Technabob » photography

Cinemagram: Like Instagram for Animated GIFs

Range — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:00:36 +0000

There has been a revival of interest in animated GIFs since you can make some fun stylized animations with them. Some of the more recent stuff is pretty interesting, which is probably why the Cinemagram app was just released for iOS devices. It allows you to easily create animated GIFs and share them directly from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Cinemagram converts short film clips into a single, animated image. It also offers special filters and photographic effects that can be layered onto the resulting animations. You can even select only a part of an image into a GIF, making it look like a video is embedded in a still photograph. Here are a couple of examples produced with the app:

You can get Cinemagram from the iTunes App Store for $1.99 (USD), and check out more Cinemagrams on Cinemagram’s Tumblr site.

[via designboom]

Gerber Steady Multitool Puts a Tripod in Your Pocket

Technabob — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:42:07 +0000

There are seemingly thousands of different multitools on the market, but I can never decide which one I should buy. Now, my decision might have just gotten easier, thanks to Gerber’s Steady Tool, which adds a handy tripod to their latest pocket-sized tool.

The compact and versatile Steady tool has a dozen tools built in, including fine-edge and serrated blades, four screwdrivers, wire cutters, a bottle opener and needlenose pliers. But the best part has got to be the addition of a tripod mount, which works with either camera screw mounts or with smartphones, via a suction cup attachment. To use it as a tripod, simply pop open the front legs, open up the tripod “blade” and attach your camera.

The overall tool measures about 4″ long when closed, and weighs 5.8 ounces, making it a somewhat largish thing to keep in your pocket, but a totally awesome thing to keep in your backpack or book bag. And I can’t imagine going on an outdoor trip without this in my travel kit.

If you’re in the market for a multi-functional tool, and you like to take photos, you’ll definitely want to check out the Steady. It lists for $64(USD) but you can find it over on Amazon for as little as $44 (USD).

Think You Have The Most Expensive Picture? Think Again

Hazel Chua — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:39 +0000

How much is a single picture worth? 1000 words? 100 dollars? If you think your picture is more valuable than any other image on the planet, then you might want to head on over to The Most Expensive Picture (TMEP) to make it official.

The premise of the site is simple: if you’re willing to shell out one more dollar than the previous person who uploaded the most recent picture on the site, then you can upload your photo and have have it featured on the main page until the next person with deeper pockets comes along. The first image was uploaded for $1, the second at $2, and so on and so forth.

The site itself is an art project that was conceived and launched by Sebastian Stadler, Stefan Jandl, and Carlo Jörges. The first 300 photos submitted on the site will be published in a catalog that all the photo submitters will receive. And in case you were wondering, all of the money collected from the site will go into producing that catalog and into new TMEP projects to get the submitted images noticed.

As of this writing, there have already been 105 photos submitted. The site was launched in December 2011, so it might take a while before the 300-image mark will be reached.

If you think your photo is worth $106 (or more), then head on over to TMEP to submit it and have it featured.

[via Pop Up City]

iPhone Lens Wallet: for Serious iPhonetographers

Range — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:12 +0000

As more and more people ditch their point-and-shoot cameras in favor of their iPhones, it becomes necessary to find a way to lug around all those add-on lenses that you’ve got. Check out Photojojo’s iPhone Lens Wallet, which lets you carry them around easily enough, without cramping your style.

The iPhone Lens Wallet is designed to keep your magnetic iPhone cell lenses in one fold-out case since it comes with a magnetic strip to hold your macro/wide lens, fisheye, and the 2× telephoto lens. It will even take an 8× telephoto lens in its side pocket, as well as a one of those lens-adapter case backs and a mini tripod.

Photojojo sells the iPhone Lens Wallet for $15(USD), or you can get it all packed up with all of the lenses mentioned above for $79.

Remote Control Shutter Release Made Out of Wii Nunchuk

Range — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:00:47 +0000

You probably have one or two extra Wii Nunchuk controllers lying about, or better yet, some cheapo knock-off ones that your friends, family, or kids just chucked around too hard and you no longer use. This was why Duncan Murdock decided to use one of those spare controllers to make a remote shutter control for his new DSLR.

He took some telephone wires and wired them up to a Radio Shack 2.5mm plug. Then, he fed it through a hole that he made through the rubber strain relief of the Nunchuk and soldered it where the shoulder button connected to the main board. C aut0-adjusts and Z fires the shutter. None of the other controls do anything at this point, though it would have been cool if the joystick could be used for zooming and focusing remotely.

I always like the idea of reusing tech that you might throw away or no longer use. What spare gadget do you have lying around, and what would you like to rebuild it into if you could?

