Digital Cameras & Digital Photography

Josh White asked:


To View all figures/charts/illustrations referenced in this article, click here.

 Abstract

 Looking for a digital camcorder for use in performing surveillance? Well, technology improvements in CCD and CMOS image sensors as well as the introduction of new high definition display and recording formats have certainly resulted in the introduction of lots of different digital camcorder models. Because of the wide variation in features and price points, it’s more difficult than ever to select the optimal digital camcorder. Certainly, some models will be better than others in consideration of the specific application for which the camcorder is intended and the features that are required. Because there are so many factors involved in making a selection and since new models are frequently introduced, it’s best to provide guidelines useful when evaluating models intended for a specific application. Then, as new models become available, they can be compared to existing models based on the same guidelines.



The goal of this paper is to provide guidelines that should be considered when evaluating camcorders for use in surveillance applications. These applications are those that would be used by military, law enforcement and special investigative personnel for gathering evidence or performing electronic news gathering and usually include viewing at a distance. While these are useful guidelines for understanding important camcorder specs, prior to making your own camcorder purchase decision, we suggest that you perform your own research of available models and, based on these guidelines, select those models that are expected to deliver the best performance and perform your own tests under real-life situations. You may learn that other factors may be important to your specific application and that your final decision is a compromise of those other factors.

For surveillance, optical image quality is of highest importance. Camcorder resolution and sensitivity are the primary factors to consider, with a variety of related factors such as image and pixel fields-of-view, the pixel size, as well as the frame rate, image stabilization, alternative lens options and lens interchangeability, integration mode, digital zoom and display resolution, user interface, video formats, recording media, manual gain, infrared mode, video compression, external audio inputs, viewfinder, robustness, and video compression.

 Camcorder Resolution

Video resolution is affected by a variety of different camcorder specifications. It is well known that high definition camcorders deliver higher resolution than standard definition formats. However, it is important to realize that if the camcorder is used to record image sequences that are later to be viewed (rather than using the camcorder just to view the video output in real time), both the optical resolution and the recording format must be considered in determining the ultimate video resolution. Considered separately, the optical resolution depends not only on the detector array size but also the image and pixel field-of-view. HD recording format also affects resolution. Finally, there are other resolution factors that may warrant consideration in order to determine the ultimate camcorder resolution.

 Detector Array Size:

It seems that every camcorder uses a slightly different imaging detector. While the HD recording format can be 1280×720, 1440×1080 or 1920×1080, the imaging detectors may vary quite a bit. As shown in the table, for a selection of mid-range camcorders, detector array sizes can vary from single chip cameras having arrays as large as 1920×1080 (Canon HF-10 and Sony HDRSR11) to three-chip blocks having detectors as large as 1440×1080. The physical size of the imaging detector also varies from camcorder to camcorder.

 Image and Pixel Field-of-View:

As shown in the accompanying chart (reference at above link) the combination of the physical size of the camcorder’s imaging detector (for example 1/3”) and the focal length of its objective lens (for example 50mm) result in an image field-of-view (FOV) that is defined as the angle of view from which image information is received. There are separate angles corresponding to the horizontal and vertical directions depending on the aspect ratio of the image. For wide screen video formats, the vertical FOV is 9/16 of the horizontal FOV. All camcorders have zoom lenses where the focal length varies from a wide angle position (with the largest angular FOV) to a telephoto position (with the smallest angular FOV). A smaller field-of-view results in a higher image magnification as would be required to view small objects at a distance.

Smaller imaging detectors create narrower angles of view when used on the same focal length lens. For example, a 50 mm lens delivers a horizontal FOV of 5.5° and 3.7° when used with a 1/2” and 1/3” format detector, respectively. Based on the variation of detector sizes and lens focal lengths, the angular field of view for different camcorders varies accordingly. The image FOV can be determined for any camcorder based on a simple formula.

The pixel FOV (also known as the instantaneous field of view, or IFOV) is a measure of the resolution of an imaging system. Though related, image FOV and pixel FOV are distinct and a camcorder having the narrow image FOV does not necessarily have a corresponding narrow pixel FOV. As shown in the table (reference at above link), while the Canon camcorders have the smallest image and pixel FOV values, the Sony HDR-SR11 has a small pixel FOV despite an image FOV that is nearly twice as wide as those for Canon.

A handy FOV calculator can be used to determine the FOV values for certain candidate camcorders. Pixel FOV is also calculated as are detection, identification and recognition range values for certain specified object sizes at a specified distance.

Recording Format:

The difference between the different HD recording formats is beyond the scope of this white paper. However, the impact of recording format on resolution is critical to imaging performance for surveillance applications and is described here.

