Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

We find it rather irksome when people reference going 360° when they really mean to say 180°.  And though most times it seems “doing a 180″ is often a positive step associated with change and moving forward, the Lomography Spinner 360° Panoramic Camera (available at Lomography for $145) proves that going full circle can be the best thing that’s ever happened to anybody.  With a rubber band drive and fully manual controls (no batteries required), the Spinner 360° uses standard 35mm film that takes up to eight full 360° panoramic photos on 36 exposure film.  Simply grasp the Spinner in one hand, pull the cord, and once you release it, the Spinner will spin on its own axis and capture imagery that is both playful and evocative, regardless of how you shoot.  Manual long exposures and sunny/cloudy aperture settings allow users to flex their creative shooting muscles and experiment to their heart’s content (a common trait within the Lomography product family).

Cameras, Gear

We love our modified Holga camera and all the anticipation that comes with developing a roll of film in the hopes of having taken unexpectedly striking photographs.  That said, we can appreciate the same type of highly contrasted color and pleasantly unpredictable image quality that’s captured with the immediacy of digital technology by the Superheadz Digital Harinezumi Still/Video Camera 2.0 (available at Freestyle Photographic Supplies for $170).  With a live-view approach to shooting photography and video, the Digital Harinezumi reawakens your ability to recognize and react to your environment as you document images on a still life basis or with movement and sound.  The Harinezumi’s video quality is particularly evocative given its resemblance to Super 8 movies (think of the opening credit scenes from The Wonder Years).  And as the Digital Harinezumi is especially compact (9cm x 3cm x 3.5cm), for those of you who have to have a camera/video camera wherever you go, there’s no reason you should leave home without one.

Cameras, Gear, Video Cameras

What separates the Sigma DP2 (available at Adorama for $649) from other compact digital cameras is what its deceptively compact body hides within itself.  The Sigma DP2 was engineered to provide DSLR power and performance, but focused into a pocket-sized body—a uniquely compelling example of bigger is better, but understood within the framework of less is more.  The DP2’s image quality and colors are hauntingly vivid and full of depth due to the SLR-sized 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor (20.7 x 13.8mm).  The DP2 also comes equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens which is also known as a “standard lens,” providing a viewpoint similar to what the human eye sees.  Without zoom functionality, this single-focal length lens also reconnects the photographer to the experience of consciously photographing subjects by reengaging the imagination and vision in considering the distance, light, shadow, color and angle of every shot.  While the Sigma DP2 may not be the camera for everybody, for those with whom it resonates, they will be rewarded with an experience and imagery rich with emotion and vibrancy rarely seen in such a small yet powerful camera.

Cameras, Electronics, Gear

Being the world’s smallest 12.3 megapixel interchangeable lens system camera, the Olympus EP-1 (available at Adorama for $800) gives you the flexibility to take exceptional still photos, shoot video, as well as record audio all in one retro-styled compact camera weighing just 11.8 ounces.  Once the shutter button is pressed half way down, images to be shot are displayed in total focus on the high-definition 3” LCD using the Live View Autofocus system.  The EP-1 has a slew of additional features including fully automatic and manual controls, lightweight and highly precise Olympus M. ZUIKO lenses, and a dust reduction system that uses a patented Supersonic Wave Filter that silently vibrates each time you turn on the camera to fling dust off the EP-1 itself.  And with a myriad of other image stabilizing and enhancing features, the Olympus EP-1 ultimately combines all the best attributes of a DSLR, high-definition camcorder and full service image studio into one amazing little camera.

Cameras, Electronics, Gear

We’ve heard some people say that with LEICA cameras, you’re really just paying for the red LEICA logo itself.  While you could probably find comparable cameras to do the job for far less money, none could do it with such style.  Whether it’s the uniquely assigned serial numbers, the exclusive white Nappa cowhide leather, or the dirt-repelling paint finish, every aspect of LEICA’s new limited edition M8 “White Edition” (available at Dale Photo and Digital for $8,500) sets it apart from other cameras. And given that LEICA is limiting production to only 275 cameras worldwide, you may want to get your hands on one sooner rather than later.

Cameras, Electronics, Gear