Digital Cameras What To Look For When You Buy

Writen by Thad Pickering

There is so much that you can do with compact digital cameras that you just couldn't do with film cameras, and the switchover from film to all digital photography is well underway. When you think of how easy it is these days to just snap a photo, save it on a reusable media card, transfer the file to your computer later that day, alter the photo as you like in your favorite photo editor, and then either print it out on photo paper or send it to your friends around the world, it's no wonder that digital cameras are all the rage. But before you buy a compact digital camera, here are some things to look for:

Probably the most important consideration these days regarding compact digital cameras is how many megapixels they have. Actually this is how most digital cameras are grouped these days, so you need to understand what this designation means. Basically, a megapixel is capable of storing a million bits of information about a photo. So the more megapixels you have the more information you are storing about every photo you shoot. So before buying any compact digital camera you need to decide how you intend to use it.

Will it mainly be used for just 4x6 snapshots? Will you be enlarging some up to 8x10 or even higher? Do you like to crop out a portion of the images in your photo editor and enlarge them? The answer to these questions will help determine what megapixel camera will suit you best. This is because most 3 megapixel cameras can produce enough information about a photo to print a sharp picture on up to 8x10 or so. So if all you do is take snapshots you really don't need to pay for any more megapixels. However, if you like to make enlargements beyond 8x10 or you like to enlarge just a portion of each photo, you will need more megapixels, perhaps 5 or 6. And for those who are dedicated hobbyists who may want to produce super enlargements, you might want to consider even larger megapixel cameras.

Another important consideration especially for compact digital cameras is their size. Just as the name suggests, they are very compact. There is even an ultra-compact digital camera category too. Initially it all sounds good to make cameras smaller and more lightweight, but sometimes it seems that the camera manufacturers have gone a bit too far with some models and the dials and controls are so tiny that they are hard to manipulate for some folks whose hands may be larger. So before you buy any compact digital camera be sure that you actually hold one in your hand and work with it for a while so you know that it will fit you personally.

Once you have hand tested the models that interest you most, you can then look for them online and often will save a lot of money that way. There are several good online electronics retailers that offer significant compact camera discounts. So shop around and look for those online retailers that have a good reputation and have been in business for a while to get your best compact digital camera deal.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including audio and video. You can find out more about digital camera best buys and cannon digital cameras by visiting our Home Theater website.

Setting Up Home Multimedia Systems

Writen by James Hunter

Integrated home systems may include all or any of the following:-

• Video sources to various rooms using display equipment from TFT, Plasma, Projection and PC connectivity.
• Audio distribution of CD based music, digital radio, digital TV broadcasts from terrestrial and satellite broadcasters, cable and increasingly over the internet.
• Data connections for the use of home networked computers access to the internet through broadband, ISDN and satellite Security control of cameras, recording devices and access control.
• Control of lighting, heating and other domestic services (cookers, washing machines and more)

The central core of any system is not the nature of the equipment used but how that equipment is connected to a central command and control centre. The cabling systems employed will determine whether future advances in technology are going to be available to the house owner without recourse to expensive re-wiring or installation of new control systems.

The first principle is to use a central hub and send a set of cables to each of the destinations – sending to a single destination and then looping or splicing to the next one brings into play a multitude of future problems of connectivity and reliability ; a single fault at any given point will affect everything further down that chain. A central hub ensures there is one point of reference for fault location and that each distribution point is not reliant on another's operation.

Video connectivity at a single point is often via scart, RF, DVi or similar connection. Using a central video source; be this DVD, satellite box or other video player, transmission via any of the above cables causes problems of bulk, cost and loss of signal over a long run. Video connectivity, when distributed throughout a single dwelling, is best served using high quality co-ax cable such as RG59/u runs as a composite signal. For the ultimate video connectivity, signals should be sent component (YUV) but this requires 3 cables to each point of use.

