Canon Powershot SX1 and SX200 Digital Camera Review

The photography industry is ramping up for the year's biggest event. It is the annual PMA (Photography Manufacturers' Association) trade show in Las Vegas. If I could pick a vacation spot next month as an amateur photographer, it would be PMA. This year, Canon has announced two new entries in the mid-level compact camera market. Actually, there are many new products by Canon and others, but this article will deal with two. The Powershot SX1 IS and Powershot SX200 IS are packed with improvements and new features that will make photographers at all levels, from rank amateurs to professionals, take a long look.

The Canon Powershot SX1 IS is an upgrade of the SX10, and it has actually already hit the camera market, but it has not yet been offered in the US. In spite of being an upgrade, it is a prosumer model with features like none before it. It is the first non-DSLR to have the CMOS sensor that is included in the DSLR professional models. The ISO range of the SX1 goes from 80 to 1600 with only slight image deterioration at the high end. Here are some of the other specs:

• 10 megapixels


• Variable position 2.7" LCD


• 20x Optical Zoom (28mm to 560mm)


• Hotshoe (for external flash)


• DIGIC 4 processor


• 1080p HD video records at 30fps


• Suggested Retail Price $599

Video recording on this camera is as good as a dedicated video camera. It can be played back on a HD television with great clarity. For the amateur photographer who is looking for a professional look, with video capabilities, but does not want the hassel of carrying equipment and switching lenses, this may be the one for you. It could also be the "carry everywhere" camera for professionals. The second of the two SX models offered in March is the Canon Powershot SX200 IS. This is a truly compact camera with amazing power and flexibility. It will capture close-up at 28mm and zoom to 12x (336mm). It is sleek and good-looking, coming in 3 designer colors, black, blue, and cranberry. This new digital camera has an array of controls and options to give the user as much or as little control over the outcome as desired. Some of the notable specs are:

• 12.1 megapixels


• 12x Zoom (28-336 mm equivalent)


• Digic 4 processor


• Optical image stabilization to reduce camera blur


• 720p HD video


• ISO up to 3200


• 3" LCD


• Suggested Retail Price $349

The Canon Powershot SX200 IS is a little package with a powerful punch. It is a great camera for outings or vactions. It can be carried anywhere because it is a true compact, yet has the capablility to take large enough pictures to easily print at 8 x10 and much larger. It will capture HD video as good as a dedicated camcorder. It will most undoubtedly put Canon at the top of their game once again.

I am an amateur photographer, specializing in things of nature. My website is http://www.thewayeyeseeit.net. I have a passion for Canon equipment, and I recently did a similar review at http://www.squidoo.com/canon-powershot-sx200-is. Please check out that review for some added video links about the new Canon Powershots.

HTC EVO 4G Phone Review and Specs

With an ever growing market for android phones, the hype that surrounds the HTC EVO 4G is of the same type that surrounded Google's Nexus One back in January. With the resolution of a 4.3 inch screen, an 8 megapixel camera, 720p video camera, 4G WiMax and even a kickstand, it's no wonder that this phone is the topic of so much talk. However, whether you will like this phone or not depends on your own specific taste.

One of the first things that will hit you about EVO is that it's huge and you will either love the feel of this gigantic phone in your hand or you will find it awkward and annoying to be lugging around such a huge device. But the weight and size are not just for show. The phone is sturdy and can withstand a fall or five, so for the clumsier amongst us, this could be an invaluable feature.

Even if you don't care for big and heavy phones, another thing which makes the EVO worth considering is that it runs on Sprint's 4G WiMax network, connecting you to the web with an incredible speed. The phone's 8 megapixel camera is able to shoot a 720p video, so it takes care of HD on its own. The pictures turn out beautiful in daylight (as should be expected from an 8 megapixel camera); however, the quality of the photos at nighttime is questionable.

The screen, although massive, is beautiful and the 400x800 resolution makes everything look sharp. The EVO uses a TFT screen rather than OLED one (which Nexus uses). The former makes the screen easy to see at all times, while you could barely see the screen with the latter in sunlight. One of the extreme downsides of this phone, however, is its battery life. The maximum amount of time that the battery of this phone lasts is about 4 hours, so for those who move around a lot, you might want to keep your charger handy.

Another thing that may put some people off is the price. You need a fat wallet to commit to this phone. Besides the upfront costs, the phone's maintenance costs and the price for buying other features may drive some people up the wall.

In the end, however, whether you like or hate this phone will depend largely on your own taste. If you want a big and brawny phone with a plethora of specs then this is for you. If, however, big phones aren't your thing and you prefer something simpler and cheaper, you might want to consider checking out something else.

Dave has been writing articles for about 6 years now. Not only does the author specialize in tech, Sony and gadgets, you can also check out his latest website on forum skins which reviews and lists the vBulletin skins for web development.

