Like most rugged cameras, the TS4 comes with an altimeter and barometer for logging info, as well as a GPS for geotagging. The GPS system also comes with a new feature that allows you to load map data from a DVD for more advanced geotagging features.

Inside the touch shell, the TS4 packs in a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor and a 4.6X (28-128mm) optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and features 1080i HD video recording. The TS4 also comes with a new feature for the TS line of rugged cams: Manual controls, which gives a bit more flexibility to users who like tweaking they’re own settings.

The TS4 will be released in March for $400 in orange, blue, black and silver colors, but if you don’t need that much protection (or the manual controls), Panasonic also put out a cheaper model called the TS20.

This more affordable cam packs a 16.1MP sensor, 720pHD recording, and a slightly shorter 4x (25-100mm) zoom range, but comes with the same 2.7-inch display. The TS20 is also a little less rugged, with water protection up to 16 feet, and enough toughness to survive drops from five feet and temperatures down to 14F.

The TS20 will ship first in February for $180 in orange, blue, black and red.

Press release:

SAMSUNG’s Latest DualView Offering – the DV300F – Brings Further Innovation to Highly Popular Category

Enhanced Dual LCD and Wi-Fi connectivity for users to capture and share life’s moments in an instant, from both sides of the lens

Ridgefield Park, NJ – January 2, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies today unveiled a new addition to its market-leading Samsung DualView® line, the DV300F. With this launch, Samsung continues to cement its leadership position by introducing the latest in Dual LCD technology with Wi-Fi connectivity for camera users who want to snap and share moments in an instant.

The Samsung DV300F builds on the success of Samsung’s DualView technology with a 1.5” front facing LCD screen that helps ensure users are capturing the most challenging shots. Child Mode displays an animation to keep little ones focused, and the visual Self Timer makes it easy to put oneself in the picture.

In response to evolving consumer demands for maximum creativity and shareability, the DV300F is the first DualView model to offer Wi-Fi connectivity. The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables users to email their images or upload them to social media sites including Facebook, Picasa, Flickr and YouTube. In addition, images saved onto the camera’s microSD memory card, can be saved to a home PC without wires, by using the Auto PC Backup function. Cloud services, including Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft SkyDrive, allows users to store and share their precious pictures from anywhere.

For consumers on the lookout for sophisticated design and premium quality, the latest model comes in several shimmering metallic colors, including mock black, silver, navy and red. The new DualView camera features a sleek, seamless, and rounded form factor for ultimate style without compromising ease of use and image quality. The DV300F boasts an impressive 16 Megapixels, 5x optical zoom and 25mm wide-angle lens to capture all the action, even from a distance.

“Our aim is to continually be at the forefront of innovation and maintain our leadership within the DualView market, pioneered by Samsung,” stated Mr. Myoung Sup Han, senior vice president and head of digital imaging business, Samsung Electronics. “The new DV300F model is the embodiment of this goal. This latest model with the DualView LCD, Wi-Fi connectivity, ultra premium styling and the latest creative features, demonstrates Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation within the digital compact camera market, as well as our ability to consistently meet the needs of our customers.”

Get Creative with Magic Frame and Picture-in-Picture Shot
The DV300F is crammed full of fun features to maximize users’ enjoyment. The Magic Frame feature includes 12 fun background templates, as well as the ability to create poster-quality art, perfect for sharing or hanging. The camera’s Picture-in-Picture function lets users insert one image within another. Users can even impress their friends by combining a still picture with a video clip and instantly uploading it to YouTube or other social networking sites.

Maximize enjoyment with latest Photo shot features
With the Split Shot feature, users can merge up to three different images to create their very own artistic masterpiece! Pictures can even be imported from other cameras. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Funny Face allows photographers to add goofy grins, comical noses or even crazy eyes to shots of friends and family in eight different modes.

