Gadgets Blog » Digital Cameras

Samsung NX100: Solid Features for a Solid Price

Dan Evans — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:40:39 +0000

This fall, my parents surprised me with an exceptional gift just before my return to college. While I had owned a digital camera before, the unit they gave to me now was above and beyond anything I had previously expected out of a camera. Modern point-and-shoot digital cameras are stunning with their wide array of features and incredible photo quality. For an aspiring photographer, they make an excellent entry point into a lifelong hobby. But if you’re interested in acquiring a tool with a little more power behind it, where should you turn?

One possible answer is today’s gadget, the Samsung NX100 digital camera. The device is what Samsung has dubbed a “compact system camera.” Essentially, this line of cameras represents a middle-ground market for photography, great for users who want something more than a point-and-shoot but who aren’t ready to shell out upwards of $1,000 for a high-end device. With 14 megapixels and a keen autofocus feature, the NX100 has all the makings of a great intermediate camera.

It gets better, though. The NX100 has two distinct modes of operation when first taken out of the box. It can function as a pocketable point-and-shoot camera, or it can be attached to the added 20–50 mm camera lens to the front for more powerful use. Samsung has packaged this additional lens with the camera, and the ability to expand to other lenses is another attractive option.

To top it all off, Samsung has found a way to price the NX100 far below what its rival companies are retailing. Listed at $499, this is easily one of the greatest steals on the electronics market, in any capacity. With incredible functionality, easy-to-use features and the potential for growth, this is a great device. If you’re looking for a great Christmas gift for a loved one, be sure to include this on your research list!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/jonathansin/5162038788

Best and Worst: Best Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Dan Evans — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:01:45 +0000

I’m beginning to suspect that a single picture is no longer worth a thousand words, especially given the sheer volume of photos on many of my friends’ Facebook pages. The availability of digital cameras has enabled virtually unlimited documentation of social events. At times, the entire ordeal reminds me of an inspiring video on The Onion’s website. Point and shoot cameras have steadily begun taking better and better photographs over the last several years, turning the digital camera into a personal electronic item along the lines of a telephone or an mp3 player. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best point-and-shoot cameras available on the market.

(1) Canon Powershot SX20

The most high-end camera on our list functions at the upper edges of what would be considered a point-and-shoot camera. Boasting 10 megapixels, the Canon Powershot SX20 boasts a number of features, making it great for people who want to test the waters of more expensive digital cameras. The 20x optical zoom provides exceptional flexibility in shots, and the images have exceptional contrast, especially in natural light. As an extra bonus, the Powershot SX20 allows for high-definition video recording, a great feature that adds a new dimension to the camera’s use. You don’t have to be a camera expert to captialize on the Powershot, but you don’t have to break the bank either, making it a great compromise and a great deal at around $350.

(2) Casio Exilim EX-V7

If you’re not a fan of the Canon’s bulky design, then the sleek Casio Exilim might be up your alley. With a compact silver case, the Casio can easily fit into a pocket or purse, making it great for taking photos on the go. The 7.2 megapixels ideal for casual use, and the addition of a 7x optical zoom provides a greater variety of shots at your disposal. The Exilim allow for video recording, although the videos aren’t as quality as the stills. For roughly $160, this Casio is more expensive than other similarly featured cameras, but its stylish looks and sturdy design make it a solid investment for a point and shoot camera.

(3) Canon Powershot A470

Our final camera is also our most affordable. At only $120, the Canon Powershot A470 provides some simplified features but still managest to take excellent pictures. While it boasts 7.1 megapixels, the image quality is not quite up to par with the other cameras on our list. Nonetheless, the Powershot A470 makes for a great budget entry into the realm of point and shoot cameras, with an adequate flash that struggles at times in darker environments. The battery life isn’t quite as long as one would like, but for the price, it’s hard to find a better camera.

For more options, check out some discount digital cameras through Smarter.

Best Digital Cameras for Under $100

Dan Evans — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:50:17 +0000

To begin with a good old-fashioned cliche, a picture’s worth a thousand words. While this may have been true when photography was less accessible (thanks largely in part to film), nowadays, it’s likely that a single photo has depreciated in its value of words. [I immediately think of some of my college student friends, and their oft-overzealous photo habits, but I digress.] The beauty of many point-and-shoot cameras in in their simplicity, and thanks to some breakthroughs in technology, some great quality photos are available via cameras for which you need not break the bank. With their simplicity, anyone can be documenting life’s precious moments easily. Here’s a guide to some of the best digital cameras for under $100

Kodak Easy Share C180
Kodak’s line of digital cameras have had their ups and downs in the past, but their latest batch of easy-to-use models have, for the most part, been winners. The premise of the EasyShare series is that by pressing the red “share” button, you can send the image to an online account where you have immediate access to it. It’s a nifty idea, but this camera has other features that make it worth checking out. Face recognition technology and 10.2 megapixel image quality makes for great shots, especially when there’s ample lighting. The EasyShare C180 can also take videos, and it has a 3x optical zoom. Granted, most of the features have been trimmed down from more expensive EasyShare cameras, but that is to be expected in a model like this. The biggest drawback with this camera (and with most inexpensive cameras in general) is that photos tend to be dark and blurry in limited lighting. This camera is available through Smarter for $79.39.

