Counterclockwise: the evolution of smartphone cameras in the dark

This week we’ll do something more visual instead of the usual wordy Counterclockwise article. We remember some old phones as having great cameras, but did they, really? Or is this a case of remembering only the good things?

So, we picked out flagship lines known for their cameras – it’s not a comprehensive list by any measure – and cropped out a part of a low light photo, the one you’ll find in our Photo Quality Comparison tool.

Note that we’re not comparing iPhone vs. Galaxy, Xperia vs. Huawei. Instead, we wanted to see how much each maker improved its own cameras through the years.

The images are in chronological order. Sometimes, it’s a year between the phones, other times it’s 6 months. Some of the cameras should be identical – e.g. the Galaxy S8 camera and Note8’s main camera – but there are still some differences in the software.

Ready? Hit Start and then you can switch between the various flagship lines with the links below. There are two crops – the first tests the rendering fine detail (text and texture), the second focuses on natural textures.

Start

Crop #1Crop #2

Apple iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S/Note

Google Nexus/Pixel

Sony Xperia Z

Huawei P/Mate

Apple iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S/Note

Google Nexus/Pixel

Sony Xperia Z

Huawei P/Mate

If you want more, you can always head to our Photo Quality Comparison tooland pick any three phones.

GL20 Camera Glasses

The GL20 Camera Glasses, which will be released later this year, are part of a Grey Label lineup of Lady Gaga-inspired products by Polaroid (see the rest below). The glasses contain a camera and 1.5-inch OLED screens that can capture and display images and video to people around you. They also have a USB key in the earpiece so imagery can be transferred to a computer and uploaded to the Internet.

Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS

The Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS is a 12.1-megapixel compact camera (priced at $200.00) which can deliver good performance, “acceptable” picture quality, and a wide array of settings.  But due to its relatively cheap price, consumers should not expect one-of-a-kind features which are commonly found in most high-end, expensive cameras.
In terms of portability, this digital camera measures 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.08 inches (HWD) and weighs approximately 4.9 ounces—almost the same size of a deck of cards.  Meanwhile, its chassis comes in different colors including pink, blue, silver, gray, and orange which are all bearing silver accents.

The portable camera has a 3-inch, 230,000 dot LCD screen which is slightly lower than most high-priced versions’.  But in terms of speed, it is quite acceptable since it only takes 2.1 seconds from boot-up to shooting while the shutter lag (from pressing the button to capturing an image) averages 0.6.
Unfortunately, technology critics usually mention the somewhat mediocre quality image provided by the PowerShot Elph 100 HS which is caused by the low lines per picture height.  For this reason, consumers may notice that the pictures appear soft instead of being sharp and clear.
But when it comes to the camera’s low-light performance, this is surprisingly good as it can keep the noise within the 1.5 threshold.  This means that the images appear quite clear even in poor lighting conditions and without using flash.

Lomo Colorsplash – Your Easy-To-Use Point and Shoot Camera

Lomo Colorsplash – Your Easy-To-Use Point and Shoot Camera

Photography is a great hobby. In fact, lots of people now turn to DSLRs to make the most out of this fun activity. Why? Because they found them more reliable in terms of speed, flexibility, and picture quality. However, some people find these cool gadgets way too complicated to operate. And so, if you are among them, you don’t have to forget about photography just because you don’t want to go about the complexities of learning how to use a DSLR. With this simple type of point and shoot camera called the Lomo Colorsplash, you can always go about shooting the pictures you love without worrying about settings and lenses.

The Lomo Colorsplash is a 35mm point and shoot camera featuring an integral flash and a rotating color wheel that allows you to light up your subjects with any color you choose. Whether you want red, yellow, purple, or blue, simply spin the wheel, pick the particular color you like, and shoot. That easy! Not only that, if you want to add richness to your photography or simply cast a familiar scene in a whole new light, you don’t have to use a special type of lens just to do achieve it. All you need to do is select a complimentary hue or simply adjust the exposure setting, so you achieve that new depth or abstract edge that you need in no time.

So why trouble yourself with learning how to use a DSLR if you can simply point and shoot using the Lomo Colorsplash? Pre-order one now!

Panasonic Debuts Two New Feature-Rich Network Cameras

Panasonic Debuts Two New Feature-Rich Network Cameras

Panasonic announced the debut of the two newest network cameras in its line-up of IP network cameras, ideal for residential and business applications. These two new models, the BL-C101A and the BL-C121A are feature-rich cameras that are perfect for monitoring the home or business from a PC or cell phone.

