Change 8mm Film To A Cd

Old amateur 8mm film ran about 3 minutes per reel, so you can get a few reels on a CD. It is a bit time consuming, so unless you have a lot of 8mm films to transfer, you might want to consider having them transferred by a company. If you have many films to digitize, doing it yourself is the way to go.

Instructions

1. Set up the 8mm film projector in a room where you can make it really dark. A basement is a good place since you can block the windows relatively easily. Set up the digital video camera close to the plane of the lens of the projector and focus tightly on the area of the projected film to avoid difficult editing later.

2. Start the video camera, then start the projector. You probably will pick up sound from the projector as the film travels through it, but you can silence that later or keep it in for a nostalgic effect.

3. Open your software to edit video. This can be anything from top-of-the-line software you purchase to freeware. Plug the digital video camera into the computer. In the software, select the input from your camera and then use the "Capture" button to record the contents of the camera.

4. Save the digitized movie to your hard drive or to the external hard drive. In most software, this feature is called "Export." You can make it relatively universal if you export your films as QuickTime, if that option is available.

5. Start the compact disc burning software. Then, click, hold and drag the digital file of your movie into the window of the CD burning software. In some software, you can select "Video CD" as an option to add themes and playability. However, you can just burn your CD as a data CD. This will require clicking on each digitized movie to play it in your computer. If you use the "Video CD" option, you probably will be able to play your home movie CD on your DVD player.

Tags: video camera, burning software, camera then, digital video, digital video camera, digitized movie, hard drive

Care For Your Telescope

Be cautious when caring for your telescope. Cleaning the optics can do more damage than letting the dust sit on them.

Instructions

General Maintenance

1. Buy or make a hood to protect the telescope when not in use.

2. Keep the lens cap on when not in use. Make a lens cap for your eyepiece out of the top of a plastic film canister.

3. Store your telescope facing down to keep dust from collecting on the lenses.

4. Store extra eyepieces and lenses in sealed plastic bags or food containers.

5. Avoid touching the lens or mirrors with your fingers at all times. The dirt and oils from your skin can damage them.

6. Clean the touched surface as soon as possible if you did touch it.

7. Know that, unless done with extreme care and gentleness, cleaning lenses or mirrors often causes tiny scratches called sleeks.

Cleaning the Mirror

8. Remove any jewelry from your hands and arms.

9. Clean out the kitchen sink and place a towel on the bottom of it.

10. Fill the sink with lukewarm tap water and a little bit of detergent.

11. Place the mirror in the sink and swab it with sterile cotton.

12. Drain the sink.

13. Fill the sink with de-mineralized or distilled water and rinse the mirror.

14. Remove the mirror when rinsed and place it on a folded towel to the side of the sink. Let it air-dry completely.

Eyepieces and Accessories

15. Clean your eyepiece using a blower brush or a blower bulb.

16. Avoid air canisters or blowing dust off with your mouth. Both of these methods can put moisture on the glass.

17.Use the softest possible camel's hair brush with uncut bristles to brush dirt off the glass.

18. Store all accessories separately in sealed containers.

Tags: Fill sink, Fill sink with, from your, sink with, with your, your eyepiece, your telescope

Instructions For Magellan 800

Much like the Garmin or the TomTom, the Magellan 800 is a personal GPS navigation system for your car. It includes a full color touch screen, back lit menu buttons, a photo viewer and a music player. Using the Magellan 800 may seem complicated and intimidating due to its wide array of options and buttons; however standard navigation is a relatively straightforward procedure and is very similar to that of other personal GPS navigation systems.

Instructions

1. Push the "Reset" switch to the "1" position. The "Reset" switch is located on the top of the unit.

2. Press the "Power" button on the left side of the Magellan 800 and hold it for approximately one second to switch the unit on. Recognize the button by a symbol that looks like a circle with a vertical dash through it, above the button. Follow these same instructions to turn the Magellan 800 off.

3. Tap the yellow "OK" button on the screen. The "Quick Tips" screen will appear. Press the "Escape" button to skip this screen and arrive at the "Destination" screen or review the tips. The "Escape" button is to the bottom right of the circular "View" button on the right side of the Magellan 800.

4. Tap the "Select Address" option on the screen to enter the address of your destination. Tap "Search by City" and input the name of the city of your destination using the touch screen. Once you enter enough letters the Magellan 800 automatically pulls up and displays a list of cities. Tap the destination city and state option that matches your destination. The Magellan 800 will prompt you to enter more details about the destination such as the street address. Note that you can also choose to search for the destination by ZIP code, state or using a previous city. A route is calculated and a map screen will appear.

5. Mount the Magellan 800 holster to your windshield using the suction cup. Clip the Magellan 800 to the holster and plug the power cable into the back of the unit. Run the cable down and plug it into your cigarette lighter. Follow the directions on the Magellan 800 maps.

6. Zoom in and out on the map using the "+" and "-" buttons to the left of the circular "View" button.

7. Access the "Maneuver List" screen by pressing the "View" button. The "Maneuver List Screen" shows the route directions in a list-type format.

8. Access the "TrueView 3D" screen by pressing the "View" button twice on the map screen. The "TrueView 3D" screen shows three dimensional arrows on the map as you travel.

9. Press the "Escape" key any time while in one of the three main screens ("Map," "Maneuver List" or "TrueView 3D") to enter the "Cancel Guidance" screen. Here select "Route" to modify your route, "Yes" to cancel your route or "No" to exit the screen and return to your previous screen.

Tags: View button, Maneuver List, your destination, circular View, circular View button, Escape button

Hook Up A Philips Tv For Cable

Investing in a cable program can be very rewarding. You have access to more shows and movies, but it can also be very frustrating if you are a do-it-yourselfer and hit a snag. Hooking a Philips TV for cable is just a matter of plugging things in the correct spot. These simple instructions will ensure that whether you are connecting your Philips TV for the first time, or are simply moving your set to another cable link in the house, you will be up and running in no time.

Instructions

1. Determine whether the cable TV input into your home is a single cable, or a converter box installation. In either case, the connection to the television is the same. Put the threaded end of the cable into the television's antenna plug (most often found in the back, but can also be located on the side or the front). Screw the cable in until it's tight.

2. If your cable television signal is a single cable, then you are ready to connect directly to the input plug on the TV. This is often labeled as "Input" or "IN."

3. Connect the cable TV cable to the input plug on the TV. Set the TV for the type signal you just connected by using the "Tuner Mode Control." Use “Auto Program” feature to log only the channel numbers on your cable system.

4. If you have a cable converter box, connect the cable TV signal to the "IN" plug on the converter box.

5. Connect the OUT plug from the converter to the labelled input plug on the TV. Set the TV to a channel corresponding with the converter's CH 3/4 switch. This should be located on the back of the converter.

6. If you have double checked that everything corresponds correctly and the cable isn't working, contact your cable company. It may be that the signal is not coming through. Most companies will not charge to send an expert to check it out for you.

Tags: input plug, your cable, cable converter, cable input, single cable

Install An Equalizer To A Turntable

The red and white plugs connect the audio components.

An equalizer is a device that is used to adjust specific audio frequencies. For example, a basic equalizer could adjust bass and treble. Advanced equalizers can adjust precise frequencies, measured in Hz, or hertz. Installing an equalizer to a turntable takes only a few minutes to do and can be completed with a standard RCA audio cable. The equalizer can then be connected to an amplifier or receiver.

Instructions

1. Locate the "Audio Out" port on the back of the turntable. Plug in one end of the RCA audio cable into this port. Plug the red jack with the red plug and the white jack with the white plug.

2. Locate the "Audio In" port on the equalizer. Plug in the other end of the RCA audio cable into the equalizer. Plug the red jack with the red plug and the white jack with the white plug.

3. Connect other components like the amplifier/receiver and speakers. Plug in and turn on the components. Test the equalizer.

