Sceptre has announced new dash camera called the Carcam CCR2000. The camera is designed specifically to provide evidence of any accidents or other activity that occurs on the road in front of your vehicle. The camera is designed to provide automatic and continuous recording of audio and video. The camera is also designed to start recording automatically once the vehicle is parked if it is struck by another car.

The camera has a 120-degree wide-angle lens providing a wide field of view. It also has an integrated G-sensor that allows the camera to be able to record a collision and automatically lock the current video prevent accidental erasure to hold for evidence. When the camera detects a collision has occurred, it automatically starts recording video. Video is recorded to an included 8 GB SD memory card.

Power for the camera comes from an internal lithium-ion battery providing up to 50 min. of recording. The camera also has an integrated HDMI output to support direct connectivity TVs and an integrated microphone. Sceptre also builds in video stabilization to make video clearer. The camera is available to purchase right now online for $399.

[via Sceptre]

Many lawmakers believed that if there are more security cameras installed in cities, it would help speed up the process of identifying suspects and catching them before they get very far. Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York, states that they had recently increased surveillance in New York’s midtown and downtown areas due to the tragic events of the Boston bombings. He says,

“The Boston bombing is a terrible reminder of why we’ve made these investments—including camera technology that could help us deter an attack, or investgate and apprehend those involved. [The added video surveillance can] alert police to abnormalities it detects on the street, such as an abandoned package that is left on a corner.”

However, calls for extra video surveillance has left many privacy advocates concerned. They believe that increasing video surveillance can be a potential invasion of privacy for the general public. They also state that since the authorities were able to track down the Boston bombers within only a few days, there really isn’t any need for any extra surveillance tools. A lawyer for the Electronic Privacy Information Center, Alan Butler, says,

“It’s one thing to have private closed-circuit cameras and look at feeds after the fact. It’s very different if you’re talking about systems of cameras identifying and tracking people over time, all the time. Especially if you couple that with facial recognition and license-plate readers and databases.”

Alongside installing more video cameras in cities, Senator Lindsey Graham, Representative of South Carolina, says that drones should also be utilized as they would be able to help track down suspects more quickly. Authorities utilized tons of surveillance footage from nearby stores, restaurants, businesses, and even people snapping pictures with their smartphones. By piecing all of the footage together, they were able to quickly identify the suspects. By installing better security cameras in cities, with facial recognition and other improved technologies, authorities believe that they can keep the public more safe. What are your thoughts on increasing surveillance in cities?

[via The Wall Street Journal]

You’ll find nothing less than one of the best experiences you’ve ever had with a handheld video camera using this beastly 20x wide-angle (35mm equivalent: 26.8mm – 536mm) f/1.8 HD Video Lens. This lens uses same Hi-UD (Hi Index Ultra Low Dispersion) technology you’ll be finding in Canon’s XF professional camcorder line as well as a new 8-blade circular aperture using the same tech found in Canon’s EF series lenses. You’ve also got a dedicated manual focus ring as well as a custom key – make it work!

You’ve got a whole new HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor here that works in combination with your new DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization for what Canon notes will be “high sensitivity and wide dynamic range while providing images with low noise, more depth, and enhancing vibration control.”

With this camera’s new Dual Recording feature you’ll be able to grab both 1080/60p MP4 (35Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps). You’ll also find cinematic recording at Native 24p, a set of two SD memory card slots (amazing!) and Relay Recording. With Relay Recording your recording will instantly start on one SD card after the first has been filled – greatness!

• 0.24-inch high-resolution (1.56-million-dot) angle-adjustable color viewfinder (CVF) with a large-sized eyecup
• 45-degree angle CVF tilt
• built-in Remote Control Terminal (with LANC protocol support)
• manual color temperature adjustment (2,000K-15,000K in 100K increments)
• color bars with test tone
• manual shutter speed and aperture control
• all new zoom lever

And Wi-fi connectivity allows you to work with Canon’s new set of remote controls – you’ll be able to control your recordings from a web browser while using your PC, smartphone, or tablet. You’ll also be able to use Canon’s Movie Uploader app for iOS – easy and free!

The Canon VIXIA HF G30 camcorder will be available in June starting at an estimated retail price of $1,699.99 USD. We’ll be checking it out soon – stay tuned for SlashGear for all the most excellent Canon action, back to front!

According to Replay, the XD 720 is about the size of a tube of lip balm and weighs just two ounces, and thanks to it’s cylindrical shape, it can easily mount in numerous configurations. It’s also made of a rugged aluminum exterior and it’s water resistant. It shoots 720p HD footage at either 30 or 60 frames per second, and can record for up to 2 hours.

Replay launched the XD 1080 camera less than a year ago, which records full 1080p HD video, but the XD 720 is both smaller and lighter, and while it maxes out at 720p, that’s usually plenty good quality for uploading to YouTube and watching on your television. While most videophiles would prefer 1080p, the XD 720 is for those who aren’t so crazy about having the best possible quality.

