Sony’s W370 and W350 Cameras Are First CCD Cameras With Sweep Panorama [Cameras]

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Sony's announced a glut of new cameras today at CES, but instead of going through all 20-odd of them, I'm only going to show you the best. You deserve the best. Here's two of them, the DSC-W370 and DSC-W350.

The 14-megapixel Cybershot DSC-W370 and DSC-W350 have CCD image sensors with Sweep Panorama for capturing places like the Grand Canyon in one big movement. The W370 takes 243 degree shots and the W350 takes 268-degree shots, with the images coming in 7152 x 1080 size. Both models have 7x zoom lenses, Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and can record video in 720p (with a HDMI output for connecting to a TV.)

The W350, which takes slighter better Panorama pics, is also Sony's smallest camera for the year. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 26mm lens and 4x optical zoom. The W350 is on sale this month for $200, and the W370 will be on sale a few months later, in March, for $230. [Sony]



Hands On With Motorola Backflip, A Folding Android Phone [Android]

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Think of it like a Cliq, but with a folding instead of a sliding keyboard, so the screen doesn't cover so much of the keyboard when it's open.

Motorola says the guts are basically the same as the Cliq's, so expect a performance level on par with that and not the Droid. Slower, is what I'm saying. Here's the Cliq review to refresh yourself.

The keyboard is interesting, and each key has more surface area, but is more flush with the surface. Usually keys that are more raised to give more tactile feeling type better, and our quick one sentence hands on with it basically gave us that impression as well. But on the bright side, the flip mechanism means that the keyboard can take up the entire surface, so there's no reaching for the keys over a D-pad like the Droid.

There's a scrollpad on the back of the phone, underneath the screen, for scrolling around the OS and web pages with. It's like a trackpad for a laptop, or the scrollball on the Nexus One. Not all that useful on Android, actually, unless you're reading a very long webpage that needs scrolling.

It will have a North American carrier, but Motorola can't say who yet. Blur looks exactly the same here as it does on the Cliq, so it's kind of unlikely that T-Mobile will have two phones that are basically the same phone, so I'm thinking AT&T? Maybe? Update: Probably AT&T, because we SAW IT THIS MORNING. Not sure why Sanjay Jha is being so evasive when he stood in front of a 15-foot photo of it earlier today. Thanks commenters!



Panasonic SC-HTB1 Stuffs a Subwoofer Into a Soundbar [Panasonic]

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The new SC-HTB1 home theater audio system is fed up with subwoofers thinking they're sooooo special. So it decided to put the bass in its place: inside the soundbar.

An all-in-one speaker system is a boon to the space-challenged studio dwellers out there: the entire set-up is a single soundbar that rests in front of your TV. The SC-HTB1 also has a streamlined, plug-and-play HDMI set-up and Clear-Mode Dialogue, which directs the sound to seem like it's coming from the center of the display.

There's no word yet on pricing and availability, but if the bass is halfway decent and the price is right, this could be a great solution to a cramped home theater space.

Panasonic Debuts Its First Audio System With Integrated Subwoofer in Slim Speaker Bar Design

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic today introduced its first audio theater system, the new SC-HTB1, designed as a slim single bar-type speaker system with integrated subwoofer for rich, low-noise bass. The SC-HTB1 fits neatly in front of the TV and offers enhanced sound quality as an easy-to-install, stylish alternative to a speaker sound system or the sound system built into a television.

With the SC-HTB1, dialogue becomes crisp, clear and easy to understand. This is made possible by Clear-Mode Dialogue, which makes the sound seem like it is coming from the center of the TV display. With more precise linking of the picture and the sound, the result is clean sound for dialogue voices on video and vocals on music.

The SC-HTB1 gives a rich sound experience that belies its sleek and compact silhouette. With the Advanced Bamboo Cone Speakers, the sound becomes much more responsive with vocals, and the dialogue becomes crisp and easy to understand. The integrated subwoofer delivers rich bass sound with minimal noise by canceling unwanted vibration with two speaker units reversely facing each other.

Connection and installation of the SC-HTB1 could not be easier, thanks to its compatibility with ARC (Audio Return Channel). Simply place it in front of the TV and connect it to the TV with just one HDMI cable.



Lenovo Android LePhone Has Gesture Support and Snapdragon Chip [Phones]

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Lenovo has really impressed at CES this year, with the UI hybrid and Skylight, and now its first smartphone, called LePhone. Despite its French-sounding name, this baby is destined for China only.

Interestingly, the 3.7-inch touchscreen Android phone comes with a dock, which then gives it a QWERTY keyboard, long-life battery and inbuilt speakers. Again, like the UI Hybrid tablet/laptop, this LePhone gives two options for use.

The LePhone will be on sale in China in the first half of 2010, and running Android 1.6 it'll also have Lenovo's skin over the top. Internally it's all running on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, which is certainly he flavor of the past few months for smartphones. Two cameras, one forward-facing and one back-facing,

Located on the side of the LePhone is a button which turns on gesture support, which can be used with Google Maps. Moving the phone around in front of you will determine the angle in which you see the map.

