SlashScope

Cliff Smith reviews the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 on Trusted Reviews and surmises the gadget is a fine example of a "hybrid digital still camera/digital video camera". 'The main controls on the back of the camera are fairly simple. At the top is a slider for the zoom control, and on either side of it are two large buttons. On the left is the still image shutter button, on the right is the video recording button. I have to admit I found the operation of these controls to be a problem. The still capture button is fine, and works like a normal shutter button, but as soon as you hit the video recording button it starts filming without any further warning, so you tend to end up with a lot of short unwanted clips that you then have to erase. Apart from that, the rest of the camera’s controls are straightforward enough. In the menu system it has all the features and options you’d expect from a good mid-range compact, including scene modes for sports, portrait, landscape, night view, fireworks and lamplight. It has multi-zone, CW and spot metering, five-point AF and a range of ISO settings from 50-400. It also has electronic image stabilisation, a very useful feature for a camera with a 10x zoom lens. It also has aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual exposure, however with an aperture range of only F3.5 to F8.0 and shutter speeds of ½ to 1/2000 of a second, the creative potential is somewhat limited.'

Read: Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 Review - Trusted Reviews

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If you are planning to buy a Sony or Panasonic HD camcorder it would certainly be worth your while to be acquainted (if you haven't already) with the "parameters" of the technology behind the AVCHD format deployed in both brands. 'The new AVCHD format (the acronym doesn't seem to stand for anything) records high-definition 1080i or 720p video to a DVD, a hard drive, or a flash memory card (the manufacturer chooses which media type it wants to use for each different model).Sony was the first company to announce actual products supporting AVCHD. The company just released details of two new camcorders that record high-definition video in the new format. One camcorder (the $1400 HDR-UX1) records to DVDs, while the other (the $1500 HDR-SR1) records video to a 30GB hard drive.'

Read: The New HD Camcorder Format Explained - Washington Post

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Even though the concept of a combination digital camera and binoculars is certainly not new, it is somewhat surprising to discover the Sun Photo Binoculars with only a 2 megapixel camera. 'The Sun Photo Binoculars are the ultimate binoculars for traveling because they have a built-in 2megapixel digital camera with an 8x zoom. There is no doubt that future models of the binoculars are already being developed to have both a higher resolution and video capabilities, since you can even find those features in mobile phones, but the idea of combining binoculars and a camera is a great one. Sun Photo is only available in Korea, for 370,000 KRW ($388).'

Read: Sun Photo Binoculars - Luxist

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lets Go Digital reviews the sleek Optio T10 digital camera from Pentax. 'The Pentax Optio T10 is a typical example of a stylish design camera. The compact size, neat finish and surprising back side prove to be features that instantly draw your eye to the camera. The Pentax Optio T10 will be a true godsend to all those that are suffering from "button-fear"; the camera features only four buttons, an absolute record! The Pentax T10 became available several months ago, and will have to go head-to-head with camera heavyweights such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. The Pentax Optio T10 was introduced in the month of the PMA 2006, and proved an instant eye-catcher. The impressively large 3 inch screen takes up a sizeable part of the camera's back side, which distinguishes itself by the absence of the, for instance, well-known multi controller. The type of monitor that we find on the Pentax Optio T10 is in fact rather surprising; a touch-screen with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. This immediately explains the absence of several "standard" buttons. The large format screen makes an optical viewfinder virtually redundant. The touch-screen monitor enables an altogether different operation, which requires a clear and well-arranged menu structure.'

Read: Pentax Optio T10 Digital Camera Review - Lets Go Digital

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Mobile Whack reports on the launch of two Canon HDV camcorders. 'Canon has released their first line up of HDV camcorders, the XH G1 and XH A1 and many feel that Canon took its own sweet time on this. Well as they say, better late than never! The imaging system of the these new camcorders is similar to the Canon' XL H1 and has the same three 1/3-inch 16:9 CCDs. The new camcorders have the ability to record 1080i video in both 60 interlaced and 24 frame rate modes. However unlike the XL-H1, the new camcorders are cheaper and sleeker. The new HDV camcorders are almost identical and the only thing that sets the camcorders apart is the I/O ports and $3000 price difference! These entry level prosumer camcorders will appeal to the independent film makers who couldn’t afford the exorbitant XL H1 and Canon hopes to capture this growing demographic. The new XH G1 and XH A1 do not support interchangeable lenses and the three 1/3-inch CCD sensors offer native 16:9 with a resolution of 1440 x 1080. The camcorders feature 24 fields per second shooting mode and the frame rates are available in either 2:3 or 2:3:3:2 pull-down apart from the standard scan rates of 30f and 60i.'