Samsung SL40
As I’ve researched this article, I’ve discovered that many of the cameras within this price range (at least the ones that are worth anyone’s time) have a lot of the same features. This can be both a positive and a negative. Your opportunity cost for picking one over another is relatively small, but it can be hard to find features that differentiate something like the Samsung SL40 from the Kodak EasyShare C180. Both cameras sport 10.2 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, and similar digital technology like face recognition and image stabilization. However, the EasyShare comes in several unique colors, such as metallic teal. The choice remains yours. A good strategy would be to see the cameras you’re looking at in person at a department store. As is often the difficulty with buying items over the internet, it’s hard to know exactly what a product is like before you hold it in your hands. This camera is available through Smarter for $79.99.

GE A1050
General Electric isn’t usually thought of as a maker of digital cameras, and that’s perhaps why this model is such as steal. Without the brand name recognition, the price surely must have gone down because the A1050 sports some great features for its modest price tag. It has a compact 25mm body, with 10.1 megapixels for image quality. With face recognition and image stability, the unit also sports an excellent 5x optical zoom, giving it great versatility for long and close-range shots. The good news is, for any of these cameras, you’re going to have a great entry-level unit that can take lots of great photos, so be sure to pick one that appeals to you in terms of its size, color, and any other personal preferences. This camera is available through Smarter for $77.

Best and Worst: Picking a Digital Picture Frame

Dan Evans — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:29 +0000

The world of digital photography has really expanded over the last several years with all sorts of advancements in technology that make it possible for everything from your phone to your computer monitor to have a camera built in. Even an ametaur photographer is able to rack up a great collection of shots with highly affordable cameras. Yet in the midst of all this emphasis on digital, part of the idea of a photograph can get lost. Its not enough to simply take a photo: photos are meant to be put on display and shared with other people. In a world where film development isn’t necessary to photography, this can oftentimes be overlooked, and many people have photos that sit in a computer folder without being physically displayed on a wall or desk.

Digital picture frames are some of my favorite electronic gadgets. A good model will be able to display may great photos, cycling through the images in a continually pleasant process. However, as with most electronics, not all units are made equal, and as you plan to purchase one of the frames, getting an idea of what sort of features they offer can make for the best possible display of your digital photo collection.

First and foremost, like any other device with a screen, digital picture frames have varying resolutions. While which resolution you choose should have a lot to do with the number of megapixels in your camera, many low-end models have very poor resolutions, some as low as 480 x 324. These low resolution models won’t display pictures clearly, and the images will appear boxy and pixelated. As a rule of thumb, you’ll at least want a resolution of 640 x 480, but searching for higher resolution models will be worth your time and your money.

Also important is the aspect ratio of the screen. Just like with televisions, different models have slightly different aspect ratios, so if you’re looking to avoid black bars on the edges of your pictures, some research into the aspect ratio of considered frames can be very helpful. Most digital cameras shoot photos with an aspect ratio of 4:3, so a frame with this ratio will be filled with the entire image. Other frames are available in 15:9 ratios, which are similar to the framing of a widescreen television. If your 4:3 images are to be displayed in a 15:9 screen, pieces of the top and bottom of the photo will be cropped out for a better fit. However, its possible you’ll appreciate the widescreen format of the frame, and many high-end screens offer this aspect ratio.In the end, it’s a matter of choice.

Finally, there are a number of extra features offered on some of the high end picture frames. These allow the frames to go above and beyond simply displaying pictures. Some higher end frames offer wi-fi connections, which enable them to stream Internet radio, effectively setting your picture slideshow to music. Other frames enable you to e-mail photos to the frame itself, potentially trimming down on the time required to get images onto the unit. However, along with these features can come confusing menu structures, making it difficult for casual gadget users to get the frames to behave accordingly. When purchasing a frame, remember who will be the primary user, and try to get a unit that is compatible with their needs!

Pictured is the Sony DPFD80 8″ picture frame, a great middle-of-the road unit for only $149.98 at Smarter.

