesn't have a native camera app, we found this app very convenient. There's practically no interface, and the app doesn't require any specific permissions to run. It has no other functions and can't be used on other devices, but for the Nexus 7 we absolutely recommend it.

Photography diehards and fans of printed T -shirts will like Dodge and Burn's latest camera-inspired collection. The New York-based company's latest Evolution TLR design highlights the history of the Twin Lens Reflex camera, a medium format film camera used in the '60s.

The site also offers a variety of other print designs, from the iconic Leica rangefinder camera to the classic SX-70 Polaroid film camera. Each shirt is printed using plastisol inks to create designs with textures that have a vintage and worn-out effect. … Read more