Camera

134 'Camera' stories December 2010 - February 2014

Camera+ iPhone app adds 16×9 widescreen shooting mode, improved filters & editing

Jordan Kahn Feb 20 2014 - 12:26 pm PT

Camera_Plus_App_icon The popular Camera+ iPhone app from developers tap tap tap was updated today with a number of new features and improvements. On top of a “a bunch of refinements to The Lab” and photo editing, the app gains a new BOOST feature for setting filters to 200% intensity and widescreen 16×9 shooting mode. The update to version 5.1 also includes a number of bug fixes.

Camera+ for iPhone is available on the App Store now for $1.99.

Full release notes for the update below:

What’s New in Version 5.1

For Camera+ 5.1 we’ve made a bunch of refinements to The Lab, making the best photo editing on a mobile phone even better. We’ve made several usability tweaks to further streamline the whole experience. One slightly hidden, but handy addition is that you can now tap & hold an adjustment to reset it.

We’ve added a new setting so that you can choose whichever section you’d like to begin in when you edit your photos. This is nice if you always want to go straight to The Lab, for instance.

For those times when you want to go more intense with filters, we’ve added a new BOOST feature. You can now bump the intensity up to 200%.

You can take widescreen photos with the new 16×9 shooting mode. Bring out your inner Scorcese. Or Fellini.

Many of you were hitting a pipe too often while flapping, causing you to lose all your photos. That’s now fixed, thankfully.

And we’ve spent a good amount of time fixing bugs for this version. Many were esoteric and only occurred on particular hardware, but we did our very best to try and resolve all known issues for this release. If any of you experience any further issues, please report them to us.

Take 2: The API issue that was causing apps like Day One to not work properly with Camera+ is fixed now. For realsies this time. Thanks to the chaps at Day One for helping us to resolve this.

Eye-Fi announces software for direct camera-to-Mac transfers

Ben Lovejoy Jan 7 2014 - 7:35 am PT

2 Comments

Wifi-equipped cameras have long been one of those things that promise more than they deliver. In theory, you can take a photo on your camera and have it instantly and wirelessly transferred to your Mac. In practice, not so much. You either need to go via an iOS device, or go via a router with ridiculously-convoluted networking configuration required to make it work.

Eye-Fi seems to be getting one step closer to the theory, announcing beta software at the Showstoppers CES event that allows photos to be sent direct from camera to Mac. The beta version is free, though you have to register for the company’s labs project to get access, but it seems the release version will be chargeable.

The app is only compatible with Mobi cards – earlier versions won’t work. Hopefully the reliability of the cards has improved since I last tried them.

Apple reportedly acquires SnappyLabs, the company behind the rapid-fire iOS camera app

Chance Miller Jan 4 2014 - 12:57 pm PT

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According to a new report from TechCrunch, Apple has acquired the photo technology startup SnappyLabs. SnappyLabs is a one-man development team known for creating the SnappyCam app. As the name implies, the big feature of SnappyCam is its ability to take full-resolution images at 20 to 30 frames per second, which is considerably faster than the native Camera app on iOS. The app was sold for $1 on the App Store and was relatively popular, reaching #1 on the paid app chart in nine countries.

SnappyCam, on iPhone, is the fastest smart-phone camera on earth. With it you can easily get that impossible, perfect shot, every time. SnappyCam also shoots unique living photos that capture the entire moment, not just a single snapshot in time. It’s like an interactive flip-book, in full 8 Mpx glory and at high-speed.

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Starbucks now supports redeeming Pick of the Week cards with iOS 7’s camera feature

Sarah Guarino Jan 2 2014 - 4:03 pm PT

11 Comments

Starbucks, this week, updated their iconic Pick of the Week promotion to take advantage of iOS 7’s ability to use the device’s camera to redeem iTunes gift cards. Before that, customers had to pick up a physical card featuring a promo code to redeem the Pick of the Week app and manually type the code into the iTunes Store. Earlier this year, Starbucks began offering the promotion via an App Store app. The pick of the week promotion allows customers pickup cards from participating Starbucks locations and download an app or other piece of iTunes media for free:

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Camera+ 5 launches with iOS 7 redesign, wallpaper composer, more

Zac Hall Dec 18 2013 - 6:31 am PT

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Coincidentally with the debut of Photos+ (and no affiliation), popular photography app for iPhone Camera+ released a major overhaul of its app today bringing an all new design optimized for iOS 7 and a handful of new features.

