Gadget Venue

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 |

Gadget Venue is a cool website where you can find the latest news when it comes to technology and development from all around the world. Here you will find great articles about portable video players, MP3 players, computers, cameras and more.

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From this website we found out that Sony has unveiled a new concept camera. This camera is ultra-compact and the best about it is the fact that it uses interchangeable lenses. The concept in under developing stage, but it will be launched later this year. The camera also supports HD video recording. This camera will be very easy to use and the interchangeable lenses will give everyone the possibility to make great and high quality pictures.

It seems that 2010 is the digital camera’s year, because Fujifilm released a 12 MP waterproof digital camera called FinePix XP10. The 12 mega pixel sensor allows users to take great large images and thanks to the protection against dust, shock, cold and water, this camera is you need a camera that allows you to use it in extreme circumstances.

Other features include: the possibility to capture movies in HD format and 5 times optical zoom lens. This camera has already been listed on Amazon website and if you want to buy one, you will find it on this website on pre-order, because it has not yet been released on the market. The starting price for this camera is $199.95.

Corsair revealed to the public one of the most secure USB flash drive. The device is called Corsair Flash Padlock 2 and it is able to restrict the data usage thanks to a PIN access feature and it is able, also to encrypt the information using a built-in 256-bit data encryption. The storage capacity for this device is 8GB and this is enough space to store up to 2.000 songs or 2.500 images.

The flash drive doesn’t need software to access the information and it works with the following operating systems: Mac, Linux and Windows. You will also get a limited 10 year warranty for this product, but it is not available yet, although we expect to show up on Amazon very soon.

AT&T has announced the availability of the first mobile phone to have Android operating system which can be bought from them. The mobile phone is a Motorola Backflip which comes with a 3.1 inch screen and features built-in wireless and 3G technologies.

Other features include a 5 mega pixel camera and the possibility to upload and share the photos online with your friends. The phone comes with a QWERTY keyboard that flips over to reveal the nice touchpad that gives you the possibility to navigate through the menus. The phone will be launched on March 7 and it will have a starting price of $99.99 with a 2 year contract with AT&T.

As you can see, Gadget Venue is a nice website, where you will find a lot of news and information about concept gadgets, cool gadgets, laptops, gadgets reviews, mobile phones, home gadgets and more.

Posted in Cam Gadgets, News | 1 Comment »

Batman Gadgets

Friday, February 12th, 2010 |

Batman is a fictional character and its secret identity is Bruce Wayne. The first appearance of Batman was in May 1939 in Detective Comics, a comic book published by DC Comics. In 1940 Batman becomes very popular with his own comic book title called Batman. In 1960 everyone saw Batman at TV with his Batman television series.

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Batman doesn’t have superpowers and he relies on his gadgets to fight criminals. All Batman gadgets are black and the coolest of them all is the Batmobile. Many gadgets lie in the gadget belt or utility belt of this superhero and all Batman has to do is to dig in it and use them when as he needs them. Other Batman gadgets are the Batrope which Batman uses to climb skyscrapers and also the Batrang which is actually a boomerang used to disable the villains.

For mobility on sea, air and road Batman uses the following gadgets: Batwing, Batcycle, Batboat and, of course, the Batmobile. In the TV series, Batman has new and cool gadgets like Bat Spay which Batman uses to immobilize sharks, Bat Cuffs and Bat Radar. On the website Batman Gift Store.com he found a lot of Batman gadgets and other Batman gifts. You can choose from: Batman kitchen accessories, Batman games, Batman car accessories, Batman books, Batman jewelry and watches, Batman PC accessories and more.

For example, we found a nice Batman Animated Lamp. This Batman gadget uses the sound and the look of Batman and at the base of the lamp you will see a nice Batman sculpted character. This cool lamp plays Batman theme music and it also has a nice night light feature. You can purchase it for $59.99 from the website mentioned above.

