Disposable Camera Work

The Film is Embedded in the Camera

Unlike a traditional, reusable film camera, disposable cameras are not made to allow removal and reloading of the film. Instead, these single-use cameras are built around the film, with the film rolled from one side of the camera to the other without a protective casing, making it impossible to remove of the film without destroying the camera.

Pictures are Snapped

Although disposable cameras are different from traditional cameras, they function much like their reusable cousins. When the user is ready to take a picture, she simply aims the camera at the desired subject and presses the shutter-release button. This button activates a spring-loaded shutter in the side of the camera which flicks open for a fraction of a second; the exact length of exposure depends upon the shutter speed of the camera; the exact speed is regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is sometimes known as the ISO speed.

The Open Shutter Makes an Impression on the Film

The inside of a disposable camera is normally very dark, as the film contained therein is quite sensitive to light. When the shutter flicks open for a fraction of a second, the incoming light---along with the image reflected in that light---is captured on a portion of the photosensitive film, creating a photo image. The highly sensitive film is then advanced into the dark container on the right side of the camera and a new segment of film is ready for exposure.

The Entire Camera is Developed

When the entire roll of film has been used, or when the camera is no longer needed, the entire disposable camera is deposited for development. Professional developers remove the film from its disposable case and develop it in the same manner as other exposed film (either in a professional darkroom or in a commercial photo developing machine). The developed photos are then returned to the customer, and the disposable camera casing is discarded or recycled.

Tags: side camera, disposable camera, disposable cameras, flicks open, flicks open fraction, fraction second, open fraction

Apps To Alias2

The Samsung Alias 2 is cell phone available on the Verizon service network. It features an E-Ink keypad that dynamically changes based on the orientation of the phone. While the Alias 2 is not a smartphone, it does offer a small selection of games and applications for download through the Verizon marketplace. Adding new apps and games to the phone can be done quickly, without the need for external hardware or peripherals. Most apps and games have a one-time fee that is added directly to your phone bill. Adding new apps to your Alias 2 should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Instructions

1. Power up your Alias 2.

2. Press the "Menu" button.

3. Highlight "Media Center" from the main menu, then press "OK" to enter the Media Center menu.

4. Highlight "Browse and Download" and press "OK." Then select "Get New Applications." This will display a list of applications and games that are available for download.

5. Highlight any application or game you wish to download and press "OK." Follow the onscreen instructions to begin the download process. When the download is complete, a notification window will appear on screen. You can launch the application directly from this window or access all your downloaded apps by returning to the "Media Center" menu.

Tags: Media Center, Adding apps, apps games, Center menu, Media Center menu

Compare Digital Camera Features & Prices

Compare Digital Camera Features & Prices

With hundreds of digital cameras on the market and new models produced every year, choosing the right model for your purposes can be challenging. By comparing digital camera features and prices, however, the decision process becomes much easier.

Instructions

1. Decide whether portability or picture quality is most important for your needs. Though size and picture quality are not mutually exclusive, larger SLR cameras are generally designed for optimum photo quality. SLR cameras are larger and heavier than pocket-sized models preferred by most for general purpose photos. SLRs are also usually much more expensive than smaller digital cameras. Shape or "feel" is also a consideration as SLRs are ergonomically designed for two hands, whereas a smaller camera is designed for quick and simple access.

2. Choose a camera with a battery that suits your needs. Small cameras may include long life internal batteries charged with a power cable. Others use standard AA or long life rechargeable AA batteries. Larger cameras use model-specific batteries that can be removed to charge. Purchasing replacement or extra batteries verses the cost and time to charge also becomes a price consideration. Compare the typical battery life specifications for each camera model and the type of battery you prefer to decide which model suits your typical photo needs.

3. Compare megapixels. Generally, the higher the megapixel number on the camera, the better photo quality is possible. Certain highly technical factors in a camera model can produce better photo quality even though the designated megapixels are lower or the same. For example, a 10 megapixel SLR camera will generally take better photos than a 10 megapixel pocket camera because speed, lens, compression and other factors affect photo quality, too. If you are comparing a 10 megapixel camera with a 2 megapixel camera, however, you can safely bet on the 10 megapixel camera producing a better photo. For cameras in the same price and quality range, higher megapixels may indicate a higher price.

4. Check the specifications for each camera's lens and zoom. A high-quality lens such as Zeiss or Nikon can make a big difference in photo quality. Similarly, check the camera specifications for zoom features. A high-optical zoom can be desirable. Optical zoom functions on the mechanical aspects of the lens. A high-digital zoom, however, can actually cause a digital noise or "pixilated" version of the image you're trying to capture. A good lens with optical zoom is a more expensive, yet favorable digital camera feature, but be aware that high-digital zooms can be problematic for some photographers.

5. Examine the amount of memory that may be included in the digital camera and the type of memory card that can be added for additional memory. Some types and models of memory cards are rated faster than others, but this feature is generally considered by consumers who already use a specific type of memory card. If another device or family member already uses a specific type of memory card, choosing a camera that uses the same type can be beneficial for swapping cards and the availability of card readers. Common types are SD, xD, CF and Sony.

6. Weigh your preference for a view finder or view screen. Many experienced photographers prefer a view finder similar to film SLR cameras, with the eye held close. Others prefer view screens to direct shots. With digital cameras, whether one prefers a view finder or a view screen for taking photos, a reasonably large view screen with features to display photos even under challenging light conditions (like direct sunlight) is a favorable feature. Part of the appeal of digital photography is the ability to review photos "on the go."

7. Read consumer reviews and view sample images to help refine your choice. With a specific price range, preferred features and quality specifications determined, the last step is to compare prices offered by vendors. Shop online and at your local electronics and photography retail shops. Consider taxes and shipping costs at this level of price comparison.

Tags: photo quality, megapixel camera, better photo, digital cameras, memory card

Get Directv Satellite Tv Local Network Channels

DirecTV offers packages with a comprehensive listing of local channels. DirecTV serves more than 140 local channel markets. Moreover, local channels are also broadcast in high definition. Local channels are provided without any charge when you subscribe to a base package. Read the steps below to get your local channels through DirecTV.

Instructions

1. Use the toll-free number 1-888-777-2454 to call DirecTV customer service and inquire about DirecTV local channels programming.

2. If you are comfortable browsing the Internet, go to the company's web site to find detailed information about DirecTV local channel programming (see link below).

3. On the DirecTV home page, move the mouse cursor to the Packages & Programming option of the menu located to the left of the screen.

4. Select the Local Channels option from the resulting sub-menu.

5. You will reach a page listing several options under Local Channels in the menu. Similar options are also displayed on the web page. To explore various offers, click the desired option either in the menu or on the web page.

6. Use the "Local Channels Lookup" facility to determine the channels available in your region. To do so, simply type in your zip code in the "Zip Code" text box and click "Check."

7. DirecTV offers local channels in most areas in the United States though HD local programs are available in limited markets only. Besides, consumers receiving local channels receive other significantly viewed (SV) channels from neighboring areas. These channels are also referred to as Neighboring Local Channels, the availability of which is region specific. In addition, DirecTV offers Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC and CW channels in HD in some areas of the country.

8. To subscribe to your local service, call the toll-free number 1-877-897-8131. Check the requirements before buying the service.

Tags: local channels, DirecTV offers, Local Channels, about DirecTV, about DirecTV local, channels also, DirecTV local

Convert Your 35mm Slides

Convert Your 35mm Slides

To update your old 35 mm slides, you should convert these to computer digital images and save them on your computer, external hard drive or flash drive. This will save space, but will also protect these images and keep them from becoming damaged or scratched. Digital photo specialty shops can do this service for you, but if you have a lot of slides you may want to do this yourself and save money.

