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Panasonic Lumix GH1 (Quick Test)

This is a small test with the Lumix GH1. It's a 'hybrid' camera I have only just bought, initially with the intention to videoblog with.

I know this may seem like a bit of overkill but as I normally take a pro SLR and a video camera out on assignments I was thinking that this may finally be the device that takes decent photos and video while at the same time is reasonably compact. By consolidating my kit I have fewer cables accessories and can travel lighter. there is no reason why with the additional microphone I cannot use the GH1 for pro audio, video and stills. As it records to an SD card I can pop that in the side of my mac and do away with a card reader too.

I am still getting me head around the AVCHD format. Files have to be imported and not simply dragged and dropped, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to take for the extra quality.

As well as being able to auto focus the Panasonic will of course record video at 1080p but in this test I wanted to have a quick look at what 720p 50 fps looks like at half speed (25fps).

The camera was set to intelligent auto (IA) and continuous auto focus.

Please keep in mind that this was filmed indoors, with little window light, in one take, using the internal microphone. I edited it in iMovie in about 5 minutes.

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Filed under  //   apple   avchd   camera   gh1   lumix   panasonic   review   test   video   vlog   vlogging  
Posted January 8, 2010
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Samsung ST550 - Nearly a good camera

When i first saw the TV add for the Samsung ST550 I thought it would be a top vlogging camera. It's duel screen would mean you could monitor the composition of your video as well as your photos.

(Here is a short clip from the camera that cut off as tha memory card was crap.)

I was wrong. The front facing screen although very cleverly hidden behind the plastic body and perfect for composing your cheesy self portraits in front of tourist attractions, for some strange reason is not activated during video recording. I figured it must be just 'off' as the default and could be turned on but no.. At least I think not. Neither me of the friendly shop assistant could find out how to turn the duel front facing screen whilst shooting video. This was pretty disapointing as as soon as I saw the camera I thought about it as a vloggers camera. I imagine this is a simple firmware upgrade that's needed so Samsung, if you are watching.. You really have missed a trick and I would have certainly considered your camera over the Canon Ixus 120is I eventually bought. Although saying that, your audio was nowhere near as good as the Ixus so if you get the chance, please sort that out as well. ;o)

So very nearly a great blogging tool. Hi-res photos and HD video in a device that has a front facing screen. It appears only half thought out. I am certain if the camera companies spoke to more of the users out there they'd sell more devices to corners of the market still waiting for someone to do it right. There were a few interesting features on the camera but I havn't gone into detail about these or the other things I didn't like I don't think any person that reads this blog would buy it anyway. As it stands the screen is more of a gimick for taking self portraits.

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Filed under  //   camera   review   samsung   tech   video   vlogging  
Posted December 5, 2009
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Zoom Q3 (First Impressions)

After having a little play with the Zoom Q3 I give my first impressions and a little on what I hope for the Q4 or whatever it's successor will be called. Zoom are on twitter as @ZoomUK

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Filed under  //   blogging   review   video   VloMo09   zoom q3  
Posted November 21, 2009
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Canon Ixus 120is

I have blogged about this camera on my main blog OurManInside.com

I though I'd better post something there as it has been seriously neglected since Posterous came along.

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Filed under  //   canon   documentally   review   tech   video  
Posted November 14, 2009
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Petzl MYO RXP (First Look)

I just got hold of a Myo RXP from Petzl. Winter is setting in and living in the country means, like broadband, street lighting is not yet every where.   Some places I walk the dog are close to pitch black and where there are dogs, there's poo. I guess I needn't go any further.

This is the first Petzl head torch with programmable regulated lighting levels allowing you to customise up to ten levels of power into three lighting modes from 8 to 140 lumens. One setting for walking the dog (as low as possible, just enough for poo scanning) one for cycling in the woods (long beam reaching ahead) and one for nipping the back way to the local pub (diffused and wide for climbing fences and avoiding nettles).

The Petzl Myo RXP Features

  • Wide angle impact resistant polycarbonate lens
  • Operates on 3 alkaline or rechargabler AA/ LR6 batteries
  • It's compatible with lithium batteries
  • Water-resistant

The Petzl Myo RXP Specification (according to the website)

  • Regulated power levels gives constant lighting power and automatically switches to reserve power mode when batteries are almost discharged.
  • Three lighting levels can be chosen (choose from among ten levels between 8 to 140 lumens)
  • Choice of the order of activation of the three lighting modes
  • Flashing mode frequency can be programmed (slow, fast, SOS signal)
  • User-friendly programming in three steps, using the two buttons
  • High-output lighting:160 lumens (Boost mode), 8 to 140 lumens (programmable levels)
  • Shines up to 97 metres in Boost mode
  • Compatible with lithium batteries
  • Wide Angle lens allows to quickly switch from flood beam proximity lighting
    to focused long-distance lighting in a single movement
  • 95 h battery life with program level no.1
  • Lightweight: 175 g
  • Battery charge indicator light: warns when the batteries are 70 % and 90 %
    discharged
  • Switches are protected from accidental operation when light body is in upright
    position
  • Water resistant for all-weather use
  • Compact design
  • Adjustable elastic headband 
So, I'll give this a try and no doubt pop back to report on if it's any good or not.

(I will say I thought the packaging was over the top and dangerous. I would have been happy if the product cane in a rubber band. It's not like you need hardcore display packaging when purchasing of the net.)

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Filed under  //   documentally   head   light   packaging   petzl   review   tech   torch   video  
Posted October 20, 2009
// 0 Comments

Power for your mobile devices

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Filed under  //   devices   documentally   power   review   tech   video  
Posted October 15, 2009
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