Digital Photo - Scanners

Sony Teases Alpha ZV-1 Compact Camera

2020-05-20T15:48:55Z

The Sony Alpha Twitter account teases a compact 4K camera-- the ZV-1, a camera rumours suggest is based on the popular RX100 VII and, as such, is primarily aimed at vloggers and other content creators.

The rumours come courtesy of another Twitter account, Nokishita. The digital camera blogger claims to have the press release for the ZV-1, one describing the camera as a 21.0MP shooter featuring a 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor and "super-fast" autofocus, together with a 24-70mm zoom f/1.8-2.8 lens able to shoot both portraits and wide-angle images. The lens is interchangeable, and the camera uses AI-based subject recognition to track eye movement, even during 4K shooting.

WyzeCam v2 Gets Videoconferencing Update

2020-04-02T09:39:20Z

The WyzeCam v2, a low-cost, compact camera designed for streaming security, gets a firmware update allowing use as a webcam, making it ideal for customers forced to work from home by the coronavirus pandemic.

As the company puts it, the Wyze Cam v2 is not designed for webcam use, but the combination of video, speaker and microphone allow it act as one in a pinch. The firmware update turns off all security camera capabilities, including connection to the Wyza app, and is compatible with Windows 7/10 and Mac OS 10.13 using Zoom, GoToMeeting, Blue Jeans, Google Hangouts, Skype and Cisco.

Ricoh Intros Ultra-Rugged WG-70

2020-02-11T17:27:31Z

Ricoh announces an addition to the digital compact WG series camera line-- the WG-70, an "ultra-rugged" successor to the WG-60 featuring dedicated shooting modes for underwater and macro photography.

The WG-70 has a 16MP 1/2.3-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with maximum sensitivity of SO 6400. It captures 1080p resolution video as well as still photos, and includes a number of focus modes such as 9-point AF, Spot AF and Auto-tracking AF. The onboard lens features a 28-140mm 35mm-equivalent focal length, with F3.5-F5.5 aperture range, and offers an additional 7.5X zoom using an "Intelligent Zoom" feature.

A Logitech Webcam for the Apple Pro Display XDR

2019-12-11T16:40:08Z

The Apple Pro Display XDR might be as high-end as monitors come, but it does lack an integrated webcam. Enter a 3rd party solution-- the Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam specifically designed to work with the display.

The 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam attaches to the display using a specially designed stand and a magnet Logitech claims remains attached even when users rotate the display into portrait mode. It should even automatically rotate video input in case the display is rotated, meaning users can video chat no matter the orientation of the monitor.

The QooCam 8K 360-Degree Pocket Camera

2019-11-12T17:08:28Z

Chinese manufacturer Kandao launches what it is possibly one of the smallest cameras able to capture 360-degree video at 8K resolution-- the genuinely pocket-size QooCam 8K.

The QooCam 8K features a large 1/1.7-inch 20MP sensors on both sides, making it a bit thick compared to the competition. It also includes a 2.4-inch OLED touchscreen for footage previews and shot composition, and storage comes through 64GB built-in plus microSD expansion. A 3600mAh battery with USB PD 2.0 fast charging support provides power, while connectivity comes through wifi and Bluetooth.

In terms of 360-degree video capture, the camera shoots either at 8K at 30fps or 4K at either 30 or 60fps. A slow motion mode shoots 4K video at 120fps, and all shooting mode feature 10-bit colour. Users can also stream live video directly to a smartphone (but only at 4K), while "SuperSteady" video capture combines a 6-axis gyroscope and onboard software.

October Release for Ivy Rec Clippable Camera

2019-10-15T15:51:54Z

Back in July 2019 Canon took to Indiegogo to launch the Ivy Rec, a small wearable camera complete with built-in carabiner. The crowdfunding was a success, since the company now announces the camera will be heading to retailers soon.

In case one needs a refresher, the Ivy Rec is a device the size of a USB stick packing a 13MP one-third-inch CMOS sensor and wireless connectivity via wifi and Bluetooth. It can record 1080p video at up to 60fps, and pushes content to the CanonMini Cam companion smartphone app. The app also provides live preview, since otherwise the only way one can frame shots is by using the empty square space of the clip.

GoPro Launches 2019 Lineup

2019-10-02T15:18:28Z

GoPro updates its action camera offering for 2019 with a choice of two models-- the Hero8 Black, a sequel to the 2018 Hero 7 offering improved video stabilisation, and the dual-lens Max capable of shooting 360-degree video.

The Hero8 Black looks very similar to the previous model. It shoots 4K video at 60fps, and includes software features such as HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilisation, TimeWarp 2.0 speed auto-adjustments, SuperPhoto for more clear HDR action photos and LiveBurst, a means to capture 1.5 seconds of 12MP footage. It also promises better audio through a wind-optimised front-facing microphone, while digital lenses come in 4 flavours ranging from SuperView to zero-distortion linear.

The Sigma "World's Smallest" Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

2019-07-16T16:05:38Z

The Sigma fp is not only the first full-frame mirrorless camera from the company, but is also described as the "smallest and lightest pocketable full-frame camera" in the world.

The Sigma fp measures 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3mm and weighs 370g (without battery or camera). Inside the die-cast compact aluminium body is a back-illuminated 35mm full-frame Bayer sensor with 24.6 effective megapixels. Construction promises to be not only robust, but also includes a built-in heatsink and is sealed in 42 points for a dust- and splash-proofing.

Canon Takes on Clippable Cameras with Ivy Rec

2019-07-09T16:06:23Z

Canon heads to Indiegogo to launch a "clippable, go anywhere camera"-- the Ivy Rec, a camera the size of a USB stick described as both tough and easy to use complete with built-in carabiner.

First seen in prototype form back at the March 2019 CP+ camera show in Japan, the Ivy Rec features a 13MP one-third-inch CMOS sensor and wireless connectivity via wifi and Bluetooth. It can record 1080p video at up to 60fps, and pushes content to the CanonMini Cam companion smartphone app. The app also provides live preview, since otherwise the only way one can frame shots is by using the empty square space of the clip.

DJI Takes on Action Cameras With Osmo Action

2019-05-15T15:08:28Z

Drone maker DJI sets eyes on territories associated with the likes of GoPro as it announces the Osmo Action-- an action camera reminiscent of the GoPro Hero 7 Black, if with the addition of a front-facing selfie display.

The Osmo Action promises to be tough, being dustproof, waterproof (up to 11m) and shockproof (up to 1.5m). It carries a 12MP sensor capable of recording 4K 60fps video at 100Mbps, 4K HDR video at 30fps or 1080p video at up to 240fps. Electronic image stabiliation (EIS) is included, and a Quick Switch physical button allows users to easily switch between modes such as picture, time-lapse and slow-motion.