It's an exciting first move for Lenovo, and hopefully we'll see it given a release date outside of China. [Information Week]

Image Credit: Pocket-Lint



TC-L42D2 and TC-L37D2 Are Panasonic’s First LED LCD HDTVs: Small, No 3D, iPod Dock [HDTVs]

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Panasonic is super into plasmas, being the king of them and all. But their LCD line is getting a top model with 1080p and LED backlights. They also have wide viewing angle high contrast IPS panels.

The models also have ipod docks and photo viewing capabilities, as well as 24 frame support, 4 hdmi inputs and well, I just wish they were a little bigger but you generally don't go to Panny for LEDs anyhow.
[PRNewswire]





Panasonic’s New HD Camcorders Take Videos of Things in HD [Camcorders]

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We've seen Panny's standard-def camcorders, but here are Panasonic's three new HD cams. The HDC-HS60, HDC-TM55 and HDC-SD60 are all compact, LCD touchscreen camcorders with 35.7mm wide-angle lenses and a healthy 25x optical zoom. And that's just the basics.

They're also the first Panasonic camcorders capable of recognizing up to six faces in view. And the zoom can extend to 35x for those occasions when you need to spy on the house one further down the block. They all have face recognition, allowing you to pick a face to keep focus on in a shot, as well as a wind noise canceller and an Eco Mode that turns off the power after five minutes of dormancy.

Pricing and availability will be announced "30 days prior to shipping date," which we don't know yet. But know that at least you'll have a month to mull it over.

Panasonic Unveils New Full HD Camcorders, Ideal for Casual Shooters Looking for Portability and HD Quality

Equipped with Wide-Angle Lenses and Extended Zooms, Panasonic's New HD Camcorders, including the HDC-TM55, Provide Increased Shooting Ranges

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic today introduces new full High Definition (HD) camcorders to its 2010 line, which includes three compact and stylish models, the HDC-HS60, HDC-TM55, HDC-SD60 - perfect for users wanting portability, without sacrificing HD quality. All new Panasonic HD camcorders feature a 35.7mm wide-angle lens, ideal for capturing a variety of different shooting situations, such as self-portraits, indoor group shots and outdoor landscapes.

Panasonic's three lightweight and stylish introductory HD camcorder models, the HDC-HS60, HDC-TM55 and HDC-SD60 may be ultra-compact in size, but these models all feature a powerful 25x optical zoom. And with Panasonic's new Intelligent Zoom feature, the new HD camcorders can extend to a 35x zoom. Intelligent Zoom corrects image degradation in ordinary digital zooming to deliver stunningly clear HD quality, even with the zoom fully extended.

"Consumer demand for High Definition camcorders continues to grow, so Panasonic's 2010 line of camcorders introduces some models intended for users new to HD camcorders - so they are small, compact and easy-to-use," said Chuck Kirkman, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. "The Panasonic HS60, TM55 and SD60 are intuitive camcorders that deliver full High Definition video that users will be proud to show their friends and family, either from a computer or a High Definition television."

All three new models expand Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto) with the addition of Face Recognition, a feature that lets the user register up to six faces and the camcorder will then automatically prioritize focus and exposure on the registered face(*1). In addition, the focus continues to track the subject as the person moves anywhere within the LCD frame, making it easy to focus on a specified person in a group. Other iA features include: AF/AE Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Contrast Control, Face Detection and POWER O.I.S. POWER O.I.S., new to the 2010 line of HD camcorder is approximately five times the corrective power of previous versions and helps suppress blurring from low-frequency vibration. Also, all models feature Active mode in POWER O.I.S. which minimizes the blurring while the user is moving and walking.

All Panasonic camcorders record content to SDHC/SD Memory Cards and the new SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic's newly announced 64 GB(*2) SDXC Memory Card - to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. The hybrid HS60 camcorder can also record data onto its large 120 GB(*2) Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and can copy recorded video from a card to the HDD, or vice versa, with a simple one-touch operation. The Twin Memory version, the HDC-TM55, records to its 8 GB(*2) built-in memory and the SD60, recording to memory card only, is highly resistant to impacts since it has no drive mechanism.

Other features included on the 2010 Panasonic HD Camcorder line:

* Eco Mode(*3): Automatically turns off the power when the camcorder is not operated for five minutes, reducing wasteful energy use and saving battery power.
* Wind Noise Canceller: New feature that automatically detects and suppresses wind noise to help ensure natural sounds with lifelike ambience.
* Touch-Screen Operation: Touch-screen icons displayed on the LCD lets users operate a variety of functions intuitively without taking their eyes off of the subject they are recording.
* Auto Power LCD: Automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen according to the shooting environment. In dark places, the screen brightness is reduced to 1/3 the normal level. In bright outdoor places, the screen brightness is double the normal level.
* VIERA Link(TM): Connect a Panasonic HD Camcorder to a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV via an HDMI mini cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV's remote control and follow on-screen prompts.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic HDC-HS60, HDC-TM55, HDC-SD60 High Definition camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black. For more information on these models, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/CES2010.

