Ever have one of those chats where you really need to show the person for them to understand but you just don’t have a webcam handy? Well then why not use your phone’s camera! With IP Webcam, your phone can broadcast its camera stream over WiFi to any network connected computer. You can simply watch the stream in a browser window, or you can install the plug in that allows programs such as Skype to access the stream as a normal USB webcam. Best of all, the app is free! Read on to get started:

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How To: Use Your Phone’s Camera as a Webcam

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It has a long list of great features and cool in-camera tricks, including 15X optical zoom, but the FinePix F300EXR also has a few significant performance hiccups.

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iSuppli just posted their cost breakdown of the Nokia N8 ($187.47) and it turns out it is just about the same as the 16GB iPhone 4 ($187.51).  The unsubsidized retail price of the Nokia N8 is $549 while the iPhone 4 16GB is $599 so Apple is making $50 more  for each device sold, which adds up quickly to a nice profit. The major costs on the N8 include the display, memory, and camera parts.

It was interesting to read in the report that the N8 looks to use a more costly memory system than the conventional type used in the iPhone 4. The report states the following:

Unlike Apple designs that use conventional NAND, the Nokia N8 employs a variant of NAND flash memory known as Embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC). eMMC NAND flash can be slightly more expensive than the conventional variety used in the iPhone 4. eMMC combines memory with interface circuitry and a controller in a single package, facilitating the design cycle for those who use it in their designs. Although memory is always multisourced, Toshiba was found to be the source in the sample of the N8 iSuppli’s Teardown Analysis Service used for this analysis.

When 4Gbits of additional OneNAND memory and mobile Double Data Rate (DDR) DRAM from Samsung are added in, the memory subsystem carries a total cost of $37.12, making it the second most expensive portion of the N8.

The OLED display on the N8 was the most costly component and even though the resolution may not be the highest available today, I am really loving the colors and sunlight readability of it. It is SO much better than my Nexus One OLED display.

View full post on Nokia Experts

A closer look at how Night Portrait mode changes your camera’s settings to get better shots.

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A closer look at how Night Scene mode changes your camera’s settings to get better shots.

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I am having a good time with the Nokia N8 camera and by having such an amazing camera with me all the time I am trying to figure out ways to capture great photos and also keeping my eye out for opportunities. I just read a nice article that shows you how to take a professional portrait picture with the N8 and recommend you check it out. The photo they took with the N8 is quite impressive and at the end of the post there is a bullet list of ways to take an excellent portrait picture.

Most of the time I just use the auto mode when taking photos, but it seems if you dive into the settings a bit more you can capture more amazing photos so I plan to educate myself more about the options available. Like the article mentions I always seem to have a face that’s too dark and a background that is too bright and now know techniques (like changing the exposure) to help fix this in the future.

View full post on Nokia Experts

I know that, when I take a picture, I expect to be able to see every colony of bacteria living in each pore of my friend’s nose. You do, too? Well, that’s great, because Sony has just outed a new product: a 16.41 megapixel cellphone sensor. According to engadget:

The 1/2.8-inch back-illuminated Exmor R model IMX081PQ sensor packs an industry smallest 1.12μm unit cell size and is capable of shooting 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps.

Samsung has stated that they were able to solve some issues related to the pixel sizes by “implementing a unique formation of photo diodes to achieve a sensor with high resolution, high sensitivity, and low noise”.

The unit should start sampling at about $30 in January 2011 straight out, or about $145 when combined with a 10.5 x 10.5 x 7.9 mm IU081F autofocus lens module said to be coming in March. There will also be a 1/3.2-inch 8.13 megapixel IMX105PQ sensor with IU105F2 lens module (pictured on the right above) in April for a substantially lower price tag.

Sony shows off first 16.41 megapixel cellphone sensor camera

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Altek is gearing up to release its Leo smartphone in Europe in early 2011. One has to start wondering when we may see this crazily powerful camera phone in North America. On that subject, Altek has reported they are still seeking “channel partners” to launch.

As for Europe and Asia, they can start saving their currency to snag one of these up very soon. The rest of us need to wait before we can put our Nikons away.