As shown in the figure (referenced at the first link in article), standard definition camcorders (with a 4:3 aspect ratio) recorded video with 480 horizontal rows per frame giving a resolution of 640 x 480. (This is for NTSC formats. PAL formats recorded with 576 rows per frame giving a resolution of 640×576). Wide screen versions of these standard definition camcorders with a 16:9 aspect ratio were also available and recorded with slightly larger resolution of 720 x 480 (720×576 for PAL versions). Because of the limitations of the recording format, it would not have been useful to have a high resolution CCD/CMOS detector larger than 720×480 pixels in a standard definition NTSC camcorder except under certain circumstances (like zooming in to view central pixels). However, with the introduction of higher resolution recording formats, higher resolution detectors make sense.

Camcorder Sensitivity



High definition refers to video having higher resolution than standard definition and most commonly refers to resolutions based on either 720 rows/frame or 1080 rows/frame. Recording formats can either be 1920×1080, 1440×1080 and 1280×720. Consequently, are available with either 720 or 1080 rows per frame recording formats having a resolution of 1280×720 and 1920×1080 respectively. It is important to understand the recording format for any camcorder under consideration. If the full sensor resolution is necessary to perform the surveillance function, then make sure that the camcorder records in sufficient resolution.

Had this whitepaper been about digital still cameras, the above discussion of recording format would’ve been sufficient to describe the effects on image quality. However, since video incorporates motion, the fact that some camcorders record “interlaced” video while others record “progressive” video has some relevance, particularly when motion is important to the type of surveillance being performed. If not, then the relevance of interlace vs. progressive scan is less important.

Other Resolution Factors:

It’s worth mentioning that in those camcorders that utilize three sensors, pixel shift technology has been employed in the horizontal axis to make incremental improvements to the sensor resolution by using interpolation. This complicates the calculation of optical resolution somewhat, but may not be a primary factor.

Camcorder low-light sensitivity is usually of primary importance for surveillance applications, particularly when imaging at dusk or dawn, but also when attaching a night vision module that intensifies ambient light. The guidelines for camcorder evaluation are listed below. We recommend a review of the following factors: the Recommended Minimum Illumination Specification, Objective Lens F-number, Detector Pixel Size, Night Vision Module availability.

As such, but criteria enabling the comparison of these including: objective lens F-number, pixel size, electronic noise reduction, It is apparent that low-light performance as detailed on the list of the camcorders specifications because different cameras can produce varying results, even though the specifications may be similar.

Consequently, once you’ve identified a few different camcorders that have the features of interest and the performance that you require, it is important to test the camcorder’s low-light capabilities.

Recommended Minimum Illumination Specification:

Quite often, low-light performance specifications are provided on a camcorder’s specification sheet. These are usually described as either “low light sensitivity” or “minimum illumination” and the result is given in lux. The lower the lux rating, the better the camcorder performs in low light. However, because the details describing how these low-light measurements are made is not often provided, it is extremely difficult to compare these figures when comparing different camcorder models from different manufacturers. (What’s the assumed reflectivity of the objects being viewed? What’s the signal-to-noise ratio? Image brightness? etc.). As such, use of these specifications is complicated and not often satisfying. It is obviously best to test the camcorders yourself. Some websites (such as www.camcorderinfo.com) perform their own very rigorous tests.

Detector Pixel Size:

Not only is the detector array size important, but the physical size of the detector is also important for a number of reasons. Most often, small detector physical sizes (such as 1/6” format) are found in less expensive camcorders while larger detectors (e.g. 1/3” format) are found in higher performance camcorders. Physically small detectors require small, less expensive lenses and result in compact, lower cost camcorders. For surveillance applications, an important consideration is that light sensitivity decreases with pixel size. While larger pixels in general have more light sensitivity and are superior when imaging in low light or at night, larger pixels also result in a decrease in resolution (in consideration of a particular focal length lens). Also, larger pixels with large array sizes result in large arrays and large lenses. So, smaller pixels are often preferable. One should compare the sensitivity of camcorders with the smallest pixels with other camcorders being considered. Pixel sizes for a variety of digital camcorders are shown in the accompanying chart (referenced at the first link in the article).

Objective Lens F-Number:

As with SLR cameras, lens F-number is extremely important to a camcorder’s low light sensitivity. All other things being equal, a lens with a low f-number (such as F1.4) focuses much of the light from the scene onto the camcorder’s sensitive imaging detector. A lens with an F-number that is twice as high (F2.8) will pass only 25% of the light through it, making the camcorder 25% as sensitive. That’s a lot! For compact camcorders with integral lenses, sometimes the objective lens must be designed with a relatively high F-number in order to retain the compact design yet deliver the desirable zoom range. In particular, one finds that the F-number at the longer focal length values increases slightly. F-numbers at the maximum zoom setting for a variety of digital camcorders are shown in the accompanying chart.

