Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Pandigital PanImage PI1003DW 10.1-Inch Digital Picture Frame

You capture every precious moment because you do not want to forget even a single bit of it. However, a photo that is only stored inside a camera’s memory card or in a PC’s hard drive is not a good way to keep your precious memories. Free your images. Now, you can use digital photo frames to display your memories without the hassle of printing them out. Why not get yourself or a loved one a 10.1 inch digital frame by Pandigital.



Product Description

The PanImage PI1003DW by Pandigital is a 10.1 inch digital photo frame that displays images in 800x480 resolution. It also has 250:1 contrast ratio that provides brilliant clarity to your photos. The screen has 250:1 viewing aspect ratio that provides pleasant presentation for your photos. The PanImage PI1003DW can store up to 1,250 images on its 256 MB internal memory. Bordered with elegant black wood, the frame blends with virtually all décor while the display’s interchangeable white and gray mats add more style to your presentation.

Product Features

  • 15:9 Aspect Ratio – the high aspect ratio lets you view your photos in brilliant colors and clear details.
  • 800x480 resolution – provides clearer, crisper and more vibrant images.
  • 5 in 1 Reader – this digital frame features a 5 in 1 card reader that supports MS, SD,MS- Pro, xD and MMC
  • Large Memory Capacity – the digital frame’s 256 MB memory capacity holds up to 2500 jpeg images
  • USB Connectivity – the frame comes with a USB port that allows you view your photos that are saved in an external drive.
  • Color and Brightness Controls – easy to use controls let you adjust the color and brightness of your photos.
  • Interchangeable Mats – you can choose between gray or white for the frame’s mat to suit your mood.
  • Integrated Calendar and Clock – the PanImage PI1003DW has built in clock and calendar that you can turn on and off when needed.
  • Drop and Drag – the PanImage PI1003DW uses drop and drag system. This is a technology that makes it easier to select and transfer images from your computer or drive to the internal memory of the photo frame.
  • Wall Mountable – with PanImage PI1003DW, limited desk or table space is not a problem. You can mount this digital frame using the built in tabs for wall hanging.
  • Panel Light Control – turn the panel light on or off when needed.
  • Remote Control – the PanImage PI1003DW comes with a handy remote controller that lets you adjust your settings accordingly.
  • Slideshow – with this feature, the frame is able to display photos in slideshow mode and set the time intervals between each image depending on your preference.
  • Image Rotate Function – you can easily flip your images when needed. Rotate your photos from portrait to landscape or vice versa by pressing a button.

Pandigital PanImage PI1003DW 10.1-Inch Digital Picture Frame

This frame is a good choice to give as a gift to a family member or very close friend. One way to make it more personalized is to upload photos in it before wrapping it up. The PanImage PI1003DW is a great buy because:

  • It looks really nice and can be hung on the wall. If you do not want to hang it on a wall, you can use the foldable leg to place it on a table. The leg of the frame is extendable, so you can adjust the height of the frame according to your preference.
  • It displays high quality photos. The frame does not have very obvious pixels when displaying a photo, which is really good.
  • The digital frame is very versatile. You can choose to input the photos in the frame’s internal memory (which can hold up to 2,500 images by the way), or display photos from an external memory stick or USB flash drive.
  • The duration of slides are changeable, as well as their randomness, or the change effects (roll, fade, etc.).
  • The remote control makes it really easy to operate. Unlike using the mini buttons at the frame’s back, using the remote control is easier and more convenient.
  • The PanImage PI1003DW is very easy to set up. You just have to plug it in and turn the device on; then insert the memory card in the slot (if needed) and choose the settings and you are ready to go.

Although the PanImage PI1003DW has nearly perfect features, of course, there is also a hitch or two. The two frame mats seem to be a waste of material and something that you can do without. Yes, having an interchangeable mat is an advantage for some, but it is not really necessary.

Overall, the PanImage PI1003DW is a great choice when it comes to digital frames. It boasts ample display size without the bulk; and it has all the necessary features you will want in a digital photo frame. The PanImage PI1003DW is available on Amazon.com for under $100.


