Olympus Gets Tough Again

Olympus-Stylus-TG-3Olympus has risen – with a new rugged camera we mean. The new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 is ready to go where the adventure takes you. It is freezeproof to -14 degrees F, waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof from seven feet, crushproof to 220 lbs., and dustproof. It features a high-speed f2.0 lens, 16MP backlit CMOS sensor, and TruePic VII image processor, which are joined by 1080p Full HD video recording, a 3-inch LCD monitor, GPS, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Olympus Official Website

Panasonic Gets Wearable

HX-A500The wearable market is hot and Panasonic is on board with the first 4K/30p Wearable Camera, the HX-A500 (A500). It features Wi-Fi and NFC to allow for quick connectivity to a mobile device.

The main unit of this camera is separate from the lens so it can be mounted at face level to provide hands-free shooting, while the main body offers a 1.50inch LCD monitor for previewing or reviewing recordings. This camera can record up to 30 minutes of video in 4K, and while not the most rugged device on the market it offers an IPX8 waterproof rating, and can survive in up to three meters (about 10 feet) of water. It is also rated IPX5 for dust.

The A500 also offers a 1080p option at 60fps, 720p at 120fps and 480p at 240fps crawl – the latter options allowing for true “slo-mo” recording. Continue reading Panasonic Gets Wearable

Tagged!

SkirmosLaser tag is a good way to get kids away from the video games and get them actually moving around, but that typically means heading to somewhere to play or buying expensive equipment. Skirmos has launched a Kickstarter campaign to develop an open source laser tag system that allows players to create their own electronic battlefield.

It all is built around a white laser tag gun (seen above), which has been designed so that cannot be easily mistaken for a real weapon. We know some parents might not like the concept of a gun in any shape or form for kids, but this one features a transparent design with RGB LEDs that change colors, and the developers have vowed to never make these look like real firearms.

The gun will feature an LCD HUD that can track objectives, timers, ammo and even health as well as “kills/deaths.” This is a war game after all, and one that should get the kids’ hearts racing in a good way.  It could be the ultimate first person shooter. Video after the jump

Cavalry Charge

Cavalry-7x50Call out the cavalry! Or at least head out with the Celestron Cavalry 7×50 Binoculars with GPS, which feature (as the name implies) integrated GPS, as well as a digital compass and reticle. This can help you determine the direction and distance of objects.

These would be ready for a cavalry charge thanks to the rubber armored exterior and waterproof construction. Nitrogen purging prevents lens got, while the olive drab color just has that cool military look. These provide a wide view of view, and there is even a built-in LCD screen that provides data on coordinates, altitude, and a compass readout.

Celestron Cavalry 7×50 Binocular with GPS, Digital Compass & Reticle

Drift This Way

Drift-GhostDrift Innovation has announced that its new action camera, the Drift Ghost S, is ready for an adventure. The company claims this one has the longest battery life – three and a half hours – of any wearable camera on the market. The camera also offers a built-in two-inch LCD screen and it is designed to be waterproof up to nine feet by itself or up to 196 feet with a special case.

It can shoot 1080p video at 60fps and offers a 300-degree rotating lens, Wi-Fi video streaming while recording and it even comes with a two-way remote control. This does appear to be a Ghost that offers the most!

Drift Innovation Official Website

Interbike 2012: Eyes in the Back of Your Bike

We’ve seen a few camera mounts that provide that “rear view” for riders and at last week’s Interbike trade show the Hindsight 35 was one that truly could turn heads – or rather keep riders from turning their heads.  This offers a seat post mounted digital camera that provides the view from behind as a handlebar mounted display allows riders to see with just a downward glance. Continue reading Interbike 2012: Eyes in the Back of Your Bike

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

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.

Kodak Official Website

Burton Snowboard Official Website