Ultimate Gift Reviews

Archive for July, 2011

It is almost unbelievable how Polaroid is able to manufacture a top-notch camera that has most of the features that one can only expect from an expensive model. Polaroid CIA-1237RC falls in the mid-range price category and yet it can be easily mistaken as a fairly costly digital camera by its physical appearance alone — so much more when one has already known of its sophisticated functions.

One of the most imposing features of CIA-1237RC is its auto-stabilization function which helps users do away from blurred and fuzzy shots due to mechanical tremor. This digital camera also has a “face-following” feature that allows the user to lock to a specific subject even while this subject is moving or is in the middle of a crowd.

Once the subject is caught smiling, the camera automatically takes the picture even without the user ever pressing the shutter button. Well, if these two features still cannot impress you, what do you think of an anti-red-eye feature? Sounds too good to be true for a mid-range camera? Not with Polaroid CIA-1237RC!

The camera also also equipped with a 3x optical zoom feature and if that is not enough, you can even go further by using its 4x digital zoom function. Capturing distant shots will not be much of a problem too because the camera also has a 2.7-inch LCD screen that would allow you to position your shots more precisely. Moreover, CIA-1237RC has a 32-MB internal storage capacity which can be expanded via SD or SDHC cards.

The camera runs using 2 AA batteries which can be charged using a USB cord that comes along the package.CIA-1237RC is also bundled to a software utility called Polaroid PoGo; this utility will help you sort, edit and share your photos effortlessly. It can also connect to the internet for faster sharing to any of your social networking sites.

However, if there is anything that is worth complaining about this camera, it is the complexity of some of its functions. An average user might need to spend some time to be able to really understand how these features work. The batteries are also easily depleted so users are advised to bring a lot of spare batteries with them. But beyond all these, CIA-1237RC is truly a must-have.

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The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that’s a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it’s ready to go the minute it’s picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus fea

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There are three things about a digital camera that never fails to attract consumers: (1) A fairly wide digital display, (2) AA batteries as power source and (3) the Brand name. If you are making a checklist of this three, then you will surely pick Nikon Coolpix L22. This camera has a 3-inch LCD, powered by two AA batteries and of course, it comes from one of the leading camera manufacturers in the world, Nikon.

However, despite being attractive to a lot of consumers, a closer look will surely make a wise buyer think twice. Even though the camera is light (even with batteries loaded), the user will definitely be frustrated over the limited features that this camera have; couple this frustration with the built-in mediocre-quality lens and you get nothing but a camera that can be easily considered least among many of its counterparts.

Nevertheless, this camera is a good enough entry-level point-and-shoot. It may not produce outstanding pictures and it may even compromise happy moments when there is not enough light but it can still capture descent shots especially when used outdoors under bright sunlight. In addition, Coolpix L22 can also be powered using alkaline lithium-ion cells or NiMHs which are both long-lasting and rechargable. The battery compartment of the camera can be opened and closed using the attached latch. With either batteries loaded, the camera feels more sturdy.

Coolpix L22 might prove to be a disappointment to users who look to Nikon when it comes to digital cameras. Unfortunately, its low-quality lens seem to make the edges of the picture a bit softer than that of the center. This problem is even exacerbated when you will use its 3.6x optical zoom feature. Using its 4x digital zoom feature is even worse. When using zoom functions, users can easily ruin their shots if they are not paying enough attention to the display.

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Panasonic G1 is famous for two things: (1) among all cameras with interchangeable lenses, G1 is the first of its kinds to have “turned its back” from the classic optical viewfinders to the more practical live-like capture view through a built-in LCD and (2) it is also the first camera in the world to have met the Micro Four Thirds standard.

Given these two pioneering traits, although G1 still possess the outward DSLR appearance, to many people this camera is but the symbol of the commencement of a new era where single-lens reflex cameras have lost their dominance.

Nonetheless, the absence of a video-recording function in G1 definitely drags down the reputation that this DSLR has earned so far. In a time when video recording has become a common feature amongst SLR cameras, G1 would really seem a little bit odd. Yet, for those who really can’t do without video recording capabilities, Panasonic has already released GH1 and GF1 out in the market to compensate for G1’s limitations.

But that was some months ago. As of now Panasonic has already unveiled G1’s successors: G2 and G10 which are pretty much like their predecessor but with more functionality. In order to compete with mid-price DSLR cameras already saturating the market, Panasonic adjusted the viewfinder resolution of these two successors. But cutting down on the camera viewfinder’s extremely high resolution, Panasonic is able to reduce production cost thereby allowing the company to sell the new cameras at a lower price.

G2 and G10 have so far silenced the complaints and criticisms which their predecessor has so long endured. As for G2, here are its key features:

- 12.1 MP with a 4/3 “Live MOs” sensor

- 1.4 MP electronic viewfinder

- 3-inch LCD, touchscreen, multi-angle

- “Venus Engine HD II” (this allows the camera to auto adjust resolutions)

- 720p video capture, Mpeg or AVCHD formats

- Port for an external microphone (for better audio capturing for videos)

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