Pentax Optio E60 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

We have owned (and still own) two other Pentax compact cameras: an Optio 60 and an Optio M20. We have fallen in love with the simplicity of the menus, the quality of the photos, and the incredible battery life of the E60. This camera is so intelligent and quick that it is simply amazing. Even low light pictures, macros, and photos of fast objects come out looking spectacular. This camera offers performance which you would have paid $300+ for only a year or two ago. The small size means it fits in shirt pockets or pants pockets easily. We don't even keep track of battery life because basic rechargeable AA batteries last a very long time in this camera. We are so thrilled with the Optio E60 and we can see this coming along on every vacation, to every party, and to every special event where a bulky camera is not needed.

I have a Pentax DSLR but was looking for an affordable compact digital. This one fits the bill. At 10MP it captures high quality images at an affordable price. It is a bit limited in its ability to allow manual adjustments but that is expected at this price point. It does have quite a few shooting modes that do a pretty good job. It drains my rechargeable AAs quicker than I would like but it is good to know that I can get batteries easily if I am ever in a jam. Overall it is a great, small-sized point and shoot.

Buy Pentax Optio E60 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Now

I'm a simple girl. I don't read instructions. Don't know jack about cameras. I bought this Pentax Optio E60, slapped in two rechargable AA batteries, put on the strap, carried some spare alkalines and took on vacation.

Camera took great shots of my airplane...even zoom. I just pointed and shot. Got great photos between palm trees. I let auto focus do the trick.

After 50 pictures and four days I have two out of three bars left on the rechargeable batteries. I turned the camera on only for brief periods ten times.

For close up shots for this review (see pics if I can upload) I did play with the easy menu and tried flower/macro mode. I make jewelry so I wanted clear close up focus ability too.

This small camera does exactly what I want.

Transfer: I tried the camera Pc interface, nothing happened so I popped out the sdhc transcend card (which I bought for under ten bucks with reader) slid it into the card reader and easily had my pictures. The camera sorted the pictures into file folders by date.

You have date options on the camera. It does have facial function if people are in the photos. Has a few more features.

This is the LOW end of the camera line. The zoom retracts so this is a very small camera. Yet the buttons are placed so they are easy to see and use. The camera layout is great use of space. LCD screen is huge.

Buttons easy to get to and to individually select and use.

Camera feels solid.

NOTE: I would NOT EVEN think of putting it into a purse without a cover. The camera lens has a cover but not the huge lcd.

It does take sd HC cards. It uses AA batteries or rechargeables. NOTE: A few have noted high battery consumption. Maybe it uses batteries up if you watch each picture, and play with menus a lot.

Conclusion: I have had it one week and I'm very happy for a novice....that just wants zoom, close up and point and shoot.

I bought this because:

It does NOT have a proprietary lithium battery like the Sony Cybershot It does NOT use proprietary Sony memory Pro sticks.

I want just want to point and shoot and not spend much money (I'm cheap).

I wanted to use AA rechargeable batteries and SD HC card and easily transfer pictures without special software /hardware.

This is a more expensive higher capacity version of the transcend sd hc card and reader I bought.

Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card with Card Reader TS16GSDHC6-S5W

Read Best Reviews of Pentax Optio E60 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Here

FIRST I WILL TALK ABOUT MY FIRST PURCHASE-THE OLYMPUS FE-25 10MP CAMERA:

I purchased this camera off e-bay factory-refurbished. I love the look of this Olympus camera-very sleek and sophisticated. But it was all show and not go. I was told by the company that this camera recorded sound in movie mode. I didn't see any speakers on this camera. Just know this beforehand. This one issue was not a deal breaker for me because I mainly bought the camera for taking pics. The main issue for me was looking at the LCD screen. The images looked slightly grainy/fuzzy for a 10mp camera. Also, I took this camera into the store and compared it to other 10mp cameras (Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Fujifilm, and other Olympus fes) and noticed a yellow/dull tint in the LCD screen in comparison. Imagine looking at the world with slightly colored amber glasses. That's what this LCD screen was like! But I am not electronics savvy, so I waited until I could print the shots to see the print quality. The pictures printed slighty fuzzy-not the quality I would expect from a 10mp camera. I contacted the warranty department and they questioned whether I had it at a high enough ISO or whether I had set it to the right mode. But high ISO settings didn't change this. The customer service was sluggish to switch the camera but offered to look at it and repair it if need be. But I decided on another camera. I thought that problems with this camera was because it was a refurb, until I read other reviews that a blurriness was a problem with this camera. A few people have reviewed the Fe-25 as taking good pictures. I don't know which is true, I just know what happened with my camera, but I will stress that it was a REFURB.

