Gizmodo: Lens

Varioptic Liquid Lenses Debut in Webcams

Mark Wilson — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:14:00 EDT

We're more than a little excited over the prospect of inexpensive liquid lenses, even if Varioptic's first outing with the technology isn't all that mind-blowing. The initial devices on the market will be the S1300 and S2000 AF SnakeCams (yeah, they're pretty typical webcams featuring 1.3MP and 2MP resolutions). But starting at just $20 per unit, the technology is every bit as inexpensive as Varioptic originally promised. Here's hoping it's just as good, too. [Varioptic via Engadget]

Fresnel Telescope Will Spot M-Class Planets 30 Light Years Away

Wilson Rothman — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:45:00 EDT

Scientists might be giving up on the notion of sending ridiculously large pieces of glass into space. Using a Fresnel-zone lens instead, astronomers at Observatoire Midi Pyrenees in France propose to take extremely high-contrast images at vast distances without a large lens or mirror. A 30-meter Fresnel telescope will provide visual confirmation of Earth-like planets up to 30 light years away. Since it can also observe a wide spectrum range including UV and IR, it can do follow-up detection of life signs, too. The main advantage of the Fresnel telescope is, of course, the fact that it's a perforated sheet of roll-up metal instead of heavy, breakable glass. But there are some major reasons it's not super easy to just whip up one of these telescopes in the machine shop:

Though a Fresnel sensor has the same sharpness as a glass lens, it only collects about 10% of the light. That's why the sheet has to be really really big, like the 30-meter one mentioned above. Even worse, the Fresnel lens brings light to focus far away from its own surface. A 30-meter panel may require a spaceship with secondary lens and camera located several kilometers away to line up within a few millimeters to capture the image precisely on camera. That's some tricky flying, and would require a lot of energy, especially when the panel itself is constantly tilting to look at new, wondrous things. [New Scientist via Kurzweil AI]

Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF 5.0 Camera Brings Retro Cool, Wallet Bashing

Haroon Malik — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 EDT

This isn't the first time we have seen a rework of the famous Rollei Twin Lens Reflex camera, but this time the updated MiniDigi AF 5.0 comes in a retro fabulous, red black color scheme. If that wasn't awesome enough, it has a 3MP CMOS sensor, top-down viewfinder, dual-lens, auto focus functionality, 1.1-inch TFT and MicroSD slot. What's the price of this dousing of super cool? About $399 too much—ouch! Jump for the press release.

New Rolleiflexä MiniDigi
MiniDigi AF5.0 Is a Three-Inch High, Fully Functional Digital Replica of the Original and Classic Twin Reflex Camera

CONCORD, CA (March 18, 2008) - Direct Source Marketing, the U.S. distributor for medium and large format Horseman and Rolleiflex professional cameras, today announced the MiniDigi AF 5.0, a three-inch high, fully functional digital replica of the original and classic twin reflex camera. Not only is it small, it takes "cool" to another level with its red or black casing.

In 2006, Rolleiflex introduced the original MiniDigi, which looked like the original but, due to popular demand it quickly sold out. The new MiniDigi AF (auto focus) 5.0 has been given some significant performance upgrades, including a 5MP image file from a 3MP CMOS sensor; auto focus (between 10CM and infinity); and a clear 1.1 inch TFT, which allows you to preview and review images on a very clear 1.1 inch monitor, which is located at the top of the camera as it is on the full-sized Rolleiflex TLR.

It is available through specialty retailers. Pricing is expected to be $399 MSRP.

The classic Rollei twin reflex camera has been a favorite of professional photographers since it was introduced in 1929 to this day. The original camera's two lenses, one above the other; a hand crank lever; shutter release; hooded viewfinder; the coal-black casing, and the Rolleiflex logo have always set it apart. The new Rolleiflex MiniDigi has the look and feel of the original, but easily fits in the palm of your hand or pocket. Most importantly, it's a camera with features that are not only nostalgic, but also unique in the digital world.

Take the hand crank. Like its parent, the hand crank is an integral part of the camera, but instead of advancing film (which it obviously doesn't have), the Rollei MiniDigi's crank prepares the camera for the next shot. Another unique feature is the classic pop-up hood and viewfinder. The hood means no stray light gets in the way.

