ccd
Science
A Brief History of Williard Boyle and George Smith
10:40AM Rosa Golijan | Williard “Mr. Modesty” Boyle and George “Three Page Dissertation” Smith, extraordinary sailors and co-winners of this year’s Nobel prize in physics deserve time in our spotlight: they invented the CCD image sensors which gave our digital cameras eyes. More »
Science
Nobel Prize In Physics Rewards Fiber Optics Expert, CCD Creators
8:00AM Jack Loftus | So apparently a controversial Nobel Peace Prize was awarded this week. Forget that one. Focus instead on the far geekier one that was also awarded this week. Why? Because we gadget lovers have a lot to be thankful for! More »
Cameras
Flash Memory Sensors: 100x Smaller Than CCDs, Better At Low Light
1:20PM Chris Jacob | CCD and CMOS sensors take great images, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. They’re bulky and bad in low light. It turns out that flash memory can actually double as a light sensor, and could solve both these problems. More »
Cameras
What’s the Difference Between CMOS and CCD? Giz Explained It
9:59AM Wilson Rothman | Almost a year ago, we explained image sensors. This week, with all the camera news, it seems fitting to mention that, along with our explainers on the upside of lenses and the downside of megapixels. More »
Cameras
Your Digital Camera Is Obsolete: Japanese Image Sensor 100x More Sensitive Than Current Chips
7:00AM Matt Buchanan | Right now, your camera either has a CCD (most point and shoots) or a CMOS image sensor (lots of DSLRs) inside, which converts pretty pictures into an electrical signal. Japan’s Research Centre for Photovoltaics has developed a CIGS image sensor that’s 100 times more light-sensitive than the silicon chip inside your cam. It’s able to shoot in environments as dark as 0.001 lux, or about as dark as a “moonless clear night.” Obviously, it’ll be great for night vision gear, but it also picks up infrared, giving this some serious Sam Fisher applications. Check out the comparison shot between a CMOS and CIGS below, it’s insane. Chen won’t need that invisible coat, just a good zoom lens. More »
Cameras
Toshiba IK-HD1 is World’s Smallest HDTV Camera
2:59PM Haroon Malik | With vital measurements of 1.6-inches cubed and 65 grams in weight, Toshiba’s IK-HD1 waltzes in to easily steal the “Smallest HDTV Camera, Ever” title. Packed to the miniature eyeballs with three CCD chips, the 1K-HD1 can capture video at broadcast-quality at 1080i, but it won’t be making its way to your camcorder anytime soon. The tiny marvel is actually intended for professional broadcasting, and needs to be hooked up to a rather sizable control unit, which can be placed up to 90-feet away. It appears Mr Professional Broadcasting wins again. Dammit. [DVice] More »
Cameras
Sony Using CMOS Camera For Cars, CMOS!
12:17AM Mark Wilson | We’re gonna go a little ubergeek on you for a moment and celebrate that Sony is using CMOS video cameras for Nissan’s upcoming “around view monitor,” a camera system giving you an overhead view of your car for parking and moments when you just want to look like OJ on the highway. These cameras grab 1.3MP at 30 frames per second. No, the specs aren’t amazing. But here’s why we’re excited. More »
Post PMA: Pentax quick snaps for the fans
9:55AM Seamus Byrne | No, not quite done yet with the PMA wrap up. So much good stuff to see, so little time to write it all up (yeah, the writing is the annoying part of the job). Anyway, some asked to see the new Pentax 645AF Digital and the sassy DA* lenses. I wasn’t able to get much goss from the mouth of Pentax reps, but I’ve at least got some snaps for you!
Sadly, the Pentax crew from C.R. Kennedy were notably unhelpful. I tried on five occasions to get some access to the Pentax gear and get their rundown on what’s hot, but I was ignored time and time again. I’m afraid I had better things to do than fight my way through their defence shields.
I did get some help on the consumer-friendly instant lines, and will explore their new touchscreen T30 in a few.
More of the very sexy 645AF shots, and the DA* 50-135mm on the Pentax K10, after the jump.
More » 