Aside from the new flatter app icon and icons within the app, Camera+ now features what it calls The Lab, which is a suite of additional editing features including the ability to edit and crop images for an iOS 7-style wallpaper.

Camera+ 5 for iPhone is a free update to existing users and $1.99 on the App Store for new customers. Full release notes below:

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After the (RED) Leica, the (RED) desk (in aluminum, of course)

Ben Lovejoy Oct 11 2013 - 6:09 am PT

6 Comments

Following the interview in which Jony Ives and Marc Newson talked about their collaborative design of the one-off Leica M camera for the (RED) charity auction, the one-of-a-kind desk designed by the two has also been unveiled.

As you might expect, it’s made from machined aluminum, fabricated by renowned aluminum specialists Neal Feay Studio. The design is, though, not quite as minimalist as I’d expected, featuring a mosaic pattern on its surface. More photos below the fold …

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iOS 7 How-to: Redeem iTunes gift cards with your device’s camera

Sarah Guarino Sep 23 2013 - 11:02 am PT

3 Comments

iTunes gift cards are a great gift for iOS Device users. They can be used to purchase content from the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBookstore. However, entering in the string of characters to redeem the gift card balance has typically been a pain with the touch keyboards on iPads, iPhone, and iPod touches. Like iTunes 11 on the Mac, iOS 7 moves to solve this problem. You can now use your device’s camera to scan in the code.

Go to the main/featured page in whichever store you choose and to get to the redemption screen, scroll all the way down, and press on redeem:

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Review: 24 hours with the iPhone 5s…

Mark Gurman Sep 21 2013 - 4:52 pm PT

28 Comments

I managed to pick up an iPhone 5s yesterday and have been trying out its new features and enhancements. Here’s my review of the device after using it for 24 hours…

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How-to: Use the new Camera app in iOS 7

Sarah Guarino Sep 20 2013 - 7:15 am PT

30 Comments

Everyone loves taking pictures. And with iOS 7, Apple has attempted to improve the picture and video taking experience with a completely redesigned Camera app. First, let’s discuss the different ways to open up the Camera app, as it is the only app in iOS that has four different methods to launch it.

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iOS 7 How-to: Use Control Center to quickly manage settings

Sarah Guarino Sep 18 2013 - 11:48 am PT

50 Comments

Control Center is one of iOS 7 brand new easy to use features that makes it very efficient to toggle on and off certain settings. To activate and get into Control Center, you swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

You are now able to quickly access Airplane Mode, Wifi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb Mode and Lock Rotation. You are also able to easily adjust the brightness of your display by adjusting the slider next to the suns. You also have controls for playing your music, with a volume slider below the controls. Below that you do have the option to AirDrop (only available on iPhone 5 or later, iPad fouth generation and newer, and iPod Touch fifth generation and newer) and AirPlay which allows you to wirelessly project the device’s display using an Apple TV or to project music to Bluetooth speakers or AirPlay speakers.

For quick easy access you now do have a flashlight. Even if your phone display goes to sleep, the flashlight still stays on, so make sure you actually do tap the flashlight again, to turn it off. You don’t need to have a Flashlight app anymore as it is built in. You do also have easy access to the Clock app, so you can set alarms, timers, or use the stop watch. You have access to the calculator app. You also have a new way to open up the Camera app.

For example, Control Center is great because now I do not have to unlock my iPhone, type in my password, go into Settings, turn on Bluetooth and have it connect again with my car system. Now I just swipe up to open up Control Center, tap on Bluetooth and it automatically pairs up with my car speakerphone.

However, not everybody might want to access Control Center from their lock screen. You can control where on your phone you want to be able to activate Control Center. For example, you can decide whether or not you want to be able to access control center on your lock screen, and while you are in apps. To set this up, go into settings.

Then press on Control Center.

You can then toggle to access Control Center on the Lock Screen on and off. Same thing with accessing it within apps.

Burberry to capture its London fashion show with new iPhone 5s next week

Mark Gurman Sep 12 2013 - 4:10 pm PT

5 Comments

Apple and fashion retailer Burberry have announced that Burberry’s London-based fashion show next week will be captured entirely with the new iPhone 5s. Apple’s iPhone 5s, which was announced earlier this week, includes major camera enhancements with an improved aperture, dual-LED flash, and new camera software like slow-motion and burst modes.