[via Ubergizmo]

Wander Lets You Take a Virtual World Tour Through Photos

Hazel Chua — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:00:17 +0000

A lot of people I know love to travel, but they can’t, because: a) They have to work; b) They have no time; or c) They have no money. I love to travel myself, but sadly, the first two reasons apply and sometimes the third one is applicable, too. (Like right now, since I spent a ton on Christmas presents for myself and for my family.)

But did you know that with just your iPhone, you can travel the world for free? With Wander, you can virtually visit countless locations all over the world through the magic of pictures.

Wander will have you fill out your profile first. Then you choose where you want to “go,” and the app will hook you up with another user from that country.

For a week, you can correspond through instant messages and photos, and get a glimpse into the world of someone who lives in your destination country.

And when your week-long virtual tour is over, you can start over again at another destination. Pretty neat for something that’s available for free. It’s currently available over on the iTunes App Store, and is coming to Android soon.

[via Peta Pixel]

Spinner 360 Lomo Camera: Capture 360 Panoramic Shots, Low-Tech Style

Range — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:00:15 +0000

The Spinner 360 is a Lomo camera that allows you to take 360 degree panoramic shots, in complete low-tech style. The camera spins around, thanks to a handy drawstring, capturing one long image. Now, why didn’t I think of that? It’s an interesting addition to any lomographer’s arsenal.

The Spinner 360 uses 35mm film and spins its lens around, thanks to the aforementioned drawstring. You can decide whether to use 1/125 or 1/250 of a second or release it slower so that you can capture longer exposure footage, all in 360 degrees on a single strip of film. It even allows you to capture vertical panoramas. This low-tech approach to panoramas is certainly something uncanny, especially when you see the results.

Spinner 360 sells from Lomography.com starting at just $99 (USD). Pictured here is the special edition, covered in Italian toledo leather – which currently goes for $149.

[via designboom]

LEGO Stormtrooper in American Beauty: Say What?

Range — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:00:38 +0000

Mike Stimpson is a photographer of plastic stuff, especially stormtrooper LEGO minifigs in interesting situations. He also takes photos of other things, but there are some pretty extraordinary photos in his portfolio, including the American Beauty Stormtrooper.

His shots of LEGO Star Wars minifigs are quite offbeat, but this one is so ludicrous that it makes sense. Stormtroopers do need to check up on the Facebook status of their Imperial friends, especially Darth Vader, and take care of “important” business, while still being the footsoldiers of the Empire.

You can check out Mike’s work over at his Flickr site and his website, where you can also order prints of his LEGO and Star Wars photographs.

[via Jay Mug]

Make Your Own View-Master Reels with Image3D

Conner Flynn — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:44 +0000

I remember the old View-Master viewer and reels from when I was a kid. Most people have probably used a View-Master 3D viewer at some point in their childhood. The images were fun. But what if you want to make your own custom picture reels?

What may have seemed impossible years ago, is now easy. Just head over to Image3D and you can create your own View-Master photo reels. Just create an account, upload some pictures, and place your order. You can even add text and do some basic image manipulation.

If you want 3D images, those can be ordered up too, as long as the pictures you took were in 3D and you use their “stereo” website to order, otherwise, you’re missing out on the best part. A custom reel will cost you $22 (USD), with additional copies costing less. You can also buy a bundle, which gets you a View-Master and a gift box for $25. It makes an awesome gift for any occasion.

[via redferret]

Snappily 3D App Happily Shoots 3D iPhone Pics (Glasses Not Included)

Shane McGlaun — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:00:45 +0000

The world has gone 3D crazy these days, it seems. I am all for some sweet 3D content at the movie theater or with some shows on TV. I am not all for 3D everything though. For instance, I really don’t want the pics I take all the time in 3D so there is no real benefit to me getting one of those 3D phones that shoot 3D pics.

However, a new app has surfaced for the iPhone that is interesting to me. The app is called Snapily 3D and it allows you to shoot 3D pics on your iPhone easily. However, you need to wear colored glasses to view the photos you snap (unless you want to try the crazy glasses-free “cross-eyed” mode.)

According to reviews, the app takes a bit to get used to, but once you do, the 3D effects are fantastic. It can snap pics in either color or greyscale, and you can even print your 3D images. One catch is that 3D glasses naturally aren’t included with a digital purchase. You will have to find your own stereoscopic glasses and tell the app what sort you have. It appears that the app takes multiple photos for precise distances and overlays them for the effect.

The Snapily 3D app is on the App Store to purchase right now for $1.99 (USD)

Photoblocker Beer Cooler Makes Sure That What Happens in the Club, Stays in the Club

Hazel Chua — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:00:38 +0000

A lot of people have gotten into trouble because of photos that have been uploaded to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. From bosses to wives to potential employers, there’s a lot to be lost, especially for people who like to party hard.