The camcorder has a 5MP image sensor with a non-fisheye and non-distorted lens with a 120-degree field of view. The XD 720 costs $199 and comes with a lot of goodies inside the box, including a microfiber protective pouch, ballistic carrying case, 4GB microSD card (the camera supports up to 32GB), USB cable, microUSB card reader, microSD to SD card adaptor, car power adapter, safety leash, and two mounts.

The ContourROAM2 costs only $199 and can shoot full 1080p HD video at 30fps, and 720p HD video at 60fps. It also comes with a 4GB microSD card, but we’re guessing you’ll want something a bit more substantial if you’re really wanting to take advantage of the camera while you’re blazing the trails all day.

The ContourROAM2 can also capture videos up to one meter underwater without any kind of waterproof case (since the camera itself is waterproof), and the camera has a 270-degree rotating lens topped off with a laser level to precisely line up your shots.

The new camera also has improved image quality (expected) and an aluminum shell that comes in four different colors: black, red, and blue, with green being an Amazon exclusive up until the end of the year when it will be widely available. The camera will be available starting October 21 Best Buy, Amazon, and other retailers.

[via Engadget]

We’ll start with the Polaroid XS7 (pictured above), which features a professional CMOS sensor that can capture video in 720p and snap 5-megapixel pictures. This camera features a 2-inch screen on the back that allows you to immediately check out your pictures and video, and comes encased in a waterproof shell. That case means that the XS7 can be submerged in up to 10 meters of water without taking damage, so those who like to spend their free time scuba diving or snorkeling might want to give this one a look.

Next up is the XS20, which features the same professional CMOS sensor as the XS7. Like the XS7, the XS20 is waterproof as well, although this one can handle depths up to 20 meters. It also comes with 8 LEDs for “shooting in all environments,” and a battery that Polaroid claims can shoot for three hours. Finally, the XS20 comes equipped with motion sensors to initiate recording, which would make the XS20 a good choice for security recording – it even looks like a security camera in the image above.

Rounding out these three new cameras is the XS100, the best of the bunch. The XS100 sports a professional 5MP sensor, with 720p, 960p, and 1080p recording capabilities, along with the ability to shoot 3MP, 5MP, and 16MP images. It’s ultra wide lens gives a 170° shooting angle, and it has multiple frame rate settings to take advantage of, ranging from burst shooting mode to slow motion. Like the other two cameras, the XS100 is waterproof (up to 10 meters), and on the inside, we’ve got a auto rotation G-sensor, which means that the camera will “always capture the best shot, no matter it’s position.”

All three of these cameras come packed with bike and helmet mounts, so if you’re always looking for the next big adventure, you can have your camera with you and shooting at all times. The prices seem pretty reasonable too, with the XS7 coming in at $69.99, the XS20 at $99.99, and the XS100 at $199.99. All three will be available at Polaroid retailers starting in mid-October, though a specific release date is still unknown. Are any of these cameras for you?

The familiar barrel shape is still present, toughened to make sure dust, bumps or drops aren’t an issue, while physical controls remain straightforward. There’s no power button, just an “Instant On-Record” switch on top – slide that over, and recording begins.

Up to 120fps footage is possible, albeit only in 480p mode, or you can opt for higher resolution with 1080p support. The lens rotates 270-degrees for easier mounting, and there’s an external microphone input. Settings include white balance, contrast, sharpness, exposure, and metering.

In the box there’s a 4GB microSD card, though you can obviously slot in a larger one for more recording time; alternatively, the camera will squirt out HD video via its mini-HDMI port. Pricing is $399.99.

This Flea3 USB 3.0 camera, model FL3-U3-88S2C-C, features a high quality 8.8-megapixel, 4K2K sensor. It is Sony’s new IMX121 sensor with “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS architecture that offers high sensitivity and dynamic range for sharp color images.

The camera measures only 29mm x 29mm x 30mm or about 1-inch cubed. The small size makes the camera especially suitable for fitting in tight spaces such as in common industrial imaging, such as automatic optical inspection, ophthalmology, interactive multimedia, and broadcasting.

The USB 3.0 connector guarantees delivery of critical image data through USB 3.0 bulk transfers of 5Gb/s and also delivers power so that no other external power sources or cables are needed. The Flea3 FL3-U3-88S2C-C is priced at $945 and is available now from Point Grey.

[via Engadget]

What you’re about to see in a video is this system working in real time. The software shows search results with thumbnail images of the results, each of these results able to display the video or larger image it’s tied to. The system works with not just straight-on photos, it’s able to detect faces 30 degrees in any direction and can work with still or moving images in real time – just so long as you’re able to connect it to your camera. You’ll need a 40 pixel image at least, and the video must be the right format at the moment.

