Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens with 32GB Card + .45x Wide Angl

It is a nice camera, and don't get me wrong, it can take some amazing pictures, but not right out of the box. I was comparing it to a Nikon Coolpix L810 auto mode to auto mode, and the L810 actually takes much sharper photos than the D3100! I was using the same subject, at the same location and at the same time. The only variable was the camera. Again, this was on auto mode, and I know that DSLR users warn against auto mode, but this is an entry level DSLR, so I would think Nikon would be paying more attention to the fact that the beginner is likely to expect auto mode to be "beginner proof".

Once I gave up on the auto setting, I used the settings recommended on kenrockwell.com, and I began to see some sharp photos. I have since began to have a better understanding of what the different settings mean, and I am no longer frustrated with the camera, but I recommend that you understand what the manual is telling you (it's pretty good), and don't expect great photos on the first use if you are a DSLR beginner.

The video mode should only be used in manual focus. The sound of the auto focus motor will dominate any audio you might be capturing with the video, but that may improve with other lenses. ...but again, the video mode on the Coolpix L810 was much better. Even though the resolution was not as good, the video (using auto focus) was at least a usable video with the L810.

F.Y.I. I am using the lens provided in the kit, and I know that I will be replacing it later, but that is another day.

I only give four stars because there isn't a four and a half, and I feel that a $500.00 camera should outperform a $200.00 one on any setting, especially when they are the same brand.

Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera AV / HDMI Cable 3' HDMI to Mini HDMI - High Speed HDMI Transfer

It is a 3 ft HDMI CABLE which allows me to connect my camera to my large screen TV. Could not find a 10 or 12 foot cable, so I settled for this and a female female HDMI connector. Works fine, it isn't easy to mess up an HDMI cable and they didn't.

This cable enabled us to really enjoy our pictures on a big screen! Everyone had nothing but praise for the presentation'

Buy Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera AV / HDMI Cable 3' HDMI to Mini HDMI - High Speed HDMI Transfer Now

Premium 10 ft Panasonic RP-CDHM30-K Mini 1.3c HDMI cable for your HD Camcorder/Video/Camera! (240Hz

I bought it to use with my Panasonic camcorder and it function very good. The image in the TV is great, much better than the image with the av cable.

It is exactly what I wanted. It is easy to connect my Camcorder to my TV and provides the desired results. It arrived in a very timely manner.

Buy Premium 10 ft Panasonic RP-CDHM30-K Mini 1.3c HDMI cable for your HD Camcorder/Video/Camera! (240Hz Now

SPECO CVC-638/170 Ultra Wide-angle Waterproof Color Bullet Camera

I bought this camera as a rear-view camera to aid in docking my 40-foot power boat. I selected it because it is rated for outdoor use and it provides a nearly 180 degree view (170 actually). I have been very impressed. I moored in a tight spot the first week I had the boat, with only 55 feet available to back out my slip and turn 90 degrees to exit. I was able to move within a few feet of the boats behind me with confidence, because the video image quality is excellent in daylight, and the wide-angle shows so much of one's surroundings. I viewed the video image on a RayMarine E120, which has an 800x600 pixel resolution. The camera provides enough resolution that there is no discernable pixelization on this display. The Speco CVC-638/170 is an excellent product.

2013 update: over 5 years later and I am still using this camera regularly, and I continue to like it. In the winter I occasionally must take off the outside protective lens and wipe off condensation with a soft cloth. If the sun is low and the camera is looking directly into it the bright sunlight overwhelms the rest of the field of view. That's it for caveats. I am impressed that after 5.5 years of being outdoors continuously in WA state, this wide angle video camera still operates reliably.

Works well nothing spectacular, but delivers the image quality and field of view advertised.

Great wide angled (fish eyed, really) outdoor camera

Buy SPECO CVC-638/170 Ultra Wide-angle Waterproof Color Bullet Camera Now

Bell & Howell DNV16HDZ 1080p HD Video Camera Camcorder with Infrared Night Vision (Black) with

now i can ghost hunt with night vision! it is exactly what i was looking for and came with more than i expected

I was debating on buying this or not for a while, so I broke down and got it, it is very excellent IR camera/camcorder, however I would recommend buying a bigger IR attachment to go farther than 10 feet. Comes with everything as described!!

Buy Bell & Howell DNV16HDZ 1080p HD Video Camera Camcorder with Infrared Night Vision (Black) with Now

its does everything in description great camcorder I highly recommend this camcorder light weight great video clear very clear in day or night and night vision and easy navigation Thanks!!!!!!

Read Best Reviews of Bell & Howell DNV16HDZ 1080p HD Video Camera Camcorder with Infrared Night Vision (Black) with Here

Works great, better than exected. The package deal is well worth the money. Savings! Will be taking on a trip. Like the way the camcorder and also take still pictures at the flip of a switch. Lot of great features like motion detection and night vision. Real a good deal. Hope I use it as I anticpate, but if not, not out much money for what it cost.

Want Bell & Howell DNV16HDZ 1080p HD Video Camera Camcorder with Infrared Night Vision (Black) with Discount?

