Hasselblad H4D-60 high-end DSLR with True Focus function

The new Hasselblad H4D-60 is a 60MP DSLR camera with a True Focus function

High-end camera manufacturer Hasselblad has added to its H System of cameras with the H4D-60. The "60" refers to the unit's huge 60 megapixel medium format sensor which is combined with True Focus with APL (Absolute Position Lock), a system designed to make auto-focus substantially easier and more accurate. Aimed at professional photographers, the company says its first H4D camera marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of medium format DSLRs.

"We are thrilled to be able to announce the introduction of the H4D, says Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad. “This step represents the natural evolution of our H System and of our photographic strategy in general. As part of our efforts to inspire 35mm photographers to step up to the quality found in high-end DSLRs, the H4D series is built upon the successful H3D platform and features our revolutionary True Focus technology. The H4D also comes bundled with our new Phocus 2.0 imaging software. “True Focus helps solve one of the most lingering challenges that faces serious photographers today - true, accurate focusing throughout the image field," he said. “Without multi-point auto-focus a typical auto-focus camera can only correctly measure focus on a subject that is in the center of the image. When a photographer wants to focus on a subject outside the center area, they have to lock focus on the subject and then re-compose the image. In short distances especially, this re-composing causes focus error, as the plane of focus sharpness follows the camera's movement, perpendicular to the axis of the lens."

Poulsen says the traditional solution for DSLRs had bee to equip the camera with a multi-point AF sensor. These sensors allowed the photographer to fix an off-center focus point on an off-center subject, which is then focused correctly. "Such multi-point AF solutions are often tedious and inflexible to work with, however, and do not really solve the problem,” he said . "Photographers have grown accustomed to using auto-focus systems in their day-to-day work and we see increasingly higher numbers of focus points advertised in each new wave of AF products. The term 'multi-point' is a bit misleading, however, for cameras with sensors larger than APS," said Poulsen.

"Due to the physics of an SLR-camera, the off-center focus points that are offered are all clustered relatively close to the center of the image. To set focus outside of this center area, the photographer is still forced to focus first, and then shift the camera to reframe, with the resulting loss of focus as a result." Hasselblad has overcome this problem by using modern yaw rate sensor technology to measure angular velocity in an innovate way. The result is the new Absolute Position Lock (APL) processor, which forms the foundation of Hasselblad's True Focus feature.

The APL processor logs camera movement during any re-composing, then uses these exact measurements to calculate the necessary focus adjustment, and issues the proper commands to the lens's focus motor so it can compensate. The APL processor computes the advanced positional algorithms and undertakes the required focus corrections at such a rapid speed that Hasselblad says no shutter lag occurs. The H4D's firmware then further perfects the focus using the precise data retrieval system found on all HC/HCD lenses.

“This technology takes AF to an entirely new level, correcting for the vertical and horizontal focus-shift that results from the rotation of the camera around an axis close to camera, said Poulsen. “In simple terms, True Focus allows the photographer to concentrate on their composition, to focus on their creativity, while True Focus takes care of the other, more mechanical focus.”

Phocus 2.0

Hasselblad says its new user interface in Phocus 2.0 drastically reduces the learning curve for high-end imaging. “The average photographer will be up to speed in less than 15 minutes,” claimed Poulsen. “We've increased speed, increased functionality, and dramatically increased the speed at which photographers can learn to use this advanced software. In less than five minutes an amateur photographer can learn to work with our images. In less than ten minutes, learn how to setup for production of high-res files for Photoshop. In less than 20 minutes learn how to shoot tethered as a professional studio photographer. The new version of Phocus is just another step in our efforts to make complex functionality simple to use, allowing photographers to focus on their shooting.

The new features add to the range of enhancements found in the H4D, including Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS), which achieves consistent color reproduction using a single color profile, and digital lens correction (DAC) which perfects each image captured through the HC/HCD lenses, by removing any trace of distortion, vignetting or chromatic aberrations.

The Hasselblad H4D-60 will be available in January 2010 for US$28,995. The Hasselblad H4D-50 will replace the H3DII-50. Delivery of the H4D-50 will begin in Q1, 2010 for US$19,995. The H3DII-50 cameras purchased between now and Q1, 2010 will be upgraded to the H4D-50 free of charge. A program is also being announced for owners of H3D-31 and H3D-39 cameras to step up onto the H4D platform.

New sports optics from Pentax

 

 A new compact digital camera adapter for spotting scopes is among the sports optics offerings from Pentax expected early in 2008.

