The JackPod is essentially just a 0.2-ounce piece of plastic, with a screw hole on one end and two headphone jacks on the other, with one mounted vertically and the other mounted horizontally. The JackPod looks to be the easiest wait to mount and unmount your smartphone to a tripod, since it’s literally as easy as plugging in headphones.

You simply insert the plastic 3.5mm headphone plug into the headphone jack of your smartphone, and your device is now mounted to a tripod. Of course, some users may be weary of mounting their smartphones from nothing other than the headphone jack, but for occasional use, we can’t really picture a scenario where this would go bad. Obviously, if you’re deep into smartphone photography, it might be better to get something a bit more sturdy, but for casual users this seems to be perfect.

Plus, the JackPod only costs $10, which is pocket change compared to most other smartphone accessories. For $10 more, you’ll also get the UltraPod, which is a mini tripod that you can use alongside the JackPod. Both are expected to shipping sometime in May, and so far the campaign has reached over $5,000 of its $16,000 goal with 28 days to go.

Microsoft Robotics is behind this whole adventure with their Robotics @Home compeition and Robotics Developer Studio 4 (aka RDS 4). This software will allow you to creat robots at home without actually picking up a bit of hardware to construct them yourself. The winner of the most recent Robotics @Home competition Arthur Wait designed his own robot, then went the extra step and constructed it in the real world for this event specifically.

Have a few peeks at the gears here:

After grand prize there was also a First Prize winner for this competition, this given to Team Elderly Assistant – a slightly creepy home-monitoring robot made to watch and asses older adults. Second prize went to Team Plant Sitter, a robot made to take care of household plants. Have a peek first at the Elderly Assistant here:

Each of these devices just so happen to use Kinect in their setups though that was not a stipulation of the contest. Check out our timeline below to see how the Microsoft Kinect has been popping up in our everyday news cycle and be amazed at its spread! Let us know if you’ve created a robot in your home using Microsoft technologies as well – we’d love to hear about it!

The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT allows Wireless E-TTL to control up to 15 Speedlite 600EX-RT “slave units”, used off-camera up to 98.4 feet (30m) away. They can be triggered from the camera unit itself, or from the new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT remote. It’s also possible to use them the other way around, triggering the Mark III to take a photo from the remote.

As for the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A, that supports WiFi a/b/g/n along with Bluetooth and hooks up via USB to the Mark III, offering both wireless and gigabit ethernet connectivity. It can sync clocks with multiple cameras, and offers FTP, Media Server, WFT Server modes and more.

The Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2 uses either the accessory shoe or a USB connection to the Mark III, and tracks latitude, longitude, elevation and Universal Time Code, in addition to camera direction. It’s compatible with the EOS-1D X and EOS 7D in addition to the new EOS 5D Mark III.

Finally, the Battery Grip BG-E11 takes up to two LP-E6 Li-ion battery packs, or six AA batteries for impromptu recharging. It has a multicontroller and a multifunction button, together with the usual array of grip controls, and is as weather-resilient as the Mark III itself.

The Speedlite 600EX-RT and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT should go on sale at the end of March, priced at $629.99 and $470 respectively. The Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A will drop at the end of April priced at $849.99, alongside the GPS Receiver GP-E2 at $390 and the Battery Grip BG-E11 at $490.

The Twig Pod is a monopod designed for light point and shoot cameras and the other gear that folds down like a tent pole for easy storage. When you want to use the Twig Pod, you just let the thing spring together, thread your camera onto the Twig Pod camera mount, and stick it into the ground. The Twig Pod folds into four 8-inch sections making it easier to fit into a crowded bag.

The head of the Twig Pod is a ball that allows the camera to be rotated into any position and the thing weights about half a pound so you will hardly feel the extra weight. The only downside I see to this is that ground that is too soft could see your camera standing upright one second and tumbling over to its death the next. You can pick the Twig Pod up right now for $28.

[via Wired]

The product is simply called Camera Lens Cap Holder by Mark Stevenson. The holder is a small plastic thing that slips onto your camera neck strap. The holder has a circular area the size of the lens on your camera that you can attach your lens cap to when you are shooting photos. There are versions of the holder offered for Nikon, Pentax, Canon, Sony, and several other camera types.

The lens cap holders are made from plastic and the project is seeking $3,900 to get started. The money is to produce the molds needed to make the plastic parts. Right now, the project has $2,175 pledged and 14 more days to go before it funds. This sounds like an easy fix for lost lens caps to me.

