Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW

The Gadget: The Stylus 1030SW, Olympus’ semi-indestructible 10.1MP point-and-shoot, is designed for fairly extreme conditions. Olympus claims the camera is shockproof (to 2 meters), waterproof (to 10 meters), freeze proof (to 14°F), and crush proof (to 220 lbs.) We’ve seen other cameras with features like this, but it’s rare that they’re all combined into one.

I tested the 1030SW under fairly rigorous conditions, and for the most part it stood up to the challenge. After dropping the camera to the ground from around six feet, it took pictures without any problem. Next was the underwater test. I didn’t take it to the limit, but I did bring it with me in the tub. The camera works under water, and there are options designed for capturing images of sea life. The pictures didn’t come out too well, but that could be my fault as it is likely designed to shoot fish in clear water and not sitting in a bathtub, taking pictures of my…er…feet.

Things got a little trickier during the freeze and crush tests. I left it in the freezer for about two hours, and when I took it out I had a “Battery Empty” message. Worried that I damaged the camera, I let it thaw and it came back to full power after 10-15 minutes. For the crush test, I placed all 170+ pounds of myself on top of the camera. At first I heard a little unnerving crunch, and when I picked it up, I saw what looked like a crack in the LCD screen. However, after about 15 seconds, it went away and I was left with the same crack-free screen I had when I started.

As for the pictures, they came out well for the most part. In optimal conditions, they looked great. When I was under water, or in a dimly lit room the snapshots left a little something to be desired. I was able to correct some of the shots with the various exposure options, but it’s still a point-and-shoot.

If you are going on an outdoor adventure and looking for a light, easy camera to take, this is a good bet. I wouldn’t recommend pushing it to the advertised limits, but it’s definitely sturdier than other cameras in its price range.

Canon VIXIA HG20 AVCHD 60 GB HDD Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom

Technical Details :

* 24Mbps offers the highest bit rate in AVCHD for High Definition video - enabling improved color reproduction and tonality
* Record up to 22 hours of High Definition video to a 60 GB Hard Disk Drive
* Includes a genuine Canon 12x High Definition video lens
* Comes with a 3.3 megapixel full HD CMOS sensor (1920 x 1080) and a DIGIC DV II image processor
* Features Canon’s Super Range optical image stabilize

Canon Quietly Releases XL H1S and XL H1A

Today Canon has announced updates to their XL H1 1080i Pro HD camcorder, splitting the line into two offerings: the XL H1S and XL H1A, a more simplistic XL H1A will be offered at a retail price of just $5,999 this July—several thousand less that we saw the original XL H1 priced for. And the H1 classic XL H1S, available this June, will run $8,999.

Updates look to be disappointingly minor, with more studio output options, expanded image control, Speedlite shoe mount, and the ability to record external in XLR mics at the same time. The spec-similar 20X HD zoom lens has also seen an update for improved manual controls/ergonomics. But the biggest component, the three 1/3 inch, 1.67 Megapixel CCD Image Sensors along with Canon’s proprietary DIGIC DVII HD Image Processor—seems to be a complete rehash of the XL H1—a camera that’s now over two years old.

Oh, and the bonus for forking over $3,000 more for the XL H1S?
“The XL H1S model provides expanded connectivity by incorporating HD-SDI (SMPTE 299M)/SD-SDI (SMPTE272M) output with embedded audio and time code, providing a raw, uncompressed 1.485 Gbps signal for demanding live production environments, SMPTE Time Code input and output terminals, and a Genlock output terminal for multi-camera shooting situations.”

Nikon Enters Super-Zoom Race with 18X CoolPix P80

If you’re gonna zoom, ZOOM, goes an old saying I just made up, and Nikon today is heeding those words: the CoolPix P80 point-and-shoot has an 18X optical zoom lens—that’s a 35mm equivalent of 27-486mm. Along with that, it’s got full P, A, S and M modes, optical vibration reduction and up to 6400 ISO at lower resolutions, so it’s all but guaranteed to let you crawl up a fly’s ass in midair. Compared to the budget minded full-manual CoolPix P60, the P80 has a few incremental improvements: a 10-megapixel CCD, up from the P60’s 8 megapixels, a 2.7″ LCD, up from 2.5″, oh and a $400 price tag, up from $230. Helllloooo profit margin!

10 Steps Achieve Picture Perfect Shots Via Digital Photography

Gone are the times when photographers had to take several shots of an image and develop them to find out if a fine or even perfect image was taken. Several photographers of this art form refer to this technique as “trial and error”.

Nowadays, there are a numbers of photographers who have decided to shift from regular point and shoot and old SLR models to digital ones. Through DSLRs, they can get more time to concentrate in taking those great pictures since images that are not par with their standards can simply be deleted away.

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. The name implies the use of lenses and a mirror. Mirror reflects light entering the lens up into the viewfinder. Thus, a photographer can estimate how the image will likely appear when it is developed. Moreover, a SLR camera uses separate lenses that can be interchanged depending on the resolution needed. Hence, this camera can be used to capture image with varying depths.