Instructions

1. Connect the scanner to the computer by inserting one end of a USB cord in the USB port on the scanner, and insert the other end into an available USB port on the computer. Place the CD packaged with the scanner in the DVD/CD device in the computer. Wait for the installation process to start automatically. Fill in the appropriate information being requested and follow the on-screen instructions. Click "Finish" when the program completes. This process should only take a few minutes.

2. Pick up a slide and brush dust and debris from it with a soft paint brush. Place 30 or 40 slides in a metal tray and blow compressed air on the slides, moving the air canister from side to side. Keep the air canister at a distance of approximately six to eight inches, so the pressure is not too strong.

3. Place the slide on the scanner, open the slide scanning program and locate the dust elimination process. Most film scanners have some type of dust elimination process feature in their programs. On some programs this is called "Digital Ice." Click the appropriate dust elimination button so the infrared scan light will pass through the film but not the spots and specks. Click the "Scan Slide" button or similar command. This command may differ slightly depending on the scanner and scanning program you are using. Wait for the scan to complete and click "Save As" and name the file. Choose the folder where you want to save the picture and click "OK."

4. Scan each slide in the same way, saving it to the same folder. Transfer the entire folder to an external flash drive or hard drive. Right-click the folder and select "Copy." Open the flash memory or external hard drive window, right-click in any empty area in the window, and select "Paste."

Tags: dust elimination, hard drive, 35mm Slides, Convert Your, Convert Your 35mm

What Is A Mirror

Whether you are trying out a new dress or wondering if you are really going bald, the first thing you turn to look at is a mirror. From your car to your powder room, from telescopes to televisions, mirrors serve many important functions. This article highlights the types of mirrors, their uses and their structure.

Identification

A mirror is made by applying a reflective coating to a suitable base surface. Glass is considered the best substrate because of its rigidity, ease of fabrication and smooth finish. The reflective coating, usually aluminum, silver or gold, is applied to the back of the glass surface. The metal chosen for the coating determines the reflectivity of the mirror. Aluminum is the most inexpensive and the most commonly used coating. Silver and gold are more expensive and offer better reflectivity for visible and infrared wavelengths.

Function

Mirrors are extremely versatile in their function. They're used for cosmetic purposes in dressing rooms and bath rooms. They also provide rear view in automobiles. Mirrors are used for signaling in the military and during rescue operations. Microscopic mirrors are used in HD TVs. Telescopes and other optical instruments too use mirrors. Mirrors play an important role in interior decor. They are used to gather and reflect solar energy in systems that are powered by the sun. Different kinds of "fun mirrors" are used to amuse and entertain people.

Types

The most common type of mirror reflects most of the light that falls on it. Two-way mirrors or one-way glass let part of the light pass through and reflect part of the light. These are what one sees in stores where one reflective side is dark and the other reflective side is bright. Based on the shape, mirrors are classified as concave (like the inside of a bowl), convex (like a bowl turned upside down) and plane, or flat.

History

Polished stone mirrors were used as early as 6000 B.C.E. in Turkey. Polished copper and bronze were also used as mirrors in countries like Mesopotamia and China. The origin of metal coated glass mirrors dates back to first century C.E., invented in modern-day Lebanon. During the Renaissance period, European mirror makers began coating glass with a tin-mercury amalgam. In the 16th century, Venice became well-known for this type of mirror manufacturing. A German chemist, Justus von Liebig, invented the silver-glass mirror technology in 1835. Today, vacuum deposition is used to coat glass substrates with aluminum or silver.

Misconceptions

Superstitions abound across cultures when it comes to mirrors. In America, some believe that a dead person's soul gets trapped in a mirror, so, the custom of covering all mirrors during a wake is observed. People in parts of India believe that a broken mirror is a bad omen, so they discard a broken mirror immediately and brace themselves for a calamity. Legend has it that creatures that are not fully dead do not possess a soul and so have no reflection. This is the classic vampire test. Some cultures believe it is bad luck for two mirrors to face each other.

Scientifically speaking, a mirror is a piece of glass coated with a metal. How magical properties got associated with it is not known. It is more likely that because they were highly expensive and to ensure that they were handled with care, warnings about broken mirrors and bad luck started circulating. Or, perhaps, the reflective property of mirrors was fascinating to someone with a lively imagination who then originated tales about souls being trapped. It is also possible that because mirror pieces lying shattered on the floor are dangerous to people walking by, especially children, importance was placed on not breaking them and discarding broken pieces immediately. Whatever the reasons may be, the beliefs may seem ridiculous to some today, but they served a purpose during some period in history.

Tags: aluminum silver, believe that, broken mirror, mirrors used, part light

Diy Pvc Camcorder Shoulder Mount

Shoulder mounts offer more portability than traditional tripods.

A shoulder mount offers the stability of a tripod without limiting the filmmaker's portability. With a little preparation and research you can easily build a camcorder shoulder mount out of PVC. When completed, the design produces a professional-looking shoulder mount that will work with any camcorder or camera with a tripod thread.

Instructions

Assemble the Back End

1. Glue a T-joint to the end of each of the 12-inch long pipes. Glue a second T-joint to the opposite end of each 12-inch pipe making sure that the second T is level with and facing the same direction as the first.

2. Glue a 1.25-inch pipe to each of the middle T sections on one of the 12-inch pipes. Use this as a coupler to attach the two 12-inch pipes by gluing the ends of the 1.25-inch pipe and pushing into the opposite 12-inch pipe's T-joints. The T-joints should be flush with each other, meaning no part of the 1.25-inch pipes should be visible. This shoulder bridge will be what rests on your shoulder on the finished shoulder mount.

3. Glue another 1.25-inch pipe on both ends and both sides of the 12-inch shoulder bridge. On one end only of the shoulder bridge glue a 45-degree elbow joint to each of the 1.25-inch pipes so that the elbows are facing downwards. This forms the tail end of the shoulder bridge. You should have used four 1.25-inch pipes and two 45-degree elbow joints in this step.

4. Glue two 90-degree elbow joints together using a 1.25-inch pipe as a coupler. Make sure that the elbow joints are facing upwards and will lay flat. Glue a 3.5-inch pipe into each of the other 90-degree elbow joint openings. Glue this piece to the 45-degree elbow joints on the shoulder bridge to complete the back end of the shoulder mount. Set the shoulder bridge aside.

Assemble the Front End

5. A shoulder mount is perfect to film high-action scenes.

Connect the remaining two T-joints by gluing a 1.25-inch pipe to one end opening on each joint. The 1.25-inch pipe acts a coupler. The T-joints should be flush with each other, meaning no part of the 1.25-inch pipes should be visible. The new part should form a double T -- long across the top with two legs facing the same direction.

6. Lay the piece flat on a work table so the legs are pointing towards you and drill a 1/4-inch hole through the exact point where the two T-joints meet.

7. Glue the 8-inch pipe onto the left side of the double T piece and glue a 2-inch pipe to the right side of the double T. On both ends, glue a 90-degree elbow joint that points towards the floor. From each elbow joint, glue a 5.5-inch pipe to form handles.

Attach Front to Back and Finishing

8. The shoulder mount can be used in professional and amateur applications.

Glue the front end to the shoulder bridge by gluing the legs of the double T onto the 1.25-inch pipes that were earlier applied to the shoulder bridge. Make sure that the 5.5-inch handles on the front end are facing downwards as well as the tail of the shoulder bridge. The T's from the front end and the shoulder bridge should now form a perfect square.

9. Paint the entire shoulder mount black and allow to dry. When dry, press a BMX handlebar grip onto each of the 5.5-inch handles of the shoulder mount. Wrap the high-density foam around the side bars of the shoulder bridge for padding.

10. Screw the bolt through the 1/4-inch hole in the front end so that the bolt head is on the bottom of the pipe. Use a wrench to secure the nut with a bolt as tightly as possible. This is where you will mount your camcorder using its tripod mount threading, located on the bottom of your camcorder.

