SlashScope

PC Magazine have published a review of the Hitachi DZHS300A camcorder. 'What sets the DZHS300A apart is that it features both an 8GB hard drive and a DVD optical drive. That means you have two options to record video footage. In the hard drive mode, you get as much as 110 minutes of movie footage. This is valuable, since you can then burn it directly to a miniDVD disc. Although there are hard drive camcorders with much larger hard drives—including Hitachi's own DZH500A, which features a huge 30GB drive—8GB does provide almost 2 hours of footage at the highest quality setting. When recording directly onto the DVD, you can capture about 18 minutes on a single-sided miniDVD disc.'

Continue reading "Review: Hitachi DZHS300A Camcorder - PC Mag" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Pure Digital Flip video camcorder. ‘The white-and-silver Flip is housed in an identical body to the previous-generation Point and Shoot Video Camcorder. It measures 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches and weighs only 4.8 ounces. (For more photos of the Flip Video, click here.) It doesn't have any complicated menus or confusing buttons; the lens and microphone are up front, and on the back you'll find a 1.4-inch LCD, three buttons (play, delete, and record), and a four-way navigation pad, which controls the zoom and lets you scroll through recorded clips. When it's time to transfer footage, simply flip out the USB plug on the side and connect it to your PC. Everything you'll need is in the package, including a TV connector and the two AA batteries it runs on.’

Continue reading "Pure Digital Flip Video Camcorder – Laptop Mag" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DC Views reports on the launch of the Creative DiVi CAM 516 which is a sleek mini digital camcorder priced at $249.00. ‘Creative launches the DiVi CAM 516, the ideal entry level digital camera for anyone looking for fun home videos and still images. Featuring a 5-megapixel sensor, you can take high quality pictures at up to 12-megapixel resolution. Use it as a Digital Video Camera, Digital Camera, MP3 Player, Voice Recorder, WebCam and Mass Storage Device all packed into a compact and handy device. The DiVi CAM 516 only requires 4 AAA batteries and has 32 MB memory and an option for expansion through the SD (Secure Digital) card slot.’

Continue reading "Creative DiVi CAM 516 Mini At DC Views" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pocket-Lint previews the feature-rich Hercules webcam which is due for launch in October. 'With a new clamping system for screens, the webcam is designed to be sturdily attached, and unlike many other models, looks more like an elegant tool than a childish toy.Webcam Station Evolution software makes operating the camera easy and intuitive, and helps users understand functions like Burst Mode, Infinite Images, Emotion Delayer, and Travelling-Zoom.'

Continue reading "Hercules Dualpix HD Webcam At Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you have ever operated a night vision monocular, binoculars or goggles you would be aware of the capability to see objects and activities in total darkness. However, there are two minor drawbacks when operating consumer night vision devices. Firstly, the infrared illuminator which provides the “invisible” beam to illuminate complete darkness can be seen (albeit with some effort) as a red dot when the device is turned on. Secondly, you have to place yourself in a position where you can see the subject of observation and by extension risk exposure should the area become lit. The Spy Video Car from Think Geek addresses both these concerns allowing the user to monitor suspicious activity from a secure environment.

Continue reading "Monitor Your Immediate Surroundings With Remote Spy Video Car" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

David Pogue writing over at The Ney York Times compares the features of the soon-to-be launched Canon's HV10 with those of the Sony's HC3 camcorder. 'Next month, Canon will release the world’s smallest and least expensive high-definition tape camcorder, a one-handable beauty called the HV10. Its list price is $1,300. As any gadget freak can tell you, however, that’s an inflated, fanciful figure provided for — well, for no good reason. The online price, once the camcorder is on store shelves, will be lower.

Continue reading "Canon's HV10 And Sony's HC3 Camcorders Previewed At New York Times" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Continue reading "Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 Review" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.'

Continue reading "High Tech Home Surveillance With The Portable Wireless Day or Night Video Monitor" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.'

