the ‘nikon 1’ series (comprised of ‘j1’ and ‘v1’) offers nikon’s first mirrorless SLR cameras, capable of taking photos and full-HD video simultaneously in a model designed to be not much larger than a common point-and-shoot camera.
the cameras feature a small 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, named CX format, with EXPEED 3 dual image processors. both models take 1080p full-HD video in addition to still photographs, capable of recording both simultaneously if the user hits the shutter during video recording. ‘smart photo selector’ technology automatically selects optimal conditions for photo capture, including exposure, shutter sped, and even the verification that the subject’s eyes are open. ’advanced hybrid autofocus system’ utilizes up to 73 focus points for clear photographs, while continuous shooting mode in the series offers up to ten frames per second.
measuring 4.2 inches wide by 2.4 tall and 1.2 deep (106 x 61 x 30 mm) at a weight of 8.3 ounces (234g), the ‘j1’ is designed as a point-and-shoot style camera, featuring interchangeable lenses but exclusively an LCD monitor for composing shots. the model is produced in black, white, red, silver, and pink,with matching lenses.
by contrast, the ‘v1’ offers functionality more consistent with D-SLR cameras, with both an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD screen, as well as a hot shoe along the top of the device and support for microphone attachment. an eye sensor automatically switches to EVF mode when a user places his eye to it. the ‘v1’ is not much bigger than the ‘j1’, however, measuring 4.4 inches wide by 3 inches tall and 1.7 inches deep (113 x 76 x 43.5 mm) at a weight of 10.4 ounces (294g).
both cameras are available beginning october 20th, with the ‘j1’ retailing for 650 USD and the ‘v1’ starting at 900 USD. current lenses available include a nikkor 10-30mm, 30-110mm, fixed 10mm, and 10-100mm. featuring a standard F-mount, the devices are also reportedly backwards-compatible with other standard DSLR nikon lenses.
(Source: designboom.com)
One Liter Limited
1ℓimit faucet looks more like an elegant test tube inverted on top of a tap. The glass tube holds exactly one liter of water, sufficient for a quick handwash. The theory being that we waste almost six liters of water and use only one, while washing hands. Once the stored one-liter is used up, you have to turn-off the tap till the next one liter fills up the tube. A cumbersome rationing process that will hopefully drive home the point of conservation!
Designers: Yonggu Do, Dohyung Kim & Sewon Oh
(Source: , via organicfreak)
Some residences display a wonderful collection of spaces, especially designed to capture modern lines, patterns and colors. Others fascinate with the choice of materials, but most homes have interesting details that come together to create a cleverly designed living space. Today we showcase a wonderful floating staircase idea that turns a simple corner of the house into an interesting focal point. Constructed from birch ply with a hard wearing black velour laminate finish, the staircase features black rubber treads. “The structure is supported off the wall and appears to float thanks to the halo lighting.” The collaboration between bespoke furniture manufacturer Re Form The Norm and multi-disciplinary practice DO-Architecture, both based in Glasgow, gave the residents of a modern home the choice of enjoying a fascinating staircase design, one that seems to be floating while featuring inbuilt LED lights.
The “Motorrad E” is an electric maxi scooter concept by BMW, designed to offer the motorcycle-like performance of the company’s 2-cylinder combustion engine motorrad scooters with completely electric technology. The ‘“Motorrad E” is on exhibition at the Frankfurt international motor show.
The vehicle’s body features a sporty shape, with a twin-tipped front spoiler, low cut windshield, and foreshortened rear. light alloy wheels mimic the style of the BMW i electric car concept vehicles, while the metals and acrylic glass used for the body include a range of contrasting colours.
Conventional side mirrors are replaced by two rear video cameras that feed to two LCD monitors installed in the cockpit. a central digital display depicts speed, gasoline usage, and other relevant data.
The vehicle charges via standard household power sockets, attaining a full charge in under three hours and therein providing a driving range of 100 kilometers. these numbers are made feasible by intelligent battery management and brake energy recuperation systems, built alongside performance technology that lets the “Motorrad” equal the acceleration rates and continuous output characteristic of a combustion engine maxi scooter.
Configured as a meeting place for cyclists Pave the store, located in Barcelona, Spain, has become an icon for sports. A amazing room of 700m2, in addition to the latest in bicycles, has a lounge, library, cafeteria and TV room, a project led by Javier Maya and specified by the architect Joan Sandoval.
Tokujin Yoshioka designed Moon chair for Moroso. Like all his designs, the Moon, is imbued with an aura of mysticism, minimalism and created through pure white and plasticity can not be beaten. Yoshioka studied human behavior when you use a chair, observed that no one remained static in it, it always moves, so according to its designer, the Moon chair has been created keeping in mind the ergonomics of the freedom of movement.
Quietly located to the north of the Olympic masterplan, the Velodrome exudes an aura of elegance and simplicity. The very form of the building signals the track: a continuous, sinuous shape that seems to explain the movement of the event itself.
The building is made of three elements: the concourse, the plinth and the roof. The glazed concourse separates the curve of the larch-clad roof soffit and the concrete and landscaping of the plinth. The plinth contains all the service areas and the entrance. The cable net roof seems to hang in space detached from the ground, sitting low over the track, adding drama and focus to the event.
The building is a consummate exercise in a simple idea, beautifully, efficiently and gracefully carried out.
Hopkins Architects won an RIBA Competition 2011 to design the Velodrome.
(Source: architecture.com)