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

I have a couple Apple products (MacBook Pro & iPod touch) and for the most part I do enjoy using them. I am however, extremely tired of Steve Jobs’ arrogance during press conferences and announcements and can’t stand how the RDF (reality distortion field) around him explodes in the media and blogosphere. Apple seems to like to tell you how it should be done and then slowly adds features on their own time as you can readily see on the evolution of the iPhone. This same attitude of telling us how the world should be versus Nokia’s attitude of trying to give you products to help you see the world as it is can be seen even in the latest smartphones from both companies. Engadget posted a camera comparison between the Nokia N8 and iPhone 4 and it is quite clear that the N8 produces photos that are much more “real” while the iPhone 4 shows you a world as Apple thinks it should be with filled in colors and way too much yellow tinting going on.

CNET also conducted a comparison of the N8, iPhone 4, and a dedicated digital camera and their conclusion, along with their photo proof, shows the N8 is close to a dedicated digital camera and better than the iPhone 4. Unfortunately, the reviewer on CNET doesn’t seem to know much about using Symbian devices and has trouble using the OS.

I don’t have an iPhone 4 to create this same comparison, but I do have an HTC EVO 4G with 8 megapixel camera that I can use for comparison purposes. Then again, we already know that isn’t even a contest so I think I will just post N8 photos and let them stand on their own.

After looking closely through the Engadget comparison, do you agree that the N8 photos are better?

View full post on Nokia Experts

Three out of the four Galaxy S smartphones that made their way to US shores didn’t come with a front-facing camera in tow, but that’s not going to stop the crafty guy in you. XDA’s done it again and has found a way to take a replacement camera for the Galaxy S and install it in any other Galaxy S phone (it’s only been tested for the Vibrant but I can’t imagine it’d be much different from the other devices.)

They’ve already taken care of the hard work for you by whipping up the necessary software, but you’ll have to crack open your device to make room for the camera by peeling some paint and connecting some wires. Shouldn’t be too hard if you’re the type that’s already into this sort of stuff. Head on over to XDA for the full suite of download links and instructions (including a link to where you can buy the camera itself.)

[via TalkAndroid]

Homemade Spacecraft from Luke Geissbuhler on Vimeo.

This is not the easy weekend project I included in my book (over there, in the sidebar). This is something that took Luke Geissbühler months of research and planning, plus he’s a professional camera Director of Photography, so his knowledge set was already strong. But the payoff is spectacular.

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It’s not her first video appearance and you’ll have your own opinion as to whether it looks good or not, but if you are craving to see more of the BlackBerry Style, keep reading. PoderPDA has namely put up a couple of videos on youtube showing the clamshell in all its glory. This particular device rocks firmware v6.0.0.203 and makes the Pearl Flip look unstylish in comparison (sorry for the pun). The first video (above) shows off the hardware while the second video (below) takes a look at BlackBerry 6. The videos are en Español, but there is not much we already do not know about. So grab some snacks, lean back and enjoy the show!

Source: PoderPDA

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Style looking good on camera, stacked up against other models

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Product: Bluetooth Headset/ Camera Combo

Manufacturer: Looxcie

Wired Rating: 5

Warhol was only half-right. Sure everyone is famous these days, but only for 15 seconds and in 15 fps.

At least that’s what the Looxcie, a wearable video camera, presumes. Integrated into a flashy Bluetooth headset, the device is meant for capturing happenstance moments where whipping out a phone or cheap portable camcorder may not suffice. It also pairs with a mobile app that transforms your cell phone into a viewfinder, in case you want to frame specific shots. Still, it’s not for documentary films, just quick clips (up to 4-GB of ‘em). Which is supposedly why Looxcie only shoots HVGA in 15 fps, instead of anything even close to HD.

In theory, it makes sense. With a quick double-tap of an easy-to-find button on top of the headset, we were able to record almost five hours of random footage from a variety of places: buses, trains, crosswalks, the office (the bathroom!). It’s particularly solid for driving or other hands-free tasks you might want to document like, say, deconstructing and fixing a gadget (hat tip: @Alanwordguy ). In all of these instances, 15 fps is perfectly “good enough.”

Outdoor clips are noticeably grainy and pixilated, the sensor adjusts to bright sunlight very slowly, and the color contrast is pretty disappointing. However, it’s worth noting we found our indoor footage comparable, more or less, when tested side-by-side with an iPhone 3GS.

In practice, Looxcie still doesn’t seem quite ready for its close-up. The entire headset is less than 28 grams and fairly comfortable—until you really start moving around with it on. A light jog crossing the street required holding the camera in place. Every time we bent the flexible boom to frame a shot, the whole package jerks out of ear. The problem isn’t just hardware, either. Looxcie’s app is easy-to-use: Short clips are e-mailed within a minute. But for now, it’s compatible with Android phones (sorry iDrones). Plus, you can only share footage via e-mail and Facebook (BlackBerry and Apple compatibility along with Twitter/YouTube shortcuts are purportedly on the way, but until then, it’s a limitation worth noting).