Tags: shoulder bridge, 25-inch pipe, 25-inch pipes, shoulder mount, elbow joint

Wildview Game Camera Instructions

Wildview makes cameras specifically for hunters to track game in the woods. Like other scout or trail cameras, you attach it to a tree or other object, set it and leave it for a few days or weeks. It records animal images on a memory card when its motion sensor detects them moving. You can set it on a tree near a watering hole or stream to calculate the number of animals going there, day or night.

Basics

To set up the camera, make sure the power switch is off. Insert four "C" batteries. Insert the Secure Digital (SD) card in the slot and set the quality. The camera can take up to 3,328 images on a 2gb SD card in low-quality mode or 1,280 images on the same card in high-quality mode. It also has a 32mb built-in memory that can take 12 images in high quality or 33 images in low quality, according to the manufacturer. The company insists on alkaline batteries, or you can buy the 12V lead acid battery and plug it in for much longer duration shoots.

Preparation

The first time you set up the Wildview, there are several things you need to do. Some of these you may change as you gain experience with the camera. First, set the time between preset image firing. This is called the "time out" and has options ranging from 1 minute to 20 minutes. Next, determine the quality of the images. Since there images are not generally meant to be kept, you will get more use from lower-quality images because you will get more of them. So, set the resolution to low. Set the flash mode next, based on the lighting conditions in which you intend to shoot. "Auto" will let the camera choose to use the flash based on the light in the area at the time of exposure. "On" means the flash will fire every time the camera does. "Off" will prevent the flash from discharging. You also need to set the "Burst" mode to determine how many images will be shot each time the camera fires. You can choose one of three modes: single shot, double shot or triple shots. You also can choose AVI to allow the camera to take a video image for 10 seconds.

Location

When you have everything set with the camera, the last detail is to place the camera correctly for accurate information. It's a good idea to find a game trail leading to a watering hole or stream. A variety of animals will use the trail to quench their thirst. Don't aim the camera directly at the trail. Get it at about a 45-degree angle to the trail. This will give you the best chance of capturing game images that will, with the time stamp in the camera, allow you to know how many animals are in the area at any particular time, day or night.

Tags: camera take, hole stream, quality images, take images, time camera, watering hole, watering hole stream

Wide Angle Lens Tips

Most people tend to think that telephoto lenses are the most useful for photography, but the truth is, they have limited appeal unless you are shooting a sporting event or long-distance candids. Wide-angle lenses, however, open a new vista for the photographer, offering different perspectives on the world. Here are some tips for using them.

Basics

Wide-angle lenses have gotten wider over the years without the distortion previously typical of them. The Canon 8 mm fisheye lens once displayed in the Eastman Kodak museum in Rochester, New York, gave the photographer a very wide angle, but everything was distorted, rounded into semi-circles. The fisheye wide-angle lens has limited uses. Advances in optics took the standard wide-angle lens down from 28 mm to 24 mm, and now with digital, 10 mm to 18 mm are possible. Of course, that number is multiplied by 1.5 for most digital cameras, but that still means the widest lenses run from 15 mm to 27 mm without much, if any, distortion. The field of view allows you to gather all the members of a large family into one portrait and also allows stunning landscapes.

Perspectives

Wide-angle lenses appear to push everything back and away from the camera. Use this to gather more into the scene. Another technique is to place a person to one side of a stunning scene, with the majority of the frame filled by the main subject. For example, you can get a good perspective on the size of the Grand Canyon and add the feeling of contemplation by having a friend or even the tour guide on the right of the image with the expanse of the canyon itself spread out across the rest of the frame.

Different Angles

Get close and try different angles. For example, if you put the lens to its closest focus near a gravestone, that stone will appear huge with the rest of the cemetery behind it spreading back to infinity. Another idea is to turn the camera vertical. This turns the wide expanse into a vertical shot, such as at the base of the Empire State Building looking up. You also can set the wide-angle lens and shoot from the hip. With a focal length of 18 mm or smaller, just point the camera in the general direction of your subjects and shoot. This may seem simple, but it is a good way to capture unposed shots of people and to get a different perspective on your scenes.

Tags: wide-angle lens, Wide-angle lenses

Google'S Book Scanning Project

The Google Books Library Project is an effort by Google to create an online catalog of millions of books, many of which are copyrighted, by scanning them into a digital format that can be easily indexed and searched by people who could not otherwise find those books because many are out of print. The project created some controversy among publishers and authors, who feared their copyrighted works would be accessed without any compensation to those holding the rights.

Background

In late 2004, Google announced a new effort to partner with some of the largest university libraries in the world and create digital versions of millions of books. The company partnered with the university libraries of Harvard, Michigan and Stanford to scan copyright-protected books, while also working with the New York Public Library and Oxford University to scan "public domain" works that were no longer protected by copyright. In an August 2005 Associated Press article published by Wired Magazine, Google had positioned the project as an "altruistic endeavor" to allow people to access some of the rarest books in the collections of the largest libraries.

Controversy

Many publishers and authors opposed Google's book scanning project because they feared making digital versions of books available on the Internet would lead to unauthorized duplication and distribution. They also were fearful that Google would be able to generate advertising revenue through the index of books, without paying royalty fees to the publishers holding copyright. In addition, librarians were also concerned that Google would have too much control over materials that are a key part of libraries' collections.

Settlement

The Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers filed lawsuits against Google claiming that the book scanning project did not respect copyright owners' rights. In October 2008, the parties agreed to a settlement, which allowed Google to continue make the out-of-print books available online, both for reading and purchasing. Under the agreement, Google's book service is allowed to show up to 20 percent of a book's text at no charge to the service. The digital version of the entire book could be made available online for a fee. In addition, educational institutions and libraries could purchase subscriptions to access books. Google receives 37 percent of the revenue from the online book service, while 63 percent goes to authors and publishers.

Technology

According to an April 2009 article by National Public Radio, Google developed a scanning technology that allowed a digital scan of a book to be more accurate and cause less damage to the book. The technology involved an infrared camera that could discern the three-dimensional shape and angle of the book's pages when laid flat on the scanner. This replaced older solutions that used a glass plate to flatten each page of the book, or removing the book's binding.

Tags: available online, book scanning project, book service, books available, digital versions, Google would

Change Batteries In A Polaroid Impulse Camera

Revive your Polaroid Impulse camera with a fresh pack of film.

The Impulse, produced by Polaroid in 1988, is a plastic-bodied instant camera. Sporting a single element fixed-focus lens, the Impulse is ideal for the impulsive, spontaneous photographer. The Impulse can be found in several color schemes, including bright yellow, red and light gray with black accents. The camera's power source comes from the circular electronic contacts on type 600 film cartridges, so no additional batteries are required to use the Impulse.

Instructions

1. Push down the small release tab on the back of the camera to open the film door. Remove the old film pack from the film slot.

2. Remove the fresh 600 film pack from its silver outer wrapper. Hold the pack so that the circular electronic contacts face downward and insert it all the way into the film slot.

3. Close the film door securely. Once the door is closed, the camera will eject the black cover card from the top of the film pack to signal that it is ready to be used.

4. Power on the camera by pushing the flash release tab at the top of the camera. This will ready the pop-up flash and reveal the lens.

Tags: film pack, circular electronic, circular electronic contacts, electronic contacts, film door

Differences Between A Credit Card And A Smart Card

Note the differences between smart cards and credit cards.

Both smart cards and credit cards allow you to make everyday transactions. Smart cards have taken credit cards to a more secure level where theft of your information is difficult to accomplish. A common sight in Europe, the smart card is catching on around the world.

Smart Cards

Commonly used in Europe, smart cards are similar in appearance to credit cards. Smart cards store data on a chip inside the card. This chip is used to store everything from your bank account numbers to health-insurance information. Compared to a diskette, smart-card technology is secure, so theft of your information from a smart card is impossible. Because of the security benefits, smart card technology is becoming more prevalent.

