Removing A Gitzo Tripod Head

Gitzo makes products for photography and video recording. The company produces tripods, bipods, monopods and a range of interchangeable heads. The company makes a variety of heads that range from center ball style to low profile mounts. The heads are quick and easy to mount and remove from Gitzo tripods and monopods, making them good choices for wildlife, bird or sports photography where quick changes and stable placements are required.

Instructions

1. Look at the side of the Gitzo head on the tripod. Check for a small black lever. If the Gitzo head you are using has this lever, push it up to unlock the head from the tripod. Slide the head out and then up from the tripod mount.

2. Check for a slider and bracket on the bottom of the Gitzo head. If your Gitzo head is attached to the tripod head via a flat, rectangular-shaped slider in a bracket, turn the lock dial counterclockwise and gently push the slider out of the bracket. Push until the head is fully removed from the mount bracket.

3. Turn the Gitzo head counterclockwise, spinning it up and off the screws on the top of the tripod mount. Certain Gitzo heads screw onto the tripod mount. Examples of Gitzo heads that screw onto the tripod tops are the panoramic and three-way swivel heads.

4. Look for a round disc on the base of the Gitzo head. Gitzo heads with this disc attach to the tripod via a round bracket, much like the rectangular style. Turn the lock dial counterclockwise to push the disc-shaped head attachment out of the tripod.

Tags: Gitzo head, Gitzo heads, slider bracket, tripod mount, dial counterclockwise, from tripod

Pentax 85mm Vs 77mm

Know your lenses.

Pentax makes high-quality cameras and lenses for the amateur and professional market. However, as with other brands, it can be difficult to determine the best lens for a specific situation or for the shooter on a budget to choose which lens will be best for his collection. Although the lenses may seem similar, they have a few critical differences.

Aperture

The first significant difference is the aperture range. Although both lenses will stop down all the way to f/22, they have slightly different minimum f-stops. The 85mm features an f-stop of 1.4, while the 77mm features an f-stop of 1.8. This may seem like a subtle difference, but it will allow the 85mm to perform slightly better in lower-light situations than the 77mm. Otherwise, they have standard f-stops up to f/22.

Focusing Distance and Picture Angle

They are also different in minimum focusing distance and picture angle. The 77mm features a 27.6-inch minimum focusing distance, with a picture angle of 31.5 degrees. The 85mm, however, features a minimum focusing distance of 33.6 inches and a picture angle of 28.5 degrees. This means that the 77mm can obtain a slightly wider and closer picture than the 85mm, while the 85mm is slightly better for more distant subjects.

Groups and Elements

Another factor to consider is groups and elements, the parts of the lens and how they're put together in the barrel. The fewer parts there are, the easier the lens is to repair, and the fewer elements there are, the more light reaches the lens. The 77mm has seven elements in six groups, while the 85mm has eight elements in seven groups. The 77mm will be the easier to fix and will catch more light from the subject.

Size and Weight

When traveling, size and weight are especially important. The 77mm is 1.9 inches long and weighs less than a pound, at 9.5 oz., while the 85mm weighs just over a pound, at 17.7 oz., and is slightly longer at 2.8 inches. Both are designed to be portable and lightweight, but the 77mm is slightly better on size due to the fewer lens elements it needs.

Use in the Field

The 77mm is best for quick shooters who want to take their photographs and move on to the next subject. It is lighter, has a wider picture angle and a closer focusing distance and will work well under natural light. The 85mm is more suited to art photographers, as it needs a little lens light and caters to photographers who want to take their time or are taking pictures of more distant subjects, especially natural ones.

Tags: focusing distance, minimum focusing, minimum focusing distance, picture angle, slightly better, they have

Keep Out A Greenscreen

Television meteorologists use a green screen daily.

Removing a green-screen from a film frame is called "chroma keying" in the film world. This process removes a single color from the background, usually green or blue, allowing you to replace the background with an artificial one. Television stations use green-screens to present weather forecasts. Many low-cost computer editing systems can effectively key out a green or blue screen, enabling filmmakers who are on a budget to use this highly useful tool.

Instructions

1. Iron the fabric until it is smooth. Hang it where it is needed for the shot. Check it to make sure it has no tears or discolorations that might make editing out the green difficult.

