In the last several weeks i have been asked a number of times what our recommendation might be for the various parts needed to make great ground imagery. The "best" list tends to have its own like and constantly is changing. When you go for the cameras I would have to suggest that there are some really neat features that still need some sorting out as regards ground imagery. This would include instant panorama, face recongition, auto focus, and video capture qualities.
UTC is the time system used for many Internet and World Wide Web standards. In particular, the Network Time Protocol, which is designed to synchronise the clocks of many computers over the Internet (usually to that of a known accurate atomic clock), uses UTC. Leap seconds are used to allow UTC to closely track UT1, which is mean solar time at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The difference between UTC and UT1 is not allowed to exceed 0.9 seconds so, if high precision is not required, the general term Universal Time (UT) may be used. In casual use, when fractions of a second are not important, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) can be considered equivalent to UTC or UT1. Saying "GMT" often implies either UTC or UT1 when used within informal or casual contexts. In technical contexts, usage of "GMT" is avoided; the unambiguous terminology "UTC" or "UT1" is
preferred. Wikipedia
In the image below, UTC time is tracked in several example ways: (Left to right) As a displayed time in Android using BlueNMEA; as US Offical time; as a simple widget on a Blog; and as displayed on a Garmin Oregon 450. Simply take a picture of an active UTC syncornized time and all pictures in the set can well sycronized with their GPS position taken from an adjacent GPS logger.
The Nikor 18-200mm DX is shown (left) next to the 18-70mm DX (right).
The first thing you notice about the Nikor 18-200mm DX lens is that it's rather small for what the specs say it can do. Where the heck is the 200mm and VR stuffed in? After all, this is a lens that's smaller and lighter than most previous mid-range zooms Nikon has made.
The 18-200mm focal range gives you angle of views from ~8 to 76 degrees on a DSLR; it's effectively the same as using an 28-300mm lens on a 35mm body. For some users, that's a stay-on-camera range. There's no denying that this is a much-asked-for focal length range. Indeed, even I find it interesting to walk around with this lens, the 10.5mm, plus a Canon 500D close up lens--that makes for a very compact, light kit that covers a pretty incredible focal length and focusing range. Still, I would have loved for it to be 16-180mm instead of 18-200--I miss that little bit extra at the wide end and rarely use the extra bit at the telephoto end.
This is a two ring design; like most recent consumer Nikkors, the zoom ring is the front most ring and the focusing ring is closer to the camera. Yuck. The lens does have a distance scale, but with no depth of field or infrared markings. For that matter, we only get three markings other than infinity for feet, and three in meters. You know, even if the lens manufacturers don't want to give us complete depth of field markings, the least they could do is mark the hyperfocal point at one useful focal length and aperture combination and give us a few more markings. In the case of the DX lenses, this is even more important, as standard 35mm depth of field charts won't help you; you need one designed specifically for the APS-sized sensors (copies of which are in my DSLR books, by the way). On the left side of the lens (from the back of the camera) three buttons:
- Manual Focus button: In the M/A position the lens works as usual (autofocus with manual override). In the M position, the lens focuses only manually.
- VR switch: VR can be turned On or Off.
- VR type: VR can be set to Normal or Active.
VR is specified by Nikon as being VR II--this new variant supposedly gives a bit more range to the VR usefulness. In Nikon's literature, they claim that VR II manages to get you four stops beyond what you'd normally be able to handhold. As far as I can tell, that's a valid claim at 200mm. But, be forewarned that VR is often much less useful than you might think. When you start hand holding a lens at 1/30 or lower, you're definitely going to be fighting subject motion. If your subject is absolutely static, fine, no problema as my South American friends like to say (sorry Brazil--I haven't been there to make friends yet ;~). But most of the folk that'll be using this lens aren't shooting completely static subjects with it, I think. The primary use for VR on this lens in my mind is to keep you from having to significantly boost ISO in common situations at 200mm (which would be f/5.6 maximum aperture). If the choice at that focal length were between shooting at f/5.6, 1/300, and ISO 1600 versus perhaps f/5.6, 1/60, and ISO 400 and I wasn't shooting a moving subject, I'd pick the latter just to keep noise under as much control as possible.
Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V
January 6, 2010 – Today, Sony announced its 2010 flagship Handycams: the flash memory HDR-CX550V and its hard drive sister model, the HDR-XR550V. These two camcorders offer many of the new features that Sony introduced in 2009: a new 6-blade G lens, refurbished menu system, back-illuminated Exmor R sensor, and active stabilization mode. These 2010 models also have some brand new features, including an exciting new card slot that is compatible with both Memory Stick PRO Duo and traditional SD/SDHC memory cards.
The HDR-XR550V represents the more significant upgrade, with many features that last year's XR500V lacked. Experienced videophiles will particularly appreciate the addition of an electronic viewfinder and manual shutter speed control (adjustable via the excellent cam control dial)—both new this year. The XR550V will also gain all the features that were available only on the flash memory CX500V last year. That includes the refurbished menu system (including customizable 'My Menu'), active stabilization mode, and Golf Shot.
The HDR-CX550V Handycam represents the more compact and more affordable of Sony's new flagship camcorders. It has the same basic processing and components of last year's CX500V, but with several significant upgrades. Like the XR550V, the CX550V will include an electronic viewfinder as well as providing manual shutter speed control. It will also offer a non-native 60p output option and in-camera standard definition downconversion. The latter is an especially welcome addition, giving users the ability to record and archive their footage in the highest quality, then export and edit with the smaller, more manageable MPEG-2 files.
Perhaps the most exciting new arrival for these two camcorders is the new memory card slot: a single slot that will be compatible with both Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and traditional SD/SDHC cards. This new slot will be featured on Sony's entire Handycam lineup this year, giving users unprecedented flexibility in sticking with Sony's proprietary memory format or opting for the more univeral SD/SDHC cards.
Both new models will carry over the familiar cam control dial for making precise manual focus adjustments. The slimmer CX550V will utilize the same front-mounted dial that appears on the XR550V, which is a welcomed improvement over the side-mounted dial on last year's CX500V. This year, both models will allow you to use the dial to adjust focus, shutter spead, exposure, and iris/gain. Also returning this year are the NightShot and Low Lux recording modes, white balance shift, 10x optical zoom, Face Index, and GPS.
The HDR-XR550V and HDR-CX550V will record high definition 1920 x 1080 videos using the AVCHD compression method. Both camcorders will record to at a maximum bitrate of 24Mbps. The XR550V records primarily to a 240GB built-in hard disc drive, while the CX550V features 64GB of internal flash memory. Both models will ship this spring.
http://camcorder-reviews.net/sony/sony-hdr-cx550v-review/
Design & Features
For a camcorder not short on features, the CX550V also adds portability to its many virtues, with its body amassing all of 490 grams (17 ounces). While it would not fit in the pockets of your pants like a Flip would just yet, it retains that lightweight quality that bears no hindrance to carrying it around while awaiting shooting opportunities. This is in no small part down to its smaller built-in memory (64 GB flash) as compared to the 240GB of HDD on the XR550V. This equates to a smaller gripping area on the CX550V, yet ergonomics have never been a concern with Sony camcorders. The large hand strap allows you to maintain a firm yet comfortable hold on the device. Even so, the camcorder remains confidently solid in built, definitely able to withstand its fair share of hard knocks.
The HDR-CX550V comes with the much-touted wide-angle G lens. First introduced in 2009’s lineup of Handycams, the 6-blade G lens returns, this time increasing its angle-capturing capabilities to an impressive 66.5°, nearly a 20° hike from its CX500V predecessor. The 10x optical zoom on offer is also substantiated by a digital zoom maxing out at 120x, showing little distortion, if any, when zoomed. There is a built-in flash above the lens although there is no video light. The lens protector is automatically tuned-in with the camcorder’s power-saving functions along with the LCD display. As the LCD display is opened or closed, the electronic lens cover is triggered to protect the lens.
The excellent display on the 3.5″ LCD touchscreen provides for a delightful viewing option. Enhanced brightness and contrast displays are made possible by TruBlack technology, rendering visibility under direct sunlight plausible. The visuals are also accentuated by the high-resolution921,000 pixel display. An alternative to keeping tabs on shooting through the screen is the extendable 0.27” Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The color EVF is almost increasingly phased out in this age of digital LCD displays and it makes little impact of note on the CX550V, lacking in size and magnification to do so. It will make up for situations where an excess of glare limits visibility on the LCD screen though.