Read: Canon XH G1 and XH A1 HDV Camcorders - Mobile Whack

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The JVC GZ-MG505 Digital Camcorder has been reviewed by Digital Trends over at 14 U News.com. 'The GZ-MG505 looks very cool with its thin body, black finish and pro-style lens hood. Old-time camcorder hands—circa 2005—will recognize the shape and styling since it’s very similar to the three-chip GZ-MC500. That camcorder featured a 4GB removable Microdrive for storage while the new GZ-MG505 uses a non-removable 30GB HDD. The price of the MC500 was a ridiculous $1799 while this new baby is $1299 list. Gotta love it! As an aside, take JVC MSRPs with a very large grain of salt. The company has a history of tacking high prices from the factory so its retailers can say they’re giving you a deal when you pay what everyone else is charging! That said this new model has a price closer to reality since it goes for around $1200. By comparison the 30GB Sony DCR-SR100 with a single 3.3MP CCD costs $999; the three-chip DVD-based Panasonic VDR-D300 is $750 or so.'

Read: JVC GZ-MG505 Digital Camcorder Review - 14 U News

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New Launches.com previews the new Samsung S700 and S1000 digital cameras which have been slated for an August launch. 'Samsung has unleashed two new 'S' Series models within its Premium line of Samsung Digimax digital still cameras. The seven mega-pixel S700 and the ten mega-pixel S1000 comes with load of features and ensure to deliver maximum value, style and performance for digital photographers of all skill and experience levels. Both models boast a crystal-clear 2.4-inch LCD and a 3x optical zoom in both still and movie modes. S1000 features support for MPEG-4, the high-compression and high quality video format while the S700 supports MJPEG video recording. '

Read: Samsung S700 and S1000 Digital Cameras - New Launches

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Luminous Landscape reviews the Canon Powershot S3 and commends the camera for its "small size, long zoom reach and Image Stabilization". 'The Canon S3 uses 4 AA batteries. These can either be disposable akalines or the rechargeable NiMH type. The camera ships with 4 disposable batteries and no charger. I regard this as an excellent design approach. The user has the ability to purchase any one of the numerous third party chargers and battery sets at low price, rather than having to use and purchase relatively more expensive proprietary batteries. And, when shooting in remote locations, especially when there is no electricity available, such as when hiking or camping, the use of alkaline AAs is a real plus. My one time using a set if disposable Alkaline AAs with the S3 produced a bit more than 100 frames, with the usual amount of reviewing, and a bit of shooting video. On the other hand a set of 2300 milliamp rechargeables last for many hundreds of shots, and a spare set and pocket-sized charger are cheep. I wish that more camera makers took this approach to battery power.'

Read: Canon Powershot S3 IS Review - Luminous Landscape

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Fred Hissink posts an interesting comparison of the Megrez ED triplet APO and Megrez Fluorite Doublet telescopes on Astromart.com 'The big world of Apochromats, Extra low Dispersion and Fluorite is still a very confusing one; especially if you throw in some more marketing terms like SD, Fpl-53 and Super APO. It is difficult to understand the supposed differences with regard to color correction, but it is sometimes even harder to see those differences in the field. According to some optical experts, there should be a small difference in the degree of color correction between the Megrez ED triplet APO and the Megrez Fluorite Doublet (in the rest of this article referred to as Megrez ED and Megrez Fl.) After some investigations on the Internet we found out that a direct comparison had yet to be made, so we decided to put the two boys up to the test. Comparing two scopes is a difficult task. We were about to compare a doublet and a triplet, with different optics and coatings. But the idea was to get an overall impression of the differences and perhaps similarities of the Megrez Brothers.