Night Vision Module Availability:

For camcorders to be used for surveillance applications, the availability of a night vision module can be quite important, particularly for imaging at a distance and at night. Camcorders simply do not have sufficient light sensitivity to enable imaging in these environments. However, by attaching a night vision module such as those shown here, the light sensitivity of the camcorder can be increased by up to ten F-stops. As is well known, the resulting night vision images will be green, absent of all color. But, reasonable images can be produced in starlight and moonlight. Some of these night vision modules can be seen by clicking on the link above.

Other Factors To Consider

In evaluating camcorders for surveillance applications, resolution and sensitivity are usually the primary considerations, other factors may deserve attention. Some of these are listed below.

Media: “Media” refers to where the video will be stored. Many camcorders utilize several different media types. The following are the common types of media and some considerations for surveillance applications:

MiniDV Tape – These have been used for many years. The downside is the need to fast forward and rewind rather than direct access. However, they are known to be quite reliable, they are widely available and rugged. In addition, it is often convenient to have physical media with surveillance footage rather than a soft copy only which could more easily be misplaced or mislabeled.



MiniDVD – Though a familiar media, it may not be as convenient as one expects since the DVD often cannot be directly inserted into DVD players. Also, recording in the highest quality sometimes results in significantly lower capacity.



Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – These are generally high capacity media (e.g. 120 gigabytes) with long record times. Backup is obviously important and necessary. Also note carefully if compressed video is being used for storage in order to increase the available capacity.



Flash Memory – Flash memory (such as solid state memory and memory cards) is very attractive since there are no moving parts resulting in a compact and efficient design. Capacities are increasing every year.

Image stabilization:

Image stabilization is a camcorder feature that helps improve image quality during hand-held video recordings, reducing blur due to camcorder motion. The stabilizer instantly corrects camcorder shake so that hand held shots at full telephoto (such as video taken from a moving car) are smooth and steady. These image stabilizers can be either optical or digital in design. Optical image stabilizers usually manipulate a prism in the lens to stabilize the image when projected on the camcorder detector. Digital image stabilizers usually sense the camcorder motion and, taking advantage of extra rows and columns on the perimeter of the detector, shift the image an appropriate amount to stabilize certain types of motion. Normally, the optical image stabilizers, though more expensive, are preferable since they better remove the blur component of the motion.

Lens interchangeability:

Many lower cost camcorders have non-removable objective lenses. These lenses are compact and highly integrated into the camcorder’s housing, have a very wide zoom range and even macro capability. Normally, the field-of-view of the integrated zoom lens is selected to achieve the FOV range desired for most applications. However, for increased versatility, higher-end camcorders offer a removable lens and a lens mount so that a series of lenses can be offered for a wider variation of applications, including wider angle and more telephoto viewing. (See a list of mid-range camcorders having removable lenses here). For non-removable lens camcorders, if wider angle or more telephoto FOV values are required, adapters are sometimes offered to change the magnification as desired. But the result is a reduction in optical quality. For the surveillance videographer, interchangeable lenses can be a great benefit if the magnification offered by fixed lens camcorders isn’t sufficient for the desired application. In addition, night vision modules that are designed for removable lens camcorders fit between the lens and camcorder and retain all that objective lens’ functions including motorized zoom, auto-iris and image stabilization.

Digital zoom:

Digital zoom is an important feature for any camcorder. Because it is not possible to appreciate all the imaging detector’s resolution on the camcorder’s viewfinder or display panel, digital zoom enables the operator to view details on the viewfinder that would otherwise go unnoticed until digital images were later analyzed. In addition, it’s useful to note that a detector having a larger pixel array enables the operator to perform more digital zoom than with a camcorder having a smaller detector without the effects of pixelization.

User interface:

Any camcorder operator will confirm that accessibility to features is of some importance. Drilling down through sub-menu after sub-menu to access routine functions is not a desirable thing to do while in the field.

Infrared mode:

Some camcorders feature a sensitivity to near infrared light permitting the use of an infrared illuminator to brighten scenes. For a variety of reasons, these illuminators are not applicable for many surveillance situations. For one thing, normally the illuminators included with the camcorders do not project sufficient illumination at the distances of interest. In addition, they can be detected by others with most camcorders and CCD cameras.

Manual Gain:

For low-light situations, some camcorders offer a manual gain mode that permits the user to manually adjust the gain in the video image, usually increases up to +18dB. Though grainy, for surveillance applications, the video images are normally a significant improvement over non-gained or even auto-gained versions.