The iAuto mode on the CX550V is pretty much straightforward enough for beginner users to point-and-shoot. The Intelligent Auto button is push-ready to trigger the camcorder shooting options into the dedicated iAuto mode. Unlike other Intelligent Auto modes, the CX550V does not lock you out of making changes to any manual controls. Instead, altering any of the shooting options automatically exits the camcorder out of the iAuto mode. More adroit or experienced users can also change the settings to their preferences, with a control dial below the lens that can be used to set focus, aperture, shutter speed, the white balance shift and auto exposure shift.
On the inside of the LCD cavity is a number of featured controls that can be activated with a push of a button. The Night Shot mode uses infrared technology that allows for recording in pitch black darkness, akin to looking through night vision goggles. But as with the goggles, subjects captured in the dark will turn out bright green.
In line with most of the Handycam range, the CX550V comes equipped with a built-in GPS receiverto tag captured images or video by location. Licensed Navteq Class 4 maps information is embedded into the device for such geo-tagging functions. The GPS tagging appears to be in its early stages of development however, as it does not particularly provide a structured way to use and categorize the information, a shortcoming made all the more apparent when the videos are transferred to your PC.
Performance
The shooting performance of the CX550V is exceptionally good, nothing more than you would expect from a top-of-the-line camcorder. Shooting in the HQ AVCHD format is supported up to the maximum bitrate of 24Mbps, in line with Blu-ray formats in the market. Picture quality was sharp and crisp, a result which was equally pleasing when viewing on a HD monitor or TV. The steadiness of motion capture is reinforced by the Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer to eliminate camera shake movements caused by unstable handling.
The CX550V’s capabilities really come to light in low-light environments, owing much to the equipped back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. The sensor affords higher sensitivity in dimly-lit scenes with an outstanding autofocus system that correctly ascertains the intended subject-in-focus more often than not. The CX550V uses a higher gamma setting and more gain even before it invokes a Low Lux mode designated for such low-light shooting. Indeed, video images were reasonably bright and accurate in color capture, with the BIONZ Image Processor keeping scenes recorded in colors as close to their true nature as is possible.
A minor peeve with the Sony Handycams however, is the decision to confine users to a single default frame rate mode (1080/60i) as compared to other models offering multiple frame rates (720p, 1080/60p etc.). This calculated approach is understandable as mid-range computers are yet to adequately support the higher progressive rate (problems with lag and file sizes) and further improvements to maximize user options could be seen in upgrades to future models. Additionally, the absence of a wind filter or wind noise canceler may provide another minor irritation.
Successes with Sony’s Cyber-shot digital cameras have also been transplanted to the Handycam range in the form of useful features like the Face Detection and Smile Shutter technologies. Face Detection allocates more pixels to the detected faces (up to 8) in the AVCHD encoding process, ensuring optimal face naturalization. The Smile Shutter is particularly innovative when taking still pictures. By scanning the facial expressions of one intended subject, the shutter will be automatically triggered when the person smiles. Not essential requirements of a high-end camcorder by any means, but nevertheless nifty to have.
These features add considerably to the CX550V’s adeptness to double up at taking still images. In fact, the camera interpolates images in scaling up the images to a 12-megapixel resolution. 8.3-megapixel still images can also be taken on-demand while recording, with the ‘photo’ shutter button strategically placed at the top of the camcorder for ease of reach with your index finger. There is also a ‘Mode’ button at the top of the camcorder that allows you to switch between video and photo capture modes.
Audio capture is enhanced with the built-in mic that can record 5.1 channel surround sounds. Recording levels can be switched between the ‘Normal’ or ‘Low’ levels. There is also an external headphone jack along with a mic that only accepts Sony-proprietary microphones.
Files from the CX550V are easily transferable to PCs with the provided Picture Motion Browsersoftware. Mac support is unavailable with the PMB software, however, with compatibility limited to Windows operating systems.
In a bid to even the playing field against competing camcorder brands, Sony has decidedly given up on limiting users to their proprietary memory format where external storage is concerned. Coming in line with this latest series, the HDR-CX550V will not be restricted to capturing to the Memory Stick PRO Duo cards but also the more commonly-used SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. The increased compatibility can only increase user options along with the already substantial 64 GB of embedded flash memory, capable of storing up to 26 hours of high-definition footage. Battery life is weak and said to last around an hour’s worth of shooting, thus making the need for replacements or higher-capacity batteries to be used in tandem with the one provided.
