Gear | Digital Cameras

Nikon D5000

Just announced today, Nikon's new Nikon D5000 ($850) bridges the gap between entry-level digital SLR cameras and their more expensive counterparts. Featuring many of the innovative capabilities usually reserved for pro-level dSLRs, this Nikon has a 12.3-megapixel sensor for incredibly high resolution still photography, and it does double duty as a High Definition video camera. The D5000's logical, concise controls create a simple but flexible photographic experience, boasting a 2.7-inch Live View LCD screen, 11-point autofocus with 3D tracking, ISO 6400, and automatic scene modes. When using the included AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, you'll benefit from image stabilization and rapid shooting at 4fps in a compact, versatile package.

Save

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

If you're ready to move beyond the deer-in-the-headlight shots you've been taking with your puny point-and-shoot, the brand new Canon EOS Rebel T1i ($800) is the perfect place to start. The T1i represents a solid update to Canon's ever-popular EOS line of entry level digital SLR cameras. This camera has all the updates we've been looking forward to, like a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, 9-point Auto Focus, ISO settings up to 6400, and compatibility with Canon's complete line of EF and EF-S lenses. But the big surprise here is the addition of HD video capture and a 3-inch Clear View LCD monitor, a feature previously reserved for the 5D Mark II, the T1i's bigger and costlier brother. This is a serious SLR in a compact, affordable package.

Save

Mamiya DL33

If you're looking to take your photography beyond the limits of, say, the full-frame Nikon D3X, check out the new medium-format Mamiya DL33 ($20,000; April 2009). The big brother of the well-received DL28, the DL33 combines Mamiya's 645AFD III camera system with a 33 megapixel Aptus-II 7 Digital Back from Leaf, offering a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 16-bit capture, an ISO range of 50-800, and absolutely massive 67MB RAW files — so don't forget to order some extra storage while you're at it.

Diana Instant Back+

Now you can get the unique look of Lomography's Diana+ immediately with the Diana Instant Back+ ($95-$190). Available with or without the camera, the Instant Back installs onto the back of any Diana camera, allowing you to use any Diana+ lens or accessory to create photos that print out and expose in about 90 seconds, just like a Polaroid — but with way more creative possibilities.

JVC Everio X

While it might not be fair to call the new JVC Everio X ($1,000; June 2009) just another camera, it's probably not fair to call it a camcorder, either. Yet another example of a device that mixes impressive still video capabilities with equally impressive video, the X features a 10.3 megapixel sensor that lets you shoot 9 megapixel stills, 1080p video, simultaneous five-megapixel digital stills while recording Full HD video, 600fps slow-motion videos, and more. It's versatility that fits in your pocket.

Sony HX1 Cyber-Shot

The new Sony HX1 Cyber-Shot ($500) looks like it has it all. It's basically our digital camera wish list wrapped up in one device. With a 9.1 megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor at its heart, the HX1 features a pro-quality 28mm wide-angle lens with 20x optical zoom. In addition to being able to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second (read: 10 action photos in one second), the camera has new sweep panorama technology, which can help you take 224-degree panorama shots in one simple press-and-sweep motion. The HX1 also has 1080p HD video recording capabilities, recording at 30 frames per second using the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format.

Samsung NX Series Cameras

Torn between the imaging processing prowess of a dSLR and the compactness of a point-and-shoot? Get the best of both worlds with the new Samsung NX Series Cameras ($TBA; Q3-Q4 2009). These "hybrid" cameras offer interchangeable lenses, a dSLR-sized APS-C sensor, and a full range of shooting modes, Live View, electronic viewfinders, and a small size that's unarguably more pocketable than a typical paparazzi cam. [via]

Samsung TL320

Available in black or a brushed stainless steel finish, this compact 12-megapixel camera features a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens and a sleek 3-inch AMOLED screen with HVGA resolution and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. The Samsung TL320 ($330) offers a 5x optical zoom, 720p HD video recording (with HDMI connectivity), and a full bevy of automatic and manual modes. The TL320 also sports two awesome analog gauges, which first showed up on the Samsung TL9.

Canon PowerShot D10

Need a camera you can take pretty much anywhere? Check out the Canon PowerShot D10 ($330; May 2009). This rough-and-tumble point-and-shoot features a 12.1-Megapixel sensor, 3x optically stabilized lens, DIGIC 4 processor, and 2.5-inch LCD, but it's also freeze proof to 14 degrees, shockproof up to 4 feet, and waterproof up to 33 feet, making it the perfect pocket cam whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean or the heights of the mountains.

Most Saved

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Save

The first Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P1 ($750-$900) offers compact, retro style with DSLR-like image quality and HD video recording with "depth of field and Art Filter effects familiar from still photography." The 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens camera features in-body image stabilization, a 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function, a dust reduction system, and compatibility with a selection of interchangeable lenses.

Sony HX1 Cyber-Shot

Diana Instant Back+

Mamiya DL33

Samsung NX Series Cameras

Most Emailed

Frank Lloyd Wright Lego Architecture Building Sets

Most of us don't have the engineering, design, or architectural chops to recreate any of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterworks, but we can anyway, thanks to these new Frank Lloyd Wright Lego Architecture Building Sets ($TBA). Licensed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection, these terrific sets — of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater — were developed in collaboration with leading architects to be as accurate as possible, and come with booklets that not only tell you how to build you own model masterpiece, but exclusive archival historical material and photographs of each building, as well. [Thanks, Kris]

Save

The Man Wall

Bring the sports bar experience home with The Man Wall ($14,900). This all-in-one chunk of awesomeness features room for four TVs — one 52" and two 26" units are included — a 1200-watt Panasonic home theater with integrated speakers and wireless surround units, two 25-cigar humidors with gauges, a 32-bottle wine rack, a microwave, a live 7-foot sports ticker at the top with built-in computer, a full-size kegerator with tap, an iPod docking station, DVD player, and the ability to control it all via a single remote control. Feel free to grunt in approval.

NEC CRV43 Curved Widescreen Display

Ever wish you could combine your dual-monitor setup into one behemoth display? Get ready, because your wish has come true in the NEC CRV43 Curved Widescreen Display ($8,000). Boasting a unique curved design that's sure to immerse you more than a standard two display setup, this beauty also features a 2880x900 double WXGA resolution, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, single link DVI-D and HDMI inputs, USB 2.0 ports, an on screen display, and the assurance that you have the most unique monitor in the neighborhood. [via]

James T. Kirk Captain's Chair

You might not be able to pilot the Enterprise in real life, but at least you can feel like it in the James T. Kirk Captain's Chair ($2,900). This full-scale replica of Kirk's captain's chair from the original Star Trek TV series is constructed from the original design conceived by Matt Jefferies, and is limited to only 1,701 units. Features include a wood and steel platform, leather seat and back with oak arm rests, 360-degree swivel action, and various toggle switches, knobs, and buttons from the series, some of which play classic Trek dialogue or sound effects through the seat's built-in speaker.

Whisky Stones

One of the worst things about adding ice to a whisky is its ability to water-down the flavor. So chill your next drink down with Whisky Stones ($20). Milled in Vermont by some of the oldest soapstone workshops in the US, these stones chill quickly in the freezer, and won't impart any flavor to your favorite blend. [Thanks, Chet]

Newcastle DraughtKeg

Give your BeerTender new life with the Newcastle DraughtKeg ($23). Like a portable English pub, the pressurized mini-keg serves up 10 pints of draught beer, and will stay fresh for 30 days with on-tap tastiness, just like the Heineken version. The Newcastle DraughtKeg will launch in select markets next month.

NeatDesk

Get rid of the paper trail with the NeatDesk ($400). This compact ADF (automatic document feeder) scanner helps you declutter your desk and empty your filing cabinet, leaving more room for important stuff. Like snacks. With one-button scanning, the NeatDesk scans up to 10 receipts, 10 business cards and 10 documents at once (or a single 50 page document), and then organizes the copies and extracts the info for digital use. You can scan in a stack of business cards and populate your address book, or scan in a pile of receipts to auto-track your expenses (export to Quicken, Excel or Quickbooks), or scan in a document and turn it into a searchable PDF. The auto-organization and character recognition technology worked surprisingly well on the Mac unit we've been testing, and is going to make next year's IRS holiday a little easier to deal with. With versions available for Mac OS X and Windows, you'll be able to organize your office no matter if you're a Mac or PC.

The F*cking Card Collection

Forget the traditional sappy greeting card — say what you really want to say with The F*cking Card Collection ($25/10 cards). Featuring such heartwarming messages as Happy F*cking Birthday, Happy F*cking Holidays, Thanks A F*cking Bunch, and Congratuf*ckinglations, the recipient is sure to like them — a whole f*cking lot.

BMW S 1000 RR

Looking for the closest thing you can get to a street-legal racing bike? Check out the new BMW S 1000 RR ($TBA; 2010). This nasty new superbike features a water-cooled four-cylinder inline power plant good for 193 hp, factory ABS, an advanced traction control system, an HP Gearshift Assistant for full-power clutchless upshifts, all while weighing just 455.3 pounds with a full tank of gas. The result? The most horsepower and highest power-to-weight ratio of any bike in its class.

