Episode 899

Casio Exilim EX-FS10
The main features of the EX-FS10 that distinguish it from other point-and-shoots are based on a high-speed burst mode of the camera, previously available on Casio's higher-end cameras such as the EX-F1 and EX-FH20.  The camera can capture a series of images in quick succession which then makes possible the following features:

• Burst shooting mode of 30 shots per second (resolution downsized to 6 MP, still plenty for most uses).

• Best Shot and Combination Shot - The high-speed burst allows you to select the best shot from the series of images taken.  Alternatively, the series of shots can be combined into a single image, including re-aligning the position of the subject, to avoid motion blur.  Useful in quick motion scenes and night shots.  Note: the FS10 has no optical image stabilisation.

• Lag Correction or Pre-Record - The camera captures up to 25 images (again 6 MP) in a high-speed burst prior to the release of the shutter, so that you can go back in time for the shot which you missed, but was stored in the buffer of the camera for you.  You can set the amount of time lag.

• Slow Motion View - A dedicated button allows you to view the movement of the subject in Slow Motion on the LCD display, selecting the best moment to capture.

• High-speed Movie Recording - up to 1,000 fps (but only at 224 x 64 pixels, probably not very practical). There are also options for video at 420 fps (224 x 168) and at 210fps or lower (480 x 360). The output is effectively slow-motion.

• HD Movie - 720p video at 30 fps

• Image Capture during Video - Even while recording 720p video, a dedicated button allows you to capture a 6 MP still image.

For a better zoom range, there is also the Exilim EX-FC100, with the same features but a lens range of 37mm-185mm, a slightly faster lens (F2.6-F4.5), and anti-shake image stabilising CMOS.

A Warehouse Gadget Revived
Peter Ganzarski heard about a new Sony gadget, the Party-Shot Automatic Camera Dock (IPT-DS1) which tilts and swivels the camera and uses the face and smile detection of the Sony TX1 or WX1 cameras to take pictures for you: see macnn.com.  Peter thought this sounded familiar, until he realised that this is just a reincarnation of a Warehouse Gadget, the Konica Kanpai in Episode 685 (another Japanese idea).  Sony should have done a flop search first.  Another listener Toyota Boy made a similar observation.  Don't these manufacturers ever learn?  Straight to the Warehouse please, says Dick.

Sony Party-Shot Camera Dock

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