The Nikon D3000 is an entry-level DSLR, but don’t let the term fool you. When you place the label “Entry Level” on a camera, it might call to mind a camera with no frills, limited uses, and little more to offer than an automatic shooting experience.
This has been disproved by the latest crop of cameras released in the past two years, and the D3000 continues to set the bar high for an entry-level camera.
This new generation of point-and-shoots and entry-level DSLRs not only push the boundary of low-light performance and mega resolutions, they give that power to a whole new audience of beginning photographers.
Not only do DSLRs offer you manual control over shooting, they give you the advantage of using different kinds of lenses. It’s important to remember when buying a DSLR that you’re also buying into a system of lenses, not just a camera. The power of having a DSLR is that you can place any of your old lenses onto a new camera body in the future.
Enter the Nikon D3000, a new entry-level DSLR with a 10.2 megapixel DX-format CCD APS-C image sensor, 11-point Autofocus system with 3D tracking (which comes on the higher-end D5000 and D90), Active D-Lighting and an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens for $599.
The Nikon D3000 feels and looks exactly like the other DSLRs from Nikon, and is only different from the D90 and D5000, both higher-end models, by a few tenths of an inch. The D3000 measures 5.0×3.8×2.6 inches while the D90 is 5.2×4.1×3.0 inches, though the D3000 weighs a bit less at 1 lb 1 oz, making the Nikon entry-level to prosumer DSLR models almost identical in shape and size as well as overall appearance.
First time DSLR users will enjoy the Guide Mode. It literally walked us through different shoot scenarios via the fixed 3″ LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to move from the operating booklet in no time.
The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX and AF-S lens.
Nikon makes it really simple with a thumb dial for tweaking aperture and shutter speed. Metering, focus modes, and exposure compensation are easily controlled via the menu. The D3000 does not shoot in video mode. This model easily shoots over three frames per second in continuous mode. The 3D tracking sensor operates quite well in low lighting.
The Canon S90IS employs a newly developed, 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System by combining a powerful CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the S90 is dramatically more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts, and delivers spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the PowerShot S90 delivers with a new maximum setting of ISO 3,200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.
In addition, a new Low Light mode lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions.
The Canon S90IS automatically adjusts the ISO speed from ISO 320 to ISO 12,800 in relation to ambient brightness, subject movement and camera shake.
The Canon S90IS’s tag price is somehow more than most point-and-shoots cost in this day and age.
But the amount of picture power this literally slips into your pocket is almost unbelievable: Outstanding low-light performance for a camera this size; a speedy lens; full control rings, plural; and yep, RAW.
It’s the soul of what makes the $500 behemoth G11 great, packaged in a true point-and-shoot.
You lose some power and some pro tools, like the swivel screen, a (shitty) viewfinder, faster burst shooting, hot shoe, some zoom and a custom mode or two, but you’re also shedding a ton of bulk, meaning you’ll actually take it everywhere.
And the best camera’s always the one you have with you - for me, that’s this camera, which just happens to be an excellent one all by itself.
Tired of all the remote controls cluttering up your coffee table? Logitech wants to control your entire entertainment center with its Logitech Harmony 890
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Lets face it, there’s a downside to the consumer electronics revolution. A proliferation of black or silver boxes that live under the omnipresent TVs bring with them a multitude of separate remote controls; one to change the volume of the stereo, one to turn on the TV, one to control the DVD player, another for the TiVo; the list goes on.
The Logitech Harmony 890 puts you in control of your entire audio-video system with just one button. It’s home entertainment the way it should be–simple.
Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Logitech Harmony 890 helps you tame tough configurations like switching your television between video aspect ratios depending on the program source. The interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16:9 ratio for movies and HDTV, or a standard 4:3 ratio for basic television programming.
The new remote control models from Logitech’s Harmony line. Their newest consumer remote, the Logitech Harmony 890, departs from the norm and adds a 128×160 pixel full color LCD display and docking cradle to recharge the included Lithium-ion battery. The entire remote has been completely remodeled by Logitech’s design team. This model is the culmination of the company’s influence and experience being put to the test in an effort to improve upon the past Harmony designs and ergonomics.
The remote’s LCD screen goes to sleep automatically, but is awakened “automagically” when the remote is picked up or when the GLOW button is pressed. The contrast is a bit high on the display, and it cannot be adjusted, but all text appeared to be reasonably easy to read. The Volume, Channel and Navigational buttons are quite easy to reach with the thumb and are very well laid out. Selecting from the eight activities or user controls via the LCD screen’s side buttons is also very easy to do,
The baseline?
