Panasonic FX520: let you do "auto-focused" manually

No doubt that Panasonic is getting better and better in terms of Digital camera. They are using good lens, wide angles, and now, they are the first introduce some very exciting and yet useful feature. Look at this manual auto-focus function on FX520.

Panasonic introduce this manual "auto-focus" function. That means you touch the screen and tell the camera which object to be focused, and the camera and lock it down and focused even the object moves. Always when you use compact digital camera, do you have the experience that they are focusing on something that is not you want. Even though they got face detection, but doesn't mean that I will be taking human all the time. And I may have other objects to be focused rather than face. But now, you can focus to everywhere you like.

Other things I like about this camera are:
1) Large LCD screen, as large as the Canon SD870.
2) Manual function, you can adjsut the aperture, shuttle speed etc.
3) Very compact and small in size.

Some drawbacks:
1) Use joystick rather than button. Joystick get spoilted easily.
2) Some functions only available at touchscreen, some functions can be controlled by both touchscreen and the joystick.

Unknown:
1) Image quality.... not ure the "over processed" problem in earlier Panasonic cameras being solved in this series. Maybe someone can let me know.

Other than above, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500/520 is a 10.1 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera features 5x Optical Zoom (35mm Equivalent: 25 - 125 mm) with image stabilization, Intelligent Auto Mode, ISO 100-1600, and a 3.0″ Intelligent LCD screen. The camera measures 94.9 x 57.1 x 22.9 mm (3.74 x 2.25 x 0.90 inch) and it weighs 155 g (0.3417 lb).


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Tips for video taking wiht your digital camera or video cams

Do you have the experience that most of the videos taken cannot be shown to others? Either too shaky or too boring. And Christmas is coming soon, you would love to keep some of your good memory. Here got some useful tips for your video taking by using your digital camera or video cams.

Avoid excessive panning and zooming. To avoid getting your viewers "sea-sick," try to minimize the amount of panning and zooming. If you are using Canon, try to use Canon’s Smooth Zoom Control (fixed zoom speeds) can give your video a more professional look.

Keep it steady. To keep your video steady, turn on the camcorder’s image stabilization. Leaning up against a wall or tree will help provide support. For extended shooting, like a dance recital or a soccer game, use a tripod.

Light. When shooting indoors, the more light available, the better. Using your camcorder’s built-in video light, or even turning on some room lighting will help improve the quality of your video.

How low can you go? To capture better video of children and pets, sit on the floor so you are down at their level. Shooting at a low-angle will give your video an interesting perspective.

Don’t shoot video... tell a story. Watching video is great when it tells a story. Before you begin shooting have a story in mind -- a beginning, a middle and an end. It will make getting shots more efficient and fun!


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Tips for photo taking with automatic digital cameras

To make picture taking even easier for those holiday memories, digital cameras, such as the Canon PowerShot or Ixus series, come equipped with Special Scene Modes, manual settings and accessories for any situation. And of course, a few photo taking tips always help.

Snowy Situations: If you’ll be outside making Frosty the Snowman in the snow, try using the Snow Scene mode to shoot clear and bright snow scenes without darkening the subject or leaving an unnatural bluish tint. This will automatically adjust the white balance and compensate for the bright environment.

Indoor Moments: While you’re inside capturing the family opening their gifts or gathering around the dinner table, try the Indoor scene mode. Since lighting may be limited indoors, this scene mode will help reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting.

Capturing the Activity: The family’s over to celebrate the holidays and it’s a little hectic with the children running around, but don’t worry. Remember to select the Kids & Pets scene mode to freeze fast-moving subjects to capture those special shots, such as your nephew trying to run away from Grandma under the mistletoe.

Bundle up for Winter: If you’ll be outdoors in the unpredictable winter weather, consider using a Waterproof/All Weather Casing for your digital camera. This is especially helpful in protecting your camera from the elements if you’re skiing or snowboarding on the slopes this season. Most digital cameras have a special housing that allows you to operate all buttons and protect your camera.


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Tips for Canon EOS (SLR) Photography

Digital SLRs like the EOS Rebel XSi, the EOS 50D, and the EOS 5D Mark II are ideal for all kinds of photography. Canon EOS Digital SLRs have the features and performance to perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Want to freeze the action of a snowboarder speeding downhill? Hoping to photograph a cozy family portrait in front of a roaring fire? Looking forward to taking pictures of twinkling holiday lights? Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of your subject, and your camera:

Take advantage of your camera’s continuous shooting capabilities. All EOS Digital SLRs are equipped with built-in motor drives and AI Servo autofocus to track moving subjects for sharp photos. Chances are good that you’ll never need to shoot that many photos in a row, but the internal memory that makes this feature possible also keeps the camera ready to shoot shorter bursts virtually all the time.

To capture the best image, use an appropriate lens. The standard zoom lens that may have come with your digital SLR is a good all-around performer for basic snapshots, but for action photos you’ll be better off with a telephoto lens so you can zoom in for a close-up. For a group photo, choose a wide angle lens to get everyone in your shot.

If you are sitting by the fireplace, you can increase your ISO setting to capture the ambient light. It is not necessary to use the flash because you want to capture natural light. Try using a tripod to steady the camera, and set the ISO to a higher setting than normal, like 800, 1600 or even 3200. This will help to create a more natural balance of exposure between your subject and the background.

Even though flash can ruin the natural lighting of an indoor scene, it’s equally true that creative use of flash illumination can enhance almost any indoor photo. You can get more natural looking indoor flash photos by using the Slow-Sync setting on the camera’s mode dial. This may require a slow shutter speed, so be sure to keep both the camera and the subject steady until the exposure has been completed. For even more creative effects, consider using the camera’s flash exposure compensation setting to cut back on flash illumination in order to make the lighting look more natural.

Take your home movies to a whole new level with Full HD Video Capture! The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the world's first digital SLR capable of shooting full HD video (1080p) at 30 fps in LiveView mode. Part of the camera's Live View Mode, this new feature offers limitless options for shooting broadcast-quality family videos. You can use any Canon EF lens, and view the clips straight from the camera on either standard or high definition televisions. The video footage is easily edited with most common nonlinear programs such as iMovie.


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Nokia Tutorial: teach you how to use your handpone step by step in flash

They should have started this long ago. Use the flash to show some movie how to use a phone step by step. This can serves as an educational material for a user master the phone function in a very short time. Most importantly, I can have a "try" on the phone before I buy it. And Nokia is working on this direction now.

Look at this example, Nokia tells you that you can make or answer a call while listening to the radio on your Nokia 6220 Classic phone. The radio is muted when there is an active call.

You can see the full demo at: Nokia Tutorial

So next time make sure you read the tutorial before buy a phone.

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Keep your Nokia handphone most update - reduce the restarting of your phone

Handphone nowsaday is just like a computer, they are running on some operating system, all the programs (even sending sms) is like an application in your Windows. Softwares always have bug, so do operating system. Whenever some bugs are solved, a new software version will out. So it is always important to keep the software in your mobile up to date.

It helps your mobile react faster, less hang, and greatly reduce the need of restarting your handphone that could due to memory leak.

For Nokia users in Singapore, you can update your software here: http://www.nokia.com.sg/softwareupdate


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