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Canon PowerShot A480 Camera Reviewed

The Canon PowerShot A480 (US$130) is an entry level point-and-shoot compact digital camera.

Features:

10 Megapixels
2.5-inch TFT color LCD
3.3x optical zoom
ISO 80 to 3200
SD, SDHC, MMC memory card slot
Battery: AA x2
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B jack)
NTSC/PAL video out
Weight: 4.94 ounces
Dimensions: 2.44 x 3.63 x 1.22 inches

InfoSync World gave the A480 a 63% (‘Good’) rating:

“When we think of an entry-level compact, we tend to think “cheap”, “amateurish” and “inadequate.” That’s from the eyes of an advanced shooter. However, the 10-megapixel Canon PowerShot A480 will impress a wide array of consumers. It’s a little powerhouse stocked with some burly manual controls, a great menu system, and it flaunts an eccentric new body design available in fetching two-tone color combinations. The PowerShot A480 matched the PowerShot A1100 IS in many image performance tests, though its lack of Image Stabilization led to a loss of focus in low light. The zoom is tiny, the LCD is basic and external controls are minimal, but all of the magic lies on the inside of the PowerShot A480. If you’re a beginner on a budget, the Canon PowerShot A480 is one of the best options out there.” [InfoSync World | Canon PowerShot A480]

I noticed that Canon changed the form factor of its A400 series this time, and it’s looking good! If you need a fun camera that is relatively inexpensive, takes SD/SDHC memory cards, and is powered by AA batteries, the PowerShot A480 won’t disappoint.

Be sure to take a look at good quality rechargeable AA batteries and a smart fast charger also. These will help you enjoy your new A480 (or any AA battery power camera) to the fullest.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Reviewed

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II (US$2,700 body only) is a digital SLR camera that updates the previous 5D.

Features:

21.1 megapixels
Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
DIGIC 4 image processor
RAW / JPEG / RAW + JPEG / sRAW1, sRAW2 file formats
AF micro adjustment
3.0 ” 920k pixels TFT LCD
Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
Movie Recording:

1920 x 1080 (16:9) up to 12 mins
640 x 480 (4:3) up to 24 mins
30 fps

Continuous drive mode: 3.9 fps
Connectivity:

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
AV out
HDMI connector
Microphone input
InfraRed

Storage:

Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32)
Supports UDMA cards

Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
Full 35mm size frame
Magnesium alloy body
Dimensions: 152 x 114 x 75 mm
Weight: 810 g (without battery)

Digital Photography Review gave the Canon EOS 5D Mark II a ‘Highly Recommended’ rating:

“How do you follow a classic? That’s the question Canon faced when it got to work producing a successor to the EOS 5D. The original 5D was the first ‘affordable’ and lightweight (in relative terms) full frame camera, and set a standard for low noise at high ISO settings that remains competitive three years later. … Canon hasn’t just taken the 5D Mark I and put a new sensor in it. There are many little improvements that make this camera more than just an updated EOS 5D. There is the new menu system, the implementation of Live View, the sensor shake anti-dust system, the larger and higher resolution screen, a higher capacity battery, and extra customizability. … he 5D Mark II is certainly one of the best value for money propositions on the market for image quality - especially in RAW, where you really can see the benefit of all 21 million pixels. Canon has also wisely made only minor tweaks to the external interface, so that 5D users can jump right in and feel at home. Looking at the package as a whole the EOS 5D Mark II seems hard to beat.” [dpreview.com | Canon EOS 5D Mark II In-depth Review]

Current 5D users looking to get a new camera would definitely be pleased with the 5D Mark II. Those who wants to upgrade to a full frame, and are already using Canon EF lenses, will surely benefit from the nice set of features the 5D Mark II offers.

Technorati: canon 5d mark ii, full frame dslr

Universal Emergency Charger from Proporta

There’s nothing worse than running out of battery, whether it’s on the train to work or the plane abroad. Following the success of their Mobile Device Charger, Proporta are pleased to announce their new model, the Universal Emergency Charger. This sleek, portable gadget allows you to power up any device that charges from a USB socket up to three times, so whether you’re a commuter, a traveller, or just out and about, you need never be caught short again.

The Universal Emergency Charger packs an impressive 2500mAh of power, and can be charged from any convenient USB port. It comes complete with a USB to Mini USB cable and a retractable cable with adaptors that allow you to charge and recharge your Nokia, Micro USB, PSP, Samsung, iPod or Sony Ericsson device anywhere. Anything that charges from a USB will work with this ridiculously handy device, meaning you can charge your mobile gadgets again and again (and again) wherever you are.

For the travellers among us, Proporta also offer the Universal Emergency Charger – Travel Kit which includes a useful in Car Power Supply compatible with all standard car cigarette lighter sockets, and an AC World Travel Charger Kit, that allows you to charge from the mains anywhere in the world.

P.S. Keep all your mobile gadgets in one place and protect them on the move with the Proporta Gadget Bag.