Tags: jack with, audio cable, with white plug, amplifier receiver, audio cable into, Audio port, cable into

Cd Deck With Bluetooth Technology

A CD deck with Bluetooth functionality is able to interface with other devices to provide an assortment of wireless functions, including hands-free calling and remote control features. Bluetooth is more commonly found on other types of electronics devices, including mobile phones and personal computers, each of which can interact with a CD deck that contains Bluetooth functionality.

Phone Calling

CD decks that feature Bluetooth technology, such as the Clarion CZ501, interact with phones that contain the same Bluetooth profiles, or modes, as the CD deck. For instance, the CZ501 comes with the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile, which allows you to place and receive phone calls through your mobile phone. While using the CD deck for this purpose, you listen to your calls through the unit and your car's speaker system. The deck also features the Bluetooth Headset Profile, which offers the same function as the HFP, but through a wireless headset instead.

Playback

A CD deck that features the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and the Audio/Video Remote Control Profile, such as the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X995, allows peripheral devices to operate the unit. The A2DP profile gives you the ability to stream audio files contained on a computer or mobile phone through the CD deck and its speaker system. The AVRCP allows you to control the CD deck's playback with a variety of standard playback controls, including play, skip and pause.

Bluetooth Technology

Any device that interacts with a CD deck with Bluetooth needs to have the same profiles installed to properly interface with the unit. Bluetooth technology transmits data between devices on the 2.4 GHz radio frequency for up to 164 feet. Although it uses the same radio frequency as Wi-Fi technology, Bluetooth technology is designed to coexist with Wi-Fi transmissions, not interfere with them. Devices that contain Bluetooth do so with a small microchip that is built into the device and can't be added after the device is purchased.

Miscellaneous Info

Bluetooth devices, such as a CD deck, that link to other devices form what's known as a personal area network. Bluetooth technology was invented by Ericsson in 1994 and, at the time of publication, is a collaborative effort among an assortment of electronics companies that form the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. All Bluetooth technology is produced to the same standards, making it compatible with all devices that contain the same profile. Bluetooth technology traces its roots back to radio technology developed during the 1940s and is named after the 10th century Danish monarch, King Harald Blatand, whose last name translates to Bluetooth in English.

Tags: Bluetooth technology, deck that, features Bluetooth, that contain, with Bluetooth, Bluetooth functionality

Comparison Of Nikon F4 To Nikon F5 Cameras

Many professional photographer shot with the Nikon F4 and Nikon F5 in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Nikon F4 and Nikon F5 are both professional-grade single-lens reflex cameras that shoot pictures on 35mm film. The F4, introduced in 1988, is credited with being the first professional-grade SLR camera with an autofocus system and a built-in motor drive to advance the film. The F5, which went into production some 11 years later, has generally similar features housed in a larger, tougher body.

Size and Weight

By 2011 standards, the Nikon F4 is a bulky, heavy camera. With the smallest battery pack available, Battery Pack MB-20, the camera is 6.7 inches wide, 4.7 inches tall and 3 inches deep. It weighs 38.4 oz. That's before you put a lens on the camera, which could add several more pounds. The Nikon F5 is even larger. It is 6.2 inches wide by 5.9 inches tall and 3.1 inches wide and weighs 42.7 oz.

Lenses

Both cameras are compatible with nearly all of Nikon's F mount-style lenses. Both offer an autofocus system, although the F5 uses five senors to track moving subjects while the F4 uses only one and is much slower. The cameras use the Matrix light metering -- a system developed for Nikon that measured exposure instead of light by taking reading at various zones in the frame. The F5's Matrix system uses newer technology and is considered by experts to be better.

Film

The F4 and F5 can shoot with any type of 35mm film. Both cameras contain a built-in motor drive with an automatic film advance when loading and unloading. Both can rewind film automatically or manually. Both can advance film one shot at a time or in continuous shooting modes. At eight frames per second, the F5 can shoot faster than the F4, which tops out at 5.7 frames per second.

Shooting Specifications

Both the F4 and F5 operate in automatic and manual modes. Unlike digital cameras of 2011, they lack programmed shooting modes customizing the a camera's settings for portraits, landscapes and sports. Both offer the four basic modes: fully automatic, aperture priority (user selects aperture setting and the camera sets corresponding shutter speed), shutter priority (user chooses the shutter speed and the camera sets aperture) and fully manual. Both require AA batteries to power the motor drive and other electronics. The F4 needs six while the F5 uses eight.

Tags: inches wide, motor drive, Nikon Nikon, 35mm film, advance film

Trac Phone Work

How Trac Phones Get a Signal

Cell phones work by picking up a signal from the nearest cellular tower. This is what we typically refer to as "having service." The closer you are to the tower or the stronger the strength of the signal, the better service the phone will have. Most phones pick up cellular signals only from the towers that are provided by the service on which they are registered. For example, a Verizon phone will pick up signals from Verizon towers, while a T-Mobile phone will recognize signals from T-Mobile towers. This means that if you have a Verizon phone in an area without Verizon towers, the phone will not pick up service in these areas, unless your phone plan offers roaming charges, which are usually quite expensive. Trac phones are unlike other cell phones because they are programmed to pick up service from any cellular tower with an available signal. This means they are capable of having service where other phones may not.

How Trac Phone Contracts Work

When you purchase a Trac phone, you buy service for a certain amount of time, such as a year or two years. Typically you pay once for a service contract, which enables the Trac phone to recognize cellular service from any given cell tower. Often, the Trac phone provider will offer a certain amount of "units" in conjunction with an airtime, or service, purchase. However, you are free to purchase any amount of units in addition to what is offered as a bonus for purchasing or renewing service time. It is important to select your "home calling area," which should be the area where you expect to make the most calls. The units of time that are purchased and put onto the Trac phone will not expire, as long as you remember to renew your service agreement.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trac Phones

Trac phones may or may not be the most affordable and dependable option depending on your lifestyle in regard to how much you use or need a cell phone overall, the frequency that you travel significant distances, and other factors. It is important to take into consideration that "units" are different than minutes. In your "home calling" area, each minute uses up one unit of time; however, if you are out of this area, each minute uses two units of time. Then again, it can be reassuring to have a Trac phone that will get service in a remote area if you are lost. Evaluating the best cell phone option for your lifestyle is ultimately your responsibility; however, many people choose to have "emergency" Trac phones. These can be kept in your car or suitcase when traveling and used in areas where other cell phones will not work. This way, if you don't use the phone on a frequent basis, you will rarely need to purchase additional units of time--all you need to do is renew the service agreement.

Tags: phone will, Trac phone, Trac phones, amount units, area each, area each minute

Calibrate Your Dlp Projector Tv Yourself

Digital Light Processing is the technology used in rear projection televisions. As is the case with most television sets, DLP TVs usually require that the settings be calibrated to achieve the best picture quality. Calibration does not require the help of a professional, because the best settings can only be found through trial and error. To calibrate your DLP projection TV yourself, you'll need to access the Settings menu on your TV.

Instructions

1. Turn on your TV. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control and then select "Settings" from the main menu.

2. Choose the "Picture" menu to begin calibrating your DLP TV's picture. The option names in this menu may vary by TV manufacturer but their functions will be the same.

3. Select the "Brightness" setting and move the slider left or right to adjust the black level of the picture. Select "Backlight" and move the slider to adjust the screen's backlight level.

4. Select "Contrast" to adjust the white level of the picture. Select "Color" to adjust the color levels in the picture.

5. Select "Sharpness" to increase or decrease the sharpness of the picture. When you are satisfied with the picture setup, press the "Exit" button on your remote control to save your calibration settings and close the menu.

Tags: picture Select, level picture, level picture Select, move slider, remote control

Calibrate Your Digital Camera In Adobe Camera Raw

Calibrate Your Digital Camera in Adobe Camera Raw

The Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) plug-in for Photoshop and Lightroom uses camera profiles based on only one or two cameras of a given model. You can assume that your camera has the same color characteristics as the camera used to set the ACR profile. Or you can profile your own camera for outdoor and studio conditions and potentially see noticeable improvement in colors. New software tools make this a straightforward task.

