cameras

For digital cameras, the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show proved to be more interesting than past years'.

Instead of the usual humdrum point-and-shoots, we were greeted with three models targeted at enthusiasts and pros: the Fujifilm X-Pro1, the Nikon D4, and the Canon PowerShot G1 X.

Even a handful of the point-and-shoots announced were worth paying attention to, like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7, the Canon PowerShot Elph 520 HS, and at least three of the 18 cameras announced by Fujifilm.

Then there was the first Android-based smart camera, the Polaroid SC1630, which never materialized. (We eventually got the Nikon Coolpix S800c … Read more

The phrase "immersive experience" gets bandied about quite a bit when talking about technology. I wouldn't use those words to describe the online video experience... until now. The Making View 360-degree ViewCam video system brings you into the action much more than a regular clip.

Remember those panoramic house tours that were popular for a while on real estate sites? The ViewCam videos created with Red Bull are like that on steroids -- with a shot of adrenaline on the side. … Read more

A chief complaint of the Samsung Galaxy Camera is that it's only available for AT&T. That should change, however -- a Verizon model has been spied in the virtual halls of the FCC.

The details for an "EKGC120" Galaxy Camera cropped up this week for showing a version of the digital camera with support for Verizon's 700MHz LTE bands. Since the testing was conduced in early November, I suspect that the 4G variant of this connected camera won't be far off.

I'm curious to see if Verizon asks for $500 for the … Read more

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