NOW FOR THE PENTAX OPTIO E60:

I ended up looking at the Pentax Optio E60. It is 10mp with a clear sharp LCD screen and when I uploaded pics onto my PC they were so clear compared to the Olympuse FE-25. My final choice was between this one and the Nikon L18. I even liked the look, feel, and performance of the Pentax. One plus about the Nikon was that the LCD screen (3 inch) is really large compared to the Pentax (2.4 inch) and I liked that feature, but I can see just fine with the Pentax and I can be confident that I will get a quality picture! The Olympus Fe-25 camera ate my batteries up after the first 50 pictures! The Pentax will last through about 150-200 pictures; and 3X that with two AA lithium batteries. Don't be fooled by the marketing or big names; because they may represent both great and also mediocre performers. I was not as familiar with the Pentax products or their history when I bought this camera; but if you are looking for quality pictures and features that are easy to use this is definately the way to go!

Want Pentax Optio E60 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom Discount?

This camera takes great photos even in less-than-optimal conditions and it's very simple to use. Easy menus allow you to make manual adjustments or the automaic setting will take care of everything for you. We love it!

Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer

I have been using camcorders since 1985 and I've used almost every possible format available to consumers. As of Oct. 2007, I can firmly say that this is by far the best camcorder ever, in terms of the picture quality, convenience, and the price. Although there are some limitations in the AVCHD format (I don't want to repeat here again), the convenience of the hard drive made me choose the HG10 and I have absolutely no regret at all.

First of all, I would like to clarify other reviewer's information that might misguide some folks. The HG10 does include the software to transfer and to edit the video footage for a PC. It comes with Ulead DVD MovieFactory SE for editing and burning DVDs and AVCHD-DVDs (can be playable on some blu-ray players and Playstation 3. It's a dvd that has HD pictures). If other reviewers have only a Mac, their complaints are valid, since the HG10 only includes a picture browser to handle the still pictures, not video for a Mac.

For the most consumers like me, the DVD MovieFactory works pretty well. I just burned a standard DVD (yes, an MPEG2 DVD that you watch everyday) with the DVD MovieFactory and am very satisfied with the result. Converting HD pictures to the SD format does not degrade the original HD quality much and I was impressed by that. I added chapter marks, made menus, and did little editing. Editing the AVCHD format needs a ton of processing power. If you don't have a fast computer (dual core, 2 ghz or faster), it will be extremely slow. I was using a Pentium 4 3.6 GHz, 2 gigs RAM, Windows Vista Business PC to make a DVD and it worked OK. Making an AVCHD-DVD is faster since it does not need to re-encode the video files. If you don't do a complicate editing job and want to merge video clips from the HG10 and burn a DVD, you could use a slower computer for that purpose. I have experience using Adobe Premiere, Ulead VideoStudio, and iMovie (for Mac). Although DVD MovieFactory might not be the right tool for the professional work, it is quite good for a home use. I surprised my friends with the DVDs created from it. My only gripe is a complicated software activation process. You should read the software instructions carefully to avoid the hassle (specially the web link in the last page). I wasted 2 hours just to activate the software.

Yes, the HG10 does not have an IEEE1394 (or firewire, or iLink whatever you call it) port. However, it does not need one. All the footages are already stored in AVCHD format and you only need to transfer those files to your computer. If you have to capture the video and encode it to a file from the magnetic tape (MiniDV), you might need an IEEE1394 port. However, for the HG10, you don't need to do that. If you look at other hard drive based camcorders, they don't have it either (they mostly have a USB port). Right before the HG10, I used a Sony DCR-SR100 and it does not have a firewire port, either.

The HG10 has a mini HDMI (type C) port, so if you want to connect the HG10 via HDMI, you'll need to order a mini-HDMI to HDMI (type C to type A) cable. The HG10 only includes a composite A/V cable and a component video cable. My minor complaint is that it does not come with a shoulder strap. This toy costs $1,000, so a nice looking shoulder strap should be given (I am using one from an old Canon ZR camcorder).

