Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/hasselblad-h5d/

Medium format camera fans, brace for impact: there's a new Hasselblad coming. The H5D supercedes the ages-old H4D with a True Focus II system that -- we're told -- is both more accurate and immediately confirms its lock. Hasselblad has also reworked the body for a more rough-and-ready feel, giving the H5D bigger controls, an extra-bright viewfinder and better weatherproofing. A new RAW + JPEG capture mode, improved wide-angle-to-macro lens conversion and a fresh 24mm f/4.8 lens have also been added to tempt studio photographers. If all this sounds alluring, H5Ds will be available in 40-, 50- and 60-megapixel versions (plus 50- and 200-megapixel Multi-Shot variants) this December. We likely won't know the effect on our bank accounts until at least a September 18th media event, but we wouldn't assume any kind of populist pricing -- Hasselblad's tendency towards five-digit figures may limit any first-hand exposure to a rental.

Filed under: Cameras

Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an open-source road

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/google-releases-course-builder/

Google is well-known for projects with unexpected origins. It's almost natural, then, that the code Google used to build a web course has led to a full-fledged tool for online education. The open-source Course Builder project lets anyone make their own learning resources, complete with scheduled activities and lessons, if they've got some skill with HTML and JavaScript. There's also an avenue for live teaching or office hours: the obligatory Google+ tie-in lets educators announce Hangouts on Air sessions. Code is available immediately, although you won't need to be grading virtual papers to see the benefit. A handful of schools that include Stanford, UC San Diego and Indiana University are at least exploring the use of Course Builder in their own initiatives, which could lead to more elegant internet learning -- if also fewer excuses for slacking.

Filed under: Internet

Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an open-source road originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a 'true direct touch experience'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/sony-xperia-v-sensor-on-lens-touchscreen/

If you thought LG's Optimus G and Nokia's Lumia 920 had future touchscreen tech all sewn up, then be ready to welcome Sony's own contribution. Its sensor-on-lens touchscreen will debut on the Xperia V, combining the sensor and lens component of a standard capacitive display, reducing the number of layers, glare and other interference. This improves both image quality and the screen's responsiveness -- Sony reckons the experience brings it in line with the aforementioned on- and in-cell touch display technology. During our brief hands-on at IFA, we found the Xperia V was certainly responsive enough, but perhaps some of that sensation can be attributed to the new screen, rather than the dual-core Snapdragon processor powering it. We'll be sure to give it a thorough testing when our review model appears.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a 'true direct touch experience' originally appeared on Engadge! t on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/sony-vg900-leaks-packs-full-frame-sensor-into-a-nex-camcorder/

Sony must have a fixation on stuffing full-frame sensors into small spaces this year. A fresh photo and details slipping out to Sony Alpha Rumors show what's billed as the VG900, the first NEX-branded camcorder with a sensor larger than the APS-C spec -- the first NEX camera of any kind, for that matter. While there's only a light smattering of details, we're told the device has a 24-megapixel sensor (likely the same as in the RX1 or A99), records video in AVCHD 2.0 and should ship with an A-mount adapter for Alpha lenses. Not much else is on display, although you may want to take a pass if you're just looking to record a family wedding: at a rumored $3,300 price for the purportedly imminent launch, the VG900 isn't an impulse purchase for anyone short of a pro videographer.

Filed under: Cameras

Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make Your Own Ice Packs from Cheap Sponges [Clever Uses]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5942213/make-your-own-ice-packs-from-cheap-sponges

Ice packs are a great way to keep your lunch cool, but they're a bit expensive if you're in the habit of losing them. Over on cooking blog My Kitchen Escapades they show a cheap, reusable, and easy way to make ice packs from kitchen sponges.

All you need to do is take a standard kitchen sponge, soak it in water, put it inside a ziploc bag, and freeze it. When you're done, you have an ice pack. The handy thing is that when the ice starts to melt, the sponge soaks up the water so it doesn't leak everywhere. If you're looking to upgrade your brown-bag lunch this should be a helpful trick.

Lunchbox Icepacks | My Kitchen Escapades via The Kitchn

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