Simply press an Activity button, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up each of the devices required for that activity. Sleek docking station that remote fully charged Programmable with Windows PC or Macintosh computer / USB Cable included 53 top-mounted hard buttons and 8 on-screen activity buttons 2 MB non-volatile flash memory.
Yes, that’s right, the Logitech Harmony 890 comes with programming software for both Windows and Mac OS X!
The PSP Pack Limited Edition Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines Entertainment Pack brings together the latest hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable (PSP), with action, adventure, ancient intrigue and overall digital entertainment like you never thought possible. The Bundle includes a “Pearl White” PSP-3000 system, a copy of Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines in UMD format, a 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, an “Angels & Demons” PlayStation Store downloadable movie voucher* and a Sony Music Voucher for 10 downloadable songs.
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines played a PSP-3000. Both included in the PlayStation Portable 3000 Limited Edition Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines Entertainment PSP Pack
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines on PSP is the first Assassin’s Creed game on the PSP. It follows the story of Altair right after the events of Assassin’s Creed as Altair tracks down the last Templars who fled the Holy Land and retreated to the Island of Cyprus. The world of the assassin is one cloaked in shadow and steeped in danger. Ensnared in a web of revenge and conspiracy, the assassin embraces power at its most elemental, acting as the dividing line between life and death. As an assassin confronted by perilous new challenges and difficult choices, what path will you choose?
Bloodlines Features Integrated with Those of Assassin’s Creed II
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines contains several bonus features integrated with the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin’s Creed II through a USB link between the two systems. Players who own both games can collect “Templar Coins” in Bloodlines and exchange them for Assassin’s Creed II currency, as well as collect weapons from defeated targets and play with those same weapons in Assassin’s Creed II. Through that same USB connectivity, blade and health upgrades found in Assassin’s Creed II can be transferred to Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, making for the ultimate Assassin’s Creed gaming experience on both platforms.
2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo
With 2GB of memory, the compact Memory Stick PRO Duo allows you to save your PlayStation Network downloads, as well as store your videos, photos, music and more.
The PSP Pack comes for US $ 199, if you dare to face Altair’s dangers!
The Fujifilm FinePix Z30 is a very compact, fairly inexpensive, 10-megapixel point-and-shoot that’s loaded with automatic controls, playback effects, continuous shooting features, and numerous self-timer modes. It also has a 3x optical zoom and a fairly unique style that should generate significant buzz.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z30 packs a 10-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom into a very tiny body.
The camera is available in pink, purple, orange, black, and white and should be available soon for around $180. On the floor at PMA we spent most of our time with the orange model, as shown throughout this review.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z30 isa true stylish device and its design makes it an exciting, fashionable piece of technology.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z30 tag price as appealing as well: US $ 79.99 (and that’s 47% off its regular price!!!)
Great gift often come in small packages… and in HD too!
The Flip UltraHD Camcorder combines Flip Video’s signature shoot-and-share simplicity with the power of vivid, vibrant HD video. UltraHD could not be easier to use: just power on and press record, and you’ll be capturing high-quality HD video in seconds.
The Flip UltraHD features 120 minutes of record time and an included rechargeable battery pack, so you’ll never miss another minute of video again. And because it’s ultra-portable, UltraHD lets you capture spontaneous video anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon in the park; a family vacation; or simply an unplanned, everyday event, your UltraHD will be charged and ready to go. So you never have to say, “You should have been there.â€
Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory;
high-quality video for its class;
Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries
Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV
Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files
snappy flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
The bottom line?
The Flip UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a truly respectable feature set and some of the best video we’ve seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.
Priced at less than $150.00, the Flip UltraHD is available right now.
Price conscious? Looking for an even cheaper deal? Meet the Flip Mino!
The super-simple, super-portable Flip Mino makes it easy to capture and share high-quality video anywhere and everywhere. Mino weighs only 3.3 ounces and features a sleek, pocket-sized design, allowing you to take it with you everywhere you go. Flip Mino also boasts a rechargeable battery that powers up automatically while plugged into your computer. And while Mino is 40 percent smaller than its already-pocket-sized brother, the Flip Ultra, it’s got all the Flip Video features–simple user interface, one-touch recording, flip-out USB arm, built-in editing and sharing software, instant uploads to YouTube and MySpace–that folks have come to know and love.
