Have you got some days off during the X-Mas period and no plans? Are you lucky enough to own a digital reflex camera… and a few hours to spend taking one (yes, 1) photograph? Then you can be the next record holder of the highest resolution image.

But today, this is the greatest (at least in terms of pixels) picture ever taken: a combination of 1.665 full frame pictures taken with a Canon EOS 5 D at 21,4 megapixels each (that means… 26 gigapixels!) recorded with a photo-robot during 172 minutes. Processing took 96 hours from the 104 gigabyte original frame down to the impressive 26 gb result that you can check right here.

The shooting took place in Dresden, on the roof of the building Haus der Presse.

If you want to play with the image, just use the zoom and other control buttons you will find on the lower left corner of the image. Or just click on any of the 9 preselected details right below. It’s really impressive!

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Source: gigapixel-dresden.de

Casio is one of the brands that has always brought innovation to the category of popular compact cameras. One of the most interesting features that can be found in their latest models (such as the new pocket size Exilim EX-FS10) is the super-slow motion video (capable of shooting up to 1000 fps)  and the super fast photo shooting (up to 30fps still images).

But now they have gone a step further. The new EX-FS10S, only available in Japan (at least today) has a software that records your swing and, afterwards, you can analize it according to specific parameters that shows your position (body, elbows, head, arms) so you can correct it if necessary. If you don’t want so much detail, just switch to a lower speed: 420, 210 or even 30 fps.

Of course this tiny camera shoots standard images at 9,1 megapixels, has a 3x optical zoom and records hi resolution video at 720 p. But who cares about it if you just want to become the next golf legend?

If you have never seen a real slow-motion video, just check this one at 1,200 fps filmed with Casio’s Pro-EX1.

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Source: Akihabara News

Now that standard DSLR cameras are becoming quite popular (prices below $700, lens included, are helping to democratize the segment) top brands are now moving to a rather new direction based on a smaller “packaging”: Sigma DP1 was a real surprise in 2008 and a highly improved version was launched some months ago (the new DP2), both with an APS-C size sensor. Olympus went a step further with a highly successful alternative featuring the new Micro Four Thirds technology: PEN EP-1 was the name of a beautiful and excellent retrostyle camera. The new EP-2 is already waiting to be launched in a few weeks (things are moving fast), and a few days ago I was lucky enough to purchase the new Panasonic GF1 (almost identical to Olympus’ EP-1, similar sensor, but with built-in flash and a few other interesting functions, plus an excellent 20mm F1.7 pancake lens).

But Leica will always be playing in a different league, and X1  should be a great success for the german brand if we simply listen to the tests based on pre-production units.

Although it is expected to be launched next January, we have most of the details you need to know:  12.2 megapixels APS-C sensor, fixed 24mm Leica Elmarit  F2.8 lens, ISO 100-3200, 2,7 in LCD screen, retro style pop-up flash, optional viewfinder, and an impressive styling, similar to the mythical M series. Full specs can be found here.

If you want to see some beautiful photographs, www.dpreview.com has given us the chance to say “yes! we want one!”. In my case, “why did I buy the GF1?!?!?”. Check them right here, and enjoy.

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Source: Digital Photography review.com

New DSLR cameras are great for shooting fantastic images, but also for recording HD videos that can almost replace standard videocameras in some cases.

Marty Meyer, a videographer, decided to compare three of the best cameras with HD video capabilities available today, although they are conceptually different devices: on one side the not-so-expensive Panasonic Lumix DMC GH1. On the other, the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II, one of the best options for professionals. And in a different dimension, a futureproof concept quite difficult to classify: Red One.

The footage was shot on Vimeo by Byron Shah, Jason Ensler and their team last month. It’s a different way of comparing technological devices, and surely a more appealing one. Enjoy the video.

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Source: PDN Pulse

Nikon has just announced a new concept that will surely become a revolution in the digicam industry:  the 12,1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom compact Coolpix S1000pj is the first ultra-compact featuring a built-in projector for sharing and videoclips images on the go.

It’s not very powerful (10 lumens) but you can project images  from 5 to 40 inches,  screen-size equivalent. This is a totally new way of showing your favorite photographs to friends and family: just place the camera on itrs own stand and let the show begin with the wireless remote control, also included. We are eager to test one, so we will keep you informed as soon as we can grab one.

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Source: Nikon

I own a Canon EOS 40D, quite a nice semi-pro reflex digital camera. I have been very proud of it for over a year… but not anymore after watching this video.

It has been recorded by Jon Rawlison’s production company, and surprisingly not with a standard videocamera. In fact you don’t need one  if you are lucky enough to own a DSLR with integrated Full HD video capabilities, such as this 21-megapixels marvel with full frame CMOS sensor.

The 4 1/2 minutes video is not outstanding in terms of creativity but it’s relaxing and a pleasure for the senses. It was recorded at the Okinawa Churami Aquarium, second largest aquarium tank in the world, and we strongly recommend to watch it full-screen and HQ quality.

Before you ask about the song: it’s Please don’t Go by Barcelona. Relax…

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Source: Xataka

Seems that digital cameras are reaching their limit in terms of megapixels, HD video features, compact size, ultra-zooms… while mobile phones are becoming a real threat with sophisticated devices that can replace, in some cases, a compact digicam.

Fortunately Fuji is here with some fresh air that will surely open new opportunities for the brand and the whole market. Time magazine have already tested the prototype of the FinePix Real 3D System, and the results are quite promising: the 10 megapixels camera employs two twin lenses set 6 cms. apart from each other (roughly like the human eyes), so the pictures are taken simultaneously from two different angles, then combined taking into account focus, zoom and exposure and… voila! a stereoscopic 3D image is right there, in front of our eyes.

What about the LCD screen? Fuji has developed a 2.8-inch 230,000 pixels QVGA that can display 2D and 3D images, plus 3D menus.

The final pictures can be printed on a special clear plastic overlay that, most surely, will be available through an online service. Another option is an 8-inch digital picture frame that creates the 3D effect.

The new Fuji gadget will be launched this Summer in japan and in the US, Europe in September. Price? Around $600. Perhaps it’s expensive, but surely prices will drop once the technology [hopefully] becomes popular. In any case, Fuji, we would love to test one ourselves!
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Source: Time Mag