Representatives from Hitachi have been vocal about their development of this software as well as their ties to hardware that will work with it. The software works in part by using simple image recognition software combined with algorithms that group people who have similar faces into your search results. The final product is set to be delivered next fiscal year, this meaning that companies who wish to get in on the fun are able to start pre-ordering almost right away. Would you like such software to be utilized by your business?

[via DigiInfo]

The Bloggie Sport HD is shock proof, dirt resistant, and waterproof down to 16 feet. Its shock resistance is rated for drops up to 5 feet off the ground and its dust resistant seal makes it impervious to mud, snow, rain, and grime. An Underwater Mode automatically adjusts white balance and contrast to even out blue color cast for more natural and vibrant looking underwater photos.

It has a candy bar form factor with the camera lens on one side and a 2.7-inch touchscreen display on the other. A flip-out USB arm makes it easy to connect the camera to a computer for uploading video and charging its battery. It also features Sony’s Exmor CMOS sensor, 4x digital zoom with auto macro, SteadyShot image stabilization, LED low-light shooting, Face Detection, Share tags, and HDMI output.

The pocket camcorder begins shipping today, priced at $179.99. It is available in blue, black, and red. For more information, visit the product page.

[via Engadget]

The camera went on Kickstarter like so many projects today to get funding to come to reality. As it turns out there’s a lot of interest in the camera and the project racked up $100,000 in funding in the first 24 hours of being online. This camera doesn’t use any compression or record using an interlaced format, it shoots uncompressed raw files and native resolution of 2048 x 1152. That makes editing the video a snap.

That video is shot in Super 16 mm mode. The goal of the project is to be able to produce the cameras at $3000 each. That seems very expensive for a video camera, but obviously, there are a bunch of people interested. So far, the project has raised $283,802 and still has 27 days to go. The company notes that they’ve sold 91/100 cameras from the first production batch, which will be serialized.

[via Engadget]

The Pivothead video glasses feature gyroscopic image stabilization and continuous auto-focus, which kick in when “Active Mode” is selected. Videos can be shot at 30fps in either 720p or 1080p or at 60fps in only 720p and are saved as in H.264/MPEG-4 format. The video glasses also offer “Spectator Mode,” “Social Mode,” and “Black & White Mode.”

You can simply wear the glasses as regular sunglasses and then when you need to record something you turn on the camera by tapping a button on the bottom of the left side. Pushing a button on top of that side begins recording in the default mode of 1080p at 30fps.

The settings for the glasses can be changed via various ways of holding down the buttons, reminiscent of adjusting old sports watches. LEDs on the interior of the left side give feedback while you do this. But to save the hassle, you can simply connect the glasses via USB to your computer and adjust the settings in the Glasses Manager software. Pivothead expects to start shipping the glasses in April, priced at $349.

[via GizMag]

The flaw was first discovered and reported on in January by a blog called Console Cowboys, which revealed that by simply appending a specific code to a camera’s IP address, the password requirement could be bypassed. The blog posted detailed instructions on how to breach Trendnet cameras, resulting in links being posted to various message boards.

Offices, children’s bedrooms, and even someone’s bathroom were viewable among the list of video feeds exposed. A list of 679 web addresses to exposed video feeds were posted to a message board within two days with more listings revealed that were also associated with Google Maps locations.

Trendnet is scrambling to release firmware updates to fix the problem, but estimates that there are 26 camera models that are affected. To see if your camera model could be a spy cam, check out the full list here. Also, be sure to check Trendnet’s download page for firmware updates.

[via PC Mag]

This new line of models are being pumped up to a 20 percent improvement over the last set of Canon video cameras in the low-light department with Canon’s own HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor. They’ve all got improvements over the past set in more than one category, each having the ability to export content directly to a hard-drive with no additional computer in-between, and the select models have the ability to work with Relay Recording which brings you seamless uninterrupted video recording, non stop, from one memory source to another and to another. Each has built-in memory features such as HD-to-SD Downconversion, this creating two files for you, one in the original HD and another moved down to a smaller format for easier transfer and upload.

VIXIA HF M-series

Each of the new line is 15 percent smaller than the 2011 models, is able to record in full HD 1920 x 1080, and has a Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens. Each of the three models has a flat touch 3.0-inch panel LCD screen, and both the VIXIA HF M52 and VIXIA HF M50 have a lovely 32GB and 8GB of internal flash memory. All three, the VIXIA HF M52, VIXIA HF M50 and VIXIA HF M500 will be available in March for prices of $749.99, $649.99 and $549.99, respectively.