The BL-C101A features one wire, plug-and-play installation for easy mounting, while the BL-C121A is wireless and features IEEE 802.11b/g operation with an internal antenna.
Both of the new cameras can simultaneously capture MPEG-4 video and JPEG images and also include a free web address at which users can remotely monitor the camera’s video.
The BL-C101A has a manufacturer’s suggested price of $129.95 and the BL-C121A has a manufacturer’s suggested price of $199.95.

DC X725 by Benq

DC X725 by Benq Benq amazes us once again with the launch of the new compact classy digital camera. The DC X725 is as small as 12.5 millimeters, and the material from which it is made of is steel, so it is stainless and more resistant. It comes in four different colors, black, red silver, or pearl. It has a 1/2.5 CCD and can go up to 3x optical zoom. The ISO sensitivity can go up to 1600 on photos and 4000 on videos. You can also increase the memory, as it has an SD/SDHC memory card support. The range of mega pixels is, for the time being, unknown, but we can assume it has more then the previous release of Benq that had 7.2. We also have no information regarding the price.

LG Optimus 3D

LG has launched a new Android handset, the LG Optimus 3D which comes with a 1GHz dual core processor, 4.3 inch WVGA display and it comes with 8GB of memory and 4Gb LP DDR2, there is also a dual 5 lens 5 megapixel camera on the rear which can record 3D video.


The LG Optimus 3D can record and playback full HD video in 1080p in 2D and HD video in 720p in 3D, ti also comes with DLNA, HDMI, and HSPA.

DC X725 by Benq

Benq amazes us once again with the launch of the new compact classy digital camera. The DC X725 is as small as 12.5 millimeters, and the material from which it is made of is steel, so it is stainless and more resistant. It comes in four different colors, black, red silver, or pearl. It has a 1/2.5 CCD and can go up to 3x optical zoom. The ISO sensitivity can go up to 1600 on photos and 4000 on videos. You can also increase the memory, as it has an SD/SDHC memory card support. The range of mega pixels is, for the time being, unknown, but we can assume it has more then the previous release of Benq that had 7.2. We also have no information regarding the price.

Samsung ST600 two-screen camera

The Samsung ST600 is a two-screen digital camera that's perfect for self-portraits. Its overall image quality is more than adequate for posting on social media sites and even for printing at relatively large sizes, but it does suffer from some imperfections. We're not fans of the camera's touchscreen and its usability could be better. Overall it's not a bad little compact camera at all.

Canon PowerShot A1100IS – Simple to operate

Canon PowerShot A1100IS is the successor to the A1000 IS and the new model comes with a higher 12 megapixels sensor with Canon’s Digic 4 image processor. Apart from that, there are more options here like advanced face detection and Smart Auto which is Canon’s system of automatic scene recognition. Canon PowerShot A1100IS is available in 4 2-tones colors – green, pink, blue and gray. The camera has high end looks than what the price says. On the right, there is nice curve for giving you steady grip for shooting with one hand. Things might get bulky due to this but the camera will easily fit in to your pants pocket. The LCD screen is small when you compare it with what other cameras in the market have but it is also one of the rare Canon compact cameras to have an optical viewfinder. This viewfinder is a bit small and uncomfortable to use but it will certainly come in handy when you shoot in bright sunlight.

You can turn off the LCD for saving battery life. Battery juice is really important if you are using alkaline batteries as you don’t get a lot of time. I would recommend you to get a couple of NiMH batteries; they will let you shoot for more time.
On the top of the Canon PowerShot A1100IS, there is a power button along with mode dial with ten shooting options. Apart from that, the shutter release along with zoom ring is also located here. You will find the standard modes like Easy (auto without any options), Auto, P (which is Program), and the Movie modes and along with that the manufacturer has given 5 popular scene selections including (Indoor, Portrait, Landscape) and also SCN choice for accessing the settings that are less frequently used like Aquarium, Long Shutter and Sunset. This makes the mode dial look a bit complicated but it is really simple. On the back, there is directional pad along with 6 buttons for playback and shooting functions but even new users will get a good hang of it quickly.

The performance of Canon PowerShot A1100IS is good for this class but it feels too slow for regular use. It takes two seconds for the camera to switch on and start shooting. Shot to shot timing is of 2.1 seconds which is good for this class. But it was frustrated by the average wait time of 6.6 seconds.