Read: Megrez ED triplet APO Versus Megrez Fluorite Doublet - Astromart

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Ilse Jurriën reviews the Olympus E300 Digital SLR over at Lets Go Digital.org. 'As the world’s first digital SLR camera to feature a continuous live view on its LCD, the Olympus E-330 arms photographers with shooting flexibility that was unheard of, until now. Thanks to the camera’s TTL optical porro design, this model could be fitted with two separate image sensors enabling two different live view modes. Mode A, for Full Time Live View framing, utilises a CCD mounted in the viewfinder’s optical path to return a 92% field of view and retains full AF functionality. Meanwhile, Mode B locks the mirror in the up position and uses the camera’s Live MOS sensor to enable a Macro Live View with a 100% field of view. This latter mode is especially helpful for visual focusing on macro subjects, providing the freedom of complete manual focus control which is additionally aided by the possibility to enlarge the selected section of the displayed image by 10x. In addition, two passport templates and various framing grids make composing shots easier.

Read: Olympus E300 Digital SLR Review - Lets Go Digital

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Simon Joinson reviews the PowerShot SD 700 which is Canon's first ultra-compact model to feature optical image stabilization. 'Like the SD500 and 550 before it, the SD700 IS replaces the minimalist boxy styling of earlier Ixus/Elph models with what Canon's marketing department christened a 'Perpetual Curve' design (less straight lines to you and me). The SD700 IS bears a close resemblance to the SD550, though some controls have moved, and the back plate is now half-covered in an attractive shiny black plastic (Canon's nod towards the gradual return to fashion for black cameras). Like the SD500 / SD550 before it, the SD700's looks and feel exude quality, and the silky stainless steel finish is almost indulgently tactile, and - as befits a camera at the higher end of the ultra- compact price range - it is beautifully built with an admirable attention to detail. The only downside of the finish used is that it seems very susceptible to scratches and marks (so keep it in a case when not in use). Although the control layout has been tweaked slightly (the mode dial is now inset into the body), the basics are the same as most models in the range. This means you get external controls for flash, focus (macro or infinity), self-timer/drive and - in a welcome change - ISO, everything else is accessed via the excellent FUNC menu.'

Features:
• 6.0 Megapixel, 1/2.5 inch type Charge Coupled Device (CCD)
• Focal Length: 5.8-23.2mm f/2.8-5.5 (35mm film equivalent: 35-140mm)
• LCD Monitor: 2.5 in, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT color LCDLCD Pixels: pprox. 173,000 pixels
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 (W) - f/5.5 (T)
• Shutter Speed; 15-1/1600 sec.; Long Shutter operates with noise reduction when manually set at 1.3-15 sec
• Light Metering Method: Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot** Metering frame is fixed to the center
• White Balance Control: Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H), Custom
• Built-in Flash: Auto, Auto w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Flash Off, Slow Synchro
• Shooting Modes: Auto, Camera M, Special Scene (Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap), Digital Macro, My Colors, Stitch Assist, Movie
• Photo Effects: Vivid, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Custom Color
• Self-Timer: activates shutter after an approx. 2-sec./10-sec. delay, Custom
• Storage Media: SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard
• File Format: Design rule for camera file system, DPOF Version 1.1 320 x 240 (30 fps/15 fps) available up to 1GB, 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps), 160 x 120 (3 min. at 15 fps)

Read: Canon PowerShot SD 700 ISReview - dpreview

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Sony's 10 megapixel Alpha DSLR-A100K digital camera is an instrument built for the professional and serious amateur photo buffs. 'Sony definitely benefited from its purchase of Konica Minolta's DSLR know-how. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 's body feels very comfortable in our hands, which makes sense since it closely resembles the now-defunct Maxxum 5D. Sure, Sony added a bit of flair with some shiny, black plastic around the shutter and on the edge of the pop-up flash, and also moved some controls around, but it would be easy to mistake the DSLR-A100 for the 5D if the two were sitting next to each other. Chief among Sony's design tweaks was to put a bunch of often-used controls on a dial to the left of the flash. All you have to do is select a function--such as ISO, white balance, or metering mode--and press the function button in the center of the dial to change that setting. In our field tests, it made choosing functions quick and easy. It's not quite as easy to control as the Konica Minolta 7D, with all of its dedicated dials and buttons, but it is a definite step up from the 5D and other dSLRs that scatter so many dedicated function buttons throughout the camera back and top. Unfortunately, Sony left the drive mode button on the top of the camera and moved it further back, away from the shutter button. We found it awkward to press, and since the 5D had three buttons on its back, it could have easily fit there rather than in its current position.'