The innovative new Artistic Brush feature can instantly take a portrait, landscape shot or even a movie clip and transform it into a black and white or full color sketch just like an artist would! Users can then show off their artistic creation via the camera’s LCD, or by simply uploading their creation to social networking sites to ensure everyone look at their creative masterpiece or potentially, their latest profile picture — with a twist.

Finally, the model includes the new Motion Photo feature. Similar to the latest Hollywood blockbuster, users can freeze time around a moving subject for dramatic effect. Now, users can capture a friend jumping in the park and keep everyone else around them still.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

[Source]

Nikon’s yet-to-be-announced successor to the D700 DSLR cam has been revealed in a leak during the weekend. According to the reported details, the D800 will be feature the highest ever resolution for a Nikon DSLR with 36 megapixels (capable of snapping 7360 x 4912 stills), all packed in a body that’s smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

According to the source, the D800’s specs include CF and SD card slots for storage, HD video recording capabilities (topping out at 1080p at 30fps, or 720p at 60fps), an autofocusing system that’s similar to the D3 and D700, and a larger LCD screen at the back for previews. The photos also reveal a tweaked control layout at the back that replaces the focus mode switch with an image/video capture toggle.

Despite the added info, launch details are still up in the air for this one. An earlier rumor expected it to be launched late last month, but it didn’t happen, so it’s now slated for a possible late-2011 launch, followed by an early 2012 release.

Fujifilm has already revealed that they’re planning to launch a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera in 2012, but that’s pretty much all we know about it. A fresh leak revealed a number of critical details though, including what the camera’s going to look like… more or less.

So here’s what’s what: what you’re looking at is the Fujifilm LX – or really blurry photos of it taken during what looks like various stages of production – the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that’s set for a 2012 launch. According to the reported details, the camera will likely be packing an APS-C sensor inside a large body.

The controls shown includes dials for shutter speeds and exposure compensation. The cam is also expected to be announced along with three lenses: a pancake 18mm f/2, a 35mm f/1.4, and a high zoom lens. A 60mm lens is also a possibility.

Belkin Liveaction Camera Accessories and App Instantly Capture and Share Content

LiveAction Camera Grip and LiveAction Camera Remote offer a better way to snap photos and record video

(Playa Vista, CA) – November 9, 2011 – Belkin provides consumers with the capability to instantly capture and share life’s most spontaneous moments with the newly announced LiveAction Camera accessories for the iPhone and iPod touch. Experience a better way to snap photos and record video with products including the LiveAction Camera Grip and LiveAction Camera Remote. Immediately share this digital content with the new LiveAction App. “With upgraded cameras, new phones like the iPhone 4S take great pictures and are beginning to replace traditional cameras because they provide instant gratification—the ability to shoot and share via social media instantly,” said Jamie Elgie, senior director of Belkin’s mobility division. “Our new LiveAction Camera App and products enable that spontaneity, but also provide an enhanced camera experience that feels more like that of a traditional point-and-shoot camera. It’s the best of both worlds.”

The free LiveAction App features an intuitive on-screen interface to upload high-quality photos and videos directly onto Facebook or into an email without having to open another program. The app also allows you to capture still photos while simultaneously recording video of the same content so you don’t miss a single moment. Separate photo and video buttons make it easy to switch modes right on screen. In addition to working in conjunction with Belkin’s LiveAction Camera products, the LiveAction App can also be used alone as the primary camera app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

AVAILABILITY

The Belkin LiveAction App is free and available for download now at the Apple App Store. The LiveAction Cameral Grip is available now at Amazon.com. The LiveAction Camera Remote is available for pre-order now at Amazon.com. The full line of LiveAction Camera products will be available in stores in mid-December. The full lineup of Belkin’s iPhone and iPod touch accessories can be seen at http://www.belkin.com.

LiveAction Camera Grip - With a contoured, soft-touch design and external shutter button, the LiveAction Camera Grip transforms an iPhone or iPod touch into a traditional digital camera, allowing the user to take pictures quickly, easily, and comfortably. The Camera Grip attaches to the charge connector of the device and fits easily over most cases. The integrated tripod mount attaches to any standard tripod for more stabilized control. Separate buttons for photo and video allow the photographer to quickly switch from taking stills to recording live action. The LiveAction Grip requires the use of the LiveAction App. Attaching the Camera Grip immediately activates the app, making it seamless and easy to use on the go.