A more bitter hindrance is the $200 price tag. Consider that a GoPro 960 helmet cam comes with a waterproof casing and various mounts suitable to a plethora of conditions. It costs only $180. Oh, and it captures a 170-degree field of view … in HD (60 fps). We’re not saying you shouldn’t buy the Looxcie. If you’re a Bluetooth headset kind of a person to begin with, killing two birds could be sensible. If not, well, you’re already carrying a smart phone that shoots 15 fps. Is using one of your hands that raw a deal, guys?

WIRED Alert every 30 seconds to remind you you’re filming. Lightweight at less than an ounce. Filming, viewing, editing a clip and sharing is a breeze. No limitation on clip duration. Excellent range (33 feet as advertised: CONFIRMED).

TIRED Sharing only works for short clips (30-minutes, 183 MB? No dice.). Terrible camera stabilization—some footage looked like deleted scenes from Cloverfield. Lackluster, muffled sound quality. No zoom. Right-Side Fred: Headset can’t be configured to wear in left ear. Behind-the-ear battery looks like a hearing aid. Sorry nerds, cannot be worn comfortably with thicker-rimmed glasses.

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

In case you missed the previous post concerning my quest to upgrade my non-geek dad, here is a summary. My dad is a member of the Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964. He has worked at the same company for forty-plus years, and is now retiring. Now that he will be free to explore other interests, he needs a bit of updating to the modern times. His employment provided him a computer and a cell phone, if you want to call them that. The computer was a monochrome Tandy, just to give you an idea of its age; and the cell phone predated Cingular as a company. It is now my goal to get him up to date with technology.

The next item in this cavalcade of technology has been around for quite a while, the Flip video camera. I actually own a Sony Handycam, which is what we have taken on every vacation and been used to film every birthday for the past five years. However, since we were having a party that I needed to be involved in, I needed something that was less intrusive. A friend of mine who went to Comic-Con this year showed me excellent footage that he shot with his Flip, so I asked if I could borrow it.

What a difference! First thing I noticed was that it was light, but not light in a cheap-feeling way. Second feature I noticed was the lack of buttons. This full feature camera has one button in the middle of a d-pad and two other small buttons. The one large button in the d-pad is pressed for record and stop, which is what you really need a video camera for. Honestly, everything else is secondary. Video editing, which can be done on the Flip is usually done on the computer later, so why does that need to be in the way of shooting?

After I collected all my footage from our party, I then inserted the built in USB connector to my PC. The Flip then took over installing the necessary software to transfer footage and edit. I own Adobe Premier but I found that the Flip’s installed software was sufficient to edit the footage and make it internet ready.

My Boomer Dad travels extensively and before now has never had the ability to film any of his trips. Sure he has a digital camera that he takes pictures with, but nothing brings back memories like video. The Flip is one video camera that I know he could use and would enjoy because of the very features I listed above. It is so fun to use, my wife wants one for herself… I wonder if there is a bulk discount?

Disclaimer: No consideration was given for this post. This is just me telling readers about some items that I have found helpful to those who are not as technically inclined as some. Your mileage may vary. All photos are from the Flip website.

View full post on GeekDad

Here’s an interesting use of Android. Meet the Looxcie Wearable Camera. It looks like a bluetooth headset on steroids, and in fact that is what it partially is. Looxcie is also a digital camera that can record video with 480×320 resolution at 15FPS onto an internal 4GB flash drive, for a total of 5 hours of footage.

How does Android come in you wonder? Looxcie also comes with an Android app that works as the editing tool which will allow you to use your Android phone as a viewfinder, video editor, and remote control. Here’s what else Looxcie can do:

• Automatic focus, automatic light adjustment with a 62-degree field of view
• 10-hour battery life
• Instant clip capture of the last 30 seconds of recording while continuing to record
• Incoming calls will mute audio recording for privacy
• Instant sharing to email, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter

All in all, Looxcie seems pretty neat, but my first thought was that the videos would look like the shaky-cam from hell. I was wrong, check out the demo video below:

Looxcie works with most Android devices running 2.x; the officially supported devices are:

• HTC- Aria, Nexus One, Evo, Incredible
• Motorola- Droid, Droid 2, Droid X
• LG- Ally
• Samsung- Capivate

Looxcie will be available on Amazon for about $199. You can read more about Looxcie at their site.