*1 Depending on background and facial expression, camcorder may not recognize a registered person. For family members with similar facial features, camera may not correctly identify the intended subject.

*2 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes.

*3 Set to ON when shipped from the factory.



Sony’s MDR-NC300D Headphones Brings Their Digital Noise Canceling To Earbuds [Sony]

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Sony's MDR-NC300D digital noise canceling earbuds use the same technology found in Sony's top of the line, and very much respected, MDR-NC500D over the ear headphones, and at $300 these earbuds ain't cheap but they might actually be worth it.

Sony claims these earbuds have 98.4 percent ambient noise reduction, which is the result of their digital high-quality noise canceling technology. Using the same AI feature found in the over the ear bigger brother, the earbuds will have three noise canceling settings geared for plane, bus/train and office. The earbuds are powered by one AA batter with an approximate 20 hours of batter life and feature volume control and monitor button on the battery holder / controller.

The MDR-NC300D will be available next month for a whopping $300, but seeing how good their over the ear MDR-NC500D are for frequent flayers, these earbuds might be the right buy. For the right person that is...



Sony Bloggie Camcorders Have a Crap Name But Great Spec [Camcorders]

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Last year, Sony threw us the Webbie mini camcorder. This year, it's the Bloggie. Will next year's pico-camcorder be called the Tweetie? The RSSfeedie? The Faxmachinie?

There's three Bloggie models this year, the MHS-PM5, MHS-PM5K and MHS-CM5. All three film in 1080p video and take 5.0-megapixel photos. The CM5 brings a much-needed feature to the pocket-cam set—an optical zoom (in this case, 5x). Finally!

The lenses of the PM5 and PM5K swivel in 270-degrees for that perfect "MySpace snap" that the Bloggie users will be craving, and are connectable via USB to both PC and Mac. What separates the PM5 and PM5K is that the latter can shoot 360-degree videos, via a lens adapter. All three accept either SD or Memory Stick, which is good because none have any internal memory.

SteadyShot image stabilization is only available when shooting in the 720p resolution with 30fps, so watch out for those shaky hands when shooting in 1080p with 30fps. 6-inch LCD screens feature on all models and the CM5 one also has an HDMI connector. Update: The Bloggie line will be available in February, with the CM5 going for $200 and the PM5 coming in at $180. [Sony]



Testing the First 3D DirecTV Broadcast: Surprisingly Decent [3D]

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I've seen 3D on every type of TV/glasses combo, but up until now, the video feed itself was always streamed from Blu-ray. So with DirecTV announcing three 3D HD channels arriving in 2010, I just had to try it out.

My verdict: After about 5 minutes of watching the feed on a 50-ish inch Panasonic plasma (using shutter glasses, of course), I think DirecTV's broadcast is about as good as any 3D I've seen for the home theater market.

Really, while I despise the low quality of my HD DirecTV channels at home, the 3D stream gliding to the floor of CES is not nearly as compressed as the crap subscribers have been looking at. It's actually quite sharp—as sharp as any 3D I've seen.

But that's not to say the same issues I have with shutter glasses 3D aren't there—I still feel an inherent distance from the screen, and frame rates tend to get choppy on sports—choppier, I suspect, than the sports footage I've seen on 3D Blu-ray. Skin tones, too, seemed to be lacking that extra bit of color data that makes them pop—and color information is the first thing to go in video compression (but without a side-by-side of the same TV with the same video clip, it's tough to control for the testing).

Footage of Toy Story 2, meanwhile, was fairly brilliant (and colorful!), as were the crashing white caps of a waterfall from some nameless nature documentary. As sharp as Blu-ray (for all intents and purposes), I have to say, DirecTV sure can make a pretty picture when they're trying.

It's just too bad that DirecTV needs the pressure of 3D to do it, and 5 minutes of the experience gave me a headache that's still bothering me even now.



Sony’s F-, Y-, and Z-Series Notebooks Boast Multimedia Goodness [Vaio]

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Sony is beefing up their VAIO line with three new notebooks, the F-, Y- and W-Series, and is refreshing their VAIO Z-Series. The four new models are available with Blu-ray drives as well as Sony's Transfer Jet technology.

The Sony VAIO Z-Series, with a 13.1" LED backlit screen, weighs only three pounds, thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber body. This road warrior can still kick back and entertain, with a Blu-ray optical drive and HDMI out for movie time. The Z-Series will use solid state drives of up to 512 GB and come with optional 3G connectivity from Verizon. Pre-orders are available now with configurations starting at $1000.

The F-Series is a multi-media affair, with a 16.4" 16:9 screen, and an optional Blu-ray drive to take advantage of that wide aspect ratio. Of course, it pumps out video in full 1080p and boasts an Intel Core i7 processor. It will be available sometime in the spring for around $1900.