VIXIA HF R-series

For the VIXIA HF R32, VIXIA HF R30 and VIXIA HF R300, you’ve got a set of budget models that are still able to record in Full HD 1920 x 1080 and are 21 percent smaller than their R-Series predecessors. Their “Genuine Canon HD Video Lens” allows for 51x Advanced Zoom, they’ve each 3.0-inch full-flat Touch Panel LCD screens, and all have a 3.28-megapixel Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. Both the R32 and the R30 record to 32GB and 8GB of internal storage respectively, while the R300 is able to record directly to its SDXC-compatible slot for memory cards. All three of these models will be available in March, the R32 for $549.99, the R30 for $449.99, and the R300 for $349.99. Great deals to be had!

Also note that they look relatively similar, images of the M52 and M32 below:

The RED Scarlet is a 4K camera, which means it has the capability of shooting super high-definition at a full 4096 x 2160 resolution at slightly higher than 25 fps. It also shoots 3K resolution at 48fps, 2K resolution at 60fps, and a less usual 1K at 120fps for smooth slow-motion capture.

RED has worked hard to keep costs down for the modular 4K camera, but still kept a Super 35-leve sensor that’s typically found in models that are much more expensive. And its Redcode has virtually eliminated any bitstream artifacts when streaming. The camera is capable of streaming up to 50MB/sec of video.

[via Engadget]

The Freestyle HD has a housing that’s pretty rugged and is waterproof up to 65 feet, making it a really versatile little camera that you can take and operate hands-free on all your outdoor
adventures. It comes with a various interchangeable mounting brackets to attach to whatever you need. When it’s not mounted to a skateboard, you can also use it as a regular point and shoot camera, shooting 1080p HD video at 30fps and with stereo audio.

Plus, Swann includes a wireless remote control for the camera as well as a detachable 1.5-inch LCD screen to let you preview and operate the camera from afar. An HDMI port lets you watch your videos directly from the camera on your HDTV or you can transfer your videos via MicroSD or USB. Its lithium ion battery provides up to 2.5 hours of recording time per charge.

The camera is priced at $279.99 and is available now at various retailers, including Best Buy, Tiger Direct, and Fry’s. For more details, you can visit the Swann’s product page.

The iZON easily connects to most wireless networks and can be controlled by a free Stem:Connect App for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices. It sits on a magnetic base that swivels and can be mounted to most horizontal surfaces including the ceiling. The iZON provides unlimited viewing over your local network, but can also remotely stream video and audio to your handheld device over 3G networks for up to 5 minutes at a time.

Motion sensor controls can be setup so that you receive alerts via push notifications when movement is detected. Similar notifications can be setup for audio detection passed a certain threshold.

Videos can also be recorded to a free, private YouTube account. These recordings can be automatically initiated by motion and noise alerts or you can manually select to record 30-second clips to your YouTube account. These videos remain private unless you choose to share them.

The iZON is available now at www.steminnovation.com as well as in select Best Buy locations. The device will also become available soon at Apple retail stores in the US and Canada. Priced at $129.95.

The NEX-VG20 can shoot full HD video in the AVCHD format at progressive frame rate speeds of both 24p and 60p. Footage shot at 24p can be enhanced with Cinema Tone Gamma and Cinema Tone Color for a richer and more cinematic look. Still images can now be taken at a resolution of 16.1 megapixels with RAW format support.

The ergonomics have been refined with more manual controls that are situated conveniently for smooth operation. A 3-inch LCD Xtra Fine LCD display with TruBlack technology provides clea, high contrast images and rotates up to a 270-degree range for easy viewing.

The camcorder now offers a new audio level control and its precision Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround sound. It comes with the SEL18200 f3.5-6.3 E-mount lens and with an adapter can also work with Sony’s A-mount optics. The NEX-VG20 will be available this November with the lens mount kit retailing for $2,199, while just the body itself will be $1,599.

The Burton edition of the camera will have all the award-winning features of the original PLAYSPORT. It’s waterproof and shockproof making it perfect for extreme conditions in the snow. The interface is easy to read and the buttons are large enough to operate with gloves on. The camera is capable of full 1080p HD video capture as well as 5-megapixel stills for 16:9 widescreen HD images.

Videos can even be captured at 60fps for fast action that’s also perfect for slow motion playback. The Burton edition bundle comes with an HDMI cable, remote control, 4GB SDHC memory card, a tripod and carrying case. Priced at $199.95, the camera will be available this fall on Kodak.com and all major retailers.

Built-in Bluetooth also connects to your phone, so you have a viewfinder to check the angle, with an HDMI port to connect to a screen without having to pull the microSD card. It also has the first external 2.5mm microphone jack on any hands-free camera, so it will separate the audio you want from ambient noise surrounding you.

The Contour has three resolutions, four frame rates, and a five-megapixel still mode, as well as an interactive GPS receiver which tracks speed, location, and elevation at four frames per second.

And here is your obligatory PR quote, though this one is from stunt driver Greg Tracy, not a CEO, so it’s more interesting:

“When I’m shooting action, I love to put the audience in the middle of it and experience it first-hand. With the Contour+, I’ll be able to do this like never before.” said Tracy. “With its professional-grade lens, connectivity options and size, the Contour+ is the perfect tool for my demanding production work, and it won’t break the bank.”

