Photoediting software for your iPhone or iPod Touch

The Perfectly Clear iPhone app from Athentech, allows you to adjust the contrast, brightness, tint and other aspects of the digital photos and images stored on your Apple iPhone. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Consumer Reports]

Cameras and accessories have been the major focus at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo in New York, but products for other devices with camera capability are getting attention, such as photoediting software for the iPhone.

At an industry event last night, Adobe, which makes Photoshop and Photoshop Elements image-editing software, announced that its free Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone application has been downloaded over 1 million times from Apple's App Store, a milestone reached in less than one week of availability. Additionally, Adobe said, the application has held the No. 1 position for all ‘Top Free’ applications for 10 consecutive days. The app lets you edit, upload, view and share photos directly on an iPhone or iPod Touch and crop or rotate, as well as transform photos with filters and effects.

Another company, called Athentech, has been doing demos of its iPhone app called Perfectly Clear, for $2.99, on the trade-show floor. The app corrects a picture’s contrast, exposure, and tint. It can also tweak saturation and sharpen images.

Canon also recently introduced a free iPhone app called Canon Easy Photo-Print App, which they claim enables you to wirelessly print photos from your iPhone or iPod touch on compatible Canon PIXMA printers via a wireless network with a few simple taps.

All three applications are available at the iTunes App Store. —Terry Sullivan

Canon’s latest digital SLRs on view at PhotoPlus

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (Click to enlarge.)

Among the more interesting offerings at the huge Canon booth at this year’s PhotoPlus trade show were two new SLRs: The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, $5,000, and the EOS 7D, $1700. (Both prices are for the camera body only.)

The 16-megapixel Mark IV is clearly designed for pros. However, it lacks the full-frame (35mm-sized) sensor of some high-priced SLRs. Instead, it uses a smaller APS-H sensor, which has a 1.3x crop factor. (This SLR spec essentially represents the additional magnification added by the sensor; in this case, a 1.3x crop factor gives a 50mm lens the same angle of view as a 65mm lens would have on a film SLR, which of course has no sensor to magnify its images.)

The Mark IV has many impressive specs, among them its ability to shoot up to 102,000 ISO, which Canon says allows you to photograph in extreme low-light situations. The camera also can shoot a blazing 10 frames per second. In addition, it offers many options for shooting HD-resolution video, including 1080 and 720p at different frame rates.

Canon EOS 7D (Click to enlarge.)

Although the 18-megapixel EOS 7D boasts more megapixels than the Mark IV, it actually has a smaller (APS-C) sensor and a crop factor of 1.6x. This camera, too, is quite speedy, being able to fire off 8 frames per second. Its top ISO is 6400 ISO. And, like the Mark IV, it shoots video in 1080 and 720p.

These models underline Canon’s commitment to including the capability for high-def-resolution video in their SLRs. At the show, the company further highlighted that commitment by building a mini-movie theater within its booth (I told you the booth was big), in which they showed a series of video clips shot by several cinematographers on Canon SLRs, including the 7D and the Mark IV. —Terry Sullivan

Leica’s ritzy compact digital camera: the X1

The Leica X1 digital camera, showcased at the PhotoPlus Expo. (Click to enlarge.)

This year’s PhotoPlus Expo, the consumer photo show in New York City, is certainly on the quiet side, with Pentax, Panasonic, and Adobe conspicuously absent. But one exhibit booth that’s hopping is Leica’s. The reason? The company known for ultra-high-end cameras was showing off its idea of a compact digital camera: the 12-megapixel X1, which comes with a 24mm fixed (no zoom) f/2.8 lens (which is equivalent to a 36mm lens on a film SLR camera).

In part, what makes this camera a cut above most point-and-shoots is that it includes an APC-S-sized CMOS sensor, the type most often included in SLRs. So it should shoot well in low light without a flash, as do SLRs and the newer micro-four-thirds type of cameras from Panasonic and Olympus.

Leica is not the first camera manufacturer to make a point-and-shoot with no zoom and a large sensor. Sigma tried with its DP1 and DP2. But I liked the design of the X1 far better. Check out the “Lost In Space” look of its popup flash, which has beautifully positioned controls and buttons. It also shoots in RAW (in a DNG format supported by Adobe’s image-editing programs) as well as JPEG, and will shoot up to 3200 ISO. However, I think they need to rethink the GUI and the menu structure, which look quite stodgy and old.

One other thing also sets this compact apart from most point-and-shoots: the price. It’s around $2,000. The X1 is slated to be in stores at the end of December. If that's too rich for you blood, check out our Ratings of more mainstream digital cameras (available to subscribers) , including recommended models that cost about 1/10th the price of the X1. —Terry Sullivan

Nikon S1000pj projection digital camera spotted in NYC

One of the Nikon reps projected my image onto his friend's back. (Click to enlarge.)