Shutter Speed:

If maintaining the standard frame rate (for example 60Hz) is not necessary because the objects under observation are not moving quickly, the frame rate and detector shutter speed can be reduced (for example to 1/3 sec) so that each of the sensor’s pixels will integrate light over a longer time that they are exposed. In darkened environments, selecting the longest acceptable integration time may be sufficient to provide a usable image at dusk or dawn.

External Audio inputs:

In order to prevent the appearance of sounding like a pure optics geek, it is important to mention that audio quality and access to external audio inputs is important for the surveillance videographer. The built-in microphone doesn’t always work well when shooting images far away or when you need something more directional to filter out ambient noise.

Viewfinder:

When performing covert surveillance, having a viewfinder on the camcorder is sometimes important in order to prevent the illumination from the bright LCD panel.

Robustness:

Another serious compromise is the lack of robustness in camera hardware — the flimsy switches and controls that cause videographers stress. When you’re out in the field under possibly dangerous conditions, you don’t want to be playing around with little controls and LCD panels that easily come apart.

Price:

Of course, price is always a consideration when evaluating the many many camcorders models available today. But, what these guidelines should show is that very often, the most expensive camcorder may not be the best for a specifi c application. Understand what features are most beneficial for your application in consideration of camcorder price range.

Conclusion

Technology improvements in CCD and CMOS image sensors as well as the introduction of new high definition display and recording formats have resulted in the introduction of lots of different digital camcorder models. Guidelines have been provided when evaluating camcorders for use in surveillance applications.

For surveillance, optical image quality is of highest importance. Camcorder resolution and sensitivity are the primary factors to consider, with a variety of related factors such as image and pixel fields-of-view, the pixel size, as well as the frame rate, image stabilization, alternative lens options and lens interchangeability, integration mode, digital zoom and display resolution, user interface, video formats, recording media, manual gain, infrared mode, video compression, external audio inputs, viewfinder, robustness, and video compression.

While these are useful guidelines for understanding important camcorder specs, prior to making your own camcorder purchase decision, we suggest that you perform your own research of available models and, based on these guidelines, select those models that are expected to deliver the best performance and perform your own tests under real-life situations. You may learn that other factors may be important to your specific application and that your final decision is a compromise of those other factors.

DISCLAIMER: We have made every attempt to provide accurate information. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies. Should you identify errors or require assistance, please contact us directly. Thank you.

For more comprehensive White Papers visit our online Knowledge Center.

www.electrophysics.com/night-vision

373 Route 46, Fairfield, NJ 07004

Phone: 973-882-0211 Fax: 973-882-0997

www.electrophysics.com

© 2008 Electrophysics Corp. All rights reserved.

An ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company UKAS #7096 - ANAB #A060693

Andrew Goodall asked:


hotography has created an interesting divide between two schools of photography. There are the old-school film photographers who dismiss all things digital as inferior, not the same as ‘real’ photography. Then there are the wholehearted digital converts, who think film photographers are living in the dark ages.

For the record, I use film. That is not because I don’t like what digital photography has to offer. There is a very simple reason why I am sticking with film for now; after 20 years of photography, I have a thousands of images on film that have yet to be put to good use. If I switched to digital now, those photos would probably be neglected for another 20 years and finally be thrown out. That’s a lot of memories wasted.

However, as a gallery owner, photography teacher, writer and club member, I am among digital photographers every day. Having lived and worked through all the years when photography has accellerated into the digital age, I have observed something that will surprise many people; not much has really changed.

The skills of traditional photography are as important as ever for the digital photographer. You need to be able to work with aperture and shutter speed, understand depth of field and know how to handle moving subjects. A digital photographer requires sensitivity to light and contrast, and must develop a talent for creative composition.

In teaching and writing about photography, I have been amazed by just how much things have remained the same. In some instances I have been certain that the new technology would create new challenges - only to find that for all practical purposes, nothing has really changed.

Here is one example that is so similar it’s spooky. In the days of film, you could buy film that was rated at different ISO speeds, relating to how quickly the film reacted to light. Faster films were great for allowing quicker shutter speeds in low-light conditions, but there was a sacrifice in quality. Photos taken on fast films had a grainy appearance, making them less suitable for printing big enlargements.

Digital cameras have adopted the same ISO system. You can adjust the ISO setting on your camera, changing the speed at which your exposure will react to light. As before, this can be a great benefit, especially in low light. But here’s the spooky part. When you set a higher ISO rating, your images become ‘grainier.’ Some people tell me it is pixellation, others tell me it is digital ‘noise.’ I don’t know and don’t really care. The point is, here is a whole new technolgy, recording images in a completely different way - and the outcome is exactly the same!

Of course there are some major differences. The most obvious change, and certainly a change for the better, is the elimination of film and developing from your list of expenses. Add to that the convenience of being able to delete your mistakes and print your own photos, and your hobby just became a lot more cost-effective.