Thursday, December 8, 2011

About FinePix Digital Cameras

To be frank, I'm not fans of fujifilm digital camera.  I'm more to Canon.  Anyway, it is not hurt to know about other brand as well. :) 

Fujifilm started out as a manufacturer of photographic film.  Their films are well-known for producing vivid but natural colors.  Branching into other areas of business, Fujifilm soon came out with their first digital camera in 1988, the DS-1P.  FujiFilm now offers a growing number of digital cameras under the FinePix brand name.  These cameras range from point and shoot models to the more expensive digital SLR models.
The majority of Fujifilm cameras are designed for beginners, although the company also offers digital SLR-type cameras for intermediate photographers.  A few full SLR cameras are available for professional photographers.

FinePix A and J Series


The A and J series are aimed at beginning photographers.  The FinePix A and FinePix J series feature an ultra compact camera body with basic features.  The camera body typically measures less than 1 inch thick.  Newer models now have larger-than-average optical zoom lens.  Some models also have wide angle capabilities.  This entry level digital camera series costs $100 to $200.

FinePix Z Models


The Z models of Fujifilm FinePix cameras are known for their colors and styles.  These cameras come in pink, red, silver, green, black, purple, blue and orange.  They do not have as many features as some FinePix models, with a resolution of 10MP or less.  Z digital cameras cost $125 to $200.

FinePix F Models


FinePix F model digital cameras have a minimum resolution of 12 megapixels in an ultra compact camera body.  F series models cost $250 to $400 and make use of EXR technology.  The newer F200EXR uses an advanced CCD image sensor technology called Super CCD EXR.

FinePix S Models


FinePix digital cameras in the S series are aimed at intermediate photographers.  The S model cameras are similar to DSLR cameras, with the look and feel of a digital SLR camera minus interchangeable lenses and high prices.  FinePix digital S cameras are equipped with at least 12x optical zoom.  They cost between $400 and $1,000.

Pro Models
Fujifilm offers a number of true DSLR cameras with its Pro models.  These cameras cost a few thousand dollars.  Some models are capable of shooting pictures in infrared or ultraviolet light.

At present, Fujifilm continues to manufacture film for traditional film cameras and for one-time-use cameras.  Other related products include photo-finishing products, graphic arts, microfilm, motion picture film, and digital and VHS video storage media.  Digital camera accessories are also available through their website.  The company continues to maintain its position as one of the leaders in digital camera technology as they develop newer and more advanced FinePix digital camera models.

Fujifilm FinePix S1800 12.2MP Digital Camera Review


Let’s face it; a point-and-shoot digital camera can only do so much. On the other hand, a DSLR camera that produces professional quality pictures can be prohibitively expensive. This is where the FinePix S series comes in. In particular, the Fujifilm FinePix S1800 12.2MP Digital Camera with 18x wide angle optical dual image stabilized and 3-inch LCD screen bridges the gap between a compact camera and an SLR.

Features of the Fujifilm FinePix S1800
This 12-megapixel digital camera is compact and lightweight and comes with powerful Fujinon long-zoom lenses. Its wide angle lens starts at 28mm and extends to 504mm at 18x zoom. In addition to its extra large 3-inch LCD screen, it also comes with an electronic viewfinder that comes in handy when taking pictures under bright sunlight.

The FinePix S1800 has dual image stabilization provided by a CCD sensor and high ISO sensitivity. This means that blurring effects due to hand-shake and subject movement are reduced. The resulting pictures are extremely sharp and clear even at long zoom setting or low lighting conditions.

The digital camera does all the hard work for you using its automatic Scene Recognition mode (SR Auto). It can automatically adjust camera settings according to the scenery type and shooting conditions. Image results are optimized so you can take good pictures with hardly any effort. This new S model can even capture HD videos ad HD stills that you can playback on an HD ready television.

Even fast action shots are easy to take with the new Tracking Auto Focus that allows you to capture your subject in perfect focus. It Face Detection and Automatic Red Eye Removal system now has a Smile & Shoot Mode and a Blink Detection warning.

With the Panorama mode, you can take a continuous shot of a landscape or a big group of friends. Scene modes include Portrait, Landscape, Night, Sport, Fireworks, Beach, Sunset, Snow, Flower, Party and Text. Using the Natural Light with Flash Mode, the camera will take two shots in rapid succession. One shot uses a flash and one uses natural light. You simply compare the two and choose the image that you like best.

The FinePix S1800 is intelligent enough to take the most amazing pictures, but more advanced users can use the Manual Mode with extensive focus and metering options.

A very convenient and useful feature of the S1800 is the Auto Picture Rotation. You’ll always be able to view your photos the right way in playback, whether they were taken in portrait or landscape mode because the image will automatically rotate on the screen.