Other great Batman gadget is the Batman 1.3 megapixel Digital Camera. This could be a nice gift for your children and it actually works okay. If you have a Microsoft Windows operating system, all you have to do is to plug into your personal computer with its including USB cable and the operating system will recognize the gadget as a removable media. The 1.3 MP will gibe you a decent picture and your kids will love it.

Another nice Batman gadget is the Batmobile Telephone manufactured by Columbia Telecommunication Group. This is an actually phone with the following feature: ringer on and off switch, tone and pulse and flash call waiting. This nice telephone also gives you the possibility to redial the last number. You will find it on the website Batman Gift Store.com at the price of $59.95. As kitchen accessories, you can find many Batman gifts. For example, we found a nice Batman Thermos for $15.95, Batman DC Comics Stainless Steel Spoon and Fork – this set retails at $6.99, Batman Salt and Pepper Set, Batman Travel Mug and more.



Posted in Cam Gadgets, Funny Gadgets, Gifts, House Gadgets | 1 Comment »

Gadget Shop

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 |

If you have read yesterday’s article then you probably found out about the point and shoot video camera Webbie HD. However, the yesterday’s video camera is not the only one in Sony’s portfolio that sports this name. Yesterday’s Webbie High Definition camera also included its unique code (since this is the only way these days to separate Sony products) MHS PM1/D. however, Sony sports another Webbie High Definition with the following code, MHS CM1/V. Basically don’t expect different specs, because this model is very much similar with the MHS PM1/D. the obvious difference is the design. But even in this department these two Webbies HD boast similarities, like the colors they are available in, Orange, Silver, and Eggplant. Also, Sony included the same advertising campaign, which hopefully will be chanced until the shopping season in December.
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“Upload you life”, might just work for a small part of the video cameras potential customers, but for the Webbies HD to become a market success, Sony must change the advertising scheme and deliver a refresh to these models improving not only the quality materials used but also some tech features, such as the auto focus. In terms of design the MHS CM1/V Webbie High Definition sports a classic design for a portable video camera, with the display cover opening on the left side and swiveling in order to record you without any problems or just get a better handling in any possible moment. This video camera is made out of the same tough matte plastic, like the other camera, but this model looks much cheaper than the other one. This is due probably because of the not metallic looks of the body. Even more bad news, the plastic is slippery and if you drop this camera be sure that when it will hit the ground it will break into pieces.

The display cover sports all the necessary logos to identify the product, “Sony” logo, “HD” logo, the product number, the “5 megapixel” logo and the format of the recordings, “MP4″. The camera lenses are surrounded by an even more cheaply looking plastic. You don’t really get many buttons or ports to work with. In terms of inputs and outputs, the MHS CM1/V sports a multi output, both audio and video, also a multi remote terminal with both audio and video and also a 2.0 USB port. You also get lens cover. However it is only a manual plastic cap. On the bottom side you can find the memory card slot with Memory Stick Pro memory card compatibility and also Memory Stick Pro Duo memory card. You don’t get any inbuilt memory, but then again it is more easy to transfer the data on the memory cards by just  inserting them into your laptop’s memory card slot, rather than transferring them using the USB connection.

This Sony product sports a height of 61 mm (2 ½ inches), wide of 43 mm (1 ¾ inches), deep of 105 mm (4 ¼ inches) the Webbie High Definition MHS CM1/V weights about 210 grams (or 7 oz with the battery included), making this camcorder not the lightest on the market. Even so the dimensions are very acceptable for a point and shoot video camera (and an occasionally photo camera). Because the battery subject came up, this Sony product sports an internal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery with power consumption, while working, of 2.3 Watt, sufficient to provide about 85 minutes of recording at the highest resolution. The battery can be recharged anytime (even when using it) but it will need at least three hours for a complete charge. The recording process is much simpler than the one from the previous Webbie HD thanks to the 2.5 inches LCD display with a 4 to 3 panel, capable of rendering about 153000 colors.

