These days it can seem like every netbook and notebook computer on earth comes with some sort of Webcam, but most desktop systems still don’t include that bit of hardware—which, for some people, represents a bit of cost savings but, if you want to do video chat or conferencing, it represents a major hassle. As such, the market for add-on Webcams is still going strong, and peripheral and accessory maker Logitech launched a major assault today, announcing no fewer than seven new models designed to appeal to all ranges of Webcam users, from folks who want a high-def experience to consumers looking for just the basics. Logitech is also using the camera as a way to push Vid, its own video chat software that lets folks connect to each other using just email addresses—no accounts or third-party software to mess with.
Tag Archive: carl zeiss optics
Nokia Brings 8 Megapixel N86 Smartphone to U.S.
Nokia is no stranger to the high-end smartphone market, but in the United States its most capable devices have never been a success compared to the mobile platforms like the BlackBerry, the iPhone, and even Windows Mobile devices…in part because the Finnish maker has often decided to bring its most sophisticated handsets to the U.S. market without a carrier partner, meaning they carry significant sticker shock compared to subsidized offerings on other platforms. Now, Nokia is bringing its N86 smartphone to the United States, hoping the 8 megapixel camera, adjustable aperture, and Carl Zeiss optics will appeal to folks who want both a smartphone and a competent digital camera…but will the price tag keep them away?
Nokia N97 Lands In the United States
Nokia has formally launched its top-flight Internet-enabled N97 smartphone in the United States, and (as usual for its high-end devices) is going it alone without a carrier partner. Nokia announced the N97 over six months ago (Digital Trends got a look at it in April), but is finally getting around to bringing it to the U.S. market: the N97 represents the upper crust of Nokia’s phone line, and the company is touting it as an always-connected, personalized Internet device that enables customers to “know it as it happens.” And for $699 on top of a carrier plan, they’d better be comfortable paying to know.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50-S Review
Quote from the review at Trusted Reviews:
“Panasonic has teamed up with photography legend Leica to produce the Lumix range of digital cameras. This kind of dual branding has worked very well for Sony, which partnered itself with Carl Zeiss in order to gain some instant kudos in photography circles. The Sony technology coupled with the Carl Zeiss optics, made for some excellent digital cameras and has put Sony on a par with Canon, Nikon, Fuji Film and Olympus, in all the digital camera sectors, bar SLR. The Panasonic model is pretty much identical to Sony’s with Leica making the lens and Panasonic producing the hardware that surrounds it.”
Sony DCR-IP1 MICROMV released
Weighing just 8 ounces with pint-size measurements of 1 9/16 inches x 3 5/8 inches x 2 3/4 inches, the new camcorder is about the size of a deck of cards and slips into a shirt pocket with ease.
“The IP1 looks so good and feels so light, you can’t resist picking it up and taking it with you wherever you go” said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Personal Mobile Imaging Division at Sony Electronics.
Sony intros smallest tape camcorder to date
Weighing just 8 ounces with pint-size measurements of 1 9/16 inches x 3 5/8 inches x 2 3/4 inches, the new
camcorder is about the size of a deck of cards and slips into a shirt pocket with ease.
“The IP1 looks so good and feels so light, you can’t resist picking it up and taking it with you wherever you go” said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Personal Mobile Imaging Division at Sony Electronics.
Sony’s intros DCR-PC105 Mini DV Handycam
Weighing in at about 16 ounces, the compact camcorder combines a one-megapixel imager with Carl Zeiss® optics
to produce video with 520 lines of horizontal resolution that has crisp detail and color clarity. The new camcorder also incorporates an intelligent pop-up flash to ensure that the still images (1152 X 864) are captured in bright and vivid resolution even in tough lighting situations.
In addition to its slimmed down design, the new camcorder features a futuristic two-tone finish of silver and metallic blue.
“This Handycam camcorder exemplifies Sony’s strength in miniaturization and style,” said Steve Haber, senior vice president of the Digital Imaging Products Division at Sony Electronics.