The camera sells for $499, and we are seeing it available on Amazon, and B&H Photo, Video, and Pro Audio starting May 18. It is available for pre-order now.

Here are the specs:
· Wide angle 170 degree F2.8 lens
· Flush-front lens
· 270 degree on-axis smooth lens rotation
· Streaming of live video via HDMI port
· Configurable White Balance
· Playback of full-display HD Video through HDMI port
· Rear door pass-through for USB and HDMI ports
· 4Hz (4 times per second) performance of GPS Receiver

And also check out the video of the Contour in action here..

Press release:

TAKE STORYTELLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH NEW CONTOUR+ HANDS-FREE VIDEO CAMERA – AVAILABLE TODAY

Contour’s Latest Innovation Adds Richness to Stories with Progression in Video, Location, Audio, and Streaming

SEATTLE, Wash. – May 12, 2011 – Contour, Inc. (http://www.contour.com),a market leader in hands-free video cameras, today announced Contour+, Contour’s first camera for the broadcast and pro-sumer markets. The Contour+ marks the next progression in hands-free video and represents the company’s continued focus on leading the market’s innovation. The Contour+ is now available at Contour.com and retail partners for $499.

“Nowhere on Earth is off limits to filmmakers and other visual storytellers, but there are plenty of places standard pro cameras can’t go,” said Marc Barros, Contour CEO. “Contour+ delivers high-quality video, audio, location data and streaming capabilities anywhere there’s a story to tell. Today, anyone can be a documentarian or filmmaker, and we’ve created the most affordable way to give pro-sumers, broadcast and filmmakers everything they need to tell incredibly rich stories from right within the action.”

The hands-free and wireless technology that has established Contour’s technical leadership in the market is augmented with progressions in the lens, first-ever features in the hands-free market, andmore to create a new era in the technical side of storytelling. The camera’s powerful and unique combination of technical features has piqued the interest of industry tastemakers including Film Producer and Freeride Entertainment Director, Derek Westerlund.

“Hands-free is a big revolution in the camera space, but we haven’t had anything that was progressive enough to use on professional shoots until now,” said Westerlund. “The Contour+ allows me to capture great POV shots and will help bring the movie’s story to life. The Contour+ is the new standard for next generation, high-quality, hands-free cameras.”

Greg Tracy, a renowned stunt driver and filmmaker who has worked on feature films such as “Bourne Ultimatum,” “Wanted,” and “The Town,” looks forward to using the new Contour+ on his upcoming professional shoots. “When I’m shooting action, I love to put the audience in the middle of it and experience it first-hand. With the Contour+, I’ll be able to do this like never before.” said Tracy. “With its professional-grade lens, connectivity options and size, the Contour+ is the perfect tool for my demanding production work, and it won’t break the bank.”

How Contour+ Delivers

The next progression in hands-free cameras lets explorers:

• Expand Field of Vision: A six-element glass lens delivers 1080p video quality, an adjustable white balance to dial-in details and a 170-degree field of view to clearly integrate peripherals and backdrops in each shot

• Deliver Live Action: Streaming video via HDMI and an external transmitter broadcasts the action in real-time

• Stay Connected Better than any POV Camera: Built-in Bluetooth connects to a mobile phone, creating a wireless viewfinder to check the angle; a HDMI port allows instant replay on a laptop or widescreen direct from the included microSD card

• Capture Crisp Audio: The first external 2.5mm microphone jack on any hands-free camera helps distinguish featured audio from ambient noise

• Benefit from Contour’s Signature Elements: Three resolutions, four frame rates and a five-megapixel still mode are available to customize the shot; an internal interactive GPS receiver tracks speed, location, and elevation at four frames per second

Shipping today from Contour.com, the Contour+ is also available from Amazon.com; B&H Photo, Video, and Pro-Audio; Gear Co-Op, Paragon, and Samy’s Camera.

Contour’s complete collection of high quality, easy-to-use cameras, including the ContourGPS and ContourHD, provide a variety of solutions to fit every adventurer’s need. The company helps people further share their stories with its free apps and online community.

About Contour

Contour is a market leader in the hands-free video camera category. Producing simple, thoughtfully designed and intuitive adventure storytelling tools, Contour, enables modern day explorers to use video and location-based video to relive and replay their personal tales ofaction, adventure and travel, sharing them with world at the touch of a button. For more information about Contour please visit www.contour.com.

Contour has unleashed a couple hands-free cameras in the past, but today’s announcement of the Contour+ brings a slew of enhancements. The Contour+ captures 1080p HD video, has built-in GPS, and has up to a 170-degree wide-angle rotating lens that captures all the action with great quality and minimal fish-eye distortion.

