Kata Bags Digital Rucksack DR-467 and Sensitivity V Backpacks Review

Being a blogger and one that travels quite often, you really depend on a good bag that is lightweight, durable, and will carry just about all your electronics and the many adapters along with them. Until now I was basically shoving (and carefully I might add) all my junk into typical laptop backpacks. My laptop in the designated laptop area, iPod, USB cables, adapters, USB keys, a book and a D/SLR in a separate camera bag. It is a tight fit but I managed, and I have to admit going through airport security was a bit hellish. Recently I discovered the Kata Bags and I have to say it was with great pleasure that I got to review both the Digital Rucksack DR-467-WY and Sensitivity V. FINALLY! A bag meant for those always on the go with pockets specifically made for all the junk we gadget obsessed folks carry. [Read more]

Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera Review

I think I can safely say when you look back in the future to the late 2000s, you’ll agree that it was the You Tube era. Whether it’s captured from your cellphone or video camera, not even an hour later its on You Tube or Vimeo. Kodak is making it even easier to record your footage and get it up on You Tube with the Kodak Zi6 and we where lucky enough to get a chance to put it through its paces.

Design:
The version of the Kodak Zi6 we got to review is pink, appropriate we think. The Kodak Zi6 is also available in black for those that may not dig pink as much. The design is very compact and light to hold. It’s not bulky at all and can easily slip into your jacket pocket or pocket book. The front of the device has a bright 2.4 color LCD screen and controls to either take a still picture or record video. However in bright sunlight the display is hard to see. The center of the unit has a joystick which we will get into more detail later on. On the left side of the device are two inputs one for AV the other for HD component. Kodak also provides the cables for both which is a nice touch. On the left side you will also find the USB 2.0 connector hiding. On the right side of the device there is the slot cover that is hiding the SD slot, battery cover, and a switch to enable normal or extreme closeups for images. The top of the Zi6 is the switch to turn the device on. The back of the Zi6 has the lens, a button to eject the USB connector, and the speaker. Everything is really placed in strategic places that make accessing them very easy and add to the simplicity and compactness of the device.

Setup:
This is a very simple device that doesn’t require any crazy manuals or DVDs to watch to figure out how to work it. The first thing that needed to be done was to charge the rechargeable batteries that are included with the device. I think its nice enough of Kodak to include double AA batteries regardless of them being rechargeable. It’s suggested to charge them for 12 hours before using to be able to take advantage of the full capacity of the batteries. However, you can use regular Duracell Double AA’s as well. Once they are done charging pop it into the device and slide the power button on the top of the device to turn it on. It could be a bit tough for those who have long nails. Even for myself I was having a little trouble turning it on comfortably. But once it’s on you’ll know because it will make a cute little chime like noise. The LCD display will then brighten up with whatever image you have in front of you.

Interface:
The interface of the Zi6 is really simple to use and you really will have no problem just picking this
up and recording in seconds. The first thing you will have to do is decide what you want to do first.
You have two options, take stills or record video. As I said earlier the center of the Zi6 has a control resembling a joystick. When pressed, it works as the record button in video mode or as a shutter in digital still mode. There are three different video modes - VGA, HD (720p) and HD with 60fps. In video mode, press it again and it will stop recording the footage.  The same joystick can be used to zoom in or or out when taking a still or video. The zoom goes about 2X which isn’t bad for this size of a camera, however images tend to lose their quality when you use the zoom - undoubtedly because it’s a digital zoom and not an optical zoom.

Overall, the interface is a breeze to use. I was able to record video in seconds and take stills just the same. I was also able to delete any images I didn’t want just as quickly. I just pressed the garbage can button on the front of the device after I selected the image I wanted gone and it was deleted. The joystick also works as a directional in preview mode to look at stills or video you have taken. I’m so used to complex Nikon cameras, that it was actually a refreshing change to try something simple that didn’t require much thought to use.