(Thanks to Hannah Saffman for the news.)

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Firmware 1.2 for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Released

A firmware update version 1.2 is available for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.

Improvements:

Improved white balance flash mode setting when DMW-FL220 is connected.
Proper setting of shutter speed on iA mode and Scene mode when OIS is turned ON.
Proper Exif information in the JPEG picture file.

The Lumix DMC-LX3 was the overall winner of the Enthusiast Digital Compact Camera Group Test by Digital Photography Review.

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Free Second Skins for Your Apple 4G iPod nano

Proporta is a huge fan of the Apple 4G iPod nano, and thinks it looks great when kitted out in a Proporta Soft Feel Silicone Case. If you’re the sort who craves a bit of variety in life, you’ll be pleased to hear that Proporta is now offering a second skin free for everyone who buys a Soft Feel Silicone Case from proporta.com. Even better, the second skin can be in any shade from the range, giving you the chance to mix and match, and create colourful variations for the protection of your 4G iPod nano.

If you would like to take a look (and see how you can make your friends more than a little jealous), click here to view the entire range of Proporta’s Soft Feel Silicone Cases (Apple 4G iPod nano).

Once you’ve made certain that your 4G iPod nano is stylishly protected, it would be an awful shame for the screen to be left out. Look after your nano with an Advanced Screen Protector (4G iPod nano) and make sure that your screen is safe from scratching and all those other nasty little surprises.

(Thanks to Hannah Saffman for the news.)

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Super Zoom Compact Camera Group Test

Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) tested another seven compact cameras that belong to the ‘Super Zoom’ range. These are digicams that sport 14.7x to 20x optical zoom.

Super Zoom Compacts Tested:

Canon Powershot SX10 IS – 10MP, 20x zoom, 2.5” display, $350
Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD - 10MP, 14.7x zoom, 2.7” display, $270
Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd - 10MP, 18x zoom, 2.5” display, $250
Nikon Coolpix P80 – 10.1MP, 18x zoom, 2.7” display, $340
Olympus SP-565UZ - 10MP, 20x zoom, 2.5” display, $300
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 – 10.1MP, 18x zoom, 2.7” display, $325
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 – 9.1MP, 15x zoom, 3” display, $350

The cheapest was the Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd, while the most expensive were the Canon Powershot SX10 IS and Sony Cybershot DSC-H50.

The winners of the group test were the Canon Powershot SX10 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28:

“I mentioned earlier that three cameras consistently outperformed the rest of the group. Of these three the Sony H50 lost marks for its smaller zoom range, fiddly controls and tiny, low resolution viewfinder (it also has the most destructive noise reduction and least effective image stabilization of the trio), leaving the Canon SX10 IS and Panasonic FZ28 vying for the top spot. … the SX10 IS may win on points, but the FZ28 puts up quite a fight, and is the one we’d pick up when going for a walk and didn’t fancy carrying an SLR. Two very impressive cameras; all the more so considering their sub-$350 price ticket, and both easy recommendations.” [dpreview | Compact Camera Group Test Group 5: SLR-like ’super zoom’ cameras]

Some may ask, “What do I need a digicam that has super zoom?”. Well, these are very handy for taking photos during a school play, sport activity, or any event that limits you to take pictures at a distance. If you ever took some pictures of your kid/nephew/niece on the stage during a school presentation held in a large venue, you’d know what I mean.

So, if you need a super zoom compact camera, your best choices would be the Canon Powershot SX10 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28.

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Enthusiast Digital Compact Camera Group Test

Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) reviewed 7 digital compacts that belong to the enthusiast group, or the Prosumer range. These appeal to people who are a little more serious with photography, but would want to have something more portable than an SLR.

The cameras tested were:

Canon Powershot G10 – 14.7MP, 80-1600 ISO, 3.0” screen, $430
Kodak Easyshare Z8612 IS – 8.1MP, 80-3200 ISO, 2.5” screen, $150
Nikon Coolpix P6000 – 13.5MP, 64-6400 ISO, 2.7” screen, $430
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 – 10.1MP, 80-6400 ISO, 3.0” screen, $430
Ricoh Caplio R10 - 10MP, 80-1600 ISO, 3.0” screen, $240
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 – 9.1MP, 100-6400 ISO, 3.0” screen, $240
Canon Powershot SX110 IS - 9MP, 80-1600 ISO, 3.0” screen, $220

The most inexpensive in the group was the Kodak Easyshare Z8612 IS, while the most expensive ones were the Canon Powershot G10, Nikon Coolpix P6000, and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.