Although it’s not yet available in stores, Nikon’s projector camera, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, $430, was on display last night at a Pepcom trade-show event in New York City. Slated to be available in stores later this month, this new point-and-shoot certainly caught my attention and for the most part, I liked what I saw and thought the feature was pretty intuitive:

• To activate the projection feature, you press a button on the top of the camera. I was happy to see there was no need to drill down into a menu to use the feature. There’s also a manual focus control that you’ll need to use depending how far you are from the surface on which you’re projecting your image. Again, I found this control pretty easy to use.
• Although I was impressed with the still-image projections (right), I think it’s even cooler that you can project standard def video. It’s just a shame the video isn’t high def.
• It was hard to get a sense of how bright the projections might be in a typical home setting from viewing them on the brightly lit trade show floor. The Nikon folks told me that the projector’s light source is an LED that produces 30 10 lumens of light.
• Although it wasn’t displayed at the show, the camera ships with a small support stand. The Nikon rep told me this orients the camera at a slight slant for optimal projecting.

After seeing the Coolpix S1000pj in action, I think this camera will be quite popular at family and social gatherings. Check back here for our assessment of this unique point-and-shoot. —Terry Sullivan

[Correction 9/24/09:  The camera projector's LED produces 10 lumens of light, not 30 as originally stated. —Ed.]

CEDIA 2009: New 1080p front projectors aim high and low

Sony Bravia VPL-VW85 (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony]

Been waiting to pull the trigger on a new front projector, but were wondering if prices are going to drop further? The answer is yes, as companies such as Epson, JVC, Mitsubishi, Samsung, and Sony—whose projectors have typically done well in our Ratings (available to subscribers)—announced new, lower-priced models that will arrive over the next two months at the recent CEDIA electronics trade show. While there were no low-price bombshells—that happened a several weeks ago when both Vivitek and Optoma debuted the first sub-$1,000 1080p models—we did see some new, lower-priced entry-level products from these companies, plus step-up models at lower prices than we've seen so far. Here are some of the front-projector highlights from the show:

Sony aimed high and low with its newest 1080p SXRD (LCOS-based) front-projection models. At the upper end is the Bravia VPL-VW85, an $8,000 model that will be available later this month. Among its features is Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz anti-blur processing, and a mode for using an anamorphic (2.35:1) lens. Targeting a more budget-conscious customer is an entry-level SXRD model, the $3,000 Bravia VPL-HW15. Both models arrive later this month.

Mitsubishi unveiled two new lower-cost models. Priced at $1,500, the HC3800 is an entry-level 1080p DLP projector (most recent Mitsubishi projectors we've reviewed have been 3LCD models). It will be available during the third quarter. A step up is the $2,300 HC6800, a 3LCD model that features a motorized lens shift (both vertical and horizontal). The projector has a snazzier design and matte-black finish. Both have a pair of anamorphic lens modes.

Epson Pro Cinema 9500 UB (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Epson]

Epson headed to the show with four new 1080p 3LCD home-theater projectors, all in its PowerLite line. Two are PowerLite Home Cinema (HC) models, and the other pair are PowerLite Pro Cinema (PC) units. The HC8100 ($1,600) is an entry-level piece, while the HC 8500 UB ($3,000) is a step-up model with claimed better contrast thanks to a dual-iris system and Silicon Optix's Reon-VX video processing/upscaling. In the Pro Cinema series, the PC 9100 is a $2,600 1080p LCD model that features ISF calibration and a 2.1x optical zoom with manual focus. It will be available next month. The step-up model is the Pro Cinema 9500 UB ($4,000, November), which adds THX certification, the dual-iris system, an anamorphic lens mode, and Reon-VX video processing. Epson throws in a ceiling mount and cable cover with the unit.

Samsung has a new, lower-priced DLP projector, the A600, which will retail for $1,800. The projector is relatively lightweight (13 pounds) and features a gloss-black finish. It has a short-throw lens, so it can be placed on the floor or ceiling-mounted closer to the screen.

InFocus showed off its first projector since new management took over in April. The ScreenPlay SP8602 ($5,000) is a 1080p DLP model available at the end of the month. The unit uses a DLP's DarkChip technology, Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processor, and 120Hz technology. Unlike many less expensive DLP projectors, this model has a lens shift (both vertical and horizontal) for easier placement, and optional colored "skins" are available to match room decors. It also has a 5-year warranty.

