Let’s have a look at the new Panasonic DMC FZ28 “bridge” camera that Panasonic released recently along with a few others. The LX3, FX37, FX150 and also 2 camcorders SD100 and HS100.
First difference is that the FZ28 now comes with the mandatory megapixel upgrade from 8.1 to 10.1 and bigger LCD screen from 2.5″ to 2.7″. Then there is the Extra Optical Zoom feature which now gives you up to 32.1x zoom compared to the 28.7x zoom on the FZ18 previously. It means if you set you pictures to a lower resolution, the camera actually gives you more zoom. Nice little feature isn’t it?
Built-in flash goes a bit further in the FZ28 now. Up to 8.5m for Wide or Macro modes and up to 5.4m for Tele mode. They’ve improved the burst shooting capabilities, so now you can shoot up to 13fps to capture your favourite sporting events or nature.
Another nice feature is that you can now record videos in HD on the FZ28 plus you can now also make use of the optical zoom during videos. They’ve also managed to increase the battery life on the FZ28 so you can now take up to approximately 460 pictures. Up from 400 previously on the FZ18. Dimensions remained pretty much the same although it now weighs tab bit more. All of 10 grams to be exact!
If you’re looking for a nice compact wide angle, super zoom camera that gets you close to an SLR experience without actually getting an SLR, the FZ28 fits the bill.
The Max is a stereo speaker now unlike the X-minis which were just mono. It also comes with retractable cables now which are real useful I feel. Just try not to pull too hard on them as they are not too sturdy. You also get a nice little pouch to keep everything in. Says on the box it comes in 3 colours Red, Black and White. Although I’ve yet to see the White version.
They are perfect for laptops, mobiles, smartphones, pdas, iPods, PMPs. Especially good when you’ve got a presentation to make and the lousy projector doesn’t do sound. They go well with the Asus Eee PCs or even the Eee Box since they’ve got a compact theme going on there. Sound quality is pretty amazing considering it’s size. They get the thumbs up from me for best portable speaker! And did I mention they are a reddot design award winner 2008.
Ever wondered “If only I could save all my VHS tapes into my PC and be done with them.”? Well do you still have your old VCR? Does it have an RCA composite output or an S-video output?
If it’s a yes to both questions, here is a nifty gadget that will do the trick.
Let me introduce you to the EasyCAP USB 2.0 Video Adapter. It will convert your analog signals into digital format for storage on your PC. So be it TV, camcorder, VCR or anything that has an RCA output (or S-video), it will do the trick. This little thing will allow you to record your favourite TV shows on your PC. You can even use this to play DVDs off your DVD player onto your PC. Although you might still need a male/male RCA cable to connect your devices to the EasyCap.
Useful? Of course! My favourite would be the ability to save your VHS memories on PC. Priceless!
Now lets move on to another gadget, the Powermat. Apparently it’s supposed to be able to charge your electronic devices when they are placed on the mat. How does it work? “The technology utilizes principles of magnetic induction to transmit electrical power via an ultra thin mat embedded in, or overlaid on, any surface or wall, to electronic devices placed randomly upon it.” Eh?
Well the skeptic in me says until they actually release the product for sale, I will reserve my judgement. Useful? Possibly useful, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Introducing the new Flip Mino F360 Camcorder. Pure Digital’s follow up to their Flip Ultra F260s. Their 3rd generation camcorder is even smaller than the already small Flip Ultras. It’s even smaller than the iPod Classic! Albeit a tad bit thicker to accomodate the camera. And it replaced the control pad with touch sensitive controls.
The part I’m not sure about is that now it uses an internal lithium ion battery instead of the AAs. Definitely more convenient but your Flip is then tied to the battery lifespan. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same Flip Ultra which took US by storm.
Following their wildly successful Eee PCs, they have now released the Mini PC version of their Eee range. The Eee Box B202. Although this Eee Box is actually more PC than the Eee PCs. But then they can’t change the name now that it’s so popular now, can they.
So let’s see what it packs inside. No optical drive as expected, for the Eee range. Atom processor, 1GB Ram, 80GB harddisk, built-in wireless, lan & sound, 4 usb ports, card reader, DVI output and the usual speaker/headphone jacks. Besides the black and white you see here, apparently they come in green and red as well.
Obviously this is not one for gaming or mutli-tasking CPU intensive work. But if you are looking for an affordable basic PC, this is a pretty good idea. Of course you still have to get a monitor, keyboard and mouse to get started. Now all we need is for them to release an Eee branded keyboard and we have a whole Asus Eee setup.
Wonder if if we’ll see an enterprising internet shop full of these babies. Hmmm I wonder…