That, however, has nothing to do with the actual skill of the photographer. Neither does the other revolution in the photography world. That revolution is software. With the aid of computers, people can work digital magic on their photos like never before. This has both positive and negative elements. Positive because the almost universal fascination with computers has seen a whole new generation take a real interest in photography. Negative because people too often rely on the technology to correct their mistakes, instead of learning to take better photos.

Software can be wonderful. It can add a little ‘zest’ to a slightly flat image, or it can completely trasform a photo to portray colours and details that never existed in the real world.

But software cannot overcome all the problems caused by bad technique. It cannot focus an out-of-focus image. It cannot correct a blurry photo caused by using the wrong shutter speed. And while cropping, cutting and pasting can solve some issues, they are no substitute for developing a real skill for composition.

So, to return to my original theme: despite the worldwide migration from film to digital photography, in practical terms not much has really changed. That which is new is largely peripheral. While there are some advantages in terms of cost and convenience, most of the changes won’t make you a better photographer.

So here is my advice to photographers on both sides of the divide. Film photographers; don’t be suspicious of new technology. Embrace it, make the most of its advantages, and you may be surprised just how easy it is to make the switch.

Digital photographers; don’t sneer at your more old-fashioned counterparts. The skills they have grown up with are the ones you really should be learning.

Corbin Newlyn asked:


A professional digital camcorder allows for creativeness and quality to meet, and the price is more affordable than it was just a few years ago. Even back in the latter half of the 1990’s the majority of professionals were utilizing Betamax professional quality analog recorders, although the professional digital camcorder was beginning to stand on its own back then.

In 1997 at a news conference in Roswell, New Mexico on the 50th anniversary of the historical alleged UFO crash journalists in the press room were completely shocked as a professional videographer strolled into the room holding a very little digital camcorder, for the first time many of them had seen one. It was a small fraction of the size of the really big Beta machines they were holding, and created a a great deal higher quality picture. The small-scale but very capable camcorder this newsman held rather honestly caused him to be the news much more than the speaker at the conference, at least amongst his companion journalists and other co-workers.

These days the vision of a pocket-sized camcorder does not induce as much of a splash that it did back then. As a matter of fact, the costs have been cut back so much that even unskilled videographers at times own professional digital camcorders, or they have a really high end consumer models that come very close, and are often known as “prosumer” since they are nearly a cross between a consumer type and a professional digital camcorder.

The Sky Is The Limit With A Professional Digital Camcorder

The next time you watch a TV news crew reporting a story, have a look at the equipment they are holding. There are numerous well liked quality makes that are used by professionals, but it is rather probable that if the TV station is resolved in regards to the news business the newsmen are using a digital camcorder instead of an aged analog camcorder. Being capable of recording directly to a digital format also gives the ability to the producers to edit the pictures a great deal faster than was done in the past.

With computers getting more and more powerful and as well as much more inexpensive and software heading in the same direction, the power to edit the images that you capture with a professional digital camcorder are not merely for pros any longer. Even competent amateurs can do a very good job at it. And for those thinking about a vocation in broadcasting, discovering how to use a professional digital camcorder at an early age is something that can be achieved through an internship or courses at a, community college, university or vocational school. The sky is really the limit with a digital camcorder.

Komail A. Noori asked:


The power of the computer revolution is simple: once you convert real-world objects into bits and bytes, anything is possible. Nowhere is this more apparent than in photography. Digital photography represents the latest step in a technological revolution that began almost two centuries ago with Louis Daguerre’s silver chloride prints. Daguerre amazed the world by fixing the light from a pinhole camera onto a piece of glass, thereby preserving a moment in time for an eternity.

Today an inexpensive digital camera can transform that light into electrical impulses with accuracy and brilliance that even film can’t match. It can store hundreds of images on a sliver of silicon no bigger than your thumbnail. Those images can easily be sent across the country in seconds, be shared with hundreds of people at once, and even be modified to create an utterly new reality. The tools and skills necessary to do all this are within the reach of nearly anyone. You hold in your hands the book that will unlock those skills for you.

It’s fitting that the author himself has traveled a similar path. Mikkel Aaland has worked as an itinerant photographer, making pictures much as his 19th-century counterparts must have, in a makeshift studio-on-wheels, capturing images of anyone with a few dollars to spare. After nine years on the road, the result was his 1981 book, County Fair Portraits. Shortly thereafter, another legend, Ansel Adams, told Mikkel that if he were beginning all over again he’d be shooting digital. Mikkel took the great man at his word and became one of the first to use, and write about, digital photography.

