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'The USNV PVS-14A houses the latest Generation 3 image intensifying technology and provides both Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) and Bright Source Protection (BSP) to protect the unit from sudden light overloads. In addition, a more robust Manual Gain Control feature allows for hasty adjustments to unexpected lighting when operating in an urban terrain. The USNV PVS-14A is considered the best hand-held Military Night Vision device on the market today. This enhanced version of the highly recognizable AN/PVS-14 carries-on with the traditional optics and rugged structure, meeting Full Mil-Spec requirements. The USNV PVS-14A easily contends with smaller tactical monoculars in the market-place with the redesigned battery compartment and ability to submerge 66ft. The USNV PVS-14A is now powered by a one (1) AA battery that is sealed from moisture by a threaded cap and O-ring. An adjustable head mount that allows for hands-free operations is included at no additional cost.'

PRESS RELEASE: US Night Vision Corp. Introduces the new USNV PVS-14A Military Night Vision Monocular - PR.com

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'The Panasonic VDR-D300 is extremely compact for a camcorder boasting three CCDs and a mini-DVD drive. Weighing 1 pound, 7 ounces with battery and disc, it's not a featherweight, but it's still light enough for extended shooting. The gentle curves at the top of the camera and the placement of all of the important shooting controls within reach of your thumb and index finger make the VDR-300 extremely comfortable to use. Its unassuming silver-plastic shell gives it a plain-Jane appearance, but the camcorder has a sturdy, solid feel that should hold up well in the field. A chrome ring around the lens has ridges that tease you into thinking the camera is equipped with a focus ring, but they turn out to be purely decorative. The camcorder makes recording and sharing life's precious moments simple. By recording directly to a blank DVD, you'll preserve the sharpness and color of the special events in your life, as beautifully as you remember them. The Leica lenses don't miss a detail and neither will you, with the 10x optical and 700x digital zoom. Preview your footage through the 2.7" LCD screen, then transfer images to a PC or digital camera through a USB port or SD slot. Your new DVDs will work in almost any DVD-RAM, DVD-R or DVD-RW player, so you can share those great moments as soon as they're recorded. 700x Digital Zoom Optical Image Stabilization DVD-RAM/ -R / -RW Recording SD Card Slot Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Video Out Compact, slim design Includes software.' When you are looking to spend upwards of $1000 on a device you want to go with a trusted brand and there can be no denying many persons associate quality with the Panasonic label.

Read: Panasonic VDR-D300 Review - ZDNet

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'One of the smallest and most affordable dSLRs in town, the Pentax *ist DL is another of the company's series of SLRs that is as easy to use as it's perplexing to pronounce. The DL is a sibling of the *ist DS2 with slightly fewer features and a larger body. The series' primary attractions--such as the 6.1-megapixel CCD and a user-friendly design--remain the same The ist DL SLR Digital Camera from Pentax® packs an array of impressive features and definitive control in a convenient, easy-to-use design. It incorporates a high-resolution CCD sensor that delivers fine image accuracy with an effective 6.1 MP resolution. It also features a 2.5-inch color high definition LCD monitor that lets you preview and review your images - offering an excitingly different playback dimension. Equipped with smc P-DA 18–55 mm lens, the camera captures true to life images. With fast 2.8 frames-per-second shooting capability in continuous mode, you’ll be able to capture split second action sequences with ease. Connect your ist DL SLR camera to your computer with a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection for fast, hassle-free image uploads. In addition, a convenient SD media card storage, a compact high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis design, auto red-eye reduction and built-in auto flash offers convenient, accessible operation to delight new and advanced users alike.'

Read: Pentax *ist DL (with 18mm-to-55mm lens) Review - ZDNet

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Yin Wong from Photoxels posts a favorable review of the Nikon Coolpix P3 which is highlighted on LetsGoDigital.'The Nikon P3 combines 8.1 Megapixels of resolution 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range of a 36-126mm lens (equiv. 35mm format). Additionally the Nikon Coolpix P3 incorporates Nikon's innovative VR (Vibration Reduction) capability. The Nikon P3 offers IEEE 802.11b/g LAN support which also means wireless printing to PictBridge-compatible printers (requires optionally available Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10). The 11 wide-area AF of the Nikon Coolpix P3 digital camera delivers more accurate auto focus by analysing a larger area of the frame so photographers can experiment with more imaginative compositions.'