Still another nostalgic design feature that has modern applications is the square format. The square format means no shutter opportunities or valuable seconds are lost having to choose between horizontal or vertical position. You simply look downward into the viewfinder at waist level, aim, and then shoot from the waist.

Besides the features unique to Rolleiflex, the MiniDigi incorporates digital camera technology — Mini SD memory cards w/SD card adapter, white balance, fast shutter speeds, 3MP sensor, LCD monitor, etc.

Though it's not intended to be a full-featured digital camera, it takes good pictures and is an attention-getter and conversation piece.

For more information go to www.dsmww.com

New Camera Chip Design Can Take Photos in 3D

Kit Eaton — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:03:36 EST

A new camera chip design from scientists at Stanford University has opened up the possibility of 3D photos. The chip has stacked 16 x 16 pixel arrays and a host of micro-lenses, much like a fly's eye, enabling the whole chip to "see" in three dimensions, unlike a normal 2D pixel array digital camera sensor. Here's how it works:

Data from the "multi-aperture array" then goes through image processing to extract a standard RGB image, along with a "depth map" for each pixel—very useful for applications like face- or object-recognition.

Essentially, each tiny sub-array of pixels in the Stanford sensor sees objects in front of the camera from a slightly different viewpoint. Software then looks for relative shifts between the same object's image in different lenses, and processes this parallax data to work out the object's distance.

As well as giving depth information, the design may reduce the color-crosstalk problems current sensors suffer from. It can also take macro close-ups in restricted spaces, making it potentially useful in medical situations.

Adobe has demonstrated a similar device in the past, but this new design is compacted onto one chip, and much simpler to integrate into current camera technology. For now, the pixel count is limited, and the image processing requirements would put a hefty strain on camera batteries. But, given a little time, your DSLR might one day be able to snap 3D family groupings, ready to show on your holo-display. [Crave via GadgetLab]

I See London, I See France, I See Your Underpants from 32 Miles Away With Canon 5200mm Ultra Telephoto Lens

matt buchanan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:50:34 EST

We have a winner. This Cloverfield-sized mirror lens by Canon doesn't do zooming action, it's a flat 5200mm, which can shoot stuff 18 to 32 miles away. That's like from one end of Rosie O' Donnell's ass to the other. To focus this baby, it has telescopes bolted to the side. And yeah, that little floating square is the camera. If you know of bigger and better—that isn't actually a telescope, please send 'em in. [CanonFD via kottke via BBG]

Canon 1200/5.6L USM the BFG of Telephoto Lenses

Brian Lam — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:18:39 EST

The 1000mm Sigma we saw at PMA is nothing compared to this ultra rare Canon zoom. The retailer B&H photo has one of these, a 1200mm, F5.6 USM lens. They've been around since 1993, but are made to order at the rate of 2 per year, and there are less than 20 in existence. What the hell does 1200mm give you on a 35mm camera? A 2 percent field of vision. The cost? $99,000.00...USED. Shot of the zoom vs a standard 50mm lens, post jump. UPDATE: We've found bigger and badder 300X zoom and 5200mm lenses. [B&H, thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

iPhone's Telescopic Zoom Lens Comes With a Case

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:50:41 EST

Now that manufacturers are creating add-on lenses for cellphone cameras—similar to the one we saw at CES—they need to step up their game to attract your attention. This iPhone telescopic lens from Brando does just that, adding a nifty protective case to go along with the lens. The good news is that it does seem to zoom in a crapload (see photo after jump), but unless that lens unscrews from the body, there's no way you can call the iPhone "pocketable". [Brando]

Loreo 3D Lens in a Cap, for That 'You Are There' Experience

Charlie White — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST

Someday, 3D images could actually catch on, and if that ever happens you'll be ready with this Loreo 3D Lens in a Cap that lets you snag stereoscopic images with your digital SLR. Inside this Viewmaster-like contraption are a couple of focusing lenses that gather images from two slightly different angles. Therein lies the 3D magic.