When Photoshop was first released in 1990, a Michel reviewed it. In 1992, he wrote Digital Photography, one of the earliest books published on the subject, and he has written many more since. He has worked as a professional photographer, using top-of-the-line digital equipment, and as a proud husband and father he has captured his own life with the same consumer-grade cameras the rest of us use. He’s also been teaching digital techniques for the past several years on my TV, radio, and online shows. There is no better guide to the magical transformation of light and dark into bits and bytes.

Photography, from the Greek for “writing in light,” has rewritten our notion of time and history. Digital photography is reworking our notion of reality itself. One of the great technological innovations of the 19th century is once again leading the way in the 21st. Here is your chance to be a part of the revolution—to start Shooting Digital.

RAYMOND NWAMBUONWO asked:


When shopping for digital camcorders, several choices are available. Some of these options involve the products features, characteristics and price ranges. This objectiveness also exists when one is purchasing any product ranging from sneakers to furniture and from toys to SUVs. Another way that a type of commodity is differentiated is through the company that produces it. Today, Sony is one of the most trusted names in electronic equipment, which includes its line of Sony digital camcorders.

Sony was actually started with the name Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation. Mr. Morita Akio and Ibuka Masaru founded the company in 1946, and then changed the name to Sony in 1958. “Sony” is a combination of a Latin word that is the root of the word “sound;” the English word “sunny;” and the term “Sonny-boys,” which in Japanese refers to a nerd.

The first significant consumer product that the company sold was an audio tape recorder that Sony put on the market in 1950. Sony is renowned worldwide for manufacturing the first transistor radio that can fit in a pants pocket (1957), the portable tape player known as the Walkman (1979), and the famous Playstation video game system (1994).

Right before the first Sony digital camcorders were released, the company made two groundbreaking camcorders. Sony introduced its Betacam in 1982. This camcorder was produced for professional recording via television. The initial units were analog, though the Digital Betacam was added to the arsenal of Sony digital camcorders, in 1994. Many of Sony’s digital video tape recorders (vtr) can play back all of Sony’s analog and digital Betacam formats.

In 1983 Sony’s Betamovie, based on its Betamax format, became the first domestic camcorder. The compact video head drum of this analog camcorder was subsequently used for camcorders manufactured afterwards. Today’s users of Sony digital camcorders would find the Betamovie to be bulky. In fact, one could not hold it by using a single hand, so users oftentimes laid the camcorder on their shoulder. Nevertheless, camcorders that followed the Betamovie were even bulkier, as Betamovie units lacked playback and rewind features.

Many Sony digital camcorders are offered on the market today. These fantastic products vary significantly in appearances, features, and price. The primary groups of Sony digital camcorders include: hard disk camcorders, dvd camcorders, hi8 Camcorders, high definition (hd) camcorders, minidv (digital video) camcorders.

Since its inception in 1946, the Sony Corporation has become a leader and innovator in the world of digital electronic equipment. Following the tradition of the Betacam and Betamovie, today’s Sony digital camcorders connote the best of their company and the best of the industry.

sue webster asked:


Understanding Digicams And Their Resolution Settings

Digital cameras, or digicams, have become the standard for photo taking, slowly eliminating the need for traditional film cameras. Even if you are considering replacing your old film camera, you are going to want to pay close attention to the one thing that remains a constant between the two types of camera on the market: resolution. Most photographers cringe when they hear that word because it is an important part of how clear and sharp a photograph turns out when they are developed – either in a computer screen or in a photo lab. When it comes to digicams, the resolution is the amount of pixels that fit in an inch of space. The more pixels in that space, the sharper and more vivid the picture is going to be.

When you consider how a picture looks on a computer screen, you know that the more pixels covering an area make the image look better. This is the same concept used in the way a digital camera recreates the image it took a picture of. A picture that has 100×100 pixels in a one inch area is going to be beautiful compare to a picture that is 100×100 pixels spread out over four inches. This is why when you print pictures from a photo that has been scanned into your computer and enlarges sometimes comes out grainy or blurry. If you enlarge something too much, it will distort it, changing the resolution.

The resolution of a digicam is in megapixels. That means there are 1,000,000 pixels in an inch of space. The more megapixels you have, the sharper the picture will be. If you are going to be using your digicam for everyday photography and picture printing, you want to make sure you purchase a digicam that has a resolution around thee to four megapixels. This will give a clear picture with vibrant color without strapping your wallet. If you are going to use your camera for professional photography, you will definitely want higher than four megapixels to ensure the best photos you can get.

Deciding on the resolution for your digicam is really going to depend on how good you want the hard copy to look. High-resolution digicam photos are going to look better than a photo taken from a standard film camera, but low-resolution digicam photos should stay displayed on the computer and never printed. When you are reading the information on how pictures will print from your digicam, you want to make sure you have at least 300 pixels per linear inch of print to get good resolution. The higher your pixels, the better the picture will be. Before printing, make sure your printer can handle the higher resolution. Some cannot handle anything over 600 pixels per inch resolution and will cause your computer and printer to freeze when trying to print.

