CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is a show dedicated to the world of high technology and the various innovations. Over the years, the CES has become the most important gatherings of this style as are the Computex or IFA. This show takes place in the beginning of the year in Las Vegas, where manufacturers, journalists and fans of new technologies come together for a week.
FIRST PICK: The panoramic (360 degree view) camera by Tamaggo
At first glance, the object does not look like much: a kind of plastic eggs, available in various colors. But it is actually a stand-alone device for capturing 360° hemispherical, horizontal or vertical panoramas. The device incorporates an orientation sensor used to automatically determine the type of view to produce. With the lens up or down, it will be a photo spherical, with the camera held straight ahead, and a horizontal panorama with the camera tilted to the side.
The advantage of this solution is that with its 14 megapixel sensor and 360° panoramas lenses simply make a single picture to get a result; at least that’s the promise of the manufacturer, since the product was not functional on CES presentation.
Once the capture is completed, the 360-Imager sends the captured file via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the smartphone, tablet PC or computer. It should also be possible to check the result on the small LCD touch screen of 2 inches on the back of the camera. It is curious to see how the 360-Tamaggo Imager will work once finalized, and we can expect that to happen during the second quarter of 2012. The price of this camera is estimated to be around $200.SECOND PICK: GoBandit Live, a camera paw bristling with sensors
In addition to Full HD 1080p sensor and a fisheye lens, the “GoBandit Live” actually embeds an array of sensors that can enhance the video of a multitude of data.
We thus have a GPS, as the Contour GPS announced last year to retrace the route but also to determine the speed, a barometric altimeter, a gyroscope and a tri-axial accelerometer. Ant + connectivity also allows to retrieve data such as heart rate. The supplied software to edit videos with all or part of these data, displayed in real time, superimposed on the video.
The Wi-Fi is integrated and provides original competition at home which will enable user to control camera remotely, via an iPhone application (Android is not supported). The lens offers a maximum field of view of 170° and a good light with an aperture at f2.8. The camera is finally certified IPX7, which ensures the tightness at 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
The “GoBandit Live” will soon be marketed for retail price of around $420. A variant designed will be availablr and free gyroscope, altimeter and Wi-Fi will be offered simultaneously at retail price of around $300.
THIRD PICK: Dropcam, video surveillance and simplified “in the cloud”
The “Dropcam HD” is a surprisingly compact IP camera with many benefits it offers, as it has a 720p sensor but especially Wi-Fi connectivity is provided with an aluminum stand, so you can put it anywhere, and with a wall mount plastic. “Dropcam HD” field of view is 107°.
His only connect micro USB allows for the initial configuration, which consists mainly to connect to Wi-Fi network and then it is used to supply power through a 3 meters cable which is supplied together with camera.
Once it is established, the user can access the live stream for free from the manufacturer’s website (no router configuration is then required) or an Android and iOS application. “Dropcam” records 7 or 30 days on its servers for 10 or 30 dollars a month.
The user can be alerted by email or by a when motion or noise has been recorded by camera. Twelve infrared LEDs also allow the camera to operate in total darkness, while a small speaker allows for him to return recording a sound. The “Dropcam HD” will soon be marketed in the U.S. at retail price of $150.
FOURTH PICK: ViewSonic ViewFun 3D camera
ViewSonic remains true to its reputation by launching low cost three models with prices ranging from 199 to 299 dollars. We find to do the same technology as that found in the field of mobile telephony, with microscopic sensors, fixed focus lens made of plastic and electronics basic. These are three models you can get:
The “ViewSonic ViewFun 3D Palm” record in full HD 1080p up to 60 frame/second, 2D and 3D, with sound recording in stereo. It borrows the form of real cameras and 3.2-inch display of 3D without glasses. The price of this device is $299.
The “ViewSonic ViewFun 3D” has a lower quality of recorder videos, 720p HD at 30 frames/second, but it retains the stereo. Its screen is also shrunk to 2.4 inches. It is sold for $229, however a variant filming in 1080p and equipped with a SD card slot is offered for $299.
Finally, the “ViewSonic ViewFun 3D Snap” sticks to the bare minimum to film in 3D, since it shoots in standard definition with monaural sound and it costs $199.
FIFTH PICK: Samsung inTouch Camera: Skype webcam not connected to TV
The “inTouch Camera” offers a complete connectivity including HDMI output, a USB input, and Wi-Fi N, much more comprehensive than just a webcam USB output option for TV.
It comes with an infrared remote control with a full keyboard, comfortable to drive interface, based on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and loads of applications such as Skype, YouTube, or a full web browser that supports Flash.
Technically, the “inTouch Camera” have a 4 optical plastic lens housing a microscopic CMOS sensor 1/5th of an inch to 3 million pixels, enough to provide videoconferencing in HD 720p. The media player supports up to 720p H.264 video and JPEG photos from a USB storage device.
The “Samsung inTouch Camera” will be launched in March 2012 at the retail price of $200. Designed by the division “Techwin America” of the Korean giant, specializing in surveillance cameras, it is not certain that one day cross the Atlantic.