“iPhone 5s makes it even easier to take great photos with the world’s most popular camera,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone & iOS Product Marketing. “We’re thrilled to see the amazing photos and HD video Burberry has captured with the incredible all-new iSight camera.”

While the iPhone 5s will officially hit stores on Friday, September 20th, Burberry’s show is on September 16th, so they will be getting early access to the device for this special partnership.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iL5ceRxp4A

Update: Burberry has posted a new video (below) on their Instgram feed which spotlights the slo-mo feature of the iPhone 5s.
http://instagram.com/p/eUvd7NxJCC/

The full press release is available below:

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Details and video of Sony’s upcoming QX lens-shaped camera leaked: two versions coming later this month

Scott Buscemi Sep 3 2013 - 11:11 am PT

4 Comments

[youtube=http://youtu.be/HKGEEPIAPys]

Details of the rumored smartphone-compatible, Carl Zeiss lens-weilding camera attachment from Sony, set to be announced tomorrow, have been leaked by sonyalpharumors. The promotional video above shows the features of the QX100/QX10 “lens-style cameras”.

For devices with NFC, a simple tap hooks up the camera/lens and makes it ready to share or save files right on the spot:

For added convenience, the app can be activated using NFC one-touch with compatible devices. Once pictures are taken, they are saved directly on both the phone and the camera*, and can be shared instantly via social media or other common mobile applications.

The device will take advantage of the PlayMemories Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The device will come with a piece to attach to a phone, however, it is also detachable as seen in the video.

The QX100 and QX10 will be available some time later this month for $500 and $250, respectively.

Macs in surprising places: Slumdog Millionaire was filmed with a camera containing a Mac Mini

Ben Lovejoy Aug 29 2013 - 6:33 am PT

4 Comments

It looks rather like a steampunk version of a traditional 16mm cinema camera, and that was indeed the inspiration behind the SI-2K Black Betty, a camera aimed at independent film-makers and used as a secondary camera in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.

It combines a Silicon Imaging 2K camera head, with its film-like 2/3″ CMOS Imager, with an SSD-equipped Mac Mini inside running Silicon Imaging SiliconDVR software. A 7-inch touchscreen monitor completes the package. The result is a self-contained camera that allows the film-maker to shoot, edit and upload.

As the name suggests, it’s capable of shooting 2K video at 30fps. If you know your videography, it shoots CineForm compressed RAW files with up to 11-stops of dynamic range at up to 500ISO. If you don’t, well, let’s just say it’s a very capable camera.

The Mac Mini was likely chosen because it offers the capability of a desktop machine in something with very low energy requirements: the complete system uses only 40 watts.

The Black Betty has only two physical buttons: on/off and start/stop: everything else is controlled via the touchscreen.

Sadly for Mac fans, the Mini isn’t running OSX: the SiliconDVR software is Windows-based, so that’s what the machine runs – but that’s one of the beauties of a Mac, you can run OSX, Windows or both.

The camera isn’t available to purchase, but you can rent one via Rule Boston Camera.

Via Engadget

Leaked press shots show Sony’s upcoming 20.2MP, Carl Zeiss camera lens attachment for iPhone & Android

Jordan Kahn Aug 12 2013 - 10:31 am PT

5 Comments

Sony-Camera-Lens-01

Last month a report from often reliable sources claimed that Sony was readying a new Carl Zeiss camera lens with a 20.2 MP sensor that would attach onto a smartphone and connect over WiFi or NFC. Today, SonyAlphaRumors is back with more details on the new products and this time has high-quality images of the upcoming “Lens-camera” accessory with what appear to be leaked press shots.

What you see on these images are the DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 lenses. Actually these are not normal lenses! They have built-in sensor, Bionz processor, Wifi/NFC wireless connection and SD card slot. These lenses have no LCD screen and no usual camera controls. You will be able to control them through your smart phone or tablet.

The report claims that Sony will be launching two models “soon”, one with a RX100MII sensor and Zeiss lens, and another that features a “10xzoom lens with 1/2,3 inch 18 megapixel CMOS sensor” (pictured in the image with the f/3,3-5.9 lens). It also says the camera lens will be available for both Android and iOS devices.
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An in-depth look at fingerprint sensor technology amid ‘iPhone 5S’ rumors

Mark Gurman Aug 5 2013 - 12:23 pm PT

6 Comments

Motorola Atrix Fingerprint Sensor (via DigitalTrends)

As this fall approaches, both rumors and actual evidence have pointed to the next iPhone’s marquee feature being a fingerprint sensor for authentication purposes. We previously provided iOS 7-based evidence and information regarding Apple’s work on implementing a fingerprint sensor in future products.

