Did this as a project for my video editing class. Mostly edited with Final Cut Pro, but I added the watermark with Adobe Premiere Elements and used Windows Movie Maker to size it down to fit on YouTube… like anyone cares. Taped and edited by your one and only.

* I think I spelled Cheddarbob’s name wrong. Oops. Someone told me it was spelled that way…

I got my first camcorder about two weeks ago, a Canon ZR850. It is a miniDV camcorder instead of a hard drive camera (never ever DVD for me) for two reasons: (1) the price (like a $175+ difference) and (2) the brand.

As of right now, Canon does not offer any hard drive cameras, but Sony, JVC, and Panasonic already do. I really like the Canon ZR Series because it is really affordable. With the 2-year replacement warranty, it cost me a little over $360 for the camera. I also purchased some miniDV tapes though ($13 for five tapes — any brand will do), a Belkin firewire cable (to transfer the tape to the computer, camera didn’t come with it — that was $14), and a Samsung camcorder bag (which fits my Olympus camera essentials as well! — got it at Wal-mart for $18).

I first taped me and babe at home doing absolutely nothing, but then taped Prentyce’s championship game with UFB. The video quality was surprisingly good (no HD, but it’ll work since I don’t have an HD television), but I was lucky to have good lighting that day. The zooming worked great (35x?!); there are three zoom speeds you can choose from. I chose the middle one, not too fast or slow. The camcorder was easy to hold, but my hand started cramping up after a while… maybe it was just excitement? The battery that came with the camcorder lasts you about 45-60 minutes, I suggest getting the BP-2L14 battery, (get the original if you can, but the generic ones cost about $30 less) which is said to last about 3 hours but will cost you $55 from Amazon. The menus were easy to understand, I could easily find a lot of stuff, most of which you just set one time and forget. You need an SD card if you want to take still shots. Although they aren’t that good, nice to have! Some reviews said the camera had some sort of “humming”, but I didn’t hear it indoors or out. It was easy to import video, you can use Windows Movie Maker to capture or any type of video editing program. I use Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 (it costs about $80 on Amazon) and Final Cut Pro (this is like $1000, but I use it at school).

I think I don’t have that many complaints because it is my first camcorder, but I think it was a good first choice. I’ll get the more expensive one later when I’m a video editing genius, but since I’m only starting out, I’ll stick with this. Don’t expect great things when you don’t pay a hefty price — especially with electronics! Overall, good camera for the price! I love it.

Rush Hour 3 – Not much to say except that it took them way too long to come out with this movie. This is like Chris Tucker’s first movie in 5 years! Dayummm! Jackie Chan still looks good! It’s setting is in Paris, which I think makes it less funnier. Surprisingly, it looks like there’s still a lot of Asians in Paris. I don’t think it’ll be as funny as the previous titles, but we’ll see.

Balls of Fury – This movie looks really (stupid) funny. Made by the creators of Reno 911 so expect that type of humor. The main character is not very popular at all, but seems really funny — kind of Jack Blackish.

Surf’s Up – What can I say besides that it’s another dang penguin movie. This time, it’s about a surfing penguin named Cody Maverick, who’s smaller than his competitors (Happy Feet = weirdo penguin that can’t sing like everyone else? Hmmm..,). I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve had my share of penguin movies in the past year… so I doubt I’m gonna see this.

Evan Almighty – Man, I think this is gonna be hilarious. Steve Carell (think 40 Year Old Virgin) plays Evan Baxter, aka Weirdo with a Beardo. He’s approached by God (a black one, nothing is wrong with that — thought he was Middle Eastern) to build an arc. Watch the trailer.

The point system is really easy to break down. I don’t understand why people would ever retrieve their ThankYou points for merchandise on the site. The isht doesn’t add up and you would be wasting money when you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Might as well get you a gift card! There are even gas cards, but they don’t have one for Chevron so I got Target instead.

Other things you can get…

• Check to pay your student loan (up to $100)
• Blockbuster cards for rentals
• Other retailer gift cards for Macy’s, Nike, Footlocker, Gap, etc.
• Phone cards
• Dining gift cards (Quiznos, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Chili’s, Applebee’s, etc.)
• Best Buy, Comp USA, and Circuit City gift cards
• even statement credit.

The gift cards come in increments of $10, $15, $25, $50, and $100, $250 I’ve seen some gift cards for like $500 but not at anywhere you would go (and I just know).

Hahahah. Oh isht. So much Filipino on that ASS! =]

Thanks Lauren.

Author: Nikki Rose Ty
Director: Nikki Rose Ty
For: Ty TV
Starring: Members of UFB (Unfinished Business)
Published: April 30, 2007

Author: Nikki Rose Ty
Director: Nikki Rose Ty
For: Ty TV
Starring: Prentyce Albright, Kevin Klein, Anthony Whitney, and members of both the C-League teams Unfinished Business and Hitmen
Published: April 30, 2007

(Note: Click pictures to enlarge or save.)

More pictures to come.