eK-gadgets info

Canon fans, you can semi-officially start getting a little hyped about the EOS 40D that everyone was yelling about back in February. The DSLR’s model number was uncovered on a CIPA (Camera Imaging Products Association) PictBridge certification list, thus adding fuel to the fire that the long-rumored 40D is about the make an appearance. Of course, specs are sketchy at this point, but here’s what our last report had: 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor measuring 22.5 x 15-mm, 5fps burst mode, integrated anti-dust cleaning system, 2.5-inch LCD, and DIGIC II image processing. Of course, it will at least best the 30D, but obviously things change, so who knows what Canon is cooking up now?

Canon EOS 40D DSLR Specifications

• 10.1 MP CMOS sensor
• 5fps, 30 JPEG image burst
• Integrated Cleaning System
• 2.5in LCD with 230K pixels and 160º viewing angle
• Picture Style image processing
• Spot metering & 9-point AF
• DIGIC II processor with 0.2 sec start up
• Digital Photo Professional software
• Magnesium alloy body
• Compatible with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlite flashes
• Including powerpack and accessories

Designed to inspire. Built to last.

CMOS sensor
An 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides the sensitivity needed for clean, detailed images with fine colour gradation. Large sensor pixels allow for wide dynamic range and reduced noise at higher ISO speeds. The 22.5 x 15mm sensor size adds an effective 1.6x increase to the focal length of EF lenses, extending reach at the telephoto end.

5 fps shooting
The camera delivers fast 5 fps shooting for continuous bursts of up to 30 large JPEG images (11 in RAW). A new 3 fps shooting mode provides greater control for variable-speed sequences.

Large LCD
Illuminated by 6 LEDs, the bright 2.5 Inch 230K pixel LCD is viewable from 85° in almost all directions.

Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets provide easy control over image processing parameters. Each style offers a different colour response - similar to the way film types are changed to achieve different effects. Sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation are adjustable within each pre-set.

Spot metering
Spot metering allows you to base the optimal exposure value on a concentrated spot (3.5%) in the scene - useful in high-contrast scenes where precise metering control is required.

High precision 9-point wide-area AF
Select from one of nine fixed focusing points across the scene for fast, accurate focusing even with off-centre subjects and ‘rule-of-thirds’ compositions.

DIGIC II
DIGIC II renders colours with precision and accuracy. Fast and efficient, DIGIC II prolongs battery life* and delivers instant 0.15 second start up time.

Digital Photo Professional software
The Digital Photo Professional software permits high-speed processing of lossless RAW images.

Magnesium alloy body
A compact magnesium alloy body provides durability while keeping the camera’s weight down to 700 grams.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 40D is compatible with over 60 EF lenses (including the EF-S Series) and all EX Series Speedlite flash units. The E-TTL II flash algorithm passes key shooting data from compatible EF lenses - such as focal length, point of focus and distance information - to the Speedlites for consistently accurate flash exposures. Untethered shooting is possible with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1.

Connectivity
Video Out allows reviewing on a TV screen. Connect with USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast data transfers.

From the infamous Apple rumor mill comes another shocking revelation which all of us should take as lightly as possible, knowing how these things tend to go. The current hot gossip comes from ThinkSecret, wherein the oft cited “reliable sources” recount Apple’s exact date (August 7th) for announcing the brand-spanking-new iMac, replete with updated specs and the sexy brushed aluminum casing we keep “hearing” about. The article also suggests that a new version of iLife will be emerging at the same time, but reports are less clear on a solid release date. Of course, both of these rumors carry no backup from the boys in Cupertino, so as of right now all we can do is play wait-and-see.

JVC is bringing more of that 3-CCD goodness this morning by coming clean with the specs of their high-def, GZ-HD3 camcorder. The latest HD Everio trims some 27% of the bulk from their GZ-HD7 while offering much of the same features albeit, at a lower resolution. We’re talking up to 5-hours of 1,440 x 1,080 / 30Mbps recordings direct to internal 60GB hard disk. You can also record up to 5-hours in a 1440CBR mode for easy editing with your HDV-compatible software. Otherwise, you’re stuck with the bundled CyberLink BD software. Rounding out the features are a Konica Minolta HD lens, digital image stabilization, JVC’s HD Gigabrid image processing, 2.8-inch LCD, HDMI-out, built-in light, PC-less archiving over USB to Everio Share Stations, and support for SDHC (Class 6) recordings in SP mode (1,440 x 1,080 at 22Mbps). Expected to hit US shores for $1,300 sometime in September.

The Hewllet-Packard Compaq (Optimator) 2710p Tablet Computer that was approved by the FCC a couple of weeks ago, has been officially launched by HP. Along with the 2710p, a new model also came along which is named 2510p.

The HP 2710p Tablet PC comes with a Illumini-Life WXGA screen that measures 12.1-inches, and there are 2 options for the processors: either an Intel Core Duo ULV processor U7500 at 1.06 Ghz, or a U7600 at 1.20 GHz. Wireless connectivity goes for the WiFi and blueooth, while the OS is Vista Business.

The Apple iPhone has been available for less than a month, but already there are indications of a second-generation iPhone in the works. Taiwan’s Wintek has been given touch-screen panel orders for this iPhone, according to reports published by Taiwan’s Commercial Times.

The pricing? Apparently between US $249 and $299. While all these are still rumors, it will be interesting to see if the thing actually materializes. The current form-factor of the iPhone is not bad - it’s easy on the eye and does not feel overly bulky in your hand.

Would this, in fact, turn out to be the iPhone nano that we keep hearing about? Time will tell. At least there’s time till September.