Tenba has a new line of bags for cameras that is called the Vector line. Style and functionality seem to coexist pretty well in these bags. They come in a number of sizes and styles that should mean they will work with everything from the cheap point and shoot that my wife uses (and complains about, but it’s pink) up to my DSLR that is not that attractive, but actually works.

The bags can be had in Krypton Green, Carbon Black, Cadmium Red, and Oxygen Blue. The bags are light and made from water-resistant fabric for protection in all weather. The larger bags have a WeatherFlap, which is an all weather cover that will prevent water damage to your gear if you caught outside in the rain. Prices for the bags range from $12.95 to $79.95.

This thing is a plastic scoop that you pt over the flash on your camera and rather than one bright light it helps diffuse the flash. Photos taken using the Lightscoop look good too, they are much brighter than taking the same photo with the normal flash alone. The Lightscoop bounces the flash off the ceiling to brighten a picture.

The Lightscoop has been around for a while now, but this is the first I saw of it so I would bet many of you are the same way. It will fit lots of cameras on the market from Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony. In fact, the compatibility list looks like it covers every popular DSLR on the market. You can pick one up now for $29.95 in standard or warming versions or get both for $49.95. They come in versions that are universal or for Sony cameras only.

CaseCruzer has unveiled a new laptop and camera case that is sized to be a carry on that you will not have to worry about being knocked around called the PSC300. The case can fit DSLRs, lenses, and laptops inside and is ATA-approved for carry-on use.

The hard-sided case is made from injection-molded polypropylene copolymer resin and has molded in hinges. The case is waterproof to MIL-C-4150J standards and can survive severe impacts. The bag also has a pressure equalization valve and it has a 6-comaprtement design. The case measures 21.75″ x 13.75″ x 8.99″ and weighs 13 pounds with foam. The bag can be ordered right now for $240.

Rather sensibly, the strap basically replaces the neck cord most DSLR users wear to keep their cameras readily to hand with a solar-cell encrusted version.  Clipping on to the camera’s mounting points as normal, it would also have a DC plug to gradually top-up the DSLR’s battery during use.  Of course you’d need sufficient sun to make it worthwhile, so indoor photographers probably shouldn’t bother, but anyone out and about should be able to hammer through a few more frames at least.

Jie also envisages some integrated batteries at each end of the strap, so you could feasibly charge up before you left the house (from a regular AC supply) and then simply augment it with solar power.  Either way, we imagine that if the price was right this would be ridiculously popular with photographers, and we’re expecting to see production versions spring up imminently.

It’s called the Tactical Four Reticle Sight, and it’s from Brando. Itt’s an adapter that screws into a camera’s hotshoe. By doing this, it enables the addition of an included sight. The sight itself includes four separate crosshairs, three laser strengths, and two available colors. And, the accessory itself does look pretty fantastic, for a very military-esque approach.

While a red dot sight may not be the newest feature to hit a camera, we do have to say that this is one of the better looking ones we’ve seen. Plus, it’s ridiculously cheap. At only $45, anyone can add this to their SLR and start snapping those perfect photos.

[via Brando]

Video demo after the cut

Unlike a regular instant camera, however, you still get to make use of all the Lomo LC-A’s picture-mangling settings, such as long or multiple exposures and colorsplashing.  It’s compatible with the Wide-Angle lens, Fisheye lens, Tunnelvision lens and the Splitzer, and will work with both the LC-A and LC-A+ cameras.

Budget $100 for the Instant Back+ itself, while a twin-pack of the film (good for 20 shots) is a somewhat pricey $25.  Lomo will also sell you a bundle, made up of the LC-A+ camera and the Instant Back+, for $300 (saving $50).

Lomo LC-A Instant Back+ demo:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/9568884[/vimeo]

[via CrunchGear]

Video demo after the cut

Once its found someone, as you can see in the video below, it uses face tracking and smile shutter to zoom in on them and snap a photo.  Sony expect the Party-shot to be useful at, well, parties, even if – as Crave Asia mournfully point out – you have so few friends that you have to get a member of staff to cross the frame.

Unfortunately, the biggest thorn in the Party-shot’s heel is its limited compatibility; right now you’ll need either the TX1 or WX1 in order for it to work, and then the dock itself is $150.  Altogether you’re looking at $500 minimum, which is a pretty hefty outlay.