Canon IXUS 1000 HS digital camera

January 21, 2011 |11:31 | Digital Cameras  By : Team X

Canon's IXUS 1000 HS digital camera is a 10-megapixel megazoom point-and-shoot with a DiG!C 4 processor. The Canon IXUS 1000 HS offers a lot of nifty wiz bang features like high speed and tilt-shift recording modes, an impressive 10x optical zoom and a slow shutter speed mode that can take up to 15-second exposures in low-light conditions.

New firmwares for Pentax K-7 and K-x

Latest report on New firmwares for Pentax K-7 and K-x:

Not too excited, this is just a minor update. Yet it is worth mentioning that the K-7, and Kx now SDXC compatibility with the latest firmware upgrade Pentax 'extension. Yep, that's it, I said you were a minor … You can get it for the K-7 here and read more>

Pentax K-5, K-r And 645D Firmware UpdatesLatest report on Pentax K-5, K-r And 645D Firmware Updates: Pentax has issued new firmware updates for the K-5, KR and interchangeable lens 645D digital SLR cameras. The firmware version 1.02 for the Pentax K-5MORE >

Pentax K-5 Firmware Update Version 1.01 Available For DownloadLatest report on Pentax K-5 Firmware Update Version 1.01 Available For Download: Pentax latest Firmware Update Version 1.01 "for K-5 SLR Camera is now available for download via the official website of Pentax.

Satarii’s Star iPhone Dock Suggests The Future Of Teleconferencing (video)

Satarii’s Star iPhone Dock Suggests The Future Of Teleconferencing (video)

If Satarii’s auto-follow dock for the iPhone doesn’t come to be, something is wrong with the world.
Using funraising site IndieGoGo, the inventor duo behind Satarii’s Star is trying to find enough potential customers to build a market, and eventually, a product for the market. The Star is basically an evolved tripod, that looks like a very miniaturized shopping cart. The iPhone mounts on it in a vertical position, and a remote sensor is attached to anything you want to follow – be it yourself or some other moving object. It works within 20 feet of the dock, and the base will rotate up to 180 degrees.
It can also be used for presentations, as it will easily follow a human hand gesturing towards scribblings on a whiteboard.
Satarii’s goal of $20k has been halfway met, and they have a perfectly working prototype.

Read more: http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/01/satariis-star-iphone-dock-suggests-the-future-of-teleconferencing.html#ixzz1B5eWQjed

Blackberry Storm 3 Leaked

Blackberry Storm 3 Leaked

RIM isn’t ready to give up on the Storm just yet.  BGR got their hands on leaked images of what they’re saying is the Blackberry Storm 3.  Arg, enough already RIM.
In terms of specs, and despite the model name, which has long been regarded as a mistake by RIM, this version of the device is rounding out to do some heavy lifting.  The  big take aways?  A 1.2ghz processor and 3.7-inch 800×480 capacitive touchscreen.
Others specs include a 5 megapixel camera with 720p video mode, quad band GSM connectivity, microSD card slot, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 3G mobile hotspot, optical trackpad, 1230 mAh battery and Tri-band UMTS/HSPA support.
Word has it the Blackberry Storm 3 will launch sometime this September, but don’t count on it maintaining the Storm moniker, at least not internationally.

iPhone 4 on Verzion’s CDMA network will be announced next week

Jan 09, 2011

We are all eagerly anticipating next Apple event planned for the next Tuesday January 11 when reportedly iPad 2 is going to be announced. But not only that as it turns out. Verizon may also become the second US network dealing iPhones. iPhone 4 models to be precise as they will (expectedly) be specifically manufactured to operate on CDMA network. This is yet a question if Verizon iPhone 4 will support 4G network as well. My word is that it will not. I reckon Apple will add 4G support to iPhones of all models if there will actually be dispersion in the next generation, but I would gladly be wrong on this one. So far it is clear that Verizon iPhone will look the same and, of course, will not be the fith generation model as ones might have thought. At the moment we have only one remotely relevant proof that Verizon will get the iPhones: iPhone 3G S has just gone cheaper on AT&T.

Samsung HMX-Q10 Camcorder Is Ambidextrous!

No the new Samsung HMX-Q10 camcorder wasn’t made for south paws but it was made with ergonomics and functionality in mind.  The new palm-held video recorder was designed with all the necessary buttons square on the “rear” end so operators can use their thumbs.  This frees up the fingers which stimulates the creative centers of the mind (not really) and encourages would-be videographers to turn the camera upside down and all around—even switch hands! 

But what about all the other controls (it seems like these little recorders are getting more and more features every day)?  Well, they’re on the touch screen of course.  The 2.7 LCD is not only touch-sensitive, it’s smart.  The camera can sense its own orientation and will automatically flip the display vertically when the camera is inverted!

