ArBa3d has announced the availability of ArBa3d version 3.0, their 3D-modeling software based on photos. The new update lets the user create a 3d-model from a set of photos.

"This is certainly a release which will allow anyone to build its proper model from the photos he will take with his digital camera. This evolution is a major step from the human stereoscopic vision that was used in version 2, which was limiting the model to 180°. Being able to create a full 3d-model, including the hidden face on the ground, is a major extension to ArBa3d." said the founder of ArBa3d.com. "This version of ArBa3d is the answer to a number of concerns expressed by our customers. It should give a more intuitive and effective modeling experience.”

ArBa3d v3.0 Features Expanded Functionality
ArBa3d v3.0 features significant enhancements to facilitate editing, modeling, and exporting 3d-models.
• Import photos - Version 3.0 allows using as many photos as necessary to build a 3d scene. The selection of a photo in a window in done through a thumbnail list.
• Calilbration - The calibration process has been improved. The calibration consist in determining the position and orientation of the camera when the photo was taken.
• Vertex/Edge edition - The access to the vertices and edges has been expanded to allow a more intuitive edition of the model. Shorcuts allow to temporarily switch to a different editing mode (add/move/delete/select). Different cursors indicate the current editing mode. Spliting an edge or deleting a vertex is now easiest. This simplifies the edition and reduces the number of necessary operations.
• 3d-model export - The display of the model on the WEB is done through the use of an Active-X: ArBaWebViewer. The images are cropped and compressed to ensure that the model can be quickly loaded.
• Customizable windows - The number of windows, their size and position can now be changed. The configuration is stored between two sessions.
Users can download a free trial version of the new release (limited to 30 days) from Arba3d's Website.
http://www.arba3d.com/

Posted by Artemis at 6:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Recently Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Imaging Products unveiled its new digital photo printer. The Mitsubishi CP-9800DW is ideal for professional photographer because of its fast speeds and its ability to achieve high-grade picture quality.

The Mitsubishi CP-9800DW has print speeds of 8.7 seconds for a 4" x 6" print and can also produce 100 prints in just 15 minutes. It comes equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and uses color management engine technology. The printer also includes a 300 dpi high-density thermal head and offers 4 print sizes (3.5" x 5", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and 6" x 9".

"The new CP-9800DW is our most advanced photo printer to date with state-of-the-art technology in printer speed and accuracy," explained Darla Achey, product marketing specialist, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Imaging Products. "Not only does it produce a print quickly, it does so without any sacrifice to the resolution quality of the print. Mitsubishi's new color management engine ensures vivid images, deeper black tones and smear-free gradation with every print."

Posted by Artemis at 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today in Korea, Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd announced an 8.4 megapixel (Mp) CMOS image sensor (CIS) with a 1.4 megapixel design. The chip would produce high signal to noise ratio by using light sensing features and minimized noise levels. The CIS only uses one-tenth the power of a CCD image sensor and is ideal for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders.

Posted by Artemis at 5:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ANSMANN ENERGY has released two new battery grips for Nikon users. The Battery Grips N-80 pro and N-40 power which are respectively for Nikon D 80 and Nikon D 40/D 40 X.

The Battery Grip N-80 pro is capable of delivering 5000 shots with one charge (battery capacity approx. 3600mAh) and also includes a car DC input plug, additional shutter release, function wheels and memory key. On the other hand, the Battery Grip N-40 can deliver 2000 pictures between charges. Both grips are available end of April 2007.

Posted by Artemis at 5:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Olympus Imaging Corporation has chosen the electronic viewfinder (EVF) from Kopin® Corporation for its new SP-550 UZ, the first ultra-wide (18x) optical zoom digital camera.

The CyberEVF 230K includes a single module, a full-color micro display with QVGA (320 x 240) resolution, ultra-thin backlight, optics, and easy-to-use focusing mechanism. It was chosen to shorten the length of the digicam.