I was told that the HG10 uses the same optical mechanism as Canon HV20, which is known to be the best consumer HD camcorder on the market (it records in HDV format on tapes, not AVCHD on the hard drive). So I expected that the picture quality would be pretty good and I was right. If you have a full 1080p HD display, you will be amazed. Personally, I use a 720p projector at home and am quite impressed by the quality of the picture. Unlike Sony AVCHD camcorders, the sound is recorded in 2 channel Dolby Digital format (Sony records in 5.1 channel Dolby Digital). The good thing about 2 channel recording is that it does not record my breath. With 5.1 channel recording, you can easily hear your breathing sound, since two of the mics are catching rear sound.

For the low light performance (like indoor shot), the HG10 is comparatively better than any other consumer level camcorder on the market that I have seen. However, don't expect too much. It cannot be compared to the low light quality of a $3,000 camcorder. My impression is that its low light picture quality is closest to a decent 3CCD high-priced consumer level camcorder.

I have been waiting for long to have an excellant hard drive based AVCHD camcorder. There are many hard drive based camcorders on the market now and none of these have caught my attention for some minor reasons, such as no external mic jack, no usb port on the camcorder, or the poor low light performance. Finally I found the right one and am so happy that I waited.

Thanks to Canon for introducing good equipment at the right price (under a grand). I hope this review helps some people who have waited like me.

== Update, as of Feb. 12, 2008

As of today, I have been using the HG10 for more than 4 months. I have taken so many precious moments and this camcorder never disappoints me. The best moment I had was the day I brought this camcorder to my friend's home for a party. I connected it to Samsung LNT4065F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV and showed a junior high soccer tournament game. Everyone, I mean everyone, in that house said "Wow." The picture quality coming out of this combination was AMAZING !! I felt like I was watching an HD documentary from BBC or National Geographic. As I said in the review, I use an HG10 with a 1080i/720p projector (Epson Cinema 400, 3 LCD projector), but the HG10 picture coming out from the Samsung LCD TV was truly exceptional and far superior (very bright and way more crisp). I have never seen such a good picture coming from any other consumer level camcorder. Although the indoor shots have some grainy pictures (I tested some indoor video shots, too), the outdoor shots are flawless. Most of my friends who saw it wanted to buy the HG10 and I started to dream about having the Samsung LNT4065F LCD TV ever since. :)

The only drawback that I have found new from the HG10 is that if you want to transfer video files from the HG10 to a computer, you must have an AC adapter (correct me, if I am wrong). Sometimes, I want to transfer video to a friend's computer right after I take it. However, if I don't have the AC adapter for the HG10, it simply refuses to do it (it asks me to hook it up). This is very cumbersome to me.

I just heard that the new Sony hard drive camcorder has a 120GB hard drive. However, the 5 hr 30 mins of video in highest quality that I can take from the HG10 is still pretty good.

If I had to choose a camcorder today, I would choose the HG10 again. I can't wait to see what the next version of the HG10 can do.

== Update, for the Mac users, as of Mar. 29, 2008

I recently bought a MacBook and found out one thing that I want to share with other Mac users. First of all, the HG10 does work with iMovie '08 and Leopard OS (10.5) on intel Macs. If you connect the HG10 to the Mac, all the importing process will go very smoothly. You should be patient, since the Mac converts AVCHD files from the HG10 to their propriety format (it increase the size of the original files to 7-10 times). However, iMovie '08 does not import .mts or .m2ts files directly. iMovie can only import AVCHD files from the HG10 or the storage space (external hard drive) that exactly has the same directory structure like the HG10. I mean, it does not import individual .mts (.m2ts) files. I have searched through many apple discussion forums and have not found solutions for it.

If someone only saves .mts or .m2ts files without having the original directory structure (it means, no meta data, video files only) like me, he/she has to use the conversion utility like Voltaic to convert .mts or .m2ts files. If you have a non-Intel Mac, you can import AVCHD files this way (converting through the utility like Voltaic) only, though. This conversion process takes significant amount of time and the storage space.

I wish iMovie can directly handle .mts (.m2ts) files soon. Until then, I should stick with the bundled Ulead software on PC for my old video backups. Disappointed...

== Update, for the YouTube lovers, as of May. 22, 2009

I still love the HG10. It is the best. Probably you already know about this. YouTube allows to upload the .mts or .m2ts files created by AVCHD camcorders. So, you can upload the file directly without any conversion process on YouTube and it is HD. I cannot thank YouTube enough about it.