Additionally, it has several new ports, including a 2.5mm mic jack for recording external sound. An added HDMI port to eliminate the hassle of removing the microSD card in order to transfer files. Video can still be streamed from the camera to your iPhone or Android phone via Bluetooth to help frame shots. For $499, you can now go wreak some havoc and capture it all in HD.

[via Engadget]

The Kindle 3G is the quintessential eReader, with its eInk display and non-glare surface. And it comes with Whispernet (on some models) so Mom can download books from anywhere, with no monthly fee. Before you ask, no, I don’t get kickbacks from Amazon, I just own a Kindle and am a big fan of it. The Kindle is $114 with special offers, or the 3G model for $189 which comes with a $25 Amazon gift card.

Another eReader choice, a bit more pricey, but really an Android tablet living in an eReader’s body, the NOOKcolor for $249. This tablet (er, eReader) lets Mom surf the web, and even play Angry Birds. Note: unless you root the tablet, the apps you have access to are very limited. WiFi only.

Getting deeper into tablet-land, there is the new Asus Eee Pad Transformer, the tablet with an attachable keyboard that also charges the battery. Chris Davies gave it a great review here on SlashGear. There have been reports of shortages, but some Amazon sellers have it in stock (right now) for $549.00.

Another tablet choice is the Acer Iconia 10.1 inch tab, selling for $599.99 at Amazon.

How about the Droid Incredible 2? I love this phone, and no matter if Verizon thinks we need a “woman’s phone”, this one is perfect for me. It’s fast, thin, responsive, and with an 8mp camera. Hey, and it’s now selling for only $79.99 on Amazon through Verizon with new 2 year contract.

What Mother’s Day gift list is complete without a camera? But this is not just any camera, it’s a video camera with BlueTooth that you wear around your ear, and record video from a first person perspective. Very cool. The Looxcie Bluetooth camera sells for $200.

How about an iPod? Best Buy has all iPods on sale right now, most for about $25 off, plus a free 8×8 photo book from Shutterfly with purchase.

Is your Mom sick of all the charging cables cluttering up her desk? I sure am. Get her a WildCharge Pad, and charge everything cordlessly. This charger sells for just $49.

Who doesn’t need more storage? This Buffalo Technology Mini Station has 500GB worth, and only measures 1.8 x 5.1 x 6.7 inches. Find it on Amazon for $54.99.

And to help Mom get even more organized, there is the Neat Scanner, with which she can cut down on paper clutter and scan in all those reciepts. The desktop version is $379, and the smaller, mobile version is $178. Also available for Mac.

And last, sometimes the best thing to give Mom is something to keep the kids busy for a while. One of the best apps I’ve found for young kids is the Zoodles Kid Mode app, free on the Android Marketplace and on the App Store. There is lots of free content, but there is also a premium version that you can upgrade to for $59.95 annually.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The camera will be used in the medical setting for endoscopic procedures and is only 1mm in diameter. That makes it roughly the size of the head on an ink pen. The little camera will start being supplied to companies that build medical products in the coming weeks in the US and in Japan. The camera is supported on the back end by the Medigus digital video processing systems.

The little camera uses TSV (Through Silicon Via) method to enable miniaturization and reduction of the components and to reduce cost. The CMOS sensor inside the camera is only 0.66 x 0.66 mm and has a resolution of 45,000 pixels. The camera can be built cheaply enough to allow its use in disposable devices. This is a great product, a smaller camera means smaller cuts and that means less pain and faster recovery for the patient.

[via Yahoo Finance]

The camera is able to shoot still photos and video. ThinkGeek says that the camera will let you see through some types of fabric and other materials. Exactly what kinds of fabric and materials the camera lets you see through isn’t noted, ThinkGeek says you have to experiment. The NV-1 has a 5MP resolution image sensor. The night shot mode retracts an infrared blocking filter that is normally over the lens allowing all that light to the image sensor.

The description does say that during daytime mode if you use the IR setting you will be able to see through clothing because the IR light penetrates surfaces while the light we see with our eyes bounces off. Their viewing effect can be increased by getting your own IR filter and attaching it to the lens as well. The internal memory of the camera is 16MB, it can store photos, and video to SD cards of up to 8GB in size. The video is recorded in AVI format with a resolution of 640 x 480. The camera is estimated to be in stock soon and sells for $139.99.

The product had been quite popular at one time with many celebrities toting around Flip cams, but with the onslaught of smartphone cameras—now boasting up to 1080p full HD along with instant sharing capabilities via WiFi and data plans, plus almost every other feature you can imagine—even the promising FlipLive WiFi-enabled camera is a step too late. On flip side, Flip die-hards feel there is still hope for the brand and the product, but that Cisco is simply giving up.

