Olympus is one tough camera company, and by that we mean they have more than one tough camera for this year. Back in January we noted the got rugged with the Tough TG-320, a camera for the budget-minded shutterbug. Then a month later Olympus rolled out two more models, the TG-820 and TG-620. Now the company is showing it is tough enough and more with the new TG-1 iHS compact. Continue reading Olympus Does Rugged One More Time
Tag: Camera
GoPro Dives With New Housing
This week GoPro announced the launch of its new Dive Housing, which features a large flat glass lens that allows for maximum photo and video sharpness underwater and in all resolutions. This new housing, which is compatible with all HD HERO cameras, mounts and accesses is waterproof to 197 feet (60 meters), and can be used for diving, snorkeling or any deep sea adventures.
It comes with protective lens cap, tether string and even assorted mounting hardware, and is available now for those looking to take a dive.
Take the Kill Shot
Brother Randy and Michael Gregg have come up with a novel new way to hunt – not with a rifle but with a camera. Actually more to the point it is a camera that looks like a rifle. It allows a hunter to get a “Kill Shot” without actually making a kill.
The brothers, who are avid hunters, came up with the idea while out in the woods where they used a camera phone to get a shot through a rifle’s scope. Thus was born their project, which is still in the development stage. The idea is that Kill Shot would allow users to take a photo when taking a shot. The basic shape of the device would resemble a rifle and feature a built in scope.
Randy and Michael, along with third brother Daniel have since started a Kickstarter project, and see this as a way for those who want to hunt without killing to have the ability to track animals as in a real hunter, or allowing novice hunters to learn the basics. Either way it is apt that the website of the trio is called “Harmless Hunter.”
Harmless Hunter Official Website
Harmless Hunter on KickStarter
Miveu Provides Personal View
Sometimes even we get confused between persons – as in first person or third person, and don’t get us started on second person. But the same can be said of video cameras – either you are the subject or else you’re providing the perspective. There are numerous helmet and handlebar mounted cameras out there, but a big problem with these is that one’s head tends to move a lot, creating a very jarring video when played back.
Now Miveu has provided something a little different – a chest strap system for use with an iPhone. This not only provides the best location for a camera as the body is a bit more stable than the head, but it also means the device is better provided. It can also be used in activities that don’t require a helmet, but one downside is that the Miveu provides very limited protection and isn’t waterproof.
But for those who like to record the action with a first person perspective (see we do know the different persons), the Miveu will provide YOUR view! Check out the CES promo video after the jump
Turning Optrix For the iPhone
There have been a lot of sports specific digital camcorders come onto the market, but Optrix HD Sport Mount (MSRP: $79.99) is doing a bit of hocus pocus. For its next trix, its transforming the iPhone or iPod Touch into an HD Action sports camera, complete with rugged waterproof case and mount. The iPhone already allows for uploading of Full HD 1080p resolution videos from the handset, making it an ideal action sports camera. The only missing link in using it was a case that could protect the rather fragile handset.
But according to reports the Optrix mount is durable enough for “military life” while providing easy access to the interface for playback, video editing and uploading. Talk about truly Optrix!
Optrix Official Website
[Via Ubergizmo: Optrix HD Sport targets extreme sports enthusiasts]
Easy Shot Makes Underwater Video Easy
There seems to be no shortage of portable video cameras that can take a dive, but the Easy Shot Clip HD Diving Kit is one more to consider. Developed by Concord Keystone, this small HD digital camera allows divers and swimmers to capture 720 HD video and sound from depths up to 100 feet. It comes with its own waterproof housing that is clipped to a 360-degree rotating mounting bracket, so it can be attached to diving or swimming masks or goggles. Video after the jump
Wearable Swann Camera Takes Flight
There is another competitor in the rugged, wearable HD video camera market as the Swann FreeStyle HD has arrived. This camera, which features detachable LCD viewer and 3X digital zoom, can be enclosed in a sturdy case (included) that is waterproof to 65-feet. The Swann FreeStyle HD lives up the name and can capture 1080p HD video (1920×1080) at 30fps with stereo audio. In still camera mode it can shoot 8MP in both single-shot and rapid fire.
As with other rugged outdoor cameras it can be worn on the body, mounted on a bike, or on a helmet for skiing, skateboarding or just about any other outdoor activity. It comes with a variety of interchangeable mounts and brackets, while a remote control allows the wearer/user to operate the camera even when it is out of arms’ reach. Continue reading Wearable Swann Camera Takes Flight
Interbike 2011: The Owl 360 Rear View Camera
There are plenty of cameras out on the market to catch you or your friends in the action, but there is now a camera to try help you from becoming the action courtesy of a car. For years there have been helmet, handle bar and eyewear mounted mirrors that allows cyclists to see the approaching traffic from behind. Another option, soon to be available and debuting at Interbike, is a new rear view camera for cyclists. Continue reading Interbike 2011: The Owl 360 Rear View Camera
The Tough Touchscreen GPS
GPS is popular in the car, but it really likes the outdoors. The new Montana, a GPS handheld from Garmin, gives you a ruggedized device with touchscreen functionality. The Montana goes far beyond the state it was named after. It supports a wide range of Garmin cartography with its dual orientation and screen layout options. It has a barometric altimeter for elevation profiling and the ability to profile the route ahead using a worldwide elevation model. The device has a 3-axis compass that provides a heading while standing still, on the move or even when the Montana isn’t held level.