Instructions

1. Install the current Adobe Camera Raw for your version of Photoshop. (The directions here are for use with Photoshop CS3 or CS4. If you use CS2, refer to the Chromoholics calibration system noted in Step 7.) For Photoshop CS3, you should have ACR 4.5/6; for Photoshop CS4, get ACR 5.x. Both can be downloaded at the Adobe site (http://www.adobe.com). Also download and install the Digital Negative (DNG) Profile Editor, available at the Adobe site. This is the program you'll use to make the profile for your camera.

Get a Gretag Macbeth Colorchecker Color Rendition Chart: $59 at B&H; $58 at Amazon. To make a calibration profile for your camera, you'll make a RAW photograph of the Colorchecker chart and then use the DNG Profile Editor to create your new profile. You may be able to borrow a Colorchecker chart from a local photographer or print shop.

2. Photograph the Colorchecker chart as a RAW file. For outdoor lighting, choose a sunny day, and position the chart with the sun approximately 45 degrees to the surface of the chart. A black background surrounding the chart will help reduce flare. For studio lighting, set up a standard copy shot (i.e., light heads on either side of the chart at a 45-degree angle). Bracket your exposures to get an image with all chart color patches well exposed.

3. Transfer your RAW file from your camera to your computer. You'll need to convert the image of the Colorchecker chart to DNG before you can use it with the Profile Editor. Open the Colorchecker chart in Adobe Bridge, use "Save Image" in the lower left-hand corner to save it as a DNG file. Or download the Adobe DNG Converter at http://www.adobe.com/products/dng/. Install the converter, then convert your Colorchecker chart to DNG.

4. Launch the DNG Profile Editor and choose File>Open DNG Image, then open your Colorchecker.DNG file. On the Profile Editor tabs, choose Chart (the far-right tab). Four small circles will appear on the image of your Colorchecker chart. Move each to the center of the four corner squares in the Colorchecker image: brown, teal, black and white.

5. Leave the pull-down menu in the center of the Chart tab at "Both color tables." Click the Create Color Table button at the bottom of the screen. You will receive a message indicating the color table was successfully created. Click "OK." This saves what Adobe refers to as a "Recipe." You can tweak your color table to accentuate various colors before you create your new camera profile.

6. Choose File>Export> and save it to your hard drive in the Camera Raw>CameraProfiles folder. Close and then re-open Bridge and Photoshop. You'll find the new calibration profile listed on the "Camera Profile" drop-down when you click the "Camera Calibration" tab under the histogram. Choosing your new profile will cause ACR to use your new color table when importing RAW images.

Tags: Colorchecker chart, your camera, Profile Editor, Adobe Camera, Camera Adobe, Camera Adobe Camera

Replace A Zune Plug

Microsoft's Zune is one of the most popular MP3 players on the market. The Zune comes with a USB plug and an AC adapter, both of which are prone to getting lost or damaged. To replace a Zune plug, don't go to the Zune website. Zune.net does feature all of the accessories with product prices, but you won't be able to purchase them there and there is no information as to where or purchase them. You can do a quick search for Zune plugs and come up with several websites offering accessories for sale, but to save money it is best to go straight to the source to replace your Zune plug.

Instructions

1. Go to the Microsoft Store (see link in Resources).

2. Click on the "Accessories" tab.

3. Select "Music Accessories."

4. Click on the picture of the plug you want. The site has AC adapters as well as USB plugs. You will also see the price underneath the picture of each product.

5. Select the "Add to Cart" button.

6. Choose your shipping option (UPS Ground, Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air). Then click the "Checkout Now" button and fill in your address and credit card information.

Tags: purchase them, Zune plug

Counter Surveillance Training

Bodyguards must train in counter-surveillance techniques.

Security vendors sell a vast range of counter-surveillance devices for detecting audio bugs, hidden cameras, and other forms of high-tech espionage. However, no matter how sophisticated the technology, these tools possess little value without proper training on their use. Counter-surveillance training courses often specialize in specific kinds of operations (e.g., anti-terrorism, law enforcement, private eye) so the discriminating security officer will have little trouble finding a suitable facility for his line of work.

Mobile and Stationary Counter Surveillance (Crisis Response International)

Based upon the techniques used by Israeli Special Forces, Crisis Response International offers a four-day surveillance and counter-surveillance courses for military personnel, private investigators and civilian security contractors to learn methods of mobile and stationary counter-surveillance. Instruction includes use of cover, covert and overt counter-surveillance deterrence, lose physical tails and recognize surveillance teams. NOTE: Enrollees will be subject to background checks; anyone convicted of domestic violence (misdemeanor or felony) will be automatically disqualified.

Crisis Response International

Las Vegas, Nevada

800-631-8191

critraining.com

Counter-Surveillance in High-threat Areas (Global Assets TAC Group)

Global Assets offers three- and five-day training courses in surveillance and counter-surveillance. Instructors are veteran law enforcement and military operators who have conducted operations in high threat areas. Training is designed to teach essential physical skills required by individual operators and/or his team to detect surveillance on long- and short-term missions. Prerequisites for this course include a valid driver's license and a basic understanding of firearms usage.

Global Assets TAC Group

P.O. Box 751864

Las Vegas, NV 89136-1684

702-838-3002

globalassetstacgroup.com

Identification of Surveillance Agents (International Security Instructors)

International Security Instructors trains enrollees in identify surveillance operations and personnel. Former government, military, police surveillance instructors teach the course. While their headquarters are in New Jersey, training sessions can be hosted anywhere in the United States. Further, they are able to combine and modify courses based on the specific needs of your group (e.g., military, law enforcement or civilian protection). This course is intended solely for law enforcement officers. Employment verification is required.

International Security Instructors Team

P.O. Box 4027

River Edge, NJ 07661

201-310-6707

isi-team.com

Counter-surveillance for Bodyguards (ISS Training LTD)

This British firm offers a three-day course in training bodyguards on spot counter-surveillance threats against their "principal" (usually a famous, wealthy, or politically important figure). Though the public generally views bodyguards as the guys who protect their bosses against gunfire and physical assault, a large part of their work involves detecting surveillance that may be used in gathering intelligence to carry out kidnapping and assassination attempts. Successful trainees will be able to execute overt and covert operations for evading, deterring or gathering intelligence on sophisticated surveillance teams.

ISS Training Limited

Riverside Cottages

Nidd Walk

Pateley Bridge

Harrogate

HG3 5NA

United Kingdom

011-44-1423-712265

intelsecurity.co.uk

Stalker and Paparazzi Counter-surveillance (Icon Services Corporation)

For those who are protecting celebrity and VIP principals, physical assault is only one concern. They also must be well-versed in stalker and paparazzi detection. Icon Services Corporation offers a five-day course on detecting stalkers and paparazzi in business, celebrity and high-profile VIP industry sectors. Topics include stalker pattern recognition, covert methods to detect surveillance, covert protection methodologies and case studies.

Icon Services Corporation

1043 Grand Avenue

Suite 312

Saint Paul, MN 55105

651-695-8778

industry-icon.com

Tags: Crisis Response, Crisis Response International, Global Assets, Icon Services, Icon Services Corporation, International Security, International Security Instructors

Use Canon Xh A1 Headphones

The Canon XH-A1 Video Camera

Headphone use is not difficult with the Canon XH-A1, but knowing when to use them can save your sound. Here are a few pointers on using headphones with the Canon XH-A1 camera.

Instructions

1. Choose headphones that are appropriate for this use. Use only "studio monitor" style headphones that have pads designed to completely surround the ear. Do not use "walkman" style headphones that simply sit over the surface of the ear or ear buds that are inserted into the ear.

