Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Formula For a Perfect Movie [Science]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/S_RiRqFfNwE/the-formula-for-a-perfect-movie

A Cornell University professor analyzed 150 of the highest grossing movies of the last 70 years. The more recent the movie, he found, the closer it adhered to the mathematical formula that describes the human attention span.

In the 1990s, researchers at University of Texas in Austin determined that our attention spans could be described by the 1/f fluctuation, a pattern representing the ebb and flow of our concentration over a period of time. In a new study, professor James Cutting found that the more recent the blockbuster, the more closely the length of its shots followed that same fluctuation.

Whereas Detour, made in 1945, has shots that only vaguely correspond to the 1/f fluctuation, the 2005 King Kong remake stays surprisingly snug with the attention span wave.

As Cutting explains, this increasing correlation means that films "resonate with the rhythm of human attention spans," but just because movies are increasingly pleasing to our subconscious minds doesn't mean that we will necessarily like them more: the Star Wars prequels strictly followed the formula. [PhysOrg and PopSci]



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Samsung's HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 Camcorders Shoot 1080p On the Cheap [Camcorders]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/SWK-VTnvOEw/samsungs-hmx+u20-and-hmx+u15-camcorders-shoot-1080p-on-the-cheap

Samsung has updated their HMX-U10 with two new compact camcorders, the HMX-U20 and the HMX-U15. Both shoot 1080p video and feature time lapse recording, but bumping up to the U20 gets you 3x optical zoom.

Nothing too exciting about these updates, but their solid specs ensure that Samsung is keeping up with the Joneses in the compact camcorder category. The U20 pictured here, like the U10 before it, is slightly curved, like someone stretching out after a long slumber, but it now packs a built-in USB plug for easy transfer.

Both camcorders sport 1/2.3" CMOS sensors, with the U15 shooting 14MP stills and the U20 shooting (presumably better) 10MP stills with 3x optical zoom-action. Both offer 2" LCD screens, HDMI connectivity, and image stabilization technology.

They'll be available in black, silver, red and blue this spring—$229 for the U15 and $249 for the U20.

NEW SAMSUNG ULTRA-COMPACT CAMCORDERS MAKE IT EASY TO CAPTURE AND SHARE HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO

HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 Offer Full HD Video, Built-in USB and HDMI Connectivity

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its family of ultra-compact camcorders with the introduction of two new models, the HMX-U20 and the HMX-U15. Building on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, the new HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 bring new features and functionality to Samsung's ultra-compact camcorder family, such as a built-in USB connection, which now makes it easier than ever to not only record, but share full HD video with others. Adding even more, the new HMX-U20 now puts a true 3x optical zoom in the palm of consumers' hands, allowing for additional creativity when recording life's special memories. Both the HMX-U20 and HMX U15 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.
"Thanks to consumers' demand for portability and ease-of-use, the ultra-compact camcorder category has exploded in growth," said Mr. SangRyong Kim, Senior Vice President of Camcorder Team, Samsung Electronics. "The new HMX U20 and HMX-U15 offer not only portability and ease-of-use but also a number of versatile features like time-lapse recording that allow users to easily capture and share life's important moments the way they see them."

High-Quality Video and Digital Stills
The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 come fully equipped with high-performing 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensors which help capture stunning, 1920x1080 full HD resolution video (30p / H.264). In addition, the ultra compact HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 also boast impressive digital still image capability. With the HMX U20, consumers can capture 10 mega-pixel digital still images, while the HMX-U15 shoots 14 mega-pixel digital still images. This impressive digital still capability eliminates the need for consumers to carry a separate digital camera as everything they'll need is in one, ultra-compact device. The camcorders also include Hyper Digital Image Stabilization to help produce blur-free video and the HMX U20 adds even more versatility with a true 3x optical zoom. Consumers can also get creative with their video thanks to fun and unique features such as time lapse recording, which allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, five, 10 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy to-view video.

