Canon revealed their next generation XH camera. While some Canon fans thought for sure their newest video camera would be based on the dSLR fad and an APS-C sensor, those in the know who have watched Canon for years knew the traditionally conservative company - who's still and video divisions are separated by a wide inter-corporate gulf - would announce another incremental advance, with legendary glass up front and proven technology at the back end. This is what Canon has always done and is the primary reason their video gear is always a solid, risk-free choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
Only speculation at this point, since Canon has only revealed a prototype and the nearest anyone can get is taking photos of it through a glass enclosure. From these photos, we know it's got a fixed lens, probably 20x. A best guess is that it'll have CCDs and not CMOS, but who knows? We do know that it will have solid state media. For stills? Definitely. For video? Well, remember what we said about Canon and tradition. The extent of Canon’s hype has been its description of, “Fairubesubideokamera,” or file-based video camera. Interesting.
(def-edit: For those that might criticize Canon for moving too slowly, I'll just say that the weekend before last I shot with a crew using a Panasonic HVX200, an old SD Canon XL2 and an old SD Canon GL2, and the GL2 was by far the most fun to use, the easiest to control and also got our best shot on a couple of occasions! The latest bleeding edge tech isn't always your best choice and we made a ton of money using SD cameras - and that's the bottom line!)
If you are lucky enough to own one of the newer more expensive DSLR cameras, then this Microscope attachment from Nikon is probably not out of your price range for us other mere mortals maybe the price will come down over time. Expensive Yes, at $1,400.00 ($1,600.00 with mount) this is not for the light hearted but definitely very cool. This attachment will work with a limited number of point and shoot cameras, one thing guaranteed though, this will open up an entire new world or at the least a new way of using your camera.
FX cameras can take detailed photos up to 20x, DX Cameras can boost magnification up to 45x and with "additional accessories" you can get up to an amazing close up of 66x. The Fabre Photo EX Camera Microscope should be ready around Feburary 20th for ordering and before you know it, you'll be taking pictures like this one of snail eggs with your camera, Link Here to other sample photos.
(h/t to Dave Dougdale for finding this) Wanna know how to create a news piece, shot-by-shot? Look no further than this Charlton "Charlie" Brooker (British journalist, comic writer and broadcaster) piece. It's funny, but if you study it, you've got an instant template for your own programs. (Warning: a single f-bomb ahead.)
Charlie Brooker's meta-television programs are fascinating and entertaining if you can find them. Newswipe deconstructs the news media and Sreenwipe goes deep behind the scenes for television programs (programmes?) in general.
Look out, James Cameron, the next Avatar is being made by a guy in his garage with a homemade 3D camera. Or not.
This awesome hack (by Mr. Eric Kurland) is going to require a bit of off-the-shelf gear and a good deal of enthusiasm. First, you'll need two identical camcorders. Second, you'll need a computer (done!) and some software (StereoMovie Maker - free!). Finally, you'll need a way to display your movie via a pair of projectors. Ah, now we are talking about an unusual setup. Still, this is basically how real, traditional 3D movies were projected in theaters back in the day and the fact that super nerds like you and me can do it in our living rooms today is, well, really cool.
Check out Mr. Kurland's project, even if you have no intention at all of creating your own 3D home movies, because the background, the project and the history is fascinating. And if you nerd out to this sort of thing, Make Magazine is worth the subscription.
Literally hot of the assembly line, The ION Dual-Lens Hand held Camcorder does for now at least, what no other camera can do, record both the subject and the videographer at the same time. The dual lens allows for what ION calls Live Editing Features which basically involve picture swap, split screen and PIP.
Reminiscent of the more expensive audio recorders, The Dual-Lens does come with a Stereo Microphone setup. Media is captured to either SD or SDHC memory cards and connects to your PC or Mac with a USB cable. Look for the ION Dual-Lens on shelves starting around May, price for this this camera has not been set.
Canon revealed their next generation XH camera. While some Canon fans thought for sure their newest video camera would be based on the dSLR fad and an APS-C sensor, those in the know who have watched Canon for years knew the traditionally conservative company - who's still and video divisions are separated by a wide inter-corporate gulf - would announce another incremental advance, with legendary glass up front and proven technology at the back end. This is what Canon has always done and is the primary reason their video gear is always a solid, risk-free choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
boost magnification up to 45x and with "additional accessories" you can get up to an amazi
ng close up of 66x. The Fabre Photo EX Camera Microscope should be ready around Feburary 20th for ordering and before you know it, you'll be taking pictures like this one of snail eggs with your camera, 
Look out, James Cameron, the next Avatar is being made by a guy in his garage with a homemade 3D camera. Or not.
what no other camera can do, record both the subject and the videographer at the same time. The dual lens allows for what ION calls Live Editing Features which basically involve picture swap, split screen and PIP. 