Credit Cards

The magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card has your financial information accessible for transactions. This stripe technology is still considered the universal standard for identification purposes. No further information is accessible on your credit card except your credit card number. Your account information can be stolen from a credit card with equipment easily available for purchase by the general public.

Differences

Smart cards are more expensive than credit cards to produce, but your personal information is safer. Smart cards hold more than just your financial information and reduce the need for you to carry multiple cards. Your information is protected internally on the chip inside the smart card. Credit cards are easy to hack and only have your financial information on them. The information is inaccessible on credit cards when the magnetic stripe is demagnetized or damaged, which happens frequently because of the exposed position of the stripe. .

Tags: credit cards, smart card, credit card, financial information, Smart cards, your financial

Information On The Sony Mini Dvd Dcrhc52 Camcorder

The DCR-HC52 Handycam uses MiniDV tapes to record video.

The DCR-HC52 MiniDV Handycam is a camcorder released by Sony. The camcorder is noted for its compact size and its ability to be used for professional or personal filming. It is one of several Handycam products released by Sony. The Handycam products each differ in quality and appearance, giving the DCR-HC52 its own set of attributes and points of description.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the camcorder vary, depending on if you have the battery and tape in the device or not. With the tape and battery inside of the camcorder, the device weighs about 15 ounces. It weighs about 13 ounces without these items. With the battery in, the camcorder measures 2.5 inches by 3.375 inches by 4.625 inches. It measures 2.5 inches by 3.375 inches by 4.5 inches without the battery. The camcorder shares a similar size and weight with other products under the Handycam name.

Lens and Optics

The camcorder has a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. This lens is made specifically for compact camcorders to emulate the advantages of a larger lens. The camcorder's aperture ranges from f1.8 to f4, and its shutter speed ranges from 1/60 to 1/4000. The focus of the camcorder has both auto and manual capabilities. The actual focal distance of the device goes from 1.9 mm to 76 mm.

Recording Format

The camcorder uses MiniDV tapes to record video with recording and playback times measuring 60 minutes and 80 minutes for SP and 90 minutes and 120 minutes for LP. The Audio-Video Remote Terminal allows connection to other media, including capabilities for a S-Video connection. However, a cable for the S-Video connection is not included with the device.

Price and Support

Price varies on the product, with used or refurbished models being available for as low as about $150 to new models going up to about $440 in 2010. You can purchase the product at retail stores or on Sony's website. As well, Amazon and eBay have listings for the product. Support for Sony products are available on the company's site with warranty and troubleshooting information.

Reviews

ZDNet's product review section has the camcorder listed with a 7.2 out of 10 rating. ZDNet's score represents a weighted average of reviews from several other websites. Out of the criticisms listed, the camera is said to be capable and affordable, yet its MiniDV format is said to be nearing an outdated status. ZDNet also provides price comparisons through its interface.

Tags: inches inches, minutes minutes, about ounces, battery camcorder, Handycam products, inches inches inches, measures inches

Purchase Payperview Movies And Events On Dish Network Satellite Tv

Dish Network offers pay-per-view movies and shows. For those interested in high quality picture, pay-per-views are also available in HD, though it requires subscribers to have an HDTV, a DISH 500 system and a receiver capable of processing HD programs. Further, parents can guard pay-per-views from children by activating parental locks. Read the steps below to purchase a pay-per-view program.

Instructions> Pay-Per-View from the menu appearing below the company logo. Select an appropriate option from the resulting sub-menu.

3. Identify the program, movie, sports event or adult programming you want to watch.

4. Place an order by following any of these three methods: Call 1-877-DISH PPV (1-877-347-4778) and order the program to be watched.

5. Create an account on the Dish Network Web site and conveniently order pay-per-views online. Log in to your Dish Network account. Identify the program to be ordered. Enter your account number, associated telephone number and zip code.

6. Use the remote to order a pay-per-view. Ensure that a land-based telephone is always connected to your Dish Network receiver. Display the on-screen guide. Select the program to be ordered. Press Select on the remote and follow subsequent easy steps appearing on your television set.

Tags: Dish Network, Identify program, program ordered, your Dish, your Dish Network

Understand Standard Vs Widescreen Aspects Ratio Of Hdtv/Digital Tv

Aspect ratio is a critical part of your HDTV experience. Often, lack of knowledge in this area leads to poor viewing quality in spite of spending loads of money. Here we will help you understand standard vs. widescreen aspects ratio of HDTV.

Instructions

1. Understand the best aspect ratio for your screen. A 4:3 screen is best suited for standard programming while a 16:9 screen is best suited for wide screen programming.

2. Understand the concerns surrounding 4:3 screen. The common concerns with 4:3 screens are the letterboxing effect and a mismatch between the TV and video-source aspect ratio. The letterboxing effect referrs to the black bars appearing on the top and bottom of the screen when the image fails to fill the screen. Zooming the picture can solve this but it leads to a dip in the picture quality and also cut off the picture from the extreme left or right. The mismatch between a TV and video-source leads to the picture being vertically stretched. This problem can be solved by setting your TV type to 4:3 in the set-top-box. But due to this you may see black bars above and below the image. If your TV has the vertical compression feature, you can set your DVD to 16:9 which will give you a clearer and sharper picture.

3. Understand the concerns surrounding a 16:9 screen.

4. The first issue is the vertical letterboxing, where you have black bars on the left and right side of the screen. This can be solved by zooming the picture, but it will lead to the image being cut from the sides and the sharpness will decrease. Another solution is to readjust the TV's aspect ratio to full. This will fill the screen but the picture will be horizontally stretched. The third solution for the problem is to readjust the aspect ratio to the nonlinear stretch mode. Though it will fill the screen the image will be distorted from the sides and it will work well only on some TV sets.

5. The second issue is windowboxing, wherein black boxes appear on all four sides of the screen. This can be solved by using the zoom control, but will lead to a slightly hazy picture.

6. The third problem is letterboxing even on a wide screen. If a movie is filmed for ultra wide screen, even your wide screen TV may suffer from letterboxing. This can be solved by the zoom control with a little compromise on the image sharpness.

Tags: aspect ratio, wide screen, black bars, fill screen, This solved, best suited

Use Two 9volt Batteries In Parallel Or Series

9-volt batteries have protruding contacts, making wiring easy.

Wiring batteries together provides a quick way to create a power source for electric projects requiring non-standard energy levels. Wiring two 9-volt batteries in a series will result in an 18 volt battery. In fact, 9-volt batteries themselves contain six 1.5 volt batteries wired in a series inside them. The same effect also occurs when placing multiple batteries in a device. Wiring the two batteries in parallel instead will add their milliampere-hours together, sharing the load across both equally and extending their lifespan.

Instructions

1. Cut three strips of wire, one of appropriate length to reach between the two 9-volt batteries and two reaching from the batteries to your project. Strip off 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of each. You can also use three pre-cut jumper wires.

2. Wrap one end of a wire around the positive end of one 9-volt battery. Tighten the wire around the nub to keep it from falling off.

3. Attach the other end of the wire to the second 9-volt battery. For a parallel connection, wrap it onto the positive terminal on the second battery. To make a series, connect it to the negative end instead.

4. Connect one end of your second wire strip to the negative end on the 9-volt. Hook the final piece of wire to the remaining open terminal.

5. Take the loose ends of both wires and connect them to your project to power it up.

Tags: 9-volt batteries, 9-volt battery, wire around, Wiring batteries, your project

Change A Cybershot Camera To Sephia

You can apply sepia tone to a Cyber-shot picture using the self-timer.

The Cyber-shot series cameras feature an effects setting, which can make your pictures look like an antique photograph, called Sepia. The contrast effect is similar to that of a black and white photograph, except instead of the black is an aged-looking brown-gold. Though each Cyber-shot model contains this effect, different steps have to be followed with each model. Cyber-shot sepia effect access begins with the mode setting, as sepia can't be used with modes like "Automatic." The DSC-T1, DSC-S45 and DSC-T70 models contain a mode switch, a mode dial and a touch-screen mode selection respectively.

