NEW: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15
Thu, Mar 26 2009 09:14
| camera review, new and notable
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 review model finally arrived at my doorsteps today. I will be spending the next two weeks putting the camera through the real-life performance test of photographing a family vacation in Las Vegas and documenting any other events that may or may not come up in therapy.The Lumix FS-15, promises to follow in the footsteps of this popular digital camera line that brought us the Lumix DMC-TZ3. High performing zoom and a sharp images are standard fare for Panasonic.
The new enhancements that are offered on the FS15 include AutoFocus Tracking that “locks” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves. Additionally, Intelligent Exposure helps capture natural-looking images by balancing the available light with the flash when needed.
"Natural-looking" are not words that come up often when mentioning Vegas, but I am sure that the auto focus tracking feature will come in handy somewhere.
Comments
Video Redux: Flip Video Recorder
Wed, Jan 21 2009 08:34
| video, new and notable
Expensive and complicated tools that were once only available to multi-media companies are now showing up in your pants pocket. It is no longer about who has more money, but about who has the better idea. How socialist and grassroots this digital era is becoming!
A perfect example of this can-do-with-less attitude is the Flip Video Recorder. While its specifications suggest quality somewhere in between surveillance reconnaissance and cinema verite, it will easily satisfy most non-union filmmakers that are usually posting to the web where compression rates make most videos look the same.
Truly this camera is a wonder with all that it does NOT offer. No menu, no settings, no memory card, no cords. How does it work? Push a button to start recording, push the same button to stop recording. Push the PLAY button to review on a 1.5 inch screen. Push a garbage can button to delete. That's it. I could write the whole manual on the back of your hand.
Even though it has the design sensibility that makes it look like the Italian sports car of video cameras, it's price is more in line with an economy hybrid with a $149 list price that makes it one of the best selling video cameras on Amazon. It's worth serious consideration when looking for a simple and easy to use video camera.