I was told by an experienced ghost hunter that this brand of night vision camcorders was not that great. So far it works great and is comparable to any other night vision camcorder. I think he might have had an earlier version, which i could probably understand then. I will keep testing and report back later on.

Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station)

I own the DSC-F828 (8 megapixel) Sony...and do a lot of varied work, usually taking it everywhere. But it's a bit slow out of the bag sometimes, for a simple snapshot. Therefore I purchased this camera (the T-3 Euro version) as an adjunct to the big brother.

Frankly, 5 Megapixel appears a bit less sharp now that I'm used to 8 Megapixel ....and the lens CAN be a tiny bit soft focus in low light. Yes, there's relativly few manual adjustments, too.

Flash is not bad, works well as a fill in sunlight, a bit harsh indoors. But then I shot a lot of no-flash, as slow as an 1/8, handheld. It works well. Nice colors, too,

However, this little devil powers up FAST as I draw it from the Sony leather belt holster. Red Eye reduction, 3x zoom, *HUGE* view screen (really impressive for showing off to your friends what you just shot...), neat carry strap.

This thing is really HANDY....not as your ONLY camera but as the all-day, EVERY-DAY camera. It fits on your belt in as little space as a cell phone with the abilty to shoot all day long....

I bought a travel charger & spare battery (these can charge while I shoot), extra memory (came with a 32mb I bought a 128, then a 256. You buy a 512.), and the nice Sony leather belt case. Look for a USB memory stick reader, like the wonderful SanDisk MobileMate MS (the size, literally, of a USB flash drive, i.e. keyring-able), and you're ready.

You can afford this. Think about it. Super small, excellent quality, out of the way...but ALWAYS there. Get it. Or, let me put it another way, "Can you afford less?".

PS What I REALLY like about this camera is that my big 828 scares the pants off my subjects because it's seen (to them) as "professional", yet no one runs away when I pull this little guy out. You can see the differences in their attitude right away.

I get more intimate pictures, with minimal quality loss, using this camera far more frequently, now, than the 828.

I bought this camera about a month ago and have been truly impressed. I know a bit about digital cameras having owned a few over the years and this camera presses all the right buttons for me. The camera is small, about the size and weight of a pack of playing cards, smaller even. The styling is great and the build quality is top notch. The camera has many features normally found on larger format cameras. The video quality is superb and nearly does away with the need for a camcorder for those holiday videos, works best out doors and in daylight. There is no set limit to video length except for the capacity of the memory card. A 1 Gig card holds about 13min of highest quality video, long enough for any take I can think of. The general picture quality is very good for a compact and the prints I've made to A4 paper are spot on. It is fast to start up and "reload". The LCD screen quality is the best I've seen on a compact. The macro/magnifying mode is a revelation, allowing for some "microscope" type close-ups. The interface is intuitive and user friendly. In conclusion this camera is perfect for the average user who needs a highly portable quality digital camera. Recommended upgrade would be a 512mb or 1Gig memory card for that high quality video.

Buy Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) Now

We purchased this camera as a replacement for our bulky Sony DSC-P52, which stopped working after year or so due to a problem with the lens mechanism. Naturally, only time will tell if this is any different, but in the meantime, here's what you need to know about this baby:

The Good:

1) Size and weight Fits almost comfortably in any pocket. Much thinner and lighter than any previous digital camera I've owned, thus encourages one to carry it most anywhere. The size is also pretty comfortable for one-hand shooting.

2) Big LCD screen You didn't need me to tell you this, right? Makes previewing images and taking shots much more satisfying, though sometimes it does not appear very clear, especially if the subject is not static. However, it is bright and rich in color.

3) InfoLithium This is Sony's name for a battery that tells you how much time it has left only approximately, of course. If use is consistent, will provide you with a good idea. If you use one function then another then another, it tends to vary much more and is not as useful.

4) Integrated charger/USB station A flimsy plastic cradle takes care of charging the on-board battery as well as providing a USB hookup for downloading images and video into the computer. Minimizes wires and removes the need for a separate charger, though the bright white color is far from a match.

The Bad:

1) Focusing problems The camera cannot focus on objects that are relatively close to it. I am not speaking about macros, but simply the function or lack thereof to focus on small, near objects, such as coins, stamps, or text. Quick focus on objects farther away, though.

2) Integrated Battery I listed the InfoLithium as a positive, but the fact that you cannot just pop-in a couple of AA batteries means you will always need the station or the plug to charge up if you need some juice. I don't know if the battery is universal, but even if it is, it will cost substantially more to purchase a replacement.

3) Incompatible Memory Sticks I will not complain about Sony's desire to make consumers pay more for its cards than adopting a standard, but this camera uses the MemoryStick Duo, which is about 1/4 or so smaller than the "regular" MemoryStick. This means that the hundreds you may have invested in memory cards for previous Sony digital cameras are pretty useless, as they do not fit into this or any other device using the smaller cards.

4) Ineffective Flash The flash is tiny, thus does not provide adequate illumination in the dark. Within a few feet is okay, but farther subjects are not touched.

5) 3x Optical Zoom C'mon, this is 2005! 3x optical zoom is pretty pathetic for such an expensive camera.