The 5 megapixel sensor will grab video in full HD but you’ll want to scale down to 720p for better quality anyway.  Still, that’s not too shabby.

Another thing that isn’t too shabby is the $299 price tag.  It’s not too high and it’s not too low and accurately reflects the utility and specs of this little shooter.

Full spec’s aren’t available on the Samsung site yet but will be shortly, so keep checking in.

Swann Security SportsCamTM Waterproof Mini Video Camera

Water sports are fun and challenging. That’s why many geeks love them as much as they love modern gadgets. True, the thrill and adrenaline rush that water sports such as water skiing, polo, and wakeboarding, can give you is incomparable. If you are engaged in water sports, getting complete equipment and life safety gears is always a must. You also need to make sure that your sport equipment is working well. It also pays a lot to document everything – this is when you’ll need a video camera for. For that purpose, there’s no better option than the SportsCamTM Waterproof Mini Video Camera from Swann Security.

This is a mini camera and DVR combo enclosed in a rugged waterproof casing and outfitted with an array of mounting options. With this gadget, outdoor enthusiasts now have a wonderful way of living & reliving their most extreme moments, even in the waters! This camera is capable of recording 640 x 480 high resolution video or crystal clear still images. Your recordings can be stored on a removable MicroSD card that’s upgradable to up to 16GB. Providing the gadget with 2.5 hours of battery life per charge is its Lithium-ion battery that recharges via USB.

The SportsCamTM comes with several mounting options that make it perfect for a number of sports and outdoor applications. Among the accessories you’ll get when you purchase the said cam are VelcroTM straps, cord, arm, & head straps, pouch, mounting screws, multi-bracket, sport-clip, multi-clip, and a whole lot more. You can get this mini camera and DVR combo, along with other accessories such as waterproof camera case at Amazon

Wireless spy camera pen

There is no need to open your own private detective agency in order to feel like inspector gadget. The new wireless pen which is fully functioning as a normal looking pen has a built in mini spy camera.

It is available in red, blue and black colors. For those interested in some serious spying this pen should be used for viewing and recording everything they see. Whip out the magic pen and then twist the cap in order to start the transmission from 10-20meters.

The camera itself is a device of 1/3 inch CMOS and has 60 angular field of view with 3Lux illuminations. The backlight compensation and the white balance of the camera switch on automatically. The S/N ratio is 48db, the transmission operation varies from 5 to 35deg C and the transmission frequency is 2414Mhz.

It has a power adapter of a DC 5V type, a built in microphone and a built in Li – ion battery. This gadget includes also a solar charge unit for an easy and quick recharging of the pen.

The first thing to mention is its memory capacity - 64MB, but let's not forget its external memory SD/MMC Card of 2 GB. The video resolution is 882*240 at 30fps. The receiving frequency is 2.4 Ghz.

The pictures are taken in JPEG format, sound in MP3 format, has a bit rate of 32-320Kbps and can be listened through 1w speaker.

This wireless spy camera is very practical. It has a display where you can choose the languages, demodulation modes, frequency and channels that are in number of four. Has an AV out/in, has two 20 mW outputs for the earphones and an included solar charger.

Ultra small Agent HD Video Recording Camera

Ultra small, unique and delicately designed - this way we can characterize this gadget. Agent Cam HD Video Recording camera is a useful gadget in many situation when is necessary to have some memories recorded. Any records could be made and saved. Time with family, business meetings, sport events, outdoor activity, evidence collector, security aim - only are few useful clues where Agent Cam HD will be useful. This small high resolution DVR cam allows to record up to 6 hours of video.

Micro Mini DVR cam is a universal miniaturized piece to carry it anywhere. Reliable construction made from metal and glass, with USB port and Led indicator. Plug and play option for Windows or later editions. Micro Mini Cam is compatible with Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / Vista / XP. Gadget dimension: 50mm x 50mm x 15mm (LxWxD).

Specification:

- Model name: HS-WDVR01 Watch DVR
- Memory: 2 GB MicroSD in included
- Format: AVI (640*480), 15ÀÇÑ
- MIC: built-in
- Power source: integrated battery that is recharged directly via USB port or with charger.
- Display mode: Analog 12 hours (hour, minute, second)

This Micro Mini DVR cam is a universal miniaturized piece to carry it anywhere. Reliable construction made from metal and glass, with USB port and Led indicator. Comes with all necessary set of functions to record video.