Read: Nikon Coolpix P3 Review - LetsGoDigital

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The lens shown with this camera is sold separately. With a price tag hovering above the $1400 mark, the Canon EOS is aimed at the serious amateur as well as the professional photographer. The camera boasts a full frame CMOS sensor that features an effective 8.2 MP resolution for sharp, clear and highly accurate images. With the DIGIC II image processor, the EOS 30D is capable of shooting at up to 5 fps (high speed) or 3 fps (low speed). In addition, the camera can capture up to 30 JPEG, 11 RAW or 9 (RAW+JPEG) files. The Picture Style function simulates the characteristics of different film styles for excellent command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness. In addition, the 2.5" LCD screen can be viewed even at extreme angles of up to 170°. It features high-precision 9-point wide area AF with dual precision sensors at the center which can be automatically or manually selected to ensure an enhanced degree of focus accuracy when tracking a moving subject. Simply connect the camera to a Canon SELPHY Compact Photo printer, desktop PIXMA Photo Printer or any PictBridge™ compatible printer for direct printing of pictures. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it--that seems to be Canon's approach to its EOS 30D, the follow-up to its perennial favorite, the EOS 20D. Aside from a few performance tweaks, the Canon EOS 30D is the same camera as its predecessor. (For complete details of the 20D/30D, read the EOS 20D review; in this piece, I address mainly the enhancements that differentiate the 30D.) It has the same well-balanced, magnesium-alloy body with its intelligently laid-out controls; an almost identical set of pro-level, extremely customizable features; and roughly the same, excellent performance. Also, thanks to the identical 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and image-processing system, it yields the same superb photos, especially at high-ISO sensitivity settings.'

Read: Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR Camera Preview - ZDNet

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AME Info reports that the highly sophisticated Panasonic AG-HVX200 device has won 'Camera of the Year' award at the second Digital Studio Industry Leadership Awards 2006 which was held recently 'on the sidelines of Cabsat [Middle East International Cable, Satellite and Broadcast & Telecommunications Exhibition] 2006'. The Panasonic AG-HVX200 Camcorder is really targeted at video professionals and the amateur user with some money to spare could easily become overwhelmed with the several features of this piece of equipment. 'The HVX200 uniquely combines multiple high definition and standard definition formats, multiple recording modes and variable frame rates, and the vast benefits of P2 solid state memory recording in a rugged, compact design.With the ability to capture images in 21 video formats, the ultra-versatile HVX200 records in high definition in 1080i and 720p in production-proven 100 Mbps DVCPRO HD quality. The DVCPRO HD format offers users cost-effective, intra-frame compression, where each frame stands on its own for editing, and its full 4:2:2 color sampling allows the image to hold up under color correction.'

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Source: AME Info

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After dispensing his initial apprehensions, Cliff Smith reviewed the Acer CU-6530 for Trusted Reviews. 'In both style and price it’s competing with the likes of the Pentax Optio S6 and Olympus FE-140, both of which have an RRP of £229. That’s a pretty ambitious start for a company that’s relatively new to the digital camera market. Can this new camera really compete with such long-established brands? The overall design of the CU-6530 is exceptionally good. The camera is comparable in size, weight and shape to the Optio S6, although it is actually 1mm thinner. The strong all-metal body has rounded corners and smoothly recessed controls, making it the ideal shape to slip into a shirt pocket or handbag. The matt grey finish and chrome details are stylish and durable, and the camera looks and feels a lot more expensive than it actually is.'

Read: Acer CU-6530 Digital Camera Review - Trusted Reviews

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John Persichilli gives an enthusiastic approval to the SBIG ST-402ME CCD Imaging Camera in his "First Impressions" review of the device on Astromart. 'The fit and finish of the ST-402ME is excellent which is what I’ve come accustomed to having owned several SBIG cameras over the years. The operator’s manual is clearly written and easy to follow. The writer takes the owner through the steps necessary to get the camera software and hardware working and adds a few tips and tricks just in case there are installation problems, especially with USB ports. I installed the software on my, well used, Dell Inspiron PII-233MHz 3200 notebook computer with only one USB port, running Windows 2000 operating system. Software installation was from the supplied CD, which includes CCDOPS for Windows and the Driver Checker. Since I am familiar with CCDOPS and the Driver Checker software having already having it installed, this particular installation was a breeze.'