6) Slow Write Speed There is a decent pause between pictures, meaning you not be able to shoot at a rapid rate. You can certainly take pictures in bursts, but it takes even longer to write to the memory stick. Previewing the images is also slow. This is also disappointing, as it's not faster than my older P52.

7) No Tripod Hookup If you wish to use a tripod, you have to mount the camera on the plastic station, then connect the tripod to the plastic dock. This is far from ideal.

Well, there you have it. The negatives I listed may be insignificant for you, in which case this could be a great value for you. I am certainly happy with it, but I only wish Sony would stop treating its customers like cash cows with changing standards, compatibilities, and dubious long-term quality.

Read Best Reviews of Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) Here

This is a great camera for travel and everyday events because of its small and convenient size. We bought it to replace our bulkier Sony DSC-F707. The large screen is wonderful! The video feature is a lot of fun but due to the small size it is hard to take a steady video. The battery meter is very useful as it tells you how much time you have left. The main downside with this camera is the flash. It doesn't work well in very dark conditions for distant or even slightly distant shots. If it weren't for the flash, I would have given this a rating of 5 stars. This is overall a good camera.

For more serious digital photography, we prefer to use the Sony DSC-F707 as it has a better flash and zoom. However, it is too bulky to carry around.

Want Sony Cybershot DSCT33 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Includes Docking Station) Discount?

We were early digital camera adopters so this model is now our 5th or 6th camera. A requirement for us when we buy a digital camera is the availabilty of an underwater housing since we use these camera during scuba trips. We have a larger Sony DSC-F707 with an Amphibico housing which does a great job for us but requires a crate when we take it diving. This camera was purchased with the Sony brand underwater housing which is tiny and neatly organized so the entire package and is very compact to travel with. Sony has made some significant improvements in their underwater housings since the first generation including double o-rings and ability to support the deepest recreational dives. Camera and housing fit in a tiny backpack and easily goes under an airplane seat. For serious underwater photography you will require heaps of external light and I'm not a fan of Sony's underwater lighting solution but other choices exist.

My favorite things about the camera are the large 2.5" screen which allows me to easily see which shots I want to keep. The small, thin and light size also makes it easy to use. The big selling feature for me was a 640x480 30 fps mpeg movie capability so we can email clips that people can actually see. The docking station makes sure it is always charged and ready. I've been very pleased with the battery life. As far as "cons" go there are few. I would like to see a better flash (which seems to be the case with most digital cameras) and more than the 3x optical zoom. Again, a larger zoom seems improbable in a camera this size. On land, the unit is a bit inconvenient to use with a tripod since it must be in the docking station to mount. I consider all of these to be minor since my primary goal was to have a small underwater-capable camera that would do 640x480 mpegs and bright 5.1mp shots. For me, Sony met those goals in a small form factor and at an attractive price.

eForCity Mini DisplayPort to HDMI TV Monitor Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro®

I get picture but no sound so I have an ongoing communication via email asking many many times what product I should buy from them to get the sound and each time the response is an email that says you bought this product too long ago to return...when I don't want to bother returning it...I simply want to know the product that would also give me sound...I am trying to buy something but the seller is far to worried that I will want my money back although I tell them every time that I don't want to return the product

Excellent product has been used and it was wonderful and there was no problems.The piece was protected by a lid to prevent the entry of dirt

Buy eForCity Mini DisplayPort to HDMI TV Monitor Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro® Now

First thing you'll noticed sound doesn't come out from TV but no worry, all you have to do is select the sound preference from your computer, there you go, happy!!!

Read Best Reviews of eForCity Mini DisplayPort to HDMI TV Monitor Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro® Here

I purchased this as a gift for my daughter's Mac computer. She loves being able to hook up her computer up to the TV. So far it has worked really well.

Want eForCity Mini DisplayPort to HDMI TV Monitor Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro® Discount?

I purchased this item to watch Netflix on my large screen TV vs. my computer. It works but my laptop started acting a little strange. But as far as serving it's purpose thumbs up.

Sony LCS-VA15 Carrying Case (Black) with Wide & Telephoto Lens + Battery + Tripod + Accessory K

good assortment of accesories. Was looking for a spare battery and carrying case. This exceeded what I was looking for at a lower price. Will enjoy the different lenses and the mini tri pod is already a hit.

Canon VIXIA HF R42 HD 53x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Camcorder 32 GB Internal Drive and 3.0 Touc

I am more than a vacation tourist photographer, but not going to get into paragraphs of techy comments, only simply report on basic functions.

Build & Feel. The feel is somewhat cheap and lightweight. When I say lightweight, I mean its durability to be out in everyday use. I guess small is great for carrying around and transport, but makes it somewhat difficult to use, if you have anything above small hands. The zoom button is towards the back of the camera and just not easy to use, especially when trying to zoom back. You end up rocking the camera a fair amount, way beyound the anti-shake system is capable to handle.

Picture Quality. I would give this camera only 65%, on vidio quality. The low light is not that great. Im not talking a candle lit room dark, Im talking a living room lit by slightly cloudy day light and overhead ceiling light. Dull color, soft focus and much more noise than you would like. Please note, this is in MP4 HD format, shown on a 18" LED monitor, so certainly not spread out on a 55" or 60" HDTV.. Outdoor full daylight shooting is also very soft in focus and fairly shallow depth of field, subjects look 2-dementional. Also had problems on focusing on subjects especially when focused on a subject in distance and then switching to closer subject mid-way in you scan.