Things You’ll Like About the FinePix S1800
There are many things that you will like about the Fujifilm FinePix S1800. It’s larger than a compact digital camera but significantly smaller than a DSLR. All the same, it’s light and easy to carry around. The camera controls and settings are well placed and easy to locate, so you can quickly switch between the different shooting modes.

The electronic viewfinder is something experienced photographers always look for in a camera. It’s useful whenever you want to take pictures outdoors where bright sunlight may interfere with the LCD display. A viewfinder is also helpful in framing your shots. The Dual Image Stabilization produces sharp images and is one of the camera’s best features.

It may not seem like much, but it’s great that this camera takes AA batteries. That makes it easier to replace old batteries with fresh ones.

It’s easy to take good pictures with the S1800, as even full Auto Mode takes great shots. The 18x zoom lens is fantastic and produces quality pictures, although there is a slight reduction of clarity at full zoom. It also has features that are very useful, such as facial recognition and burst mode, where several shots are taken in rapid succession. Burst mode is important when taking pictures of action-filled events such as sports.

Zoom bracketing, where several pictures are taken at varying focal lengths, is also a great feature that lets you pick the best possible image. All in all, the S1800 produces good pictures and is easy and fun to use.

The Weak Points
Perhaps the biggest weakness of the Fujifilm FinePix S1800 is the shutter lag. It takes too long to focus, so you could end up missing your action shots. In addition, there are occasions where shots taken in dim light come out fuzzy. And although the LCD screen is big, the image is grainy especially under dim lighting conditions. The blink and smile detection does not work perfectly all the time.

Recommendation
Most consumers agree that the Fujifilm FinePix S1800 is a great camera. At less than $160, the camera is a steal. The software is easy to follow and the camera is easy to operate. Experienced users of digital cameras lament the fact that it does not produce a RAW format. On the other hand, the majority of users who opt for the S1800 are happy enough to simply point and shoot, knowing that their shots will come out great.

The Fuji FinePix S1800 is a perfect blend of a compact digital camera and a DSLR. For the price of a point-and-shoot camera, you get features normally found only in more expensive DSLR cameras. Available at Amazon, this camera will get you started towards owning and appreciating a DSLR someday.


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Know the Insider Tricks to Create a Great Wedding Video

If you have been hired to create a video of someone’s wedding and reception, it can be a really fun job.  Not only is there a lot of joy, laughing and fun moments during a wedding celebration but it is really gratifying to know that the video you are creating will be part of family celebrations of these people for decades to come.

Naturally, you want to do a good job.  But whether you are just getting started or have been shooting video for years, you know things can sneak up on you and make your job more difficult.  So there are some “insider tricks” that you should keep in mind especially on the big day so the wedding goes off like clockwork and you get that great video without disturbing the joy and fun of the family.

The first few precautions actually happen long before you drive up to the event place and that is a thorough equipment check.  Check and double check your equipment and then check it again.  It can’t hurt to be a bit compulsive about this.  Also, check that all of your supplies are new, in good shape and that you have back ups of batteries, bulbs, tapes or whatever recording media you are using.  If you know your equipment is in good shape, you can walk in there like the professional you are.

Next, be everywhere early and well prepared.  In fact, it can’t hurt to scope out the event place and reception hall the day before to check the lighting and do some planning on where you might plan to get your best video from.  If Martin Scorsese can pre-plan all of his shoots, so can you.

Now be sure everybody knows who you are.  Meet the bride, groom, the wedding party and others close to the planning.  If there are security people, be sure they know who you are as well.  If there is a need for passes or badges of any kind, be sure you have one well ahead of the wedding day.

Part of networking with the key players includes getting some face time with others who may be supporting the wedding.  Many weddings have a wedding planner who must know everything that is going to happen.  Be sure he or she knows who you are and what you are going to do before you start disturbing their domain.  It is also a great idea to meet the other photographers and do a bit of preliminary choreography so everybody can get their shots.  Be aware that you really don’t want to do such a great job of videotaping the wedding that you damage the experience of the wedding guests.  This all takes lots of planning.

If they rehearse, you rehearse.  The rehearsal is one of the great missed opportunities that wedding photographers and videographers have to step through the wedding with the party and plan where you are going to be.  Now secure permission to be there as you never want to surprise a nervous bride or her mother.  But if they know you are working as hard as they are to get ready, they will be thrilled and you may find them giving you directions on shots they want included in the video and where they want (and don’t want) you to be at strategic moments during the wedding.  This information is gold on producing a high quality video for your customers.