• Fast-fire shutter button
• Two modes for photo and video
• 30-pin connector
• Case-compatible
• Works with the free LiveAction App
• Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod touch
• Part number F8Z888
• $49.99

LiveAction Camera Remote - Nothing shows off a good time like a group photo, but with most camera phones someone must be left out to take the photo. Eliminate that problem with the LiveAction Camera Remote. The intuitive remote wirelessly activates an iPhone or iPod touch camera shutter from up to 30 feet away. Two button controls can instantly switch between photo and video functions. The detachable camera stand props up the device and then slides back onto the remote to create the ultimate pocket-sized camera kit. The Camera Remote requires the use of the LiveAction App.

• Remote shutter control enabled with Bluetooth® wireless technology
• Two distinct buttons for photo and video
• Detachable camera stand
• Operational up to 30 ft.
• Case-compatible
• Works with the free LiveAction App
• Compatible with iPhone 4 and iPod touch
• F8Z896
• $49.99

Swann has introduced the Freestyle HD, a wearable camera that’s capable of shooting 1080p HD videos and surviving dives of up to 65 feet underwater. What exactly would you do with such a thing? Pretty much anything you want to – or at least anything that’s worth recording – since it’s compact enough to make it handy to carry around (it measures only 60mm x 51mm x 42mm), and it comes with a number of straps and mounts for hands-free use. Handy for bear-wrestling, and–thanks to the waterproof case–swimming with sharks. Or any other activity that’s so dangerous, you’d want to record it in 1080p for showing off in case you live to tell the tale.

The Freestyle HD can be used for recording either 1080p videos at 30fps or snapping 8-megapixel JPEG stills, and features a 3x zoom as well as continuous and triple-shot burst modes. Playback can be done post-shooting with a detachable 1.5-inch LCD screen, or by hooking it up to an HDTV via an HDMI connection. The cam also comes with a USB connection for file transfers, while storage is handled by an SD card slot that supports up to 32GB cards.

The cam also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that’s listed to last up to 2.5 hours of recording per charge.

No word on availability yet, but the Freestyle HD is set to cost $279.99.

Shortly after being spotted in a promo video that may or may not have been posted early on purpose, Panasonic has officially announced the Lumix GX1, the first in a new series of compact Micro Four Thirds cameras. The real thing confirms a lot of info that’s been leaked earlier, with details that include a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor high sensitivity that tops out at ISO 12,800, and a fast AF that can lock in on a subject in 0.09 seconds. Full press release after the break.

Press release:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES NEWEST COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA, LUMIX GX1 EXCELS IN SPEED, IMAGE QUALITY AND SIZE

The LUMIX GX1 Finds the Perfect Balance of Size and Performance – Making it the Ideal ‘Everyday’ Digital Camera for Professionals and Photo Enthusiasts Alike

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic today announces its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, which joins Panasonic’s award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses.  The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction.  Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 can produce stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it can be easily carried for daily use.

“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality.  Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”

The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor.  When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90% while Phase difference AF is approximately 60% at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1　incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy.

The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF*, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps.  Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick.

The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD.  Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen.  Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting.

Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible.  In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’  Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design.  Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear.

The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback.  In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

Other features of the new Panasonic LUMIX GX1 compact system camera include:

• A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.
• One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.
• Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed.  By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
• Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached.  And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.
• Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.
• Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11%** longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.

The LUMIX G Series is a robust system of bodies and lenses, featuring a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the new power zoom X lens – standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single focal length lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, macro lens, and even a 3D lens – to fit a variety of shooting scenarios and occasions.

