A camera originally designed by Russian Professor Radionov for use during the cold war, Lomo's purpose was for spy games and international espionage. However, the camera failed its inventors intentions, when it was deemed not precise enough, light enough or small enough for Russian secret agents to carry on assignment (even though the camera is not much larger than a cigarette packet).

In spite of its failings, the Lomo LCA camera still remained technically astonishing, being the only camera in the world with a 32mm wide angled lens, capable of capturing shots in all conditions and from any perspective.

Based on a design that dates back over 60 years,the Lubitel 166+ is truly a mid-century masterpiece updated with stunning new features, including the ability to shoot BOTH medium format and 35mm film. Light enough to be your daily companion, powerful enough to yield mind-blowingly sharp & detailed images, and flexible enough to offer limitless creative possibilities, this handsome fella is simply the biggest news for die-hard analogue photographers in a LONG time..More info here

Inflatable movie screen

How cool is this!! If you are looking for a TV to go with your inflatable chair and sofa, then this is for you - the Open Air Cinema 16 Foot Inflatable Movie Screen. Open Air claims it is the largest screen available right now on the market coming in at 16ft x 9ft in size. Now you can show your boring digital picture slide show at the next family bbq on an even bigger screen for more people to see - HOW EXCITING!
The projection surface is 220″ and matte white. The screen can easily be setup like a pup tent and only weighs about 7 kilos when deflated.It's not cheap, but you sure will be popular for "open air" cinema night around the yard. Check it out here

Compact Model Review

Just posted! A comprehensive look at the budget range of compact camera available for Christmas. The review looks at nine models in the sub-aprox $200 range. So what can you expect to get if shopping on a tight budget? Are there really any differences between the various models? And are there any bargains to be had or hidden gems in the entry-level ranges? Check out the roundup at DPreview.

Canon 5D examples

Photographyblog have posted sample pictures from their EOS 5D Mark II taken using a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 and a Canon EF 70-200 f/a lens. The file format used is 21MP "fine" JPEG and "standard picture style". There are movies too.

Ifyou missed it, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II got everyone excited because of its low-light shooting capabilities (high ISO) and its 1080p video recording ability. The first movie demo was created by Vincent La Foret, check it out

Glowing placemats!

I love tech toys, and anything with fiber optics changing colours, I need to have a closer look at! Like a placemat! Add fiber optics into the mix of fibres and presto you have a cheesy looking placemat! The cloth itself on the mat comes in numerous colors, then you can choose an entirely different color for the fiber optics themselves. You can buy one here

New Full Frame Nikon D3x!

Though almost everything you need to know about the new Nikon 24.5-megapixel D3X, the dSLR Nikon dubs its "extreme professional" model on the web everywhere,it formally debuted on November 30. What about the price?: $7,999.95.US I would suggest saving your $$$ now!

There's quite a bit of speculation as to how similar the sensor in the D3X is to that in the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900; Nikon says it's "a Nikon designed sensor" that may (or may not) be manufactured by Sony, which usually means they're pretty similar. However, the A900's sensor has a pixel pitch of 5.9 microns, while Nikon's is surprisingly smaller--5.49 microns. So, they're pretty much different sensors, with different performance characteristics. The D3X's sensitivity range runs from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with a Lo 1 of ISO 50 and Hi 1 and 2 of ISO 3200 and ISO 6400. The camera will also offer a 5:4 (8x10) crop mode at 20.4 megapixels, along with the same 10.5-megapixel DX crop mode as the D3, and support. Want to know more?...follow the link