Tag: Models

The All-new Honda Motocompo XL Bike – What’s Different?
by David Burgess on 0

The All-new Honda Motocompo XL Bike – What’s Different?

Honda’s new Motocompo XL bike is a welcome addition to the world of electric bikes. It’s not only stylish and modern, but it’s also packed with features that make it a great choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional gas-powered bikes. Here’s a look at what’s different about the Motocompo XL:

– The Motocompo XL comes with a powerful 250-watt motor, which is significantly more powerful than most other electric bikes on the market. This makes it a great choice for those who want to get around quickly and easily.

– The Motocompo XL also comes with a larger battery pack than most other electric bikes, meaning that it can go for longer distances without needing to be recharged.

– One of the most notable features of the Motocompo XL is its “saddle-free” design. This means that there is no uncomfortable seat to deal with, making it a more comfortable ride for those who don’t like traditional bike seats.

– The Motocompo XL also comes with a built-in display that shows the battery level, speed, and other important information. This is a great feature for those who want to keep track of their progress and make sure that they’re not running out of juice.

– Finally, the Motocompo XL comes with a built-in GPS system. This is a great feature for those who want to be able to track their rides and see where they’ve been.

All in all, the Motocompo XL is a great choice for those looking for an electric bike that is packed with features and is stylish and modern. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional gas-powered bikes, the Motocompo XL is definitely worth considering.

We’ve all seen the all-new Honda Motocompo XL bike. It’s been released, and it’s been getting a lot of attention. But what’s different about it?

For starters, the new Motocompo XL is now available in two different models – the standard Motocompo XL and the Motocompo XL Plus. Both models come with a few different features and benefits.

The standard Motocompo XL comes with a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, an aluminum frame, and a 100mm suspension fork. It’s also got hydraulic disc brakes, which is a nice touch.

The Motocompo XL Plus, on the other hand, comes with a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain, a carbon fiber frame, and a 120mm suspension fork. It also has hydraulic disc brakes.

So, what’s the difference between the two models? Well, the standard Motocompo XL is a bit lighter and it’s got a slightly lower price tag. The Motocompo XL Plus is a bit heavier and it’s got a slightly higher price tag.

Other than that, they’re pretty much the same bike.

So, what do you think? Is the new Honda Motocompo XL bike worth the hype?

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How To Choose The Right Printer For Your Needs.
by David Burgess on 0

How To Choose The Right Printer For Your Needs.

Printers come in all shapes and sizes these days. They range from the very basic and simple models that are designed for occasional use, right up to the high-end professional models that are designed for heavy-duty use. So, how do you choose the right printer for your needs?

The first thing you need to consider is what you will be using the printer for. If you only need to print the odd document or photo here and there, then you won’t need to spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-range model. A basic printer will do the job just fine.

However, if you need to print a lot of documents or photos on a regular basis, then you’ll need to invest in a more heavy-duty model. These printers will be able to handle large volumes of printing without breaking a sweat.

Another thing to consider is the quality of the prints that you need. If you only need to print text documents, then you won’t need a printer that produces high-quality photos. However, if you need to print photos as well as text, then you’ll need a printer that is capable of producing high-quality prints.

Finally, you need to consider the cost of the printer. Printers range in price from around $50 to several thousand dollars. Obviously, the more you spend, the better the quality of the printer will be. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality printer. There are plenty of good quality printers available for a reasonable price.

So, there you have it. A few things to consider when choosing the right printer for your needs. With a bit of thought, you should be able to find the perfect printer for your requirements.

When it comes to choosing a printer, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your needs. The first thing to consider is what you’ll be using the printer for. If you’re only going to be printing text documents, then you won’t need a printer with fancy features like photo printing or duplex printing. However, if you’re going to be printing photos or other images, you’ll want a printer that offers good photo quality.

The next thing to consider is how much you’ll be printing. If you only ever print a few pages at a time, then you won’t need a printer with a high page per minute (ppm) rating. However, if you’re going to be printing a lot of pages, you’ll want a printer that can handle high-volume printing.