Software:
So you have all these great images and you want to get them off. So one would think since this has a USB connector you could just plug it in like an external hard drive and just pull the images or videos off of it. WRONG! One of the more trickier parts of the Zi6 is the software. One draw back was that if you have a Mac unfortunately you are out of luck. Even though the Zi6 has a USB connector and it will be picked up on the Mac, you need the software that’s included to really take advantage of the You Tube feature, and that only works on the PC. Since the Zi6 works for both Mac and PC you would think software for both systems would be included, but nope. ARCSOFT Media Impression Software is included for you to pull off the images or videos. I don’t like being forced to use software to view items on a device especially video or pictures but there is really no way around it. A good thing is the software is pre-loaded onto the Zi6, once you press the eject button for the USB connector and plug it into your computer it will automatically detect the device
and will start installing the media software. If for some reason the software on the Zi6 gets corrupted or erased you can use the included ARCSOFT CD as back-up.

Installation was pretty painless and once it’s done all your images and videos will become visible for you to export to your computer or convert to a You Tube video, which is one of the main features of this device.  Just select the video you want to upload and the software takes care of the rest by uploading it and compressing it to your You Tube account. The software can also be used as a media player to view the videos as well. The software, like the device, is very user friendly, but I was put off by the fact I could only use this method to pull my stuff off the camera or even view it in some cases. I tried using Windows Media Player and it froze when trying to view the videos even after I  exported them to my computer, so the only standalone player I got to work was Quicktime since the videos are done in .MOV format which worked out just fine on my Mac.

Performance:
I am really impressed with the overall quality of the pictures and videos for this pricepoint. The Kodak Zi6 can snap 3 megapixel shots which are on par with a better camera phone in well lit conditions (see gallery for sample shots). However, it’s strong suit is its video recording features. The HD video quality is not too far off from my fancy $1300 Nikon D90 in bright lighting conditions. However in low light conditions the Zi6 performs pretty poorly and produced very noisy images - that is pretty much expected though since there is no built-in light. The one thing I hope they improve on in future generations is the stabilization. There is none and because the unit is so lightweight you really need it. I have a steady hand but just the slightest movement makes a video shake and on playback made me want to puke. SO be cautious when recording, don’t move your hand too much and let the action happen in front of you, unless you are filming the sequel to the Blair Witch Project. Luckily the Zi6 has a tripod mount so that you can use a tripod with it as well to compensate for the lack of image stabilization.

Outdoor Video Sample ith Kodak Zi5 from Chip Chick on Vimeo.

Indoor Video Sample with Kodadk Zi6 from Chip Chick on Vimeo.

Conclusion:
The Kodak Zi6 is really easy to use. Even your grandparents could use this device and be pretty savvy with it. The fact the videos are recorded in HD is a really nice touch, which is something the Zi6’s main competitor - the Flip Mino can’t do. The design is simple and does the job. It’s also lightweight and easily portable. The Kodak Zi6 retails for $179.95, which makes it have the same price tag as its competitor the Flip Mino. However the Flip Mino is limited to 640×480 videos, making the Zi6 a much better value because of its HD capabilities. You’ll be hard pressed to find other HD recording devices under the $200 mark that don’t produce just junk. Overall, the Zi6 is a great gift for that budding Spielberg in your home.

The Good: Great video and image quality in well lit conditions, simple to use, convenient design.

The Bad: Desperately needs some sort of image stabilization and should have included some Mac compatible software.

Casio Unleashes Exilim EX-FH20 Speedster

It hasn’t been that long since Casio released the Exilim Pro EX-F1, a camera that made headlines for its speedy ultra-high speed burst rate of 60fps. Though that was only back in March, Casio is already announcing a follow up to that model, the Exilim EX-FH20 which is capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,000 fps. The camera also features a 20X optical zoom yet its 27% smaller and 28% lighter than the EX-F1. The 9.1 Megapixel camera also sports a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens as well as CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots. Some of you will also be excited to hear that the EX-FH20 can record HD movies at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps, which isn’t too shabby either. The camera will retail for a very reasonable $599 when it goes on sale in October.

