The Cybershot TX5 from Sony is just 17.7-mm thick and adds to that slim profile a lot of proofs: waterproof (down to 3m), dust-proof, shock-proof (can be dropped from a height of 1.5m), and freeze-proof (chilled to -10°C). A 10MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor coupled with the BIONZ processor enable 10fps continuous shooting and very good performance in low ambient light conditions. Unfortunately, there have been some reviews that show the Exmor R not doing as well as Canon compacts in bright conditions; the reviews state less sharpness.
The TX5 can shoot 720p movies, features 4x optical zoom and makes use of a fairly large 3-inch resistive touch TFT LCD. That means you can use the display with your gloves on, unlike an iPhone (read iPhone: Sausage as Stylus). All 2010 Cyber-shot models, including the TX5, can take SD/SDHC in addition to Memory Stick cards. But what is most impressive is the ruggedness of the TX5 in such a pretty package. You’ll have to wait until the end of March 2010 but that’s at least a couple of months before you’ll need to pack the TX5 for a fun time at the beach. Image & Data Source: DPReview
If you’re a proud owner of Canon’s latest compact low-light wonder, the S90, you’d be excited to hear that Lensmate has something special for you: the Custom Grip.
The Custom Grip for the S90 is individually 3D CNC machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum before being glass-bead blasted, black-anodized and nickel-sealed for durability and good looks.
Designed by Richard Franiec the Custom Grip “sits about 1.5 mm lower than the retracted lens, so it does not affect the pocketability of the camera.” VHB (very high bond) 3M clear transfer film is used to permanently hold the Custom Grip to the S90. It can also be removed without damaging the finish. Check out all 25 photos of the Custom Grip for the S90: looks absolutely wonderful. And the price is a reasonable US$32.95. Image Source: Lensmate
Engadget reports an iPhone with the plastic back replaced with something a bit more high-end: titanium. This beautiful mod was created by Martin Schrotz using a CAD program and a titanium alloy that allows free movement of RF waves in and out of the material, unlike the restrictive titanium used in the Titanium PowerBook G4. The titanium back is tastefully done and makes the cutouts for the buttons, SIM card holder, earphones, etc. more engineered, in a very good way. It might be just the photo, but the brushed bezel looks more high-tech than the current shiny version, too. Maybe Martin can fashion a titanium bezel as well! The one thing that might become a problem: the vibrate rocker sticks out too much and could possibly be a detriment to sliding out the iPhone from your jean pocket. One other thing: the Apple log on the back looks a bit too large. But overall, there isn’t much to complain about. Martin’s mod is pure high-tech beauty.
Microsoft’s Aaron Woodman was on The Engadget Show. He had a surprise: a prototype Windows Phone 7 Series by LG. The LG phone had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, dedicated real buttons for camera, volume, power and the required back, home, search buttons. The LG prototype also had a 5MP camera with flash on the back. Source: Engadget
Canon’s 550D (or Rebel T2i) can record 1080p video, which you can sample thanks to Nino Leitner. The short film FEBRUARY was shot using a pre-production unit. via Engadget