Features:
• 10.2 Megapixel CCD
• ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 equivalent
• Recording Compression: JPEG
• Automatic White Balance
• Preset Selection: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash
• Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and CCD-Shift mechanism
• Viewfinder Field of View: 0.95
• Magnification: 0.83x with 50mm lens at infinity
• Speed Range: 1/4000 second - 30 seconds, bulb
• 2.5 inch TFT Type LCD
• Panel Brightness Control
• 100% Field of View
• PictBridge with Exif Print
• System Requirements: USB Port, Microsoft Windows Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, XP Professional, Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later)
• Dimensions: Width 5.24 x Height 3.72 x Depth 2.80 inches (133.1 x 94.7 x 71.3mm)
• Weight: 1.20 pounds

Read: Sony Alpha DSLR-A100K Digital Camera - CNET

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CNET reviews the excellent Sony Handycam DCR-SR100.which is hard-drive-based as opposed to the DVD-based models. 'The Sony Handycam DCR-SR100 seems designed around the constraints of its long, wide 10X zoom lens and the 2.7-inch-wide touch-screen LCD; it's a squat, squared-off cylinder that's odd looking but not unattractive. It feels quite solid and comfortable to hold--not too heavy at 1.3 pounds--but it's big enough to require a carrying case. We've complained before about Sony's touch-screen interface--that it's simply annoying on a large LCD and close to unusable on a small one such as the DCR-SR100's. It's full of tiny buttons and the touch screen itself is prone to smudges and fingerprints. Tweak-happy users will find themselves either cursing this camera or praying for a stylus. If you like the touch screen, however, then you can kick the SR100's design rating up by a point. The left bezel sports duplicate zoom and record buttons, though they're neither responsive nor very useful.'

Highlights;
• Records video to a built-in 30GB hard disk drive 30GB holds approximately
• 3.3-megapixel CCD (2.05 effective)
• Digital photo mode
• Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel audio
• 2-11/16" widescreen touch-panel LCD
• Variable-speed 10X Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120X)
• 16:9 widescreen mode for video and digital photos
• Auto and manual focus
• White balance settings
• Shutter speed: 1/4 - 1/4000 seconds
• 6 Program AE (Auto Exposure) settings, including Portrait, Sports Lesson, and Beach & Ski
• High-speed USB port
• Audio/video output
• Audio/video input for converting analog video sources to digital
• Active Interface Shoe for powering an optional accessory
• 3-3/8"W x 2-3/4"H x 5-7/8"D
• Weight: 22 oz. with battery

Read: Sony Handycam DCR-SR100 Review - ZDNet

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If you dont mind parting with over $6000 for a device to assist in shooting pictures during darkness, then check out the AstroScope 9350NIKS-3PRO which "converts your digital Nikon SLR Camera into a High-Performance Night Vision System'. 'The AstroScope 9350NIKS-3PRO is specifically designed for Nikon SLR cameras and mounts between the camera body and Nikon AF-type lenses using the standard Nikon bayonet. AstroScope incorporates a high quality optic designed specifically for today’s digital SLR cameras and delivers bright, tack-sharp full frame images with little or no vignetting. It's rugged epoxy-coated aluminum chassis withstands harsh field conditions and seamlessly integrates with your camera’s body. No additional batteries or field adjustments are required, because AstroScope is powered directly from your SLR camera and maintains all communication signals between the camera body and lens, ensuring camera features to work when you really need them.' The AstroScope AstroScope 9350NIKS-3PRO Gen 3 PRO Night Vision Adapter for sse with Nikon SLR Cameras is available from B&H for $6,299.95.

Read: Morovision Night Vision Press Release

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If you on the search for an affordable surveillance system for your home, the $200 Portable Wireless Day or Night Video Monitor from Hammacher Schlemmer with its ease-of-use installment feature maybe worth further investigation. 'This is the wireless 2.4 GHz video system that provides sharp vision in daylight and can see up to 10' in total darkness due to the cameras eleven infrared LEDs that provide the non-visible light source that enable its night vision optics to work. Versatile enough for home security surveillance and baby monitoring, the device has a 2 1/2" display that provides a large viewing area for crisp images. In addition to an integral speaker that detects the slightest noises, the monitor includes a convenient stand, brightness, and volume controls, and supports up to two more cameras.'

