Category Archives: Cameras

Canon’s new Vixia HD camcorders for podcasting and home production



VIXIA_HF_R52_main_LCD_bkFor many years, Canon has been a household name when it comes to high quality cameras, camcorders, printers, scanners, and copiers, to name a few. Recently, Canon introduces a new line of camcorders that are perfect not just for hobbyist, but also for podcasters that are looking for a new camcorder that has excellent features but affordable at the same time.

Canon introduces a new completely different reimagined line of camera of their Vixi mini camcorder that is perfect for producing a podcast or any kind of media at all. Introducing the VIXIA mini X, not only can this new mini camcorder take images at 12.8 Megapixels, it can also capture full HD video recordings up to 1920 x 1080p (30p/24p) to a removable SD memory card.

Unlike its predecessor, the Vixia mini X has two large stereo microphones that are two and a half times larger than Vixia mini, enabling it to pick up great audio in wide dynamic range. It also has a two-stage system, which can eliminate unwanted noises. Aside from the built-in stereo microphone, it also has a microphone input on the side, which is great for podcasters who want to use their own microphones quite often, especially when podcasting from a noisy environment. In addition, the Vixia mini X also has a headphone terminal, allowing you to adjust the audio whenever necessary using the volume dial.

When it comes to it’s screen, Canon’s Vixia mini X can be flipped in multiple angles. So whether you’re setting it up to interview someone or doing a separate podcast where you have to do the video work and be in the shot as well, you can simply reach, angle it, and make adjustments according to your needs. It also has a close-up mode, where you can crop unnecessary backgrounds and just focus on you and what you want to show. Even if you’re shooting at a low-light setting, the Vixia mini X has the Canon DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, which provides excellent performance in a low-light situation. It also has an aperture of f/2.8, which also works great on low-light environment. What is great with this latest addition to the Canon camcorders is that it has no limit as to how long you can record; it only lies on the memory space of the SD memory card you are using.

VIXIA_mini_X_02If you want to step up your game when it comes to your podcasting, however, there are three newest lines of the Vixia HF R camcorders you can choose from, one of which is the VIXIA HF R500. Although it has no Wi-Fi and internal memory, it has 57x advanced zoom and an SD memory card slot, as well as the other advanced features the Vixia HF R camcorders have. The VIXIA HF R50 and VIXIA HF R52, however, both have built-in Wi-Fi and an internal memory of 8GB and 32GB. Using the built-in Wi-Fi, you can take control as to what images are coming up on the internet using their Media Controller App, whether it’s on an IOS or an Android smartphone system.

Canon also recently introduces the Pan Table, which is a base accessory that can be attached to the bottom of your Vixia mini X or the Vixia HF R camcorders. With this, you will have the option to oscillate the camcorder from left to right up to 200 degrees. It can also be manually adjusted for a tilt up to 20 degrees. Plus, using the Canon CameraAccess plus app, you can use the Wi-Fi to manage your files, as well as the camcorder’s stop-start and zoom option, making it more convenient when shooting your podcast.

At $399.00, you can already have the Vixia mini X and if you want to get the Pan Table, simply add $100.00 and it can be yours as well, which includes the battery pack and compact power adapter, to name a few. The Vixia HF R500, however, is at $299.99, whereas the Vixia HF R50 is being sold at $399.99 and the Vixia HF R52 is only $449.99.

One of the great things that Canon’s new line of camcorders bring to podcasters is that with its built-in Wi-Fi, you can be creative as you can be and share your video instantly. Learn more about VIXIA mini XVIXIA HF R500,Vixia HF R50, and VIXIA HF R52 by visiting Canon’s website.

Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.

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Flir FX Portable Interchangeable Wi-Fi Camera



Flir FX CameraFlir made the news at CES with its personal thermal imaging device for the iPhone but the company does a whole range of imaging devices, including the Flir FX, a portable interchangeable wi-fi video camera. Todd gets further illumination from John Distelzweig of Flir.

The Flir FX is a fundamentally a webcam running 1080p over wi-fi, but that’s largely where the similarity with other products end. The Flir FX unusually has an internal battery, giving it greater portability than most similar products and the main camera unit can be slotted into different mounts, converting from a home webcam into sports video camera or an outdoor security camera, depending on the exterior case used. It’s really very cool.

The Flir FX will be available in late spring with an MSRP $249 and you can put your name down to be notified .

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Kiwi Wearable Technology



kiwiwearableKiwi Wearables is wearable technology that can be clipped on or worn on the wrist. It works with both bluetooth and wi-fi. The device can interact with both your phone and connected devices within your home network. It has motion, temperature, magnetic and barometer sensors. The Kiwi Wearable also includes a microphone which listens to the environment around the users. The users can also use the microphone to issue commands. You can also issue commands using custom designed gestures. In the video on the website, the user writes an S in mid-air and brings up her Shazam app to identify the song playing over the loud-speaker. The device is not waterproof, but it is something that they are working on. The API is open to developers. The Kiwi Wearable will come in white, silver and black and should be shipping in July. It will be $125 plus shipping. I have to say I am really curious about this device and I am thinking about preordering one. I only hope that it works as advertise

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Elmo USA Introduces Qbic-MS1 and the BOXi-T200



Elmo USA Elmo USA which has been around in the United States since 1973 and in Japan since 1921, offered two new products at CES 2014. The Qbic-MS1 a wearable action camera and the Elmo BOXi T-200 Projector.