Nikon D90 Sample Videos, Unboxing and a Little bit of Eva Longoria too

We got our hands on the new drool worthy Nikon D90, you know that DSLR that everyone has been talking about because of it’s unique features like Live View and the ability to record HD video. Here are some hardly cinematic sample videos that we took using the D90. Our initial thoughts - the camera takes beautiful pictures, as expected. The video is pretty awesome as well, but it totally lacks in the image stabilization area - if you plan on shooting something serious with it, you’ll definitely need a tripod. We had just unboxed it in Bryant Park, when miss Desperate Housewife herself, Eva Longoria, walked by with a trail of paparazzi attacking her. Check out the gallery below for unboxing photos as well as photos of Eva using Auto on the D90. Click here if you desire the full blown high-res versions of Eva.

Update: We added two additional pictures of the Nikon D40 side by side with the Nikon D40

[Read more]

Free Exif Untrasher Software Recovers Erased Photos on Your Memory Card

One day, some unlucky soul is going to discover that they just erased some really important photos off of their camera’s memory card - without having backed them up first. And if you end up being that poor soul, you’ll want to be prepared by downloading Exif Untrasher. Exif Untrasher recovers JPEG images even after they have been deleted or your memory card has been formatted. There is actually a good amount of memory card recovery software out there, but most will cost you at-least $20 to $50 a pop. On the other hand, Exif Trasher is totally free. Unfortunately it’s only Mac compatible. Anyone know of a good alternative for PC or Linux folks?

Epson’s New P-6000 & P-7000 Multimedia Photo Viewers with Improved Displays

If you are an avid photographer or just an annoying paparazzi then you might consider getting the new Epson P-6000 or P-7000. Both devices are multimedia storage viewers that have a 4 inch LCD screen and the ability to view JPEG pictures, MPEG, MPEG-4, Motion, H.264/AVC videos files as well as suport for listening to MP3 and AAC audio files. There are two built in slots for CF and SD memory cards so that you upload your photos for a quick run through and as well as a quick way to free up more space on your camera. These might look similar to the older P-5000 model, but they’re truly new and improved with a superior display featuring Epson’s “new Photo Fine Premia technology that encompasses 94% of Adobe RGB for brilliant color and detail”. We got a chance to use these in person and the screens are very easy on the eyes now. Also, download speeds are now up to 35 percent faster than previous models. The battery lasts up to three hours and there is ofcourse a USB connection for connecting to your computer. The Epson P-6000 has 80GB of storage and will retail for $599  while the Epson P-7000 has 160GB of storage, will retail for $799, and includes a travel pack with a protective carrying case, battery charger, viewing stand, car adapter, cleaning cloth, and LCD protective film.

2008 Bejing Olympics Webcam Looks More like a Toy

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing is set to begin next week and what better way to commemorate that experience than with a webcam that resembles the Olympic rings. Yes, it looks like a plastic toy but it does have “exciting” LED lights in each of the rings and of course the camera. The camera features 1.3 MegaPixels and it connects to your computer via USB, but will not work on a Mac computer. The 2008 Bejing Olympic Webcam retails for $26.99. I’m sure this is the first of many, um, quality items marketing the Bejing Olympics…

Samsung’s Fall Digital Camera, and Camcorder and Printer Preview

Samsung has a bunch of digicam and camcorders set for release this September, all of which are looking to be feature rich and affordably priced. Amongst them is the TL34HD. The TL34HD sports an amazing 14.7 megapixels inside a surprisingly small body. Samsung has scrapped the traditional button based user interface and replaced it with a new 3.0 touch screen based interface that lets you do neat things like delete photos by drawing an X on the surface of the display. The camera also sports 3.6x optical zoom, dual image stabilization (optical + digital), smile and blink detection, a new Recycle Bin feature, and the ability to shoot 720P video with H.264 compression. The camera will retail for $329.95. [Read more]