The VAIO Y-Series is a 13.3" LED, 3.9lb notebook based on affordability and portability. It's stuck with a Intel Core 2 Duo, but at only $800 makes for a good value. Pre-sales start today.

Sony VAIO Z-Series

Ultra-Mobility Meets Ultra-Performance

At just over three pounds, the Z notebook is housed in a durable carbon-fiber aluminum chassis and delivers all the features found in a full-sized PC including the latest powerful Intel® processor technology.

It incorporates a 13.1-inch (diagonal) high-resolution LED backlight screen, delivering a bright picture with 100 percent color saturation (select models) while conserving power and providing a wide spectrum of true-to-life colors.

The Z model has an optional Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drive for enjoying, creating and storing high-definition content. Watch BD movies in stunning clarity while on the road or utilize the HDMI output during meetings and make presentations come to life in full 1080 HD resolution. Compatible HDTV and HDMI cable required, sold separately.

-more-

A dynamic hybrid graphics system lets you easily set your graphics performance to provide power when you need it and energy savings to extend battery life when you do not. Select "speed" for maximum power when multi-tasking, "stamina" to conserve energy or "auto" to have the unit select the appropriate computing usage for you.

The PC integrates wireless 3G Mobile Broadband technology provided by Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In (optional), Wi-Fi® (802.11n), and Bluetooth® wireless technologies-so you will always be connected. For 3G Mobile Broadband technology, a separate Verizon service subscription is required (fees apply).

The Z Series comes exclusively in solid state drive (SSD) models-up to 512GB. Faster and more durable, the SSD unit provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications than is typical of standard hard drives.

Sony VAIO F-Series

Multi-media Powerhouse

Featuring a 16.4-inch (diagonal) screen, the VAIO F Series is the ultimate multi-media, entertainment notebook. It incorporates an optional Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive so it can play high-definition content like movies in Full 1080 HD resolution as well as record, store and playback personal content on high-capacity BD media (select models).

Its display is ideal for watching Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit's extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, it also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience.

An NVIDIA® GeForce® dedicated graphics card provides high-definition graphics processing for intense gaming action without placing huge demands on the unit's CPU.

Launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies. Import your photos and video, choose a theme and soundtrack, click finish and the software does the rest, generating a professional-looking movie complete with special effects.

The PC incorporates Sony's own Transfer Jet™ technology (select models) enabling you to wirelessly transfer digital photos from select digital cameras-quickly and easily. Simply place your camera on the palm rest and your digital images transfer automatically. A Transfer Jet enabled digital camera and Memory Stick® are required.

It packs an Intel® CoreTM i7 Processor with 4 cores and supports Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies delivering the performance needed for multitasking.

Both notebooks come equipped with an assist button that links directly to VAIO Care™ software to help maintain and troubleshoot any issues. They also incorporate backlit keyboards for typing in dark situations.

The Z Series comes with Windows® 7 Professional operating system. The F Series is loaded with Windows Home Premium 64-Bit operating system.

The VAIO Z Series will retail for about $1,900 and be available in late spring. For more information on the Z Series log on to http://www.sony.com/pr/zseries.

The F Series will start at around $1,000 and is available online today for pre-orders at http://www.sony.com/pr/fseries. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and at other major retailers around the country.

Sony VAIO Y-Series

MEDIA ALERT: NEW Sony notebook DELIVERS PORTABILITY AND PERFORMACE AT AFFORDABLE PRICE

Subject: Media Alert: VAIO® Y Series Notebook Ideal for Those On-the-Go

WHO: Great for students and anyone who is constantly on the move, the VAIO Y® Series notebook offers premium portability and serious power at an affordable price. A breeze to carry at just 3.9 lbs, this PC features a durable magnesium casing and delivers up to seven hours of battery life for true mobile freedom.

WHAT: With a thin 1.2-inch profile, the Y Series notebook delivers both portability and performance. An optional Intel® Core™ 2 Duo ultra-low voltage processor and up to 8GBs of RAM help ensure that this PC delivers the power to meet your computing demands, whether running multiple programs or streaming movies over a wireless connection.

The 13.3-inch LED backlit widescreen display on the Y Series offers lower power consumption for improved battery life while providing incredibly high brightness levels that amplify colors and deliver clear, crisp picture quality.

Whether a TV show or sharing photos and home videos, the Y Series notebook lets you view content on your compatible big-screen at an incredibly high level of resolution. An HDMI™ output delivers both your video and audio to compatible televisions and displays via a single cable (sold separately), providing the optimal digital connection.

It is also equipped with Stereo Bluetooth® technology for streaming CD-quality music and audio from your notebook to other compatible devices, such as wireless Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

A precisely engineered keyboard creates a more intuitive typing experience on the Y Series while helping to reduce mistakes and a built-in camera and microphone provides easy video messaging with friends and family.

WHERE: The VAIO Y Series starts at $800 and is available starting today for pre-sales, at Sony Style stores around the country. To find the closest Sony Style store, please visit: http://www.sony.com/pr/yseries.