Instructions

Mode Switch (DSC-T1)

1. Set the "Mode Switch" on the right side of the Cyber-shot to either "Still Image" or "Movie" mode.

2. Push the "Menu" button on the back of the Cyber-shot to display the main menu.

3. Push the "Four-Way Navigator" button to the right or left to select "PFX" from the main menu.

4. Push the "Four-Way Navigator" button up or down to select "Sepia."

5. Frame the image in the LCD screen, push the "Shutter" button halfway down to automatically adjust the settings and fully depress the "Shutter" button to take the picture.

Mode Dial (DSC-S45)

6. Twist the "Mode" dial on top of the Cyber-shot to either "P," one of the scene selection modes or "Movie."

7. Press the "Menu" button on the back of the camera. The main menu appears.

8. Push the "Four-Way Navigator" button on the back of the camera to the right or left to select "PFX."

9. Push the Cyber-shot "Four-Way Navigator" button up or down to select "Sepia" and push "Menu" to exit.

10. Frame the image, push the "Shutter" button halfway down and fully depress the "Shutter" button.

Touch-Screen (DSC-T70)

11. Touch the "Home" icon on the touch screen on the back of the Cyber-shot with your finger, select "Shooting" and either "Program Auto" or "Movie Mode."

12. Touch the "Menu" icon. The main menu appears.

13. Touch "Color Mode" from the main menu options.

14. Select "Sepia" from the color mode options that appear and press "Menu" to exit.

15. Frame the image with the Cyber-shot, push the "Shutter" button halfway down and fully depress the "Shutter" button.

Tags: Shutter button, main menu, Four-Way Navigator, Four-Way Navigator button, Navigator button, button back

Build A Homemade Camera Flash

An electronic flash is a necessity when you are trying to shoot in dimly lit or dark places. You can make an electronic flash using parts taken out of a disposable camera and combining them with parts from a hobby store and hardware store. You will also need common hardware tools found around the house.

Instructions

1. Cover a table with newspaper for a work area, and use the jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screws from the disposable camera. Remove the battery compartment lid from the back of the disposable camera. Discard the battery.

2. Insert the screwdriver into the seam and separate the two shells of the disposable camera.

3. Remove the screws from the disposable camera's circuit board. Remove the screws from around the flash. Lift the circuit board and the flash out of the disposable camera and set them on the newspaper.

4. Touch the contacts of the capacitor on the circuit board with the tip of the screwdriver to discharge any electricity. Push down on the metal contact at the center of the circuit board. Solder the metal contact down.

5. Cut four sections of 6-inch electric wire with the wire cutters. Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires using the wire strippers.

6. Solder one end of each wire to each of the two contacts surrounding the metal contact that is now soldered down.

7. Place the circuit board on the perf board. Solder the sides of the circuit board onto the perf board.

8. Use the nibbling tool to cut the AA battery holder in half, so it holds one battery. Solder a free end of one of the two wires from the metal contact switch to the positive contact on the battery holder.

9. Solder the end of the other wire to the negative contact on the battery holder. Solder the other end to one of the two contacts on the bottom of the hot shoe plate adaptor.

10. Solder the free end of the other wire attached to the metal contact switch to the other contact at the bottom of the hot shoe plate adaptor.

11. Place the flash onto the perf board. Use bonding glue to set the flash onto the perf board. Let the bonding glue dry for at least a day.

12. Put a AA battery into the battery holder. Place the battery holder against the back of the perf board. Attach the battery holder to the perf board by wrapping the electrical tape around the two of them.

13. Place the battery pack against the side of the camera. Wrap the elastic strap around the side of the camera and the battery pack to secure them together.

14. Put the hot shoe plate adaptor into the hot shoe contact on the top of the camera. Aim the camera, take a picture and fire off the homemade flash you have made.

Tags: battery holder, circuit board, disposable camera, perf board, metal contact, onto perf, onto perf board

Troubleshoot & Repair A Sony Crt Tube Tv

As you learn troubleshoot and repair a Sony CRT tube TV, you can take care of minor problems on your own instead of calling in a pricey service person to fix it for you.

Instructions

Poor Picture Quality

1. Turn off all electrical devices or battery-operated devices operating near the television. Items such as fluorescent and halogen lights, battery-operated toys and even vacuum cleaners can create radio-frequency interference, decreasing the quality of your picture.

2. Press "Menu" on your Sony television remote control and select "Picture." Try to adjust the "Sharpness" and see if it helps clear up your picture. If that doesn't work, turn the "Digital Noise Reduction (DNR)" function to "On" and turn the "Digital Reality Creation (DRC)" feature to "On" or "Off."

3. Plug your television into a different surge protector or a different wall outlet to see if that fixes the problem. If your outlet doesn't have the proper voltage, it can cause a poor picture quality.

Low or No Audio

4. Check to see if your Sony CRG tube television is on "Mute." Press "Volume Up" on the Sony television remote control. This automatically takes your TV off "Mute" if that was the problem.

5. Locate the headset jack on your Sony CRT television--usually on the side or the front of the TV where the other control panel buttons are. If headphones are plugged into that outlet, it will prevent audio from coming through your television speakers. Unplug the headphones to fix the problem.

6. Press "Menu" on the remote control and access the "Audio" menu. Locate the "MTS Settings" and make sure it's set to "Stereo" or "Main."

7. Stay in the "Audio" menu and look for the "Simulated" effect. Turn it to "Off." Locate "Speakers" and make sure they're turned to "On."

Flashing "Standby" Light

8. Power off the television.

9. Reset the television when you unplug it from the surge protector or the wall outlet where it was plugged in.

10. Wait one minute.

11. Plug the television back into the same outlet or surge protector.

12. Turn on the television, and the "Standby" light should no longer flash.

Tags: remote control, surge protector, your Sony, Audio menu, make sure

Use A Manual Exposure Camera

Before everything was automatic, photographers had to work to take good photos. They had to determine how much light there was, how much movement was taking place and get the photos they wanted without the instant feedback of the little screen on the back of the camera--because it wasn't there. To really learn photography, as opposed to just taking pictures, a manual exposure camera is a great teacher.

Instructions

1. Get a hand-held light meter. If the camera doesn't have a built in meter---and most older ones, especially professional-level cameras, don't---a hand-held meter is invaluable. While it is possible to "guess" at your exposure if you have a lot of experience, the light meter will help you determine the correct aperture and shutter speed combination for most images with the turn of a dial.

2. Start with a simple scene without movement in it. You can get to that later when you're used to the camera. For example, go into your backyard with the camera---single-lens reflex, twin-lens reflex or rangefinder---and pick out a small tree of bush not that far from you. Put the camera on a tripod for these first experiments. Focus the lens on the tree. Set the light meter to the ISO speed (formerly, ASA or DIN) of the film you are using. These usually range from 25, 50, 125, 200, 400, 800 and 1,600. The film package will tell you what the speed is. Then, walk up to the tree with your light meter. Take light samples from the middle and sides. Get an average. The meter needle will swing to where its light sensitivity tells it to. Adjust the dial so it lines up with the needle. This will tell you what shutter speed and aperture opening you need.

3. Adjust the aperture ring on the lens according to the light meter reading. Then adjust the shutter speed dial. If the manual exposure camera does not have high enough shutter speeds---and many old cameras only have speeds up to 1/300th or 1/500th of a second---use the maximum shutter speed and adjust the aperture down. In other words, if the meter called for the aperture to be F11 at 1/1000th of a second, take the aperture down to F22 at 1/500th of second.