The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter for the unlimited number of lens properties.  The LUMIX GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style, including: external flashes, PL filters, ND filters, MC protectors, remote shutter, zoom level, battery packs, AC adaptor, DC coupler, straps, cases, bags and more.   Plus, with the LUMIX GX1’s hot shoe on the top, users can attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2), with approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for an SRP of $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for an SRP of $699.99.

* The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to “2m” from the “infinity” position. The zoom is positioned at its widest end. Panasonic measurement method

**Based on a CIPA Standard.

Panasonic has unveiled their first 3D-capable cam, the Lumix DMC-3D1. Like Fujifilm’s Real 3D W1, the 3D1 is highlighted by a dual lens feature that gives it the ability to shoot stereoscopic 3D photos and videos. The cam rocks a pair of 25mm ultra wide angle, 4x optical zoom lens, along with a 12-megapixel sensor, making for a compact point-and-shoot that’s capable of shooting 8-megapixel 3D stills and clips, or 12-megapixel 2D photos and videos with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

To keep things simple, a dedicated button will let you instantly switch between 2D and 3D modes, while the rest of the cam’s settings can be tweaked using the 3.5-inch “Smart Touch” touchscreen.

Beyond the dual lenses, the Lumix 3D1 is set up like your typical premium ultracompact. The cam features Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) for blur-free stills (or stills with less blur, at least), and fast shooting that will let you snap continuous stills at 4fps with autofocus on or 8fps stills when off. Captured content is saved on an SD card, which can be used to play AVCHD 3D photos and videos on a Panasonic Viera 3D TV or BD player. Otherwise, the cam also rocks an HDMI connection that’ll let you play back content to a larger display.

The 3D1 is set to ship in December for $500.

Officially, this cam shouldn’t exist… or at least not yet. But thanks to a number of leaks that go back as early as late October, we’re already aware that Panasonic has a new Micro Four Thirds cam called the Lumix GX1 up their sleeves. Right now, the cam still hasn’t been officially announced, but this latest “leak” pretty much spoils the (official) surprise. It’s a video of what looks to be the GX1’s official promo videos, posted on Panasonic’s own site. [video after the break]

Whether it was inadvertently posted early or not isn’t really an issue, since it’s not really a surprise anymore. What we do care about now is when they plan to officially spill the beans, since it definitely is something to get excited about – or at least it should definitely excite you if you’re into compact cams that give you a ton of manual controls.

The details are still unofficial, but here’s what’s already known about the cam: it’s designed to be Panasonic’s smallest Micro Four Thirds cam, with a compact frame that’s stocked with manual controls, including a command dial on the thumb grip, and customizable physical buttons at the back beside the three-inch touchscreen. The cam will also feature a pop-up flash, as well as a hot shoe that users can use to hook up an electronic viewfinder accessory.

The cam itself is expected to feature an updated Venus image processor, while the videos confirm a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, stereo headphones, a high sensitivity that tops out at ISO 12,800, and a fast AF function that can lock in on a subject in “0.09 seconds.”

Pricing and availability still remains unknown, but a source tipped 4/3 Rumors about an official announcement going down on November 7th, at “5-6am, London time.” Shouldn’t be long now.

The Titanium basically has the same bits and pieces as the existing D-Lux 5 compact, but remade with a titanium shell and is labeled as a “special limited edition.” The company didn’t mention exactly how “limited” the Titanium is or exactly how much it’s going to sell for, but the expected price alone should make this thing pretty rare. The regular D-Lux 5 already costs around $800 on Amazon.

As mentioned earlier, the D-Lux 5 Titanium’s plush shell is the only thing that sets it apart from the original, featuring the same compact dimensions, 24-90mm equivalent DC Vario-Summicron lens, and the same 1/1.63-inch, 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor and 720p video recording capability. So if you really don’t care for the limited edition Titanium, the D-Lux 5 is basically the same cam, but in plain black.

Also, if you don’t care for exclusivity, and you prefer value and performance over a luxury feel, just pick up Panasonic’s Lumix LX5. It’s basically the same cam that gives you the same spec at less than half the price (it’s currently selling for around $370 on Amazon).