Vaio W Series Eco-Edition Saves Earth, Hugs Trees [Sony]

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Sony's new Vaio W series "eco-edition" is so green—(how green is it?)—that it doesn't even have a printed manual. Its materials are all recycled, and would make a great accompaniment for a Prius. Update: Hands-on!

So I just played around with the Vaio W, and it's disappointingly low-end. It does have the new Pine Trail Atoms, but they have no plans to add video acceleration (like the Ion or Broadcom) which means it pretty much can't handle much heavy work. It's also running exclusively Windows 7 Starter. The environmental stuff is kind of cool; the lid, palm-rest and bottom panel are all made from 80% recycled material, and 20% of that is from recycled CDs and DVDs. But on the other hand, it's available only at Sony Style stores and it's going to cost a totally unreasonable $530. For that kind of money you can get a very respectable ultrathin or at least a netbook with Ion graphics.

MEDIA ALERT: Sony Launches Eco-Friendly VAIO Mini PC Comprised OF ENVIROMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS

SUBJECT: Media Alert: Perfect for Casual Computing, VAIO W Series Mini Notebook is Now Eco-Friendly

WHO: Great for environmentalists and families alike, the VAIO W® Series Eco Edition 212AX mini notebook features a reprocessed plastic chassis comprised of approximately 20 percent recycled CDs. It also comes in a stylish reusable carrying-case made from recycled PET bottles-no wasted cardboard packaging.

Committed to the environment, Sony also features trade-in and recycling programs. For more on Sony's proactive approach to creating products that grow out of greener thinking please visit: http://www.sony.com/green.

WHAT: An ideal secondary PC, the VAIO W Series is ideal for anyone who wants casual computing, web browsing and social networking at their fingertips.

It also comes with parental controls built-in so you can create a safe on-line experience for kids. Featuring Kidzui and Online Family Norton software, kids have the freedom to learn, play, search and discover sites on the Internet while it gives parents the tools to manage the sites they visit.

The W Series has a HD (1366x768) 10.1-inch LED backlit widescreen display that lets you view an entire web page side-to-side on a single screen.

Its roomy 250GB hard drive for all your on-screen media – movies, photos and videos – just like that of a full-size PC. And with a long battery life, users can get up to seven hours of use on a single charge.

The VAIO W Series Eco Edition comes in sugar white with a translucent green interior. It is equipped with Microsoft® Windows® 7 Starter operating system.

WHERE: The VAIO W Series Eco Edition mini notebook starts at $480 and is available starting today for pre-sales, at Sony Style stores around the country. To find the closest Sony Style store, please visit: http://www.sony.com/pr/wseries.



Panasonic Adds Standard Def SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50 To Camcorder Range [Camcorders]

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All three new camcorders from Panasonic—the SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50—have 33mm wide-angle lenses and 78x zooms, and while pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet, they sound decent enough. That aforementioned 78x zoom is enhanced optical, but true optical is 70x. Panasonic's also updated the range with a Wind Noise Canceller which detects and cancels wind noise when filming, something that's much-needed in my experience with them.

Announced today was Samsung's support of SDXC cards, and these three camcorders use those along with the usual SD and SDHC. The SDR-H85 also has an 80GB HDD and the SDR-T50 has 4GB flash storage. The H.264/AVC format is used for all three models, and YouTube uploading also. As said before, no word on pricing or availability, but if you're at all familiar with Panasonic's camera range.

Full release as follows:

oday, Panasonic introduced three additions to its 2010 standard definition camcorder lineup - the SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50, designed to be portable, durable and high-performing. These camcorders may be small in size, but they have impressive features: a 33mm(*1) wide-angle and a long, powerful 78x ultra zoom - giving them remarkable range for capturing video both far and wide. Panasonic's new camcorder models are packed with enhanced features to help make shooting quality video easy, including the new Active mode for the Advanced O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), helping to suppress blur even if the user is moving and when the powerful zooms are extended.

The SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50 all feature a 70x optical zoom lens with an Enhanced Optical 78x Zoom function - meaning the camcorder uses the effective area of the CCD to further extend zooming power at the wide-angle setting. This makes it possible to capture images of vast landscapes and pull in distant subjects for dynamic close-ups. The new Wind Noise Canceller automatically detects and suppresses wind noise to maintain natural sounds. All three camcorders also feature Advanced O.I.S. which detects and corrects hand-shake at a rate of 4,000 times per second to help capture stable images.

"The 2010 lineup of Panasonic standard definition camcorders meets the needs of all users, offering compact bodies for mobility, a stylish look and feel, versatility and top-of-the-line features, including enhanced zoom capability, easy recording and convenient uploading and playback," said Chuck Kirkman, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. "The advanced, intuitive features of these new models make the video capturing experience, easy and enjoyable."