Likewise, a digital SLR or DSLR camera uses lenses and mirror. But instead of a film that records the image, a DSLR camera uses light sensor chips and digital memory. In other words, a DSLR camera is the computerized version of the traditional SLR camera.

However, the functions of these models are rather different so it is suggested that users spend time getting familiar or acquainted with these gadgets. Owners should use that “trial and error” technique by taking a few shots and storing better pictures. Sooner or later, users can surely hack these models.

Individuals who decide on using these types of cameras should really invest on memory cards and lenses. Thus, if they happen to become professionals someday, additional equipment will surely keep them busy for choosing photography as a career.

Here are some helpful tips that will definitely aid owners of DSLR cameras in capturing a perfect image using the new art of digital photography.

1. Normally, people take full body shots against a background. However, it is more appropriate to take a shot from shoulders up or an upper body one because image of those in the picture really appear small.

2. If doing the above technique happens to be difficult for the user, he or she can take a shot of the person with him or her at one side rather than at the center. Then the owner can just zoom in so the person appears to be at the center.

3. The law of optics remains the same whether using an old or a digital camera. For instance, if the sun is behind an image, the picture will be silhouette. If light is in front of the image, the picture will appear squint unless there are sunglasses on.

4. Use your sunglass to act as a polarizer to take away unnecessary reflections from glaring objects.

5. You can also use a sunglass to increase the exposure of objects.

6. When using a polarizer, be sure that the source of light is perpendicular to the object.

7. Change your white balance setting from auto to cloudy when shooting bright landscapes and outdoor portraits.

8. Do not use the flash mode when the setting is already sunny.

9. Zoom in to emphasize a certain asset or characteristic of the subject being captured.

10. Practice. Practice. Practice.

It suffices to say that the techniques in getting the perfect shot have not changed. However, using digital cameras and employing this new art of digital photography have simply improved photo shooting by making capturing pictures easy for everyone.

In other words, practice is what really makes perfect shots!

Digital Photography Accessories

Image via WikipediaIf you are planning to take a tour elsewhere- say around the world for several days, you would want to take photographic shots of sceneries and panoramic views of the places you have visited so that you can make it memorable and also as an evidence that you’ve-been-there-and-then and show off to your close friends. In order for you not to spoil this opportunity, always remember to bring with you these digital photography accessories everywhere you go:

1. The first among the digital photography accessories that you should bring is an extra battery that is fully charged. You won’t be able to seize a wonderful picture when your digital camera runs out of battery. Always keep this handy.
2. If you’ve got an extra battery, you need also to bring a charger to ensure that you can take pictures as long as you want and being able to replace batteries quickly. This is one of the digital photography accessories that you should have.
3. One of the must-have digital photography accessories that you should have is an extra micro SD chips. This will ensure that you will never run out of memory while taking wonderful still and moving images.
4. Tripod is one of the digital photography accessories that a digital camera owner must have. This digital photography accessory is perfect for taking shots when you need to gather and organize the audience or objects first before capturing their images. This is a perfect companion for night shots, portrait images and long zooms.

Digital Cameras

Image via WikipediaThere are many digital cameras around that are so tempting to buy because of the specifications indicated on their labels. You will discover that some are cheap while some are so precious and costly. Just what are the features and qualities you must watch out for with digital cameras? Here are some of them as well as the reasons why you should consider these features:

1. The size of the digital cameras. You will see that some are so small and light while others are so bulky or heavy. Sometimes, people believe that the smaller the size of digital cameras, the better it is. They believe this is so because size and portability matters when taking pictures anytime and anywhere. But sometimes this is not the case because when the size of the fingers of the user is bigger and does not fit in to the digital camera’s buttons, the seems to be a captivating moment becomes a nightmare when you can’t push the right button when the most awaited moment unfolds on your eyes. Digital cameras that are heavy or large are reserved for serious and professional photography. The lenses can be interchanged for various settings desired by the photographer. These are often packed with higher resolutions and the image can be printed on large paper formats without sacrificing the quality of the image.

2. The memory of the camera. The rule of the thumb here is that the more, the merrier. Choose a digital camera that is packed with higher memory to ensure that you will not run out of memory card space.

Digital Camera

Image via WikipediaPeople have named the digital camera as the “future of cameras”. So in order for you not to be left behind with the advancement of technology in the world of photography, here are some of the common digital camera jargon and the corresponding meaning of it:

a. Pixels and Mega pixels – these are small discrete elements of an image. These are the basis of the camera resolutions – the greater the number of pixels indicated in the digital camera, the better quality pictures you can get. A megapixel is equivalent to one million pixels.
b. LCD or liquid crystal display – this refers to the screen of the digital camera. This allows you to view images before you take a shot.
c. Optical zoom – a digital camera is capable of bringing a section of the scene closer. Optical zoom can be as high as ten times.
d. Digital Zoom – the capability of a camera to bring a section of an image closer.
e. Scene Selection Modes – these are digital camera settings that control the photographic shots. These modes include “portrait”, “sports”, “night mode” and the likes.
f. Aperture F-shot – this pertains to the light absorbed by the lens. You can control the light by adjusting the f-shot. The greater the F-shot, the lesser light the lens will get from the surrounding of the image.
g. Memory cards – these are small chips that are removable from the camera. These chips store the images you have taken and can be retrieved through memory card readers.