A quirky solution? The Photoblocker Beer Cooler.

The Norte Photoblocker was created for an ad campaign of Norte Beer, a South American brewer. The cooler has been equipped with a sensor that detects when a flash is fired from a camera. Once it does, it emits a flash of its own – ruining the picture and saving your job/relationship/friendships/reputation in the process.

In case you’re wondering, the ones behind the Photoblocker Beer Cooler are the fine folks from Argentinian ad agency Del Campo/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, and yes, they have actually made some of these and provided them to nightclubs already.

[via Fast Company via Oh Gizmo!]

Star Wars Pinups: the Sexy Side of Star Wars

Conner Flynn — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:30:21 +0000

If the Empire and the rebels of Star Wars were real, these are the images they would use to recruit soldiers to their cause. The only problem is, which side do you choose? They are all so sexy.

Judging by these pinups from photographer Joseph DeMarco, if I join the Empire, I can expect to see sexy TIE Fighter pilots and cute officers in skirts. On the other hand if i choose the Rebel Alliance, it looks like all X-Wing pilots are pretty hot as well as their droids.

Sexy as these women are, it’s a good thing we don’t live in that world because it would have been a real disappointment after signing up to either side. I mean they promise you sexy Imperial officers and you get Grand Moff Tarkin. Then you’re stuck serving your time.

Like what you see? You can grab a 2012 Star Wars Pinup Calendar over on Etsy for $25 (USD).

[via Geeksaresexy]

Prinstagram Prints Out Instagram Photos for You to Keep in Your Pocket

Hazel Chua — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:00:27 +0000

I remember back in the day how sparingly most people took photos with their film cameras because: a) shots were limited, and b) it was relatively expensive to have photos developed. Never mind the fact that you didn’t know how they were going to come out.

That was then. Now fast forward to today, where people are taking photos like mad thanks to digital photography. Most devices now come with built-in cameras, from laptops to tablets and smartphones, like Apple’s ever-popular iPhone. The current reigning photo-sharing app on the iPhone is (in my opinion) Instagram. Aside from letting you post your photos to Facebook and Twitter, you can also add some pretty cool effects and filters to transform how your shots look. Plus, it’s free, so really, nothing to complain about there.

But if you’re a bit old school and want to be able to take some of your best Instagram shots around with you, or hang up posters of the prints in your room, then you’re in luck because that’s what Prinstagram is looking to offer you.

Choose the shots you want to keep forever, then have them printed out on a poster, mini print, mini book, or tiny book.

Or if you’re the playful type, then print them out on stickers instead. Prinstagram prices range from $10 to $25, so they’re still pretty affordable, since you get concrete versions of your best memories in exchange for that amount.

[via Dvice]

Proposition One: X-rayed Objects without X-rays

Range — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:00:47 +0000

Ever thought about what your gadgets would look like when they’re X-rayed? Or how would they look if you would have X-ray vision? Well, Spanish photographer Max de Esteban surely asked himself this question when he decided to create this series of photos of X-rayed objects that he called Proposition One.

The cool thing is that they’re not really X-rays. Max actually disassembled these objects and took photos of the individual components, then layered them back together to create the X-ray effect. Max chose to expose a cassette recorder, various cameras, an old reel-to-reel deck, and other delightful tech relics. In the collection, you’ll find a bunch of other retro gadgets X-rayed, which is even better in my opinion, because I honestly don’t want to know what an X-rayed smartphone looks like. It can’t be nearly as interesting as something mechanical.

You can see the rest of the Proposition One series here, or see them in person in New York at the Klompching Gallery through December 9, 2011.

[via Fubiz]

Darth Vader in His Underwear with His Evil Superhero Grandpa, Say What?

Range — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:00:54 +0000

This series of photos were shot by Sacha Goldberger, and they are entitled The Darks Part II. In it, a (anti-)superhero named Dark Papouka befriends Darth Vader and they have some fun together. Darth Vader tries to get into the superhero act by wearing his underwear on the outside of his outfit.

The Dark Lord of the Sith becomes Dark Papouka’s best friend. The photos are pretty funny, especially since Darth Vader is supposed to be pure evil. There’s even a interesting surprise at the end, when Vader takes off his helmet. One clue, he’s not Papouka’s father.

The characters are part of his superhero grandparents series, and they will be featured in a short film that Goldberger plans on releasing in 2012. This is the second series of evil superhero grandpa photos from Sacha. The first can be seen here, and pictures of his superhero grandmother are pretty classic too.