Finally, you’ll need to decide what features you want in your printer. Some features, like wireless connectivity, are becoming more and more common, so you might want to consider a printer that offers this. Other features, like automatic document feeders, might not be as important to you.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of what kind of printer you need. If you’re still not sure, it might be a good idea to consult with a printer expert to get their opinion on which printer would be best for you.

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Which Type Of Printer Is Right For You?
by David Burgess on 0

Which Type Of Printer Is Right For You?

3D printers are becoming more popular for home use as the technology becomes more affordable. But with so many different types of 3D printers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to the different types of 3D printers to help you make the right decision.

Fused filament printers are the most popular type of 3D printer. They work by melting a filament of plastic and extruding it layer by layer to create a 3D object. Fused filament printers are a good choice for beginners because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Stereolithography (SLA) printers use a laser to harden a photosensitive resin layer by layer. SLA printers produce high-quality prints but they’re more expensive than fused filament printers.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) printers use a laser to fuse together small particles of plastic, metal or ceramic powder. SLS printers are more expensive than SLA and fused filament printers, but they’re capable of printing complex objects with intricate details.

Multi-material printers are the latest type of 3D printer. They’re capable of printing with multiple materials and colors, making them ideal for creating complex prototypes and models. Multi-material printers are more expensive than other types of 3D printers, but the price is coming down as the technology becomes more popular.

So, which type of 3D printer is right for you? It depends on your budget and what you want to use it for. If you’re just starting out, a fused filament printer is a good choice. If you’re looking for high-quality prints, an SLA printer is a better option. And if you need to print complex objects with multiple materials, a multi-material printer is the best choice.

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The Best 3D Art Apps
by David Burgess on 0

The Best 3D Art Apps

Finding the right 3D art app for your iPhone can be tricky. There are a ton of apps out there that claim to be the best, but it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth your time.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best 3D art apps for iPhone that we could find. Whether you’re looking for an app to help you create 3D art or just want to browse some impressive creations, these are the apps you need.

Sketchfab

If you’re looking for an app that will let you view 3D art, Sketchfab is a great option. The app gives you access to a huge library of 3D models, all of which can be viewed in VR if you have a Google Cardboard viewer.

You can also view Sketchfab models in AR, which is a really cool way to see how they would look in the real world. And if you find a model that you like, you can download it and use it in other apps.

Poly

Poly is a 3D model library that’s designed for use with Google’s ARCore platform. That means you’ll need a phone that supports ARCore to use the app, but it’s worth it for the cool AR experiences you can have.

Poly lets you view 3D models in AR, and you can also place them in the real world and take pictures or videos of them. The app includes a library of models to choose from, or you can upload your own.

Trimensional

Trimensional is an app that lets you create 3D scans of yourself or objects. It’s great for making 3D models of things like sculptures or jewelry.

To use the app, you’ll need an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera, such as the iPhone X. The app uses the camera to create a 3D model of whatever you’re scanning.

Once you’ve made a scan, you can view it in 3D, rotate it, and even share it with others.

These are just a few of the best 3D art apps for iPhone. With these apps, you’ll be able to view, create, and share 3D art like never before.

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JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Overview
by Leland Richardson on 0

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Overview

The JVC Everio GZ-HM1S is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format. It is one of the most expensive models in JVC’s lineup, even though it was introduced in 2010.

The GZ-HM1S carries a suggested retail price of $1199. Full technical specifications for the GZ-HM1S can be found here.

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Video Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080 high definition recording. It supports 24Mbps recording, the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format. The HM1S features the same 10.6-megapixel 1/2.3-inch back-illuminatedCMOS image sensor found on most of the top-of-the-line 2011 Everios. Unlike JVC’s mid-range models, the HM1S cannot record in standard definition (not that you’d really miss it).

The camcorder uses JVC’s “Intelligent Auto” mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments.