This display is fixed within a display cover that is capable of swiveling about 270 degrees, with the only purpose to offer the best user experience a point a shoot video camera can deliver nowadays. Professional camcorders offer way more excellent features, but then again their not as portable or as a matter a fact not as cheap as this camera. When you open the LCD cover, the Webbie High Definition powers up almost instantaneously. Getting ready for the whole general specs and lenses specs? Probably, you and everyone else, since this camera is a new product type and the only way to understand its purpose is to quietly analyze the physical data Sony was kind enough to provide.

Therefore, you get a 1 / 2.5 inches CMOS image sensor, with a real pixel count of 5 megapixels. The pictures resolution can only be in the full mode (5 megapixel with the 4:3), while the video’s actual mode can be in either high Definition format with the two available resolutions, 1440 x 1080 pixels with 30 frames per second, 1280 x 720 pixels with 30 frames per second, or in the Standard Definition format with 640 x 480 pixels with 30 frames per second. You also get with the Webbie HD the 41 mm to 203 mm (in the 16 to 9), and from 38 mm to 190 mm (in the 4 to 3), while the aperture included is F3.3. The total digital zoom allowed is 20x, with a focal distance varying between 6.4 mm to 31.4 mm, and an optical zoom of 5x. The shutter speed also varies from 1/30 to 1/4000. All the video resolution available can be stored on a maximum Memory Stick Pro Duo memory card of 16 GB.

You can record about 340 minutes of video within the 1440 x 1080 pixels with 30 frames per second, 510 minutes with the 1280 x 720 pixels with 30 frames per second, and 990 minutes for the 640 x 480 pixels resolution with 30 frames per second. Also, to improve the quality of recorded video, Sony included a LED light which will improve the light conditions in the darker environment conditions. The recorded videos will be saved with the MPEG4 AVC / H.264 also known as MP4 for a better compatibility with both Microsoft and Mac operating systems. You can also connect the Webbie HD to an out source such as LCD display using either NTSC video signal or PAL video signal.

Sony included in the retail box beside the Webbie HD and the battery packs, one AC adaptor, one audio and video connecting cable, one USB cable, wrist strap, component audio and video cable, and the CD software. Sony is currently offering the Webbie HD MHS CM1/V with a special offer, including in the retail box a 2 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo within the same price list, $199.99. Overall, this point and shot video camera is an interesting product, not a real camcorder, and not a digital camera capable of recording videos. Its only competitor is the other Webbie HD MHS PM1/D.

Posted in Cam Gadgets | 1 Comment »

Gadgets And Fun

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 |

A compact 9 megapixel digital camera with other good features is every man’s (and women’s) dream. With the help of Casio, this dream might just come true for everyone who needs a slim and easy to place, in any pocket, digital camera, without having to accept bad quality pictures. The Casio EX FC 100 is the product everyone was waiting for. It sport a great design, slick matte black cover, with metallic finishes on the keys and logo, excellent dimensions (with a height of 2.30 inches, wide of 3.92 inches, deep of 0.88 inches, the Casio EX FC 100 weight only 5.10 oz). the build quality is great, you get no squeaks or flex under any pressure made on the Casio EX FC 100. So, with a slim look, great build quality, and nice design, Exilim FC 100 Casio ensured some pretty consistent sales.
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On the front of the Casio camera you get the Flash in the right of the Casio logo, an auto focus assist lamp, and the 6.4 to 32.0 mm lens. On the back, the EX FC 100 sports a 3 inches LCD display, a processing lamp, a sort of joystick which is used to record movies and also works as a movie mode switch, playback key, shooting key, four way pads with the SET function (the four way controller has the following functions: up / display, left / customizable, right / customizable, down / flash / delete), menu button and best shot mode key.

On the right side you get the USB port, while the left side lacks both ports and keys. On the bottom, the Casio EX FC 100 WE includes a speaker, a tripod mount, and the cover for both memory card and battery. The top of the Casio model sports too many buttons when you use the camera in a rush. You get the slow motion button, the high speed key, the power on off switch, the shutter and also the zoom scroll. Casio EX FC 100 WE sport a 9.1 megapixel camera, with a 1 / 2.3 inches high speed CMOS, which boasts the total pixels to about 10.29 megapixels. Casio includes in this camera great lens and an average focal length (F 3.6 – F 4.5 / f = 6.42 mm – 32.1 mm).

