Archive for April, 2010



JVC Everio GZ-MG330 review – identical to other GZ-MG3xx models

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The hard-disk based standard-def camcorders are the better choices for long recording time and more storage space. The Everio GZ-MG3xx models come in various choices. It includes the JVC Everio GZ-M330 with 30GB hard-drive in red, blue or silver colors; and the MG360 with 60GB drive in black color. The JVC also provides the same versions with Share Station dock in two other models: the MG335 and the MG365. We had reviewed all these versions previously. Now let us have a look at the JVC Everio GZ-M330. It costs $375.50 and offers similar video quality like other MG3xx models. However, it lacks eye-level viewfinder, headphone and microphone input jacks. The compression artifacts are also visible in the recorded video. On the bright side, the MG-330 provides compact design and able to hold long length video recording. If you need a hard-disk standard-definition camcorder, the Everio GZ-MG3xx series remains better choice. The JVC has included the Laser  [...]
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Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS – no advanced highlights

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$199.99 priced the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS is a basic digital camera. It continues to have the traditional design of its predecessors – Digital Elph series, but lacks optical viewfinder. Its main key selling point is its availability in numerous color choices. The SD1300 IS is a perfect mid-range camera with 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, especially for those who do not care about advanced shooting options, HD quality and just want to remain in Auto mode. However, its picture quality and the shooting performance does not are not better than its competitors from Sony and Panasonic. On the bright side, it has a larger LCD display of 2.7 inches. The SD1300 IS has Canon-standard controls. The back switch lets you moving between shooting modes. You will find the four-way directional pad with center Function button on the switch’s right side. The Play button sits above the pad, while Display and Menu buttons are located beneath it. You can use the  [...]
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Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS – tiny body, spacious controls

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$249.99 priced the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS is a lightweight, attractive and ultra-compact digital camera. It looks quite similar to the previous SD940 IS and shares most of the same features including 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, digital and optical image stabilization, 2.7 inches LCD display and 4x digital zoom. The PowerShot SD1400 IS has 14.1-megapixel resolution, which is an upgrade over previous 12-megapixel of the SD940 IS. You will find some creative shooting and shutter-release timer options in the SD1400 IS, but there is no other improvement as compared its predecessor. The shooting performance, battery life, and picture quality are average. The SD1400 IS remains one of the best ultra-compact point-and-shot cameras in sub-$250 range. It easily retains the first choice for the casual users looking for a basic camera. We like that the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS is very easy to use even with large hands. The controls are flat and flash  [...]
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Canon EOS Rebel T2i – the best quality in its price range

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To compete with Sony, Pentax, and Nikon, the Canon has launched an update/successor of the expensive Tli digital SLR. $899 priced The EOS Rebel T2i has similar shape and identical control layout like that of the T1i. Both of them feature optical image stabilization and records 1080p video at 20fps. However, the T2i has improved 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and similar sized 3-inch LCD screen with more resolution. It is definitely on the top of other digital SLR cameras in its price range. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i provides excellent photo quality, fast performance, and above average recorded video quality. The T2i records 720p video at 60fps that is an improvement over 30fps for the T1i. However, the Rebel T2i has annoying viewfinder and bothering controls for the video recording. The Canon has redesigned some of the buttons on the EOS Rebel T2i. It has a dedicated button for Quick Control panel and except this the control layout is similar to that of the  [...]
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Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 – better viewfinder with less magnification

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The Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 is the modest update over its predecessor the Alpha DSLR-A300. We appreciate the Sony to upgrade the firmware for improving the performance and quality. However, the A330 remains quite similar to the A230. The only difference between them is that the A230 has higher magnification viewfinder than that of the A330. Both shares similar sized 2.7-inch LCD display. In contrast, you can tilt the A330 unit perpendicularly up or down at 55-degree and it offers Live View shooting. The Alpha DSLR-A380 is the higher resolution version of the A330. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 comes in two individual kits (each in two colors – black and brown): 18-55mm lens and dual-lens kit of 18-55mm with 55-200mm. Sony is not providing its body-only version at the moment. Like other Sony DSLR camera, you can use the Minolta A mount lens with the A330 camera. The mode dial of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 provides access to some scene program modes, full automatic,  [...]
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Canon Vixia HF100 – useless manual focus

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The Canon Vixia HF100 is a high-definition camcorder. It features excellent performance, great video quality, and good feature set. The HF100 does not have inbuilt memory unlike its sibling – the HF10. Apart from that, both the models look identical. The Vixia HF100 is a bit smaller than the Sony Handycam HDR-CX7. However, it remains more compact than its siblings the Vixia HG10 (hard-disk based) and the Vixia HV30 (tape-based). However, the manual focus for the Vixia HF100 is useless. The Canon Vixia HF100 has easy-to-use and large controls. The joystick and function button are inconveniently located on the LCD bezel. It is a bit difficult to use them simultaneously and you have to hold the camera steady while trying to operate them. The manual focus through joystick on a small 2.7-inch screen is very annoying. You can record the AVCHD video maximum at 17MBps for 2 hours 5 minutes. The Canon Vixia HF100 can hold 6 hours 5 minutes video at lowest 5MBps. The higher bit rate supports  [...]
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Samsung SC-HMX10 – large one with rotating grip

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$699 priced the Samsung SC-HMX10 is a flash-based high-definition camcorder. It features all-in-one diminutive package, microphone input, manual exposure controls, 8GB inbuilt memory, and 720p video. The HMX10 camcorder can focus relatively close and has full manual exposure controls. However, it does not have optical image stabilization, 1080i video and performs mediocre in low light. The SC-HMX10 has sluggish auto-focus and small sensor. We like that its grip can rotate about 150 degrees that allows aligning the camcorder at any angle. The first rotation drops the camcorder by 5 degrees and then increases the heights. It is one of the cleverest designs we’ve seen. The Samsung SC-HMX10 provides comfortable and nice easy gripping due to its large size. The buttons including record, mode, power, photo, and zoom switch comfortably fall under forefinger or right thumb. As already mentioned, you can rotate the camcorder up to 150 degrees that is very useful. The SDHC card slot and the  [...]
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