Overview. Overall, just disapointing and not the usual standards Ive come to expect from Canon. I own a Canon 7D, Nikon D700 and a Nikon V2, which all take great video, especiall the New Nikon V2 to the acceptional level. I mean for $500.00, it just didnt wow me. Sorry all you techy guys, I know "wow" is not photography term, but if the images and its ability to capture same are not wow, whats the point..

The camera has all the features I was looking for. It is small and very light weight, but performs well. Videos are clear and crisp. The manual (PDF) however, is very confusing. I am still not able to figure out how to upload videos to my iPad or PC using the Wifi feature. Other instructions are incomplete or unclear, leading to a lot of guess work. The documentation is not up to the par I was expecting frommy prior Canon camera purchases. I am convinced that I will be very happy with this camera, once I have figured out how to use all of its features.

Buy Canon VIXIA HF R42 HD 53x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Camcorder 32 GB Internal Drive and 3.0 Touc Now

This is a great camera. I can't believe how much the technology has improved over the years. Better quality movies, easily transferred to computer hard drive, for a quarter of the cost of the last one we bought!

Read Best Reviews of Canon VIXIA HF R42 HD 53x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Camcorder 32 GB Internal Drive and 3.0 Touc Here

The wireless feature only works with android 4.0? Canon, if you can hear me, Samsung Galaxy is one of the most popular android phones and it comes with Android 4.1.

Sony CX380 had better stabilization but video from the Canon R42 was better. Sony's had some blotches when I filmed grass or our brick patio. Both did pretty good with inside filming. Low light was decent.

The R42's interface is much more responsive than the CX380. We returned the CX380. Couldn't stand the touch screen.

We're returning the R42 and have ordered the JVC GZ-EX515.

Want Canon VIXIA HF R42 HD 53x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom Camcorder 32 GB Internal Drive and 3.0 Touc Discount?

Got this camcorder to shoot a retirement party. So far so good. Will let you know how video came out.

Save 10% Off

Speco Technologies Weather-Proof Day/Night Color Bullet Camera

I recently purchased this camera and to my surprise I discovered SPECO will not honor the warranty for any piece of their equipment purchased on-line. They only extend the warranty to distributors and according to their customer service organization; distributors don't and aren't allowed to sell Speco products on-line.

I wish Amazon would have posted this fact before they offered this item for sale.

I PURCHASED THIS CAMERA FOR HOME SECURITY. I LIVE IN FLORIDA WHICH CAN PRODUCE HEAVY RAIN AT TIMES. THE CAMERA WAS PLACED UNDER THE EVE IN THE BACK CORNER OF MY HOME. THE RAIN DID NOT CAUSE ME ANY PROBLEMS. THE CAMERA HAD A ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF COLOR FOR THE PRICE I PAID. THE COVERAGE IS VERY GOOD, ALMOST WIDE ANGLE COVERAGE. THE NIGHT COVERAGE IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE IF YOU HAVE MOTION DECTION DEVICES THAT WILL GO OFF AND PROVIDE SOME ILLUMINATION. THE CAMERA HAS APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET OF RANGE IN TOTAL DARKNESS WHICH YOU CAN BARLEY MAKE OUT AN OBJECT.

YOU CAN BUY ALL THE CONNECTORS AT RADIO SHACK TO HOOK UP THE CAMERA TO JUST ABOUT ANY DEVICE. OVERALL FOR THE MONEY THIS IS NOT A BAD COLOR CAMERA DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS.

Buy Speco Technologies Weather-Proof Day/Night Color Bullet Camera Now

This is a very nice camera for the money. It sees very well in the dark...probably about 10 to 20 feet on a pitch black night, and much farther when the moonlight hits the snow. WAY better than one of those X10 toys. The color isn't real vibrant during the day (it's black and white at night), but it is definately color and it's a clear picture. It may just be that I need to adjust my video adapter to improve the color.

I needed it to connect to an RCA video jack, but the connector was the wrong type. It is an RCA type of signal though so I was able to fudge something together to make it work without too much hassle. Would have been nice if it came with an adapter though. If it had, I may have given it 5 stars. Since I got it going, I've been very pleased with it.

If you would like some great software to make good use of this camera, check out You can create macros to take snapshot automatically, view them remotely, control your lights, and much more. You'll need a video adapter of some sort to plug the camera into. I use the MSI VOX (it even has a TV tuner built in).

Harry Strand

StrandControl, LLChstrand@homedomination.com

Read Best Reviews of Speco Technologies Weather-Proof Day/Night Color Bullet Camera Here

I got this to cover some blind spots around the front and side of our house. Color is real good and grandularity during the day is more than fine. During darkness, the night vision will only reachout about 15-20 ft. in total darkness. Like another reviewer mentioned, a light further out will help cover any weakness this may present. It seems to work well with the PC-4 card. You'll need a BNC cable connector as both ends are female. Having the 60 ft. of extra length is really nice and what seperates it from the other similar cameras in this class. Those only have a few feet which is why they are cheaper. You'll pay about the same with the extension cable that you may need to purchase with it.

