Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts

11/01/2011

Contour Wearable Camcorder (Black) Review

Contour Wearable Camcorder
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Questions I often get~ Where have you been? You don't have one of these yet?
I know show me some footage you say! - You must check the site for some great videos people have made from just quick clips some with no editing at all to full on short movies. I recommend that because there is not enough room to describe how cool this wireless and very light camera is to use - but I'll try! I'm a customer not an employee... and "i am pc!"

Camera is so light and versatile I've used a basic piece of Velcro strapped to my cap visor during golf, stuck it to my bike frame, velcro'd to my motorcycle kickstand, strapped it to ski pole to check a wasp nest, and of course it serves great as a plain ol' helmet cam too.
Someone even stuck it to an RC Plane. Even on their dog for a dog cam view. yup! Set yourself free!! no wires means you will not have to worry about much except wiping out while catching your buddies on film.

With the flick of the glovable slider on/off switch and audible sounds and aiming lasers you are able to basically use it with your eyes closed or even place it where you can't see it during filming. Its got a supermic as well - it will pickup a pin dropping ;o) All which can be adjusted when you edit/censor your movies even add music.

The build quality is very durable and can take impact. Trust me ;o)and the adhesive with supplied mount is semi permanent you may have to use a crowbar to take it off but you do not have to worry even at well ~ unsafe speeds. Basically you can be creative on where you place this camera knowing it will film for over an hour+ of footage at a time. Battery life will last about 3gb or more of video on a good charge.

Package comes with microSD card but Sandisk premier 2gb card is best to use with this unit. This battery should be charged by separate charger which seems to super charge the battery, usb charge by a pc is not going to help you get out there filming quick enough. Specially, when you need 2 batteries for a full day of mtn.biking, or Snowboarding so you still have juice- after you warm up and stop wiping out. The packaged items that come with camera is a good starter kit with a mount, cam, sd card, battery - you have software(which VholdR updates with cool new features every so often) which assists you in producing your video to the VholdR.com site for sharing. Yes, they have a producer hub for you to share your videos.
Oh yah, the desktop software also supports_mac now. of course "I AM PC!"

My VholdR carry along always ready ALLDAY bag contains: 2 batteries and 3 2gb sd cards - since camera software does not yet support larger sd cards. Which really is not a problem because 2gb cards are cheap. Cabela's #2 scope cover for lens, extra stick on mount(never know where you might be)
Quality of video for this unit is not HD but captures quality STABLE videos when moving fast. At slow captures like walking or filming a party its just like any other camera. Some lighting issues may occur depending on where you are filming at high speed, i.e. Night time, shadow/bright light changes.
640x480 is still a fine size which uses less space on SDcard, it sure would be nice to be able to toggle resolution WHEN larger SDHC card support is there.

My VholdR has been thru rain, mud, dirt and has so far over 4months has been such an enjoyable experience i can easily recommend to others.
VholdR receives additional "way cool marks" for providing Desktop Software to help with managing movie uploads. Software updates and firmware updates prove they are not just a camera maker. Oh did i mention a cool site to share your movies for free?
Overall experience is that this is not just a camera - so two swollen thumbs and two purple toes up for this gem of a camera from me!
Ok enough typing... check for yourself get out there and shoot its almost snow season get your angles dialed. Where you been?
my best examples would be ~ thatsMOCKFOO on VholdR website btw, i have no idea who that nut is!
~ go get some videos people!VholdR Wearable Camcorder (Black)

My only negatives are,
* 2gb max microsd support(not a big deal) after cutting up videos i find smaller clips are easier to manage anyways.
* When the battery dies if you are still in ON mode - your video is not closed so the last video clip could be corrupt. So I changed my habit until that is figured out.
* Making shorter clips is easier to manage I've found. Just accept turning it off then on about an hour into video or gauge your battery life like a gas tank. You can check how much battery and sd card is left by pressing the button btw.
* Lighting changes from super dark shadows transition to super bright sections of trail may take a short while for focus depending on where camera is mounted. Not many cameras can handle this anyways.

