Polaroid planning camera with built-in printer

Since Polaroid announced its decision to stop production for its instant film, many artists and fanboys have sent out petitions to persuade the company to revive its production line. However, with more and more shutterbugs adopting digital cameras, instant film clearly doesn't have a place in the industry now.

In what looks like a desperate attempt to stay afloat, Polaroid announced that it is engineering a new shooter with an onboard PoGo instant photo printer. But instead of using the conventional 2 x 3-inch photo paper, the company has decided that it will adopt the more traditional and familiar 4 x 3-inch media. Tentatively, the camera is slated to be unveiled in 2009.

The company is open to suggestions from photographers on how the new camera should be designed and what features are to be incorporated. This is part of a competition that Polaroid is organizing with Amateur Photographer, and the grand prize is a trip to New York and VIP pass to the Museum of Modern Art.

I am pretty sure the winner will also receive a set of the camera-printer hydrid device, if it ever makes it past the commercial launch.

Via Amateur Photographer

Researchers focus on electronic eye camera

Researchers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University have created a camera with a layout similar in size and shape to the human eye. The eye camera is based on "single-crystalline silicon detectors and electronics, configured in a stretchable, interconnected mesh", according to the University of Illinois.

The curved technology will put an entire image in focus, in contrast to today's cameras, which take images that are sharper in the center than near the edges, according to researchers. Plus, the technology could be a big step toward the development of a bionic eye similar to the one worn by the Terminator.

Click on the image at the top of this post for more.

Via CNET Crave

Canon's fuel cell patent powers any device attached to camera

The last time we reported on Canon's fuel cell technology in May, the details were sketchy but we do know that this new power source is greener than the current Lithium-based juice packs used.

The people over at Photography Bay have dug up more information regarding this patent, and it seems Canon has more up its sleeves than just being friendly to Mother Nature.

The new technology is reported to be an all-in-one power source, and any accessories attached to the camera can be powered by it. This means that external flashlights, GPS modules and Wi-Fi transmitters can potentially all draw power from a single source in the shooter, thereby reducing the weight of the entire package significantly. This, however, brings up the question of how powerful the cells have to be in order to power everything at once and remain long-lasting at the same time.

On another note, the Japanese company may have to create a whole new format (like the Micro Four Thirds System) to accommodate the new power standard. Ideally, it should be backward-compatible, and hopefully, Canon is engineering the new products in that aspect.

Via Photography Bay

Epson's pricey photo viewers present prettier pictures?

To accommodate all those high-resolution photos you've shot with your new (or old) dSLR, Epson has doubled the hard disk size of its Multimedia Photo Viewers. This year's models, the P-6000 and P-7000, offer 80GB and 160GB, respectively over the P-3000 and P-5000's 40GB and 80GB.


Though screen size and resolution hasn't changed from the previous models--4 inches at 640x480--they incorporate Epson's latest display technology, dubbed Photo Fine Premia. Though the technology remains basically the same--it combines red, blue and two green filters in a single pixel rather than spreading them across pixels--the company claims claims the new gamut covers 94 percent of the Adobe RGB color space compared to 88 percent for its Photo Fine Ultra predecessors. That would certainly make it attractive for dSLR shooters. (Like some other photo viewers, these support raw files in addition to JPEG, but not all raw formats. You should always double-check on support before buying.) The new display also offers a wider viewing angle.

In addition, Epson has addressed some performance issues, and says that these models are up to 35 percent faster at downloading than before and supports USB 2.0 and UDMA CF cards. Battery life hasn't increased, though; the internal rechargeable is still rated to last about 3 hours. The company has also updated the design with a new jog dial for navigation instead of the four-way switch that's so last century. As with the previous models, these support video and audio as well.

When it ships in September, expect to pay a premium for that slightly larger but higher-tech display: The 80GB P-6000 lists at US$599.99 and the 160GB P-7000 for US$799.99 compared to, say, Digital Foci's 160GB, US$499 3.6-inch Picture Porter Elite. The 160GB model does come with a Travel Pack, which includes a dual battery charger, car adapter, viewing stand, carrying case and some other stuff.

Via CNET Crave

Lowepro alerts Facebook fans to new green bags

If you're already one of the 161 "fans" of Lowepro on Facebook, you probably know that a few days ago the bag and case manufacturer posted pictures and descriptions of six new products on its page.

Most of the bags are line extensions, such as the SlingShot 350 AW that includes "a customizable main compartment that comfortably fits a professional DSLR with a 70-200 f/2.8 lens attached plus 5-6 extra lenses or accessories." However, on August 1 the company announced a new line of eco-conscious multipurpose bags under the name Terraclime.

The series of bags are constructed of 100 percent post-consumer, recycled Cyclepet exterior fabric with a protective layer of spacer mesh made of 60 percent recycled PET. Plastic regrind, recycled, and repurposed industrial trimmings were saved from the factory floor for the hardware.

Via CNET Crave

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (803)

» Digital Cameras (439)

» Notebooks (537)

» PC & Peripherals (564)

» Handhelds (274)

» Printers (45)

» Home AV (539)

» Music & Play (447)

» Gadgets (1021)

» Future Tech (175)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads