Sunday, July 25, 2010

Lowepro Fastpack 200 (Arctic Blue)

Lowepro Fastpack 200 (Arctic Blue) Review


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I recently bought this backpack for a trip to Peru. I was uncertain, at first, as to which camera bag would fit my needs, but ultimately decided on the Fastpack 200 (red, like a beautiful autumn sunset). This sweet baby was so choice! I don't have a lot of camera equipment (the Fastpack 100 would've been suitable), but what drew me to this backpack was the extra room up top. I was able to fit my various small accessories (sunglasses, small electronics, etc), a jacket and small souvenirs in the top compartment (Note: the jacket made it a pretty tight fit). The camera/lens storage area below is spacious and sturdy (like a prison cell). Also like a prison cell, it kept my equipment (prisoners) on lock-down when I wanted it safely stored away from each other in separate compartments (or cells). A DLSR, 2 lenses, and a point-and-shoot only filled it half-full (with a backpack this great, how could it be half-empty?). The stiff padding protecting my equipment left me with no need to worry about my precious cargo. The shoulder straps are comfortable, even after wearing the backpack for hours. Lastly, the quick access side-zip deal was smooth, and it was very easy to access my camera and put it away. My only qualms with the Fastpack are: 1) There's no good place to attach a tripod. 2) The zipper on the camera compartment would stick a little on zip-up after a lot of use (but it's not really a big deal).

I highly recommend this product for anyone who needs a good bag that can hold more than just a camera and its accessories. It's a great vacation camera bag. Plus, it has plenty of sex-appeal!

Lowepro Fastpack 200 (Arctic Blue) Feature

  • Side Entry Compartment provides easy access to D-SLR equipment and accessories, even when pack is being worn
  • Dual Compartment Design ensures camera protection whil supplying storage space for personal accessories
  • 180-Degree access panel with adjustable dividers provides excellent protection in a customized fit that's easy to load.
  • Outer accessory pockets provide external storage for other accessories with fast access
  • Tough, water-resistant outer fabric protects against moisture and abrasion
On streets or trails, you can shoot all day when you wear the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 200 backpack from Lowepro. It protects a digital SLR with a mid-range zoom lens attached, plus 2-3 extra lenses or flash units, audio player, and other gear. You won't mis a shot, because the side-entry compartment lets you quickly grab equipment and accessories, without having to take the backpack off! Customize the easy-to-access main compartment with adjustable dividers, use the outer organizer to keep large accessories handy, and manage memory cards with a built-in pocket. Brethable, contoured shoulder straps distribute weight evenly.


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Customer Reviews


great camera bag but not for small person - CLP - Oklahoma
I bought this camera bag for a trip to Yosemite and just for around town. It is excellent quality but for me it is just too big. I am a small person only 5'3" with small frame and this bag is overwhelming for me. It is great for my husband. Lots of pockets and well thought out arrangement. I returned this for the fastpack 100 only because of the size. One thing I like better about the 200 is that it will hold a bigger size water bottle than the 100. I love the upper pocket to hold food or whatever you need on a dayhike.


Jul 26, 2010 02:01:25

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Panasonic DVD-S58 1080p Up-Converting DVD Player, Black

Panasonic DVD-S58 1080p Up-Converting DVD Player, Black Review


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Works well, upscales as advertised.
But as a previous reviewer noted, this is not a Viera link player.
Great quality for the price, though.

