We’ve seen our fair share of camera-related concepts that are decidedly out there, but there’s also thankfully some that are considerably more practical — and sometimes even eventually become actual products. Hopefully that ends up being the case with this so-called HoodCap Flower which, as you can probably surmise, combines a lens hood and a lens cap in one flower-inspired contraption. Just twist the dial to open it up and take some pictures, and close it when you want to protect your lens.

In space, Nikon’s SB800 speedlights get their own cute, custom-made spacesuits. Photo NASA You or I might prepare for an extreme photography trip with a few Ziploc bags or even a proper waterproof housing. When NASA packs for space, though, things are a little more complicated

When it comes to the world of digital cameras, there are plenty of models to choose from where the entry level and mid-range segments are concerned. With that many to choose from, just which model should you part with your money for? Sony might have a new candidate that will suit your needs (and wallet) when it is released later this September for $350, coming in the form of the Sony DSC-TX55 digital camera from the Cyber-shot range. Boasting an exceptionally slim and stylish form factor, the new Sony DSC-TX55 Cyber-shot camera will feature a bunch of new new technologies, where among them include “By Pixel Super Resolution” technology that will boost the camera’s zoom range to a virtual 10x

With point and shoot cameras apparently now up against a megapixel wall, manufacturers are focusing on adding quirky new features to keep you hooked on the upgrade cycle. Sony’s new Cyber-shot TX55 includes several such additions, such as ‘amazing’ 3D image capture, ‘extremely low’ noise, and a new digital zoom technology called By Pixel Super Resolution, which promises to double the camera’s 5x optical zoom range while still capturing 16.2-megapixel images at full quality. We’re a bit skeptical about that last one, but if the $350 camera really can deliver on its promise, then we may just have a winner. Sony says there’s also high-speed autofocus that can lock onto subjects in 0.1 seconds, optical image stabilization, a 3.3-inch OLED touch-screen, and 1080i AVCHD video

Traditionally known as DSLRs, interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) have always promised excellent image quality, speed, and versatility. But their enormous size and weight, lofty price tags, and intimidating design have forced casual photographers to focus on compact and superzoom point-and-shoot cameras instead, often leaving those bulky, confusing monstrosities to the pros. Enter mirrorless models, which scrap an optical viewfinder in favor of shrinking both body size and price tag, have provided the rest of us with a welcome mat to the world of powerful sensors, high-speed shooting, and swappable lenses — with relatively little sacrifice along the way. The 16-megapixel Alpha NEX-C3 builds upon the successes of its predecessor — the NEX-3 — sporting a slimmer body and redesigned APS-C sensor.