Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro 4/3's Professional HD Camcorder

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Price: $3,265.69    

Product Feature

• CGA-E/625 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
• AC Adapter/Charger
• AC/DC Power Cable
• Wireless Remote Control with Battery
• Eyecup

Product Description

AG-AF100 is a full HD 1080/720 production camera that offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media. The AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of a handheld camcorder. The AF100 is the next-generation, go-to HD camera that costs less, yet delivers so much more than other models in its class.

The design of the AF100's 4/3-inch sensor affords depth of field and field of view similar to that of 35mm movie cameras and also affords the full range of cinematic requisites.  Equipped with an interchangeable lens micro 4/3" mount, the AF100 has the ability to use virtually any professional quality lens with the addition of an easily obtainable adapter, from low-cost still camera lenses as well as film-style lenses with fixed focal lengths, prime lenses, and zoom lenses. It's equipped with the full range of controls a cinematographer relies on: exposure, adjustable zebras, pedestal and detail, a vectorscope and waveform monitor, and much more.

FEATURES:

• Large 4/3" "Best-in-Class" MOS imager with fast image scanning and optical and low pass filters that eliminate aliasing and moir

Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro 4/3's Professional HD Camcorder Review

I sold my $25,000 pro video camera and bought this with extra lenses, matte box, slider, lights, even a Steadicam, etc. A great move. I've had this for about five months now. Shot docs, commercials, small features. It's much smaller size makes it far easier to travel with, and it's great depth of field gives you lots of creative options. Great bang for the buck.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro 4/3's Professional HD Camcorder" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Panasonic AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro 4/3's Professional HD Camcorder ...

Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

You looking to find the "Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope" Good news! You can purchase Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $309.99 $279.99   

Product Feature

• Perhaps the best beginner Dobsonian reflector telescope you can buy - big 6" aperture at an amazing price
• A beginner may use a 60mm telescope for a few months or years before deciding they need to upgrade to a better telescope - a 6" Dobsonian will give you a lifetime of wonderful views
• Simple navigation and no need to polar align makes this Dobsonian reflector telescope extremely ease to use for the whole family
• The 6" diameter f/8 parabolic mirror is fantastic for Moon and planetary views, and also has enough light grasp for deep-sky viewing of nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters
• The stable Dobsonian base provides a vibration free image even when viewing at a high powers, and features smooth enough motions to make tracking of celestial objects a breeze

Product Description

Ships to the U.S. including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Classic entry-level scope at an amazing priceCrisp images from the craters of the moon to the edge of the galaxyBig-aperture optics + point-and-view ease of use = out-of-this-world valueWhen the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter aligns with Mars, you'll be able to see it allOne-year limited warranty Ample light grasp...Check. Portable...Check. Stable mount...Check. Quick setup and take-down...Check. Easy to operate...Check. Affordable...Check. As you run through the checklist of attributes you've heard are important in a good beginner's telescope, you realize that the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope meets all the criteria - in spades. Astronomy magazine called it "an excellent entry-level Dobsonian telescope for an adult." It's a telescope that opens up limitless observing possibilities. With its big 150mm diameter parabolic primary mirror the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope collects nearly 80% more light than a 4.5" reflector, rendering brighter images and greater detail in deep-sky nebulas and star clusters. And the 1200mm focal length gives the telescope ample power to zoom in on subtle planetary and lunar features. The 45"-long enameled-steel optical tube glides wtih silky smoothness on the cabinet-quality Dobsonian wood base. You just point the telescope and view! Orion-engineered CorrecTension springs keep the tube balanced to perfection and allow the whole unit to be carried together by the handle on the base. The XT6 is outfitted with a 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, and a 25mm Sirius Plssl telescope eyepiece. The mirror is center-marked for precise collimation. The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope...Check it out, today! One-year limited warranty. This item cannot be shipped internationally due to its size and weight.

Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Review

It is unbelievable to me that a scope this good can be had for this price. Six inches is a LOT of aperture. Forget those little blue rigs with the computerized pointing--you don't need a computer to find stuff, you need *aperture* so you can actually see it. Download some free planetarium software (like Stellarium), buy a sky atlas, and get a nice fat telescope like this one. You'll enjoy it more because the views will actually be good enough to linger over, and you can take pride in finding observing targets on your own. If you want a computer to do all the work, why even buy a telescope? Stay on the couch and surf for some Hubble images.

The scope is rock solid, it was in nearly perfect collimation right out of the box, and I put it together in about an hour while I watched TV. Then it was out the back door and BAM! The moon looks so good you may get stuck there for a while. Cloud belts on Jupiter are a breeze, as are the rings of Saturn. Star clusters look like diamonds scattered on black velvet. Galaxies and nebulas seduce your eyeballs until you realize that it's well past midnight and you're frozen half to death.