“Because of the ultra-wide zoom capability of our new camera, Olympus needed an EVF solution that would provide users with the viewing precision required throughout the entire range of the optical zoom,” according to Olympus. “For photographers, the benefits of the Kopin EVF are crystal clear. The display produces a brilliant, natural color, distortion-free image and video capture, regardless of lighting conditions. We know that amateur and experienced photographers alike will be delighted with how this EVF complements the many advance features of our new camera.”

Posted by Artemis at 5:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Looks like our Japanese friends will have a new camera among them! The Ricoh Caplio GX100 is only available in Japan for now and let’s see what all it has to offer. Since I am not very fluent in the Japanese language, forgive me for keeping it short!

The Ricoh Caplio GX100 comes equipped with a 7.1 megapixel sensor and includes a 24~72mm lens. The camera measures 111.6×25×58mm and weighs around 220grams. Users will also come across a high resolution 2.5 inch display and support for JPEG and RAW.

The digicam includes a Movie mode too and footage can be saved in QuickTime or Avi formats! Other features include; shutter speeds of ISO80/100/200/400/800/1600, SDHC/SD support and 26MB internal memory. No word on pricing or availability.

Posted by Artemis at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Arecont Vision announced the World’s Smallest Full Motion 5.0, 3.0, 2.0 and 1.3 Megapixel IP Cameras which measure just 2.25"X2.5"X3.0", recently.

The AV5100M, AV3100M, AV2100M, AV1300M and AV3130M uses parallel image processing technology, MegaVideo. The cameras also fit well in most 5" domes with standard C/CS lenses and are also extremely cost effective. All of them include a wide variety of feature including; on-board motion detection, opto-coupled inputs / outputs with external flash synchronization, auto-iris support, compliant Power-over-Ethernet capability, and proprietary MoonLight(TM) noise-cancellation technology for low-light imaging.

"Our goal is to provide the surveillance community with cost-comparable but vastly superior alternative to analog video. While the advantages of full motion multi-megapixel video are undisputed, the key factors affecting the selection of cameras for any installation are performance, form-factor and the price of the camera. With this in mind we have redesigned our product line to reduce the size of the cameras so that they fit in popular mini domes, and we added additional functionality often critical for professional installations. The new design leverages cutting-edge ASIC technology and is less costly to produce as compared with our older models. Combined with high quality of US-based manufacturing, this allowed us to price the new generation of cameras lower, providing virtually no-cost-penalty alternative to analog video. In a short time since its release, this new product line has been so successful that we have already sold these cameras in some multi-thousand unit projects where cost and camera size were key criteria," said Michael Kaplinsky, CEO of Arecont Vision

Posted by Artemis at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Kyocera E1000 incorporates an intuitive new user interface with improved menus and sports a very cool design. The handset includes features like; 1.3 megapixel camera, a large QCIF+ TFT display and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The handset also uses CDMA2000 1xRTT technology and will be available by summer 2007.

Posted by Artemis at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kyocera Wireless Corp unveiled new handsets and we shall cover them individually! First in line is the Kyocera E2000 which promises both style and functionality. The handset stands out with its sexy high-gloss black exterior and cool clamshell design.

The Kyocera E2000 supports high-speed 1xEV-DO which makes it possible for users to enjoy over-the-air downloads of music and video-on-demand (a) (MOD/VOD). This one has a fully featured music player and the handset supports stereo Bluetooth (A2DP), external music controls and a microSD memory expansion slot. One also comes across features like; 1.3 megapixel camera with external controls and a 2 inch QCIF+ TFT internal display. The dual-band digital phone is slated for release with global CDMA carriers in Fall 2007.

Posted by Artemis at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sony today went in over drive mode and released a whole gamut of security cameras which are being featured here on image acquire. The next in line is the SSC-CD75 and SSC-CD77 cameras which according to Sony are vandal-resistant and include patented ball joint lens mount, an IP66 ingress with cable pipe for water protection, and a high resolution of 540 TVL.

It comes equipped with a Super HAD CCD and high sensitivity with a minimum illumination of 0.9lx. Where as the SSC-CD77 camera uses a SuperExwave CCD to achieve sensitivity of 0.6lx (color) at F1.3.