You can find a great range of digicams as well as many other electronic gadgets at GadgetsAuction.com

Apurva Shree asked:


Learn all about packing for your pregnancy labor bag here. When you go through various pregnancy related books and magazines, you see how much emphasis they lay on packing your bag in advance.

Why Is Packing A Pregnancy Labor Bag Important?

Your hospital will not supply you with many things. In case your stay is longer than the usual 1-2 days after delivery, you will need many of your own necessities.

Many women fear that lack of preparation and to not have their dear things with them when they are going through pregnancy labor can make all plans go kaput. They are right! So pack your bag well before the full term. You can ask the hospital staff what they provide before you make your own list. You will need to make 2 lists- one for yourself and one for that little bundle of joy that is about to enter into your life.

Making It Easy For You

Here is a general but exhaustive checklist for you to go through. You can add to it according to your requirements-

Toiletries – toothbrush, paste, shampoo, etc.

Makeup – You might feel you wouldn’t need it but you might when people drop in to meet you and your baby.

Your pregnancy period reference books or pamphlets.

Your home pillow also goes in your bag if you are the type who cannot sleep comfortably without your pillow. You can use a printed or colored case to distinguish it from the hospital ones.

Your i-pod or CD-player along with music that you like.

Your digicam or camcorder with accessories and batteries to capture many magical moments.

Pad and pen to note things down or to make lists of things to do when you reach home.

Lists of people to call after the birth.

Lip balm- must for the dry air conditioned air of the hospital.

Your own clothes- Pack the ‘Comfy’ pregnancy ones as it will be months before you will get back to your pre-pregnancy shape.

Baby’s stuff- Ask your doctor to give you a comprehensive list.

Warm clothes for yourself for post pregnancy chills.

Snacks- Pack nutritious stuff like granola bars, juices etc.

Special clothes for yourself and baby for homecoming are a must in your labor bag.

Extra large bag of super absorbent sanitary pads for post delivery bleeding.

Keep your packed pregnancy labor bag right next to your door as once the baby decides on arriving, there will be no time to search for it.

stevefranklis asked:


If you want to experience the best, it has to be the HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone (unlocked) phone. This phone lets your fingers experience the world’s finest touch phone that’s here to provide you a unique and the latest touch panel experience. The phone in conjunction with its TouchFLOTM has been successful in creating a revolution in the way one uses the touch screen via finger panning and scrolling. One of the main attractions of HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone silver (unlocked) phone is its Touch cube. This unique functionality allows the user to enjoy an interface that makes navigation and quick dialing a happy and user-friendly experience.

The HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone (unlocked) phone is specially optimized for entertainment and the special HTC Touch feature of this phone allows you to enjoy your favorite music as well as movie clips no matter where you are.

The phone is available with a 1GB microSD memory card in order to store your media files.

The Windows Mobile® 6 professional feature integrated in to this mobile phone with the HTC Touch lets you enjoy instant access to your Outlook email and the complete Microsoft Office Mobile suite. You can also surf the World Wide Web with the help of internet explorer available in this mobile phone. You can easily send and receive emails and send and receive photos to your personal web space via windows live and chat on messenger.

This is not all. This smart mobile phone allows you to keep in touch with the world of social interaction, media and communication.

The phone is Tri-band GPRS/EDGE enabled device with Wi-Fi support. All you have to do is to simply sweep your finger up the display in order to launch an animated 3-D interface that comprises three different screens namely; applications, contacts and media.

You can easily operate the interface via swiping a finger right or left across the display according to your own convenience.

The HTC includes the following to help you run thousands of third-party applications:

* Windows Mobile 6 professional

* Outlook Mobile

* Office Mobile

* Windows live

You can also play the following file formats using the built-in media player of this phone.

* AAC

* eAAC+

* AAC+

* MP3

* WAV

* WMA

* QCELP

* AMR-NB

* MPEG4

* AMR-WB

The 2.0 mega pixel color camera of this phone allows you to capture all the happy and memorable moments of your life.

Weighing only 112 gram, this phone comes with a battery, a charger, a handsfree, a leather case, 1 stylus, a USB cable and 1 GB microSD features.

If you want to experience the best, it has to be the HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone (unlocked) phone. This phone lets your fingers experience the world’s finest touch phone that’s here to provide you a unique and the latest touch panel experience. The phone in conjunction with its TouchFLOTM has been successful in creating a revolution in the way one uses the touch screen via finger panning and scrolling. One of the main attractions of HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone silver (unlocked) phone is its Touch cube. This unique functionality allows the user to enjoy an interface that makes navigation and quick dialing a happy and user-friendly experience.