Intended for videographers and musicians, this Video Recorder comes with HandyShare software, making it easy to edit videos and upload them to you YouTube on the fly. Even better yet, the camcorder is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

It comes with two condenser microphones and the ability to record audio at 24-bit/48kHz HD quality. The mics can be focused as well, which is very similar to audio zoom. Other features include a 2.4-inch LCD display, a 32GB SDHC card and a USB cable. It’s powered by 2 AA batteries and can record 640 x 480 rez video for up to two hours. The Q3 Handy Video Recorder is now available for $249.

Apparently, this gizmo is meant to add on 8x zoom to the built-in 640 x 460 camera. So, I guess that’s pretty cool, but who on earth needs that much zoom power on their DSi. Is anyone trying to take good pictures with this thing?

It seems you can remove the lens from the Zoom Case. We don’t know any pricing or release date information just yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know when we do. Until then, we’ll just bask in the glory that is the photo of this very sizable accessory.

While roaming though PMA 2009 remaining booths, we saw two displays of 5D Mark II battery grip, one of them is a working unit (tested, all feature working) and readied to ship within a month. Craftsmanship and material used are OEM quality, and will be selling at estimated street price slightly above $100, “at least 50% off “ according to HK Meika Meike Digital technology. We didn’t get much information out of the other “brand”, the product manager said it’s not readied for mass production, and insisted us not to take picture.

I figured I could ebay my $380 Canon’s overpriced unit and grabbed two of the Meika Meike for less; but unfortunately they only have one unit for display. Meika Meike said to look forward on Adorama online for much affordable 5D mark II battery grip, first shipment is said to run around 5000 units.

Additionally, another new product from Meika Meike is Canon and Nikon mounted 1.4x Tele converter with in-house optics. A quick and dirty test shoots with 5d mark II, 85L plus the Meika Meike TC coming soon.

The Nikkor prime collection falls short when compares to its rivalry with the availability of a host of ultra fast Canon AF prime optics from 24mm 1.4L, 35mm 1.4L, 50mm 1.2L to 85mm 1.2L. Despite claiming widest aperture, it’s hardly fast enough at F1.8 and only optimized for DX-based cameras; but the good news is affordable and has an integrated Silent Wave Motor built into the lens body to enable AF feature for Nikon’s D40 or D60 that’s lacking a built-in focus motor.

The Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm F1.8G is slated to ship from March with a suggested retail of $199.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Major Features

* DX-format, normal single-focal-length lens with 35mm focal length (picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 52.5mm in FX and 35mm formats)
* Large maximum aperture of f/1.8
* Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth AF operation
* High-performance optical system with aspherical lens delivers superior reproduction capability
* Compact, well-balanced design when attached to small SLRs
* Two focus modes available – M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus)
* Metal mount
* Natural blur effect thanks to seven-blade rounded diaphragm

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Specifications
* Focal length : 35mm
* Maximum aperture : f/1.8
* Minimum aperture : f/22
* Lens construction : 8 elements in 6 groups (with one aspherical lens)
* Picture angle : 44°
* Closest focus distance : 0.3 m/0.98 ft.
* No. of diaphragm blades : 7 (rounded)
* Filter attachment size : 52mm
* Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) : Approx. 70 x 52.5 mm/2.8 x 2.1 in.
* Weight : Approx. 200 g/7 oz.
* Supplied accessories : 52mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52, Rear lens cap LF-1, Bayonet hood HB-46, Flexible lens pouch CL-0913

The geo-tagging device consumes little power and reserves it energy thanks to a self-awake smart design that’s sensing the signal from camera flash shoe, in real time, and the battery can be charged via an USB interface.

The JOBO photoGPS is available now for both Windows and Mac operating systems with a suggested retail price of $159. Optional Hot shoe adapter for Sony cameras is $49.90.

photoGPS Specifications

• Capture time: approximately 0.2 seconds
• Hot-shoe interface: Standard hot-shoe (ISO 518:2006)
• Power source: Internal rechargeable120mAh cell (non user replaceable)
• System Information: via 2 LED’s (System Status)
• Memory capacity: around 1000 locations (built in 128MB memory)
• Accuracy: 10m
• Geodata: via Tele Atlas Map Material (Country, City, Street, POI)
• Supported file formats: JPEG, RAW with XMP Sidecar file
• Dimensions: Main unit without adapter 2.7 x .8 x 1.7 inches
• Weight: 2 ounces
• PC connectivity: USB2.0
• Battery charging electrical source: USB2.0
• System requirements: Windows XP (SP2) and Vista (SP1), MAC OS
• Included accessories: USB cable, CD-ROM with photoGPS matching software, organizer and viewing software
• Optional accessory: Hot shoe adapter available separately for Sony (and several Konica Minolta) digital SLR cameras

Dubbed the Fring (fiber-optic ring) by its maker, the project basically involves routing fiber-optic strands from the camera’s built-in flash to around the lens, spreading them out to evenly balance the light.  The toothpaste tube is needed because of its mirrored lining, which helps prevent light escaping around the main bulk of the fiber bundle.