You can snap 9-megapixel still photos with the HM1S, and it has a built-in flash to aid in low light photography.

While it’s not quite a replacement for a standalone digital camera, it will deliver sharper pictures than camcorders without a built-in flash.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 10x optical zoom Konica Minolta HD lens on the Everio GZ-HM1S. This optical zoom is joined by two digital zoom technologies: a dynamic zoom can boost magnification to 16x without sacrificing video quality. There’s also a standard digital zoom, which increases magnification to 200x. The lens uses JVC’s “Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer” for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. According to the company, the image stabilization technology can compensate for camera shake at wide-angles and is four times as effective in combating shake than the Advanced Stabilization found on less expensive models in the Everio line. In our experience, JVC has some of the best image stabilization technology in the camcorder market.

The HM1S’s lens is conveniently protected by an automatic lens cap.

Memory and Display

The GZ-HM1S offers 64GB of internal flash memory in addition to a single SDHC memory card slot.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t accept higher-capacity SDXC cards for additional storage capacity, although with 32GB on board, you probably will not find yourself running out of memory. The HM 550 uses JVC’s “seamless recording” system, which automatically switches memory formats when one is full. The camcorder is Eye-Fi ready, so it will automatically recognize when a wireless Eye-Fi memory card is in use.

You’ll frame your recordings on a large 3.5-inch Laser Touch LCD display. The Laser Touch display is something of hybrid – it’s not a touch screen but there are no tactile buttons either. Instead, you’ll find a serious of touch-sensitive controls on the edge of the display, including a swipe bar, for navigating around the HM1S’s menu items. In our experience, this Laser Touch display can be more responsive than small touch screens although it takes some getting used to.

Design

Design-wise, the HM1S cuts an angular (in our view attractive) appearance with nice ergonomics. Thanks to the use of flash memory you’ll still enjoy a light weight body though not as light as JVC’s less expensive HD models (.67 pounds with battery inside). The HM1S measures in at 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.8 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Everios, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV. There is a manual focus wheel adjacent to the lens.

Aesthetically, the HM1S is available in one color – silver, with black accents.

Shooting Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S is outfitted with face detection and a a face flow playback, which highlights faces in a frame in the playback menu so you can search your footage by the people you’ve recorded..

Among the other features you’ll find on the GZ-HM1S is a time-lapse recording function that lets you record one frame at a time for a selectable time interval (between one and 80 seconds). There are several fast frame rate options for recording in slow motion. The effect is very cool but the video files are lower quality, so they won’t look as good on the big screen as they will on your computer.

Finally, you can add basic animated effects to video in the camcorder as well as to still images. JVC’s Everio Media Browser software is built-in the camcorder as well for disc-free loading when you attach the camcorder to a computer via USB. The software supports basic video editing (color changing, clipping, etc.) as well as sharing via YouTube and Facebook.

Connectivity

The Everio GZ-HM1S offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable, which is included.

Impression

At $1,100, the HM1S is geared for video enthusiasts who want to exercise a high level of control over the look of their video. The HM1S has an attractive design and a solid feature set for the price but is getting old, in camcorder years, so you may want to wait to see what JVC replaces it with before purchasing (or wait until its replacement is named and the HM1S gets discounted further).

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DXG A80V Camcorder Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

DXG A80V Camcorder Review

DXG’s A80V is a low cost high definition camcorder capable of recording 1920 x 1080p video to SDHC memory cards. The $299 model features: a 10-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, and a 3-inch touch-screen LCD.

DXG A80V at a Glance:

The Good: Inexpensive, decent HD video quality, lightweight, touch-screen.

The Bad: Bulkly, limited optics

1080P Video Recording on a Budget

The DXG A80V is one of the least expensive traditionally-styled camcorders to offer 1920 x 1080p HD video resolution. And unlike the even cheaper pocket camcorders that boast 1080p recording, the A80V has more features (although far less than comparably priced standard definition camcorders – more on that later).