Panasonic DVD-S58 1080p Up-Converting DVD Player, Black Feature

  • 1080p upconversion with HDMI output: Convert DVD content to 1080p resolution
  • VIERA Link: Control multiple compatible devices with one remote
  • Multi-format DVD/CD/MP3 playback: Plays back content stored in several different DVD formats
  • Play Almost Anything: Incredibly versatile and multi-format-friendly, this DVD player can play back just about any DVD or CD you can throw at it.
HD-Quality Images. The DVD-S58 features a 1080p up-conversion function that converts standard definition (720 x 480 pixels) images from DVD sources to high-definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) quality images. And with the addition of HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color to our DVD players, the up-converted signals deliver vivid, sharp and exceptionally detailed images. VIERA Link Compatible As the types of media continue to increase, VIERA Link capabilities continue to evolve. Using your VIERA HDTV's VIERA Link remote, the newly enhanced Seamless GUI (graphical user interface) menu displays on the TV screen, making it easier to operate connected components like Panasonic's DVD-S58 DVD player. Play Almost Anything Incredibly versatile and multi-format-friendly, this DVD player can play back just about any DVD or CD you can throw at it. Specifically, it can play back the following disc formats: DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW1, DVD-R (including dual layer)1, DVD+R (including dual layer)1, DVD+RW1, CD, CD-R/RW1, WMA, MP32, JPEG, MPEG43 and DivX4. Discs recorded and finalized on DVD video recorders/cameras. For contents recorded for your personal use only. You can play MPEG4 data [conforming to SD Video specifications (ASF standard)/MPEG4 (Simple Profile) video system. Official DivX Certified product. Plays all versions of DivX video (including DivX6) with standard playback of DivX media files. DivX, DivX Certified, and associated logos are trademarks of DivX, Inc. and are used under license. About DivX: DivX is a popular media technology created by DivX, Inc. DivX media files contain highly compressed video with high visual quality that maintains a relatively small file size.


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Customer Reviews

bargain hd player - crane23 -
Great price,working well so far(no vierra link)great bargain for price.Just hope
the unit lasts a while.

Incorrect Product Description!!! - R. Rho - Buffalo, NY USA
Warning! The description for the DVD-s58 model seems to be pasted from the DVD-s54 model (discontinued), which despite the lower model number is actually a notch or two above this one. I bought the s58 with the understanding it would play AVI (Divx) encoded discs... it DOES NOT support Divx.

For what it is--a basic upconverting DVD player--the Panasonic DVD-s58 performs well, but did not suit my original purpose in purchasing it.


Jul 19, 2010 02:32:05

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Blue)

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Blue) Review


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1. This is really a credit card size camera...very very small. very easy to fit into any pocket. Sometime I feel it is too small to hold it. very easy to get the flash light blocked by finger.
2. Picture quality just all right. Again it depends what you are comparing too. For point and short, I think it does decent job especially out door. Focus does take some time (this is not a SLR, so do not expect that type of speed). Also I realized some picture around the edge/corner of the picture, objects looks weird (not straight)
3. Great video quality, I put it on the HDTV, results are better than I expected. It is not really HD show, but very clear. both out door and indoor.
4. I need to use some kind of software to convert the video to the format that a Windows PC or a DVD player can read. that is a down side. So if you do not own a MAC or you are not very good at computer, this might be some issue for you
5. Video takes lots of disk space on the memory card.

Overall I like it, most because it is so small to carry (i am little sick carrying the SLR and my 2 years old daughter). Also great HD movie function, it is better quality than my hard driver Panasonic camcorder.

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Blue) Feature

  • 12.1-megapixel resolution; 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Capture 720p HD movies; HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
  • Crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle
  • Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Your Favorite New Fashion Accessory.

Your camera says a lot about you - and according to Canon's new PowerShot SD940 IS, you're into hot design and cool technology. Emerging from your jeans pocket or purse like a sleek little jewel, the PowerShot SD940 IS makes a statement before you even take a picture. And the new menu ensures easy access to all its advanced Canon technology, where 12.1 Megapixels, improved Smart AUTO Mode and 720p HD movies are just the beginning.

  • Never leave home without this sleek, polished camera; in timeless colors of muted metallics to match any mood.
  • Filled with features such as a 12.1 Megapixel resolution, a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 4x Optical Zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer.
  • 720p HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on your HDTV.
  • Large, crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle, great for sharing photos and videos with friends.
  • Improved Smart AUTO Mode intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations.
  • Easy to use with built in hints and tips.
  • View Sample Images

Your Camera, Your Color.Never leave home without this sleek, polished camera; in timeless colors of muted metallics to match any mood.