JVC DLA-HD550(Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of JVC]

After wowing the crowds with its $175,000 "4K" home-theater projector—a "Quad HD" model with 4096x2400 resolution, four times that of a 1080p model—JVC then served up six new D-ILA (LCOS-based) front projectors in the $5,000 to $10,000 price range. Three models— the DLA-HD550 ($5,000), HD950 ($8,000) and HD990 ($10,000) are Procision consumer models, while the DLA-RS15 ($5,500) RS25 ($8,000) and RS35 ($10,000) are Reference-series projectors sold by its pro division. Common features include claimed higher native contrast ratios (without the use of an auto iris), 120Hz Clear Motion Drive, motorized horizontal and vertical lens shift, four screen-type (anamorphic) modes, and HQV Reon-VX video processors/upscalers from Silicon Optix. The four pricier models also get THX, and the top two get ISF certification and a longer 3-year warranty.

We'll also be filing a Blu-ray wrap-up from the CEDIA show, so stay tuned. —James K. Willcox

CEDIA 2009: LCD TVs get thinner, add wireless, new streaming services

Sony’s new XBR10 LCD models are ultra-thin edge LED sets that beam signals wirelessly from a separate media box. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony]

Based on the new TVs being shown this week at the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) trade show in Atlanta, TVs continue to add features and services, shedding bulk and weight along the way. Here's a rundown of some of the TV highlights:

Sony launched a new ultra-thin flagship XBR10 series of 1080p 240Hz LCDs with edge LED backlights. The XBR10 models, which arrive next month in 46- ($4,500) and 52-inch ($5,000) screen sizes. Sony didn’t say exactly how thin these sets are, but they appear to be about an inch deep—in part because they use a separate media box that houses the TV tuner. Source components are connected to the box, and audio and video signals are beamed wirelessly to the TV, obviating the need for cables. Like other newer Sony models, the TVs have built-in Ethernet connections (rather than requiring optional Bravia modules), and feature Sony's adaptation of Yahoo’s Internet Widget platform to access a selection of Web-based content, including streaming movies from Amazon Video On Demand and Slacker Internet radio. Sony says it will add Netflix streaming later this fall.

LG Electronics was also at the show clipping wires, unveiling an LHX-series wireless set with an LED backlight, and two wireless LH-series sets with conventional backlights. Like Sony’s new sets, these models use a separate media box that sends audio and 1080p video signals wirelessly to the TV.

LG’s new wireless 55-inch LHX LCD TV also beams signals to the TV from a separate media console, but uses a full-array LED backlight with local dimming. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Courtesy of LG]

Available shortly, the 55LHX ($4,800) is an ultra-slim (1-inch deep at its thinnest) 1080p flagship model that uses a full-array backlight with local dimming to improve contrast and black levels. Also on board is LG's TruMotion 240Hz technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight to achieve a 240Hz effect, and THX certification. The new LH85 models, available in 47- and 55-inch screen sizes, will be available later this fall, at prices of $2,400 and $3,200, respectively. All the new models are "ISFccc-ready [PDF] (they can be professionally calibrated by an ISF technician for optimum picture quality), and include a sensor that automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient room-light conditions.

LG also showed the previously announced super-slim 1080p SL80- and SL90-series models. The SL90 sets, offered in 42- ($2,100) and 47-inch ($2,600) screen sizes, use edge LED backlights and feature TruMotion 120Hz technology. The sets, just 1.15 inches deep, use a “seamless” single-panel design, where the panel and bezel are flush, making the front of the display look like one continuous panel. The TVs, which use a new antiglare film, will be available later this fall. SL80-series sets, already available in 42- ($1,600), 47- ($1,900), and 55-inch ($2,800) screen sizes, are 1.8 inches deep at their thinnest, and share the SL90's single-glass design and new anti-glare filter. These sets, which use a slim-design lamp-based backlight, include LG's TruMotion 240Hz technology. Both series include LG's Picture Wizard set-up technology for adjusting key picture quality elements, such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels, and ISFccc calibration.

Why electronics stores "suck"

How can brick-and-mortar consumer electronics stores serve customers better? Let Gilbert Fiorentino, an executive at Systemax (which now owns the Circuit City brand name), count the ways.
[ Photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon (Under Creative Commons) ]

The shopping experience at walk-in electronics stores "sucks," according to a keynote speech at the recent Consumer Electronics Association conference in New York.

No, that messenger wasn't me or someone else from Consumer Reports, talking about how our Ratings of places to buy computers and other major electronics items (available to subscribers) reveal that satisfaction with brick-and-mortar stores lags behind that for online retailers.

Instead, the observation came from someone with firsthand knowledge of electronics retailing: The relatively-new owner of CompUSA's stores and Web site and of the TigerDirect.com and newly-relaunched CircuitCity.com Web sites, too.

In the most colorful presentation at the CEA Line Shows event, Gilbert Fiorentino, the Chief Executive (Technology Products Group) of Systemax, the parent company for CompUSA, said he took over the ailing chain last year determined to improve the experience of shopping for electronics in a store.