Digital Photography Camera

Have you heard the fuss about digital photography camera nowadays? It is much better than a film camera in terms of cost and speed of producing photographs. When a picture is taken from a digital photography camera, the image is stored to a chip inside it and then transferred to a personal computer for editing using image editing software. Film cameras have an unlimited number of resolutions unlike digital cameras, which are limited to the resolution indicated on its label. If you are going to purchase for a digital photography camera, have these few handy tips on your way to the store:

1. Be well-versed with the language associated with digital photography camera such as pixels-per-inch, micro SD chip, USB cable, aperture, and many others.
2. It will do well to test the camera before buying it. Some people may get too carried away with the specification indicated on the label of the digital photography camera that they sometimes forget to test it, feel it and know the hang of it when you are using the said camera.
3. Before spending your hard-earned money with these precious things, you need to browse the internet over some camera products and reviews of other users. These reviews will prove to be useful in deciding what camera will always work for you.
4. Be sure that there is a valid and genuine warranty card for your camera. When you bring it home, follow the instructions carefully.
5. Grab some self-help books about digital photography. There are a lot of good books that will teach you how to make some wonderful shots using your digital camera.

Digital Photography Cameras

There are many digital photography cameras around and each of them may satisfy the three main categories of photographers: the hobbyist, which makes photograph-taking as their activity during leisure time, the amateurs, who are learning to take great photographic shots through experience and the professionals – who make photographs as their living and are very well-versed with the digital camera techniques. If you can classify yourself among these categories of photographers, you can now identify the best digital photography camera that works for you. Among the thousand types of digital photography cameras out there, here are some things that you should consider before making a major purchase:
1. The various camera categories are as follows:
a. Ultra-compact digital photography cameras, which is the smallest digital cameras around.
b. Compact digital photography cameras, which are the predecessors of ultra-compact digital cameras and are relatively cheaper
c. Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras for photograph aficionados. These cameras have an interchangeable lens for great shots. These cameras can be cumbersome to carry because they are often bulky and have many accessories.
You can decide which of these cameras you may want to buy.
2. The camera resolutions can be as low as 3 mega pixels and can be as high as 15 megapixels. Remember that the lower the megapixels, the less quality pictures you can get. The recommended resolution is between three to five megapixels. These can be great for print and desktop wallpapers. If you want to print these pictures on larger paper, you should choose a resolution higher than 7 megapixels.

Digital Photography for Beginners

The most exciting in the world of photography nowadays is the existence of digital imaging or digital photography wherein the production of photographs does not require any other mechanical device or chemicals. All you need is a digital camera were you can store and manipulate photos through Micro SD chips and save it on your personal computers. Digital photography is so popular because of its convenience and ease of use. Digital photography has now become a new kind of art. Some of the basic concepts you need to put in mind when you plan to engage in digital photography:

1. Ambient light which refers to the natural light around the object. If you opt for the natural light, the best time of the day to take those shots is before and after an hour on sunrise and sunset.
   
2. The aperture of your lens. The amount of light passing through your camera lens can be controlled by adjusting the "f" stops. Take note that the larger the f stop, the lesser light passes through your lens. You need this setting if the natural surrounding of the object is bright.
   
3. Contrast is the differentiation of the brightest part of the picture to its darkest part.
   
4. Resolution refers to the degree of clarity of an image which is measured by dots per inch on hard copy and pixels per inch on display screen. The higher the dots or pixel per inch, the better and clearer image you can get.

These are just a few basic terms in digital photography. With a digital camera on hand, you can start taking shots and store them digitally and later on, through the help professional image editing software, you may find yourself engaging in this wonderful new form of art.

The Digital Photography Slr

If you are a newbie in the world of digital imaging, the term "digital photography slr" may sound familiar. Slr stands for single-lens reflex. It has different mechanism from ordinary digital cameras. In digital photography slr, the reflex design system exposes the sensor to the light reflected on the lens and the images are previewed through the liquid crystal display (LCD) before the photographic shot is taken. The mechanism of the digicam allows its screen as its electronic viewfinder. If you opt for the digital photography slr for capturing those images, then here are some few tips as a newbie:
If you have purchased a camera with Digital Photography SLR, always keep its manual handy.
Protect your lens from UV rays, have a UV filter for each lens.
Study each of the settings of your camera with Digital Photography SLR. This will greatly help if you are aiming for a fast moving object.
A great way to learn the setting of your digital camera with SLR is to make some experiments and tryouts. For instance, try taking shots of a beautiful landscape with different settings and then compare the difference.
Always bring along the necessary accessories for your digital camera with SLR such as tripods, extra memory card and batteries wherever you go. The tripod should be used to keep the camera steady for clearer shots always. The memory card is for you to take pictures more when the memory turns low. You would not want to miss a spectacular view just because your camera runs out of memory.