Source: Hammacher Schlemmer Via: 14U News

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Explore your creative potential with the Canon DC100 by recording your video "productions" directly to DVDs. 'Although it's hardly the polar opposite, the Canon DC100 DVD camcorder is a very different beast from the Canon DC40 that I like so much. In addition to the obvious dissimilarities--the DC100's longer 25X zoom lens, lower-resolution 680,000-pixel sensor, and slightly flimsier-feeling body--Canon cut corners in some subtle but noticeable ways as well. Toss in its middling video, and the DC100 delivers a much less pleasant shooting experience--just like all its budget DVD competitors. Only its handful of semimanual exposure controls and surprisingly fast focus provide notable bright spots. Light for a camcorder at just a hair over a pound, the DC100 fits comfortably into medium-size hands, with thumb and forefinger falling naturally into position atop the most important controls.'

Features:
• DIGIC DV image processor for vivid video with exceptional color and clarity
• Records true 16:9 high-resolution widescreen for a cinematic look
• Optical image stabilization minimizes shake and vibration distortion
• Level-Shot Control button inserts a horizontal marker in the viewfinder to give you a level perspective for more professional-looking video
• Night mode allows full-color recording in low-light
• Smooth zoom control delivers smooth, steady, professional-looking zoom shots
• Widescreen button lets you switch from 4:3 to 16:9 widescreen mode at the touch of a button
• Photo mode captures digital still images at 450K pixels
• Digital effects and fades add a professional look to your video
• Dolby Digital 2-channel audio for rich, detailed audio
• Records directly onto DVDs; can store up to 30 minutes of video in standard mode and 60 minutes of video in long play mode
• Mini A/V connection lets you connect the DVD player to your TV

Read: Canon DC100 MiniDVD Camcorder - CNET

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Newlaunches.com shares some insights into two of the first full High Definition camcorders from Sony which will be available later in 2006. 'The HDR-UX1 records in readily available 3 inch recordable DVD's and the HDR-SR1 has a built in 30GB hard drive. The cams feature HDMI outputs for connecting to HD televisions and support AVCHD format based on MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and Dolby digital audio. Both models are also equipped with an advanced Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens for lifelike colors and a 3.5 inch swivel touchscreen TFT. Other benefits include four-megapixel digital still capture, a Dual Record function that allows you to shoot video and simultaneously capture 2.3 megapixel stills, and a Smooth Slow Record function to shoot video in slow motion.'

Read: Sony HDR-UX1And HDR-SR1 HD Camcorders Preview - New Launches

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 5:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dennis Hissink over at Lets Go Digital.org previews the soon-to-be-released Sanyo Xacti CA6 digital camera. 'The stylish Sanyo CA6 is "protected from splash in all directions," conforming to the IEC international IPX4 standard. Splash-proof water resistance makes it practical to point and shoot even around the pool or at the beach. The Sanyo CA6 is also rugged enough to safely take photos or shoot video with wet hands while fishing, hiking, boating, skiing or enjoying many other outdoor leisure activities. While remarkably water resistant, the Sanyo Xacti CA6 should never be immersed in water. Ergonomically designed for convenient, one-handed operation, the CA6 digital media camera records both 640 x 480 resolution MPEG-4 video and 6-megapixel digital still images to a standard SD or SDHC flash memory card.'

Features:
• 6-megapixel still images
• Advanced MPEG-4 technology
• Record to SD or SDHC memory cards (cards sold separately)
• Sleek, ergonomic design with "one thumb" operation
• 320 x 240 "Web-SHQ" video mode; optimal for playback on many personal media players
• 6.37-megapixel CCD image sensor
•Highly efficient 5.0x optical zoom lens
• 2.0-inch amorphous silicon color TFT LCD display
• CD-quality AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) stereo recording
• Capture stills and video simultaneously***
• Anti-shake digital image stabilizer
• Easy in-camera playback/editing
•Quick mail/upload
• Straightforward storage/editing
• Wind noise and red eye reduction
• Webcam capability
• Talking navigation guide for first-time users
• Super-fast 1.3-second camera startup
• Multifunction docking station
• SANYO rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
• PictBridge and Exif Print compatible
• Easy connection to TV, VCR, DVD recorder or computer

Read: Sanyo Xacti CA6 Digital Camera Review - Lets Go Digital

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Navman iCN 750 In-Car Portable GPS Navigation "lets you identify destinations as pictures" thus opening the way for this type of device to be embraced by most travelers. ' Portable navigation systems have come a long way in terms of functionality. They can talk to you, alert you to traffic, and even entertain you. However, the Navman iCN 750 goes where no GPS device has gone before by incorporating a 1.3-megapixel camera into the unit. Designed for more than quick snapshots, the camera allows you to create and save image-based locations, so you can easily get directions the next time you visit the destination. It's a neat feature and works great; plus, it's an accurate navigator overall. However, it's not without its faults. The Navman is sluggish to perform tasks and is a bit pricey at $800. Still, you won't find another GPS device like this out there right now, and if you like to see the world through images, the Navman iCN 750 is definitely worth a look.'