While small in size, Flip Mino produces video that is unbelievably high in quality. Its 2 GB of on-board flash memory records up to 60 minutes of full-VGA-quality video that looks sharp when played back on your laptop or television (TV cable included). The built-in microphone captures crisp, detailed audio, whether you’re paddling down the Amazon or rockin’ out at your favorite club. When it’s time to edit or share videos from your latest excursion, flip out the USB arm and connect to any Mac or PC to launch the built-in FlipShare software.
Philips HN 110 Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones is the ideal travel headphone, and we love noise cancelling technology on the move!
It features smart noise canceling technology that enhances the pleasure of listening to low volume levels in noisy environments such as jet engine noise (or just nasty neighbours), so you can enjoy soft music on flights, or in trains and similar places.
The ear cushions are specifically designed to prevent audio leakage and enhance bass performance too.
The construction material used is Neodymium, which offers a strong magnetic field for crisp sensitivity in a voice coil, enhanced bass response and high overall sound quality.
With acoustically tuned design, this full-size headphone covers your whole ear, and even folds up for compact storage in the soft pouch supplied.
Philips HN 110 is now a real bargain priced at US $ 28.52 (that’s a whopping 59% off regular price!)
The BackFlip is really simple, and simply a delight. The BackFlip is an iPhone case that serves the same purpose as the most popular rubber iPhone cases which have literally sold tens of millions of units. It has the same shock-absorbing qualities as rubber cases, as well as the sticky, non-slip performance so that phone doesn’t move when you put it down. However, the BackFlip goes way beyond the basic rubber case in that with the simplest yet ingenuous feature: it has a well-designed pop-out stand on its back.
With the stand, you can easily prop up the iPhone vertically or horizontally, making it easy to view videos, pictures, web pages or emails without needing to hold the iPhone. I view all sorts of content on my iPhone all the time, and always get tired of holding the phone. So I either end up laying it down flat – requiring me to tilt my head to see it properly – or having to MacGyver together some odds and ends to prop the phone up so I can view the content. With the BackFlip, you simply flip the stand out and voila, the phone is propped up instantly for viewing.
The BackFlip’s price won’t even set you back: it’s just US $ 29.95 !!!
The Samsung 12.2 Megapixel Dual LCD Digital Camera with a 1.5″ front LCD screen, a revolutionary feature in the industry, lets you take part in capturing the moment like never before. The Samsung Dual LCD Digital Camera lets you see every scene in a completely new and exciting way.
Just use the front LCD screen, and set up the perfect shot with you in it, time after time.
A host of top-ranked features and technologies, from the lens to the user interface, turns this camera into a true must-have.
And the small, handheld size makes it easy to take it with you everywhere you go.
The Schneider lens optics with 4.6x Zoom lets you get up close on almost any subject 27mm Wide Angle lens captures even more of the moment Countdown timer
- Use it to coordinate any shot perfectly Child mode
- Keep small children’s attention, with a built-in animation Front and Back LCD Screens
- Get out from behind the camera and get in the shot Perfectly framing yourself is quick and easy Never miss being in a once-in-a-lifetime moment Rear Touch Screen LCD
- Scroll quickly through all menus Easily access your photo library Haptic vibration response registers your choices Gesture UI is a revolutionary new way to view and sort through menus and options Smart Auto
- Automatically senses picture conditions, and adjusts for the perfect shot Optimizes shot regardless of poor lighting 14 different preset modes, for a variety of settings Parameters can also be bypassed for manual control
About features…
Samsung Dualview Camera provide the easiest way to take the perfect self-portrait every time with Dual LCDs. On the front of the cameras is a 1.5″ LCD that shows you what the picture will look like, so you can now be a subject of the picture, as well as the photographer. Key features of the Dual LCDs include:
When the camera is turned on, activate the front LCD by tapping the screen. It will automatically be set in Self-Portrait mode, ensuring that the user will always be framed exactly the way they want. You can also turn on the front LCD with a simple selection through the intuitive interface. When in Self-Portrait mode, the camera will also engage its smile detection technology, automatically taking a photo when it recognizes a smile.
In Child Mode, the front LCD plays a fun animation to capture a child’s attention while taking their photo.