2. Plug the headphones into the headphone terminal located at the rear of the camera to the right of the battery compartment.

3. Use headphones any time you are adjusting audio levels or performing a sound test. The camera's indicators may not tell you when sound is being distorted, so you need to have the headphones on to test sound levels.

4. If needed for mobility (such as a boom operator holding a mic while using headphones) attach a cable of 2 m or less (6 feet). The total length of cable including the headphone's own cable and any extension cable should not exceed 3 m (around 9 feet).

Tags: Canon XH-A1, headphones that, style headphones, style headphones that, using headphones, with Canon

Camera Prisms

About Camera Prisms

Do you ever wonder what makes a camera work? It seems simple enough to look through the lens, point and click, but very few of us ever take the time to figure out what enables the camera to take a photograph.

Without camera prisms, taking pictures would be virtually impossible. They are the reason that cameras function the way they do.

The prism is a part of what makes the SLR camera, or the single lens reflex camera, work. An automatic mirror system that is capable of moving is used in the SLR camera. This component allows the person taking the photograph to see what she will be capturing on film.

History

The obscura camera was the first camera, developed somewhere between 390 and 470 B.C. Though the obscura may sound like a fancy type of camera, it was actually just a completely dark room. These "cameras" could be as big as a house or as tiny as a box. The inside of the camera was as follows: One wall had a tiny hole through which light was filtered in, and the wall opposite of this was completely blank.

As the light entered the tiny hole, an image of what was outside the box would appear on the blank wall. Because there was no film at this time, an artist would transfer the image onto a piece of paper by tracing it. Interestingly, the image would always appear upside down.

Function

The pinhole camera works the same way, only instead of an artist having to trace the image onto a piece of paper, the "blank wall" is now the film. The film contains chemicals that are light-sensitive and react to light. Once the reaction occurs, a negative that can later be turned into an actual photograph is created.

As time went on and cameras became more advanced, the mirror system was added in an effort to reverse the image before it ever reached the film, so that the images would not be upside down anymore. Also, lenses were added to create clearer images and to concentrate the light entering the camera. The amount of light that entered the camera was controlled by shutters. A photographer could also get a more accurate preview of the subject matter he was about to photograph by looking through the viewfinder, which also became more advanced but still served the same purpose.

Identification

The viewfinder is found on or in the camera and enables the photographer to look through it so he can focus on the subject that he wants to photograph. Though using the viewfinder works fine for subject matter that is in mid-range, taking photos from long distances or at close range can be a little more challenging.

Sometimes what the photographer will see through the viewfinder and what the camera actually photographs will turn out a little different. The internal camera prism located in the SLR camera is supposed to solve this problem, giving the photographer accurate results when taking photographs.

Effects

In order to change the direction of (or refract) light, the prism has a highly polished side. The prism is also transparent. Though most of us have heard of prisms shaped like triangles, which separate white light and turn them into a a variety of colored light, or a rainbow, prisms come in all sizes and shapes.

Roof pentaprisms are the prisms that are created inside the camera. These types of prisms are capable of changing light from left to right. The roof pentaprism is a very important part of the SLR.

Significance

Once light enters the lens in front of the camera, it will travel toward the back of the camera. A mirror, which is in place at a 90-degree angle, will reflect the light before it reaches the back of the camera. This will enable the light to point toward the camera's top. Before hitting the camera's prism, the light will have to go through a condenser lens and a filter screen.

Once the light makes contact with the prism, it is refracted down toward the front of the camera at a 45-degree angle. It then hits yet another prism and the light's direction is changed once more; it is now directed toward the back of the camera and will then go through the viewfinder.

This process allows the photographer to see the image he is looking at as it appears through the camera. In order to allow light to strike the back of the camera, the mirror is automatically moved. Incidentally, the back of the camera is where the film is kept. This is how a picture is made.

Tags: back camera, through viewfinder, back camera mirror, became more, became more advanced

The Advantages Of A Full Frame Camera

Digital SLR cameras have caught up to their film progenitors.

Most of the people in the world tote a camera around to note interesting events, preserve cherished memories and share daily activities with friends through social media. To the minority, though, photography is an art and a business. The world changed dramatically with the advent of digital cameras, and at first, that change was not for the better. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras have finally caught up to the capability of the tried and tested 35mm film cameras, and full frame capability is what pushed it over the top.

Resolution

Larger sensors pack more pixels into an image. While the additional pixels are hardly noticeable for snapshots printed at standard sizes, the difference for large format prints or wide angles is dramatic.

Sharpness

More pixels on a larger sensor allow it to capture more light, which results in higher contrast values and better color representation. What the eye perceives as sharpness is really just the contrast between one pixel or field of pixels and the one next to it. Higher contrast values create that division resulting in an image with more depth and greater detail.

Field

A full-frame sensor captures a wider field of view than smaller sensors. Attaching a wide-angle lens, such as a 14mm, to a camera with a sensor that is not full frame results in a pixel view that is smaller by an order of magnitude equal to the difference in size. This yields a crop factor amounting to an image that is 1.5 to 2 times more narrow than the full capability of the lens.

Noise

Because of the increase in pixel size and number, and the resultant boost in light absorbed, full-frame cameras depict less noise at higher ISO sensitivity than their small-sensor cousins. ISO ratings are a measure of the sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher settings (up to 3,200 or more on expensive cameras) increase the output of the sensor, which means it requires less light to produce an image but the amplified output also increases "noise." Full-frame cameras capture more light, so pictures taken at higher ISO ratings suffer from fewer digital artifacts (what would be "grain" in a film camera image) and aberrations.

Tags: cameras have, capture more, capture more light, contrast values, full frame, more light

Buy Your First Set Of Dj Equipment

Soundboard

We all have watched our share of DJs and wished we could be them. In all honesty, it's really not that hard of a field to start out in. All you need is the right sound and lighting equipment and some good promotion, and you too can be DJing parties of your own.

Instructions

Buy Your First Set of DJ Equipment

1. Your first step is to sit down and make a plan. What is your budget? What kind of gigs do you want to do? How much room do you have to store and transport your equipment? These are all crucial questions to ask yourself before going shopping for DJ equipment/

2. Research your audio equipment. You can't get a party started without music, right? Well, there is definitely a certain level of sound equipment that you need to have to function as a DJ. The equipment you cannot live without includes at least one set of speakers, a set of subs, a CD player (preferably with dual CD drives), RCA cables, a microphone, microphone cables, an amplifier, a small soundboard and headphones. You can get out cheaply at around $3,000, but I would recommend investing at least $5,000 to get semi-quality speakers and subs. The more money you spend, the more professional your system will sound. The more professional you come across as being, the more gigs you will get.

3. Buy some turntables. You can operate without these, but you really can't be called a DJ unless you can operate some turntables. A beginner's set will cost you about $1,000.

4. Research stage and effect lighting. A DJ is nothing is he's unable to create an atmosphere to accompany his sound. A basic lighting setup will include: a lighting control board, dimmers, at least eight par can fixtures, two tree stands and four DMX effect lights. Effect lights can include moon flowers, strobes, intelligent lighting or lasers. You simply must invest in a hazer; not a fogger, but a hazer. A hazer will create a thin haze throughout your venue that will reflect your lighting and create an incredible effect. If you have the money, invest in DMX lighting for both your pars and moving head fixtures. DMX lighting will give you the ability to do color changes, movement and effect lighting at the touch of a button. It will also turn your light show from adequate to "wow."

5. Buy your equipment. Now that you have done all of your pricing research, decide what you can live with (and what you can live without). Make sure that you get all the basics; then, if there is anything left over in your budget, apply it toward equipment upgrades. Again, the higher quality equipment you purchase, the better show you can put on. The better show you can put on, the more gigs you will get in the future.

Tags: better show, effect lighting, equipment that, First Equipment, gigs will, live without, more gigs

Sound Modules

About Sound Modules

The music industry has seen a dramatic change with the use of computers to create music. Sound modules have made it possible to have several different units creating very different sounds and therefore increasing the music producer's creative output.