Want Speco Technologies Weather-Proof Day/Night Color Bullet Camera Discount?

I agree with the others here, the range at night is a bit limited if the area is in complete darkness but when one lives in the city that is usually not a problem. The wire from the camera terminates with a BNC connector but this cam will work with a standard TV. I suggest going to Radio Shack and get a BNC Female to Phono Plug Adapter

(Model: 278-250 | Catalog #: 278-250) along with a short cable with RCA male at one end and RCA female at the other end and you are good to go (Radio Shack also has this in a short length).

Ok, you have two of these great cam's and one TV, what are you going to do? I found a cheap way to automatically switch between up to 4 cams with the output of the switcher going to one TV. I found a Philips Automatic Video Selector and RF Modulator (MPN: PH61153) at WalMart (its not on their website you will have to go to the store) that, when set up correctly, will allow you to plug in up to four cam's and automatically cycle thru each input/cam every 5+ seconds (scan speed is adjustable). The PH61153 will skip any input that does not have something plugged into it so I can use it with just my two cams for now. The PH61153 was intended to automatically switch between video componets (DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) but for $24ish you can't go wrong. BTW: I have a second PH61153 and use it for its intended purpose of automatically switching between video componets.

You can't go wrong with this camera! I already have two and plan to get two more soon.

Save 3% Off

C2G / Cables to Go 40575 TruLink HDMI over Coax Receiver, Black

Product functioned as advertised. Took a couple of tries to find the right refresh rate @59Hz. There was nothing in the instructions that told us to check the output rate. Once we got it set up, it's been great to have.

Also, good to note that the ends are BNC and not F-Connectors.

This is a great product! Easy to use and set up, but make sure and pic up some F to BNC connectors from RadioShack. It needs an IR repeater with it...

Buy C2G / Cables to Go 40575 TruLink HDMI over Coax Receiver, Black Now

I have 2 of these. Tried the first one to connect Hdmi from a matrix in the pool house to the main house. That run of cable is over 250ft and it works great. Ordered a second one t feed to the Master bedroomover 300ft. It has a little ghosting on my old CRT TV, but it looks great!

Read Best Reviews of C2G / Cables to Go 40575 TruLink HDMI over Coax Receiver, Black Here

This did not work for me, as the audio would not sync with the video, as well as every 5 or 10 or so seconds I would get a very brief audio dropout. The audio was 3 to 5 seconds out of sync.

Before hooking up everything I tested it with the following set-up:

DirecTV HR-24 DVR

3 foot HDMI cable

C2G Transmitter

6 foot RG-6 cable

C2G Receiver

3 foot HDMI cable

Plasma TV

This hookup is about as simple as it could be. I tried several different HDMI cables and RG-6 cables. I also used it with a second generation Apple TV as the video source with the same results.

I contacted C2G, and they said they had never heard of such a problem, and suggested that I replace the units. I ordered the replacement from Amazon (very easy!), but the replacement has exactly the same problem.

I have an RG-6 cable and a Cat-5e cable going to where the TV that I want to remote from my DirecTV box is located. I really wanted to be able to use RG-6 coax to remote my HDMI connection to my outdoor SkyVue TV, as I wanted to use the Cat 5e cable in the wall where I want the TV to connect it to my Internet service. Too bad.

I guess that was not to be. I am returning the replacement C2G boxes and am going to try the Altona AT-HDTX transmitter and AT HDRX receiver which is the latest Altona HDMI over single Cat-5e system because other, older Altona systems have all positive reviews. I will post a review for the Altona system once I have received and tested it.

Update, May 18, 2013

Instead of trying the Atlona, I bought a set of the Cable Matters HDMI over HDBaseT from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H4Y6TA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They work perfectly, straight away, over a run of about 150 feet of Cat 5e cable. See my further review on this product's page

Want C2G / Cables to Go 40575 TruLink HDMI over Coax Receiver, Black Discount?

We bought 2 of these and didn't open the second one for 6 weeks. It's dead out of the box and if I read the return policy correcttly we're SOL, or at best will only get a 80% refund plus we have to pay the shipping. Test them right away.

Save 28% Off

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red)

My husband got this for me as a replacement to my aging Nikon D70. First the color, I love it. It is a true red, and not a pinkish color. The camera has a good weight to it and feels very sturdy without being to heavy. The attached lens works well and produces good images. I am a hobby/enthusiast and am starting to study photography, this camera more then does the job. Best thing is that the anti-shake technology is built into the camera, and that makes the lenses much cheaper. Having come from Nikon, where the anti-shake is in the lens, this is a huge relief. the same lenses are considerably less expensive. It will also take any Pentax lens ever made, and that is huge. You can find good used lenses at photo shops and second hand stores and save a bundle!

I am still learning the menu systems but they are pretty smooth so far. If you mess up your settings, there is a reset function that will reset all of your settings back to factory, and the auto setting always works. It seems to write to the disk pretty fast too. It also does HDR shooting. I am still playing with this so I can't speak to the quality of those images yet.

I am very happy with this camera, and I will be sticking with Pentax!!

I upgraded from a *ist DS, mainly because I wanted better cropping options than the 6.1mp DS gave.