One warning: the best scope for you is the one you will use the most. At 35 lbs assembled this is about as much scope as I want to be moving by myself. So think about the weight. If you decide it would keep you from using this scope very often, get a smaller one. Orion's XT4.5 is this thing's little brother, it weighs half as much, and it has gotten uniformly good reviews just about everywhere.

One last thing: Dobsonians are not useful for most kinds of astrophotography but I have taken some stunning pictures of the moon just by holding my digital camera up to the eyepiece of this telescope. Give it a try--you may end up decorating your entryway with moon photos you took yourself.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Orion 8944 SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope ...

Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange)

You looking to find the "Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange)" Good news! You can purchase Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $139.95 $136.95   

Product Feature

• Pelican cases are kept watertight through the use of a tongue and groove fit and a polymer o-ring.
• Pelican cases come standard with an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve which releases built up air pressure while keeping water out.
• Pelican's Pick N'Pluck foam lets you customize the interior.
• Stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors
• Extendable handle with exterior mounted urethane wheels
• Pelican cases are kept watertight through the use of a tongue and groove fit and a polymer o-ring.
• Interior Dimensions (inches): 18.43 x 14.00 x 7.62

Product Description

Pelican Protector Cases are made with Copolymer Polypropylene, using an open cell core and solid wall construction, which is stronger and lighter that the completion. You can tell its a Pelican case by the distinctive "twin-ribbed" top surface. Stainless steel pins are used for hinges and handles. The new Double-Throw latches are much easier to open.

Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange) Review

The search for a gear bodyguard is over. I've started doing more location photography and wanted to upgrade my bags/cases for three main reasons:

1) Better protection in transit

2) Easier management and accessibility of gear

3) Consolidation of gear to reduce number of bags/cases to haul around

This case solves all three needs quite nicely. It's just deep enough to store body & lens together, and some items can be nested or stacked to optimize space (for example, one of my larger flashes is stored horizontally with spare batteries nested in the bottom foam layer). I was worried about fitting everything in this case, but I actually have enough room left over for another lens.

Here's a generic list of everything I was able to comfortably fit into the Pelican 1550:

-dSLR + attached wide angle zoom lens

-additional midrange zoom lens

-5 flash units

-6 flash transceivers

-pano head

-4 spare AA batteries

-portable field recorder

-misc (wb card, spare sd cards, flash filters, trigger cable, flash feet)

Hints for successful packing:

1. Plan ahead! Draw up a diagram, cut out shaped templates, whatever you need to do to get the foam plucked out right the first time. It will save the headache of Super-77 repairs or the old "painting yourself into a corner" syndrome of haphazard packing.

2. Use a smallish bread knife to easily cut through the perforated foam. Yes, it's called "pick-n-pluck", but the foam squares are still connected pretty securely. I finely serrated knife will make quick work of it. Pick a knife with symmetrical serrations (like this /\) as opposed to right-angle serrations (like this /|).

3. Remember that your gear can poke out of the top a bit. You have about 1 1/2" of space above the top foam layer that is taken up by the lid foam, so utilize that space to reduce gear movement and take advantage of that extra space.

4. Pimp it out! Order some vinyl lettering and put your company name on the outside of the box. Or just get a biohazard sticker for the front and add a pair of handcuffs to the handle.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Pelican 1550 Case with Foam for Camera (Orange) ...

Optoma PK301plus, WVGA, 75 LED Lumens, Pico Pocket Projector

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Price: $324.99 Too low to display   

Product Feature

• Let your movies and media go where you do-Pocket-sized, lightweight rechargeable projector made to take anywhere
• Connect readily to most analog and digital devices with a comprehensive array of ports including HDMI and VGA
• Invest in LED light source for excellent color and long life
• Share movies, games and more with large, widescreen images of up to 120 inches
• 75 LED lumens

Product Description

Optoma's PK301+ Pico pocket projector gives you the freedom to share your best movies, games, pictures, documents and other visual media as a big image wherever you are. The palm-sized PK301+ combines 75 LED lumens brightness and widescreen WVGA resolution with 32GB of built-in storage to create easy and effective projection at home or on the road. HDMI ensures that you can successfully connect with the broadest range of sources, including iPhones, DVD players, laptop computers, set top boxes and more. This projector's eight-ounce size, battery powered design and simple controls set the standard for portable projection.