The A80V’s video quality at 1080p is definitely on par with some more expensive HD camcorders (like the $499 Sanyo FH1) but you shouldn’t expect it to perform as well as the higher bit-rate AVCHD models from Sony, Panasonic and others. That said, colors reproduced accurately and crisply. The camera was a solid performer indoors as well, with less digital noise marring the video in lower light than you’d find in either FH1 and lower-cost pocket models like Pure Digital’s Flip UltraHD. Another nice bonus: it offers a built-in video light.

The A80V has several other recording modes beyond 1080p/30 frames per second (fps). You’ll also find a 1080i/60fps for shooting fast-moving subjects. (See a comparison between 1080p/30fps and 1080i/60fps – it’s modest, but nonetheless the motion is crisper at the faster frame rate). You can also bump the resolution down to 720p at either 30fps or 60fps.

There’s also a dual-record option, which records two versions of the same video: one in high definition (1080P) and the other in WVGA.

The thinking here, I guess, is that you can create a lower-resolution video file for easier uploading to the Web. Personally I found it extraneous – why clog up your memory card with an extra file when YouTube and other sites support HD uploads?

High Resolution Stills

The A80V can snap 10-megapixel still photos with a flash to aid in low-light photography. The camera itself isn’t super-responsive. You’ll have to wait a second or often two from when you press the shutter, but the photos it produced were serviceable.

Limited Zoom

The A80V offers a 5x optical zoom lens. That’s not a lot of optical punch in a $300 camcorder and a far cry from the 70x lens you can find on, say, a standard definition Panasonic. On top of that, it uses electronic image stabilization, which isn’t as effective as optical stabilization in curbing camera shake.

The camcorder does offer a manual focusing option (which you operate using the zoom lever). Another useful feature is the ability to set a focus point using the touch-screen LCD. While the overall performance of the touch-screen display was good (see below) I found it somewhat sluggish when it came to this touch-focus feature. It would take the camcorder a few seconds to relocate the focus box and lock-on to its target.

Modest Feature Set

To pack a 1080p camcorder into a $299 price you have to expect some trade-offs. Other than the lens, the other trade off you’ll make is with the feature-set. You’ll get more options than you would with a pocket camcorder, but you won’t enjoy the same breadth of features on similarly priced standard definition camcorders (for instance, no scene modes or shutter and aperture controls).

That said, it’s not totally bare-bones: you can adjust white balance and exposure, as well as choose to film in sepia or black and white.

Responsive Touch Screen

DXG packed the A80V with a 3-inch touch-screen LCD. That’s a larger screen than you’ll find on more expensive models (with or without touch-screen operation) and aside from the sluggish spot focusing, the overall touch-screen performance is very responsive. All the features you’ll need to access are represented as nice large icons on the screen.

When it comes to external, physical controls, you’ll find a small mode dial at the back of the camcorder for switching between video and photo mode. There’s also a small toggle joystick at the back for adjusting white balance and exposure. A small shutter button and zoom lever sit atop the camcorder while behind the LCD screen sit nicely-sized controls for the flash, video light, power and display buttons. All in all, the controls are well positioned, making the A80V quite easy to operate.

Since it’s a flash camcorder, the A80V is light weight at 10 ounces (without battery). It springs to life fairly quickly and can be powered up and down by opening the LCD or via a button behind the display. It is a tad bulkier than other flash camcorder at a little over 5-inches long, but it’s not very obtrusive.

The Bottom Line: The DXG A80V is a Good Budget Buy

At $299, the DXG A80V has very few competitors that can offer the same video resolution of 1920 x 1080p. You can spend about $70 less for a 1080p pocket camcorder, but you’ll lose out on a lot of the features the A80V has to offer. You could spend the same amount for a fuller-featured camcorder with a better zoom, but it would only offer standard definition resolution. So there’s your trade-off.