The PENTAX UA-1 digital camera adapter will allow users to attach almost any compact digital camera to the PENTAX PF-80ED or PF-65ED series of spotting scopes while the new series of PENTAX DCF SW roof-prism binoculars includes two models, an 8x25 and 10x25. They both offer a dual-hinge design that folds to be ultra-compact and are waterproof and nitrogen-filled for advanced waterproof capability in a slim, portable design. The PENTAX 9x28 DCF LV high-end roof-prism binoculars feature a maneuverable, lightweight, waterproof and impact-resistant design with an advanced optical system that offers a bright and clear field of view.

All three product models will be available in February 2008 with prices ranging from USD$70 for the PENTAX UA-1 digital camera adapter, around USD$180 for the PENTAX DCF SW binoculars models and USD$250 for the PENTAX DCF LV.

Air-cushioned sleeve promises greater laptop protection

The Sumdex Aircube laptop sleeve uses "air cell technology" to spread overall pressure between air channels and provide added protection for traveling laptops. Made from durable TPU (thermoplastic urethane) and neoprene, the Aircube sleeve is similar to surrounding your precious computer in bubble wrap – only better looking and not as bulky.

The Aircube comes in popular sizes for PC netbooks, notebooks and MacBooks and MacBook Pros and in a small range of different colored backs and trim with clear fronts.

It also offers easy view "Check-Quick" check-point friendly design for fast security clearance in airports and buildings.

A 17" Aircube will set you back around US$40.

Via Sumdex.

Seagate unveils 2.5-inch hard drive - the Momentus Thin

The Seagate Momentus Thin 7mm hard drive.

After recently announcing its first foray into the solid state drive market, Seagate has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s thinnest hard drive for slimline laptops. Measuring a mere 7mm in thickness and featuring a SATA 3Gb/s interface and spin speed of 5400rpm, Seagate believes it could pave the way for a new class of entry-level thin laptop computers.

According to Seagate, around 90 percent of netbook computers in the market today are sold with 9.5mm 2.5” drives due to the excessive cost associated with SSDs and 1.8” hard drives. The Momentus Thin is not only 25 percent thinner than traditional 9.5mm drives, but is said to rival them in both energy efficiency and performance. With demand for ever slimmer laptops at an all time high Seagate is aiming to give its equipment manufacturers the option of offering affordable slimline options to a broader market.

The Momentus Thin features a SATA 3Gb/s interface, 8MB cache and 5400rpm spindle speed and like other drives in the Momentus range it is also equipped with self encryption and free-fall sensors.

Set to be available in 250GB and 160GB capacities, the Momentus Thin is due to be shipped to Seagate’s integrator partners in January 2010.

CyberQuad: best of both worlds UAV designed for urban reconnaissance

The CyberQuad UAV uses four ducted rotors for stable, stealthy 

flight in urban or enclosed environments

If one rotor is good, four must be better. That’s the general idea behind the CyberQuad, a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Australian manufacturer Cyber Technology. The CyberQuad is an electric, remote-controlled reconnaissance platform that features four ducted rotors to provide lift and maneuverability, allowing the remote-control UAV to be used in urban and enclosed environments. The four rotors give the CyberQuad the payload capacity and stability of a helicopter-type UAV, while the ducted design avoids the dangers associated with exposed propellers.

According to the manufacturer, open propeller helicopters typically cannot fly through doorways or near people because of the risk of snagging their large exposed rotors. Ducted fan designs eliminate this danger, but require additional stabilization and generally cannot carry as much payload or provide as much endurance. The CyberQuad’s ducted quadrotor chassis is designed to take advantage of the best of both types of platforms. It features the simple mechanics, stability, and agility of a helicopter, plus the safety, compact size, and efficiency of ducted fans.

Cyber Technology, which produces several different types of UAVs, believes their CyberQuad is well-suited to the emerging market for urban aerial reconnaissance. With a payload capacity up to 1.5kg (3.3lbs) the Cyber Quad can carry a high-definition video camera or sensors for detecting gases, industrial pollutants, chemical warfare agents, or other materials. The brushless electric motors do not produce sparks so the UAV can be deployed in volatile atmospheres. In fact in November, the CyberQuad was successfully used to investigate a fire on an oil platform. The UAV was able to maneuver throughout the superstructure and transmit back high-definition video to operators located a safe distance away.

The UAV features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and hovering capabilities like a helicopter. It measures just 53 x 53 x 16cm (21 x 21 x 6.3in.) so it is easy to transport and can be deployed rapidly.

The manufacturer claims the CyberQuad’s top speed is around 40mph (65kph) and the run time is 25 to 40 minutes. The CyberQuad’s mission time can be extended, however, because the UAV is able to “perch” on a suitable landing spot and observe without flying.