While we reported that Apple is actively developing fingerprint solutions that sit within a display for products a few years into the future, it seems that this year’s iPhone fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the iconic home button.

In light of these rumors, Geppy Parziale, a biometric authentication expert from InvasiveCode, has compiled in-depth look at the technology that powers miniature fingerprint sensors:

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Digitimes: Initial ‘iPhone 5S’ shipments to be constrained as fingerprint sensors hit low yield-rates

Mark Gurman Jul 15 2013 - 9:52 pm PT

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<a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/06/21/apple-patent-application-describes-fingerprint-sensor-tech-rumored-for-iphone-5s/">Apple fingerprint sensor patent</a>

Digitimes, which is notorious for its mixed track record, is out with a new report claiming that initial shipments of Apple’s next-generation iPhone will be in tight supply. The reason being low yield rates for the production of the sensor for the device’s rumored fingerprint scanning technology. That’s in addition to some chips required to power the new iPhone’s LCD.

Poor yields of fingerprint-recognition chips and LCD driver ICs will likely force Apple to reduce first-quarter shipments of the rumored iPhone 5S, which is slated for launch in September 2013, according to industry sources. Volume production of fingerprint-recognition and LCD driver chips for the iPhone 5S should have started at the end of June or early in July, but issues related to yield rates will delay commercial production of the two chips to the end of July, therefore affecting the initial supply of the iPhone 5S, the sources explained.

Furthermore, the site says that production of said device’s sensors should have begun late last month or earlier this month, but production won’t actually begin until later this month. This in turn will affect initial shipments of the new iPhone come September. Digitimes says this will result in 3 million delayed units…

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A look at the changes to Apple’s new Camera app in iOS 7 [Video]

Michael Steeber Jun 11 2013 - 11:57 am PT

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Just like the rest of iOS 7, Apple completely redesigned the camera app that it ships on all devices. Moving away from metaphors that resemble a real camera, Apple has reworked the interface and added new features, such as camera filters and a new square photo option.

Also noteworthy is the removal of shutter animation, which has been replaced by a stark fade animation when you snap a photo. Rather then describe it any further, take a look at the video above to get an idea of what you’ll see this fall when iOS 7 is released to the public.

Preview of Analog Camera for iPhone by Realmac Software

Zac Hall May 14 2013 - 6:00 am PT

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Analog Camera for iPhone by Realmac Software

Analog Camera for iPhone by <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=jZ6GP8Fu9UU&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fnl%2Fartist%2Frealmac-software%2Fid310591643%3Fl%3Den" target="_blank">Realmac Software</a>

From the wonderful folks who brought you Clear for iPhone and Mac, Realmac Software announced today it will bring a few of its stunning filters from Analog for Mac to the iPhone with Analog Camera.

Analog Camera for iPhone resembles the simplistic, gesture based UI of Clear for iPhone, featuring soft square or rectangle buttons that pop up upon contact and prompt fun, clever sounds.

Check out my observations of the app and a teaser video below:
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Atom for jailbroken iPhones is a welcome lockscreen overhaul

Mike Beasley Apr 23 2013 - 11:00 am PT

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The iPhone lockscreen hasn’t changed much in the past six versions of iOS, with the exception of the addition of a camera slider. Atom is a new jailbreak tweak that seeks to completely redesign the lockscreen and add new functionality, and it does not disappoint.

Keep reading to find out how Atom can make your lockscreen even more useful.

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iPhone 5S to reportedly come with 12-megapixel camera, improved low light mode

Michael Steeber Apr 15 2013 - 3:12 pm PT

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Image via Gizmag

Tinhte.vn is reporting this afternoon that Apple’s next-generation iPhone (assumed to be dubbed the iPhone 5S) will include an all new 12-megapixel camera as well as an improved night shooting mode. Interestingly, MacRumors notes that the report originates from “Wonderful Saigon Electrics in Binh Duong, which specializes in providing camera modules for the iPhone.”