Definition

A sound module is an electronic music instrument that fits into a rack mount and generates different tones to make a wide palette of sounds. By layering and shaping, these tones emulate the sounds of actual instruments like cellos, flutes, drums and many others.

In the most stripped-down sense, a sound module is a keyboard synth without the keyboard.

History

E-MU is often credited with creating the first sound module back in 1989 with the release of Proteus. However, this would be inaccurate. Roland actually came out with a piano sound module dubbed the MKS-30 back in 1983 at the dawn of the musical instrument digital interface era and digital synthesis. That was followed by four more (MKS-80, MKS-7, MKS-70 and MKS-50).

However, E-MU took the idea and never looked back, abandoning keyboard synths altogether and releasing over 15 sound modules between 1990 and 2000.

The Importance Of MIDI

MIDI was developed in 1982 as a way for different electronic instruments to communicate with one another. It is a language of information like how hard to hit a key (velocity) or which note to play. It enabled the use of a wide array of electronic instruments together such as drum machines, keyboard synths, samplers and more. This standard technology is absolutely essential in order to operate a sound module.

Sound Module vs. Keyboard Synthesizer

One main difference between sound modules and keyboard synths is a sound module's dependence on MIDI. It has to be connected via MIDI inputs to a controller in order to play it. A controller can be anything that has MIDI outputs and may or may not already have sounds built in. The most common is a keyboard, though there are others like electronic drum pads, guitars, pedals and even accordions.

Pros And Cons

The main disadvantage of a sound module is that you can't just unpack it and start playing. As previously mentioned, you must have a controller, which means there's an additional cost if you don't already have one. You are able to listen to the sounds, but there's no way to actually play them real time.

Another small disadvantage is the tiny operating screen, which makes discerning settings a little bit of an optic chore.

That being said, the major advantage it has over a keyboard synth is the space it saves. If you wanted the sounds from many different keyboard synths, you have to have a lot of space just to fit them into one area. With sound modules, all you need is a rack mount, a MIDI interface and one controller. This will allow you to have anywhere from five to 10 synths in a 2-foot-by-2-foot-by-2-foot space.

Tags: sound module, keyboard synths, sound modules, already have, electronic instruments, keyboard synth

Set Up Slingbox With Windows Xp

Television viewing technology has grown exponentially in the past few decades. Gone are the days of only 3 or 4 channels. Enter the era of hundreds of channels broadcast via a variety of methods. One of the new technologies is the Slingbox, which enables a person to watch their television from any computer with a high-speed Internet connection.

Instructions

Installing Slingbox Software

1. Locate the software that came with the Slingbox. There should be a compact disk in the installation package of the Slingbox.

2. Insert the installation disk into the computer CD-ROM drive.

3. Run the setup wizard and follow the on-screen instructions. If the setup wizard does not appear immediately, open the compact disk drive file on the computer and locate the slingplayer.exe file. Then double click on the file to start the setup wizard.

4. Make sure your firewall is set to allow the Slingbox to access the computer. The firewall may block the installation of the Slingbox. This often an issue when installing Slingbox on a Windows XP computer.

Changing the Windows XP Firewall Settings

5. Open the Internet connections dialogue box. Choose "Start" from the main operating system menu and then select "My Network Places" on the start menu. Next, click on the "View Network Connections." Finally, double click on the "Local Area Connections" icon.

6. Click on the "Properties" button on the local area connections dialogue box.

7. Select the "Advance" tab in the local area connections properties dialogue box. Then click on the "Settings" button.

8. Choose the "Exceptions" tab in the firewall dialogue box. Next select the "Add Program" button and add the Slingbox software application to the exceptions list.

Tags: setup wizard, compact disk, connections dialogue, double click, local area connections

Test Digital Photo Frames

Digital photo frames are an excellent way to display your favorite family photos.

Digital photo frames display pictures in a continuous slide show. They come in a variety of sizes, and in different colors and trim options. Before you purchase a digital photo frame, test several with your own images. Once you have tested various digital photo frames, purchase the model that will look the best in your home.

Instructions

1. Open the pictures you want to the use or test with the digital photo frame in the photo-editing program you normally use to edit your photos.

2. Click on "Image," select "Image size" and resize the open pictures to 72 dpi (dots per inch). When printing your photos the resolution should be set at 300 dpi. When displaying your pictures on any type of screen, reducing the dpi to 72 will allow you save more images on the memory card or internal memory chip.

3. Insert an empty memory card into the card reader in or connected to your computer. Save the resized images to the memory card, remove the card and take it with you when you are looking at new frames.

4. Insert the memory card into the display model of the frame you are looking to purchase. Allow the frame to display all the pictures on the card so you can see how it transitions from one picture to the next.

Tags: memory card, card into, digital photo, digital photo frame, display pictures, images memory

Tell The Age Of A Bose Awr11w System

For as long as a product like the Bose AWR1-1W speaker system is "in production," new copies of that model are rolling off of the assembly line at a factory. Just because you have two Bose AWR1-1W systems side-by-side doesn't necessarily mean they were produced in the same year. If you want to tell the age of a Bose speaker system, you can find this information in a few places.

Instructions

1. Look at the box in which your Bose AWR1-1W came. On the box will be a copyright date in the fine print, typically located either on the bottom of the box or toward the bottom on one of the sides of the box. The most recent year in the copyright information (sometimes, for example, this information will say "Copyright 1990-2010," with 2010 being the most recent year) will be the year in which your Bose AWR1-1W was manufactured.

2. Look in the User's Manual that came with your Bose AWR1-1W to the first few pages, which contain disclaimer information and copyright information about your product. Just as it was listed on the box, a copyright year will be printed on this page in the manual. As it was with the information on the outside of the box, the most recent year listed in the copyright information will be the year in which your Bose AWR1-1W was made.

3. Subtract the year you found in "Step 1" and "Step 2" from the current year. So if it is 2011 and your Bose AWR1-1W copyright date was 2005, subtract the two numbers to determine that your Bose AWR1-1W is six years old.

Tags: Bose AWR1-1W, your Bose, your Bose AWR1-1W, copyright information, most recent

Buy The Right Portable Tv For A Good Price

Getting a favorable deal on any consumer good, including a portable TV, requires doing the necessary research and having patience. Once you know exactly what you want to buy, you shouldn't always rush out and buy the product on which you've decided. If you do so, you'll indeed have the product, but you won't likely have it at the best price possible. Buying the right portable TV depends in part on how you plan to use it.

Instructions

1. Decide how you plan to use your portable TV. There are a number of portable TVs on the market, with a variety of functions. Some have built-in DVD players and some allow you to use the Internet. If you believe you'll make use of these additional features, plan on getting a portable TV that is capable of these tasks. If you simply want a portable TV that will allow you to watch TV and view movies, keep this in mind.

2. Visit a variety of electronics stores that sell portable TVs and look at the models that most closely fit your buying criteria. For example, if you want a TV on which you can browse the Internet, TVs by the brand Kula may be of interest. Take note of each TV's features and price, so that you'll know when a good deal comes along. Make sure to visit both "big box" stores and independently owned retailers, and ask questions about the models in which you're interested.

3. Browse fliers and sign up for email mailing lists to keep abreast of sales and specials offered at each store. Often, a significant sale will only include a set number of products; if this is the case, you want to hear about it first so that you can take action, if necessary.

4. Decide what you want to spend for the TV you wish to buy. Avoid being caught up in the feeling of wanting the product immediately. Often, as new products come on the market, older products will drop in price. When this is the case, you may be able to get the portable TV you've been eyeing at less than you expected to pay.

5. Check the price of the TV you wish to purchase at a number of stores during holiday sales. Retailers' annual "Black Friday" sales will likely give you the best deal, but you may also be able to get the TV for a good price at sales on such holidays as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and if you're in Canada, Boxing Day. When you find the TV at the price you have decided you can afford, take action and go buy it.