Awesome Deals on Digital Cameras at Vanns.com

colleen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:04:28 +0000

Vanns.com Clearance Outlet is a staple to stop at when you’re thinking about buying an electronic gadget at a bargain. With quality assured items and brand name prices, Vanns is a great place to begin or end your bargain hunting online. Today let’s test out the digital camera clearance section, just to prove how well oriented the website is for all your electronic gadget needs:

SONY DSCT900R Digital Camera in Red with 12.1 megapixels from Vanns.com: $247.33 with free shipping. Competitors have this Sony digital camera marked at $429 retail.

Samsung Tl220 in Garnet Red with 12.2megapixels from Vanns.com: $299.99 with free shipping. Actually very competitive with Sears.com, except Vanns.com also offers free shipping.

Find more affordable digital cameras at Smarter.com.

Digital Camera Deal: Polaroid i735 7 MP

gadgets — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:30:48 +0000

Polaroid i735 Digital Camera Pink 7.0 Megapixel
From: $53.75

Don’t let the color fool you. It may be pink, but the Polaroid i735 7 MP digital camera features 7.0 megapixel resolution and 16 MB of storage. With a 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom this pocket-sized wonder will bring you in close for some great shots that you can see instantly on the 2.5-inch bright color TFT LCD screen.

This fashionably colored item can also record AVI clips blending video and audio for those tragically funny karaoke nights that must be seen and heard for future laughs. It also lets you tag audio to any image so you can add a special vocal note to that sentimental pic. The anti-shake feature will help you keep your lens steady for stills and video.

Auto flash measures your lighting and pops in to brighten your shot when needed and can be turned off in case you want a darker scene. The electronic self timer lets you set up the shot and be a part of the fun too. Adding to the fun are 10 scene modes for customized images and Ultra Red-Eye Reduction to prevent people from getting those possessed looking werewolf eyes. The battery life indicator will let you know before your power runs out so you can switch it out or get it ready for recharging.

The compact style, easy point-and-shoot design and expandable memory slot make this an affordable accessory for vacations, day trips or just having one on hand. PC and Mac compatible, the camera package includes 2 AA batteries, a protective skin, a handy wrist strap, USB cable, AV cables and software on CD-ROM to get you started.

Other specs:

16:9 aspect ratio
ISO: Auto/50/100/200/400/800/1600
WIDE/TELE LV4~LV16 luminance rating
PictBridge compatible
SD compatible for expanded memory
Dimensions 2.3 x 1.1 x 3.5-inches

*Get it at ComputerGeeks.com and use coupon code DEALHUNTING to save 10% on your order.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more great discount digital cameras.

What To Look For When Buying Basic Camera Cases and Bags

gadgets — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:47:01 +0000

Unfortunately, for my poor compact digital camera I take its pocket-size literally and usually slip it in my pants or jacket pocket when I’m out and about. I’ve also been known to toss it in my bag, sans case, and let it jostle around with the rest of the junk in there. There’s no excuse really, it came with a protective case when I bought it and I’ve since misplaced it due to laziness.

In my defense, I usually put it in that little side pocket with a zipper so its bouncing and bumping is somewhat restricted. But, that’s not a real replacement for the safety a protective case offers. I have to admit, the little champ has held up quite well but it definitely shows its distress in scratches and nicks on the body and some slight wear on the display screen.

Conversely, my SLR camera gets the gentle treatment — padded carrying bag, lint-free cloth wipe downs, etc. It might have to do with the fact that it was about 10x more expensive than the pocket version but all equipment should be cared for and treated well if it’s expected to work properly and enjoy a long life.

So, what are you looking for?

Do you need a small case for light travel or something with more padding that can withstand some weather? I’m a big fan of traveling light but that can be difficult if you’re packing the camera body, different lenses and filters, flash and other necessities. Thank goodness we don’t have to squeeze 10 rolls of film in there anymore too! Well, unless you’re shooting old school.

You want a bag that fits your equipment firmly and doesn’t allow much room for movement. You definitely don’t want things banging around. For pocket-sized cameras, a small case should be sufficient to protect against daily wear.

The ECB-1 Eva Compact Camera Case from Case Logic ($9.15) is a good example. It’s molded, lightweight and sized to fit most compact digitals.

For SLR cameras, something with adjustable dividers can help you increase your equipment’s security by allowing you to snugly tuck everything in.

The small Billingham Hadley Shoulder Bag ($194) has room for your camera body plus two lenses. It’s made of waterproof canvas and the inside dividers are movable to suit your equipment.

Many camera users prefer the shoulder bag for its accessibility but I tend to go for the backpack-style camera bag for carrying convenience.