Not surprisingly, Loreo also sells a physical 3D viewer (and even some PC software) that you'll need to experience that unique, You Are There multidimensionality. It's mind blowing, or maybe it just blows. Such a deal for $93. [Loreo, via DVICE]

Adobe Tinkering With 3D Image Manipulation Using Camera and Software [UPDATED With Video]

Charlie White — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:40:00 EDT

Adobe has figured out a way to give you control over depth in a photograph without having to do a lot of tedious selection tricks. Starting with this 3D lens that looks a bit like an insect's compound eye, it can shoot 19 images from slightly different angles. Once you get all those various images into a PC, Adobe's software magic goes to work, determining where objects are located in the scene and then allowing you to address those objects according to their depth. Take the jump to see a video demo by Dave Story, Adobe's Vice President of Interactive Design.

It might be a while before you see such a fancy lens on everyday cameras. But a focus brush in Photoshop? Whoa. Sign us up. [Audioblog, via CNET]

Rumors Abound of New Sony DSLR and Matching Full-Frame Lenses

AddyDugdale — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:38:04 EDT

Although Sony has yet to confirm anything, the camera world is full of little whispers that a new camera is about to join its Alpha range of digital SLRs, along with a range of full-frame lenses. There is all sorts of speculation about the model number (so we won't bother going into that) but there is a general consensus about what the new boy will come with...

12.8-megapixels
Light sensitivity up to 3,200 ISO
Speeds of 10 frames per second in JPEG mode
SSS In-camera anti-shake compensation
Minolta-patented touch sensor strip

New Alpha and lens range launch imminent [Photoclub Alpha via Wired]

Sigma Telephoto Lens is Tiny, No Really

Travis Hudson — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:00:37 EST

You know, I am sick of these lens manufacturers, like Sigma, half-assing telephoto lenses. They are just so small and dinky, like this 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG lens. Come on, Sigma, get your act together and make some real telephoto lenses. (Ignore my attempts at sarcasm, this thing is a behemoth) –Travis Hudson

Sigma's Hydrocephalic Telephoto Lens [Dethroner]

Camera Phone Zoom Lens Cell Phone Strap

LISA KATAYAMA — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 02:55:36 EST

Don't take any more of those shitty cell phone camera shots that make people look like grainy ants. This 12mm zoom lens cell phone strap is easy to carry around and subtle enough that you can still sneak pics of hot girls walking by—except they'll look bigger and more real.

–Lisa Katayama

A Zoom Lens For Your Camera Phone [TokyoMango]

Folding Lens Promises Slimmer Cams in the Future

Louis Ramirez — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:11:30 EST

Think your Exilim is pretty thin? If the engineers at UC San Diego have their way, you ain't seen nothing yet. They're working on a new telephoto lens that unlike today's lenses, can be folded allowing for a smaller, slimmer camera, which can then be used on spy planes, in cell phones, or to make your Exilim rail thin. But don't trade your Exilim just yet. The "origami lens" is still going through some tweaks before making it's debut.

Press Release [via Gadget Lab]

Samsung NV11 is Sexy, with Sexier Lens

Travis Hudson — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:26:53 EST

The NV11 is the latest camera in Samsung's NV series of higher-end point-n-shoot style digital cameras. This digital camera has a Schneider 5x optical zoom lens attached to a very sexy black aluminum body. In addition to the good looks and good lens the NV11 also has a 10.1-megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, advanced shake reduction, 1600 ISO support and 640x480 MPEG-4 video support. –Travis Hudson

Samsung NV11 [LetsGoDigital]

Telescopic Lens For Camera Phones Sees Things Man Was Not Meant To See

Jason Chen — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:00:46 EST

Itching to get in close with your cameraphone? Check out this telescopic lens attachment, which turns your Nokia or Sony Ericsson into a zooming machine.

Slightly more conspicuous than just snapping off a shot normally, the lens pops onto the back with a mount, and gives you up to 6x optical zoom.

With something like this, you can turn plain old upskirt photos into a full blown gynecological exam.

– Jason Chen

Product Page SE [Brando]

Product Page Nokia [Brando]

Wide-Angle Lens Without Distortion, A Mirror

Mark Wilson — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 11:51:01 EST

Anyone see that recent Hummer commercial that has a really weird shot of a Hummer grill driving through the desert? That's wide-angle distortion. A South Korean researcher at Nanophotonics has invented a wide-angle lens without distortion and it only costs $100. How does it work? Instead of using high-end glass optics, the lens uses a stock lens (the black thing) that shoots a mirror (bottom thing) and translates the image to a pan-ready 180 degree image via software.