Import works great with the latest version of iMovie on a Mac. Transfers are fast thanks the hard drive. Editing and transfer to other formats (AppleTV) are very convenient but then my Mac is very fast. I was nervous going with the hard drive over tape but the convenience of it easily offsets any quality loss for the type of recording I'm doing (family and personal). Menus are intuitive and the scroll wheel approach works pretty well (it could be better, but I do prefer it over a joystick). USB 2.0 seems plenty snappy not missing the firewire.

The hard drive makes it very easy to get out and shoot no worry about if you are overwriting a keeper tape or if you are going to run out of tape. Its also extremely easy to delete unwanted footage in the field right when you've captured it. This is such a pain on tape that I never do it which results in a lot of wasted time later.

Drive is completely silent. Shoe provides for a shotgun mic which I'll be trying out shortly. Headphone jacks for monitoring sound are there and I've found that to be very important on past units. Construction is solid. Automatic lens cover much easier than having one on a lanyard that you always have to stow. Stand by mode gets you shooting in 1 second which is very nice.

Looking forward to trying the still capability. While the resolution can't match my pocket cam the 10x optical zoom is very nice to have.

On a Mac with the latest iLife and Leopard no software is needed. Drive mounts on the desktop. Movies automatically import into the new iMovie. Absolutely wonderful.

Buy Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer Now

The Canon HG-10 is a superb follow-on to the top rated and highly acclaimed Canon HV-20.

We could not be happier. This is a gem of a camcorder. Obviously each reviewer has their own specific reasons for purchasing such an advanced camcorder.

This is our third camcorder and we have been shooting family events, vacations and even hurricanes for close to 20 years. We burn our captured footage on a number of DVD's and share with family members (many who live a great distance away). We have two HDTV's and are about to buy a Blu-ray player. Our Sony camcorder died in The UK this summer and instead of buying another SD camcorder, we decided it is time to step up.

Why now?? Although SIMPLE HD capture and burning software and inexpensive High Def DVD burners are behind the curve at the present time, they are going to happen. Sony, Panasonic, Canon and all the rest...will make it happen. This is too big a potential market to ignore -so we decided to shoot in High Def now, save the backed up video on our hard drive and/or offline storage, and burn in Standard Definition now. When the software makers and DVD burner makers decide to catch up and make it easy to burn family movies, we will have our (saved) high def files ready to convert to Blu Ray or HDDVD or both.

There are a ton of very technical reviews on the HG-10 on this and other websites. CNET and Amazon provide a great deal of information, Camcorderinfo.com and smartguider.com are just two of the many others. We think any buyer should review them all and also do a web search on

"Canon HG-10 reviews"

After days of reading reviews virtually every web review and visiting at least 7 retail stores we came away with some interesting observations. You are not going to get much technical help at the major retail outlets. You can get hands on and see what works for you. When comparing the HG-10 to the CanonHV-20, there was no comparison as to the ergonomic superiority of the HG-10.

For the technical data you will have to hit the web as the folks in the stores just do not have the depth you need to help you make this kind of buying decision.

We found a few very helpful "gems" in selecting this camcorder.

1) We went to the Canon website.... and downloaded the HG-10 manual in .pdf format (yes it is 118 pages) but if you print the pages in short batches, you will have an excellent and VERY readable document to review BEFORE and after you purchase the HG-10. The manual that comes in the box is very small and hard to read. It would also be a VERY wise idea to also download the .pdf file for the Corel Application Disc Version two.

2) This Corel Guide is a much shorter manual -just 16 pages long. You really want to read this one cover to cover before you buy, and particularly Page 3, where they discuss needed PC systems requirements. You may want to talk (or email) with Canon and/or Corel regarding your PC versus their "recommended size of the PC system". We have a Core 2 Duo Dell so the Corel software posed no problems.

3) We called Cannon Tech support while reviewing the manual. You will be delighted to find out their 800 number ( 1-800-828-4040) is located Virginia, they are very well trained and if you have a problem..they can immediately lay their hands on an HG-10 and go thru a process step-by-step with you. They were even available on a Saturday afternoon.

4) We cannot say enough good things about Canon support. Having spent untold hours since the early days of the IBM PC, on support lines, trying to get help with hardware and software, we think Canon really got it right. A couple short calls to Canon to clarify some questions made it easy for us to choose the HG-10.