Sunforce Solar Charging & Wind Generator Kits

Cut down on your power bills and help out the planet at the same time with Sunforce Solar Charging ($285) & Wind Generator ($480) Kits. The 60 Watt solar kit is designed for RVs, cabins, 12-volt battery charging, and other off-grid types of power demands with its 7 Amp charge controller, 175-watt inverter, and LED charging indicator, while the 400 Watt wind generator can power larger items like appliances and electronics, and features an aluminum and carbon fiber composite build, built-in regulator for shutting the system down when connected batteries are charges, and the ability to mount to any sturdy building, pole, or the specially-designed Sunforce 44455 Wind Generator 30-Foot Tower Kit.

Lifeline Ultralight Survival Kit

Be prepared no matter what the circumstances with the Lifeline Ultralight Survival Kit ($15). Weighing in at only 7.5 oz. and only taking up as much space as a stack of postcards, this handy all-in one kit includes waterproof matches, an 80" x 50" emergency blanket, 50 ft. of fishing line with four hooks and sinker weights, a surgical blade, five wound closure strips, a map compass, emergency whistle, three feet of duct tape, and more, all in an included waterproof carrying case.

Pocket Retro Game Emulator

Could this no-name device give you more fun than your iPod and PSP combined? Sure sounds like it. The Pocket Retro Game Emulator ($100) plays NES, SNES, GBA, Sega Genesis, and Neo Geo roms, and when you're done with the classics, the device can play movie files, music files, view photos, read eBooks, and more. About the size of a GameBoy Micro, the device features 4GB of built-in storage, a mini SD slot, a 2.8 inch QVGA (320x240) LCD screen, a built-in FM radio, built-in stereo speakers, and an internal rechargeable li-battery.

iPhone 3G S

It's that time of year again. The new iPhone 3G S ($200-$300; June 19) is the latest version of Apple's God-gadget. Packed with performance updates (the S stands for speed), the new iPhone is up to twice as fast as the iPhone 3G and features a 3-megapixel autofocus camera, video recording capability, longer battery life, and new hands-free voice control. Running the new iPhone OS 3.0 (available June 17 as a free update for your current busted iPhone), the 3G S also features a built-in digital compass, Copy & Paste, MMS, Spotlight Search, a new Find My iPhone feature, 3D graphics, and Nike + iPod support. It will come in 16GB and 32GB capacities in the familiar black and white.

Go Plate

Perfect for backyard bashes, the Go Plate ($48/42-pack) assures you'll never lose your drink again. The reusable and recycled clear plastic food tray fits over bottles, cups or cans for one-handed action. They can be thrown in the dishwasher for multiple parties.

BlueLounge StudioDesk

If you're a laptop user looking for a clean, utilitarian desk (like us), feast your eyes on the BlueLounge StudioDesk ($600). This compact (47" x 27.5") workspace features an innovative storage compartment hidden by a sliding desktop surface, letting you hide all your cable clutter, with only a single cable running from the desk to the wall. Made from a mix of solid mahogany and laminate, it's minimal design is sure to look good in any space. [Thanks, Pablo]

Ka-Bar Last Ditch Knife

About as long as a credit card, this low-profile knife can be discreetly carried just about anywhere. Made of black powder-coated 9CR18 stainless steel, the Ka-Bar Last Ditch Knife ($15) comes with a hard-plastic friction sheath and 30-inches of black 550 cord. Slip it in your bag, keep it in your wallet, hang it from your neck, or lace it into your boots.

Milwaukee Gunmetal Safety Glasses

Keep your eyes safe on the job without looking like a tool with Milwaukee Gunmetal Safety Glasses ($10). Available in hard-coated clear and mirrored versions, these puppies sport an Oakley-esque design, near 100% UVA and UVB protection, adjustable saddle nose pads for a solid fit, and optically-corrected lenses for optimal performance.

Gravis Digi Bag

Updated for 2009 with a new grey, orange, and black colorway, the Gravis Digi Bag ($79) offers legendary protection for your gear. It features a cross-body design, padded laptop compartment, bottom rear zip sleeve for attaching to luggage handles, two padded main compartments with separate zipper access and multiple organization pockets, and more.

The F*cking Card Collection

TuneUp Your iTunes

When we reviewed TuneUp, we said it was "quite possibly the most important piece of software any music lover can buy." And with a beautiful new facelift, TuneUp is still a must-have organizational tool that automagically cleans up your digital music collection. TuneUp plugs into iTunes to fix mislabeled music (like "Track01", "Unknown Artist" and "Jay-Z" spelled 5 different ways), fill in missing cover art, alert you to concerts and more. Get 10% off TuneUp Gold with promo code: UNCRATE2.