The 33mm Wide-Angle setting found on these camcorders is especially useful when shooting video indoors or in tight spaces - making it possible to shoot at a close distance from the subject while still fitting the surrounding area into the frame. The Wide-Angle setting also has the added benefit of allowing the subject's voice to be clearly captured, which is an important element of recording videos. The new Wide-Angle setting captures beautiful images of wide landscapes and allows large groups of people to fit into the frame, making it highly versatile for use in all kinds of shooting situations.

All Panasonic camcorders can record to SDXC, SDHC, or SD Memory Cards. In addition, the SDR-H85 records onto an 80 GB(*2) hard disk drive, which stores approximately 74 hours and 30 minutes of data (in LP mode) - making it ideal for recording long events and for use on extended trips. The H85 also protects data with its durable memory storage system that requires no drive mechanism, and an Anti-Shock Shield that helps protect the built-in hard disk from external impact. Additionally, the H85 simplifies the process of copying recordings from a memory card or hard disk to a DVD by simply connecting the camcorder to a DVD burner.

Panasonic's Twin Memory Camcorder - the SDR-T50 has built-in memory of 4 GB (holding 3 hours and 20 minutes) and is equipped with a relay recording function that automatically changes the recording media to the SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card when the built-in memory becomes full to ensure uninterrupted recording. The tough, compact bodies allow for easy transport and high resistance to impact. The SDR-S50 has a compact body, superb resistance to external impact and portability for use anywhere and records to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards only. Video clips recorded on an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card are supported by the VIERA Image Viewer function so they can be played by simply inserting the card into the card slot of a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV(*3) for large-screen viewing.

Other features found on all three camcorders include, iA (Intelligent Auto) with AF/AE Tracking, 1.9-sec(*4) Quick Power-On, Long Recording Mode, and Easy YouTube Uploading. The iA function, which automatically selects the most suitable shooting mode, has evolved even further and now includes an AF/AE Tracking feature, which tracks a moving subject to continuously optimize image quality. A new Intelligent Contrast Control, which automatically adjusts brightness to maintain the best possible contrast, has also been added to the three advanced functions from previous models, including Face Detection, Advanced O.I.S., and Intelligent Scene Selector.

Panasonic's Quick Power-On feature helps capture candid shots, while also saving energy by allowing the user to keep the LCD closed and the power off when not shooting. Long Recording Mode, which allows for double the record time as the normal record mode, is made possible by the camcorders' support of the H.264/AVC format with its higher compression ratio. Available on all three Panasonic camcorders, YouTube(*5) Uploading makes it fast and easy to upload clips by simply installing the VideoCam Suite software, which is included with each model.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic SDR-H85, SDR-T50 and SDR-S50 camcorders will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. All models will be available in black and the SDR-H85 and SDR-S50 will also have silver and red options. For more information on these models, please visit: http://www.panasonic.com/CES2010.



Sony’s GPS- and Compass-Enabled Camera Knows Where You Photograph [Sony]

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Sony just announced a Cyber-Shot point-and-shoot camera with both GPS and a digital compass, so you can use Google Maps to find the best shooting spot in your area. Plus, it's packing an impressively high-end sensor.

These cameras are also capable of some pretty impressive video—AVCD in 60i, in full HD resolution. They're not just gimmicks; these guys have got some game.

SONY UNVEILS FIRST COMPACT DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS WITH

HIGH DEFINITION 1080i AVCHD VIDEO CAPABILITY

Models Also Add High Dynamic Range, TransferJet and GPS + Compass Technologies

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – Sony took the wraps off two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras today that create a new standard of mobility with technologies that answer consumers' on-the-go needs.

Sony has designed two new innovative Cyber-shot cameras (models DSC-HX5V and DSC-TX7) that are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include full HD (1920 x 1080 60i) Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) video capability. They are also the world's smallest and thinnest AVCHD capable cameras.

These are the first Cyber-shot cameras with an in-camera Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for managing difficult lighting situations and TransferJet™ wireless technology for sharing, storing and viewing images. The HX5V model is also the world's first still camera to include GPS + Compass and Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode technologies.

With Sony's "Exmor R" back illuminated CMOS sensor technology, these cameras provide excellent low-light performance, 10fps burst shooting and the new Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature.

In addition to its cameras, Sony introduced three other devices with TransferJet technology at CES, including a Sony Memory Stick® memory card (model MS-JX8G) with a wireless transmitter/receiver, a Sony TransferJet Station (model TJS-1) and a VAIO® F Series notebook.

"Adding to the outstanding low-light performance and impressive Sweep Panorama feature, we are providing high-quality movies with full HD video, stereo sound recording when capturing movies on the go and an in-camera HDR solution for capturing high-contrast scenery. Sony can provide these solutions because of its expertise with other imaging products including Handycam® camcorders and ? DSLR cameras," said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. "Our goal is not only to make it easy for consumers to get the best shot-still or video-but also to have the best sharing experience."

