Freeze Frame: The PSP Camera
The PSP, Sony's portable PlayStation, is ripe with accessories. In fact, the video game system was designed with many other features in mind that go far beyond the traditional. From GPS to DVD capabilities, the PSP has yet to realize its full potential. However, the PSP camera is an interesting take on the accessory front; not only does it transform the PSP into a camera, it adds an extra dimension to video game play, opening the door for game developers to incorporate active photographing into game play. Known as everything from the Chotto Shot to the Go!Cam, the PSP camera will be released in the United States sometime in 2008, to rabid anticipation.
Debating the Technical
The PSP camera is a 1.3 megapixel camera that mounts in the USB slot on top of the device. It is held in place by a single screw, and is capable of taking photographs with a 1280 x 960 resolution, equivalent to 5" x 7" on paper. In a way, the technical quality of the PSP camera is equal to built-in cell phone cameras; while it may be convenient to always have a camera handy while gaming, players should not rely on the PSP camera for artistic endeavors.
The PSP camera is also capable of filming short videos complete with audio, although once again, gamers should not expect the best quality. Sony also intends to release instant messaging software which, when combined with the PSP camera, will make possible instant video conferencing and voice chat, adding a very business-end dimension to the PSP. Various versions of the camera include editing software or access to downloadable programs that can be used to manipulate photographs and video clips. Additional software has to be installed in order to run these editing programs; however, the software is available for free from the official Sony website.
For now, however, the PSP camera remains an incomplete accessory. With substandard quality and limited options, the camera has yet to live up to its expectations. However, numerous video game developers are discussing potential releases that rely on the PSP camera during game play. Also in consideration is the option to allow gamers to take personal photographs to be used for identification during multi-player games. These options, while not necessary worth the price of the PSP camera, are at least a beginning; once game designers establish some kind of foundation to test the waters, the possibilities could be endless. With a built-in camera, any video game system can perform countless feats, and with the portable nature of the PSP and its camera, these feats can happen anywhere.