Being able to record your driving could really help people out in those “he said, she said” situations when a car accident occurs. With video evidence of what happened it could really help, or hurt, your argument. The nuvi 2575R also comes with a TV tuner as well, which I guess is so that you can watch your favorite sports team while driving. That doesn’t make much sense, but I suppose that the resulting accident could at least be caught on the nuvi dash cam.

No price was given on how much the unit will cost you, or how much the extra camera will run you as well should you choose to attach it to the nuvi 2575R. This is definitely something a smartphone can’t do as your GPS directional unit, at least until some developer makes an app for it.

[via GPS Track Log]

The cameras are appropriate for both live and recorded security use and the cameras are cost effective according to Panasonic. The ability to see all around the camera will make catching criminals much easier since they can’t be out of the cameras field of view.

“By offering ImmerVision 360-degree panomorph lenses in combination with Panasonic video surveillance cameras, security professionals benefit from expanded video surveillance coverage capabilities and improved cost efficiency,” said Mike Reynolds, Marketing Manager, Panasonic Canada’s Security Systems Division. “These innovative lenses from ImmerVision are a great complement to many of Panasonic’s IP and Analogue surveillance cameras, and we are pleased to offer them as an option through our Canadian Authorized Dealers and Distributors.”

It will shoot photos and can record audio files and video as well. Jakks Pacific is the company that makes the watch and it has announced that an updated version will be coming this fall. The updated version will add night vision to the current offering.

That will let the wearer of the watch shoot video and photos in total darkness. The new and current versions of the video watch can record up to 20 minutes of video, over three hours of audio, and can store up to 2000 photos. The price for the watch is $59.99.

Inside the Video Racer, there’s a small video camera that will be able to capture video at either 30fps, or 60fps. People will have the ability to watch the recorded video either on their TV or PC, thanks to a USB cable. Or, there’s a small LCD screen on the bottom of the vehicle, if you don’t want to have to worry about connecting your toy car to your PC.

Mattel is even including a Hot Wheels video editor, which will allow you to edit features of the videos you record, as well as string them together to make some epic Hot Wheels movies. Mattel plans on releasing the cars in the fall of 2011, and have marked them with a price tag of $60. That includes the USB cable.

[via Pocket-Lint]

Canon reports that the new sensor is the world’s largest CMOS image sensors with a chip measuring 202 x 205mm. That larger size allows the sensor to gather more light when it is crammed inside a pro level DSLR camera. In fact, that sensor is 40 times larger than the next largest CMOS sensor in the Canon arsenal.

The sensor is the largest that can be produced form a typical 300mm wafer. The thing will have to be expensive considering you can only get one per wafer too. The big benefit of all that light gathering capability is that the sensor can capture images with only on one-hundredth of the light required by a 35mm full frame CMOS sensor. That means that it can shoot video at 60 fps with only 0.3 lux, which is basically a moon lit night. Canon says the sensor will be perfect for recording stars and nocturnal animals. I say we may finally see Bigfoot on camera with this thing.

The camera has 1080p resolution and can shoot at up to 60 fps. The camera lens has a 130-degree field of view and it can shoot 5MP still shots as well. The camera also has an integrated LCD.

The ATC9K camera is available right now for $299.99 and that price includes a remote control, a USB cable for PC connectivity, and a HDMI cable for HD playback. Other mounting accessories like a Velcro strap are included as well.

Kodak’s quick to point out that the Playsport Video Camera is waterproof. You can submerge it up to 10 feet (3 meters) of water, and still keep snapping your favorite photos, or grabbing some HD video. That’s right, the Playsport can capture full 1080p HD video at a full 30 frames per seconds (FPS). It also features things like electronic image stabilization, a brilliant 2-inch color LCD display with an integrated LCD glare shield, and the ability to capture 5MP HD stills, at a 16:9 ratio.

You can also expect to find face recognition, and the ability to expand the integrated memory with either SD or SDHC memory cards, all the way up to 32GB. That’ll give you about 10 hours of HD video, give or take. It has the ability to upload images directly to social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, using the software on the camera, or the USB cable that comes with it. Finally, you can pick up the Playsport Video Camera in three different colors: Abyss (black), Wave Crash (blue), and Adrenaline Rush (purple). It’ll set you back $149.99, but with all those features, you can’t pass it up, right?

[via Kodak; thanks Bryony!]

The cool part about the Ion Twin Video camera is that while your pal is rolling around on the ground (in tears) and you are laughing so hard you are crying the Twin Video dual-lens handheld camera can record you and him at the same time. The little camera also has dual mics for stereo sound and has live editing features.

The live editing features include picture swap, split screen, and PIP functionality. The camera records to SD or SDHC memory cards and connects via USB to Mac or PC systems for uploading and editing video. The camera will ship in Q2 2010 at an undisclosed price. There is no mention of the video resolution; I am betting it’s not an HD camera.