High-Quality Stills and Videos

With the AVCHD format, these new cameras record movies in 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution at 60i in 17Mbps. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, it can be played back on your HDTV using most Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony® PlayStation®3 systems and compatible Blu-ray Disc enabled PCs. In addition to the supplied PMB software for Windows users, it is also possible to edit recorded AVCHD file using iMovie® for Macintosh users.

The camera will also capture videos in the MP4 format (up to 1440 x1080 30p 12Mbps) for online sharing.

Managing Difficult Lighting

The HX5V and TX7 cameras offer in-camera multi-shot High Dynamic Range (HDR), which combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image-even without a tripod.

HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony's "Exmor R" sensor and BIONZ™ processor help to correct these issues.

Impressive Panoramas

The HX5V and TX7 cameras have an Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature that captures wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy "press and sweep" motion. Due to their "Exmor R" CMOS sensor technology, they can take up to 270 and 258-degree panorama shots, respectively, horizontally or vertically with an image size of 7,152 x 1,080 (horizontal wide panorama mode). In addition, these cameras' Intelligent Sweep Panorama feature, which is comprised of up to 100 separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width of each picture while stitching them together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.

Relive the Experience

Ideal for travelers who take hundreds of photos, the in-camera GPS + Compass feature on the HX5V camera makes it easy to store and share the location and direction of where photos were taken.

With social networking sites becoming more popular, people want to share more details of their experiences. The GPS + Compass feature provides a fun new way to share where they were — beyond the location. Using the free online satellite imagery application, Google Earth™ mapping service, users can view the images from a bird's eye view or from the direction in which the photo was taken. The GPS function automatically adjusts the camera's internal clock by selecting the travelling area, without the hassle of setting the time manually.

A Wireless Way of Sharing, Storing and Viewing

TransferJet technology, which was developed by Sony and is supported by a consortium of other companies, allows you to transfer files between two TransferJet-enabled devices just by bringing the TransferJet marks on each product within one inch of each other without the hassle of hunting for cables or the complication of pairing. To transfer photos, TransferJet-enabled still cameras must each utilize the TransferJet Memory Stick media (sold separately).

TransferJet technology is perfect for sharing on the go. You can select up to 10 pictures and transfer them from camera to camera. For storing images, you can place the HX5V or TX7 cameras on the lower left-hand corner of the VAIO F Series notebook and import photos. For sharing at home on devices which do not have the technology, you can connect the TransferJet Station to devices with a type-A USB port, including your TV, digital photo frame or PlayStation®3.

Designed for Technology Enthusiasts

With the most innovative digital imaging technologies, the HX5V camera is ideal for everyone from travelers to party-goers. The multi-occasion camera features a 10 megapixel "Exmor R" sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen (measured diagonally) and a 10x optical zoom with wide-angle 25mm-250mm equivalent high-quality G lens allowing easy group shots and close ups when on the move.

In addition to its AVCHD video capability, the HX5V camera has Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you capture moving subjects such as kids walking or running. It allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion-10 times the range of the Optical Steady Shot™ feature at wide end in standard mode-during camera shake. The feature reduces camera shake so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move. The cameras also have an HDMI™ output adapter for easily connecting to an HDTV for viewing pictures and movies (HDMI cable required).

Powerful and Stylish

For those seeking a sleek, compact camera, the 10MP TX7 model is just under an inch thin and is slim enough to slip into a pocket or purse. The 3.5-inch (measured diagonally) high resolution (921K) touch LCD screen offers easy image scroll by simply swiping your finger across the display. The camera's high-performance Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical wide angle 25mm-100mm equivalent zoom lens brings distant subjects closer and Close Focus snaps close-ups in just under a half an inch from the subject.

The DSC-TX7 camera is also compatible with the Party-shot™ (model IPT-DS1) automatic photographer, which pans, tilts, zooms and adjusts composition to capture spontaneous images. Additionally, an embedded touch sensor located on the front edge illuminates when the TX7 camera is attached. By touching the sensor, the camera goes into the "On-demand shot" mode, which allows users to select the shutter timing without losing the advantage of Party-shot's built-in intelligence.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX7 and HX5V cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and SD/SDHC formats. Sony is also expanding its industry leading line of consumer media with the addition of SD/SDHC memory cards.

Additional features found on HX5V and TX7 include iAuto, which detects eight and nine scenes, respectively, and optimizes camera settings and Easy Mode, which simplifies the camera menu. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization reduces blur without impacting image quality, Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, which captures faces and smiles naturally.

A New Way to Share Photos and Videos Online

These models include Picture Motion Browser ("PMB") software for viewing, editing, organizing and uploading images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites.

This spring, Sony will launch a new service and a new integration with Facebook® allowing users to easily and quickly share their photos and videos privately with friends and family. The service and the integration will be available as a downloadable update to the "PMB" and "PMB portable" software applications that are embedded with bloggie™ and Cyber-shot cameras and bundled with Handycam® camcorders, bloggie cameras, Cyber-Shot cameras and ? cameras. The Facebook integration complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube™ and Picasa® Web Albums.