On the HG-10 --all the controls were when we really liked them. The HG-10 borrows a lot of its technology from its tape driven HV-20 sister but after living with internal tape transports in many worldwide (hot, cold and dusty) climates and situations over the years, the hard drive was a very logical choice. The 5 and ½ hours of HXP (full 1080) highest format is plenty for any vacation. Realistically, how many folks want to sit through even a three hour home movie? We have learned from Hollywood.. Keep it short..Keep it snappy..Keep it interesting. Five and ½ hours of High Def video gives you a ton of material to work with from any vacation. When you get home, the Corel software that comes with the Canon allows you to immediately back up your video files and you are ready to initialize (format) the Hard Drive and you are ready to go with a fresh 5 ½ hours of HXP.

Going through the HG-10 manual provides many happy surprises the camcorder has more features than you can believe and most reviewers do not have the time or space to address all of the abilities of this camcorder. This camcorder takes better still photos than our Sony Cybershot H-5 (which suffers from chromatic aberration in certain situations).

We purchased a 1 GB (Canon recommends no bigger than 2GB) Sandisk mini-SD card that also comes with an SD adapter. If you already have Still Photo capture and edit software, you may not need to load the entire very voluminous still photo (Digital Video Solution Version 27.0) software that comes on a CD with the HG-10. We went through the manual for that disc and it was all about STILL photos. Having more still photo software than we can ever use already on our PC, we skipped that installation.

Why not get a USB-based Media card reader for your PC (if it does not have one) for under $25. When you take still photos just remove the card from the HG-10 and insert it into a USB media card reader. While, we did not by this camcorder for still photos we are more than delighted with the stills that we can capture in Camera mode.

Regarding connections (page 83 in the HG-10 manual) we love displaying the HXP High Def. video footage on our HDTV. We connect the HG-10 to the HDTV via the (optional) mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. The Canon manual calls this an optional HTC-100 HDMI cable. Sony sells a VMC-15MHD HDMI Mini to HDMI that works very well. Canon does not provide this and you will not find these cables in most stores at the present so you may have to order one over the web.

As many highly regarded reviewers have noted, use the HDMI connection whenever you can for the best quality.

Our HDTV had only one HDMI input (already being used) so we purchased a Belkin HDMI 3 to 1 Switch box that allows us to now plug in HD Cable, the HG-10 and a future Blue ray player. We keep the HG-10 HDMI cable always plugged into the home system and by attaching the mini HDMI to the camcorder we can see 1080 HD home movies in an instant.

A couple of user plusses on the HG-10 are the LCD display and the image stabilization. Both are excellent. The size of the HG-10 is amazingly small and it is incredibly light. We cannot believe they pack that much technology into such a small package. The electronic reminder messages on the screen are quite helpful as we all make mistakes. We like the quick start and the Instant auto focus features. We would suggest buying the optional carrying strap and also a second battery when you order an HG-10.

We plan to add more information to this review regarding burning video and creating AVCHD discs but at this time we think this is the perfect camcorder for our needs.

Read Best Reviews of Canon HG10 AVCHD High Definition Camcorder with Optical Image Stabilizer Here

I've tried other AVCHD camcorders and was hugely disappointed. I think it's wrong they are allowed to call this High Definition. First, most of these camcorders down-res to something like 1440 x 1080, even though they advertise meeting the full-HD spec of 1920 x 1080. Second, the compression used to accomplish this is fierce, and has very visible artifacting.

So, in essence you have a class of camcorders, advertised as HD-quality, that can ONLY produce true HD in very good lighting with almost no motion. Think test patterns here, or landscapes. Poor lighting and motion in the picture give most of these camcorders fits, as the AVCHD codec just can't handle the extra work imposed by video noise from low light situations or any motion-induced artifacting.

What to do? Well, in typical Canon fashion they sat back, waited to see what everyone else produced, and then released a product that is the best of the genre. Sure, you can get larger drives on the Sony -up to 80GB. The Sanyo may tout it's tiny form factor, and make exaggerated claims about its' image quality. I owned the Sanyo HD1000 and promptly sent it back; both the quality of the device itself AND the quality of the images it produced were lacking.

The Canon gives the best image I've seen on an AVCHD product. Though not perfect and nowhere close to their own HDV-based HV20, I wanted something non-linear to make working with video a little simpler on my Macs. The HG10 has great image stabilization, wonderful optics, intuitive controls (I especially love the multi-speed zoom control), superb colors, and less of the AVCHD nasties than any other AVCHD camcorder I've seen. It also works superbly on my Mac with both iMovie and Final Cut Express 4. It is phenomenally easy to work with non-linear video; in my case this probably overrides the loss in quality to HDV.