Read: ST-402ME First Impressions - John Persichilli

Source: Astromart

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If you dont have a telescope or a pair binoculars you cant still explore aspects of the nightsky with the assistance of Google's online mapping services. 'Google Mars allows users to view the surface of the Red Planet either by a color-coded altitude map, black and white photographs, or an infra-red map.The launch follows the success of Google Earth, which allows detailed exploration of our planet's surface.Another service, Google Moon, lets users view the sites of moon landings.The maps used on Google Mars were made from images captured by Nasa probes Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor, both currently orbiting the planet. It launched the service to mark the 151st anniversary of the birth of Percival Lowell, an astronomer who mapped and studied Mars in the 19th century.'

Read: Stargazing Google heads for Mars - BBC

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Engadget reports on Sanyo's announcement of its soon-to-be launched digital cameras. 'The E60 (no, not that E60) is just your standard 6 megapixel, 3-inch display, touch-sensor shooter; don't expect much more from the S60, an even lower-end standard issue 6 megapixel, 2.5-inch display camera. ' LetsGoDigital is more gracious in its reporting of the two devices. 'The new Sanyo Xacti E60 is a stylish designed compact camera with a resolution of 6 Megapixel and an impressive large 3-inch (7.32 cm) LCD display. Besides the Touch sensor, that is in fact a short-cut to focus faster on a subject, the Sanyo E60 features an integrated image stabilizer. Additionally the Sanyo Xacti S60 features a built-in red-eye correction which enables in-camera correction of red eye effect. The Sanyo Xacti E60 camera records the digital images or VGA videos on a Secure Digital card or on the built-in 32MB memory.'

Sources: Engadget: LetsGoDigital

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Picture Correct has published excerpts from a press release which indicates the slim Sony Cyber-shot T7 is holding its own among the competition. 'At the awards ceremony for the iF product design award 2006 – held at CeBIT 2006 on 9 March – Sony was a runaway winner scooping 14 iF product design awards, including two prestigious iF gold awards for its digital still camera Cyber-shot T7 and the WALKMAN A Series (NW-A3000 and NW-A1000). The camera was given a simple design, with monotone colours rather than a showy scheme – the design effort concentrated on creating a camera that any adult would feel comfortable carrying around with them at all times. The body is made of stainless steel and its slim feel was emphasized even further through the rounding of the upper corners. To enhance the high-quality feel imparted by the stainless steel, a hairline textural finish was applied, showing the designer’s commitment even in the finest details.'

Read: Sony Cyber-shot T7 Wins an iF Gold Award - Picture Correct

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Who says you cannot purchase quality items at knockdown prices? If the comprehensive review by Lee Spain of the Celestron UpClose 7x35 Binoculars on Astromart is anything to go by, it would seem there are some quality scopes available at affordable prices. 'Celestron UpClose 7x35 binoculars are low-cost compact general purpose binoculars that sell for just less than $30. They boast fully coated optics, a water-resistant, rubber covered body, and a full-sized porro prism design using BK7 optical glass. The Celestron UpClose 7x35 binoculars offer a fair value proposition at their $30 price point. They are durable, ergonomically easy to handle, and perfectly acceptable for less demanding terrestrial applications. These UpClose series binoculars can fit any budget and any car's glove compartment. While they aren't really intended for astronomy, they can be pressed into service for casual observing from dark locations. However, if street lights lurk nearby, beware. They simply must be shielded from strong light sources. The UpClose binoculars were fine for astronomy on empty battlefields, but disappointing on the well-lit home front.'

