Well, it was inevitable. The scientific journal Nature reports that scientists at the University of Arizona have announced that they have created the first 3-D holographic moving images. Anyone remember the “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you are our only hope” line in Star Wars? Well, that is apparently firmly in the realm of possibility now. The technology was achieved by first, filming an object with an array of cameras (making this venture already too expensive for the average video enthusiast), then transmitting the resulting video data into a machine that can read it and control a series of lasers to produce an image. These lasers work by an interference pattern when one laser collides with another producing a glow. It obviously takes a high degree of precision and as such, moves much like Princess Leia did in her hologram: with a lot of jerky movement. Additionally, the image is currently being broadcast on a 10 inch monochromatic screen and refreshes at a rate of one image every two seconds, much too slow for any conventional use.

All of that aside, the possibilities of this kind of technology, once improved are vast. Since it is possible to go around the image and view an object at different angles, there is no doubt that this technology would be far more realistic than what we see on screen today. Additionally, with the real-time broadcast of 3-D images, it could be possible to broadcast interiors of homes, surgeries, and planets in space to experts around the world. Not to mention the possibilities this technology would have in the live television and teleconferencing world. Imagine being able to shoot a speaker and have it broadcast as a full 3-D hologram to people all around the world. The only problem: the technology won’t be available for 10 years – meaning you’ll have plenty of time to brush up on your holographic filming skills. Of course, you may want to brush up on a few good video capturing tips here first!

Canon has announced multiple new digital cameras today that combine elements of video and photography together to create some very impressive cameras. The new Canon EOS 7D is the start of a new series of DSLR cameras, perfect for amateurs and professionals alike. We had the pleasure of looking at the model and we feel it is a very impressive addition to Canon’s already successful line of digital cameras. Already leading the forefront when it comes to blurring the lines between still photography and video. The camera’s features include an 18MPX CMOS APS-C size sensor, a 94-shot burst mode, Full HD at 30p/24p/25p and more. It will be available late September and will run $1,699 for the body alone, with the full kit 28-135 at $1,899.

Also hitting the shelves in late September will be the ES100 Macro at $1,049 and the EFS 18-135 at $499. Coming in late October will be the EFS 15-85  at $799 and the WFT-E5 A will drop in early November at $699.99.