Conclusion
The HDR-CX550V delivers on video capture performance and rightly so, as the flagship model of Sony’s lineup this year. The video recording in the AVCHD format easily leaves it among the best in the market in terms of image quality and resolution. Among the two higher-end models in the range this year, The CX550V comes at a RRP of $1199. Its similarities with the XR550V stop at memory capacity though. So unless you’re looking at an altogether heavier package, the CX550V almost certainly takes the cake as the value-for-money pick, given that the $200 price difference means you’re essentially paying for hard disk space. At the top of the line, the Sony CX550V is as good as they come, blurring the lines between professional and consumer models.
Point-and-Shoot Video and Photo - Kodak's PlayTouch 1080p High-Def Pocket videoCam ($230)
Aug 23 - 2010 -- Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the new KODAK PLAYTOUCH Video Camera which will be available in late September 2010. The pocket-size KODAK PLAYTOUCH Video Camera features a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen so consumers can easily glide through their HD videos with the swipe of a fingertip. With new on-camera editing and Kodak’s exclusive Share Button, the PLAYTOUCH Video Camera makes it easy for consumers to share their favorite moments with friends and family in full 1080p HD.
- Choose the video quality that works for you:
- Full 1080p HD at 30 fps
- 720p HD at 60 fps—great for super-slow-motion playback
- 720p HD at 30 fps
- WVGA at 30 fps—good for smaller files
- You can even take 5 MP HD still pictures
Complementing its unique design, the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Video Camera boasts an array of features to help consumers capture their memories with clarity and precision, including built-in image stabilization, LCD glare shield, and an external microphone jack. To make sharing videos simpler, the PLAYTOUCH Video Camera has a built-in USB arm and Kodak’s Share Button lets consumers tag videos and pictures directly on the camera for automatic upload to popular social networking sites once they connect the camera to the computer.
KODAK PLAYTOUCH Video Camera Features:
- Share Button for easy video upload to YOUTUBE and FACEBOOK sites, and email
- 3-inch capacitive touchscreen LCD optimized for reviewing in landscape mode for the ultimate 1080p HD video sharing experience
- On-camera editing features to trim and extract still pictures from video
- 5 MP HD still pictures
- Sharper videos and less blur with built-in digital image stabilization
- Built-in USB arm for easy sharing, charging, and transferring
- Smart face tracking technology
- LCD glare shield feature
- External stereo microphone jack to add high-quality sound to videos or to plug in headphones for discreet playback*
- 4 capture effects, including B&W, sepia, high saturation, and ‘70s film look
- HDMI output (HDMI cable included)
- Up to 10 hours of HD video** with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB)
- Li-Ion rechargeable battery with in-camera charging
- PC and MAC iLIFE product compatibility
The KODAK PLAYTOUCH Video Camera will be available in Smoke Gaze (Black), Chrome, Wine Country (Magenta), Cabana (Orange) and Spa Blue (Teal) for US $229.95 MSRP this fall at major retailers and Kodak.com.***
GPS Data Track without Bluetooth - Garmin Fortrex 301 ($145)
RouteScout DMRT - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. , the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the Foretrex 401 and Foretrex 301 GPS navigators, integrating a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and USB interface into a lightweight, waterproof device for light hikers, skiers, campers and military personnel to wear comfortably on their wrists.
“Whether you’re on a leisurely hike or in the toughest conditions imaginable, you need navigation that’s simple to use and easy to access,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Our new Foretrex models help you keep your hands free and your focus on the path ahead, all while ensuring you make it to your destination as easily as possible.”
Adding even more features to the mix, Foretrex 401 has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. Foretrex 401 allows you to wirelessly share routes, tracks and waypoints between certain Foretrex, Oregon and Colorado devices, and it is also compatible with Garmin heart-rate monitors and cadence sensors.
Weighing about 3 ounces and powered by 2 AAA batteries, Foretrex won’t weigh you down while enduring a day’s adventures with up to 18 hours of battery life in the 301 and up to 17 hours in the 401. And you can chronicle your activities by storing up to 500 waypoints, 20 routes or a tracklog of up to 10,000 points and 10 saved tracks.