Posted by Artemis at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Sony SSC-CD45 and SSC-CD49 analog cameras are the latest offerings by Sony and are shaped like standard mini-domes. The cameras have been outfitted with Sony’s patented ball joint lens mount and a 3.6x vari-focal lenses with auto-iris. The SSC-CD45 model includes; 1/3 type Super HAD™ CCD to achieve sensitivity 0.9lx at F1.3, and high resolution of 540 TVL. Where as the SSC-CD49 camera uses the 1/3 type CCD with DynaView Wide Dynamic Range technology.

Posted by Artemis at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another new security camera by Sony is the SNC-DF80N which is in a shape of polycarbonate dome and housed in an aluminum die-cast casing. One also comes across Sony’s SuperExwaveTM CCD technology to achieve sensitivity of 0.6lx, and has a day/night function to improve sensitivity in low-light conditions. Other features include; Power over Ethernet capability, as well as a CF card slot, for local pre/post-alarm recording.

Posted by Artemis at 7:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sony unveiled a couple of new security cameras including the SNC-DF50N network camera model which features "DynaView™ wide dynamic range function to allow clear image capture in high-contrast lighting environments"

The SNC-DF50N includes cool features like; built-in intelligent motion/object detection, multi-codec capabilities supporting JPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264 compression format, Power over Ethernet, voice alert functions, and secure IEEE802.1X authentication.

Posted by Artemis at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Of all the Pantech phones we covered today, the Pantech C710 remains my favorite. The handset is pretty sleek and the clamshell design is a winner. However this one is not just a pretty package as it also supports 3G and includes a 1.3 MP camera. Other features found on the phone include; a large display screen, PTT (Push-to-Talk), Bluetooth stereo, video sharing client, Flash UI, and multimedia capabilities.

Posted by Artemis at 7:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The phones do not stop today! If you are a sucker for smart clamshell phones than you will surly dig the Pantech C600 phone. The handset supports both quad-band GSM/EDGE and dual band WCDMA. This one also includes a VGA camera which actually in the pixels crazy world is quite a let down. Other feature include; Bluetooth 1.2 and MicroSD slot. No word on pricing or availability.

Posted by Artemis at 7:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Pantech C150 may not exactly set the bar afire with its features but this candy-bar handset is perfect for those who are on a budget but still want a multimedia handset.

The Pantech C150 is a tri-band GSM mobile phone with support for the 850 and 1900 Mhz bands. it is available in colors like white and black and will be available in the US soon. Some features include; Bluetooth stereo, MP3 downloading and a VGA camera.

Posted by Artemis at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another flip phone to be unveiled at the CTIA by Pantech is the Pantech C510 which in the States will be available under the AT&T branding. The handset has been approved by the FCC in the US so expect it to debut anytime soon.

The Pantech C510 includes a 1.3 camera with video recording capabilities. the handset also includes the usual multimedia features like; dedicated music controls on the outer casing, EDGE, Bluetooth, camera, multimedia player etc.

Posted by Artemis at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the CTIA in full swing, one saw Pantech unveiling 5 new handsets! First in line is the tiny tiny Pantech C3b. The flip phone is a little too small for my comfort and includes a camera and some multimedia features like; Bluetooth, MMS: changeable color face plates and mobile email. No further info is available as of now but this one also has the distinction of being the world's smallest camera flip phone.

Posted by Artemis at 7:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sony Ericsson at the CTIA announced its new W580 WALKMAN® phone. The handset measures just 14mm thin and is available in colors like Style White or Urban Grey. This one is not just a music phone as is offers a complete multimedia feature set.

The W580 WALKMAN includes a 2.0 megapixel camera and functions as a portable photo album and pocket gaming device. The new handset is a Quad Band EDGE device (850/900/1800/1900) and has been equipped with a large 2 inch color screen. The W580 is a full on music phone and hence lets one create playlists and also includes a RDS-FM radio. Then there are features like TrackID for identifying songs and Disc2Phone software for transferring music on to your handset.