Pros on the upgrade:

1) K-r has 12.3 megapixels and 2 format options for a RAW image (DNG & PEF).

2) It also has a "green button" which can be assigned various functions, but I assigned RAW to it so I can take most of my shots on jpg, but when I think I want to save it with the original 12-bit data, I just push the green button and it saves it as both jpg and RAW.

3) Stabilization built into sensor. This allows me to use all my old glass lenses with stabilization. I generally can focus faster than any autofocus because I know what I want in focus by looking. Having the anti-shake for these old lenses is nice.

4) It takes great low light photos up to 1600. Some flat areas, such as a dark sky, will show noise at 1600 that can be removed with post processing (select/blur).

5) It has ISO priority choice (Sv) where you can set the ISO speed and the shutter and f-stop will adjust around your choice of speed.

6) SCN functions which I have set to Museum as another "No Flash" mode.

7) It works with old Pentax program flashes but not TTL mode. You have to read the chart on the back of the flash.

8) Frames per second is fast.

9) Still works on 4 AA batteries (with optional expensive adapter should come with it as standard) which is handy for travel. You can always find AA batteries.

10) Menu system is easy and fast no scrolling down necessary.

11) Info button gets you a status screen, and if pushed again, a page of shortcuts, such as white balance, custom exposure, HDR, and meter mode.

12) The big screen is really bright and sharp. I mainly use it to review photos which I couldn't on the *ist DS.

13) Some post-processing functions that are mainly for fun, that are found on Point and Shoot Pentax cameras (colorization, BW, Toy Camera?).

14) It takes movies if you want, but I didn't get it for this so haven't used it much. The one video I took seemed sharp and smooth when playing back on a PC, but the sound was terrible with a mic that picked up everything.

15) It has live view when you can't use the viewfinder. It's easily activated/deactivated by a single button on the back of the camera. It has the same problems on sunny days as all the other cameras with an LCD screen for a viewfinder, but it's really handy at night or when you can't get your eye to the viewfinder.

16) You can put the camera on manual control for complete control of shutter, f-stop, & ISO speed.

17) The K-r is one of 3 Pentax DSLRs that at the moment support the O-GPS1 attachment for the hot shoe (the others are the K-5 and the 645).

Cons:

1) *ist DS has a glass Pentaprism, which is brighter than the K-r penta-mirror system.

2) *ist DS has a CCD sensor, while the K-r is a CMOS (the top digital pro cameras have CCD sensors i.e. Hasselblad CFV-39; Leica S2; ). I guess there are pluses and minuses to both, but there must be some reason the big names go with CCD on their top cameras.

3) Finding the K-r exposure bracketing settings isn't intuitive on the K-r. [I found it it's the wheel when you choose autobracket mode.]

4) both cameras only bracket with 3 exposures. To get more, you need to change the exposure compensation. Only the K-5 (of the new line) comes with a 5 exposure bracket.

5) *ist DS has a top LCD readout. I miss it on the K-r.

6) The dial turns too easily on the K-r. It can turn just by brushing against it. I've caught it so far when it changes.

7) There is no external mike port. If I wanted to take movies, I think I'd want a decent microphone, and not the omni-directional mike that's built in.

8) NiMH batteries last a lot longer, but you have to buy a $40 adapter to use them. You can get Chinese copies of the adapter for $5 on eBay.

9) There is no power port for a power adapter. The AC adapter fits into the battery compartment and the power port is on this adapter. This makes the Pentax K-AC109 AC adapter expensive: $80. I use a pile of NiMH batteries for copy work, instead.

10) TTL flash doesn't work. It did on the *ist DS, which is one reason I got it. My old TTL flashes only work in manual or program mode now (check the voltage before you put an old flash on a DSLR as some are too high to use with the newer cameras). My Pentax AF200T and Vivitar 285 both work in manual mode and their voltage is low enough to be safe. This mainly means you have to manually set the f-stop on the camera to match the power of the flash.

I've tried the built-in HDR and I sometimes get good results, but sometimes just a single exposure comes out better.

Going from the *ist DS to the K-r was an overall improvement, especially for the shake reduction and higher resolution.

Also, the camera comes in standard black, Storm-Trooper white, and candy apple red. I got the red because it was cheaper where I got it. It grows on you and you don't ever have to look for it.

Buy Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red) Now

For the price, it doesn't get much better than this. I almost bought the k-x, but when I saw the k-r for just over 600 it was too good to be true. Super fast shipping and just a really fantastic camera.

Read Best Reviews of Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red) Here

This camera is perfect for someone like myself just delving into to DSLR world. I turned it on as soon as the battery charged and after several hours of trial and error, I began to get the hang of things. By the end of the first day I have many great pictures. The quality is very clear and the colors are nice and bright which always makes the picture look more warm. The camera feels sturdy and the Kit lens is actually quite nice.Also the camera body is a nice bright red which I think makes a great statement. After reading a bit of the manual, installing all programs and figuring out how to operate the machinery, you couldn't ask for a better quality camera given the price. Start up is also VERY fast, turn it on and you're ready to shoot then and there. Wonderful camera, perfect for first timers and prosumers.

Want Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red) Discount?