Pricing and Availability

The HX5V camera will be available in black this March for about $350, and the TX7 camera will be available in silver, blue and red this February for about $400. The TransferJet-enabled Memory Stick media will be available in January for about $100, and the station will be available in February for about $150. Pre-sales begin in January.

The cameras, Memory Stick, station, and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.



Panasonic’s Second-Gen DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 Portable Blu-ray Players Have Wi-Fi [Blu-Ray]

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The DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 Panasonic portable BLu-ray players have 10.1-inches and 8.9-inches respectively, as well as Wi-Fi for connectivity and an SD card slot for photo shows. They also have a USB port, Dolby Digital, DTS HD and Viera Link, all great for keeping your toddlers—who can't even tell the difference between SD and HD—entertained in restaurants.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic (NYSE: PC), a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, introduced the industry's only second generation portable Blu-ray Disc players at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Continuing Panasonic's tradition of presenting innovative entertainment products, the DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 are designed to provide the ultimate high definition experience for those traveling, as well as serving as an additional stand alone Blu-ray Disc player for use with multiple TVs, either in the home, a second vacation home or a hotel room.

Both the DMP-B500 and DMP-B100 feature much of the same state-of-the-art technology found in Panasonic's stand alone Blu-ray Disc players, including the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology, a proprietary technology developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, which assures the highest level picture quality. The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.

The B500 features an increased High Resolution WSVGA screen size to 10.1-inches, an expanded VIERA CAST internet functionality with Wi-Fi wireless LAN connection, an SD Memory card Slot that can playback digital still JPEG images and High Definition video (AVCHD), a USB port, Dolby® Digital and DTS(TM) HD and VIERA Link(TM), a technology that utilizes HDMI to enable control all VIERA Link combatable products with one remote. The B100 features an 8.9-inch High Resolution WSVGA screen, an SD Memory Card Slot for playback of JPEG images, an adjustable position screen, Dolby Digital and DTS HD. Both portable Blu-ray Disc players will be available in the Spring.

"Last year Panasonic was proud to introduce the unique and innovative, DMP-B15, the world's first portable Blu-ray player and this year Panasonic cements its industry leadership position as a pioneer in the development of audio/video products," said Richard Simone, Director, Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This continues our commitment to provide the consumer with state-of-the-art technology that is created to enhance ones' entertainment experience. With more people purchasing Blu-ray discs, there is a growing market for this product, a Blu-ray player that allows the consumer to view those Blu-ray titles while traveling. Plus, there is the added bonus that the B500 also provides a second player for use with any HDTV to provide true 1080p quality."

For 2010 Panasonic's VIERA CAST's content, found on the DMP-B500, has been expanded to include Netflix(TM), Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. Viera CAST continues to offer access to Amazon Video on Demand(TM), YouTube(TM), Picasa(TM) Web Albums, Bloomberg and a weather channel. VIERA CAST is accessed via an on-board Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi and therefore does not require any external set top boxes. The service is free, though there is a charge for movies streamed from Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix. Furthermore, as additional sites are added to the 2010 VIERA CAST service, they are added automatically.

In addition the design of the B500 and B100 has been refined. With a mono-arm design, the display angle of the B100 can be freely adjusted, while the photo stand-like design of the B500 allows for comfortable positions.



Fossil Footprints Show Animals Adventured Onto Land Earlier Than Thought | 80beats

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tetrapod-fossil-footprint-wScientists are pushing back the date that the first land-walkers stepped foot on solid ground. Thanks to the discovery of prehistoric footprints from an 8-foot-long animal, scientists now say creatures strolled the Earth 20 million years earlier than previously thought. The prints were made by tetrapods—animals with backbones and four limbs—and could rewrite the history of when, where, and why fish evolved limbs and first walked onto land, the study says [National Geographic News]. The researchers published their results in the journal Nature.

Dozens of the fossilized footprints were found in an abandoned quarry in Poland, and the researchers say that the area was probably a lagoon or an intertidal flat when the tetrapod wandered across it about 395 million years ago. Researchers say the footprints in such old rock was a big surprise: They’re about 10 million years older than body fossils of creatures such as Tiktaalik and Panderichthys, … believed to represent the transition from lobe-finned fish to creatures fully adapted to life on land [Science News].

The tracks were made by several four-limbed creatures sporting prehistoric toes. There are distinct “hand” and “foot” prints, with no evidence of a dragging body or tail, because the animals’ body weight would have been partly supported by water [Guardian]. The results highlight how little scientists really know about the early history of land vertebrates, the researchers say, and the find pushes back the evolutionary fork where tetrapods split from fish. The discovery will force scientists to reexamine what they know about water-to-land transition during vertebrate evolution, say the study’s authors.

Related Content:
80beats: Early Mini-Whale Slurped up Mud to Find Hidden Prey
80beats: In Galapagos Finches, Biologists Catch Evolution in the Act
80beats: New Fossil Suggests Dinosaur World Domination Started in S. America

Image: Per Ahlberg et al.