Covert Spy Camcorder Sunglasses

These may look like a pair of Oakley Thump Sunglasses but that is what Brickhouse wants you to think… Instead, they are a pair of Covert Camcorder Spy Sunglasses which will record what you see. I’m pretty sure that 007 has a pair of these. There are no wires involved and everything is saved to an internal 2GB worth of memory which is upgradable to 8GB on a micro SD card. Inside is a built in 1.3 mega pixel pinhole camera with a resolution of 320×240. No drivers are needed and it can easily be connected to your computer. The package includes sunglasses, a case, a USB cable,  an AC Adapter, and user manual. The Camcorder Spy Sunglasses Retail for $299.95

Pen DVR Camera Inconspicuously Records Video

In the world of espionage, you never know when you’ll end up requiring the ability to record video in stealth. Hiding a camera in a household object like an alarm clock or lettuce-head is effective, but just not easily portable. So if you’re looking for a portable spying product that no one would suspect, check out the Pen Camera DVR. Not only does the Pen Camera DVR works as a USB drive with 2 or 4GB of memory, it also records video and audio, with the video res at 352×288 - just enough to catch someone in the act. Oh, and it works like a regular old ballpoint pen too. The DVR Pen Recorder retails for $199 for the 2GB version and $249 for the 4GB version which can record up to 30 hours of video with audio.

Pink Cyber-shot Digicam Package with Matching Case & USB Stick

We haven’t seen a pink camera in a while and Sony surprisingly snuck past us the Pink Cyber-shot Digital Camera. Not only is there a camera but they have a special package that comes with a matching pink case as a pink USB Memory Stick Duo. As for the camera itself - it has a lot of the common features found in a good digital camera these days: 4X Carl Zeiss lens, 2.5 LCD Display, and the ability to take photos as well as video. There is also one standout feature, the Sony Double Anti-Blur Solution which will compensate for shaky hands when the ISO is high and light is an issue. The Pink Cyber-Shot retails for $199 and if you order before June 24th you’ll get free shipping at Sony Style.

Digital Blue - Snap! 5.0-Megapixel Digital Camera

We can’t guarantee the quality but the Digital Blue - Snap! sure is pretty and small too! For $79.99 you get a stylish camera that features a 5.0 Megapixel sensor, a 4x digital zoom, a 2.4 TFT-LCD Monitor, 32MB internal memory, and USB interface for picture transferring - yes that last feature sounds exciting. Available in two different designs, one in Black the other Silver, but both very trendy and available at BestBuy.

PhotoTrackr Lite with GPS, Tags Your Photos’ Locations

For photo enthusiasts that travel a lot, there is no better way to show off where you’ve been than with Gisteq’s PhotoTrackr Lite . The PhotoTrackr Lite uses geo-mapping technology to show the exact location where photos were snapped and when they were taken. It also allows you to upload those photos to flickr. Powered by one AA battery, the PhotoTrackr Lite is designed to carry inside a backpack without worrying about losing satellite reception becuase of is powerful and sensitive built-in GPS module. The PhotoTrackr Lite retails for just $99 . This will have to hold you over until one day digital cameras actually come with built-in GPS.

Sanyo Xacti CG9 Flash-Based Camcorder Looks Great in Pink

One of Sanyo’s lates Xacti models, the CG9 sports a pretty typical feature set. It’s got a 2.5″ LCD display, image stabilization, face detection, it records to SD cards it features a 5x optical zoom, a 9.1 megapixel sensor, and the ability to record VGA (640×480) movies at 60fps in MP4 format. Nothing to write home about, it’s pretty much just a better quality YouTube camera. However what we do like about the Xacti CG9 is its many color choices which include silver, black, red, pink and white. However we do suspect that the availability of these colors vary in different markets. Meanwhile us “lucky” Americans can buy the boring silver or black version for $259 at Circuit City.