These are minor negatives but prevent a 5 from me.
Still a super camera for a such a light wireless and reasonably priced for good action video camera that i won't mind thrashing a bit filming in the elements. This is a rugged camera which you can capture action in ways you may not with your bulky thousand dollar HD camera. Like strapping it to your snowboard or your motorcycle kickstand, or how about your mountain bike pedal? Escape from the paradigm of the helmet cam.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Contour Wearable Camcorder (Black)

Product Description:
Contour is a wearable, hands-free camcorder designed to shoot action video. Weighing just a few ounces, it is designed to attach to helmets, handlebars, vehicles, flat surface and more. Its brushed aluminum armor is rugged and withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. The Contour records up to 2-hours of TV quality audio and video to an internal MicroSD card. Its operation couldn't be simpler with a single on and off switch. Even when wearing gloves, the oversized magnetic button can be operated easily for one click recording. To view video, simply attach the Contour to any computer using the USB cable, and the Contour Desktop Software will appear. The software allows you to watch, tag, and easily share your videos online at VholdR.com. Features: Shoot to share online technology; One touch on and off switch; Laser activated smart leveling; Hardware-based processor for TV quality AUDIO and VIDEO; 640 x 480 resolution; Records up to 2-hours of video footage; Mounts to any surface; Rugged and withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow; Water and shock resistant; PC based Contour Desktop Software to help watch, tag, and share videos; Videos in both Mac and PC file types; VholdR.com - Is an online community for video sharing, networking and connecting with other like-minded sports enthusiasts, friends and family; Included: Contour, Software, Standard Mount, USB Cable, Battery, 1GB MicroSD Card, Quick Start Guide. Specifications: Weight: 4.8oz; Lens: Size: 3.6mm, 90° Viewing Angle; Audio: Waterproof Microphone; Video: Video size pixels (lines):640x480 (480 lines), Frame rate: 30fps, File Type: mpeg4, Video rate: 50min/GB, Avg. battery life: 2 hours; Camera: Sensor Type: CMOS, Quality: Minimum illumination: 0.04 Lux @f/1.2, High sensitivity for low-light operation; Inputs/Outputs/Controls: Media: 2 GB MicroSD Card, Battery: Removable lithium polymer; Output: Mini USB 2.0; Tech Support: 206.792.5223, Support@VholdR.com

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7/20/2011

Samsung SC-MX10 Flash Memory Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom (Silver) Review

Samsung SC-MX10 Flash Memory Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom
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I are very rarely moved to write reviews.This time I am prompted to do so because of a product that not only met, but exceeded my expectations.

My needs are simple:I film my kids' performances at school, I film birthday parties at home, I film some family stuff (not a lot) on vacation.I was looking for:
* No moving parts -- no tapes, no HDD, no DVD's memory-only.
* Long battery life
* Light weight
* Ease of use
* Good indoor/low light filming
* Good image stabilization
* Simple connection to to the computer via standard USB cable
* Simple DVD burning

I was NOT looking for:
* Professional (or even advanced) editing capabilities
* Professional quality video
* Digital camera capabilities (I already have an excellent digital camera, thank you)

This camcorder is extraordinarily light (.6 lbs!), has an excellent big screen, and is astoundingly easy to use.The first day I got it, I opened up the manual to figure out how to install the battery and memory card, but after that I haven't needed to crack the manual at all.I *love* the one-button battery level check features -- and yes, the battery time is a true 2-hours plus, as rated.

I do not have a lot of experience with different types of camcorders, but the video quality on this one far exceeds my newly retired 2 year old Hi8 model.After a lot of research, I bought this camera instead of an HD model because the current crop of HD camcorders seem to have a lot of issues with battery life, and also weigh twice as much as this one.

So at this price, I can certainly afford to let the manufacturers keep improving the HD models, and I'll happily use this for a year or so.

All told, a great camcorder that I've been very happy with.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung SC-MX10 Flash Memory Camcorder with 34x Optical Zoom (Silver)

Product Description:
SC-MX10 Memory Camcorder Color ; SILVER . It packs a 34x optical 1200x digital zoom and 680k pixel CCD with digital image stabilization for remarkably clear pictures viewed in the 2.7" LCD display. By offering a choice of shooting in 4:3 and 16:9 Samsung ensures the entire image is captured for playback on everything from older TVs to your newest wide-format HDTV screen.

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5/05/2011

Nikon EN 4 - Camera battery 1 x NiMH 2000 mAh Review

Nikon EN 4 - Camera battery 1 x NiMH 2000 mAh
Average Reviews:

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This is a Ni-MH battery. In other words, it has a limited lifespan, as opposed to lithium-ion rechargeable's, which don't.With general, moderate use the battery lasted me about just under 18 months.Progressively it lost it's ability to hold a charge, even after following therefresh guidelines closely.
if you're a professional or serious amateur (which you probably are if you're buying a D1) it would be more economical in the long-run, to go with a professional (external) power solution.Those can be found at any pro camera store, or online at places like Rob Galbraith's camera site, which you can find on any popular search engine like google.I think it's robgalbraith.com
The above mentioned site has a good review on external battery packs for professionals.
I'm disappointed with nikon's battery approach for their pro cameras, and can not help think that their solution could have been motivated by the fact that it helps their bottom line if everyone owning a nikon D1 made an annual payment of $100 bucks to nikon.that's basically what it comes down to, as these batteries only last about a year. So far i've only been able to find the original battery for sale from nikon.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon EN 4 - Camera battery 1 x NiMH 2000 mAh

Product Description:
The EN-4 Ni-MH Battery Pack is a rechargeable battery pack for use only with the Nikon D1 Digital Camera. It is recharged with the dedicated Quick Charger MH-16. Approximately 1000 frames can be taken per charge. The battery pack can be recharged approximately 500 times.