4 Channel Wired Usb DVR Complete System Review - Protection From All Directions

You've come across several surveillance systems and the one that hit your sweet spot is a 4-Channel Wired USB DVR Complete System. But the question is, do you really need it?

Components

Let's start basing your needs on the different components of a 4-Channel Wired USB DVR complete system.

USB Stand-Alone 4-Channel DVR

DVRs are always the better option compared to VCR receivers. With VCR, your videos are sure to have poor image and audio quality. Moreover, a VCR can't work with multiple cameras at the same time. You will have to switch from one real-time video to another.

The four-channel bit is just as easy to decide on. This means the system can only work with four channels and no more than that. If you have more than four cameras installed in your home or office then you might need an 8 or 16-channel system instead.

Finally, we get to the "USB stand-alone" function of the DVR. This means that you'll only have to plug the device via its USB for the DVR to work. It's as easy as that.

Day/Night, Color, Wired Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are small in size, which makes it easy for you to create hard-to-reach hiding places for them. This is a must if you don't want thieves or vandals to destroy them right after they break inside your property.

Wired systems basically mean that you'll have to connect the wires to other devices in the system to make sure they're all interoperable. Wired systems are more physically taxing in terms of installation, but at least you won't have to figure out network configurations for them.

Finally, we get to its image recording options. Its day-night capabilities enable the cameras to automatically detect light levels and adjust accordingly. During the day, your camera would record footages in full color. When day turns into night, the camera will then switch to infrared lighting and shoot in black-and-white mode instead.

100-Foot Cables

Complete systems must include the necessary cables. But if 100 feet is not enough to have everything connected, you'll have to purchase extra.

LCD Monitor

A DVR surveillance system cannot be complete without its own LCD monitor. The size varies, however, depending on the system specifications of your provider. If possible, avoid using CRT monitors with your system because they not only consume more power but their rendition of image is also less accurate.

Other optional components for your 4-channel Wired USB DVR system would be a mouse and remote control unit.

Find out if the costs of 4 channel wired USB DVR system are sufficient for the safety of your home or office. If you are interested, visit HiddenPinholeCameras.com.

Sony Idou Review - 12 Megapixel Sony Ericsson Idou Phone

The 12-megapixel-resolution camera phone, Sony Ericsson Idou, became an instant hit at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress. "Idou" in Japanese means change, indicating the phone will come with a plethora of changes. Idou is just a temporary codename for the model. It shall operate on 5th edition of software platform of S60, which is a path breaker for Sony. The Sony Ericsson Idou comes with a lot of interesting features, some which have been noted below:

Camera:

As mentioned before, its camera is of 12-megapixel resolution. This camera comes with a host of features that one can look forward to like a Xenon flash for photography, auto focus, LED flash useful in recording videos, face detection, geo-tagging and Smile Shutter technique. The Smile shutter concept is interesting because it captures the image only when the individual smiles. The handset allows touch focus, so the user can just touch a region to focus. It also provides auto-rotation.

Trendy features:

Sony Ericsson Idou has the features of other up-market sets like Bluetooth, HSDPA, A-GPS, Wi-Fi that is DLNA-certified, USB 2.0 connectivity, an accelerometer (motion sensor), and microSD memory card slot. It also comes with touch screen display of 3.5 inches having an amazing 360x640 pixels resolution. All these features only make a mobile phone enthusiast's heart beat accelerate.

Symbian OS:

Sony Ericsson Idou uses Symbian OS. Despite the fact that the Idou uses S60, it should be noted that the user interface is actually quite dissimilar from S60 UI of Nokia or Samsung's TouchWiz UI.

External features:

Idou measurements of 111 x 54 x 15mm are comparable to Nokia 5800 with 111 x 51.7 x 15.5mm measurement. This mobile phone is bulky especially when compared to a Nokia 5800. When compared to Sony Ericsson's own XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson Idou comes across as larger. But to incorporate the high-resolution camera, the bulk is a small thing.

It looks sleek with the software that blends black and transparent plus transition in between. The three colors seen below the display are comparable to Nokia 5800.

Idou has options that will offer you the option of making video calls. You'll also get to access an ear speaker and helpful technology like light sensor. The ambience light sensor is noteworthy because it helps to control the amount of brightness in the display plus also the keyboard depending on the surrounding light.

The power button and the loudspeaker button are located at the upper half of this handset. The fast port and lock switch along with microSD memory card slot is placed on the left of this phone. It is a wonderful relief that this memory card cannot be accidentally broken. It can also be opened easily. Camera buttons such as playback button and volume or zoom rocker, image/video alternator, the shutter button are located at the right side of this handset.

The user-friendly phone combining good looks and effective UI holds a lot potential for prospective users. So, if you are in search of a new handset, the Idou can be a nice option for you.

Bolstering the manufacturers portfolio is the new Sony Ericsson C903 Cybershot phone released alongside the Sony Ericsson Idou, for further information please see our website - Phones Limited.