The overall winner of the group test was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3:

“The Panasonic LX3 gets so many things right that we knew before we started it would be the camera to beat in this group. It’s not that it has the highest measurable resolution (the Canon G10 wins that one) or the biggest zoom range (in fact its one of the smallest here), or even that it offers the most intuitive controls (never going to be the case with a camera so small). No, what’s so impressive about the LX3 is that Panasonic has actually produced a camera aimed at photographers, not one designed by a marketing department. So instead of going for the easy option of adding even more megapixels and beefing up the other headline specs, the designers concentrated on the things that actually matter to a photographer.’ [dpreview | Compact Camera Group Test Group 4: Enthusiast digital compacts]

Aside from the overall winner, dpreview.com highly recommends the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and Canon Powershot SX110 IS:

“These two cameras are so close in performance that choosing between them becomes a matter of personal taste and preference. The TZ5 is our favorite because it offers a proper wideangle, a better screen and slightly better high ISO performance, but the SX110 has better manual control and considerably more telephoto pulling power. They’re both well priced, well designed and genuinely pocketable, and neither demands too much of an image quality compromise despite squeezing 10x zooms into their diminutive bodies.” [dpreview]

If you are longing for a compact camera that can do some serious photography, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 would be a great choice for around $430. If want something more affordable, lets say in the sub $250 range, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and Canon Powershot SX110 IS cameras would be your second best choices.

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Protect Your Nintendo DSi

If you’ve been a good boy or girl this year you may have been lucky enough to get a Nintendo DSi for Christmas. This newest kid on the block boasts a slimmer exterior, larger screen and fantastic audio and visual applications packaged into one of Nintendo’s smartest looking devices to date

Proporta anticipate that if you are lucky enough to own this enviable device you’ll want to keep it looking as dapper as the day you bought it. Proporta have therefore designed a Leather Style Protective Case which includes their ultra-special ‘Screen Saver System,’ which has been specifically designed to protect your Nintendo DSi against crushing and impact shocks or sudden bouts of game-related frustration.

Proporta also recommend the Advanced Screen Protector (Nintendo DSi), because when it comes to devices with dual screens you really can’t afford to take any chances with either screen (without one or the other you’d be lost). Proporta has managed to improve the thickness of the high-clarity protector, without impairing screen brightness or quality. Clever Proporta.

P.S. If you’re looking for a handy way to carry your Nintendo DSI, cables and games the Proporta Gadget Bag offers full protection (due to its padded lining) and will also keep your DSi within easy access at all times.

(Thanks to Hannah Saffman for the news.)

Technorati: nintendo dsi, case, screen protector

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 Camera Reviewed

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 (US$380) is an ultra-slim digital camera that has the following features:

10.1 megapixels
3.5-inch touchscreen LCD display
4GB internal memory
Memory Stick Duo / Memory Stick Pro Duo memory expansion slot
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
4X optical zoom
Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization
Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 ISO
LITHIUM ION / InfoLITHIUM D type 3.6V battery
Dimensions: 95.0 x 58.4 x 16.4 mm
Weight: 135g

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 is a solid shooter with plenty of appeal. The big touch-screen LCD makes interacting with the camera a pleasure, and it has plenty of cool (if unnecessary) extras, like in-camera editing and various modes like smile and blink detection. Keep in mind, however, that with its shutter lag you might miss some photo ops, and with its power-sucking screen, battery life isn’t as long as with other point-and-shoot cameras. Overall, though, the T700 delivers in the most critical way a camera can: It takes good, sharp pictures with a minimum of noise and a maximum of rich, realistic colors.” [PCMag.com | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700]

The T700 was a runner-up on dpreview.com’s Ultra Compact Group test.

Nice overall design, great image quality, responsive touchscreen display, and 4GB internal memory are the great features of the T700. If you don’t mind the rather short battery life, standard resolution video recording, and the high price, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 is a very nice digital camera to consider.

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Motorola RAZR2 V9x Reviewed

The Motorola RAZR2 V9x (US$100, plus contract) is a clamshell mobile phone that features:

2G network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G network: HSDPA 2100
2 megapixels camera
Primary display: 2.2-inch 240 x 320 pixels TFT display (256K colors)
secondary display: 2-inch 240 x 320 pixels with contextual touch interaction
microSD expansion slot (up to 8GB)
45 MB internal memory
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
microUSB 2.0 connectivity
Dimensions: 103 x 53 x 13 mm
Weight: 125 g

“The Motorola RAZR2 V9x has lost much of the appeal of the original RAZR brand, in that it isn’t very thin or sleek. In fact, these days it seems like a wide, bulky phone, but all that width and heft helps drive the two great screens, the bright and colorful internal display and the surprisingly large and useful external screen. Overall, there may not be much clout left in the RAZR name, but that doesn’t keep the Motorola RAZR2 V9x from being a very nice multimedia phone. Call quality was very good, much better than most phones in this class, and the phone also packs a nice range of 3G features, including a capable Web browser from Opera and GPS navigation. The Motorola RAZR2 is a nice choice for folks who want plenty of features on a phone that isn’t too smart. For these folks, the RAZR2 may be a shadow of its former self, but it’s still a phone that might just turn a few heads.” [InfoSync World | Motorola RAZR2 V9x review (AT&T)]

Best characteristics of the RAZR2 V9x are the external display with touch controls, lots of features, and nice style.

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