The HTC P3452 Touch Smartphone (unlocked) phone is specially optimized for entertainment and the special HTC Touch feature of this phone allows you to enjoy your favorite music as well as movie clips no matter where you are.

The phone is available with a 1GB microSD memory card in order to store your media files.

The Windows Mobile® 6 professional feature integrated in to this mobile phone with the HTC Touch lets you enjoy instant access to your Outlook email and the complete Microsoft Office Mobile suite. You can also surf the World Wide Web with the help of internet explorer available in this mobile phone. You can easily send and receive emails and send and receive photos to your personal web space via windows live and chat on messenger.

This is not all. This smart mobile phone allows you to keep in touch with the world of social interaction, media and communication.

The phone is Tri-band GPRS/EDGE enabled device with Wi-Fi support. All you have to do is to simply sweep your finger up the display in order to launch an animated 3-D interface that comprises three different screens namely; applications, contacts and media.

You can easily operate the interface via swiping a finger right or left across the display according to your own convenience.

The HTC includes the following to help you run thousands of third-party applications:

* Windows Mobile 6 professional

* Outlook Mobile

* Office Mobile

* Windows live

You can also play the following file formats using the built-in media player of this phone.

* AAC

* eAAC+

* AAC+

* MP3

* WAV

* WMA

* QCELP

* AMR-NB

* MPEG4

* AMR-WB

The 2.0 mega pixel color camera of this phone allows you to capture all the happy and memorable moments of your life.

Weighing only 112 gram, this phone comes with a battery, a charger, a handsfree, a leather case, 1 stylus, a USB cable and 1 GB microSD features.

Fletcher Mak asked:


Since time immemorial, fleeting moments have been a thing to look back at and relive the mirth and murk associated with them. More than practice, it has been the instinct which roots deep within us. Our past is not just a matter of seconds and hours we lived. It implies a lot beyond that. What is it and how does it affect us can best be answered in one word – memories, we value what we cherish.

Cameras have found a very distinct place in our lives. To some, it may lead to their profession and to others a hobby which guides their way to getting closer to those valuable moments which they would yearn to live again. With time and technology, the world of camera evolved and today the fad is digital cameras which we dotingly call Digicams.

Since the days of bulky cameras which transformed into traditional cameras which are still very much in use (image is captured on a film) and now digital camera, there have never been a shred of doubt on what they have done and can do with technical advancement. Let us pay a glance on the relevance and functionality of these digicams.

Digital camera does not involve a film roll which needs to be developed, rather it saves the images captured either onto the inbuilt memory or memory sticks/cards which can be transferred to a computer, another digicams or printed directly completely depending upon the facilities integrated. High resolution images, adjustable zooms, colour adjustment and various modes available to choose from in which you would like to shoot the photographs (depending upon ambience) work towards flexibility and inundate consumers with too many applications.

To lay hands on your desired digicams should not be much of an ask as there are various manufacturers making quality cameras and you can virtually compare digital cameras of different makes before buying one. Cheap digital cameras should be available on online shopping websites to make life easier and more colourful!

Darlene Kaitlene asked:


The definition of ‘phone’ is changing day by day. When Alexander Graham Bell had invented telephone years ago, he would have never imagined the extent of transformation/enhancement his invention would undergo in future. More than a decade ago, mobile phones brought a revolutionary change in the arena of telecommunications. Mobile phones provide the dimension of ‘mobility’ to telephonic communication. They give freedom from wires!

Today, we have moved a step further. This is the age of ’smart phones’. They have broadened the realm covered by telephones. A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone with advanced information access features. That means, the phone can not only be used for conversation but also for accessing information, say through e-mails, Web browsing and so on. Basically, a smartphone is a voice-centric device that offer PDA-like capabilities.

The advanced information access features in smartphones are especially useful for people who are on frequent business tours, such as sales managers. Such people require frequent access to their email, calendar and other mobile applications while they are away from the office. Laptops are quite bulky. For them, smartphones offer a ‘pocketable’ solution! Travelers prefer multiband GSM technology in their phones as it allows them to stay connected from virtually anywhere in the world.

Most smartphones are camera phones that support full-featured e-mail capabilities with the full functionality of a complete personal organiser. The Bluetooth technology enables you to connect wirelessly to other Bluetooth devices. These phones offer the feature of push e-mail that enables travelling business people/sales guys to receive official mails in real time by being in sync with company’s server.

A smartphone has a built-in support for MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint and PDF documents. So, you can work on your business documents even when you are away from office. This helps to enhance productivity.

Gear up yourself and enter the world of smartphones to experience a fascinating new dimension of telecommunication.