Hidden Camera Neck Tie for 007 Dads

Who has a dad that doesn’t love James Bond? This Father’s Day get your pops a gift that would be fit for 007 himself. The Hidden Camera Neck Tie hides a high resolution color camera. High res, as in 768 x 492 - which isn’t too shabby for such a miniscule camera. The camera can be connected to a Pocket DVR. Ok, so it is kind of pricey at $209, but it’s a heck of a lot cooler than that tie you were going to buy him anyway.

Vivitar’s DVR565 HD Camcorder is a Better Value than the Flip Video

Forget the Flip Video or even the Flip Video Ultra, Vivitar’s new DVR-565HD is super cheap and more powerful. The camcorder can record MPeg-4 H.264 videos in 720p at 30 frames per second, plus it can also snap 5 megapixel cameras. Oh, and it will also play MP3s. With just 32MB built-in, You’ll have to bring your own memory, but SD cards are cheap nowadays. And for just $129.99, the fact that the device is just a bit over 1 inch thick when closed and has a swivel display, it almost seems to good to be true.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun GeekKit

Can’t decide what to get your favorite pink gadget lover? Why not get her everything. The Girls Just Wanna’ Have Fun GeekKit comes with the Gadget Girl 300K Digital Camcorder that doubles as a webcam, the Bratz Rock Angelz Recording Studio Playset, a cute little Pink Radio Control Car complete with flashlights and sound effects, a bunch of multicolor LED bracelets, the 1GB Lasonic MP-01GS MP3 Player that supports WMA and MP3 files and has an FM radio, a pink foldable dust and water resistant keyboard and a matching 3 button PS/2 optical mouse that lights up red and purple when plugged in. This whole package costs just $64.50. Granted some of these items are a bit kiddish, but overall we like its concept and the price tag.

Canon’s FS100 Flash Memory Camcorder is Colorful and Small

We’re always happy to see splashes of color thrown o to ordinary electronics, especially when there are quality brand names involved. Canon is one of the latest such companies to come out with different color choices for their camcorders. Their new Canon FS100 Digital Flash Memory Camcorder feature 37x optical zoom, Image Stabilization, a 2.7″ Widescreen LCD, the ability to record to SDHC cards all in a body that weighs just 9.6 oz. Unfortunately the camera is not HD and a memory card isn’t bundled with it, but it’s $399 price tag isn’t bad considering Canon’s camcorder usually produce great video. And last but not least, the camera is available in red, blue or silver. If these camcorder look familiar, it might because they might remind you of JVC’s colorful hard drive based GZ-MG330 model that we first saw at CES.

Samsung SC-MX10 Flash Based Camcorder is Cheap & Pink

Looking for a cheap flash-based camcorder for all your YouTube endeavors, but you refuse to buy from anything but a big brand name? Then check out the Samsung SC-MX10 which is just $199. It features 34x optical zoom, 1200x digital zoom, electronic image stabilization, 4:3 and 16:9 playback, and the ability to record to MPEG-4 video files on to SD cards. Best of all the SC-MX10 is available in pink or silver, and Circuit City has a red version as well. [Read more]

DXG-567VP Flash Based HD Camcorder is Cheap & Pink

We are so not vouching for the quality of this super cheap HD camcorder, after all it does look a lot like a cheap ipod ripoff. But To its credit, the DXG-567VP comes in a choice of pink blue, red or black. The camcorder features 2x digital zoom, a 2″ LCD display with a 480 x 240 resolution, a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor with the ability to capture movies in a format as big as 1280 x 720 - in a widescreen or standard aspect ratio. We like that it has got a pop-out USB connector and it promises to come with software that will make it easy to upload to YouTube. The device is flash-based and expandable via a SD slot, though it does have 32MB built-in, which is quite pathetic even for a cheap camcorder. Think of this one as a slight step-up from the a Flip video camcorder. [Read more]

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