Depending on where you buy the components, you could put something like this together for under $5, apparently.  A new camera toy, minimal impact on your bank balance and minty-fresh breath – what’s not to love? 

[via Hacked Gadgets]

Go under cover with the Obaba Buckle DVR to grater information to compete your very own investigation. The buckle was originally carved out of wood but was eventually changed to a “beautiful master piece” by casting it in an aluminum mold making it more believable. Looks may be deceiving in the case as you have a total of 8GB of recording space. If that does not appear to be enough you can expand the memory up to 2GB more via microSD card slot.

You can record in th3GP color video format (176 x 144), which really isn’t much if your trying to shoot video from your pants.  The included Lithium-ion battery can be charged via USB for up to 3 hours of battery life, although you can record up to 33 hours of video on a single 1Gb microSD card. Too bad there was not a price tag on this little rarity.

The Flipbac is an angled mirror that reflects whatever you have displayed on your LCD screen, simulating the angle of a screen that tilts. You can use this reflecting mirror’s dual-hinge design to enhance either landscape or portrait mode.  The Flipbac also acts as a screen protector to protect from scratches when not in use

Best of all the Flipbac does not add much thickness to your camera. The major drawback here is the way the picture is displayed, since it is in fact a mirror the image will be backwards. Flipbac is compatible with most cameras with a 3-inch display. This handy device is priced a little more that we would like for a mirror at $19.99 and is currently shipping to Australia.

Alternatively, any camera or webcam with a small lens can make use of the accessories.  The wide-angle has a .67x zoom with Super Macro, while the 2x telephoto lens does exactly what you’d suggest.  Finally, the fish-eye lens offers a 170-degree fish eye with for elements in four groups and weighs 10.8g.

The two-megapixel camera in the iPhone is never going to rival even a basic point & shoot standalone camera, never mind a DSLR, but given Apple’s reluctance to add bells and whistles to the shooter this is perhaps the easiest way to do so yourself.  The three lenses are available now, priced at $16.99 each.

[via Gear Diary]

Instead of capturing images from the viewfinder, S2 Live acquires the video feed directly from DSLRs on its 230.000 pixel LCD screen that offers a variety of settings such as brightness, color/B&W and the images can be rotated by 180 degree. Another nice feature of the S2 is its remote shutter function that’s capable of triggering your camera with remote release, motion-release or interval release from a distance.

The Zigview S2 is compatible wide range of DSLRs, including Canon 450D, 40D, 1D MkIII, 1Ds MkIII, Nikon D3, D300, D700, D90, Sony Alpha 350, Alpha 300. Optional cable extension ranges from 16, 33, 66, 164 ft are also available. We have no pricing information on this piece, it’s a Europe release but should come to your favorite US online store like amazon and B&H soon.

Video Intro of the old S2 from PMA 2007 can be seen here

The Ridata Superme Series 300X CF card sports an Ultra DMA mode and is capable of high speed reading and writing rate at 45MB/s and 31MB/s respectively. It’s also said to withstand and continue to work under extreme weather, below freezing or surrounding with excessive heat. Like most pro-level CF card, an embedded on-the-fly Error Correction Code is also supported.

To get the full advantage of any UDMA storage device, the pairing reader or your camera must has a built-in UDMA interface as well. Like always, we recommend RG’s CF database for reference. Price and availability have not yet announced but the manufacturer says to frequent Amazon online store for its latest street price.

The German-based Rollei has released a trio of high rigidity and light weight tripods made out of seven-layer carbon fiber structures. Multilayer Carbon fiber construction is great for reducing weight yet increasing product durability. The tribute is five-Layer shorts compare to Gitzo but at half the price, it might worth a look.

The Rollei Tribute features twist locking mechanism, 4 section legs and has short center column. The specification of Rollei Tribute tripods are as followed:

Lo Lai S-081 : weight 2.65lb, Load 6.61 lb, height 140cm, 26,250 yen ($283)
Lo Lai M-083 : weight 3.15lb, Load 11.02 lb, height 140cm, 28,350 yen ($306)
Lo Lai L-086 : weight 3.88lb, Load 15.43 lb , height 140cm, 31,500 yen ($340)

via Impress