Tag Archives: action camera
Think a GoPro on Your Dog Is Cool? How About Video Cameras on Beetles?
Strapping a GoPro onto your pet can result in some pretty amusing video footage. But what if you prefer insects to mammals? There’s no way you could fit a regular action camera onto one of those, unless it’s one of those giant bird-eating spiders you find in South America maybe. Now, thanks to the miracles of modern science and technology, we have a video camera that’s tiny enough to attach to a beetle.
Photo: Mark Stone – University of Washington
Researchers from the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, working under a fellowship grant from Microsoft have come up with a miniature camera that weighs just 250 milligrams. That makes it light enough to be carried by some sturdier insects, including the death-feigning beetle and a pinacate beetle.
Photo: Mark Stone – University of Washington
The teensy camera unit includes an image sensor, processing circuitry, a Bluetooth transmitter, and a battery. But given the size limitations, its image quality isn’t very good at this point, capturing low resolution greyscale images at a very low frame rate. It streams images at somewhere from 1 to 5 frames per second, with a 160 x 120 resolution, and is capable of being remotely steered so a wider field of view can be observed.
The research team also developed a tiny, 2cm long robot that can also carry a steerable camera, which has the potential to reduce robot power consumption needs, since it doesn’t need to move the whole robot to survey a scene. I can only imagine the potential for building tiny camera robots that look like insects to carry out espionage.
If you’re interested in learning more about the beetle-cam, the full research paper is available from Science Robotics.
[via Gizmodo]
GoPro’s Max gets much-needed 360 time lapse features
This boat-mounted action-camera focuses on the surfer while they’re busy focusing on the waves
The Wave Catcher was designed to combine the best parts of a drone and a GoPro. The action camera basically packs a drone’s mechanical gimbal and object-tracking capabilities in a grounded, water-proof format that can be strapped to a speedboat’s Bimini top, or even to the side of the boat via suction. Wave Catcher’s innovation doesn’t, however, lie in its camera, but rather, lies in its wearable. Designed to be strapped around the wrist of the subject, the wearable acts as a beacon for the camera, constantly telling the lens to keep it in the frame. As a result, the Wave Catcher always has its subject in the frame, no matter what. This bracelet-tracking technology proves to be even more effective than facial-tracking, given that with waves, water splashes, and tonnes of sporting gear, it may not be entirely possible for the camera to efficiently keep an eye on its subject.
The Wave Catcher’s wearable also allows you to interface with the camera with a button that lets you alternate between photography and video. Designed specifically for water-sports, the action-camera gives you the best combination of features that makes it possible to capture the action without needing an extra cameraman. Its externally located gimbal and stabilization system (as opposed to the in-body stabilization found in most action cameras) gives the Wave Catcher a better edge over other action cameras by always keeping its subject in the frame… and the fact that it performs object detection using a wireless beacon bracelet makes it much more efficient than a drone… and with a much better battery life!
Designer: Dylan Fealtman
Engadget readers can get DJI’s Osmo Action 4K for just $249
We called DJI's Osmo Action 4K camera "a worthy rival" to GoPro's Hero 7 Black, missing only a few options like a GPS, editing and social features. The action cam is available today exclusively for Engadget readers on Cyber Monday at Wellbots at its...
Motorola’s latest cheap phone tries to double as an action camera
Apart from its real-but-not-ready foldable, Motorola is best known these days for churning out respectable smartphones for people on a budget. Those devices — like those in the Moto G and E series — offer some of the best performance...
DJI takes on GoPro with the Osmo Action camera
The action camera space has a new player: DJI. Today, the company revealed Osmo Action ($349), its first ruggedized, compact shooter. The Osmo Action, which is designed to compete with GoPro's Hero line, features a 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of captur...
GoPro turns the Hero 7 Black white
The GoPro Hero 7 Black lived up to part of its namesake by actually being, well, black instead of silver or gray like previous models. If that new lick of paint wasn't enough, you'll soon be able to get it in a limited edition white (or "dusk white"...
8 Awesome Deals to Kick Off 2018
Most people gear up for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and December, hoping to find perfect deals. However, the start of a new year is actually a better time to find great stuff for a lot less than usual. Here are some awesome deals to kick of 2018 with some savings:
Merdumia 4k Action Camera
Designed to provide the most awesome photographs and videos during your most daring activities, the Merdumia 4k action camera is just $49.99 instead of $889.99 for a limited time only.
DBPower LED Projector
A fantastic option for any type of viewing at home, you can get the DBPOWER LED projector for just $75.19 instead of $199.99 on this awesome start-of-the-year deal.
Champlue Wake Up Light Alarm Clock
A more pleasing way to wake up in the morning, the Champlue wake up light alarm clock is currently on sale for just $26.83 instead of $69.97.
BassPal Bluetooth Speaker
For both style and an excellent sound, the BassPal bluetooth speaker is a terrific choice. You can get it for just $19.99 instead of $99.99.
TerraMaster Storage
A 5-bay RAID storage with a total capacity of 60TB, you can get this TerraMaster unit for just $181.69 instead of $269.99.
OtterBox Defender for Samsung Tablet
This OtterBox Defender case is meant to protect the Samsung Tab A. You can get if for just $41.95 if your hurry.
Kindle Oasis
You can get the excellent Kindle Oasis for just $299.99 instead of $359.99, and customize it in the Amazon checkout cart.
Karma Drone with GoPro
Our last and most expensive deal for today, this Karma drone and GoPro camera go together likes peas in a pod, and cost $999 instead of $1199 on the current deal.
10 Great Black Friday Deals in the Technabob Shop
It’s time to start sifting through all those great Black Friday deals. There’s no better time of the year for shoppers. If you need some inspiration on just what you can buy at a steep discount, take a look at these products in the Technabob Shop – and for one day only, use discount code BFRIDAY20 for an additional 20% off your order.
No smartphone is truly complete without the RevolCam high quality camera lenses. Take stunning shots from your phone for just $29.99 (40% off).
You don’t want to seem like a loser at the concert, but you also don’t want to lose your hearing by the time you have children. EarDial is the perfect discrete earplugs that prevent hearing loss while still allowing you to enjoy the full experience of the concert. Get yours today for $21.99 (33% off).
There camouflage earbuds pack a loud aural punch. See why they’re one of the best selling earphones on the market for just $49.99 (66%).
4) Ethical Hacking A to Z Bundle
Start a career in ethical hacking today with this course bundle for just $25 (96% off).
Bathrooms are a dangerous place at night, which is why you need IllumiBowl to add LED light to illuminate your path to the toilet. This product is only $12.99 (35% off)!
6) Activeon CX 1080p WiFi Action Camera
You won’t be able to find a better deal for an action camera than Activeon CX. You can record awesome 1080p HD video for just $36.99 (60% off).
7) YoCam Versatile Waterproof HD Camera
If you want permanent memories of your outdoor adventures, get yourself the YoCam for $99.99 (50% off).
8) eLearnExcel + eLearnOffice: Lifetime Subscription
This learning bundle is your secret to mastering the Microsoft Office Suite. Get yours today for just $35 (97% off).
9) Code Black Drone with HD Camera
The #1 best-selling drone on the market is now cheaper than even. With 6-axis flight control and 4-way flip capabilities, you can have the best drone for just $34.99 (75% off).
10) Treblab RF100 Magnetic HD Noise Cancelling Earphones
Take a break from reality and pop on these high fidelity earphones. This deal won’t last. You can get yours today for $39.99 (78% off).