Features:
• Integrated NavPix software and camera so you can create your own location-referenced POI images
• 4” state of the art wide high-definition TFT touchscreen
• Latest GPS navigation software using SIRF Star III Generation 2 technology
• 3D door-to-door navigation using pre-loaded software
• Full UK postcode search
• 4GB hard disk with pre-installed street-level maps of Europe
• Voice-guided, road specific directions
• Fuel and Park buttons to identify the nearest fuel or parking location
• Home button so you can automatically plan your best route home
• Ability to add your own POIs by hooking it up to your PC
• Enhanced maps with improved icons and signage
• Back lit keypad and night view nav screen
• Route planning for multiple destinations
• Advanced address entry and address search functions
• On-going journey information, such as ETA and distance remaining
• Latest, highly detailed map data
• Multi-view maps, including 2D, 3D and topographical, next manoeuvre and mini maps
• Thousands of pre-installed POIs and ability to add your own
• Avoid areas and nearest POI alerts
• Automatic re-routing with Back-on-Track
• Search by postcode, street or town
• Rechargeable battery

Read: Navman iCN 750 In-Car Portable Navigation Review - CNET

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Johnny over at Popgadget highlights a new device from usb.brando.com. which combines a USB Web Cam with a telescope which allows the user to "easily zoom to focus the distant objects clearly and make a high quality photograph". 'This morning Brando announced a white boxed USB webcam with tripod, but the kicker is that it comes with a separate 7x18 optical telescope! The auxiliary optics snap onto the front of the camera for a little assistance with those long range stakeouts. The SVGA 800 by 600 resolution won't be winning any awards for breakthrough technical achievements, but if you're in need of a long range USB surveillance then this $26 one trick pony is worth picking up.'

Features:
• 7*18 telescope
• Use telescope to magnify for near views
• Lens rotation for adjusting clear image
• Easy adjust the angle by mini tripod
• Excellent still image capture
• Video Conferencing
• Snap shot button
• LED indicator
• Interface: USB 1.1, USB 2.0 compliant
• Support: Windows 98se/Me/2000/XP
• Telescope dimension: 69x28x33mm
• Web cam dimension: 80x32x33mm

Source: Brando Via: Popgadget

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET reviews the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W100 camera which, while not blowing away the competition in its category, would nevertheless, adequately shoot those photos and movies on your next holiday. 'As the current top-of-the-line model in its Cyber Shot W series, Sony's Cyber Shot DSC-W100 shares almost everything with its siblings, the DSC-W70, the DSC-W50, and the DSC-W30: it uses the same ultracompact 6.7-ounce body , 38mm-to-114mm 3X zoom lens (35mm equivalent), and bright 2.5-inch LCD. The W100 ups the resolution to 8 megapixels, sports a textured finish on its metal front panel, and adds a manual-exposure mode, but ultimately isn't a much more compelling buy than the similar-performing W50, which costs between $50 and $100 less.'

Specifications:
• 8.1-Megapixel recording
•Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens
• 3X Optical zoom (2X digital/6X total zoom)
• 35mm Equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm
• Real Imaging Processor™ for high-quality images and faster camera response
•2-1/2" LCD screen
• Optical viewfinder
• Top JPEG resolution: 3264 x 2448
• 16:9 widescreen photo mode (1920 x 1080)
• MPEG VX movie mode with audio (top setting of 640 x 480 and 30 frames per second)
• High Sensitivity mode for low-light shooting without flash
• Five-area multipoint autofocus
• 6 Scene modes, including Beach, Twilight, Soft Snap, and Landscape
• Shutter speed: 1/8 - 1/2,000 second (auto mode), 30 - 1/1,000 (manual mode)
• Anual control of aperture and shutter speed
• Variable ISO (sensitivity) settings
• Macro mode (focus as close as 2-3/8" from subject)
• Built-in flash
• Built-in mono microphone and speaker
• High-speed USB interface
• PictBridge-compatible
• 64MB built-in memory (holds approximately 16 images at the highest quality setting)
• Compatible with Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo™
• Audio/video output for connection to a TV
• 3-15/16"W x 2-1/2"H x 1-3/16"D
• Weight: 5.9 oz. (without battery)