The W580 WALKMAN also includes sports & fitness applications which can keep track of steps, running speed, time, and distance. the handset sports a cool sliding design and comes with a 512 MB Memory Stick Micro. No word on pricing or availability.

Posted by Artemis at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FARO Technologies, Inc announced their new Super Mobile Laser Scanner Kit. The FARO Laser Scanner LS is a portable measurement device which is able to scan and then digitally recreates and record an object to give an allusion of "photograph" on the computer screen - but in 3-D. It can be used for reverse-engineering, CAD-to-part comparison, factory planning. The Super Mobile Laser Scanner Kit available in April 2007 and for more info visit www.faro.com

The Super Mobile Laser Scanner Kit capitalizes on the FARO LS' compact design. The Kit includes:

- A carbon-fiber tripod, for a super-sturdy, yet light weight setup of
the Laser Scanner from 69 cm to 180 cm

- New Wi-Fi/WLAN Scanner Connection enables users to control scanning
from their PDA, mobile phone, laptop or other Internet-equipped
devices, eliminating dependence on heavy laptops with limited battery
life

- A scanner-based web server, which gives scanning control to as many as
different users as needed - without additional license fees

- The Laser Scanner Rucksack (back pack) enables the user to conveniently
load and carry the Laser Scanner and the carbon-fiber tripod over long
distances or confined spaces

"With the Super Mobile Kit, FARO offers its customers a major advancement in ease of use, mobility and professional handling," Dr. Bernd-Dietmar Becker, FARO's Director for Marketing & Product Management for Laser Scanning, said. "The Wi-Fi/WLAN minimizes cables, which makes the FARO LS simpler to use, faster to set up, safer on the plant floor, and maintains the integrity of crimes scenes and archaeological sites

Posted by Artemis at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cnet has reviewed the relatively new Olympus Mju 760 digital camera and lets just see what they have to say. The camera was liked for its sleek ergonomics, its light-weight body and the fact that the lens produced very little distortion. However the Mju 760 was found to be slightly sluggish and average when it came to color re-production.

The Olympus Stylus 760 / Olympus � [mju:] 760 is a 7.1 megapixel compact camera with a 3x optical zoom and 2.5inch LCD display. This one looks like quite a trooper and has not one but two image stabilization (via ISO boost and CCD shift). The Dual Image Stabilization effectively combats camera blur which arises due to camera shake.

In the end they write : "Though its images aren't perfect and it's a bit sluggish, the Olympus Mju 760 is still a good compact camera. Its light, pocketable design and logical, simple features make it a fine choice for anyone who wants a small camera he or she can take nearly anywhere."

Posted by Artemis at 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I bet you are wondering what this strange contraption is! This one is actually the world's largest telephoto lens developed especially for a customer! The ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 was developed by Carl Zeiss for a wild life photographer who was using a Hasselblad 203FE 6x6cm medium format camera.The lens has a focal length of 1700mm and a speed of f/4. It weighs 256 kg (564 lbs. and the lens consists of 15 optical elements in 13 groups.

Posted by Artemis at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hahnemuhle FineArt unveiled its new fine art paper, the Photo Rag Pearl 320, which is made up of a combination of natural-white, OBA-free, pure cotton rag paper and has the Hahnemuhle pearl coating. The paper includes a high Dmax and a large color gamut for enhanced performance and color reproduction in both color and B&W prints. Photo Rag Pearl 320 will be available this March in all common sheet and roll sizes.

Posted by Artemis at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Leica C-Lux 2 digital camera is ultra compact and available in colors like black or silver metal body. Measuring only 3.5″x2.0″, the digicam includes a 7.2-megapixel image sensor and has been equipped with a large 2.5″ color LCD display. With the name Leica behind it, you can bet this one would be a winner when it comes to performance!

The Leica C-Lux 2 includes a 3.6x optical zoom LEICA DC VARI-ELMARIT f/2.8 - 5.6 / 4.6 - 16.4mm ASPH (28-100mm is the 35mm equivalent) lens. One also comes across an optical image stabilization and intelligent exposure control which helps in combatting camera shake and ensures enhanced performance.