4. Take the photo. Then take another photo without moving the camera, but readjusting the aperture and shutter speeds up a notch or two, then down a notch or two. For example, if the meter-dictated exposure was F5.6 at 1/250th of a second, take another photo at F4 and 1/500th of a second. Then another at F8 and 1/125th of a second. Take notes about your settings. When the film is developed, you will be able to compare these photos side by side to see which gives you the effect you were looking for.

5. Try your photos with a fill flash. Clip a small strobe flash unit onto the camera if it has an accessory shoe. If it is a "hot" shoe, it will have a connection in it to make direct contact with the camera's workings. If it is not a "hot" shoe, connect the cord from the flash to the socket usually found on the front of the camera. Some cameras trip the flash only at one or two shutter speeds such as 1/125th or 1/500th. Others like the Hasselblad 500C allow flash sync on every setting. "Fill" flash is a small flash unit directly inline with the lens. They fill in some of the shadows at the front of an image.

Tags: light meter, shutter speed, 500th second, another photo, aperture down

Dismantle A Sony Ericsson C902

The C902 is a model of cellphone made by Sony Ericsson, a joint venture between the Japanese electronics company, Sony Corporation and Swedish telecommunications organization, Ericsson. The C902 has several removable parts and can be dismantled for long-term storage or shipping. This is useful if you no longer need the C902 but want to keep it in good condition or if you have sold the phone and need to send it to the new owner. This task can be completed in as little as five minutes.

Instructions

1. Switch off the Sony Ericsson C902 and remove the power cord.

2. Turn the phone over so the back is facing upward. Slide the back cover toward the top of the phone to disconnect it. Lift it off and set it aside.

3. Grip the top edge of the battery with a fingernail. Pry the battery out by lifting it upward. Set the battery aside.

4. Grip the edge of the SIM card that should be sticking out of the body of the phone. Pull it out and set it aside.

5. Lift the small plastic flap near the SIM card to reveal a memory card, if your phone has one. Slide a fingernail beneath the card to pry it out.

Tags: Ericsson C902, Sony Ericsson, aside Grip, aside Grip edge, Grip edge, Sony Ericsson C902

Different Types Of Polaroid Cameras

Polaroid cameras were popular with casual photographers because they made it easy and quick to see the developed picture. The invention of digital cameras has made it possible to instantly view and manipulate photographs, eliminating the advantages of instant film.

History

The first Polaroid camera was produced in 1947 and called the Model 95. The era of the instant film camera ended in February 2008, when Polaroid discontinued the production of film and closed several of its factories.

Function

Polaroid cameras use special film to create pictures that are developed instantly. Early models combined positive and negatives inside the camera, then applied a developing agent. Newer cameras like the Spectra and Captiva simplified the process by including the developer in the film.

Roll Film

The first Polaroid cameras used two rolls of film, one for the negative image and another for the positive and developing agent. The rolls were combined inside of the camera to create the final image. Roll film was used in the 95 series, 100 series, 800, 850, 900, J33, J66 and Swinger cameras.

Pack Film

Pack film cameras like the Model 3000, Big Shot and Square Shooter developed the picture outside of the camera. The film consisted of a positive and negative that are pressed together. After waiting several minutes to allow the two sides to combine, the top was peeled off to reveal the developed photograph.

Integral Film

The latest models of Polaroid cameras use integral film, which contains all the necessary developing agents. Photographs taken on integral film will develop on their own once they are ejected from the camera. The popular SX-70 was one of the first to use square integral film, with the 600 series, Spectra, Pronto and Captiva models following soon after.

Tags: Polaroid cameras, integral film, cameras like, developed picture, developing agent, first Polaroid

Where To Buy A Gps Tracking Device

GPS tracking devices are one of the most popular electronic gadgets on the market. They come built-in to some cars, or portable for use in any car. Portable GPS devices range from less than $100 to more than $500.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart stores offer more than150 GPS models, both in-store and online. The company's web site can tell you if the model you want is available at the store you shop at. Prices range from $81 for the Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS, to $525 for the waterproof Garmin zumo 450 GPS for Motorcycles.

Best Buy

Best Buy offers almost 70 models of GPS devices, many available only online. Prices start range from about $80 for a Nextar factory-refurbished M3-RE GPS system, to $1,400 for a Kenwood - In-Dash Satellite Radio/Apple® iPod-Ready CD/DVD Player/GPS Receiver.

Target Stores

Target stores have nearly 200 GPS devices, many available online with free shipping. Prices range from about $113 for a TomTom GPS Unit, to $613 for a Garmin Colorado Handheld GPS Unit. Online purchases are returnable at Target stores.

Radio Shack

Radio Shack sells GPS devices both new and refurbished, in-store and online. Prices range from about $55 for a refurbished TomTom® ONE 130 GPS Receiver, to $800 for a Garmin zūmo 660 Motorcycle GPS Receiver. Items bought online can be shipped to a store at no additional charge.

Tags: range from, from about, Prices range, Prices range from, range from about, devices many, devices many available

Make A Film Strip Image With Gimp Freeware

GIMP Image Editor

Make a Film Strip Image with GIMP Freeware. Adobe Photoshop is one of the world's most popular software programs but it is expensive and not affordable for the casual digital photographer. GIMP is a powerful image editing program available for free at http://www.gimp.org/. This is the second in a series of articles on this image editor. One of the cool new features of GIMP is that it allows you to easily combine multiple images into a film strip image. This can be a very effective way of presenting multiple images to the viewer.

Instructions

1. Start your computer and open GIMP. From the TOOLS frame, select open to view the open file menu. Hold down on the shift button and click on the images you want in your film strip.

2. Each file opens in its own window. If you select 5 images you will have five open windows. From any window, select FILTERS/COMBINE/FILM STRIP to open the control panel for this filter.

3. The image that you open the filter from will be in the ON FILM box, the other images will show as available images. Select the images you want on the film strip and click ADD. This will move the images from AVAILABLE to ON FILM. Any open image will show up as available. You can select the numbering, number color and location. You should also check FIT HEIGHT TO IMAGE if you have a mixture of horizontal and vertical images.

4. The final image is a combined image of in the form of a film strip. Notice the size of the image. It is quite large and if you plan to print the image you may need to print it in sections. .

Tags: film strip, Film Strip Image, images want, images will, Make Film, Make Film Strip, multiple images

Download Pictures From A Dvd

Downloading photos from a DVD allows you to easily share selected photos with family members and friends.

Downloading photos from a DVD to your computer allows you to share them with family and friends quickly, whether it be via email or viewed from your computer as a slideshow. Transferring them onto your computer also saves you time so that you do not have to insert and load the DVD each time you want to view the pictures stored on it.

Instructions

1. Create a new folder on your computer where you want to store the pictures you want to download. Keep this newly created folder open and accessible.

2. Place the DVD into your computer DVD drive. Unless you have configured your settings otherwise, once the DVD loads, a separate window will automatically pop up that asks you whether you want to listen to audio files or view the data contain on the disk, among other options. Scroll down and select the option to view files on the DVD. A folder containing all the pictures saved on the DVD will pop up.

3. Select or highlight the photos you want to download. Drag and drop all files into the folder you just created. Photos will automatically be saved in this folder and you can view, edit and share them at your leisure.

Tags: your computer, Downloading photos, Downloading photos from, from your, from your computer

Set The Proper Exposure With Studio Strobe Lighting

Setting exposure is critical to taking good pictures.

After you have set up and positioned your studio lights in the location you want, the next step is to set the exposure. Studio lights are powerful and depending on the type of lights you are using the amount of power they produce can be adjusted. Setting the exposure can be done using a hand-held flash meter that will give you an exact light reading. If you do not own a flash meter you can also set the exposure through test shots with your digital camera.

Instructions

1. Turn on the studio lights, set the main light to full power and set the two fill lights to half the power setting of the main light.