I decided to spoil my little sister on her 14th birthday. She makes lots of youtube videos, takes lots of pictures, and her point and shoot was lacking. She was taking pictures in the auto mode in a few minutes, and absolutely loves the camera. It's very easy to get the hang of with a few minutes of spare time. My sister is very keen of the cross filters built into the camera. Our family has numerous point and shoot cameras from almost every major brand(Nikon, sony, cannon,GE, samsung, etc.) I even have a pentax optio W80, and this simply blows them away in every aspect except portability, obviously. I had hoped the video would be a little better quality in low light, but I can't expect Pentax to work miracles. Although this is damn close to doing just that, especially considering the price.

Thanks Pentax!

From a proud Optio W80 owner.

Edit:

My sister has owned this camera for quite some time now, and has really gotten the hang of it. Almost all the effects in the attached video were done on camera. It really is a very capable camera, I just wish you could remotely control it from a laptop like some cannon DSLRs, that would make it capable of great movies with it on dollies, camera jibs, etc.

Fujifilm FinePix XP20 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)

I bought this to take on a white-water rafting trip. I got some great pictures on the trip. A few had a small spot slightly smudged from a water spot on the lens, but that's not the camera's fault. There was splashing throughout the ride down the rapids. Most of the pictures were very good. Some were great. Previously I had used disposable cameras for water sports, but these pictures were infinitely better than those obtained with disposables.

I also had my daughter take pictures with this on the rest of our vacation, while I used my Nikon D90. She got plenty of good pictures, both in good light and at dusk as well. As a point-and-shoot, pocketable, waterproof camera, this works great, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it when I don't want to carry a large dslr.

I bought this for my wife and she loves it. Great pics and durable. Highly recommend this if you are looking for a durable camera. Be aware it DOESN'T come with a memory card.

Buy Fujifilm FinePix XP20 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) Now

I bought this camera for my daughter and my husband. My niece had one also. All 3 have quit working. They did not meet the expectation. They were not used very much. I am very disappointed.

Read Best Reviews of Fujifilm FinePix XP20 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) Here

I ordered this camera to replace another that bit the dust (literally) while in Afghanistan. I assumed that the ruggedized case would be a better fit for the dust, occasional stream crossing, vibrations, and general havoc of deployments. I was right on those counts. 10 months later, the outside camera still looks fairly new. However, there are some issues with it.

Poor performance: this camera does well outside, focusing and taking a picture in usually around half a second. Inside, however, is a totally different story. With a flash or without, the camera had a hard time getting clear pictures. It would spend an excessive time trying to focus (usually on what was not the subject) and then take a muddied picture at such a slow shutter speed that the picture was generally unusable. If using a flash, there would be a lag of 2-3 seconds between pressing the shutter release and the camera firing. Sometimes it would just refuse to take a picture. There are many times I would have to have somebody else take a picture because the Fuji XP refused to.

Weak points in case: I had the camera in my pocket one day and took it out to find that several of the buttons had been smashed in and were no longer usable. So while the case can stand falls, water, etc., the buttons can't take the pressure from my thighs pushing it against the inside of my pocket.

This camera is essentially trash after 10 months. I'm not fooling with repairs or warranty service on a camera that performs so poorly anyway. It's loaded full of virtually useless features but can't get the basics down: take good pictures (fast) and don't break.

Want Fujifilm FinePix XP20 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) Discount?

*EDIT: Raised to five stars I have taken this camera on numerous trips now, fully submerged it repeatedly (never more than a foot) I have beaten the crap out of this camera and it keeps comming back for more. When closing the battery compartment make sure (as the manual says) that there is absolutely no yellow showing on the latch and you should be golden. At this point I cannot confirm the durability issues reported which nearly lead to me not purchasing this camera and have to attribute the complaints to opperator error.

Figured I'd take a chance on this camera, I do a good bit of kayaking and was hoping I might get a decent waterproof with abit of optical zoom. First of all the image quality is good, I like the layout of the camera, and definitely like the one touch video. Good out of the way I have taken this out once, I don't do underwater photography but it's definitely going to get hit with water along the way. Then, according to the manual I rinsed/soaked it in clean water when I got home. Then hung it on a peg and went to get dinner quick, two hours later when reviewing the days shots water leaked out of the camera any time a button was pressed and low and behold the area around the battery also had a few drops. The way the seals or designed that isn't a problem the antechamber can get wet without the battery/smart card getting wet but for the price of the camera I am not pleased with that. Audio playback from the camera is horrible but once the video is uploaded it's fine. It also boggles my mind you have to hold the power button a few seconds to turn it on but one bump will shut it off instantly.

My final thoughts on this camera are that it's not bad but I don't have a ton of faith in it. I have used the Kodak C123 sport and find it takes far better pictures when moving and it has dual locking doors providing a higher level of confidence in it's waterproof(ness) and it's cheaper.

Save 17% Off

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body with 3-Inch LCD + WSP Mini Tripod & Cleani

This is the second T1i I have purchased. I decided I needed another body to house my macro lens. Couldn't justify the extra money to upgrade to the two newer models. When I want to switch to my macro lens, I already know all the settings on this camera and don't have to stop and think where they are.