Easy Connectivity
The HMX-U20's and HMX-U15's built-in, swing-out style USB connection gives users the ability to forego having to always carry a separate USB cable to connect and upload footage to a computer. The built-in USB connection can also recharge the camcorder's battery, eliminating the need to transport a separate charger while on-the-go. Furthermore, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 offer HDMI connectivity, allowing consumers to enjoy their full HD video on their HDTV.
The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 also feature Samsung's play edit sharing program, called intelli studio. This intuitive program allows consumers to turn any computer into a mobile studio, giving them the ability to edit and play their video without having to install supporting software. Sharing is also simplified thanks to a one-touch "upload" button on the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15. When connected to a computer with an internet connection, the one-touch "upload" button links directly to popular destinations such as YouTube™, reducing the number of steps needed to upload footage to content sharing Web sites.
Designed for Portability and Comfort
The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are extremely portable with dimensions of just 2.1" x .61" x 4.09". In addition to their compact size, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are also highlighted by a unique design that's as ergonomic as it is stylish. Designed to make the camcorders more comfortable to hold, the camcorders' bodies are angled at seven degrees which encourages a more natural grip reducing overall stress on the user's wrist and arm.
Specifications
HMX-U15 HMX-U20
Image Sensor • 1/2.3" CMOS • 1/2.3" CMOS
Lens • 1X, Auto Focus • 3X Optical Zoom
LCD • 2-inch LCD • 2-inch LCD
Image Stabilizer • Hyper Digital Image Stabilization • Hyper Digital Image Stabilization
Memory • SD/SDHC • SD/SDHC
Interface • USB 2.0 (swing-out)
• HDMI • USB 2.0 (swing-out)
• HDMI
Unique Features • 1920x1080 Full-HD Video
• 14MP Digital Stills
• H.264 Video Format
• Ultra-Compact Design
• Seven Degree Angled Grip
• HDMI Connectivity
• Built-in USB (swing-out)
• USB Charging
• Hyper Digital Image Stabilization
• Built-In intelli-studio2.0 Software
• One-Touch Upload to YouTube • 1920x1080 Full-HD Video
• 3x Optical Zoom
• H.264 Video Format
• 8MP & 10MP Digital Still
• Ultra-Compact Design
• Seven Degree Angled Grip
• HDMI Connectivity
• Built-in USB (swing-out)
• USB Charging
• Hyper Digital Image Stabilization
• Built-In intelli-studio2.0 Software
• One-Touch Upload to YouTube
Color • Black, Silver, Blue, Red Black, Silver, Blue, Red
Availability Spring 2010 Spring 2010
Pricing $229.99 $249.99
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.



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Samsung TL350 Shoots 1080p Video and 1000fps Video, Take Your Pick [DigitalCameras]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/GHf88vuwAls/samsung-tl350-shoots-1080p-video-and-1000fps-video-take-your-pick

Not to be upstaged by the TL500, the Samsung TL350 point-and-shoot offers its own unique bag of goodies: it shoots RAW, shoots video up to 1000fps, has an AMOLED display, and can capture 10MP stills while shooting 1080p video.

The TL350 sports a 10MP CMOS sensor and a 24mm Schneider lens capable of 5x optical zoom. It shoots RAW and has full manual controls, so seasoned photographers can get down and dirty.

Onto the good stuff: it's one of the first non-superzoom point-and-shoots capable of shooting full-HD, 1080p video. We don't know how it'll actually look, but that's a big deal. Even more bonkers is its new Dual Capture function that lets you snap 10MP stills while you're shooting video, without having to switch modes. That's hot. When you're not doubling up, it has a burst mode in which you can shoot up to 10 full size shots per second.

It's also capable of shooting high-speed video, all speeds of up to 1000 fps, though we'll have to wait and see how it stacks up against the Casio EX-FH100, the forthcoming update to the reigning high-speed point-and-shoot champ. In any event, shooting at 1000fps crams the video down to a teeny 138x78 resolution.

Shooting 1080p video would be enough to grab our attention, but the high-speed video, simultaneous shooting, and RAW capabilities really make the TL350 a standout. It'll be coming down the pipeline this spring for $350.

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THE HIGH-SPEED TL350 WITH FULL HD VIDEO

TL350's New Dual Capture Mode Allows Users To Take 10 Mega-Pixel Stills While Simultaneously Recording Full-HD Video

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the TL350 - a high-speed, 10 mega pixel compact camera with 1080P, full-HD video recording. With a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second, the TL350 takes high-speed imaging to a new level for today's consumer. Additionally, the TL350 enhances the digital imaging experience with Samsung's Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking as well as an innovative Dual Capture mode, which allows users to simultaneously take 10 mega-pixel still images while recording full-HD videos. The TL350 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.
"The TL350 is representative of Samsung's strategy to lead the digital imaging industry through product innovation," said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "Consumers have expressed frustration with having to choose between shooting video or taking digital stills with their camera. With the TL350, Samsung has addressed this unmet consumer need, and now gives consumers the ability to do both simultaneously."