The Lowepro Fastpack 100 Backpack ($56.95) is a great combination bag with room to secure your camera equipment in the lower half and space for your other stuff up top.

Try on the different styles and see what suits you best. There are a variety of colors too. Some hardcore bags can even handle extreme temps and expedition-style travel.

Find more camera bags and camera cases at Smarter.

Options for Affordable Tripods

gadgets — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Here are some great accessories to complement your photo excursion equipment.

The Eddie Bauer Gorillapod ($22.50) may look kind of spacey but its flexibility will increase your view-angle possibilities and then some. Designed for use with compact digital cameras, the joints will bend and rotate 360 degrees.

The leg joints firmly wrap around challenging surfaces like trees or poles, and it can be perched on a flat table or uneven rocks. Your camera is secured at the base with a locking ring and then safely hangs during the shot.

Better yet, set your camera’s timer and get in the shot yourself — something photogs frequently miss out on being behind the camera so often.

Get it at Eddie Bauer and get 20% off your purchase with code JTRNCRA9.

If you’re shooting action rather than stills, the Smith-Victor DOLLY A Tripod dolly ($59.95) could be your newest friend.

Wheel the setup to smoothly follow your subject and lock it in place when at rest. Might be useful for a beginning filmmaker or a wedding if you want to fluidly change angles without missing a moment. This mount is a universal fit, heavy-duty aluminum dolly with 3-inch rubber wheels that lock independently. It collapses for easy storage and transport. Designed for use with camcorders/video cameras.

Get it at RitzCamera.com and save 5% off any order with code ETRC01.

Shop for more tripod platforms and supports.

Camera Lens Deal: Sigma 28-200 Super Micro

gadgets — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:48:33 +0000

Whether it’s around town, on a hike, or just a day at the beach, one of my favorite things to do is take my camera and go shooting. Pretending I’m a tourist allows me the freedom to appreciate the mundane things I drive by without noticing on a typical day. In general, photography as a hobby can get expensive quickly but with most everything digital now, you can set up a decent home shop with a good camera, a few lenses and a quality printer.

Changing your perspective is the easiest thing to do and it opens up a whole new world. So now that you’ve gotten familiar with shooting below and above your subject with a standard lens, it might be time to up the game a bit. Check Smarter.com for discount camera lenses that match your equipment, like the Sigma 28-200 DG Super Macro Lens for full-frame Digital SLR Cameras ($168.90).

It works with Sony & Minolta AF mounts and covers the frequently used focal length range (28mm wide angle to 200mm telephoto). Its compact size is well-suited for photogs while traveling on vacation or walking through nature.

Flare and ghosting are reduced through its digitally optimized ultra telephoto lens. The lens is equipped with a new multi-layer coating technology that not only reduces that annoying flare, it also provides an accurate color balance and hi-def shot.

If you haven’t tried macro photography yet, this user friendly lens could help you get started. At the 200mm telephoto setting, it has a 1:3.8 maximum magnification. This brings you up close in order to capture the details of your subject, like the veins in that wildflower’s petals or a butterfly’s wings. Minimum focusing distance is 48cm at all zoom settings and the magnification scale is helpfully shown on the lens barrel.

Get it at AbesofMaine.com and save $10 off $75 purchase, use code FRIEND10 and get a free 4 gigabyte flash drive on $150 or more with CRUZER4GB.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more discount camera lenses.

Free Shipping for Filmmakers

gadgets — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:50:54 +0000

For the budding filmmaker in all of us, the Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder ($138.99) is a great way to capture life as it happens…in HD. With no dials or lenses to adjust, just hit record, say “action” and watch your masterpiece act itself out on the 2.4-Inch LCD screen.

Might be something to think about for Mother’s Day too (coming THIS Sunday… 4 days from now… *nudge* *nudge*), seeing as part of the basic “mom responsibilities” is to record and keep the family memories. And with the included video editing software, she can add pictures and music, grab still images from video frames, and post online to share Jimmy’s birthday party with even the most distant of relatives.

Or, for the adventurous, mount the Zi6 on your helmet or bike… then you’ll know how the little dog riding in the basket feels.

Poor wittle, guy. Not a fwend in the world.

Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder specs:

HD quality video (720p at 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio);
record hours of video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB;
2.4-inch LCD screen;
slow motion playback;
HD at 60 fps, HD at 30 fps, or VGA (Video Graphics Array)

Get free shipping both ways at Zappos and free shipping on purchases over $25 at Amazon.com. No code required.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more more Kodak digital cameras.
Discounts on pet bicycle baskets and digital camera deals.