So, if you must own a camcorder that uses AVCHD, this is the one to have! On absolute terms I'd give it three stars, but compared to other AVCHD camcorders it's a five, so four stars overall felt about right...

[UPDATE ONE: Canon has just released new AVCHD camcorders -the HF10 and HF100 -that record at the full HD 1920 x 1080 spec. They will offer improved quality, but the bitrate is less than the comparable Canon HDV units, so there will be some losses to compression.]

[UPDATE TWO: one issue with the HG10 regards the use of external microphones. I just recorded three hours of interviews with an external mike mounted to the camera's "flash shoe" accessory attachment point. There is a a low level noise present, which is caused by the microphone picking up the noise from the hard drive. I can probably minimize this in editing, but be careful about your choice of external microphone -and mount it off-camera if possible!]

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I've had this camera for a couple of weeks, I've tried it indoors, at night, outdoors under bright sun. The image quality is superb. I was using it to shoot some scenes at an amusement part, and the videos are good, I was worried about the motion artifacts in AVCHD encoding, but it's not as bad as I had imagined. The low light performance is good, nothing to write home about. Things start get a little grainy indoors in the morning if I go to the shady part of the room.

The controls are pretty easy to use, I didn't read the manual, and it took me maybe 30 min to go through all the menu's including all the manual controlls and figured out what they did.

The software that came with the camcorder is nothing to write home about. I only installed the Ulead software, and didn't bother with the backup utility disc, or the photo software. The installation process may be a little too complex. The Ulead software needed an activation code, which I had to obtain from their website, by creating an account and entering the serial number of the camcorder. The information was available in the manuals, but it wasn't obvious where to find it. Without knowing that creating the account on Ulead website was necessary, and if I had felt suspicious about going to some software company's website and creating a user account, I would've hit a dead end with the activation process.

After that, he 1st thing I wanted to do is to get the AVCHD files off the camcorder. With a PC, and the Ulead software, it was very easy, just plug in the USB cable, a few clicks to select videos segment to download, and directory on the PC to put them, and it was done. The USB cable is a standard mini-USB cable, so I just plugged it into the mini USB cable that I already had connected to the PC for my digital camera. I transfered ~1 GB of video (7-8 minutes long). It was done quickly, in just seconds, it was definitely quicker than I expected, so I didn't really time it.

Once the video is transfered, I could use the Ulead software to make a standard definition DVD, which I tried, it's just like any simple DVD authoring tool, nothing fancy. The encoding was pretty quick, but I have a new quad CPU machine, so YMMV. The encoded DVD looks OK on my 42" HDTV, but I can definitely see the difference between that and the original HD content, which I also played on the same TV through the component and AV cables (2 separate cables, both are included), and a mini-HDMI cable (not included). Both worked fine. The hookup using the mini-HDMI is a lot easier. The included remote came in pretty handy in playing the video on the TV.

I also tried to burn AVCHD on a DVD, but I don't have a player that can handle it. My Xbox 360's HDDVD add-on does not play it. But it does read it, and the disc was labeled BD****, so I figured it's a Blue-Ray format disc. The Xbox can see some directories and files on the DVD, but can't play it. I'm thinking about getting Ulead's Video Studio plus so I can write it to HD-DVD, that still costs ~$100 now, and I can't seem to get the upgrade price ($60) with the software that came with the camcorder.

Kata KT VA-801-14 CRC-14 DV/HDV Rain Cover

During the previous 4-5 years, I've been using 1st a Canon GL1, then a GL2, to perform outside video gigs. So I've always had a rain cover one way or another on the camera during those questionable weather days. Thank goodness! And the one brand of rain cover that never failed me with the Kata. I tried others, even the "cheap" ones. But the Kata cover was great.

Well, I finally upgraded to the Canon XH A1 so I could start building up my ambience library of HDV footage. Of course, this meant I would be outside a lot, between the Eastern Shore of MD, the Appalachian mountains, VA Beach, yada yada yada and other outdoorsy settings. So, what did I definitely need in my accessory bag? Another rain cover. I found many inexpensive "rain sleeves", but I nixed that idea since I didn't want my expensive and quality camera to be covered with a thin plastic sleeve. I wanted a quality cover! And since I had previous experiences with Kata, I looked there.