Optoma PK301plus, WVGA, 75 LED Lumens, Pico Pocket Projector Review

Having never owned a pico projector before, I was intrigued by the idea of them. My old projector has a blown bulb, and instead of spending another $300 for a new bulb I decided I would give this a whirl. I spend a lot of time at work or traveling, so I wanted something to have handy if I ever wanted to play a game or watch a video on the go. I just received my pk320 today and here are my initial impressions:

Pros
1) Very small
2) Lightweight
3) Still feels durable despite 1 and 2
4) Bright picture....this one shocked me. In my living room with the lights on (granted this took place at night) I could clearly see the picture when projected onto a wall across the room. I imagine the result with my projector screen will be better.
5) Built in card reader and decoder work well. I loaded some avi's onto a memory card to test out how this would work. Not only did it work quickly, it also was able to find the avi's I nested within a folder.
6) Built in speaker works surprisingly well
7) Seems like optoma listened to some of the feedback from earlier models and included a remote and some accessories with this model.
8) Padded case seems nice

Cons
1) There is no keystone adjustment feature. This is actually a large issue, in part because of the size of this unit. If you put this on a table/desk/furniture/etc... there's a high chance you will not be directly centered from where you are projecting the image. The tilt up/down/to the side causes very visible distortion in the image shape. It's still watchable, but this seems like a huge oversight for a projector that cost $400+
2) Fan is loud when on "bright" mode (100 lumens). Fan noise is most definitely audible when the projector is running at 100 lumens. This isn't a deal breaker, and honestly it's not terribly loud.
3) Even though the padded case seems nice, there is no spot to put your charger or any accessories.
4) Unit heats up quickly. I haven't had it on for prolonged periods yet, so I'm not sure how this will effect the picture quality or processing. I can tell you that during my 10-15 minute trial runs today it became warm to the touch. These were all during 100 lumen "bright mode" tests, so perhaps the effect is not as great on the normal mode.
5) Cords for accessories are short and move the projector if you are adjusting the input device position. To fix this (and help fix problem 4), I would recommend getting a good mini-tripod. I wouldn't skimp on something in the $1-2 range. I personally went with Joby GP1-A1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey and Black). It was still relatively cheap, and does an excellent job holding the projector firmly in position. I imagine that tripod will also come in handy when I want to bring the projector outdoors along with some external speakers to have a movie night with friends.
6) No lens cap for the projector. The lens appears to be made of plastic and is recessed, but this still seems like an area for concern. A small modification to add a lens cap, which I can't imagine would cost much, could have corrected this issue.

I'll try to do a more detailed review soon, and maybe a video review if I get enough time. Overall I am pleased with the projector, but I still have some other tests I want to do before rendering a final verdict. If you go into this purchase expecting to get high definition, movie theater quality images...you will be disappointed. If you go into this realizing you are trading off movie theater quality picture and a huge projector in exchange for ease of portability while still maintaining a good picture, you will likely be happy.

Initially I'd give this a 4/5.

*Update 3/10/2012*

After having some time to play around with this, I have some additional comments:
* The sound is not nearly as loud as I thought when you are in a large room. It is still better than nothing, but you will likely need an external speaker of some sort to fully enjoy this. Not a deal breaker though, this is a small projector so this shouldn't come as a shock.
* The unit is not as bright when played for a long time. This was expected, as Optoma has admitted their projector dims itself slightly if it gets too hot. Mainly mentioning this so others are aware this is normal behavior.
* I have had some severe problems when playing media directly off the projector (either via micro SD or internal memory). In a handful of cases, the audio is out of sync. In one case, the audio did not play at all. Other times when moving from one video file to another, the projector simply will not play the file. If I restart the projector, the file plays fine. These examples are all using files that meet the Optoma specifications for what the projector can play back. I thought that there may be a chance the firmware was outdated, but when I went to the Optoma site I couldn't even find firmware for this model. Seems to be a big oversight. I plan to call tech support tomorrow to find out what is going on.
* I'm going to do further testing on this issue, but yesterday I started up my projector and after the "Optoma" logo, I got a blank white screen. It did not take me to the menu. This continued several times until I plugged the projector into the charger. I'm not sure if this is normal behavior for when the unit is low on battery, or if there is a bigger issue. This is another item I plan to address with tech support tomorrow.

Overall I am still happy with this unit, but a lot will be riding on my interaction with Optoma tech support tomorrow. I'll keep this updated with the results. Also, I did get a chance to take some pictures in full fluorescent lighting as well as dim lighting. I'll post those in a future update.

*Update 3-18-2012*
I contacted Optoma tech support and they confirmed that my unit is faulty. They said it either has bad software, or a bad battery. Strangely, they advised me to return the unit to Amazon and have Amazon fulfill a new unit. Strange, specifically because the paper inside the box says "STOP! Call tech support and send your unit in for repair before returning it to your place of purchase".

At any rate, I have my new unit now and I'll be testing it out during the week.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Optoma PK301plus, WVGA, 75 LED Lumens, Pico Pocket Projector" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Optoma PK301plus, WVGA, 75 LED Lumens, Pico Pocket Projector ...

Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera

You looking to find the "Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera" Good news! You can purchase Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $149.99    

Product Feature

• HD Video
• 4.5 Hours Rechargeable Battery
• Accepts 4 GB to 64 GB Micro Memory Cards
• Best for USPSA, IDPA, IPSC Sport Shooting
• Lightweight Miniature dustproof rainproof Helmet Camera

Product Description

The Tachyon OPS HD is the latest helmet camera from Tachyon, Inc., makers of the world's toughest helmet cameras. The Tachyon OPS HD's patented, shock proof design ensures that users can record in the extreme situations without worrying about their camera. The OPS HD features incredible lightness, strength and a wide field of view. The OPS HD's condensed size combined with its one-button operation and plug-and-play connectivity makes it the ideal helmet camera for the adventure enthusiast. Designed for filming HD action in extreme conditions, the OPS HD comes with mounts for connecting to helmets, goggles, tripods, caps and jackets.

Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera Review

First impressions: The first thing I thought as I opened the box and held it in my hand was how small it is, the second was how well made it is. My intent for the camera was to use it as a gun cam -- mounted on my hunting rifle. I've used 3 other cameras for this purpose in the last year, and of the 4 cameras, the Tachyon camera is by far the smallest (roughly 1/3 the size of the second smallest), and most well built. Of the previous 3 cameras, one felt like it was made in the Soviet era 80s, the other just felt flat out cheap, and the 3rd was pretty decent, but not as well made as this.

Further observations: It struck me that the major difference between the 4 cameras, the other 3 cameras were made around the parts -- i.e. the developers had the parts, and kind of made the camera around those parts. The Tachyon camera feels like it was specifically engineered for a task, and those parts were designed to fit inside the parameters of that task. For example, the controls. On all three of the other cameras, as they are mounted on a rifle, you have to tip the rifle to a 90 degree angle from yourself, so that you can see the controls. With the Tachyon, you can access the controls with the rifle pointed on target. A second on/record button placed on the side gives you a second choice for operation if the first is blocked by it's placement on the rifle. Another point -- the other 3 cameras take a series of steps to record. 1. Turn on the camera. 2. Wait several second for it to power up. 3. Hit record. With the Tachyon, you press one button and it powers on and almost instantaneously starts recording. One button, one press. That's a nice feature.

Audio/Video: Of the previous 3 cameras I have used, one had terrible video and audio. The audio was covered up by the constant whir of the camera, is if it were a 1930s movie projector. The other had adequate video and audio. The third had very good video and audio. The Tachyon Ops HD is equal to the the third camera, in that it has very good video and audio, but I remind you, it's only 1/3 the size. The Tachyon is 1280x720 resolution, as is the other camera. Outside and in sunlight, the video is very good. Inside, or in low light, the Tachyon suffers from the same problem I've found inherent with every compact video camera I've used -- it tends to get a bit grainy. As I said, this isn't anything specific to the Tachyon, but with every compact camera I've used. Even my full size 1080p Canon video camera that I use for home video will get grainy as it gets darker.

Accessories: The Tachyon comes with a plastic impact armor and 3 mounts -- Clip mount, Contour mount (for helmets), and a tripod mount. Also, I got the gun mount accessory pack. IT comes with a picatinny rail mount, a rifle rail mount, and 3 shotgun & scope rail mounts. The picatinny rail mount is an almost fully enclosed all-metal case that the Ops HD camera fits in. It protects the camera, and allows it to mount to any picatinny rail. It also lets you mount the camera in the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock position on your firearm, which is a HUGE feature. The other 3 cameras have very limited mounting options. This one is very flexible. Three things that I would like to see with the mounts: 1. extra shims for the rifle rail mount, so that it will mount to rifles with different sized accessory stubs. 2. a bayonet lug mount for the AR rifle. 3. A mount for the Mil-spec barrel of an AR.

The Con: There was only 1 negative that I can say about the Tachyon Ops HD -- and this is being addressed by the engineers as I write this, with a possible firmware upgrade. When you power the camera on, there is a fairly loud chime. Not a big deal for some applications, but it becomes a bigger deal for the hunter and for Law Enforcement/Military applications. In quiet conditions, the chime is quite audible from a considerable distance away. For the hunter this will get you busted by game, and for law enforcement/military, it could give away your presence.

Overall grade: Overall I give the Ops HD an A/A-, once the chime issue is addressed. The small size and usability of it are just outstanding. This camera wasn't just someone putting together a half thought out camera just to get something on the market. This was a well engineered piece of gear that feels like it was designed BY users, FOR users. For the specific purpose of a gun camera, if I were grading this camera on a curve, in relation to the other cameras on the market, I would give it an A+, 10 out of 10 (once the chime issue is fixed.) It's a definite, "recommend buy," as I would say this is the best gun mount camera on the market. And at this price, I believe it is a bargain.

A video of this review can be found at my Youtube channel: 762x51n8o.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Tachyon OPS HD Helmet Camera ...