2. Position your subject or model and connect the flash sync cord to your digital camera.

3. Turn your digital camera on and set the ISO (light sensitivity) to its lowest setting. Depending on the camera you are using this step may be slightly different. On digital single lens reflex cameras you can do this by pressing the ISO button located either on the top or back of the camera and turning the dial located near the shutter release until the ISO number reaches its lowest point. Since studio lights put out so much power, you can use a low ISO and get pictures with a good color profile.

4. Set the exposure mode to "Manual" and set the shutter speed to 125th of a second. Set the aperture to f5.6.

5. Take a test picture and review the image on the rear LCD (liquid crystal display) screen on the back of the camera. Adjust the shutter speed and or aperture to improve the exposure. Most digital cameras have a maximum shutter flash sync speed of 250th of a second. This is the fastest setting you can set the camera to in order for it work correctly with the studio lights.

6. Take a second test shot, review the picture and make further adjustments. If your camera has a "Detail" setting in review mode for the LCD screen, turn this on. This will show potential blown out highlights in your picture, by having the blown highlights blink in the review screen. Adjust your exposure until these blown highlights are gone.

Tags: blown highlights, digital camera, your digital, your digital camera, back camera

Replace Car Speaker Wires

Over time, the speaker wires coming from a car's factory radio may chafe and short out or become disconnected, requiring complete replacement. Because speaker wire is not very expensive, the most challenging part about the job is the actual labor (and the difficulty level varies based on model).

Instructions

1. Remove the head unit from the dash. Depending on year and make of vehicle, this can be rather easy or extremely difficult. Sometimes the speaker wires going to the back of the radio can be accessed from underneath the dash, but this is not always the case. Whichever way you decide to access the wires, there will be connectors from the outlets on the head unit to the speaker wire going throughout the vehicle. Simply disconnect these terminals but do not remove the factory wire yet.

2. Attach the new speaker wire to the outputs coming from the back of the head unit. Then use the old, existing speaker wire as a guide to run the new wire so you know the best way to route it. Once the speaker wire has been fished through where the stock wire is, the original wire can be removed and discarded.

3. Install the wiring to the factory speakers. Once again, depending on the model, this can be easy or rather difficult. Most door speakers and rear deck speakers are accessible by removing four screws and the grille. Some, however, require removal of the entire door panel which can be difficult, especially on vehicles with power locks and windows. When the back of the speakers are accessed, simply remove the factory terminal connectors and replace them with the new wires.

Tags: speaker wire, head unit, coming from, remove factory

Focus With The Mll3

The ML-L3 can be used for taking self-portraits with your Nikon camera.

The ML-L3 is a remote control trigger for Nikon single-lens reflex cameras, such as the D70, D90, D5000 and D7000. The wireless device, which is small enough to cup in the palm of your hand, is also compatible with two CoolPix models, the P7000 and the P7100. The ML-L3 works from up to 16 feet away from the camera, and can be set to take the picture immediately or on a two-second delay. Set your camera to recognize the remote control through the self-timer option. The ML-L3 will correct the focus as it takes the picture.

Instructions

1. Pre-focus the picture when you aim the camera toward the subject to set up the image. Press the shutter button halfway down to engage the auto-focus system or use the manual focus option.

2. Move from behind the camera.

3. Aim the ML-L3 toward the front of the camera. This is where the remote's sensor is located.

4. Press the trigger button on the ML-L3. The signal will tell the camera to focus, set the exposure and take the picture.

Tags: camera ML-L3, remote control, take picture

The Advantages Of A Mbd80 Battery Grip

A battery grip enhances the performance of Nikon's D80 and D90 cameras.

The Nikon MB-D80 battery grip is an accessory designed specifically for the Nikon D80 and D90 digital SLR cameras. It plugs into the battery compartment, taking the place of a single rechargeable battery, and extends vertically beneath the camera. This genuine accessory enhances the functions of Nikon's advanced SLRs and is particularly useful for professional photographers.

Battery Life

The primary purpose of the MB-D80 battery grip is to extend the overall battery life of the camera. Instead of using a single battery installed in the camera's battery compartment, the battery grip allows two EN-EL3e or equivalent batteries to be used. This can double camera usage time in between battery changes. With two EN-EL3e batteries fitted, the D80 takes around 5,000 shots and the D90 around 8,400 shots.

Battery Types

The Nikon D80 and D90 require the use of EN-EL3e rechargeable batteries. Using the battery grip also allows six AA batteries to be used. This can be a useful backup solution if all other batteries have been exhausted. AA batteries are not an ideal replacement for EN-EL3e batteries because they have a lower capacity. They must be fitted using the MS-D200 adapter. EN-EL3a and EN-EL3 Li-ion batteries cannot be used in the MB-D80 battery grip.

Weight and Grip

Many photographers prefer to work with a heavier camera body, particularly when using larger zoom and telephoto lenses. The battery grip adds approximately 1 lb. of weight to a D80 or D90. The battery grip also adds greater surface area to the camera body and makes it easier to hold, especially when shooting in portrait mode.

Control

The battery grip includes a button that duplicates the functionality of the AE-L/AF-L button on the main camera button. On the D80, the button can be used for auto exposure lock or auto focus lock, depending on the camera settings. The D90 allows the button to be further customized with the custom settings a6 menu. Also included are a main command dial and sub-command dial. These are primarily fitted for ease of use when using the camera in portrait mode.

Considerations

It is recommended to always use genuine Nikon products with the D80 and D90 DSLRs. They are often more expensive but tend to be of better quality and performance. Third-party accessories and batteries can under-perform, can invalidate your camera's warranty, and may even be dangerous.

Tags: battery grip, MB-D80 battery, MB-D80 battery grip, around shots, batteries used, batteries used This, battery compartment

What Determines 3g Frequency In A Phone

The "3G" denotation in new phone indicates a "3rd generation" of wireless frequency abilities. A finite amount of wireless frequencies exist, which are leased by government to cell phone carriers for telephone and data use. Many factors will determine which of these frequencies a 3G phone uses.

Country of origin

The most important factor determining which 3G frequencies will be used is the country for which the phone was built. An iPhone purchase in and for the U.S. will operate in the 850 and 1900 MHz spectrums; the European iPhone 4, by contrast, operates on the 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz spectrums.

Carrier

Some carriers operate all over the world and thus many emphasize that their phones support frequencies that will meet those markets. T-Mobile, for example, is widely available in Europe as well as the U.S., and thus utilizes the 1700 MHz "AWS" as well as the 900 "GSM" spectrum. Phones made specifically for AT&T will likely support 700 MHz, as this company has purchased large amounts of frequencies in that spectrum.

Phone Manufacturer

Manufacturers of 3G phones often enter into deals with individual cellular companies. The iPhone, for example, was initially built exclusively for the AT&T network. AT&T updated its network in order to accommodate some of the more advanced feature requested by Apple, which makes the iPhone.

Tags: frequencies that

Problems Uploading Photos

Photo sharing on the web, much like video sharing, has become a very popular trend for people of all ages. It takes literally seconds to upload an image if it meets certain requirements. There are so many websites that allow you to create accounts and begin uploading photos to share with others. But if you run into problems, a few troubleshooting guidelines are all it takes to resolve many issues on your own.

Significance

People love to take pictures and share them with family and friends on social networking and photo sharing websites such as MySpace, Facebook and Flickr. While this is a good thing, it is important not to assume that any photo will be accepted for uploading. If your photo doesn't meet the requirements of a particular website, you will experience uploading errors. Understand simple uploading basics will help you resolve these problems when they arise.

Size

Different social networking and photo sharing websites have different specifications on the maximum photo size you can upload. Some websites allow you to upload photos up to 10MB in size, while others may allow you to upload up to 15 or 20MB. Flickr, for example, allows you to upload images less than 10MB on a free account and up to 20MB if you have a paid subscription. Photo size is associated with pixel size. An image with a ratio of 1024 pixels will generate a larger file size compared to a photo with 75 pixels. While some websites may accept large photos and compress them to standard sizes, others require you to resize the photo before uploading.