Read: Celestron UpClose 7x35 Binoculars Review - Astromart

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Simon Joinson reviews the Canon PowerShot SD450 for Digital Photography Review and concludes that while the device is small in size it nonetheless comes packed with features to assist you snapping those shots. 'Announced in August 2005, the SD450 (which goes by the name of Digital IXUS 55 in Europe) is the latest in a long line of ultra-compact 'ELPH' or 'IXUS' cameras stretching back to early 2000 (and a lot farther back than that in the film camera world). Essentially a fairly minor upgrade to the popular SD400 (Ixus 50), the SD450 incorporates two UA (Ultra-high Refractive Index Glass Molded (GMo) Aspherical lens) elements which has allowed Canon to produced its smallest cameras yet to feature a 3x zoom.'

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Source: Digital Photography Review

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This is really one sleek device from Sony designed to fit in your pocket and operate as a camera/camcorder. 'The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of some. Thanks to good image quality and a big, bright LCD that's usable in sunlight, this hybrid still camera/camcorder update to the DSC-M1 remains a surprisingly good point-and-click 5-megapixel snapshooter--assuming you're willing to pay a premium for a camera with a 3X zoom, no manual controls, and no bundled memory card.'

Read: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 Review - CNET

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Apart from a few shortcomings, the user whose demands does not stretch beyond the limitations of compact the camera should be happy with the features of the Kodak EasyShare V570. 'The typical ultracompact digital camera often has your back up against a wall when equipped with a wide angle that affords no better than the equivalent of a 35mm-to-39mm view. Eastman Kodak has a better idea: including a second, ultrawide 23mm (35mm-camera equivalent) fixed-focal-length lens that broadens your viewpoint when faced with tight spots or breathtaking panoramas. The stylish Kodak EasyShare V570 mates this wide-angle lens with a separate 39mm-to-117mm 3X zoom lens. Each lens has its own sensor, thanks to a folded optical path that accommodates a 5-megapixel pair.'

Read: Kodak EasyShare V570 Review - CNET

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Camera-News.com posts a short preview of the Fujifilm FinePix S5200. ' “The S5200 is able to produce very good images when used in good light, as well as with flash, and captures very precise colors. This, and the fact that the FinePix S5200 has a good ergonomic design borrowed from SLR-type cameras, a 5.1 megapixel resolution, a 10X zoom with a long reach, and a competitive price, should make it a very attractive camera.'

Read: Fujifilm FinePix S5200 Review - Camera-News

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 digital SLR is not expected to hit the stores until later in the year but CNET has provided a preview of the gadget. 'Panasonic's Lumix DMC-L1 is the company's first digital SLR, and it looks like to be an impressive model. The fruit of a technology alliance between Panasonic and Olympus, the L1 is based on the same 7.5-megapixel nMOS sensor as the Olympus Evolt E-330--unsurprising, since Panasonic makes the chip--which enables the live-view LCD technology in both cameras. (This gives photographers the option to frame their shots with the L1's LCD instead of the optical viewfinder, just like a point-and-shoot model.) Olympus contributes the Supersonic Wave Filter technology, which repels dust from the sensor.'

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Source: CNET

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It would appear the question is not "if" but how soon will the increasing pollution of the atmosphere preclude observation of the night sky from right here on Earth. 'Ground-based astronomy could be impossible in 40 years because of pollution from aircraft exhaust trails and climate change, an expert says. Aircraft condensation trails - known as contrails - can dissipate, becoming indistinguishable from other clouds.'

Read: Telescopes 'worthless' by 2050 - BBC

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'The Microscope Imaging Station facility produces high-resolution images and time-lapse movies using research-grade microscopes. This gallery contains a range of images and movies that illustrate the diversity of what can be seen with light microscopes.'

Source: Exploratorium Via: del.icio.us

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Michael Covington highlights the key issues you should consider when looking to purchase that eyepiece for either your spotting scope or telescope.

(1) 'The magnification should be high enough to show most, if not all, of the fine detail that the telescope picks up, so you can view planets and double stars.
(2) The magnification should be low enough to show faint nebulae and galaxies well.
(3) The field of view should be wide enough that a computerized ?go-to? telescope will generally get objects within it.
(4) The eyepiece should bring out the best in the human eye, whatever that means.'

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Source:

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'Something is happening toward the constellation of Aries. Telescopes are tracking an unusual transient there as it changes daily. No one is sure what it will do next. The entire space mystery began on Feb 18 when the Earth-orbiting robot Swift satellite noticed an unusual transient began to glow dimly in gamma rays.'

Source: NASA

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