High-Speed Digital Stills and Video
The TL350 allows users to capture high-quality images no matter how fast the action may be. Its advanced CMOS sensor and re-engineered DRIMeIII processor yield impressive low light performance and most notably, speed, giving users the ability to capture up to 10 pictures-per-second (pps) at the resolution of 10 mega-pixels. Additionally, the TL350 features a 1,000 fps (138x78), high-speed video recording mode which today's creative consumer can use to reveal details of a fast moving event in super slow motion. Whether it's used to capture an everyday moment in an astonishing new light or to analyze a golf swing, the capabilities of the TL350's super-slow motion playback are endless.

Impressive Optics and Display
In addition to its impressive speed, the TL350 also features a high-performance 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens complete with a generous 5x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL350's 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as large groups of friends or family, while the 5x optical zoom will allow them to get in close when shooting from a distance. Samsung's Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking will further enhance the camera's wide-angle capabilities, ideal for the better capture of scenes such as vast landscapes. For blur free images, the TL350's lens is also paired with Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization technology.
The TL350 is equipped with a three-inch AMOLED screen providing users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Features for the Advanced and Novice Shooter
The TL350 will appeal to both novice and more experienced users thanks to the combination of Smart and Manual controls. The camera's intuitive Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology will take the guess work out of taking a perfect photo or video every time; however, for those users who want to have more control over image capture, the TL350 supports RAW and offers Manual control. When set to Manual, consumers can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds, depth-of-field and even focus.
Specifications:
Video Resolution / Frames-Per-Second
Aspect Ratio Speed Max. Resolution
WIDE (16:9) 30 fps 1920x1080
60 fps 1280x720
240 fps 608x342
420 fps 316x178
1000 fps 138x78
STD (4:3) 60 fps 640x480
240 fps 320x240

TL350
Mega-Pixels 10.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom 5x optical zoom / Schneider lens
LCD Size 3.0" VGA AMOLED
Lens Schneider KREUZNACH
Movie Mode 1080P HD Resolution With HDMI Connectivity
Size 3.91 x 2.32 x 0.85 inches
Special Features - 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
- 5x Optical Zoom
- 3.0" VGA AMOLED (614K dots)
- Full-size Dual Capture Feature
- Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking
- High speed CMOS sensor
- 10fps continuous still shot at 10M pixel
- High-Definition 1080p Video With HDMI Connectivity
- High speed Movie recording at up to 1,000fps
- Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
- RAW Support
- Full Manual Control
- Advanced Picture Mode (manually adjust color tones)
- Smart Auto 2.0: Still & Movie
- Smart Album
- Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
- Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection/Red-eye Fix
- Photo Style Selector
- Built-in software for playback, management, and editing on a PC (no CD-Rom installation required)
Availability Spring 2010
Pricing $349.99
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Samsung Electronics America's PMA 2010 press releases, video content and product images are available at www.samsung.com/newsroom.



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Samsung's Best Ever Point-and-Shoot: TL500 Shoots RAW With Ultrafast F1.8 Lens and Twisty AMOLED Screen [DigitalCameras]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/KS7XzR4rlrE/samsungs-best-ever-point+and+shoot-tl500-shoots-raw-with-ultrafast-f18-lens-and-twisty-amoled-screen

Samsung's new TL500 is capable of shooting RAW with a crazy fast F1.8 lens and lets you view it all on a twisting AMOLED screen. It's possibly Samsung's best point-and-shoot ever, and it could be a Canon S90 killer.

In October, we swore that the Canon Powershot S90 would never leave our pockets. But we might be willing to empty them out for Samsung's TL500.

The TL500 packs a 1/1.7" CCD sensor—the same size as the S90's—and has a 24mm Schneider f/1.8 lens which makes for faaaast shooting and wiiiiide angles, with 3x optical zoom. The TL500 smartly scales back on the megapixels for better low-light performance, packing 10 as opposed to the 14MP offered by their recently announced CL80.

The TL500 shoots RAW and offers the garden variety of shooting modes including full manual control, and it has Samsung's Smart Auto 2.0 and Dual Image Stabiliziation tech for recognizing surroundings and keeping them sharp in your photos.

Sweetening the deal, the TL500 has a swiveling 3.0" AMOLED screen, so you will be able to see your shot no matter what crazy position you find yourself in.

But—and there's always a "but," isn't there—the camera only shoots 640x480 video, and with a steep pricetag of $449, we would've liked to see 720p capability.