Tags: portable that, take action, this case, what want

Transfer A Picture From A Camera Phone To A Pogo Printer

Print pictures from your camera phone

The Polaroid PoGo is a portable, digital camera that also has a built in printer attached. This printer can print off your images without being connected to a printer or a computer. If you have an image on your camera phone that you want to print with the PoGo camera printer you must first upload the picture from your camera phone onto the Polaroid device.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and navigate to your wireless phone's manufacturer site. Select "Support" and look up your model of phone. Chose the operating system you are running and download the driver for the phone. Double-click the downloaded driver and follow the prompts to install it.

2. Plug the data USB cable into the power port on the camera phone and connect the other end of the cable to any available USB port on the computer.

3. Click "Start," then either "My Computer" or "Computer" and double-click the removable device icon. Select "Pictures" from the new window and click-and-drag the image from your camera phone onto the computer's desktop. Close out the camera's window, right-click the removable device icon and select "Eject."

4. Connect the PoGo camera to a USB cable and plug the USB cable into the USB port on the computer. Power on the camera, then return to either "My Computer" or "Computer" and double-click the removable device icon. Click-and-drag the photo on the desktop of the computer into the open window. Once the file has copied over close out the window and select "Eject" by right-clicking the device icon.

5. Power on the PoGo camera and set it to "Printer" mode. Select the image you uploaded as the image you want to print, then select "Print." The photo from the camera phone now prints through the PoGo printer.

Tags: camera phone, device icon, your camera, your camera phone, from your, from your camera

Repair Kodak Easyshare Cameras

The Kodak Easyshare digital camera is simple to use but is made of sophisticated electronics. However, a simple fix for a common problem is possible. A defect in the manufacturing can lead to the cable connections from the LCD display becoming loose from the circuit board inside of the digital camera, resulting in no image appearing on the screen. You can repair the connection by cleaning off and reinserting the cables, provided you are willing to void the Kodak warranty by opening up the camera. The Easyshare digital camera opens in a similar manner to all of Kodak's compact line of digital cameras, You will need a few hardware tools and an hour or so to repair the LCD display connection.

Instructions

1. Put the soft cloth down on a table. Open the battery compartment of the Easyshare and remove the batteries. Close the battery compartment. Open the memory slot compartment of the Easyshare and remove the memory card. Close the memory slot compartment.

2. Put the Easyshare face down on the soft cloth.

Use the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screw from the left side of the Easyshare. Remove the two screws from the bottom of the Easyshare. Remove the two screws from the right side of the Easyshare.

3. Insert the flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver between the back and front parts of the Easyshare. Wiggle the two parts apart. Pull the front off of the back and put it down on the soft cloth with the electronics that are inside facing up. Put the back part aside.

4. Use the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screws from the left side inside of the camera's body. Remove the circuit board that was held down by the screws and place it aside.

5. Use the tweezers to pull up on the left side of the LCD display. Use your fingers to raise the LCD display up off of the camera body and angled toward you.

6. Use the flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver to release the side clamps at each end of the rectangular connectors that now visible on the camera's body. Use the tweezers to pull out both of the cables coming from the LCD display that are in the rectangular connector.

7. Blow out the rectangular connector with the compressed air. Blow out the camera with the compressed air.

8. Moisten a cotton swab with distilled alcohol. Wipe the ends of both of the cables with the cotton swab. Discard the cotton swab.

9. Moisten another cotton swab in distilled alcohol. Wipe out the rectangular connector with the cotton swab. Wipe around the rectangular connector with the cotton swab. Discard the cotton swab.

10. Use your fingers to reattach the two cables to the rectangular connector. Use the flat-edged screwdriver to push both of the side clamps inward until they click back into position.

11. Swing the LCD display back onto the camera's body. Blow out the camera with the compressed air. Reassemble the Kodak Easyshare digital camera.

Tags: cotton swab, rectangular connector, camera body, digital camera, jeweler screwdriver

Differences Between Pro Duo & Standard Sd Cards

Before we compare and contrast the Pro Duo and standard SD cards, we will need to understand what they are. By definition a memory card is an electronic storage device that is used for storing digital data. They are small, rewritable and are used mostly in small digital electronic gadgets such as digital cameras, laptops, mobile phones, MP3/MP4 players and electronic game consoles. Today, there are more than 400 brands available with thousands of models.

The Pro Duo Memory Card

The Pro Duo memory card, which is a product of Sony Corporation, was introduced in 2003. This is a digital storage device designed especially for use in small and portable electronic gadgets and devices such as mobile phones. The dimension of this memory storage device is about the size of a postage stamp -- maybe even a little smaller (31-by-20-by-16 mm). This product is an improved version of its predecessor, the memory stick duo, which had the maximum storage capacity of 128 MB and a transfer speed of 2.45 MB per second. The Pro Duo memory card was engineered to hold up to 32 GB of digital data, which includes music, video and photographs. The speed of transfer also improved to 20 MB/second for reading data and 18 MB/second for writing data.

Standard SD Card

The standard SD card is a product originally designed by SanDisk Corporation, Matsushita and Toshiba for portable devices. It was introduced to the market in 1999. The SD stands for "secure digital" and refers to storage and transfer of digital data. The standard SD card has a storage capacity of up to 4 GB and can store music, photographs and videos in digital format. The speed of transfer for this memory device is 22.5 MB/second for reading and writing digital data.

Size

While the SD measured 32-by-24-by-2.1 mm, the Pro Duo memory card measured 31-by-20-by-1.6 mm -- which made it a slimmer and smaller version.

Speed of Transfer of Data

The standard SD card transfer rate is much lower than that of the Pro Duo, which is one of the main reasons the latter is used in photography equipment. The latter allows for fast transfer and huge storage capacity, which is ideal for digital cameras and handycams.

Tags: digital data, memory card, storage capacity, storage device, digital cameras

Build A Radio Broadcast Studio

In the digital age, building a radio broadcast studio can be done relatively inexpensively. A standard personal computer functions as the heart of the studio, coordinating all the input from the equipment you assemble. Your PC can broadcast your work over the Internet. Aside from the rudimentary technical expertise needed to assemble the physical components of a broadcast studio, you should possess the desire and ability to create compelling audio programming.

Instructions

1. Choose a space, preferably small, that you can easily soundproof. The space should be large enough so that you can comfortably sit at a desk and access your computer, but no so large that any sounds you make echo. Soundproof the walls with plush, soft materials that can be easily mounted to a wall.

2. Place your computer on the desk. Plug in the sound card to your computer. Plug in your microphone and headphones to the sound card using connection cables.

3. Plug in your mixing board to your computer and install editing software on your computer. There are a variety of "open source" editing programs on the Internet that you can download for free.

4. Experiment with recording your voice on the microphone, changing the levels with your mixing board, and modifying the results with your editing software. Add other elements, including music and sound effects, if you so desire. Allow time to learn work with the equipment to produce the sound you want.

5. Broadcast via the Internet, either through a pre-established "podcast" format, through a streaming audio channel provided by a third-party distributor, or through your own personal website.

Tags: your computer, broadcast studio, editing software, mixing board, Plug your, sound card

Buy Memory Cards For A Camcorder

You've taken the plunge into 21st century video technology and purchased a digital camcorder. Now all you have to do is buy memory cards. While many camcorders are compatible with cassettes and mini-DVDs, memory cards open up a whole new world by allowing you to share digital pictures and MPEG video clips quickly and easily over the internet. No matter which type you choose, memory cards allow you to edit your digital videos, send clips via e-mail, upload videos for personal and website use and record your videos onto cassettes/DVDs.

Instructions

1. Determine the primary reason you will be using memory cards. Do you intend to record and share videos mostly for personal use (sending e-mails to friends and family), or are you looking to set up a website for your business? This will help determine the speed and amount of memory you need.