Cyber Technology designed the CyberQuad for “stealth” operations by reducing the rotor noise. The four modular rotors do not use noisy gearboxes, and noise from the propeller tips is reduced by the duct walls. The fans are arranged in counter-rotating pairs to reduce gyroscopic issues and provide better stability. Each fan is independently controlled, allowing maneuverability without the need for additional control surfaces. In addition, the CyberQuad uses inertial sensors and high-frequency speed controllers to actively stabilize the UAV’s attitude and heading.

There is no word on availability or pricing. For more information visit Cyber Technology.

IBM forecasts the next 5 big ideas for the next 5 years

IBM predicts smarter buildings, transportation,


water systems, medical will impact cities in the


next five years

Casting one’s eye into a crystal ball is a risky undertaking that can leave the forecaster as visionary or fool – particularly if they are short term predictions that can easily be checked. But that hasn’t deterred the soothsayers at IBM coming up with their fourth annual “Next 5 in 5” list of innovations that will impact our lives in the next five years.

Because the world is experiencing unprecedented urbanization, with last year seeing the majority of the world’s population residing in cities for the first time in history, IBM has focused on innovations that have the potential to change how people live, work and play in cities around the globe in the coming years. The list is based on market and societal trends expected to transform cities, as well as emerging technologies from IBM’s labs around the world that have the potential to turn these predictions into reality. So what does IBM think we can expect?

Cities will have healthier immune systems

Given their population density, IBM says cities will remain hotbeds of communicable diseases. However, the emergence of a “health Internet” will give city officials, hospitals, schools and workplaces the ability to better detect, track, prepare for and prevent infections. IBM predicts this system will share anonymous medical information contained in electronic health records to provide information for public health officials to know when, where and how diseases are spreading and even which neighborhoods will be affected next. IBM is already working with organizations to standardize methods for sharing health information and analyzing infectious disease outbreaks that would enable such a system.

City buildings will sense and respond like living organisms

The trend towards “smart buildings” has already started and IBM says the trend will only gather pace with technology used to manage building systems such as heat, water, sewage, electricity, etc. Thousands of sensors inside buildings will monitor everything from motion and temperature to humidity, occupancy and light. This system will enable repairs before something breaks, emergency units to respond quickly with the necessary resources, and consumers and business owners to monitor their energy consumption and carbon emission in real-time and take action to reduce them.

Cars and buses will run on empty

This one is a pretty safe bet too. The switch from fossil fuel powered vehicles is already underway and, although there are a few potential energy sources including hydrogen and various biofuels vying for consideration, IBM predicts that improved battery technology will be the technology to power the next generation of eco-friendly vehicles. It says the new batteries won’t need to be recharged for days or months at a time, depending on how often the vehicles are driven, and will allow trips of 300 to 500 miles (480 – 800km) on a single charge. Also smart grids in cities will allow vehicles to be charged in public places using renewable energy, such as wind power, for charging so they no longer rely on coal-powered plants.

Smarter systems will quench cities’ thirst for water and save energy

To deal with the estimate that demand for water is expected to increase sixfold in the next 50 years cities will install smarter water systems to reduce water waste by up to 50 percent. Smart sewer systems will also be installed that not only prevent run-off pollution in rivers and lakes, but purify water to make it drinkable. Advanced water purification technologies will help cities recycle and reuse water locally, reducing energy used to transport water by up to 20 percent. Like smart electricity meters, interactive meters and sensors will be integrated into water systems to provide users with real time, accurate information about their water consumption to allow them to make better decisions about how and when they use this valuable resource.

Cities will respond to a crisis – even before receiving an emergency phone call

IBM hasn’t given a lot of details about just how such technology would be implemented - although it won’t be through the use of precogs like those used in the movie Minority Report – simply saying that analyzing the right information at the right time will help prevent emergencies, such as crime and disasters.

IBM says it is already helping law enforcement agencies analyze information that will allow public servants to take proactive measures to head off crime. Also the New York Fire Department has selected IBM to build a state-of-the-art system for collecting and sharing data in real-time and the company is also designing smart levee systems to prevent cities from devastating floods.

IBM hasn’t really gone out on a limb with any of their predictions. As any regular reader would know, all of the innovations outlined by IBM are already emerging, which is hardly surprising given IBM’s next five years timeframe.

Five years could be an optimistic time frame, especially when you look back at the first IBM Next 5 in 5 list compiled in 2006. It predicted the rise of a 3-D Internet and real-time speech translation becoming the norm. That leaves only one year for this to take place. Although there have been advances in both areas, it couldn’t really be said that either has changed many people’s lives just yet. It's hard to think the same won't be true for this new list five years from now.

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