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Top Camcorder Trends
by Leland Richardson on 0

Top Camcorder Trends

Camcorders may not spring to mind when you think of cutting edge technology, but just because they’ve been around a while doesn’t mean technology isn’t constantly shaping, and reshaping, the camcorder market. In fact, thanks to new technologies, recording formats and designs, today’s camcorders are a far cry from models just a few years old. Here’s a look at some of the major trends:

Pocket Parade

Pocket camcorders – those portable, easy-to-use video cameras popularized by the Flip – have become all the rage of the camcorder market. And what’s not to like: they’re easy, cheap, offer decent quality and make sharing videos online simple. By some estimates they’ll make up about 2/3 of all camcorders sold.

This year, thanks to the success of the Flip, there are literally over a dozen competitors. That means these models were begin to diversify, with features such as water-proofing, infrared and optical zooms emerging to help distinguish these video cameras from a very crowded field.

It’s a High Def World

HD camcorders have been on the market for several years now, but this year they’re expected to cross over into 50 percent of the market. They’re still pricier than standard definition models (at least when talking about traditional – not pocket – camcorders) but those prices continue to fall sharply. You’ll find several feature-rich HD models, capable of 1920 x 1080 recording, for under $500.

Flash in the Pan

Flash memory cards, the type found in digital cameras, are rapidly becoming the recording format of choice for digital camcorders. Camcorders that use flash memory are lighter, use less battery power and can store more video than any other format except for hard drives.

The popularity of flash camcorders has all but crowded out DVD and tape formats, leaving only hard disk drives as an alternative.

Ultra-Portable

Thanks in no small part to the use of flash memory, camcorders are getting tinier and more portable. That means you don’t have any excuse not to carry one around with you wherever you go.

Web Friendly

What good is your video if you can’t share it, or turn it into 15 seconds worth of Internet fame? While the higher-end HD camcorders are less computer-friendly, a number are using the H.264 video format for easier editing and viewing on a computer. Together with built-in upload buttons that send video off to YouTube whenever the camcorder is connected to a computer, today’s camcorders are more Web-friendly than ever before.

Back-lit CMOS

While it’s not front and center in many of the specs, the type of image sensor used in a camcorder is critically important. In 2010, a new version of the CMOS image sensor will be more popular with higher-end models. The so-called “back illuminated” CMOS technology offers improved video quality performance where it counts the most: low light environments.

Wireless

Connecting your camcorder to a computer or TV isn’t the hardest thing in the world, but it could still stand to be easier. At least two camcorder makers thus far have introduce products with a form of wireless networking. Samsung has added Wi-Fi to a trio of high-end HD camcorders while JVC has announced a camcorder with built-in Bluetooth. Given that camcorder video files are very large, it remains to be seen whether wireless offers a viable alternative to the tangle of cables, but this is the year we’ll find out.

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Toshiba Camileo S30 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Toshiba Camileo S30 Review

Toshiba’s Camileo S30 camcorder records 1080p HD video in the H.264 format to SDHC/SDXC memory cards. The $179 camcorder features a 3-inch touch screen display and 8-megapixel still photo capture. Full specs for the Camileo S30 can be found here.

Toshiba Camileo S30 at a Glance

The Good: Slim design, good features for the price

The Bad: Touch screen can be unresponsive

Video Quality

The Toshiba Camileo S30 records 1920 x 1080p video in the H.264 format via an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor. It has additional options to record at 720p at 30 frames per second (fps) or at 60fps for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The video quality is definitely passable for a budget camcorder. You’ll notice a bit of over-exposure in bright sun and high contrast areas, but otherwise the S30 holds its own with other low-cost models on the market.

The S30 does offer a video light, which isn’t typically found on models at this price point. It’s useful for closeups but doesn’t have much power beyond that. Plus, it’s placed almost directly where your finger wraps around the camcorder, so you’ll have to be careful to nudge your finger down before activating the light.

In addition to movies, the Toshiba S30 can snap 8-megapixel still photos. However, most of the shots I snapped suffered from a good deal of blur, even when holding the camcorder steady.

