Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Nokia's 3D N810 Internet Tablet caught on blurrycam

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/nokias-3d-n810-internet-tablet-caught-on-blurrycam/

We can't say that the idea of stereoscopic displays on cellphones ever really appealed to us -- more than anything, it sounds like the recipe for a nasty migraine. But provided a company figures out how to do it right (and without the silly glasses) true 3D could lead to some pretty interesting interface design, to say the very least. With Sony singing the technology's praises at IFA this morning, it's fitting that Nokia is showing off one such number at Nokia World in Stuttgart today. According to Pocket-lint, the N810 Internet Tablet shown above has been outfitted with a "special screen" made by a "secret third party manufacturer" and displays 3D content to the naked eye. Sure, we're pretty skeptical that 3D will be a hit (or even stop being lousy) any time soon, but who knows? There seem to be a few companies out there who think that it could pull them out of their doldrums.

[Via The Raw Feed]

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Nokia's 3D N810 Internet Tablet caught on blurrycam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buffalo intros 4TB TeraStation NAS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/buffalo-intros-4tb-terastation-nas/

It's been a while since we've seen a TeraStation from Buffalo, and in the meantime the company has been really going wild with the lilliputian memory devices, so it's nice to see something substantial in this space for a change. The latest TeraStation NAS integrates with Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 for up to 4TB storage. Of course, this particular Windows release has been available since late 2006, so we're not too terribly impressed -- but the company seems to think that it's important for you to know all about it. In addition, this bad boy has support for Raid 5/0/1 and VSS, and rocks four hot-swappable drive bays. The WS-Q2.0TL/R5 (2TB) is available for ¥158,000 ($1,658), while the WS-Q4.0TL/R5 (4TB) will set you back ¥198,000 ($2,077). And no, it won't fit in your pocket.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Buffalo intros 4TB TeraStation NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Lumix GF1 Camera Improves on the Olympus E-P1... But Not By Much [Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Qt3SED9m_X8/panasonic-lumix-gf1-camera-improves-on-the-olympus-e+p1-but-not-by-much

As leaked, Panasonic's third Micro Four Thirds camera, the GF1, matches the small size of the Olympus E-P1 while adding a built-in flash and some great new lenses.

Besides the size and shape, the Lumix GF1 is very similar to the E-P1: Same 12.1 MP sensor, same 720p video and HDMI-out and same $900 kit price. But it does bring a handful of improvements, most notably the addition of a built-in flash. For the E-P1, the flash is a $200 attachment that hikes up the price and lowers the portability, so some people will be pleased to see it integrated in the GF1.

The other big refinements over the E-P1 is the LCD. Since there's no optical viewfinder—or even a high-res digital one like on the G1 and GH1, it's important to get all the dots you can on the 3" LCD itself. The E-P1's has a paltry 230,000 dots, while the GF1's has 460,000 dots.

The lenses Panasonic is offering in the kits also look great, though of course we can't make a definitive judgment until we try them out. One kit has the Lumix G 20mm f1.7 "pancake" lens, which seems better, on paper, than the E-P1's 17mm f2.8 kit lens. The other kit includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens. Both kits should retail for $900 when they're released in early October.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS LATEST LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA – THE LU! MIX DMC- GF1

The LUMIX GF1, the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with built-in flash*, packs powerful DSLR and HD video capabilities into a sleek and easy-to-use compact body

Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic's success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.

"Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact "DSLR-like" digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility."

With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional int! erchange able lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.

Though small in size, the LUMIX GF1 does not compromise in advanced features. The LUMIX GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to ensure high performance, whether capturing photos or HD video. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 can record 1280 x 720 High Definition video in AVCHD Lite, a format that enables longer recording times. With a dedicated video record button, capturing video is convenient and easy. The LUMIX GF1 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and other video recording formats include: QVGA, VGA and WVGA. The LUMIX GF1 has a unique Movie Program Mode that allows consumers to adjust the depth-of-field while shooting in HD video, so background and foreground can be blurred to give creative effects – something typically only possible with expensive professional camcorders.