The ruggedized device has a 4-inch touchscreen and a 5-megapixel autofocus camera. Several features make the Montana useful for more than just directions. Two battery options keep your device powered during remote, outdoor adventures. The rechargeable, lithium ion battery pack is said to last up to 16 hours. You can substitute three AA batteries for an additional six hours of battery life when you can’t plug in your handheld.
The Montana supports geocaching GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to the unit. It stores key information including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions.
Official Garmin website
Panasonic Lumix Cameras Ideal for Winter That Won’t End
Earlier this month that silly groundhog failed to see its shadow, and we were promised an early spring. Well, of course that isn’t happening. Parts of the country continue to be buried in snow, and since it doesn’t look like it will end for a while, we might as well enjoy it.
To that end capture these winter memories with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z210 hybrid digital compact camera. It features advanced GPS functionality, along with a 24mm ultra wide-angle, 16x optical zoom Leica DC lens. No mere point and shoot camera, this one features a 14.1megapixel MOS sensor and advanced image processor Venus Engine for 1,920×1,080 full-HD movie recording and high speed burst shooting.
And whether you hit the local slopes or want to head out on a global trek, this camera is ready to go. It features the built-in GPS system, where it can provide details on where the photo was taken with latitude and longitude automatically provided in the Exif data. Geo-tagged images can even be pinpointed on maps of social media Internet maps. Continue reading Panasonic Lumix Cameras Ideal for Winter That Won’t End
CES 2011: Kodak to Roll Out Burton Snowboard Branded Camera
Next week’s Consumer Electronics Show won’t have any shortage of cameras, but one camera is already leading the pack in style. This week Kodak announced a new marketing relationship with Burton Snowboards, and this will include the release of a special KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera, Burton Edition. It features the orange pixilated design of Burton’s popular Custom 154 Snowboard. So for the fashion forward boarders, it will practically be a match made in heaven.
The camera will be bundled with a camera holster that can be worn on the arm or leg, thus making this an easy camera to access during a day on the snow. It comes with a remote control, rechargeable battery and a 4GB SDHC Memory Card. This rugged HD video camera should prove tough enough, and it is waterproof for up to 10 feet, and can capture 1080p HD video as well as 5megapixel still images. It features electronic image stabilization and LCD Glare Shield, along with built-in software with USB output for easy editing – so you can put your “dailies” up to YouTube and Facebook. The only catch for those looking to grab one is that it won’t be available until later in January from Burton.com or Kodak.com (MSRP $199.95). In the meantime, if you head to Las Vegas next week you’ll be able to see it at the Kodak Booth.
Interbike 2010: Contour GPS Video Camera: Look Mom, No Hands
Take this for a ride. The Contour GPS camera shoots high-definition, 180p video while the built-in GPS tracks your trip in real-time. And then there’s the bonus that the camera mounts to a helmet, goggles or other article of clothing so your hands are free to grip handlebars, poles or a steering wheel. What would be the point of built-in GPS if you weren’t on the move while filming?
The Contour GPS films what you see. It also takes data on the map, terrain, and gives you a hybrid view. So when you play back the video on your computer, and especially when you post it for your friends to see, a ticker on the map follows the action on trails, ski slopes, roads, rivers, or wherever you filmed. There’s no limit. 
The camera is just about to hit the market for $349.99.
Just keep in mind. The video is 1080p high definition. However expect a little jerky camera syndrome. If you have a camera mounted to your helmet, it sees what you see. And if you’re riding your bike on rocky, uneven terrain, the video will likely bounce around a little. It’s still exciting that you can film high-definition to show your friends that daring descent on a black diamond slope.
For some really amazing mountain biking, check out this video and make sure to watch the GPS tracking on the right.
Contour GPS official website
Video Camera Takes Action
When you pull off the perfect stunt, you want to keep that memory forever and subject your family and friends to repeat viewings. But not only is a video camera capable of filming in HD heavy, it won’t stand up to the abuse of the road, trail, water, freefall or other dirt you might get into. The ATC9K all-terrain video camera from Oregon Scientific has you covered from 12,500-plus feet above sea level to 56 feet below the surface.
The camera’s bright yellow and black casing is built to withstand the tumbles and rolls in the dirt that come with adventure. The camera is waterproof and shock-resistant, and has a mount to allow for strapping it to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard or snowboard. To minimize the shaky video footage you see on many sports videos, the ATC9K has a built-in G-sensor that measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time. An additional plug-in will enable PC-users to map the location, or the trip, where video was taken and tag it using Google Maps or Google Earth. When you ride your next century you can film the whole hundred miles and chart it on Google Maps to prove your distance and bragging rights.
To introduce the $299 camera, Oregon Scientific is running a video-upload contest on Facebook for a chance to win a prize worth $750.