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4/15/2011

GoPro HD Motorsports HERO Camera Review

GoPro HD Motorsports HERO Camera
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I bought this HD camera to replace a VholdR Wearable Camcorder (Black) which didn't survive getting run over by my SUV. The Hero is a well constructed camera, very solid feeling with quality construction.

Pros: The camera has four modes - video (in several resolutions), still pictures, self-timer still pictures, and interval photos (pictures every few seconds). The lens gives a tremendously wide wild view which is nice for HD's 9:16. It will shoot 1080p, 960p 720p (at 30 and 60 frames per second), and 480 (at 60 frames per second) line resolutions. It uses standard SDHC memory cards and has an internal battery which recharges via a USB cable. The recorded audio is very good both inside and outside of the motor sports waterproof case that came with my kit. Video is relatively good, not as vivid as a dedicated camcorder but the resolution is good. My kit came with a variety of mounts and a suction cup mount for windows and car body use. The waterproof case comes with two backs, one that is watertight and one that is not for better audio when waterproof use isn't required. The kit comes with connectors for connecting the camera up to an HDTV monitor (component video) or a TV monitor (composite video). A neat feature in the menu is that you can flip both the video and still photos so you can shoot with the camera upside down without a problem.

Cons: The quick release mounts have a bit of wiggle to them. The back of the waterproof case can be difficult to lock closed. The menu system is a bit troublesome to use as there are only two buttons and three LCD characters to use. Once set you'll not have to go into the menu very often.

Future: There's a connector on the rear that GoPro plans on using for an external battery or a monitor. Neither are available at the time of this review but they are being worked on.

In use on the trail the mounts worked very well. I used the suction cup primarily to mount the camera to my windshield, bumper, side body panel, and side window. Across rugged rocky trails the camera held firm and the video came out very well. The simple interface was easy enough to use. One button to turn the camera on and select the mode and another to stop and start the recording.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GoPro HD Motorsports HERO Camera

Product Description:
Capture the very best of your moto, auto, or sled-neck shredding in full-HD video with the GoPro HD Motorsports HERO camera and its included mounting options and hardware. Play back the pro-quality, 1080p HD video on your computer and watch your recorded moto-madness unfold from the camera's point of view. And whether you decided to mount it on your helmet, handlebars, gas tank, or hand glider, the Motorsports HERO will reward your efforts with mind-blowing images of your exploits. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to 2.5 hours in record mode, and with a 32GB SD card (sold separately) you can store over four hours of 1080p HD video (over 8hr in 720p). Other recording options include a 60fps setting (960p, 720p, or WVGA) for amazing slow-motion shots and an ultra-wide-angle setting for 170-degree views, which will make huge freestyle jumps look even bigger. Included mounts allow you to outfit two helmets and three vehicles, and, with the suction-cup adapter, you can mount the camera to any flat spot you find.

Product Features

    Housing Material: Polycarbonate, stainless steel
    Frame rates: [30fps] 1080p, 960p, 720p; [60fps] 720p, WVGA
    Resolutions: [1080p] 1930 x 1080; [960p] 1280 x 960; [720p] 1280 x 720; [WVGA] 848 x 480
    Formats: [Video] H.264 compression (.mp4); [Audio] 48khz AAC
    Sensor: 1/2.5 HD CMOS (5 megapixel)
    Field of View: [1080p] 127 degrees; [WVGA, 720p, 960p] 170 degrees
    Mic type: Built-in, mono with AGC (auto gain control)
    Weight: [Cameraand Battery] 5.3oz (150g); [Camera, Battery, and Housing] 6.3oz (179g)
    Recommended Use: HD POV video for freestyle moto, auto racing, snowmobiling
    Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year


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1/29/2011

Brunton New Solo Battpack Battery Charger Review

Brunton New Solo Battpack Battery Charger
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I would have thought that it would charge more items. It would not charge a black berry curve or an iphone 3g. It does work well with my solar panel to charge the batteries or my ipod.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brunton New Solo Battpack Battery Charger

Product Description:
New Solo Battpack, similar to the Solor 3.4, but able to recharge 4 AA or AAA batteries, the Solo BattPack is ultra-versatile making it a must-have travel accessory for power hungry electronics. Customer Care at 1-800-443-4871 or www.brunton.com

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