Nevertheless, Samsung has been steadily improving their camera offerings, and with the TL500 they might have created their masterpiece. You can be sure that we are going to get our hands on one as soon as possible to see if that's the case. It'll hit shelves sometime this spring.

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE TL500 - A HIGH-END COMPACT WITH AN ULTRA WIDE AND BRIGHT F/1.8 LENS

Fast Operating Speed and Ultra-Sensitive 1/1.7" CCD Will Impress Enthusiast Photographers

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) - Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today's advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company's compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21 23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.
"With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry," said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500's lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures."

High-Quality Optics and Images
The Samsung TL500 is sure to turn heads thanks to its ultra-wide, f/1.8 Schneider lens – one of the brightest ever featured on a compact digital camera. The impressive f/1.8 lens offers photographers a wider range of aperture steps and shallow depth-of-field, giving them the ability to blur out the background of their images while maintaining focus on their subjects. The ultra-fast, f/1.8 lens also allows users to take better photos in low-light environments as more light is passed through to the new high-performance 1/1.7" CCD sensor. Larger than the sensors typically found in compact digital cameras, the TL500's 1/1.7" CCD offers unrivaled sensitivity (max ISO 3200/full-resolution). Together with Samsung's re engineered and fast, DRIMeIII imaging processor, the TL500 captures high-quality images, regardless of the lighting environment.
The high-end Schneider lens offers a 24mm, ultra-wide focal length and 3x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL500's 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as beautiful landscapes and large groups of friends or family. For blur free images, the TL500's lens is also paired with Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization technology.

Versatile Display Enhances the Viewing Experience
Composing and reviewing images on the TL500's three-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen is a pleasure. The rotating AMOLED display will allow photographers to precisely frame their images the way they want and shoot from just about any angle, including overhead or low to the-ground shots. Compared to the traditional TFT-LCD found on most digital cameras, the TL500's AMOLED provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The TL500's AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Multiple Shooting Options
The TL500 supports RAW and gives enthusiasts full control over their images thanks to its shutter priority, aperture priority and full Manual shooting modes. When using these settings, shooters can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds and depth of field; however, for those who prefer ease-of-use over manual controls, the TL500 also offers Samsung's Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Applicable for video recording (640x480 / 30fps / H.264) and taking digital stills, this intelligent feature analyzes the scene and then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the best results possible. Using this mode requires minimal effort and does not sacrifice image quality for simple operation.

Specifications
TL500
Mega-Pixels 10 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom 3x optical zoom / ultra-wide 24mm
LCD Size 3.0" swiveling AMOLED
Lens Schneider KREUZNACH
Ultra-Bright f/1.8 lens
Movie Mode 640x480 @30fps / H.264
Size 114.3mmx63.2mmx29.2mm
Special Features - Ultra- Bright f/1.8 lens
- 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens
- 3.0" Swiveling AMOLED
- Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
- Manual Controls: A/S/M
- RAW support
- Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie)
- Large 1/1.7 inch, high sensitivity CCD
- Front Wheel Control
Availability Spring 2010
Pricing $449.99
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Samsung Electronics America's PMA 2010 press releases, video content and product images are available at www.samsung.com/newsroom.



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Inevitably Pricey Sigma DP2s Focuses Faster, Plays Well with Macs [Sigma]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/v1EU8UbNzmI/inevitably-pricey-sigma-dp2s-focuses-faster-plays-well-with-macs

I doubt Sigma's DP2s (stress "s") update will clean up Wilson's DP2 review in any real way, but the improved autofocus algorithm could help reduce the camera's complexity a tad. Thing's still going to be expensive though.

Now that's only an educated guesstimate, using Sigma's existing pricing practices as a guide, because official pricing isn't available just yet.

We only know of new features, aforementioned autofocus tweaks chief amongst them. The tweak is all about speed. As in, the camera will do it faster. Items not getting tweaked include Sigma's traditional bare bones interface and camera body. Those remain Spartan and simple, as they were with the DP2. Inside the 14MP FOVEON X3 CMOS sensor is yet another example of Sigma's push to include larg(er) senors in their compact cameras.

There's also a Power Save Mode that should help budding photographers take more pics on a single charge (in theory and PR speak only, for now).

A final addition is the inclusion of Sigma's beefy RAW image processing software, "SIGMA Photo Pro4.0" (lack of JPEG+RAW was a ding against in the DP2 review). With the Mac version, Sigma promises previously PC-only features like JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings. [Sigma via DPReview]



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