2. Consider how much memory you will need. The standard range is between 1GB and 8GB. Again, this is likely to be determined by your intended use. When you compare prices, you may find it is worthwhile to splurge on a 4GB memory card instead of buying four cards with 1GB of memory.

3. Set a target price range. Memory cards range in price from about $20 to well over $200 (some into the $400s!) The price is determined primarily by the amount of memory and also by read/write speed, which generally ranges between about 32 times write speed and 200 times (though you may find some higher speeds).

4. Consider how many cards you want to buy. The good news is that most memory cards are re-usable; you can transfer your video files onto your PC and then delete them from the memory card.

5. Check that the memory cards you are considering are compatible with both your PC and your digital camcorder. While most memory cards are advertised to be "compatible with most models," it is best to double check for your specific PC and camcorder models either online or at a local electronics store.

6. When you've narrowed down your choices, read customer reviews online for the brands and models you are considering before making a final selection.

Tags: compatible with, memory cards, memory cards, amount memory, digital camcorder, memory card, most memory

Get Free Prepaid Cell Phone Minutes

Get Free Prepaid Cell Phone Minutes

Prepaid cellular phone plans are great for commitment phobic consumers. These prepaid plans have no contracts and are essentially "pay as you go" talk plans. It is true that cell phone carriers offer free prepaid minutes or bonus minutes. It's just a matter of knowing how and where to find these offers. With a little knowledge and determination, you can obtain extra minutes for your prepaid cell phone. If you are a long-winded talker, then earning free prepaid cell phone minutes may be just what you have been looking for.

Instructions

Get Free Prepaid Cell Phone Minutes

1. Purchase a new prepaid cell phone. You will often receive more minutes by purchasing the cell phone and minutes together rather than by buying the prepaid cell phone minutes alone.

2. Visit the cell phone carrier's Web site. For example, Tracfone prepaid cell phone services often offers bonus minutes when you purchase minutes. These offers are usually presented on the first page of the Web site. You can also earn double minutes for life (DMFL) with a new minutes purchase if you purchase the DMFL prepaid phone or card.

3. Change your plan. Many carriers will offer bonus minutes if you upgrade your plan. Your account is often credited immediately over the phone.

4. Voice your concerns. If there is any aspect of your service that you don't like, call your carrier to explain the issue. Sometimes, as a token of their apology, they will offer you free prepaid cell phone minutes.

5. Sign up for any offers from your carrier that ask you to watch videos or receive free text messages to provide feedback on commercial products or services. You may receive free prepaid minutes based upon the number of advertisements you view or text messages you receive.

6. Take a prepaid cell phone test drive. Some cell phone carriers offer a free, risk-free trial of their phone, service and network. You may be given a free phone and minutes for up to 30 days.

7. Complete surveys or offers at Web sites such as Phone Lagoon and Mobile Wallet at Facebook to earn free prepaid minutes.

8. Join a rewards program. There are rewards programs such as i-wireless that provide free minutes when you shop using their rewards card.

Tags: cell phone, prepaid cell, phone minutes, prepaid cell phone, bonus minutes, cell phone minutes, free prepaid

Buy Filters For Your Camcorder

A filter is a piece of glass that is attached to the lens of a camcorder. There are two types of filters: round filters and square filters. The round ones can be screwed to the front of the lens, and the square ones slide into a housing that is fixed to the lens. Here is buy filters for your camcorder.

Instructions

1. Know that round filters are available in many sizes. You must make sure that they fit your camcorder's lens. The common lens sizes are 34, 37, 43, 46, 52, 55 and 72. Square filters are all the same size.

2. A skylight filter looks like a clear piece of glass. Its advantage is that it can filter out ultraviolet and atmospheric haze that can distort the image. It also protects the lens from grime, fingerprint and damage and can be attached permanently.

3. Check online for stores selling filters and review their customer feedback. Read online consumer sites to get a feel for which filters are the best.

4. Compare the prices of camcorder filters on at least 3 web sites. See which filter meets your needs, and who has the lowest price and best customer service. Don't forget about the shipping costs, which can be different at various stores.

5. Visit online auction sites. You may find a good used filter, or perhaps a cheap new one.

6. Purchase the filter online or at your local retailer. Save all packing materials and receipts in case you need to return it.

Tags: filters round, piece glass, round filters, your camcorder

Buy A Canon Powershot Series Camera

Photography is becoming more and more popular today, thanks to the advanced cameras that companies are making. One of the most popular camera manufacturers out there is Canon. Canon has introduced a series called the PowerShot series and these cameras are worth the money. You can now capture every image that you would like with this newly-designed camera series.

Instructions

1. Research the various cameras that are available from Canon that are part of the PowerShot series. Canon currently has various categories of PowerShot cameras that include high end advanced cameras, Digital Elph cameras and the A-Series cameras.

2. Choose the right style of camera that fits your needs. If you are looking to become professional one day, the high end, advanced camera is best for you. If you're just a casual user, one of the smaller pocket-sized cameras will do.

3. Narrow down the specific camera in the Canon PowerShot series that you feel is appropriate for your needs and budget.

4. Seek advice from a professional photographer or camera critic, if you are having difficulty choosing the best Canon PowerShot camera. While you may be inclined to ask the opinion of the salesman, he is not a camera expert.

5. Play with the camera in the store before you buy it. If the camera doesn't feel comfortable in your hands, then investigate other cameras.

6. Buy the camera from a store that gives you the best deal. Visit other stores that may offer rebates on Canon PowerShot Series cameras.

7. Consider purchasing an extended warranty for your camera in case something happens to it. But if you have a feeling you're only going to use this camera for a couple years, you can probably bypass the warranty. Also, look into Canon's warranty--the camera usually comes with a one-year warranty anyway.

Tags: cameras that, PowerShot series, advanced cameras, Canon PowerShot, high advanced

Download To Flash Drives

Flash drives, also known as USB sticks, thumb drives and memory drives, are peripherals used as small portable hard drives. Windows treats as flash drive as a portable hard drive, assigning it a hard drive and giving it functions similar to any other hard drive. You can format the drive, drag and drop files to it and download files directly to the drive. Downloading files to a flash drive is a simple process that is nearly as quick as downloading files to your regular hard drive.

Instructions

1. Remove the cover from the flash drive, if it has one. Insert the drive into a free USB port and wait several seconds for Windows to recognize the drive.

2. Open your Web browser and navigate to the location of file you want to download to the flash drive.

3. Choose the "Save As" or "Save Link As" option in the browser so you can manually set the download location of the file. Choose the drive letter assigned to the flash drive. If you do not know what letter your flash drive uses, click "Start" and "Computer" to check.

4. Click "Save" to start the download process on the flash drive. If you are unable to manually choose the download location, you can drag and drop the downloaded file from the download directory to the flash drive using Windows Explorer.

Tags: flash drive, hard drive, download location, drag drop, location file, portable hard

Buy A Wideangle Lens

A wide angle lens will lend a whole new dimension to your photography (or videography if you mount the lens on a camcorder). Wide angle lenses capture up to 40 percent more image area than a standard lens found on a 35 mm or digital camera.

If your camera is designed for interchangeable lenses, just follow these steps to buy the wide angle lens that best suits your needs.

Instructions

1. Write down the make, model and serial number of your camera so you can check for compatibility when shopping for a wide angle lens. Information on compatibility should be found on the lens package. Generally, lenses are manufactured for specific camera brands, so a Nikon lens will mount only on a Nikon camera body, for example.

2. Understand focal lengths before you shop for a wide angle lens. The standard focal length for old-school film photography is 35 mm. The focal length establishes the viewing range for the lens, so the smaller the focal length, the wider the image a camera lens can capture.

3. Decide how wide a lens you need for photography or videography. The most common wide angle lenses for still photography are 28, 24, 21, 18 and 14 mm. Any lens below 14 mm will produce distorted images used to achieve artistic effects. These are commonly known as fish-eye lenses, which produce a rounded image.