Format

Format and compatibility issues are one of the common problems that occur when you try to upload photos to websites. Not all photos are created equal. There are many image formats out there, such as JPEG, GIF, PNG and BMP, and all are used to display images in different color and depth settings. Some websites accept more image formats than others. The most common image format is JPEG, and it is generally accepted for upload.

Memory Problems

Always check the formatting on your memory card if you have trouble uploading from it. It's always important to verify that your computer is reading the card inserted in the camera as it is connected to the computer. It's also important to check the lock switch on the memory card and make sure it is set to "Disabled." If the lock switch is enabled, you will not be able to upload photos from your memory card. You should always refer to your camera's operating manual for the proper steps to upload photos to a website.

Solution

If your image does not meet the size and format requirements for a certain website, check out other options. If the website you are uploading to asks that you resize your image, consider using free image editing programs such as the Kodak EasyShare software, which allows you to crop images easily.

Tags: upload photos, memory card, allow upload, image formats, lock switch

Calibrate A Camera

Calibrating a digital camera allows the sensor within the camera to properly interpret color.

Digital camera sensors produce optimum color results under lighting conditions that match mid-day sunlight, but there is a big difference in the color of light from a sunny day, an overcast sky, an incandescent light bulb or fluorescent lights. Calibrating a camera, also known as adjusting the white balance, allows the camera to correctly interpret color and present it as the photographer expects. Using one of the camera's preset white balance settings allows the camera to approximate what is correct, but manually calibrating the camera results in a better match.

Instructions

1. Access the menu, which is viewable on the LCD. Find the manual white balance option within the white balance menu. Each camera manufacturer uses a slightly different menu, but all give quick access to the white balance controls. These are labeled manual white balance, custom white balance, one-touch white balance or something similar.

2. Select the manual white balance option to activate the option. You may need to select the option and select "OK" before the manual white balance capability is ready.

3. Place a standard gray card, which can be purchased at most photography supply stores, in the scene to be photographed. The light illuminating the gray card needs to be the same as the light falling upon the scene.

4. Aim the camera at the gray card. If you are using a zoom lens, fill the view finder with the gray card. If you are using a prime lens, move close enough to the gray card, so it fills the view finder. Check that there is no glare or shadow on the gray card.

5. Press the shutter release on the camera just as you would when taking a normal photograph. After releasing the shutter, you many need to select "OK" on the menu shown on the LCD . This is the white balance calibration shot. If you change location so that the light changes or if the light conditions change, you may need to take another calibration shot.

Tags: white balance, gray card, manual white, manual white balance, allows camera, balance option

Paint A Photography Studio

Use the right colors to help create the right atmosphere.

When it comes to painting a photography studio, the most important aspect is ensuring the color won't adversely impact your photos. There are different schools of thought for what color works best for optimum photographic work; some prefer black walls, some white, while others prefer a neutral gray wall color for their studio. The color you choose depends on a few considerations.

Instructions

1. Use paint with a matte finish. No matter what color you choose to paint your studio, the paint should be flat or matte (not gloss or high gloss) to avoid reflections and bouncing light.

2. You may want black paint for walls, floors and ceilings. All black surfaces in the studio will absorb the light and allow you to control and focus the light easier. Black walls are especially suited to darker, moodier photography.

3. Or you can select white paint for lighter, brighter photography. If your studio is dark and lighting is a problem, paint the walls, ceiling and floors white. White reflects the light and can help in a poorly lit studio. Keep in mind that it will make controlling your artificial lights more difficult.

4. Pick a neutral gray paint to strike balance between white and black. Gray paint is lighter, so its not as depressing as an all-black studio, but not as reflective as white. However, finding a "true" gray paint can be challenging. The paint can't have any blue, green, yellow or other colors mixed in it or it will add color casts to your photos.

5. Use a two-tone technique. Paint the ceiling and floor black and the walls white if you don't want to commit to all one color in the studio. The black will help defuse the light.

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Electron Microscope Safety

Great care should be taken while operating electron microscopes because these devices emit radiation. Electron microscopes utilize an electric field that accelerates electrons which let people visualize the magnified microscopic structures of matter.

Essentially, electron microscopes use electromagnets instead of lenses to form an image; electrons are utilized instead of light. People should not operate or perform maintenance on electron microscopes until they have been thoroughly trained to use the device and have been informed of the radiation involved with operating electron microscopes.

Benefits

Electron microscopes enjoy several benefits over traditional microscopes. Electron microscopes have a larger depth of field, allowing more of a specimen to be focused in on at one time, according to Purdue University. Higher resolutions are produced by electron microscopes than traditional light microscopes, allowing for much greater levels of magnification.

Modifications

An electron microscope should never be modified in any way by an inexperienced hand because it can pose a safety risk to the next operator. Shields and viewing ports need to remain unmodified to avoid the risk of accidentally exposing the operator to radiation. According to Harvard University, only certain organizations are qualified to make adjustments to electron microscopes if necessary.

Safety Devices

Certain safety devices need to be in place while an electron microscope is active or inactive. Fail-safe lights should be employed on all electron microscopes to indicate to the operator that x-ray production is taking place, according to Harvard University. Thin-window GM survey meters are used to verify the effectiveness of an electron microscope's shields by monitoring radiation levels. According to the University of Pennsylvania, warning labels should be clearly posted on and around electron microscopes informing users of the radiation involved in operating electron microscopes.

RPO

Personnel that have been exposed to the radiation emitted by electron microscopes should contact their local radiation expert organization immediately following an incident. These organization also approve electron microscope acquisitions and disposals and can provide current electron microscope radiation information and safety regulations.

Restrictions

If no qualified operator is near an electron microscope, no one else should be able to freely gain access to the electron microscope. The room housing an electron microscope should be securely locked if there is no qualified operator around. Shields should be secured in a fashion that makes them not readily removable. A log should be maintained, keeping a record of the times and dates that the electron microscope has been in use and by whom. It is also recommended that beam voltage be recorded along with the other information.

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Steady Cam Patent Information

A Steady Cam gives a camera operator the freedom to move while holding the camera stationary.

A Steady Cam, also known as a SteadiCam (R), is a piece of camera equipment used extensively in video and film production. It allows a filmmaker to move while shooting a scene by using a harness attached to a motion stabilizer and camera. An armature, or gimbal, on the device acts as a shock absorber, preventing the operator's body movements from shaking the camera.

Filings

According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, also known as the USPTO, one of the first patent filings for a Steady Cam type of device was by cinematographer Garrett W. Brown, of Philadelphia, PA, on September 16, 1974. The USPTO granted Brown patent number 4,017,168. Since then the USPTO has awarded Brown five more patents relating to camera stabilization systems.

Previous Patents

Garrett W. Brown, in his first patent application, referenced 54 previous patents relating to his Steady Cam, including ones for a camera supporting harness, a counterbalance for lamps and an antivibration support device for gear mounted on a helicopter. The attorneys representing Brown were from the law firm of Weiser, Stapler and Spivak.

New Developments

The patent application for the Steady Cam details new developments and why the invention was the first of its kind. In his summary, Brown describes how the device's components separate the operator's movements from the camera and make it appear the camera is floating in the air. The application goes on to state that the Steady Cam replaces other, more expensive methods of allowing the camera to move, such as an overhead dolly.

Components

The drawings submitted with the patent application show the three main elements of the Steady Cam: the camera, a remote-view finding system and the camera supporting apparatus. Also detailed in the drawings are all of the separate parts of the invention and how they work together to provide a stabilized mobile platform for a camera.

Uses

The patent application states the Steady Cam can be used for film, video and still photography. It also states the device has military applications, such as using it as a mobile operating stand to point laser weapons. Patents have also been awarded for a smaller version of the Steadicam(r) for use with home video camcorders.

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