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‘LookAway Player’ brings Samsung’s Smart Pause-inspired feature to iPhone

9to5 Staff Apr 10 2013 - 8:55 am PT

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Sensitivity and Settings menu of LookAway Player

Samsung’s new eye-tracking features on its Samsung Galaxy S IV are arguably some of its coolest yet.

One of them, Smart Pause, is built right into the video player on the device and recognizes when you are watching a video. If you look away from the screen while it is playing, the GS4 automatically pauses the video for you and starts playing it again when you look back.

Many are wondering when or if a similar feature will launch on iOS. While Apple may never implement such a feature, iOS users can try out the feature.

LookAway Player for iOS is a YouTube player that includes the same look-away-pause, look-back-play features found on the Galaxy S IV. LookAway uses a technology developed by Cube26, which utilizes the front-facing camera to track eye movement.

While it is not yet clear how well the player actually works, it is available to try out yourself on the App Store.

New quick app switching & other concepts show options on the table for iOS 7 [Videos]

Jordan Kahn Feb 18 2013 - 10:42 am PT

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With the recent departure of longtime iOS chief Scott Forstall, many expect some big changes in iOS 7. Not only is Jony Ive taking over design responsibilities related to iOS, but also Apple is increasingly coming under criticism for its aging core iOS apps and highly requested features already available on other platforms that it has yet to implement. We discussed some of the big software features iOS 7 might have in store, but today we present a roundup of the best iOS 7 concepts we could find starting with a new one from the creator of jailbreak tweak Auxo.

Sentry, the original designer behind the popular Auxo jailbreak tweak, yesterday posted the new Quick App Switching concept above (via iFun). While Auxo provided a screenshot of running apps integrated into the iOS multitasking tray, the concept above takes a different approach and aims to add speed to the app switching process.

This next concept comes from YouTube user imjeanmarc and shows a tray accessible from the lock screen, providing quick toggles for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.:

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3-in-1 Lightning Camera Connection Kit enables photo importing via USB, SD and microSD

Jake Smith Dec 5 2012 - 1:43 pm PT

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The folks at iPhone 5 Mod now offer a 3-in-1 Lightning Camera Connection Kit just for the photo geeks in the crowd, allowing you to upload pictures and video to a Lightning-enabled iPhone or iPad. Available for $23.90, the connector packs a USB cable that connects directly into a camera via USB, an SD card, or micro-SD card. While Apple offers a camera connection kit —not supporting Lightning— that connects with a camera via USB or an SD card (better value 30-pin versions on Amazon), this seems like the better offering because it supports three formats and Lightning for a cheaper price. iPhone 5 Mod also offers the 3-in-1 Cable Pro, supporting users to charge their devices with Apple’s Lightning, 30-pic technology, or standard microUSB, for $13.90. We received a number of Lightning items from iPhone5mod.com that worked well.

Source: iPhone 5 Mod (1), (2)

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Not a joke: Will.i.am iPhone camera accessory throws pixels and keyboard onto iPhone BOOMBOOM POW

Élyse Betters Nov 28 2012 - 8:42 am PT

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We told you last week that musician Will.i.am would soon launch an iPhone accessory, called “i.am+”, and now the world has its first look at the product line that transforms the smartphone’s camera into a 14-megapixel powerhouse.

According to the Telegraph, the four models, respectively called “C.4”, “V.4”, “C.5”, and “V.5”, feature interchangeable lenses, such as standard, fish-eye, wide, and zoom, with a built-in flash. An iOS app further enables the hardware to have an Instagram-like experience, with photo editing, filters, and sharing options built-in. Folks will also have access to individual online profiles at www.i.am.

The Black-Eyed Peas frontman said his accessories enhance both the clarity and definition of photographs: “We have our own sensor and a better flash. You dock you phone into our device and it turns you smartphone into a genius-phone. We take over the camera.”

The i.am+ accessories basically fit over the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 in contemporary and vintage flavors, as seen in the picture gallery below, but they also come with a hefty price tag. The line ranges from £199 (roughly $318 USD) for the modern black model to £299 (roughly $477 USD) for the gold model. The i.am+ V.4 unit with gold trim and a “Vintage Look” are the most expensive but boast a slide-out keyboard.

The iPhone 4 versions will launch Dec. 6, while an iPhone 5 version, which bulks the iPhone’s camera with a new sensor and flash, will not ship until 2013.

A gallery is below.

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