Data transmission for computer connectivity to the internet is best achieved using a Cat5e cable system back to a central router/hub. This enables all computers to share internet access for web, email and outside communications.

Telephone systems should also be connected using another Cat5e cable network which ensures systems are again routed back to a central point and then to the outside world.

Audio distribution from a central CD server to each room using digital cable running line level signals to local amplifier speakers will enable any one of 4 million channels to be selected: classical music for the parents, heavy rock to Kevin the Teenager and Steps to the Little Princess with good old Terry Wogan to the kitchen. Additionally it may be preferable to run the amplification centrally using a zone amplifier: this can then send the audio direct to the speakers at the desired destination.

Should you wish to distribute computer video signals this can be done using VGA cable which is bulky and expensive. However, connectivity may be better achieved using a Cat5e network which enables data and audio to be encoded and sent down a much thinner and cheaper cable to each destination point.

Fibre optics may be used but have serious cost implications and physically for multiple channels the cables have minimum bend radii which often are difficult to achieve in a domestic environment. The advantage is that future connectivity is assured, but will require third party trained personnel for set-up and maintenance thus adding to potential costs.

Wireless networks are feasible though despite claims to the contrary are not 100% secure so putting your security system or sensitive computer connection on a wireless connection may provide flexibility but does expose a weak link in the system which the determined could break into.

To provide maximum flexibility it is a good idea to run a cable from the central command point to each room where control is required for each of the following elements:-

• 1 x RG59/u for video - transmit
• 1 x RG59/u or 1 x Cat5e for video receive from security CCTV
• 1 x Cat5e for computer network
• 1 x cat5e for telephone (four lines possible per cable)
• 1 x cat5E as a control wire (increasingly this will become a common control protocol for lighting, heating and new equipment – fridges, cookers, washing machines will doubtless have PC chips within a few years, some already do)
• 1 x Cat5e for future expansion
• All cables to be bunched and sleeved enabling a single pull through at first fix
• Cables terminate in a recessed wall panel with the appropriate cable sockets.
• Cable runs to be pipe encased for future access.
• 1 x fish wire per run – separate to initial first fix bundle (enables future cables to be pulled through)
• In a two storey house cables are best run from ground floor to first floor and run through void between ground and first floor and then run up/ down walls to required points.
• Central command point should be located within the main fabric of the building this can be in a utility room, basement, a garage can be used but security may be an issue. With this infrastructure in place the system may then be added to and configured without limit to the number or type of devices used, providing the room in question does have a patch panel.

  James Hunter works for Status AV, one of the premier suppliers of audio visual equipment in the UK.

Top Rated Camcorders

Writen by Max Bellamy

Among the different models and formats of camcorders in the market, some models and formats are better than others. This is because as new technology is developed, camcorders are equipped with a number of features that allow for better recording, better resolution and easier editing. Among the current crop of camcorders, digital camcorders rate the best. However, there are many digital camcorders available and some are better than others. Among digital cameras, the mini digital video camcorders (Mini DV) are at the top of the list.

Mini DV camcorders have a number of advantages over some digital camcorders. One of the most obvious is these camcorders are very compact, making them more convenient to carry around. In addition, they have features that make the editing process easier and faster. Mini DV camcorders can be purchased from electronics stores, catalogs and online. Usually, they are sold by brand and according to r features that make it easier to search for one that fits your need and budget.

Among the different manufacturers of digital camcorders are Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. They offer some of the better mini DV camcorders, with Sony leading the market. Sony offers the best features at very affordable prices. Panasonic has great features, as well including three CCDs. Canon is also a popular brand offer similar features as those of Sony and Panasonic. Purchasing a camcorder from one of these companies will cost around $600 or more, depending on the features you select. The warranties on these brands is also quite comprehensive.

Camcorders provides detailed information on Camcorders, Digital Camcorders, Camcorder Batteries, DVD Camcorders and more. Camcorders is affiliated with DVD Digital Camcorders.