Once everything is ready, jump in there and enjoy the wedding right along with everyone else.  You know you are ready and you like what you do so you can celebrate this big day and produce a top-notch video that will be a treasured memory for this bride and groom for many years to come.

Review on NIX 15 Inch Hi-Resolution Digital Picture Frame



Since it is now the age of all things digital, it is time to give yourself or someone else something that will upgrade the way you display your photos. Almost every one of us finds it expensive to print our digital shots, but how can we display those moments if we don’t print them out? This is where digital photo frames come to the rescue. Digital frames look like ‘regular’ photo frames, but display digital photos without printing. One good choice for digital photo frame is the 15-inch Digital Frame by NIX.

Product Description

This 15-inch digital frame from Nix displays your photos and videos in vibrant and crisp color and detail. It also plays music. It is easy to use, and equipped with buttons for short cuts, which allow you to switch between its features by simply pressing the remote control. The X15A has Split Screen feature that enables you to display up to four photos at a time on its large screen. It boasts 1 gigabyte of internal memory, has a shuffle display, and comes with hook eyes for mounting.

Product Features

  • 15-inch LCD Display – the huge LCD display shows photos in high resolution. It is backlit with LED, making your photos more vibrant and attention-grabbing.
  • 1 GB – this digital frame offers up to 1 GB of internal memory, allowing you to save more photos, video and music.
  • Split Display Function – this feature allows you to display up to four photos simultaneously.
  • Photo Shuffle Feature – lets you set up the display accordingly. Display images in intervals in order to show all your photos.
  • Slideshow Timer – this variable timer allows you to view photos in a slideshow.
  • High Resolution Display – with 1024 x 768 pixels, the screen can display high resolution images. Plus, it is LED backlit.
  • Compatible With Most Memory Cards – the X15A by Nix is compatible with Sony Memory Stick, SD and USB; it is compatible with CF Cards as well.
  • Multimedia – allows you to view photos (JPEG), watch videos (MPEG-4) and play music (MP3).
  • Remote Control – no need to take the frame off the wall, just use the remote control to access the frame’s controls and set up the functions.
  • Wall Mountable – comes with hook eyes for mounting.

Dimension Specifications

Frame Width = 14.5"
Frame Height = 12"
Frame Depth = 1.7"
Screen Width = 13"
Screen Height = 10"
Screen Measurement Diagonal = 15"

Pros

  • Huge screen displays clearer mages
  • Easy to set up
  • Plays music and video
  • Internal memory has large capacity
  • Comes with remote control
  • With shuffle and slideshow options
  • Wall-mountable
  • Displays up to 4 photos at a time

Cons
  • Cannot play HD videos


More About NIX 15 Inch Hi-Resolution Digital Picture Frame

If you need an extra large digital frame, then the Nix X15A is for you. It displays your photos and plays videos and music as well. It is really functional and will look good in any room. The Nix X15A gives you clear and vibrant photos every time, and what’s good about it is it doesn’t have artificial matting on photos, so it will definitely look great anywhere.

In terms of processing power, the Nix X15A can really compete with other digital frames. It easily displays JPEG photos and plays MPEG 4 videos and MP3 music. It can hold up to 1 GB of data, so it will be long before you’ll need an external drive to store additional pictures, videos or music. The screen’s size is ideal for displaying high resolution images. It measures 15 inches diagonally. It is really a good addition to anybody’s house and can be a great gift for a friend’s house warming party.

The Nix X15A also allows you to display images through a slideshow, or you can use the automatic shuffle to show al your photos on your chosen time intervals. This digital frame is really easy to set up and you can even mount it on your walls by using the included mounting hooks. Once installed, you can choose the setting by using the remote controller.

The only thing that does not amaze some customers about this digital frame is that it cannot play HD videos. Most frames with video playing features can play HD videos, but this one cannot. But aside from this missing feature, the Nix X15A will definitely meet your standards well if you are just looking for something that can show your photos clearly and vibrantly.

Recommendation

Overall, the Nix X15A is a good choice. With its large display screen, functional look, state-of-the-art features and quality of display, this one is really worth a buy. And with a price tag of $149.99 on Amazon.com, this one is really a bargain. Amazon even ships it for free, so you won’t have to pay extra for the shipping cost.


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