[via My Modern Met]

Snap! iPhone Camera Case adds Real Shutter Button, Fake Lens

Lambert Varias — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:00:45 +0000

Earlier this year we featured a concept for an iPhone case called iShuttr that not only made the phone look like a camera but added camera functionality as well, such as a Xenon flash and shutter and zoom buttons. Unfortunately it’s Kickstarter fundraiser didn’t go so well, so I’m not sure if it’ll still get turned into an actual product. But if all you need is a dedicated shutter button, you might still have an option: the Snap! case.

The Snap! is an iPhone 4/4S case designed by Bitplay, who also made the silly Bang! gun lamp. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bitplay renames itself to Bitplay! But onto the product itself: The Snap! is made of three pieces – the metallic-looking upper half, the black lower half and the fake lens, so you can unscrew the lens for a slimmer profile.

The iPhone’s lens and flash are right where the Snap!’s viewfinder should be.

There’s still no release date for the Snap!, but if you happen to be in Tokyo this week you can check out a prototype of the case at this year’s Tokyo Designer’s Week event.

[Bitplay(JP) via Craziest Gadgets]

Delen Memory Table: Sit Down and Shot Up

Lambert Varias — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:00:36 +0000

One late night, while he was walking home, David Franklin passed by a dark alley and was accosted by three thugs. They tackled him and held him down. Then the leader of the group held him up against a wall with his shirt collar, and with a cigarette-damaged voice and a beer-soaked breath, screamed in his face, “How can archetypal furniture facilitate the sharing of memories?” So David built the Delen Memory Table. Or at least that’s how I imagine the question came to David.

As you can see in the picture, the Delen has a camera mounted on a post so that it has a view of the whole table. It can take pictures at preset or specified intervals, then wirelessly transmits those pictures to a nearby computer. David’s custom software will then automatically upload those pictures to a social networking site. With this design, you can easily make a slideshow or even a stop-motion animation showing what your day is like – what you’re working on, what you eat, how many dishes have to be piled up on your table before you make an effort to clean it up, etc.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

I think that the Delen is neat software in gimmicky furniture’s clothing. It’s not really the table itself that’s special or that handles the sharing part – it just happens to be where the camera is. In fact, I think David should just ditch the table and develop the camera or even just the software itself. Leave those thugs to answer their questions themselves.

[via Design Milk via NotCot]

Nikon D3 DSLR Costume Actually Takes Photos

Technabob — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:40:48 +0000

Halloween is just days away, so the number of cool, geeky costumes hitting my screen is starting to increase each day we get closer. So far, the early winner for the 2011 Halloween season is this Nikon D3 DSLR costume, which is actually fully-functional.

Ok, when I say it’s fully-functional, I don’t mean that it has interchangeable lenses, but it does snap high-quality digital pictures. It was built by Tyler Card, who happens to actually be a professional photographer – so that’s only fitting.

Tyler built it using a bunch of cardboard and a five-gallon paint bucket for the lens. Hidden inside is an actual Nikon DSLR, and it displays photos on the Dell LCD laptop screen on the back. It’s even got a functional Alienbees flash, and working shutter button.

Watch it in action below:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

More on the build can be seen in the video clip below, in case you’re still looking for ideas for your own costume and have the time and talent to spare to build something this complex…

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

[via PopPhoto via PetaPixel]

LiveLens Canon Micro Four Thirds Adapter Gives You Aperture Control

Shane McGlaun — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:00:10 +0000

If you are the sort that uses one of those slick little micro four-thirds digital camera and want to be able to use your fancy Canon EF lenses for shooting video, this new adapter should come in handy. The adapter is from a company called RedRock Micro and is called the LiveLens Adapter.

The adapter goes on the front of the camera and gives the videoographer back the ability to control aperture when shooting. The downside to this adapter is that it doesn’t work with autofocus. However, since it is aimed at video vs. still shooting, that isn’t such a big deal. You have to manually focus for video most of the time anyway.

The adapter has a little screen on it that allows you to control the lens aperture, instead of from the camera body. The LiveLens adapter looks pretty cool and you can buy one right now if you can stomach the $442.50 (introductory) retail price.

[via Wired]

Cobblestone Keyboard: Toe-Touch-Typing

Technabob — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:43:59 +0000

I’ve spent the majority of my adult life touch-typing on a QWERTY keyboard, so I’m pretty sure I’d be totally lost trying to type on this giant-sized AZERTY keyboard painted on a cobblestone street.

The image was snapped by Flickr user Ti.mo on a recent walk through the streets of Brussels, Belgium. I wonder if I could type any faster with my feet?

[via Clickr Chart via Neatorama]