Continue reading "USB Web Cam With Telescope" »

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

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.'

Continue reading "Hitachi DZ-GX3300A DVD Camcorder" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 4:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DC Views reports on the announcement of a new multi-Functional DV536 Camcorder-PVR which goes on sale next month for $199.99. 'Digital convergence has transformed the consumer electronics landscape, and few manufacturers have embraced it more decisively than Mustek. Witness the new Mustek DV536 Digital Camcorder-PVR, a palm-sized entertainment powerhouse that takes convergence to new heights. A personal video recorder (PVR) for recording straight from a TV or DVD player, a VGA-quality digital camcorder, plus a 10-megapixel digital still camera, voice recorder and MP3 player... the DV536 does it all.'

Continue reading "DC Views.com: New Mustek Multimedia DV536 Digital Camcorder Coming Soon!" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As night vision scopes go, this USB InfraRed webcam selling for $35 over at USB geek.com can, for all intents and purposes, be considered a steal of a deal. The webcam features a 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensor which should provide some recognizable reproductions to be transmitted via MSN, Skype, ICQ or other messenger type service. There are 2 InfraRed LEDs for nightvision and 3 white LEDs for light assistance. Topping off the features of this really neat device are the a built-in microphone and headset for live chat.

Continue reading "Night Vision USB 1.3 Mega Pixel WebCam" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Engadget reports on the very affordable RCA EZ101 point-and-shoot digital camcorder which allows you to record your very own 30 minute "block buster" which can then be secured on dvd via your computer. 'Like the P&SVC, RCA's EZ101 will also retail for $150, and features the same 30-minute recording capacity of 30fps, AVI-encoded video. You also get the same 1.5-inch LCD display that serves as viewfinder and preview screen, a USB port for direct file transfer to a PC -- no installation CD necessary -- and an A/V cable for TV playback. '

Continue reading "Record Your Own Digital Movies On The Cheap....'" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hanaro Plus looks as though it is made for the "James Bond" type flicks but the more adventurous among us would no doubt get up to all manner of creative endeavors with a device such as this. 'The Hanaro Plus is the world's first integrated ubiquitous device Technical innovation multi media tool. This webcam has wire or wireless MIC camera, speaker, USB Hub, flash memory port all in one. Powerful application software provides - video conference system, ssecurity program (with zoom function), photography, recording and editing functionality. Utilize this for conferencing, video conferencing, remote lectures and security.'

Continue reading "Hanaro Plus: 'All In One Multi-Media Tool'" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lori Grunin reviews the Palmcorder PV-GS300 and commends the excellent video quality of this device. 'The PV-GS300, Panasonic's midrange consumer three-CCD camcorder, arrives at a lower price than last year's model, the PV-GS250. As with its higher-end sibling, the PV-GS500, Panasonic adds a few new features and--unfortunately--deletes others. The primary appeal of this camera is its trio of CCD chips, which allow it to capture richer color and sharper images than single-CCD cameras. But while the sharp video and the addition of a wide-screen LCD will appeal to HDTV owners looking for good image quality at a price less than that of a true HD camcorder, the PV-GS300's limited feature list may disappoint experienced video buffs looking for the shooting flexibility offered by cameras loaded with manual and automatic feature settings.'

Continue reading "Palmcorder PV-GS300 Multicam 3CCD Mini DV Camcorder" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I overheard a conversation between a camera salesman and another person where the former was recounting the many occasions where new camera buyers showed what he considered an unreasonable interest in the number of megapixels in the cameras on offer. He proceeded to explain the several other features which were of significance when considering the quality of a camera. This explanation on the DallasNews addresses the concern of megapixel significance and touches on related issues as well. 'Instead of capturing the optical image on film, a digital camera reads every tiny bit of light and describes its brightness and color in a computer file.

Continue reading "Dallasnews.com: On The Significance of Megapixels" »

Posted by Slash Scope Admin at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)