Foretrex 401 and Foretrex 301 are the latest breakthroughs from Garmin, which has spent 20 years using technology and innovation to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries. For more about features, pricing and availability, as well as information about Garmin’s other products and services, go to www.garmin.com, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/jakesjournal.
GPS Tracker Alternate with Bluetooth - Holux M-241 ($65)
2. Compatible with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).
3. Powered by one AA battery.
4. LCD display (32mm L x 8.9mm W) to show position information, speed, capable logging memory size, date & time.
5. Capable memory size to record up to 130,000 positions, including longitude, latitude, time, and altitude.
6. Personal settings to select the logging mode by distance or time, unit by Kilometer or mile.
Built-in WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS Demodulator without any additional hardware.
Completely compatible with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).
Capable memory size to record up to 130,000 (36 hours at a point per second) position data, including longitude, latitude, time, and altitude.
DO NOT use rechargeable batteries to avoid malfunction. Using only alkaline batteries is recommended.
V1.13 added "speed" value to the log, hence the recording points decreased to around 100,000 points (27 hours at a point per second).
The Blue2CAN works with Nikon Digital SLR cameras equipped with a 10-pin connector (Nikon D2-series, D3-series, D200, D300, D700, and D300s) and is also compatible with the Fujifilm S5 Pro and IS Pro. In order to receive GPS signals, a compatible Bluetooth GPS receiver or datalogger will need to be purchased separately.
Note! Blue2CAN will not work with GPS receivers that require the input of a PIN code for pairing.
Garmin Oregon 550T
The navigator with the photographic memory! Oregon 550 combines rugged outdoor touchscreen navigation with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera. Add high-sensitivity GPS, barometric altimeter, 3-axis electronic compass and a microSD™ card slot, and what do you get? A multipurpose device that will make your biggest adventures even more memorable.
Take Pictures and Save Locations
Capture locations and memories with Oregon 550's 3.2 megapixel autofocus digital camera with 4x digital zoom. Each photo automatically is geotagged with the location of where it was taken, allowing you to navigate back to that exact spot in the future. Snap and view pictures in landscape or portrait orientation. With 850 MB of internal memory, you'll never miss a photo opportunity. To store online, simply connect Oregon 550 via USB and visitmyDashboard to upload and store your photos at Picasa™, a popular online photo sharing community. For more storage, insert a microSD card; you can even view pictures from other devices on microSD with Oregon's picture viewer.
Touch and Go
Oregon 550 makes rugged navigation effortless with a tough, 3" (7.62 cm) diagonal, sunlight-readable, color touchscreen display. The interface is easy to use, so you’ll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. Both durable and waterproof, Oregon 550 is built to withstand the elements; bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water are no match for this rugged navigator.
Get Your Bearings
Oregon 550 has a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows where you're heading even when you’re standing still, without holding it level. Its barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you can use it to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions. And with its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix® satellite prediction, Oregon 550 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons.
Add Maps
Oregon 550 comes preloaded with a worldwide built-in basemap with shaded relief. Adding even more detail is easy: just insert a MapSource® microSD card preloaded with detailed maps. Oregon can accept a variety of maps for any navigational need. Add detailed street maps to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Add select topographic maps to take advantage of Oregon’s 3-D maps and elevation detail. Or add BlueChart® g2 maps, which provide everything you need for a great day on the water, including depth contours, navaids and harbors.
Find Fun
Oregon 550 supports Geocaching.com GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. By going paperless, you're not only helping the environment but also improving efficiency. Oregon stores and displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs! Simply upload the GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches. Show off photos of your excursions with Oregon’s picture viewer. Slim and lightweight, Oregon is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.
Share Wirelessly
With Oregon 550 you can share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Oregon, Colorado® and Dakota® users. Now you can send your favorite hike to your friend to enjoy or the location of a cache to find. Sharing data is easy. Just touch “send” to transfer your information to similar units.
Get Connected
You've been busy exploring and now you want to store and analyze your activities. With a simple USB connection to your computer and the Internet, you can get a detailed analysis of your activities and send tracks to your outdoor device using Garmin Connect™. This one-stop site offers an activity table and allows you to view your activities on a map using Google™ Earth. Explore other routes uploaded by millions of Garmin Connect users and share your experiences on Twitter® and Facebook®. Getting started is easy, so get out there, explore and share.
Oregon 550: Picture the great outdoors.
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