Other features on the camera include; SDHC memory card, SD memory card and Multimedia card support, 8 - 1/2000s shutter speeds, video recording including 16:9 format with 848x480 pixels, in 4:3 format with 640x480 pixels or in 4:3 format with 320x240 pixels at either 30fps or 10fps and 64MB internal memory. No word on pricing or availability.

Via

Image Sensor: 1/2.5" CCD with 7.38 million pixels (7.2m pixels effective in 4:3 format)
* 4:3 Resolution: 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200
* 16:9 Resolution: 3072 x 1728, 1920 x 1080 (corresponds to hDTV standard)
* Video Sequences: In 16:9 format with 848x480 pixels, in 4:3 format with 640x480 pixels or in 4:3 format with 320x240 pixels at either 30fps or 10fps, duration of recording limited by the capacity of the memory card. Recording with sound.
* File formats: JPEG (Fine/Standard), Video QuickTime Motion JPEG
* Storage Media: SDHC memory card, SD memory card and Multimedia card
* Standard Memory: 64MB is supplied with the camera
* ISO Settings: Auto, Intelligent ISO, Manual (100, 200, 400, 800, 1250) or 3200 (in high sensitivity mode)
* White Balance: Automatic, Daylight, Overcast Sky, Haolgen Light, Manual Setting, Fine admustment of white balance in a range of -1500k to +1500k in 150 k steps (not available for auto settings)
* Lens: LEICA DC VARI-ELMARIT f/2.8 - 5.6 / 4.6 - 16.4mm ASPH (28-100mm is the 35mm equivalent). 3.6x optical zoom.
* Optical Image Stabilizer: 2 modes: either for exposure only or for monitor image and exposure
* Focus Range: Normal: 50 cm (20 in) - Infinity, Macro/Smple/Motion Picture : wide-angle 5cm (2 in.) / telephoto 30cm (12 in.) - Infinity
* Focusing: Autofocu, either normal or macro. Multi-field metering, Exposure bracketing +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
* Shooting rate: 3fps or 2fps at full resolution. Max 7 pictures with JPEG standard, max 5 pictures with JPEG fine
* Shutter Speeds: 8 - 1/2000s. Starry sky mode: 15, 30, 60s. Video mode: 1/30s - 1/6400s
* Flash: Auto with or without pre-flash (to reduce red-eye), manual flash, fill flash, slow sync flash. Flash range 0.6 - 5.0 m (wide), 0.3 - 2.0m (telephoto), and high sensitivity mode: 0.8 - 5.7 m (wide angle), 0.8 - 2.8m (telephoto) with ISO set to Auto.
* Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Landscape, Sport, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Food, Party, Candlelight, Baby 1, Baby 2, Pets, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Underwater.
* LCD Monitor: 2.5" polycrystalline TFT color display with 207,000 pixels. Field of view: almost 100 Power LCD mode, wide-angle viewing modes
* Live Histrogram: yes
* Printer Compatibility: PictBridge
* Ports: USB 2.0, DC in, and AV Out
* Battery capacity: 300 frames (CIPA Standard)
* Dimensions (wxhxd): 3.7 x 2.0x 9.0 inches
* Weight: 4.6 ounces without battery and memory card. 5.4 oz with.

Posted by Artemis at 7:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whirlpool has launched its a la mode Innovation “Duet steam dryer” that brings Steam to the Home to make your Wrinkled clothes to Ready-To-Wear in Minutes. Duet Steam dryer will soon be available this fall at retailers nationwide in five colors diamond dust, biscuit, white, black and white with sapphire blue. Now it’s just a minute’s game to remove odors and relax wrinkles with cutting-edge drying and refreshing technology employed in the Duet dryer. The newly announced Dryer is a perfect partner to the recently launched America's best- selling front loader Duet HT(R) washer. A powerful combination of mist and heat in the dryer dries the clothes refreshing clothes instantly. Save your precious time and money with the dryer's 15 minute Quick Refresh cycle, especially evolved for removing odors left after a visit to a restaurant and relaxing wrinkles after unpacking from a recent trip.

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