Shutter Info ensures you take a photo of your subject while they’re smiling. When using Shutter Info, the front LCD will display a “smiley face” when the photographer has the shutter button pushed halfway down, giving the subject a signal that you’re ready to take the photo.
Function Info helps you keep track of what flash and macro value you’re currently using, as the front LCD provides a visual readout of key camera settings.
When taking a group photo using the Self-Timer, the front LCD will show a preview of the shot as well as a visual countdown timer so that everyone knows exactly when the photo will be snapped.
Smart Gesture User Interface (UI)
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the Samsung Camera lead the way. Take for example the cameras’ innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in Gravity sensor, which lets you quickly access and use key features with either a simple tilt or a hand gesture. To turn on the front LCD, simply tap the screen to activate the display automatically and immediately.
Using other advanced features is just as simple. With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using the Smart Gesture UI by marking an “X” on the screen using your finger, or you can simply save your favorite photos into a separate folder. Additionally, if you want to rotate an image, you can draw a circle (O) on the screen, and if you want to see the next image in your library you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.
3.5″ Wide Touch-Screen Back LCD
With 1,152K resolution, the 3.5″ wide touch-screen LCD located on the back of the TL225 offers some of the sharpest images of any camera available today, delivering almost four times more resolution than traditional displays. Unlike other digital cameras, the LCD touch-screen uses Samsung’s unique haptic technology, providing users with a slight vibration and audible beep whenever they select an option within the touch-screen display.
12.2 Mega-Pixel CCD, 27mm Wide-Angle Lens with 4.6x Optical Zoom
Samsung DualView Cameras come fully equipped with a true color-filtered 12.2 mega-pixel CCD and boast a powerful 4.6x optical zoom, providing sharp and detailed images. Whether you’re indoors or out, shooting a landscape or friends around a table, the 27mm-wide angle lens plus 4.6x optical zoom gives you a wider shooting range from a shorter distance, delivering greater flexibility than traditional 35mm lenses. Capture images of beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties, and skyscrapers without having to back up to get the shot. The precisely cut, high-quality 27mm optical lens from Schneider-KREUZNACH delivers clear, clean images with balanced resolution from the center to the edges. Each lens surface is multi-coated to minimize ghosting or flaring for a great shot every time.
The Samsung Camera is available now for US $254.97 (that’s 15% off regular price!)
We have seen the EyeClops Night Vision Goggles before and they were one of the coolest tech toys last holiday season. A new EyeClops product has been announced that is called the EyeClops Mini Projector.
The projector allows movies, games and more to be projected onto a screen or wall to be viewed.
The EyeClops Mini Projector is pocketsize and lightweight for portability. LED backlighting is bright enough to project games and other sources up to 70-inches in size from any multimedia device from Blu-ray players to game consoles.
Speakers are built-in to the device for sound and it can run for up to ten hours on standard D cell batteries or indefinitely with an included AC adapter.
Get the EyeClops Mini Projector now: tag price is $54.97 (you’re super saving: $45.02 - 45% less!)
James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game allows you to step inside the world of the feature film and go deep into the heart of Pandora and its people. Choose to fight for either RDA or the Na’vi, arming yourself with any of dozens of customizable weapons and a variety of clan-specific skills. Acquire new skills as you advance through the game, giving your all in the epic battle for a planet and a people.
Become immersed in the world of the Avatar feature film, viewing James Cameron’s universe from your own perspective
Take your stand in a raging conflict, fighting either for the indigenous Na’vi or the resource-hunting RDA Corporation
Arm yourself with any of more than 60 total RDA and Na’vi weapons, customizing them for your own use
Prepare yourself for battle by choosing any of 20 skills for each clan
Design your own character and acquire new skills as you make your way through the game
Participate fully in the conflict, even driving all the vehicles and riding the animals
Based on James Cameron’s film, the game takes you deep into the heart of Pandora, an alien planet that is beyond imagination. Gamers encounter the Na’vi, Pandora’s indigenous people and discover creatures and other wildlife the likes of which have never been seen in the world of video games before. When conflict erupts between the RDA Corporation, a space-faring consortium in search of valuable resources, and the Na’vi, players find themselves thrust into a fight for the heart of a planet and the fate of a civilization.
Get now Avatar for US $36.99 (You Save: $3.00 - that’s 8% off)!
Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers solutions offer unlimited installation options for today’s consumer seeking high quality sound virtually anywhere. The beauty of this amazing technology is all of the 900MHZ wireless speaker options/products run on the same transmitter and frequency allowing you to add as many speakers as required for you unique installation. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard offering endless installation options.
Listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wire! These high-quality, weather-resistant speakers can even be used in wet areas. Powered by 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong within a range of up to 150 feet with no line of sight limitations. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard truly offering endless installation options.
Expansion is Easy
The system transmitter supports all types audio inputs including RCA inputs for home theatre receivers, MP3 players, computers and iPods. Audio Unlimited’s wireless speaker system is the perfect solution for adding music around the pool/spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in your office, garage, in the garden, or out on the deck during those hot summer nights. With the optional add-on units (sold separately SPK-VELO2) you can spread the sound even further around your garden and they can all work off of the same original transmitter. These stylish portable speakers come with a remote, so you can fine tune without having to play with the unit itself. Have time for fun with your guests, not a bunch of buttons.
We do love streaming radios!
Besides using iTunes, WinAmp or a Shoutcast streaming server, we love all stand-alone devices that stream music from the tens-of-thousands internet radio stations out there.
There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, but internet radios give you such a great amount of choice, so here’s a couple of the best and latest internet radio devices right in time for Xmas shopping season!
The first-class choice: Logitech Squeezebox Radio
The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is a first class, excellent Internet radio with clock/alarm functions. With the Flickr app installed, it will display photos stored under user’s Flickr account. Other capabilities which are nice to have but not likely to be widely used include its ability to stream audio from a computer or double up as an iPod speaker.
With the rash of recent A/V components integrating the plethora of web related, streaming audio content into their feature set, Logitech has been streamlining their delivery of the same content in their Squeezebox series. The Squeezebox Radio is Logitech’s most recent release into this field. The compact form factor of the Squeezebox Radio is designed for an audience looking to bring their library of music into a smaller room. Additionally, the Squeezebox Radio is ideal for those who have a Wi-Fi network already established for streaming audio files.
The Logitech Squeezebox Radio comes packaged in a small box and wrapped in light plastic packaging. It also comes wrapped in a thin plastic film designed to keep smudges off the finish. The piano black, glossy finish (also available in red) is very susceptible to fingerprints and dust is very visible as well. The only two cords that come with the Squeezebox radio are the AC adaptor (which uses the new detachable plug design) and a 3.5mm cord for connecting other audio sources such as an iPod Touch or another form of audio player.
Squeezebox red version
The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is about 8.5 inches in length, 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. There is an indention in the rear of the unit to act as a handle if you plan to use the unit as a portable device. The rear of the unit also has the AC power connection port, an Ethernet cord port for a wired connection to your network and the audio-in port. The 3.5mm headphone port is on the right side of the unit.
The front of the unit is split in half, the left side being the built-in speaker (a 3-inch driver with a ¾ inch tweeter) and the right side containing all the buttons to navigate around your music collection. There are 6 preset buttons that surround the 2.4 inch color display. Simply holding down one of the buttons during your favorite streaming station OR audio file on your server will make that a quick way to get to that music.
The color screen is quite clear and I would equate the quality in image similar to my iPhone. It loads up track information, album covers and the Wi-Fi connection strength on the screen during playback. It will also auto-dim the screen after a period of non-use. Below the screen, you will find the standard music playback tools, volume controls and menu navigation buttons. The main menu navigation tool is a large dial just below the screen. This scroll wheel makes for quick navigation as well as item selection by pushing the dial into the unit.
Aluratek AIRMM01 brings the clock-radio into the 21st Century. It connects to your Wi-fi at home, and delivers almost any radio station you want from around the world.
Choose between more than 11,000 radio stations worldwide via built-in vTuner with no monthly cost!
The Aluratek AIRMM01 is compatible with universal Plug-n-Play audio servers such as: Microsoft Media Player 11 (WMP11), Microsoft Media Connect and MusicMatch Jukebox.
It features Wireless access - WIFI 802.11 b and g, Ethernet LAN port and USB 2.0 (host only) connectivity
You can access music files (MP3, WMA, WAV file formats) stored on a USB 2.0 flash drive, MP3 player or Hard drive through the unit’s USB port and has an alarm clock function with 2 programmable alarms wakes you up to internet radio, FM radio, digital music, or choice of several alarm tones.
It’s that simple and affordable too!
Get the Aluratek AIRMM01 now for US $ 89.99 (that’s 40% off regular price!)
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