The zoom provided by the Casio camera goes up to 5x for optical mode and 4x for digital mode. A special feature that Casio reminds us with is the high definition zoom with a maximum of 27x (only in VGA resolution, and using both digital zoom and optical zoom). Casio EX FC 100 provides a 32 MB onboard memory, but also features a memory card slot for both SDHC memory card, and SD memory card. The pictures taken with the Casio EX FC 100 are good quality photos. These pictures have a good green and red accuracy. Unfortunately you don’t get a color mode setting. Therefore, the photos might seem a little unbalanced with both yellow and blue. The 9.1 megapixel camera, from the EX FC 100, can take still images in different resolutions, in VGA mode – 640 x 480 pixels, 2 megapixel mode – 1600 x 1200 pixels, 4 megapixel mode – 2304 x 1728 pixels, 6 megapixels mode – 2816 x 2112 pixels, 3456 x 1944 pixels, 3456 x 2304 pixels, and with the full 9 megapixel you get a 3456 x 2592 pixels photo resolution. Casio EX FC 100 saves the pictures taken in JPEG files, DPOF and DCF 1.0. The generally noise made is low, so it will not bother you at all.

The resolution provided features a low distortion, making the photos even sharper. As in any other camera, you will find in the Casio model, several modes for different lighting, daylight mode, overcast mode, shade mode, auto mode,  daylight fluorescent mode, tungsten mode, and the manual mode. The latest sensitivity modes are included in the EX FC 100, Auto / ISO 100 / ISO 200 / ISO 400 / ISO 800 / ISO 1600. The Casio EX FC 100 sports 3 inches TFT color LCD (super clear LCD) with a resolution of 960 x 240 pixels. The LCD will prove valuable when using the menu, or setting the options for the camera. Casio EX FC 100 provides good quality video recording. Another feature is the playback of the videos and the possibility of editing them.

The Casio camera records in high definition 1280 x 720 with 30 frames per second, 224 x 64 with 1000 frames per second, 224 x 168 with 420 frames per second, 480 x 360 with 210 frames per second, and 30 frames per second for both 480 x 360 and 640 x 480. The connectivity is ensured by the Pict Bridge, video output formats (both PAL and NTSC), and the USB / AV port. Other excellent features worth to mention is the face detection feature, excellent focus (contrast detection auto focus, auto focus, macro mode, infinity mode, manual focus). Casio included in the EX FC 100 a standard Lithium Ion battery with 1300 mAh, 3.7 volt (NP – 40 battery types). This battery should last up to 300 shots after a single charge. For a small compact digital camera this battery is a really good feature.

Casio ships in the containing box, beside the actual EX FC 100 and NP 40 battery, manual, Software CD, AV cable, USB cable, strap, battery charger (BC 31 L model), and power cord. If Casio would have included a memory card, then the package would have been complete. Even so for a price tag of $329.99, you get a decent package. Overall, the Casio EX FC 100 is an excellent product, for its range. With a slick compact case, and a stylish design, also packing a great 9.1 megapixel camera with the latest lens and setting features, the Casio EX FC 100 is the best choice, when out looking for an ultraportable, yet extremely good equipped point and shoot digital camera. Also, the EX FC 100 is the cheapest in comparison with Canon Power Shot SD 970 “IS” ($379.99), and Sony Cyber Shot DSC T900 (with a price tag of $369.99).

