Unboxing: Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS / IXUS 220HS

For about a year, I have been enjoying the ability to upload YouTube videos in high definition. Granted, I was recording in 720p, I was impressed with the quality of my Flip MinoHD. Alas, the time has come for me to desire more in a camera. My knowledge in photography/videography is constantly growing thanks to my major in Broadcasting and the Flip began to feel limiting.

Enter the Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS (aka the IXUS 220HS in UK/EU). This small yet powerful point-and-shoot packs full 1080p HD video as well as manual ISO, white balance and 5x optical zoom controls in video mode. This camera also offers autofocusing while shooting in high def. With this impressive feature set at the consumer price of $249.99, this will be the perfect camera for many YouTubers. This is my unboxing and some test footage of this little gem!



For my first test photos with this camera, visit Flickr.

Review: Klipsch Image S4i Earphones (Also Olympus PEN E-PL1 Video Test)

Some of the best In-Ear Headphones for the price ($99.95 USD). Cant go wrong with these bad boys, as they sound excellent with a nice, crisp overall sound with a very flat EQ. The flat EQ will allow the tremendous sound to carry over to all genres in your music library! Comes with some decent goodies, but maybe they could have included a couple more silicon tips (maybe even a set of foam tips). If you think these might be too fragile, I highly suggest going with the S5i Rugged model. Same great sound, much more durable hardware.
My Rating: 9.5/10
Check out Klipsch at http://klipsch.com
Also, how does the video quality look? This was my first video shot with the Olypmus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four-Thirds camera.

Apple iPad 2 Camera Quality Test & Photo Booth App Review

There were always whispers concerning the fact that the first generation iPad did not include a camera, while other competing tablets boasted two cameras. With the announcement of the iPad 2, Apple silenced the whispers about the iPad's lack of hardware as opposed to the competition. The iPad 2 feature's a front facing VGA quality camera, and a rear facing High Definition camera. It has become apparent that the camera quality of the "HD" camera isn't as great as the quality of the iPhone 4's HD camera. Nevertheless, it is an HD camera of 'noteworthy' quality (video below). 

In addition to the two new cameras for the iPad 2, Apple also unveiled their popular Photo Booth app that would be included in iOS 4.3. Photo Booth has been available for Mac's with iSight camera's for the past few years. With the addition of Photo Booth for the iPad 2, Apple continues to make a majority of their Apps universal between their Mac's and iOS devices. 

In these two videos, I provide a quick look at the video and audio quality of the iPad 2's front and rear facing camera's. As well as a review of the Photo Booth App included in the iPad's iOS 4.3 software.

Canon T3i Becomes Official

The Canon Rebel T2i was widely popular among that of consumerists showing up from camera bag to camera bag. Well the T2i successor, the Canon Rebel T3i is now official and it seems like Canon has gotten it right yet again. The camera carries almost all the sames features that the T2i had such as having the same sensor and video capabilities. But the price point is what really stands out bringing 60D ranged features inside of a $800 body.

The most notable addiction to the T3i is the devices 3-inch swivel out LCD display. This feature in itself makes a world of difference as I personally have known a bevy of people that originally purchased the Canon T2i, and sold the DSLR once the 60D was announced solely based on the cameras swivel display. Being a cinematographer and photographer myself I can tell you that awkward angles in many situations will lead to a better image, as long as you can actually view what you are capturing. Another feature added to the Canon T3i is the ability to digital zoom while shooting video. The T3i is the first Canon DSLR to bring digital zoom to the tablet, but personally I find this to be a feature that not many cinematographers find that handy, as digital zooming can hurt or in some cases damage the perspective of your video. But regardless the feature otherwise is nice to have in such situations where a little extension is just needed. As far as the photography aspect goes we see no improvement what so ever except for filter effects to add to your pictures (also found on 60D).

The overall package the T3i offers is rather humble. However it would not surprise me to see if the inter webs began going mad or criticizing the T3i, but in my opinion I recommend staying away. I will agree when people say that the T3i really only comes with one new feature and that its swivel LCD display, but in my opinion these writers don't necessarily understand that it is rare that we see an update come about to a DSLR within almost a year of its predecessor. If the T3i was announced in 2013 and featured theses updates yes I would be disappointed, but I don't find myself being disappointed right now. The T3i is really marketed towards those people that are purchasing a brand new DSLR or upgrading their beginner DSLR, and not for those that already own a T2i or a 60D. The T3i should be available in March and the DSLR will be available for purchase at the price of $800 with just a standard body, and $900 with a kit lens.  

What I'm Hoping to See on the iPad 2

The time is almost here for Apple’s latest product to be announced. In this case, the iPad 2, the 2nd generation of a revolutionary product Apple released just about a year ago. Though expectations are sky high, I would be happy to see just a few things added to the iPad 2 to make it a stellar device.

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