Designed to take photos or videos with as few controllers as possible (particularly for those who just want to snap a few interesting shots), the incredibly versatile Fleximus camera allows “a photographer to shoot at angles never imaginable before”.

Like most of Lebedev’s other designs, there’s not much in the way of technical specs quite yet (or plans of production), but this is one of the more interesting and potentially entertaining concepts the design studio has come out with to date.

The Canon EOS 7D has an 18-megapixel 22.3 x 14.9 mm APC-S CMOS sensor with a 1.6x focal length, and can shoot 8fps stills or up to 1080p HD (at 24, 25 or 30 fps) or 720p HD (50 or 59.94 fps) video. ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400, with an “H” setting offering 12,800, and there’s a new 19-point autofocus system that allows you to specify broader AF zones (as opposed to a single point) together with default focus settings for landscape and portrait orientations. Inside there are two of Canon’s DIGIC 4 processors.

Around the back there’s a 3-inch, 920k pixel LCD display along with Canon’s first viewfinder with 100-percent field of view and 1x magnification. There are more hardware controls, too, including a useful dedicated JPEG/RAW button (that captures the next shot taken in both formats), while the EOS 5D’s row of under-LCD controls have been moved to the left-hand edge, and the whole thing is weatherproof (though not to be confused with weather-resistant). At 148 x 111 x 74 mm and 860g it’s roughly the same size as the Nikon D300, though slightly heavier, and feels well constructed and sturdy.

In use, the new autofocus system quickly displays its worth. Faster than on previous Canon DSLRs and generally highly accurate, there was a slight learning curve involved since the company have altered the appearance of the system and the way you flick between the various AF modes. As before you can shoot in single point and spot modes, but there’s also the and AF point expansion and AF zone settings that tracks a larger group of points or a group that can be offset from the centre using the small joystick.

Of course, with a 1.6x crop factor to the APS-C sensor, the risk is one of extra noise in the final shots, especially when you start to increase the ISO levels. Happily the EOS 7D does an excellent job of processing out noise thanks to the dual DIGIC 4 chips, avoiding unnecessary blurring that we observed in shots from the EOS 5D. There’s also more detail in the images. Considering most of the time the results from the DSLR will be viewed on-screen in relatively small sizes, we prefer the output from the EOS 7D rather than its sibling.

With 1080p HD video recording, Canon have given the EOS 7D a more obvious camcorder mode. A switch just to the right of the viewfinder toggles between Live View and camcorder, with a center start/stop button for triggering the mode. A mini HDMI output is included under a rubber flap on the left-hand side of the 7D, along with PC sync and a remote terminal port, a microphone input, A/V output and USB 2.0 connector.

Canon have squeezed various manual settings into the EOS 7D’s camcorder mode, including exposure, shutter speed and aperture, and you can capture stills during video recording. The results are impressive, generally smooth, though we noticed a few jagged edges intruding into faster pans when recording in the 720p mode. Still, compared to video-recording on the Nikon D300S, the function feels more rounded and mature on the Canon.

Despite lacking a full-frame sensor, picture and video quality are pretty much consistently impressive from the EOS 7D. Auto-focus is incredibly swift and reassuringly accurate, with only very rare adjustments required, while despite the tightly-packed high megapixel sensor the camera handles noise and detail admirably. Continuous shooting mode can grab JPEGs for as long as you can be bothered holding down the shutter-release (assuming you have a swift enough memory card) and build quality neatly straddles the line between reassuringly hefty and usably comfortable.

It’s hard to argue with the Canon EOS 7D. If you’re a prosumer photographer who, until now, has carried a separate HD video camera, then the 7D could easily lighten your load. Although the sensor may not be full-frame, the end results are excellent up until you’re asking for very large, very high-megapixel prints. Such users are a microcosm of the DSLR world, though, and for the rest of us there’s sufficient flexibility and precision that the 7D satisfies pretty much most that you could ask of it. At $1,700 it’s comparable to the Nikon D300S but offers more megapixels and 1080p HD video recording (versus just 720p on the D300S). If you’ve invested in a bag full of lenses for your Nikon then we wouldn’t go so far as to suggest you eBay them and jump ship to Canon, but if you’re considering a new DSLR and value video as well as image quality, we reckon the EOS 7D edges ahead.

Sample Images taken with Canon EOS 7D and Canon 85mm 1.8 @ ISO 400 f/4.0

Sample video with Canon 17-40mm F/4.0L Lens

The camcorder is available now and stores video to SD/SDHC cards and has 32GB of internal storage as well. The CMOS sensor on the camera is a 10.3MP unit providing 1080p video resolution. The camera is also capable of recording at 600 frames per second for slow-motion playback of sports and other action.

The camera uses Konica Minolta HD Lens technology and a JVC developed optical image stabilization system. The camcorder also features Face Detection for up to 16 faces and one touch uploading to YouTube. The camera is available now for $999.95.