Pelican Products 1095 HardBack Case with Foam (1090-020-110)

I purchased the Pelican 1095 HardBack Case with (Pick-and Pluck) Foam to hold a 15-inch retina MacBook Pro.

The laptop fits snugly in the 1095 case when allowing a single row of pick-and-pluck foam inside the non-removable foam border, leaving a total foam padding layer of 2-3cm around the edges of the laptop.

The 1095-CC's liner seems to snugly fit a 17-inch laptop, so purchase the 1095 with pick and pluck foam if you have a smaller laptop.

Pros:

+ quality plastic, less of a military design than previous iteration.

+ discrete.

+ snug fit.

+ easily customizable foam.

+ more waterproof and dust-proof than aluminum briefcases.

+ small form factor.

Cons:

slippery plastic.

no handle, only cheap shoulder pad.

padlock holes are small. It would be nice to have an alternate way to secure the latch for transport without resorting to a padlock.

latch looks like it makes 8 inches of contact but really there are only two 2-inch plastic tabs at either end of the latch plate holding the case shut-the purge valve is in the middle.

no room for charger with 15-inch laptop.

(SPECULATIVE) I worry that over time the plastic latch will wear, but Pelican offers a lifetime warranty.

Bottom Line:

The 1095 is a great solution for protecting your laptop chassis, but you will need additional gear to carry the power adapter and other accessories. The sacrifice of an all-in-one briefcase to hold accessories and laptop is recovered in the 1095's small form factor and better foam cushioning.

3-MONTH UPDATE:

:::More Pros:

+ The shoulder strap has held up and the nylon strap has not slipped through the plastic ladder buckle as I feared. I may upgrade to a ladder lock style of strap buckle.

+ I use a mini carabiner rather than the "Pelilock 1506" or padlock because the mini carabiner provides a tighter fit, although the case could still potentially crack open if it fell. A mini padlock may be ideal in fit but unlocking with a key would consume too much time/effort.

+ I can literally toss the 1095 in the car without worrying about crushing my laptop's screen against its keyboard, knowing that the case will not deform. In the past without the Pelican case, just packing too many things into my briefcase could cause keyboard marks on the screen.

:::More Cons:

The plastic lid will scratch easily, to the point where I feel that the old design with two ribs running down the front would better serve scratch protection.

The 1095 may be too big to fit into a carry-on backpack for airline usage, so the 1085's tighter fit might be better for flying.

:::More Bottom Line:

I still feel that this case is better than purchasing a metal briefcase, because the Pelican is slick and covert.

Yes it protects you computer from everything but, it dosent fit in any of my bags efficiently or at all and the cary strap option sucks. It is such a hassle that I've just been putting my computer straight in my backpack. I would strongly recommend the bigger case with handle.

Buy Pelican Products 1095 HardBack Case with Foam (1090-020-110) Now

It fits my Macbook pro 15.4 early 2011 very well. I highly recommend the "1095 pick-and-pluck foam" model over the "1095CC(Computer Case)". I feel that a custom cut case for your laptop

offers more protection than a universal laptop case, also with the ("1095 Pick and pluck" Model you can store a 13" laptop in it safely, by utilizing the leftover foam). I believe this case would

also fit some 17" laptops. There are some draw backs to this case though. First, it is heavy, though it is worth the extra weight. Second, It scratches easily. Third, This WILL NOT fit in a

messenger bag or backpack, I read some reviews online that said otherwise, but it would have to be a very large backpack. Lastly, there is no room for a wall charger.

I still firmly believe these minor drawbacks are worth the inconvenience for this level of protection though.

Read Best Reviews of Pelican Products 1095 HardBack Case with Foam (1090-020-110) Here

The Pelican 1095 case is made to fit 15" laptops, such as the MacBook Pro 15 (there are other models available for 13" and 17" laptops). It comes in two configurations: the 1095CC, which has a pre-molded foam interior, and the "standard" 1095, which comes filled with "pick and pluck" foam. I am told that the molded foam interior leaves slightly too large a space for a MacBook Pro 15, so that it rattles around a bit inside the case. I got the pick-and-pluck foam, which is basically a slab of foam precut into half-inch squares; you can then measure how big and what shape a hole you want for your item, and then cut or pull out squares to create exactly the space you need. As it happens, with this foam you can get an almost perfect fit for a MacBook Pro 15.

The case is sturdy, has a gasket and closes securely, you could likely throw it into the open ocean for hours without water leaking in and damaging your computer (although this is not a test I am willing to do myself!). This is not a true briefcase though, there is no handle, just a web shoulder strap. Still, the case is sleek and elegant and would not be out of place in a boardroom.

The case is by necessity larger than the computer adds about two inches to each dimension so it will not be as easy to stow in a knapsack or shoulder bag. But if you absolutely, positively need a 100% jump-in-the-water-proof case, this is the one you want.

Want Pelican Products 1095 HardBack Case with Foam (1090-020-110) Discount?

Bought this case for my Sager NP8130 and it fits very well...snug enough to hold it in place with no wiggle room yet it closes without squeezing the laptop too much. It also doesn't add too much to the original size of the laptop so it still fits in a carry on bag. I highly recommend it!

Save 44% Off