Intended applications are security and traffic. Boring. Let's get these in the hands of (fill in pornography production company of choice) asap. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via dvguru]

Projector Thunderdome: Variable Lens Shifting vs Keystone Correction

Travis Hudson — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 14:01:38 EST

Simply put, if a projector isn't square to a wall, its image will be warped. To fix it, most low end models use digital keystone correction. The higher-end method that relies on adjusting the physical lens, is finally coming to less expensive models like the Panasonic PT-AX100U (that we have had for a while). Here's a video of it in action.

There are several reasons why variable lens shift is better than its evil nemesis, digital keystone correction.

Keystoning is when a projector is long lined up completely straight with a wall and creates a less than perfect rectangle and looks more like a trapezoid. Some projectors try to correct for this with Digital Keystone Correction. This correction process compresses the "fat end" of the keystone, or trapezoid, therefore lowering the quality. It wouldn't be very noticeable with a Powerpoint presentation, but it can be significantly noticeable with video or high resolution pictures.

The other option to correct non-perfectly mounted projectors is variable lens shifting. Most projectors already have a limited amount of lens shifting, but for the most convenience you want a variable lens shift that can move any direction while still maintaining a rectangular image (see video above).

Luckily, variable lens shifting is now becoming available on home theatre projectors that don't cost an arm and a leg. Aside from the one we tested, Panasonic's PT-AE900U, Epson Pro Cinema 800, Hitachi PJTX100 and a couple lower-end models from Sanyo all include the tech. Most of the projectors range around $2,000 to $3,000, which is fairly reasonable for a home theatre projector.

The Bottom Line
If you are looking at projectors for a home theatre, avoid projectors with Digital Keystone Correction and go with the variable lens shifting—it will look a lot better if you have to mount above or below the desired projected area. – Travis Hudson

Some keystone information via ProjectorNews

Zeiss Lens: It's a Giant, 1700mm and 564 Pounds

Charlie White — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 09:35:57 EDT

We've seen some big lenses before, but this Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 1700mm F4 lens is so big you can't even carry it around in a wheelbarrow. In fact, it weighs 564 pounds, so you'd better have a team of weightlifters to help you point the thing.

It's the largest telephoto lens in the world, well, except for those used by the military which are top-secret and probably 10 times bigger. To get a sense of the scale of the behemoth, in the photo above, that little black rectangle on the end is a Hasselblad camera. And look at the lens in the inset photo, hanging above the crowd. What will they shoot with this thing? – Charlie White

Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 1700 mm F4 lens [Digital Photography Review]

Wide Angle Lens, for $11?!

Charlie White — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:46:44 EDT

Pick up a peephole viewer at Home Depot for $11 and suddenly you have yourself a 160-degree super wide angle lens. This is shown working with one of the Canon Digital Elph cameras, but it will probably work with other pocket cameras, too. You simply hold the peephole up to the lens, then zoom in, take your shot and then clean everything up later in the image editor of your choice. Objects may be closer than they appear. – Charlie White

$11 Super Wide Angle Digital Camera [Instructables, via boingboing]

Kodak EasyShare V610 Announced

gizmodo.com — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 11:01:51 EDT

The newest addition to Kodak's EasyShare line of cameras was announced today: meet the 6 megapixel Kodak EasyShare V610. Like its immediate predecessor, the V570, the V610 has two lenses on it. Both are Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon all-glass lenses, each with 6 megapixel sensors. The wider angle lens has a 38-114 mm range and the other a 130-380mm range; combined they make the V610 capable of 10x optical zoom, albeit with a transition instead of what you would see with just one lens. Each lens has a prism so that lens adjustment can be done internally, instead of protruding from the camera body.

Kodak's wifi-enabled EasyShare-One was their first camera with wireless features, and the EasyShare follows in its footsteps, only with Bluetooth 2.0 this time, enabling users to transmit their photos to mobile phones, computers PDAs, printers and Kodak photo kiosks. The V610 starts shipping May 8th with a list price of $449.95.