It's so easy to have the PowerShot SD940 IS on hand wherever you go. Sized to fit anywhere from your jeans pocket to your smallest handbag, you'll never miss another photo op. All those imitators out there can't begin to capture the design icon status of a Canon ELPH. New for the PowerShot SD940 IS: smooth lines and brilliant simplicity are rendered in four memorable metallics.


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Customer Reviews

Only if camera size is the most imp criteria - B. Roy - Sunnyvale, CA, USA
If your last camera was a stone age 3.1 MP Kodak EasyShare DX6340, then almost any camera bought today will be miles ahead. This camera needs to be compared against the current crop of cameras on the market and not an ancient kodak. Technology has really leapfrogged in the past year or two and Canon seems to be resting on its past laurels while other companies are catching up.
I bought both this and the Panasonic ZS-7 recently. The ZS-7 is hands down a winner. I also note that there are other Panasonic models rated highly by consumer reports and had I known earlier, might not have bought this one.
So why do I rate this model a 3 stars -
To start off - the experience wasn't good. The first item shipped to me started getting ill about a month or two after I started using it. Basically, its focussing mechanism would freeze ruining many pictures and videos. Its been replaced since then and I keep my fingers crossed regarding its reliablility. I know another person who owns this camera. He hates it (I do moderately like mine). He hates it because of its very poor flash/low light performance.
To sum up - there are three major cons -
1) Bad flash/Low light performance
2) Fragile
3) Slippery to hold
4) Rather short battery life if you take videos.
5) Lens not as sharp as ZS-7
6) Rounded form factor means camera cannot stand on its edge easily - topples over. Try not to put it on a ledge and to take that self timer shot.
Now the pro's relative to my ZS-7
1) Small Size - gives it a "cool" wow factor and makes you also want to own one. I think thats why I bought mine and "moderately" like it.
2) Color is good but too vivid sometimes - makes a gray lake look blue in pics.
3) HD video quality is good, but ZS-7 is better with better compression with selectable bit rate (AVCHD lite). ZS7 lens also zooms silently all the way to 16X while taking videos. Sound is way better on ZS-7.
This camera is made in China. My Panasonic ZS-7 was made in Japan. My experience regarding reliabilility of high tech items out of China has been poor (Seagate drives for example - I've had 3 China made drives fail on me and the first SD-940 camera too failed).
If camera size is not the most important criteria, then I'd suggest other "shirtpocket" size cameras.
I suggest you take a look at the following - Panasonic DMC-FH20, ZS-3, ZS-7; Nikon S-8000; Canon SX210. You will get a sturdier product, better pictures and lot more bang for the buck.

Almost, but not quite, perfect - db -
This is an overall very good camera that I would recommend, but it still has a few issues. First, it has some shutter lag, just like many of its competitors. Second, my older Canon SD 1100is seemed to take better still shots. The fact that this newer camera takes HD video makes it a good buy (the SD 1100is did not take HD video but it did take very good DVD quality video). Portability and build quality are good. Canon's are a bit more expensive than competitors but I've been mostly pleased with mine and would buy it again.


Jul 18, 2010 00:21:06

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Samsung TL210 DualView 12.2 MP Digital Camera with 5X Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD Screen and 1.5-Inch Front Screen (Red)

Samsung TL210 DualView 12.2 MP Digital Camera with 5X Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD Screen and 1.5-Inch Front Screen (Red) Review


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I got this camera for my teanage daughter and she just can't stop using it. Her friends keep snapping pictures after pictures and if it survived graduation, prom and camp it will survive at home too. she loves the fact that she can see the image before she takes it and she goes to concerts so with some stars there is no second take. Nice camera with sharp photos and lots of fun