The Kata RC-14 rain cover, covering my Canon XH A1 camera, is a perfect collection of both fit and function. Having the snug-fit closures around the lens, viewfinder, and microphone makes it easy to adjust and snug well...and stays that way. The opening along the bottom made it easy for me to hold the camera, or place it on my Bogen tripod. And the clear plastic sides allow me to adjust the myriad selection of controls on the camera without removing the cover.

Last weekend, here in Maryland we had an incredible storm front come through, with lots of rain, wind, thunder & lightning. So, here was a great opportunity to gather more HD footage during the storm. However, since I didn't want my camera to get wasted in the outside elements, the Kata rain cover was used. Was I disappointed? Heck no!

Other than the haze filter on my lens, NOTHING on my camera got wet. I had adjusted the snug-fit openings well enough that even with the rain blowing almost totally sideways, none of it got in. Even my arm holding the camera was totally drenched, but not the camera inside the drenched rain cover. And I was still able to view the storm through either the viewfinder (used most of the time) or via the side LCD, without removing the cover.

Will I be buying another Kata? Definitely...

BTW, I checked all over the net for the best price and ended up buying it here on Amazon. No, I don't work for these guys, just a quick mention.

Fits the Canon XH A1 well. I've only tested the rain cover under a slight drizzle but it worked well enough.

My only complaint is that the viewfinder is hard to see because of the the glare that shows up on the material that the clear side is made of.

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This is a great rain cover, I use it for the DVX-100. I would prefer if t had a filter adapter in front to attach a filter, but besides that it's a great cover, pretty flexible and you can control everything with your hand inside, or on a tripod.

Read Best Reviews of Kata KT VA-801-14 CRC-14 DV/HDV Rain Cover Here

I just purchased a Kata DV/HDV Rain Cover a couple weeks ago and it's so amazing.I try it in our backyard with rain and it's so windy. My HDV-FX7 camcorder is very safe and the side cover is so clear to use the LCD. Wow I like it...thanks

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Kata RC-14 (CRC-14) Compact Rain Cover es una excelente opcion para mi cámara, cómoda, fácil de usar, se ajsta perfectamente y me deja trabajar libremente.

Leica Digilux 4.3 2.4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

This is a great digital camera. It has a nice display screen (which is important since the view finder is very small and hard to use) but the camera is designed nicely to be held in the palm using the display screen. They supply a 32 meg smart media card and rechargable batteries/charger. Which is needed because they run out fast using display window. (I bought an extra 4 to keep in the carrying case) The picture quality is excellent and the added 80 second movie is a neat option. If you were considereing the Canon elph s100, take a second look at the Leica as it offers slightly larger size but double the picture quality for less than [price] and as always it has the phenomenal Leica lens. Enjoy!

I asked for this camera for christmas a got it(horay)! The main reason was that I thought it had the highest resolution 4.3 megapix. In fact it does not and Fuji who made it have had to change their advertising which has been called misleading. It is like a 2.3 megapixal but used some funny formula to produce data files that have 4.3 megapizals, but the original picture does not. HOWEVER it takes really great pictures and can do movies for up to 80 seconds (with included 32mb sancard) There are a wide range of settings full automatic, manual, movie, night time, 'rapid fire' that takes 3 pictures one after another. The controls are easy to learn and can be manipulated with one hand. It is relatively small and fits in a pocket. I was pleased to find a macro attatchment for it (you also have to by a small base stand to attatch this to the camera). this allows you to take extreme close ups mainly of skin which is good for me as a Dermatologist! Although it does have difficulty with colors at extreme close ups, it has no problem that I can see without the macro. The pictures is produces are really great. I also have an Epsonn 875 color printer, when combind with good photographic paper to print on they really do look like amazing pictures. Now I have not used digital cameras before so I can not really compare it, but I have seen other frineds camera and I really like my one. It is not as small as those Cannon Elfs. It only uses rechargeable batteries. Make sure you buy it online it is at least... more expensive in most stores. Enjoy. Oh yea, it comes with easy to use software.

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After only one week of using the Leica Digilux 4.3 I'm extremely pleased with the quality and features of this camera. After using a Kodak 260 for 2 years with great satisfaction, the Leica is a better overall camera at the same price.

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Regardless of what the numbers say, this camera is a (roughly) 2.1 megapixel system that uses a process similar to television "line doubling" to effect its claimed 4.3 megapixel resolution. While that is true, it also true that the pictures it takes are plenty sharp without "doctoring" and will easily enlarge to 5" x 7" without becoming grainy. This is in no small part a result of excellent optics. In addition, the true (optical) 3X zoom is excellent, and its ability to shoot rather long movies (80 secs with sound) is a nice plus. Having said all that in its favor, it is still (IMHO) *way* overpriced, mostly because it has the Leica name on it. You can buy the same camera with the Fuji name on it (model 4700) and save hundreds!