Source: Electronista

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

The $150 Pentax Optio RS1000 will offer swappable faceplates that you can design yourself, while the 10x optical zoom Optio RZ10 is the company’s first foray into the pocket-megazoom realm.

View full post on Macworld

OK, since news is a bit slow as we approach Nokia World (you do know I will be there, right?) it is a good time to see what is cooking over at Nokia Beta Labs. We are at the tail end of the summer here in Washington State and I am finding that mobile phone photos are not turning out very well with all of the background light. I just read on the Nokia Beta Labs blog that there two new applications for the Nokia N900 that look to take the camera to the next level. The HDR Capture application is designed for those situations when you are taking a photo with an open window with light behind the subject. The Lowlight Assistant is designed to help in situations when there is light, but not enough to give you a good photo.

Check out the samples and more details on the Nokia Beta Labs site. You can then sign into your Nokia account and download the apps.

View full post on Nokia Experts

After getting its official outing by Samsung ahead of its September 2nd unveiling in Berlin, the Samsung Galaxy Tab can’t seem to stay out of the spotlight. GizChina caught video of the device just minding its own business and took it for a very brief whirl. We didn’t get the most comprehensive look at what it’ll offer, but I can admit that Samsung’s really trying to emulate the iPad with this one. Is that a bad thing? Not quite, if they can pull it off (and from everything we’ve seen so far, they might be able to pull it off quite nicely).

I’ll go one step further and say this could be even better than the iPad, but I’ll reserve my judgment until I’ve actually been able to use it for myself (or – at the very least – see some more in-depth videos of it being put through its paces).

[via CrunchGear]

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The latest addition to Nikon’s digital SLR camera lineup is the affordable, 14.1-megapixel D3100.

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Photojojo, an online photography retailer, has introduced a set of inexpensive camera lenses said to “work with any camera phone”. First in the set is a wide angle/macro lens. This allows users to take both wide shots as well as close-ups. The second is a fisheye lens. For those who want to get creative this lens curves the edges of photos, turning a square image into what looks like a sphere. The wide/macro sells for $20, the fisheye for $25, or you can get them both for $40. The lenses attach via a small metal ring which is placed around the phones existing camera lens. The lens is then attached to the metal ring with magnets. This seems like a nice edition for a phone with a high megapixel count such as the Droid X (8 MP). Is anybody out there looking for something like this? Let us know in the comments.

$40 lens set from Photojojo, said to work with any camera phone

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

The rumored Motorola Sage takes some time out of its busy schedule to pose for the blurrycam. This device is said to be heading to AT&T and as you can tell, motoblur seems to be running in full force. The internals revealed by an FCC filing, show more details of this device which you can find that image below.

Known features of the Motorola Sage includes:

• Android 2.1
• Motoblur
• 3.1-inch touchscreen
• physical keyboard
• aGPS
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• digital compass

Most you would like another high-end Android device on AT&T but it looks like Motorola is sticking to their guns bringing AT&T another low-end Android device.

Source: Phandroid

What do you all think of the Motorola Sage so far? Voice your opinions in the comments below.

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

Product: HZ35W

Manufacturer: Samsung

Wired Rating: 5

Take a compass on a trip and you’ll spend a lot of time wandering around trying to find out which way is north. Take a camera with a built-in GPS receiver and you’ll get tons of tasty geotagged photos that can be automatically dropped onto interactive digital maps in programs such as Apple’s iPhoto or Aperture.

The problem is, not all GPS cameras are created equal. While testing several models on a five-borough photo tour in New York City, we got some interesting results, to say the least.

Is Nathan’s Hot Dogs in Kyrgyzstan? The GPS-enabled 12-megapixel Samsung HZ35W certainly seemed to think so, placing Coney Island’s culinary landmark in the mountains of Central Asia when we pulled our images into Apple Aperture 3′s “Places” mapping feature. When the same thing happened with a replacement camera, we switched to Apple’s iPhoto, which also has Places, and the geotagged photos were dropped properly into a map of New York City. Go figure.

Despite the glitch, the slightly chunky Samsung camera had the most extensive GPS features of the models we tested including Map View mode which displays your location and where your photos were taken on a map on the camera’s 3-inch LCD. The mapping feature on our camera confusingly defaulted to Washington, D.C., though, showing us walking down F Street instead of 181st in Washington Heights. (Once the camera locked in on the GPS signal, the map switched to the current location.)