The LUMIX DMC-GF1 includes the new My Color mode, which includes seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom – all which let users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. With the Live View function, users can see how these settings will effect the photo before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of nine Film modes, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favorite settings in memory. Furthermore, the exposure meter can be displayed in other shooting modes and the correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range.

For those users not quite comfortable with extensive manual and creative controls, the LUMIX GF1 provides a user-friendly setting that can address a beginner's comfort level, while helping them evolve their photography skills. ! For inst ance, Panasonic's new Scene mode, Peripheral Defocus, lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera's keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.

Also, helping to make the LUMIX GF1 more approachable, Panasonic's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a system of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed – allows for intuitive use when shooting still or video images. While shooting video, iA activates Panasonic's O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which helps reduce video-blurring due to handshake. In addition, Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. For still photos, the iA system encompasses: Face Recognition (up to six faces can be registered); Auto Focus (AF) Tracking; Mega O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Exposure; and Intelligent Scene Selector.

The LUMIX GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings. New for the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangea! ble lens es via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic's DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

The LUMIX GF1's sensor technology offers the best of both worlds - the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the low-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX GF1 deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images, while maintaining fine detail and rich gradation. The LUMIX GF1's Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The contrast AF system adopted in the LUMIX GF1 is not only accurate, but also very quick – approximately 0.3 seconds with the LUMIX G H-FS014045 lens. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas; 1-area AF with a selectable focus area; Face Detection; and AF Tracking. The LUMIX GF1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera - without pressing the shutter button halfway.

As with all Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras, the LUMIX GF1 is equipped with a highly-effective Dust Reduction system. Thus, if dust gets inside the camera (when changing lenses), Panasonic's Dust Reduction system addresses this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor which vertically vibrates around 50,000 times per second, thus repelling the dust.

The content captured on the LUMIX GF1 can easily be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV by simply inserting the SD/SDCH Memory Card into the VIERA's SD/SDHC Memory Card slot or into a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player. Alternatively, ! an optio nal mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GF1 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link™ operation, with control of playback functions, such as slideshows, managed from the VIERA HDTV's remote control.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight "pancake" lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.

For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.




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Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/

We're sure to see a whole lot more of the Nokia N900 as Nokia World gets underway this week, but in the meantime we're super into this video walkthrough posted up by Kiamanokia.it -- and not just because the Italian narration makes using the N900 seem absolutely delightful. Nope, we're much more into the extremely-responsive interface, the rotary-zoom gesture in the browser, and the overall slickness of Maemo 5. We'll withhold judgment until we spend some time with an actual production N900, but things are looking promising -- head after the break to check the video for yourselves.

[Via The Nokia Blog]

Continue reading Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian

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Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/panasonic-goes-rangefinder-with-the-lumix-dmc-gf1/

We've been wondering when Panasonic would do something a little more interesting with a Micro Four Thirds sensor than simply pack it into an SLR-style body, and it looks like the new Lumix DMC-GF1 is the first step along that road. First leaked early last month, the spec sheet aligns pretty closely to the similarly sweet-looking Olympus E-P1, although most of the numbers max out a little lower: 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor with ISO 3200 sensitivity, 720p 30fps AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG video (sorry, no mic input), three-inch LCD, and HDMI out. (In terms of size it's a wash: the GF1 is less wide, but it's a tick taller, and they're both about the same thickness, although the GF1 has a built-in flash.) Ready for the bad news? Panny's going to be selling this thing in two kits come October, one with a 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" lens and the other with a 14-45mm/f3.5-5.6 zoom, and both are priced at $900 -- not including the optional viewfinder attachment. Yeah, that's a lot of scratch, especially since the E-P1 has slightly better specs and lists for $800. We'll see what street prices look like after a couple months, but for now we're, oh, let's say, "waiting to be convinced." Full press release after the break.

Update: Well, what do you know? PhotographyBLOG has a nice gallery of sample shots up to give you a solid idea of what this bad boy's capable of.

Continue reading Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1

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Panasonic goes rangefinder with the Lumix DMC-GF1 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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