Samsung TL210 DualView 12.2 MP Digital Camera with 5X Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD Screen and 1.5-Inch Front Screen (Red) Feature

  • Using a 1.5" Front LCD, users can see their self portrait before they take it.
  • The TL210 compliments your style while the innovative Tilt-back body makes it easier than ever to take self portraits without the use of a tripod.
  • Turn any moment into a perfect memory. And a professional-looking photo.
  • The TL210's 27mm wide angle 5x Optical Zoom lens gives you a wider field of view.
  • The TL210 is like having a compact HD video camera that also takes professional-grade photos.
Whether you're taking a self-portrait in your living room or posing with friends on vacation, the new TL210 gets it right every time. Its dynamic Dual Display feature lets you see the shot on the 3.0" 230k TFT LCD and 1.5" Front LCD before taking it, so you can smile for the camera and be the photographer at the same time. The TL210 can even automatically frame and take the shot for you, capturing the moment perfectly. And say goodbye to tripods; its Tilt-back body was also designed with taking the ultimate self-portrait in mind. Factor in its Smart Auto 2.0 feature that uses scene recognition to make sure you get the photo you're imagining, and you have a surefire memory maker in your hands.


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Customer Reviews


breakable - Jordanc -
We bought this camera and the same day, for some reason it stopped recording onto the memory card. we called and samsung couldn't figure out why and wouldn't replace it for us. Luckily, we bought it at Costco and they did let us return it. we replaced it with another that was exactly the same. The first day we used that one, we accidentally dropped it, just like everyone does at some point. not a terrible drop, and not on a super hard surface. It never took another picture. this camera is just way too breakable


Jul 16, 2010 17:03:05

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router

Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router Review


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This is a great router it is easy to set-up and I love that it is more sleek looking than the older routers but I had a little issue for the price. I work in electronics retail and I know that the Linksys's new N routers start at about 59.99 and go on sale for 49.99. I feel that price is still relatively close to this router for just 44.99 for a G. I went ahead and got this one anyway because I had some Amazon.com credit to use. I live in a small apartment so the reception is great all around it, I haven't tried it farther away. Overall a simple good router.

Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router Feature

  • All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
  • Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
  • Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
  • High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall
The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there`s the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network. There`s also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly, or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.


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Customer Reviews

Good Router - SWS -
I've had this router for over a year and it has never failed me. This is a good router for an apartment or small house. The only problem is that the range is not the greatest, if im outside about 50 feet or so from the router i get a very weak signal, though i hardly ever am that far away from the router. Overall good router.

difficult setup -- after that it works great - Dimitri Vishnepolsky - nyc
the bad:
Awful installer CD. It runs slow (10 minutes), is very inefficient and crashed causing me to do system restore on my computer. The router will not work unless the installer is run from the CD. I wound up resetting the router, and running the setup manually without the CD.

the good:
Router doesn't need to be reset. Signal strength is excellent inside the apartment and outside. The data transfer rate is great.


Jul 14, 2010 11:27:05

Monday, July 12, 2010

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red) Review


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I had a Konica Minolta Dimage X60 for the longest time and wanted a replacement now, my old camera was 5 years old and became slower and slower.

I tried 3 other cameras (Samsung, Nikon and Olympus) but had to send them back.... but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 (I didn't want the FP-3, I don't like touchscreens) is beyond my expectations.

The battery life is outstanding, I love that you don't have the lens coming out while zooming (was used to the inside lens from the Konica), the colors are really natural, the screen is crystal clear, the operation is so easy, the camera is very light and compact.... what else can I say :)
I'm finally satisfied!!!!

Oh there is one small con.... the camera takes HD videos (my old camera only took VGA) but you have to zoom in or focus before you start recording... after you hit the recording button you can't zoom in anymore. However the quality of the video is awesome!!

4 stars from me... I'm really happy... if I could zoom in while taking a video I would give the camera 5 stars. However I did some research and not many cameras can zoom in while taking HD videos, so all good ;)

Battery life and picture quality is what matters most to me!!!





Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Red) Feature

  • Optical Zoom 4x; Extra Optical Zoom 4.9x (4 - 3 / 8M), 6.3x (4 - 3 / 5M), 7.8x
  • Optical Image Stabilizer-2 MEGA O.I.S. (Off / Auto / Mode1 / Mode2) Photo and Movie modes
  • Focus Range Display / AF Metering / Focus - Normal / Macro, Zoom Macro, Quick AF (Always On) / AF Assist Lamp
  • ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)
  • White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform
Panasonic DMC-FP1 Digital Camera Features

Futuristic, Flat Design with Folded Optics Technology The flat body and compact size of the DMC- FP1 allow it to fit nicely into a small handbag. Built of high-quality aluminum, the DMC- FP1 also brings a wide range of colors to the series. Choose from 8 colors. The new lens cover both protects the lens from scratches or dusts and serves as the camera's power switch, making it fast and easy to slip the camera out of a pocket or a bag and turn on the power.

A Colorful, New, 12. 1 Megapixel, Ultra-slim Compact Camera with 4x Optical Zoom and iA Mode
Futuristic, Flat Design with Folded Optics Technology The flat body and compact size of the DMC- FP1 allow it to fit nicely into a small handbag. Built of high-quality aluminum, the DMC- FP1 also brings a wide range of colors to the series. Choose from 8 colors. The new lens cover both protects the lens from scratches or dusts and serves as the camera's power switch, making it fast and easy to slip the camera out of a pocket or a bag and turn on the power.

4x Optical Zoom / Up to 7.8x Extra Optical Zoom
The DMC-FP1 has a 4x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 35-140mm) and 7.8x Extra Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 273mm).

Sonic Speed AF
The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-FP1 has a maximum speed of approx. 0.33 second for auto focusing*. It includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance. You can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you're shooting sports scenes. * Using the 1-area AF, at the wide-end.

HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format)
The DMC-FP1 can record motion images in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format). The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light


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Customer Reviews

This camera is pink! - James Grant -
This is not a review of the functionality of the camera itself, as I didn't even turn it on. When I opened the box I quickly realized that it's on the pink side and not a deep red as the photo appears. If you are a man looking for a red camera, steer clear from this one, it's for the ladies.



Jul 13, 2010 08:36:10

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) Review


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1. This is really a credit card size camera...very very small. very easy to fit into any pocket. Sometime I feel it is too small to hold it. very easy to get the flash light blocked by finger.
2. Picture quality just all right. Again it depends what you are comparing too. For point and short, I think it does decent job especially out door. Focus does take some time (this is not a SLR, so do not expect that type of speed). Also I realized some picture around the edge/corner of the picture, objects looks weird (not straight)
3. Great video quality, I put it on the HDTV, results are better than I expected. It is not really HD show, but very clear. both out door and indoor.
4. I need to use some kind of software to convert the video to the format that a Windows PC or a DVD player can read. that is a down side. So if you do not own a MAC or you are not very good at computer, this might be some issue for you
5. Video takes lots of disk space on the memory card.

Overall I like it, most because it is so small to carry (i am little sick carrying the SLR and my 2 years old daughter). Also great HD movie function, it is better quality than my hard driver Panasonic camcorder.

Canon PowerShot SD940IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) Feature

  • 12.1-megapixel resolution; 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Capture 720p HD movies; HDMI output connector for easy playback on your HDTV
  • Crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle
  • Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
-12.1 megapixels-720p high-definition movie shooting capability plus HDMI(TM) output connector- 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom & optical image stabilization- 2.7 PureColor System LCD-Improved smart auto mode intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations-Easy to use with built in hints & tips-Black


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Customer Reviews


Canon Powershot - P Daddy -
I would recommend this camera to anyone who is considering a purchase. I did enjoy the savings I made thru the Amazon/Chase card. Thank You.


Jul 12, 2010 06:36:16