Toshiba S30 Optics

The S30 does not offer an optical zoom but there is a 16x digital zoom. However, like all digital zooms, the quality degrades as you use it, so it’s better to avoid it all together. There’s also digital image stabilization, although it’s ineffective for the stills and only marginally useful on the video.

Design

The S30 is one of the few upright camcorders left in the market. At .75 inches, it’s slimmer than a pocket camcorder and has a larger, swing-out LCD display (3-inches) not found on pocket models.

However, it’s a bit larger than some of the smaller models on the market – at 2.3 x 4.3 x .75 -inches. Nevertheless, it’s quite portable.

The controls of the S30 are clustered on the slender body of the camcorder, although they are responsive. At the top is a large shutter button, followed by a lever for the zoom and controls for menu and the video light. Flip open the display and you’ll find large buttons for power (opening and closing the LCD also powers on and off the camcorder), switching between photo and video mode and web button for uploading videos from the camcorder to the Internet when it’s connected to a computer.

Feature Set

The Toshiba S30 has a nice set of features for a camcorder at the price. There’s a motion detect mode, which will begin recording when the camcorder sees motion. There’s also a slow motion option, which will record lower quality video at slower speeds (good for capturing baseball swings to view on the computer but not great for viewing on the big screen). A pre-record function will start recording a few seconds of video before you actually press the shutter, to help you catch all of the action. Finally, a time-lapse feature will capture short bursts of video over pre-set intervals so you can capture change over time.

Menu & Display

The nice thing about the Camileo S30 is its large, 3-inch display. It’s a touch-screen so most of the camera’s features are accessibly through there. Unfortunately, while the menu icons are large enough, the display isn’t all that responsive, nor well executed. Each icon needs a double tap to enter a specific function and sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether you’ve turned something on or off. There are enough features on the S30 that you’ll need to scroll down on the screen with a flick of your finger, but it often takes several flicks to get there.

On the plus side, once you press an icon once a text description of what it is will pop up on the display, but the process of navigating around the menu is more clumsy and time-consuming than it should be.

Memory

The S30 records to SDHC and SDXC memory cards (up to 64GB) which provides ample storage for your video-taking needs. It contains 128MB of internal memory, which is enough for about a minute of HD footage, so a card is a must.

Toshiba Camileo S30: Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for a good budget camcorder, the Toshiba Camileo S30 is a nice choice. Unlike some of its pocket camcorder competitors, it has a larger, swing-out display, which makes it easier to frame your videos. The menu interface needs improvement, and you shouldn’t be expecting ultra-high quality high def recording, but the S30 makes up for it with a nice feature set and a slender, portable design.

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Vivitar DVR 690HD Waterproof Camcorder Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Vivitar DVR 690HD Waterproof Camcorder Review

The Vivitar DVR 690HD is a high definition pocket camcorder capable of recording 1280 x 720p video in the AVI format to SD cards. It is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet and has a rugged housing to secure it against minor bumps and scrapes.

Vivitar DVR 690HD at a Glance

The Good: Low cost, large controls, easy to use.

The Bad: Mediocre video quality.

Vivitar DVR 690HD Video Quality

The Vivitar DVR 690HD records HD video in the AVI format at 1280 x 720p/30 frames per second. It’s not quite the 1080p video recording available on competitive models – but then again, those models don’t cost $60. Video recorded at 720p will serve in a pinch, but you shouldn’t consider the DVR 690HD a real memory keeper – the quality just isn’t there. As a second camcorder to toss in a backpack before you go white-water rafting, however, it should be serviceable. Just don’t bother with the DVR 690HD indoors as they’ll be ample noise in your video if you do.

Recording quality can be dropped to VGA or 320 x 240 – but really shouldn’t be. You can also snap 5-megapixel still photos. The quality here is lousy – but that’s no real knock on the Vivitar as very few pocket camcorders take decent stills.

Optics

The DVR 690HD has no optical zoom lens, but instead uses a 4x digital zoom. Best to avoid the digital zoom, however, as all it will do is ramp up some unsightly digital noise.