Kodak EasyShare V610 Dual Lens Digital Camera [Kodak]
Kodak Easyshare V610 Digital Camera Announced, Smallest 10x Optical Zoom [DigitalCameraReview.com]
Kodak's Small, Sleek...Superzoom? [PC Magazine]

Leaked Photos of Nokia N73

gizmodo.com — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 12:05:25 EDT

If the posters over on the Mobile-Review.com forums are correct, the blurry photo to the left is one of the first few leaked images of the upcoming Nokia N73 smartphone. It should run Symbian v9.1 and Series 60 3rd Edition like the rest of the new N series. QVGA Screen 2.4" true color screen, Bluetooth 2.0, 3G/UMTS, all the trimings we've come to expect and love.

This is far from the first time Nokia's released a smartphone with two cameras on it: one in the front for making videocalls, and one in the back for taking proper photos. If the rumors are right though, the camera on the back of the N73 will be 3.2 megapixel one with a Carl Zeiss lens.

3.2 MP + Zeiss + S60 + us = magic. We can't wait to get our hands on this phone—we'd take the best photo of a subway masturbator the New York City tabloids will have ever had the pleasure of featuring on their covers.

Nokia N73 Photos [Mobile-Review.com forums, via NewMobile]
Nokia N70 Reviewed (Verdict: Does Not Cure World Hunger) [Gizmodo]

Varioptic Liquid Camera Lens Ready for Production

tgrumet — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 09:30:17 EST

Varioptic has finally made its Arctic 320 liquid lens—something we mentioned over two years ago—available for camera makers to use in their products. A zoom and auto-focus lens, the 320 has no moving parts, so it changes shape without any fragile mechanics. It uses electricity to change the focus of the lens by altering the border between two drops of liquid, working somewhat like the human eye. Though Philips announced a similar technology last year, Varioptic says its new lens has made leaps in minimizing power consumption, miniaturization and modular footprints (meaning it can be used for cameraphones as well).

Cameraphones have needed a good zoom lens with autofocus for quite a while. We trust that Varioptic's PR folks will let us know the instant a phone manufacturer decides to use their technology.

Liquid Camera Lens Ready For Phones [Phonescoop]

CES Unveiled: Kodak Dual-Lens Digital V570

Noah R — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 02:33:06 EST

Snapped a few pics with the Kodak V570 this evening. The news of this dual-lens camera broke earlier, and it's worth a second look. Each lens is paired with a 5 megapixel CCD image sensor. One lens is a 23mm ultra-wide angle, and the other is a 39-117mm optical zoom. The wide lens gives you 70% more width than an average camera. As you zoom in and out, the V570 seamlessly switches between the two lenses—so you never have to think about whether you are in wide angle or not. That wide angle lens is accompanied by a panoramic stitching feature that will let you take a 180 degree photo in three shots.

Otherwise this has got the same features, from LCD screen size to the SD card slot, as most other digi-cams on the market and Kodak's pocket series. It will cost $399, no word on release date.

Liquid Lens = Slimmer Digital Cameras, Better Cameraphones

gizmogo — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 11:06:02 EDT

As if today's cameras aren't tiny enough. Fluidlens is a lens made of liquid that can achieve 10x optical zoom, which is equal to most standard consumer digital camera lenses out there, and definitely superior to most cameraphones. Much the same as a human eye, it curves or concaves depending on the desired focal length. And unlike traditional camera lenses, there are no moving parts, which mean production costs will also be cheaper. The technology was developed and patented by Singapore-based A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, which in turn licensed it to PGS Precision, an electronics manufacturer.

The obvious benefactors of liquid lenses are cameraphones, which traditionally have sub-par digital zoom and low resolution picture quality. This explains why PGS Precision is currently in talks with various cellphone manufacturers, and expects to churn out 10 million lenses a year. Definitely a big deal as far as digital photography is concerned, and something to watch out for in the next year or so.

New patented lens made of liquid paves way for slimmer digital cameras [DigitalCamera@101reviews]

ClearShot Lens Cleaner

johnb — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 12:19:42 EDT

I saw this last year at CES and kind of forgot about it. i4u made me remember. For that I thank them. Essentially, it's a little lens cleaner for digital cameras and camera phones. The tip is small enough to get at the smaller lenses. I handed over my cellie at the booth and this thing cleaned off all the gross hairs and stuff quite nicely. Now my cell is all dirty again. Now that I've seen it again, that same urge is back again. I will try to fight it off.

Dirty Camera Phone Lens? Take ClearShot [i4u]