Read: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W100 Review - CNET

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Jim Carpenter reviews the Stellarvue Nighthawk BV over at Astromart.com and recommends the "well-corrected, moderately-priced, achromatic refractor" telesscope to potential buyers. 'This topic for this review is the Stellarvue Nighthawk BV, which is based on the telescope formerly known as the Stellarvue SV80/9D, a well-corrected 80mm f-9.4 doublet achromat. The SV80/9D was always a sleeper in the Stellarvue lineup. Despite its noticeably better performance, it never attained the popularity of its f-6 sibling, probably due to the fact that it was not “airline portable.” The Nighthawk BV is nothing more than a Stellarvue SV80/9D with the optical tube assembly (OTA) shortened by approximately 4 inches, which is the length the light passing through the binoviewer adds to the optical path. Before going further, let’s make one thing clear – despite the use of “Nighthawk” in this telescope’s name, it is a totally different animal than the 80mm/f-6 Nighthawk Classic and the newer Nighthawk II. The Nighthawk BV not only has a longer focal length (750mm), it also uses a glass type with a higher Abbe number than the f-6 Nighthawk in one of the elements. For those new to this hobby, the short definition of the Abbe number is a value used to define color dispersion — the higher the number, the better the color dispersion. It is named after the German optician who developed the mathematical formula for determining this value, Ernst Abbe (1840-1905), who was a professor at the University of Jena and was a co-founder of Ziess Optics. The typical crown/flint glass used in achromatic refractors have an Abbe number in the low 60's. At somewhere between 70 and 80, depending upon which authority is speaking, the glass becomes “extra-low dispersion” (ED) type, and at 90 and above it is considered “super-low dispersion” (SD). Glass types in the SD range are what are typically found in premium apochromatic refractors. While Vic Maris, the owner of Stellarvue, declines to call the SV80D an “ED” refractor, he has nevertheless stated that the Abbe number for the glass used in the lens is “above 70.”

Read: Stellarvue Nighthawk BV Review - Astromart

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The Hitachi DZ-GX3300A DVD Camcorder while not necessarily cheap being priced around the $600 - $800 range, has the features to more than satisfy the needs of the entry-level user. ' Sporting essentially the same design as last year's DZ-GX20A, Hitachi's DZ-GX3300A isn't large, but at 1.9 by 3.6 by 5.2 inches, it doesn't really qualify as compact compared to the current competition. The dark-gray-and-gunmetal-colored plastic case feels solid and fits comfortably in the hand. The zoom rocker is positioned perfectly for your forefinger, just in front of the photo-capture button, while the mode dial and the record button rest exactly where your thumb should fall.'

Features:
• MiniDVD: Experience the fun and convenience of recording straight to DVD with this slim Hitachi camcorder—it weighs just over a pound.
• Recording options: Record in the true widescreen format (16:9) on a variety of discs and memory cards. DVD formats supported include DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM and SD cards for digital stills.
• 3.3-megapixel CCD: High-quality 3.3-megapixel resolution delivers stunning digital images for the ultimate in viewing enjoyment.
• CinemaRes advanced image processing: This exclusive technology uses the entire CCD to capture both video and still images to create a sharper, more detailed picture.
• Digital still mode: Shoot digital stills (upto 2016 x 1512) directly onto an SD™ memory card—perfect for emails or printing. A DVD-RAM disc holds nearly 2,000 JPEG images on a double-sided disc.
• Quick mode: Get to the good stuff fast. This mode displays only the most critical menu choices for easy operation.
• Disc navigation: You don't need to rewind or fast forward to find a video clip. On-screen thumbnail images let you skip directly to the scene you want for editing and viewing.
• 2.7" widescreen LCD: Get a clear picture of the action during recording and playback with the large 2.7 " widescreen LCD panel.
• Zoom: The 10x optical zoom delivers close-ups with amazing clarity. Enlarge details before or after shooting with the 500x digital zoom.
• Finalize button: Discs can be easily finalized at the touch of a button instead of a menu selection.
• Sleep/Restart button: Allows the camcord