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I recently acquired a Used L DL4.3 , and I am very impressed with both the Camera , and its general qualities ! Form , Fit and Function have produced a Low Pixel device , but a real producer of quite good pictures ! Slow in comparison to current Market Cameras , but it has a general Feel of " Leica , irrespective of Fuji ' s design , and production ! I paid $125. on ebay , and am really enjoying My " Find " ! Fuji's Finepix 4700 is the identical Model , and some are still available !!! R E Keay

Pyle PHDMRT3 Horizontal Swivel HDMI Cable with Heavy Duty Fiber Shielding (3 feet, Black)

This HDMI cable works exactly as advertised. Worked nicely for a "close to the wall" mount HDTV set up. My only wish was that the straight part of the HDMI plugin was shorter. I had hoped that it would be super low profile when plugged in, but unfortunately it still sticks out about 1 inch. Oh well...

Needed a replacement Cable to connect my cabinet mounted components, liked the swivel option taking up less space behind the sat reciever. Shipping Amazon PRIME made it a good value for my install. After getting all components set I determined I didn't need the cable after all so I used it in a spare room to connect another Sat reciever to LCD monitor--worked well and I am a satisfied customer.

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Dayton Audio HR14HS2 6.6ft 2M High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet - Supports 3D and Audio Return

I have used Dayton HDMI cables for years. Just resently upgraded to 3D TV and had to upgrade my cables. Had no issue's at all with these cables and I would say they work and fit better than the 100$ cables you find elsewhere.

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Cam Caddie 3 Piece Accessory Kit

These bits will give me added value to my new Scorpion... using a microphone, lights, etc. I may even need more of these soon.

excellent, great purchase thanks but will be better if you add more 1/4 hot shoe mount adapter to not have to buy it apart maybe 2 more in total 3 thanks

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Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens with 16GB Card + .45x Wide Angl

I cannot put into words how pleased I am with this product. I did a lot of research before purchasing my camera. Many of the places I checked wanted $649 or more for just the camera. When I found this bundle I was extremely shocked and happy. I made the purchase and received everything much faster than I had expected. I could not be any happier!!!

This is the 3rd Nikon we purchase and it is an excellent choice, , and this one is particularly great with all the extras that it brings for the price. I am taking a course to learn to use it properly and to take advantage of all the functions and amenities.

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We knew the D3100 is great camera. But this is a fantastic value package. Highly recommend it if you don't immediately want to get multiple full lenses. The quality of the adapters is very impressive. The package includes a nice case and a decent tripod too.

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Overall I was happy with my camera kit, however, the addtl lens adaptors that come with it were not satisfactory. I actually ended up having to buy an actual zoom lens. After I received the kit I did check out some addtl reviews and all said they felt the lens adaptors were inadequate as well.

As for the shipper I have no problems the mdse arrived in a timely manner and intact. I would purchase from them again.

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The camera +18-55mm=awesome! The bag=awesome! Tripod=awesome! Everything else is un-needed and extremely cheap. Great starter pack, but I recommend buying just the camera and lens and buying the other items individually. It costs a little more, but you get what you pay for. If you buy it right the first time, you won't have to buy it again!

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Zoom Lens & Can

The flash that came with the kit does not work, DavisMax is a pain in the neck to deal with, finally got the flash refunded for half the price you can buy it for on Amazon....what a rip off. A close friend bought the saem kit and it came with a different flash, much better quality and it works....so the kits are not the same.

Also the bag is way too small for the kit, had to buy another bag.

camera and included equipment perform as expected, fabulous pictures! Very fast ship and well packaged against damage, happy customer all around

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After considering more than one camera I decided to go with the cano t3i it is my first digital SLR. Not only the camera is great but the bundle was great. And also the price was great for this bundle. Very happy over all.

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it was grateful to have this item in the estimated time but i had no time to test it as i was travelling to Egypt, but when i try the flash i figured out that its not compatible with the camera, there is no way to send it back to USA so i just throw it.

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Great buy. It has everything you need for you to get started with your new camera. I haven't found a better buy yet!

Rokinon H400 SLR Holster Camera Case with NP-FM500H Battery & Charger + Tripod + Accessory Kit

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