"Go into a typical electronics store," he says, "and can you see the product manual? No. Can you find out how many HDMI inputs the TV set has? No, not unless it's on the little card on the shelf in front—and someone hasn't taken that for themselves. Can I even use the TV? No, someone stole the remote control, too."

Gesture control: Is it the next big thing?

Microsoft's new gesture controller for the Xbox 360 premiered this month at E3. (flickr:Jake of 8bitjoystick.com)

More devices are being equipped with what’s technically known as  “perceptual user interface,” or PUI -- the capacity to recognize and respond to mere human gestures. Some recent examples are the recent unveiling of motion and gesture controlled gaming devices by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft.

Do those announcements, and others -- like the Canesta system that lets you control your television or DVR with the wave of your hand  -- presage an imminent wave of, well, waving, pointing, and other gesturing to operate the gear in our homes?

Maybe not, according to a panel on new user interfaces at a Consumer Electronics Association conference last week. The panel spent more time talking about other ways to interact.

Like haptics: the technology where a surface interfaces with a user through the sense of touch. It’s already available on some touch screens in the form of vibration feedback. Certain Samsung phones, such as the Memoir and Impression , for example, offer vibration feedback to help you locate the keys on its virtual keyboard, and know when you are depressing them. There is also voice recognition, a recent addition to the upcoming iPhone 3.0 operating system, which the panel agreed, could unleash a host of third-party apps using voice controls.

The challenge with gesture control, as one panelist put it, is that we don’t have any universal body language for a lot of the actions we’d want gesture control to accomplish. For example, there’s no widely shared gesture that means “turn it off,” so programmers would need to invent one, and then hope users would be willing to learn it.

Apple's big day arrives: The rumors and the reality

Photo: r3v || cls/Flickr

This afternoon, Apple will open its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with its attention-grabbing keynote, known for headline-generating announcements. And as usual, in the weeks leading up to the keynote, rumors are flying about new Apple product choices.

While these are just rumors, computer fans enjoy the pre-launch drama. So we thought we’d bring you a quick list of the most persistent rumors. Come back later this afternoon for the real story.

First big rumor, and the one with the most street cred: a new iPhone. Engadget teams with Daring Fireball and says that the next iPhone will have twice the RAM, double the speed, and a video camera. Price: $200 to $300. Another iPhone improvement to look for? Longer battery life.

Next up: a tablet version of the Mac. Same rumor popped up last year, and it’s being revisited this year. CNET says fuhgeddaboutit until 2010. But here’s an overview of how such a tablet might look

Speaking of the Mac, Snow Leopard is the next incarnation of OS X. What might we expect to learn during the keynote? Not a lot, according to Mac Rumors.

Finally, Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing will be presenting the keynote for Apple. Any possibility that Steve Jobs will show up? Lots of “will he” or “won’t he” rumors flying, but we’ll have to wait a few hours to see what really happens.

Meanwhile, chime in with your own Mac gossip.

Check back here this afternoon for our take on the announcements.

And earlier, as the news comes in, follow my colleague, Jeff Fox, live on Twitter. —Donna Tapellini

CTIA: Phones that clean up "apps clutter"

At CTIA in 2008, the wireless-world trade show was abuzz with cell-phone applications and the cool things they enabled. This year's show had more cool apps, such as Skype for iPhone, though the emphasis was on new tools for more efficiently sifting through the jungle of applications that now clutter cell-phone desktops.

Many new phones, like Instinct S30, Omnia, Delve from Samsung employ customizable widgets, icon-like applications that show you information gathered or produced by another app. So instead of launching your e-mail or text-messaging application, a widget on your phone will monitor those apps, and alert you about new messages and who sent them. Other widgets combine several key functions, such as managing all of your phone's wireless connections.

Others, like Nokia's new Intrigue, $180 from Verizon with a two-year contract and rebates, take a more novel approach. This phone (Click on the image for a closer look.) has a feature called "Habitat Mode," a home screen that presents your contacts in the order in which you last communicated with them. Touch the icons to communicate with your contacts again or to review the history of your interaction.

Also, as we reported at CES, Palm's upcoming Pre, available soon from Sprint for an undisclosed price, kicks those conveniences up a notch with a highly intuitive interface that to aggregates all the relevant elements pertaining to contacts, calendars, and messaging. For example, if you have information on Jane Doe in Outlook, Google, and Facebook, it will put details from those normally unconnected sources under Jane's name. Ditto for calendars and messaging. HTC's upcoming Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2, which will be running Windows Mobile 6.5 when it's available, will have similar features, as will new phones (still under NDA) from AT&T and T-Mobile.—Mike Gikas