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Tech Gadgets

Monday, September 28th, 2009 |

When your life is full of great moments and events, you need to have around a good feature camcorder. If you are familiar with Canon FS100 Camcorder, then you should already know that the new Canon FS200 Camcorder is the FS100 model upgraded. In general, an upgrade (or refresh) is the process of renewing an old model. Basically the refreshed model (like the FS200) is not a new model; it is just the succeeded in line to the old model (FS100). The manufacturer will improve the already good features and diminish the product drawbacks (at least hypothetical, because this is the hardest part in an upgrade). The Canon FS200 Camcorder is an upgrade (a minor one), still sporting great portability, microphone jack, headphone jack, and a full range of color settings.
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For only $299.99 to $329.95, you will understand that the Canon FS200 Camcorder is an excellent product for its price range. Unfortunately, the FS200 is not really photogenic. Sure you can look it up online, but it will probably not say much. Once you will have it in your hand you will be shocked to see how small and light the FS200 Camcorder is. The dimensions are indeed remarkable for a camcorder. With a height of 5.84 cm (2.3 inches), wide of 5.59 cm (2.2 inches), deep of 12.19 cm (4.8 inches), the FS200 weights about 223.94 g (7.9 oz).

On the front cover (if you can call it cover), the Canon FS200 sports the camera lens. In the right bottom corner you can observe the video light, and to the left of this light you can find the microphone (built in). On the back cover, the FS200 sports a click wheel which will help you select between three available modes: still, dual shot, and video. In the center of this click wheel you can find the red action key with both purposes (start and stop). On the right side you will get the C power port, while on the left you can find the 2.7 inches display and under the display you will get the whole command station. You get a large joystick, two buttons (for displaying information, and immediate video recording), and three ports.

The zoom scroll and the still photo key are situated on top of the Canon FS200, while the memory card slot and the battery port are included on the bottom of the FS200. The overall design not only looks good, but also feels solid. The case is a little glossy, but in a good way. It resist to fingerprints and scratches because of the materials used.

The FS200 records excellent quality video in MPEG-2 encoding (files will have mod extension). It is strange why Canon didn’t provide the nowadays standard encoding (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264). You are allowed to choose from three recording compression, LP 3 MB per second, SP 6MB per second and XP 9 MB per second. The Canon FS200 camcorder delivers excellent videos recorded in broad daylight. For an entry level price, this model offers a great lens package. You get a zoom ratio of 41x advanced zoom, with 37x optical zoom, and 2000x digital zoom. Also the zoom speed is variable (even if the FS200 sports a 3xzoom fixed speed). The focal length found on the FS200 lens is f = 2.9 – 96.2 mm (35 mm equivalent: 45.8 – 1695 mm, advanced zoom off), with an aspect rotation of 16 to 9. The Canon FS200 camcorder features a 2.7 inches widescreen color LCD with approximate 123.000 pixels.

The screen is great not only when you record videos, but also when you playback videos. All the videos recorded are saved directly onto the SDHC memory card. The best solution for the device, would be the SDHC 32 GB memory card. In LP mode, you can record up to 20 hours and 50 minutes, in SP mode you can record up to 11 hours and 5 minutes, while in the highest mode (XP), you can record up to 7 hours and 20 minutes. You don’t get a remarkable connectivity with the FS200. Sure, it features AV (composite), USB (2.0 port), microphone input, headphones jack shared with AV out, card slow and DC power, but it lacks HDMI port, Fire Wire, S Video, LANC and others. Canon FS200 camcorder can also take still photos. However, it lacks optical image stabilization, but otherwise the FS200 does a remarkable job.

With a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, the photos have a good quality, and a high detail rendering. You get a medium white balance setting (auto, manual, tungsten, and daylight), but also programmed modes (auto, fireworks, program, spotlight, TV, sunset, sports, beach, night, and snow). Canon included in the FS200 the BP 808 battery pack. Because the FS200 sports a closed battery slot, you will not be able to fit extra battery packs. The FS200 menu is not exactly user friendly.

You get to many entry levels on one page. It is not a neat menu. You need so much attention, to learn all the details that should just have been included in a sub menu. Canon ships the FS200 along with the battery pack, wrist strap, USB interface cable, stereo video cable, compact power adapter, music CD, editing software, and digital video solution disk. Overall, the Canon FS200 camcorder is an obvious choice for anyone that wants excellent video and still pictures in a small product (easy to handle), with no other high features for less than $350.

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