High Definition

Sony has announced a couple of superzoom additions to its Cyber-shot camera range. Both the compact and the DSLR-like models can record full high definition movies, are GPS-enabled and have the ability to generate 3D stills without requiring the now familiar dual lens setup seen in other cameras. They both offer autofocus speeds comparable to digital SLRs and borrow some advanced technology from the company's Handycam camcorders.  Read More

NASCAR fans are in for a high-definition treat this year at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, where construction of a gargantuan 200-foot-wide x 80-foot-tall screen is underway. Billed as the world's largest HD video board, the structure will weigh 332.5 tons (665,000 pounds) and contain more than 9 million LED lamps when the switch is flicked for racing events in May.  Read More

A new 3D high definition consumer camcorder is about to be released by JVC, which combines a couple of proprietary lenses, a pair of CMOS sensors and a newly developed imaging engine to simultaneously record both left and right 1920 x 1080i resolution images. The GS-TD1 benefits from 5x optical zoom while recording in 3D mode, optical image stabilization, onboard solid state storage and a glasses-free 3D touch panel display.  Read More

If you're looking for an affordable way to stream high definition online movies to a big screen TV, then Veebeam could just be what you're looking for. The device comes in both standard and high definition varieties, and is made up of a wireless USB antenna that's connected to a laptop or computer and a receiver box that's hooked up to an HDTV. The system is said to be capable of wirelessly playing any content from one to the other, whether it's online movies, sports or news updates, digital photos or holiday videos.  Read More

Swedish medical technology company Sectra has announced that a version of the Autopsy Table is now being offered to medical personnel. The Sectra Visualization Table will allow physicians to view virtual representations of real bodies in microscopic detail to help with decisions on treatment and care.  Read More

Spanish consumer electronics manufacturer Energy Sistem has set a pre-Christmas release date for its new Android-based, 5-inch touchscreen tablet computer. The Energy Tablet i504 is powered by a Rockchip processor, can render video in 720p high definition, is Wi-Fi-enabled and has both internal storage and expansion opportunities. To the side of the display is a built-in webcam and an optical trackball.  Read More

Panasonic's newest addition to its LUMIX Micro Four Thirds camera range squeezes a host of new features into a frame that's a good deal lighter and smaller than its predecessor. The company has given the DMC-GF2 a more powerful image processor, increased its sensitivity, and added touchscreen interactivity. Like the model before it, the camera has a built-in flash and high definition movie recording, although users now get a choice of 720 progressive or 1080 interlaced.  Read More

Hot on the heels of the K-r digital SLR, Pentax has revealed the next in line for the flagship position currently occupied by the K-7. Like its predecessor, the new K-5 is aimed at the pro-thusiast and features a 16.3 megapixel sensor, an immense sensitivity range, fast autofocus and full 1080p high definition video recording. It also sports 77 weather seals to keep dust and moisture out and its magnesium alloy construction should help it survive the odd knock.  Read More

Nikon has announced a feature-rich addition to its digital SLR camera family, the 16.2 megapixel D7000. In addition to a new image processing engine and 3D Matrix metering system, the camera also offers full HD video recording with autofocus, twin media card slots, over a thousand shots between battery charges and up to six frames per second burst shooting. Its low-light-friendly too - with sensitivity expansion to ISO25600, noise reduction and shake reduction all promising to help grab the best shot in the most testing conditions. The D7000 is among the many photographic treats we're checking out at Photokina in Cologne this week.  Read More