4. Get an idea of the types of images you can expect from different focal lengths of wide angle lenses. You can examine samples at a camera shop or go online to view images captured with different lens types. Examples can be found in the link below.

5. Consider renting before you buy. Many camera shops rent equipment, which gives you an opportunity to take a new lens through its paces at minimal cost before you decide to make a substantial investment.

6. Look for deals from discount photography stores and watch for sales at your local camera shops once you have determined the lens you want to buy. Wide angle lenses start at hundreds of dollars and can exceed $1,000.

Tags: wide angle, angle lens, angle lenses, wide angle lens, focal length, camera shops, focal lengths

Nicd Vs Nimh Batteries

Two of the most prominent rechargeable type of batteries are known as the NiCd and NiMH batteries. Both batteries are rechargeable and have been used in electronics, computers and even some cars. There are some significant differences between these two types of batteries; some make one vastly superior over the other.

About NiCd

NiCd is short for nickel cadmium. It gets its name from the two primary elements of the battery. The NiCd battery's creation is attributed to Waldemar Jungner, who first made one in 1899. However, because his work was relatively unknown at the time, mainstream attribution for the invention went to Thomas Edison. NiCd remained for a long time the undisputed main way of recharging a battery.

About NiMH

NiCd reigned supreme for quite a while. Then, NiMH came along. NiMH stands for nickel-metal hydride and was created in 1989 by Masahiko Oshitani, who worked for GS Yuasa Company. The NiMH battery was designed from a nickel/hydrogen hybrid battery and proved to be a powerful battery in its own like, quickly replacing the NiCd for various reasons. The NiMH battery is used for a variety of devices, including small electronics, up to the battery for the Hybrid Toyota Prius.

Environmental Concerns

With every battery, there are environmental concerns. The NiCd, in particular, was highly controversial because the element cadmium is considered one of the most toxic elements in the world. If the battery leaked or exploded, it could cause serious damage and endanger the lives of anyone around them. The NiMH, on the other hand, has no known environmental concerns.

The Memory Effect

The greatest problem with NiCd batteries is what is known as "the memory effect." When an NiCd battery has been charged a certain amount of times, eventually the battery starts thinking its maximum charge is something that it really is not. In other words, the battery says it is 100 percent charged, but in reality it is only 65 percent charged. Although methods do exist to reverse the memory effect, it is important to state that the NiMH batteries do not have this problem.

NiMH Superiority

When NiMH batteries came into the mainstream, people began to realize that the newer NiMH battery far exceeded that of the older NiCd. Furthermore, the NiCd was also much safer then the cadmium-based battery and did not fall victim to the memory effect that was such a staple of the NiCd batteries. In short, the NiMH battery is superior to the NiCd battery.

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Burn Audible Books To A Cd

Audible is an online audiobook site that allows you to purchase and download audiobooks that can be listened to on your mobile device, computer or burned to a CD. You can only use Nero versions 7, 8, 9 and iTunes. Audible recommends using iTunes for all of your audiobooks as it causes less issues. You are entitled to one burn per audiobook, but if you encounter errors you can contact audible to have the burn reset.

Instructions

ITunes

1. Open iTunes and select "File" and then "New Playlist." Name the playlist the title of the book you want to burn.

2. Left-click the title of the book in iTunes you want to burn with your mouse and drag and drop it over the playlist name you created, located at the left bottom pane of iTunes. Insert a blank CD into your computer. Audible recommends you do not use CD-RW. It recommends name-brand CD-Rs like Sony and Maxell to prevent errors.

3. Right-click the playlist you created for your audiobook using your mouse and select "Burn playlist to disc." Be sure to set the disc format to audio CD. Click "Burn."

Nero

4. Access Nero by going to the "Start" menu, "All programming," "Nero," then select "Nero Express." Select "Audio book CD."

5. Browse for your audiobook by clicking "Add" and access the location where your audiobooks are kept. Audible books typically default to your C Drive, Documents and Settings, All users, Documents, Audible, then Downloads. Left-click the audiobook you want to burn.

6. Leave the green check marks next to each CD it requires to burn your book If you want to burn the entire book. Uncheck the green mark (by left-clicking) for the portion of the book you do not want to burn. Click "Burn."

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Transfer 35mm Negatives To Cd

You can scan 35mm negatives with a flatbed scanner.

Even in the digital age, many reasons remain shooting 35mm film -- such as its soft grain and high resolution. However, it can be frustrating to not have copies available when you want to share photos with family and friends. And even if you no longer shoot film, you can scan your old 35mm negatives and save them as digital files on your computer before burning them to a CD. Once on a CD, you can share them with friends or family and easily make prints.

Instructions

1. Open the flatbed film scanner and remove the black protective sleeve. Spray the non-residue glass cleaner onto your lint free cloth and wipe down the scanner glass.

2. Buff out any smudges, streaks or fingerprints and be sure to remove any dust or hair. Cleaning the scanner glass will give you a clearer, cleaner image and save you valuable time in touch-up work after scanning.

3. Remove your negatives from the plastic sleeve, gripping the side edges, and wipe them free of any dust or hair with your orange antistatic cloth. Avoid touching the film emulsion - oils and dirt from your fingertips can degrade the image.

4. Take the 35mm negative carrier, provided with the scanner, and lift up the frame. Insert each negative one at a time, emulsion side (shiny side) up, sliding the edge of the negative into the slots provided on the carrier. Once the negative is securely in place, snap the frame closed and insert the negative carrier into the guide on the scanner glass.

5. Open the scanning software that comes with film scanner and press the preview button. Use the selection tool to select the frames you want to scan then choose "35mm sleeve" as your format. Choose "Color Negatives" for color film, "Monochrome Negatives" for black and white film and "Color Positives" for slide film.

6. Select your desired dpi from the drop down menu; the scanning software will show you the image output size for each resolution based on your preview area. Make adjustments to color, brightness, contrast and exposure then press the "Scan" button.

7. Create a folder on your desktop for your scanned images. When you save your images, use a name related to your subject matter and sequential numbers. For example: beach_01, beach_02, beach_03. This will help you identify your digital files easily.

8. Insert your blank CD into your CD/DVD drive and copy your folder of images by dragging the folder in your Finder or Explorer window and dropping onto the blank disc.

9. Press the "Burn" button -- typically located on the top right-hand side of your Finder or Explorer window. This should prompt a dialogue box that will ask you to name your disk and select a writing speed. Type in a name and choose the speed you want, then you're done!

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What Kind Of Memory Do Digital Cameras Use

Digital cameras use one of many formats of digital flash memory. Flash memory does not require power, so that the images will be retained on the card when it is removed from the camera.

SmartMedia

SmartMedia was first introduced in 1995. Although it was intended to replace the floppy disk, its maximum data capacity of 128MB has made it obsolete. It is no longer manufactured, and working devices that use this standard are rare.

Memory Stick

The Sony Memory Stick, with compatible devices made by other companies, has been made in sizes ranging from 4MB to 32GB. It is primarily used by Sony Cybershot digital cameras.

xD Cards

The xD card is a standard initially developed by Olympus and Fuji digital camera memory. xD cards range in capacity from 16MB to 2GB. xD cards support certain picture effects, like panoramic mode, in selected Olympus cameras.

Compact Flash (CF) Cards

Compact Flash (CF) memory for digital cameras was introduced in 1994. CF memory is usually, but not always, solid state memory that ranges in size from 2MB to 100GB. A few CF format devices were made that used high capacity micro hard drives instead of solid state memory.

Secure Digital (SD) Cards

Secure Digital (SD) cards were introduced in 1999. SD has become more of a name for a physical form factor than cards that are universally compatible. The limitation on capacity of the original SD cards has led to the introduction of different cards that look the same, but that may not work in older devices. SD capacities range from 4MB to 32MB.

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