Images captured by the HZ35W were only so-so with oversaturated color and blurry edge detail. We loved the 15x optical zoom though, which went as wide as 24mm for capturing landscapes and bridges.

WIRED GPS turns on easily with a switch on top of the camera. Displays current city, state and country on LCD in shooting mode. Map View will tell you where all the local Starbucks, McDonald’s and Bank of America ATMs are.

TIRED GPS antenna is placed where you put your forefinger on the camera, potentially blocking the signal. Must download maps from Samsung website and store on memory card in camera to use Map View mode. Slowest GPS camera we tested.

View full post on Wired Product Reviews

With so much built into the Samsung Vibrant, it’s hard to focus on just one aspect of the device. I am going to do my best to dive into my Vibrant and share with you some of the finer details. Today, I bring you an in depth look at the 5 Mepgaixel camera.

Shooting modes:

• Single shot – Just one shot.
• Beauty – For taking photos of people.
• Smile Shot – Smile detection. It won’t take the photo till the subject is smiling.
• Continuous – can take up to 9 shots continuously, just keep the shutter button depressed.
• Panorama – Takes 8 pictures from left to right. The screen creates a green box to guide you to the next shot.
• Vintage – Give you a nice vintage style ring around the photo.
• Add me – Creates a side by side shot option.
• Action Shot – For fast moving action shots.
• Cartoon – Turns your photo into a cartoon looking photo.

Here is a sample of each shot mode taken outside on a clear bright day. Not all shots were taken due to similar out comes such as continuous; it takes 9 shots back to back. Pretty much the same thing as single shot. Resolution set to their max at 2560 X 1920, with image quality set at Superfine. Also in the settings I have the Anti-Shake turned on as well. Each picture on the top is normal and each picture on the on the bottom is with Outdoor Visibility turned on.

Single Shot

Beauty – I did take this one indoors. The windows and doors were open.

Smile Shot – Same as other shooting modes. I tested it on my self and my wife. The camera would not take the photo till the person smiles.

Continuous – Again, the same as single shot just takes 9 shots in a row.

Panorama – Yes my grass is dying.

Vintage

Add Me

Action – One of the greatest features in my opinion. It only took a picture of my daughter moving and didn’t blur the background at all.

Cartoon

We can now move on to ‘Scene Mode’. I will be working on collecting samples of as many of these as I can in the next few days for you to enjoy. For now, here’s the list:

• Portrait – For Pictures of people.
• Landscape – Distant scenery. Infinite focusing.
• Night – For Beautiful night scenery, such as city lights.
• Sports – Fast moving sports action.
• Party/Indoor – Indoor scenes.
• Beach/Snow – Bright scenery shots like the beach or snow.
• Sunset – To capture that sunset just as you see it. Daylight white balance.
• Dawn- Daybreak scenes. Slow shutter speed.
• Fall Colour – To help emphasize reds and greens.
• Firework – Catches flame. Slow shutter speed. Hold camera still.
• Text – For text or document photos, emphasizes sharpness or contrast.
• Candlelight – For scenes under candlelight.
• Backlight – For when the sun or light is behind the subject.

I swear this phone has more camera settings then my $300 digital camera! With so many scene modes’ to choose from, you should have no excuse for taking a “Vibrant” photo no matter what the situation is, pun intended. I have had cell phones for a lot of years and I can honestly tell you, I have taken more photos with my Samsung Vibrant in the last week, then I have ever taken with any other phone I have owned.

I know the argument will come up about the phone being just a 5 MP camera and the DROID X having an 8 MP camera. Yes 8 is larger then 5. I took rocket science 101. With so many tests and studies done on the comparison of 2 MP – 8 MP on cell phones, the truth may sting. 5 MP is more then enough to print crystal clear prints even at 16 x 24. HERE is a link to my favorite article about the subject, that has the least technical jargon. Also, HERE is another link with another test study. Now I’m more then positive there will still be a battle to ensue on that statement. So to defuse the situation slightly, the AVERAGE person, with AVERAGE point and shoot skills, will not know the difference between 5 MP and 8 MP when taking photos and printing them as a NORMAL human would do. For the select technical gurus out there, the actual numbers are different and I won’t argue that. The average person out there buying a phone and taking photos will not see a difference, can we agree on that?

So setting aside the debate, what are your impressions so far on the camera quality and options available in the Samsung Vibrant?

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

Like your car and your house, your electronic gadgets big and small need to stay clean and protected from accidents.

View full post on Macworld