Vivitar DVR 690HD Design

The DVR 690HD is pretty bulky, even by the standards of rugged pocket camcorders. It’s a bit longer than a compact camera but as thin, if not thinner, than most point-and-shoots in the market. Keep in mind that it’s designed to go underwater (up to 1o feet) so the added bulk is for defensive purposes. That said, it’s aesthetically sharp with a 10 color choices and silver/metallic trim.

The controls on the back of the DVR690 are large and responsive. You’ll see buttons for power, mode, menu and trash surrounding a four-way controller with a shutter button sandwiched in the middle. The four-way controller feels a bit flimsy when you use it, but the rest of the controls are sturdier and easy to operate.The SD card and USB plug (no built-in USB arm here) are accessed via a latched compartment at the bottom of the camcorder. This compartment is very stubborn to open up, but it does keep the water out.

Features

When you spend $60 for a camcorder, you can’t expect to get a feature-packed model. That said, the DVR 690HD does offer face detection and digital image stabilization. You’ll also find several scene modes for optimizing exposure based on your shooting condition. There’s also an LED video light for low light shooting. Not a bad assortment, considering.

Menu and Display

You’ll frame your video via 2-inch LCD display. It’s not the crispest display on the market but served well enough underwater. The DVR 690HD’s menu is pretty basic but is straightforward enough that it’s easy to find what you need.

Vivitar DVR 690HD Memory

The 690HD has a scant 8MB of internal memory, so an SDHC card is a must. The camcorder supports cards up to 32GB in size so you’ll get a max of 3.2-hours of recording on a 32GB card.

Bottom Line

We’ll stipulate again that the Vivitar DVR 690HD should not be your camcorder of choice for preserving important family memories. Instead, think of it as a second camcorder that you don’t mind exposing to the elements to record your rugged thrills or day at the beach. It has competition on this front too – products like Kodak’s Playsport Zx5 offer superior video quality and feature set, but cost nearly two to three times what the DVR 690HD does. If budget and durability are top of mind, give the DVR 690HD a look.

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Can Advanced Point and Shoot Cameras Measure Up to DSLRs?
by David Burgess on 0

Can Advanced Point and Shoot Cameras Measure Up to DSLRs?

Affordable Point and Shoot Cameras for Advanced Users

If you’ve already spent some time learning about photography you probably already know know that with the proper knowledge you can take amazing photos with a DSLR. But carrying around a large camera with you everywhere can be a bit of a drag. Sometimes you need a camera that is small, compact and easily transportable. So, if you’re looking for the best point and shoot camera for an advanced photographer, then you can find some great options that take incredible images. If saving some money on the camera is a factor, then you will usually find that prices are a bit less than most of the DSLR cameras out there which could give you some additional cash for use to purchase a nice printer or some accessories.

The best part about point and shoot types of cameras is their portability and ability to pack extremely powerful picture taking within a small and compact package. There are several models out in the market that can let you manipulate and alter its settings so that you can take the exact kind of photo that you want. It’s almost like having a small DSLR.

Canon G12

Canon a leader in the camera world, they have a wide range of models that encompasses point and shoot cameras to entry level, mid-level, and professional level cameras. The G12 is a 10 megapixel camera that is a part of Canon’s G series of cameras.

Nikon J1

The Nikon J1 is a very impressive device. Its auto-focus function works very quickly which allows you to take advantage of its fast shooting speed. You can also just as quickly switch to video recording which lets you take high definition videos up to 1080p by hitting one button.

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a compact camera that delivers high quality photos and high definition videos. This camera is equipped with Leica DC Vario-Summicron, F2.0, ultra-wide lens. Image distortion is reduced by this model bringing you gorgeous, detailed photos.

More High Quality Point and Shoot Cameras

You don’t need a big fancy camera to take high definition videos and high resolution photos. A simple point and shoot camera may just do the trick for you.

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