The Qbic-MS1 is a wearable camera which can be used to take both videos and photos. It has a standard mount and can use most action camera tripods on the market. It has a wide-angle lens and can take pictures at 120, 145 and 170 degrees. It is WiFi enabled and connects to a free app which will be available in the iTunes app store upon release. An Android app is currently being worked on . You can watch live videos from the camera through the app. You can also control the camera using the app. The Qbic-MS1 will last two hours on a fully charged battery. It uses a micro SD card to store the content. It should be available in spring 2014 for between $200-$300, price is yet to be established.

The Elmo BOXi T200 is a light and compact mobile projector. It is 3.7 inches x 6.0 inches by 1.4 inches and weights only 0.6 lb.. It produces 1080 resolution. You can project a 50 inch image with only three feet of room. The Elmo BOXi T200 has HDMI input, and audio output. You can also listen to audio directly from the device. The device is available on the website for $429.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Garmin VIRB Action Camera



Garmin VIRBGarmin are well known for their satnavs and GPS-based devices but a new range of wearable action cameras were announced at this year’s CES. Todd chats to Maddy about the new cams.

Garmin’s range of action cameras are 1080p HD video cameras in a ruggedised and waterproof (IPX7) case, with a built-in 1.4″ display and around 3 hours of recording time. There’s full range of accessories and the VIRB camera comes with an industry mounts compatible adaptor so existing gear can be potentially re-used.

The basic VIRB is $299 and the VIRB Elite is $399. Available now.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Beam introduces video chat robot



beamVideo chat has become common in today’s world, especially in the workplace. Robotics, though, still has a tendency to sound a bit futuristic. Beam, however, has found a way to combine the two, with a robot that sports a video display, allowing for both face-to-face chat and mobility.

All of this functionality is controlled by the person seen on the screen, who controls the robot from a desktop or laptop computer. This is done by an app the company provides to the buyer for installation on any computer. The Beam, which comes from Suitable Technologies, is available right now. It’s geared towards corporate use, as the price comes in at $16,000, but that includes setup and support.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor

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GeoNaute shows off 360-degree action camera



geonauteWe’re all familiar with the wearable cameras on the market today, most notably the GoPro. We even see them being using on TV to capture action during mountain bike and skiing events. But one thing none of those do is capture the entire 360-degrees around the wearer.

GeoNaute is changing that with its new 360-degree Camera Pack. The device contains three lenses place around it, so can capture action in all directions. The device automatically stitches these images together, so there is no need for post-production when you get home. The camera is set to retail for $499 and will be available in the coming months. You can pre-order now.

Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network

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Better motion-focus for DSLR video with Canon’s EOS 70D



20130702_hiRes_dafTech_frontShooting DSLR video has often had trouble with auto-focusing on moving subjects. But Canon‘s EOS 70D is a game-changing camera with “dual-pixel CMOS AF” for continuous, smooth, auto focus.

With the EOS 70D’s touchscreen LCD screen, you can tap on any visible subject for the lens to maintain focus on the subject, even when the depth changes.

This brings DSLR video production up in line with standard camcorders, which have often been used for better action focusing.

Without “dual-pixel CMOS AF” and Canon’s new Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, a digital SLR would shift focus back and forth on moving subjects (and sometimes even stationary subjects, too). With this new combination from Canon, amateur and professional videographers and podcasters can now get smooth auto focus.

Also don’t forget that the Canon EOS 70D is an amazing DSLR for still photography, too!

The EOS 70D is a cropped-sensor digital SLR that can record up to 30 minutes of 1080p HD video at up to 30 frames per second. The Canon EOS 70D  camera body is priced competitively for professionals at $1,199 ($1,099 on Amazon.com) and is available today.

Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.

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Liquid Image Wearable Cameras Now With Verizon 4G LTE at CES



Liquid_Image_4G_LTEGet yourself a tiny wearable camera that will allow you to stream video over a 4G wireless LTE connection with Liquid Image. Chris Montera from the Tech Podcast Network and the Health Tech Weekly podcast checked out the interesting devices at CES Showstoppers event this year in Las Vegas. One of the them was a wearable camera technology from Liquid Image.

Liquid Image specializes is creating wearable cameras for active people on the go. They have cameras that can attach to anything from a motocross helmet or goggles to a scuba diver’s mask. Now they have enabled Verizon 4G LTE transmission technology in their cameras allowing streaming video from anywhere Verizon 4G networks connect. While you might think this device is perfect for the action sports arena you’re right but it also makes a perfect solution for first responders and public safety officers like policemen and firefighters in rescue situations.

The 4G LTE Liquid Image camera package will be available this summer and will cost around $399. You can get just the camera with basic Wifi and bluetooth technology for just $199. Check out LiquidImageCo.com for more information.

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Follow-up with more segments from CES 2014 here at TPN.tv and over at the Health Tech Weekly Podcast with host Jamie Davis, the Podmedic.


GeoNaute 360° Camera Scores TPN Innovator Pick at CES 2014



geonaute-360-camera_cesJustin Schneller from GeoNaute.com came by the TPN.tv booth at the International CES conference in Las Vegas to pick up the TPN Pick Innovator Award for the GeoNaute 360° sports camera they debuted at the show. Geek News Central host Todd Cochrane is joined by Health Tech Weekly host Jamie Davis, the Podmedic for a look at this awardee.

The GeoNaute brings a whole new dimension, literally, to the sports and active camera space. Their innovative 360° camera view allows the sports and outdoor enthusiast to record what’s going on around them in real time, HD video. The mobile app and cloud console that comes with the camera allows you to view the recording, rotating the view wherever you want during the recorded playback, seeing up, down, forward or behind while wearing the camera.

Find out more about the GeoNaute camera at GeoNaute.com.

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