2. Light the green-screen evenly and brightly. Be sure that it is lit from at least two sides and that no shadows or bright spots appear on it.

3. Light your foreground subjects with a kicker light -- a light from above. This will help the editing system distinguish the foreground from the background.

4. Film the scene using a progressive field, which records a full frame, instead of an interlaced field, which records half a frame and interlaces it with the next frame. Interlaced footage is prone to unwanted digital artifacts. Also, turn off any auto-sharpening features in your camera.

5. Log and capture your footage to your editing system. Open your chroma key tool and select the color and intensity that matches the actual color and brightness of your green-screen. Often, the first attempt may not remove all of the green. Fine-tuning the color and intensity to be removed is accomplished by trial and error, as no two situations are ever alike.

Tags: color intensity, editing system, field which, field which records, from background, green blue, which records

Test A Shure Crystal Microphone

The Shure Crystal microphone provides high-output with a supercardioid design. The supercardioid crystal design allows for excellent performance even while experiencing a great deal of background noise or excess reverberation. This cardioid, or heart-like, pattern makes the Shure Crystal microphone an excellent directional microphone for a number of practical uses. It is great for studio and home recording; and public speaking.

Instructions

Testing a Shure Crystal Microphone

1. Connect the Shure Crystal microphone with a standard three-pin XLR balanced microphone cable. In the cable connector, pins 1 and 2 are connected to the copper cable shielding and the inner copper core is connected to pin 3. This way one side of the microphone is grounded and one is in operation.

2. Connect the other end of the balanced XLR cable to your mixer or amplifier across a load of 5 megohms. The longer the XLR cable, the lower the output level.

3. Check the microphone by speaking into it, and watch your mixers VU meters for a response. Do not tap the microphone with your finger, it can damage the diaphragm of the microphone.

4. If no sound or a very low level of sound is being produced, make sure that you are speaking into the front of the microphone. The Shure Crystal microphone is of a supercardioid design that receives signal best from the "front" of the microphone.

Tags: Shure Crystal, Shure Crystal microphone, Crystal microphone, front microphone, microphone with, Shure Crystal Microphone, speaking into

Repair An Lcd Tv Inverter

An inverter board is a rectangular circuit board used in many types of electronics to funnel power to an LCD screen. If you have a non-tube-based television, like a flat screen, it will use an inverter to operate. If the screen on your television has gone dim or dark, it is most likely the result of a faulty inverter.

Instructions

1. Power off your television, unplug it and place it facedown so that you have access to the back panel.

2. Remove all screws from the back panel of the television. If there is a base stand, remove all screws where the base stand connects to the TV and remove the base stand.

3. Remove the back panel and the internal components of the television will be visible. The square motherboard will be located in the center of the back of the TV. The rectangular inverter board will be mounted to the side of the motherboard. There may be a metal cover over the inverter.

4. Remove the screws from the inverter board cover (if there is one) and remove the cover to expose the inverter board. You will notice many cables plugged into ports on the top of the inverter board.

5. Check all cables and make sure they are securely connected to the ports on the top of the board. If they aren't, unplug them and plug them back in, making sure they are secure.

6. Reverse the steps for reassembly of the TV.

Tags: inverter board, back panel, base stand, board will, inverter board will, Remove screws

Unlock An International Cell Phone

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the predominant cell phone system used throughout the world. The United States, however, currently uses a different system, which means your cell phone may not work in other locations. An unlocked international cell phone will allow you to make and receive phone calls in almost any country in the world.

Instructions

1. Find our if your cell phone is already unlocked. Place a SIM card from another provider in your phone and try to make a phone call. If the phone works, it's already unlocked; if it doesn't, then you'll need to unlock it.

2. Visit The Travel Insider website (see Resources) or a similar website to find the unlock code for your cell phone. You'll need to pay a small fee to get the code, but it's often less expensive than buying a new unlocked phone.

3. Enter the code into your cell phone and follow the prompts that appear. In some cases, you may need to connect your phone to your computer using an additional cable, but the website where you get the code will tell you this in advance.

4. Check that the unlocking procedure has worked. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier into your phone and try to make a phone call. Once you enter the code and follow the prompts, your cell phone should be unlocked and ready to use on any network.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, your phone, already unlocked, card from, follow prompts

Make An Over Head Projector

Overhead projectors were first brought into use in the 1960's and continue to be a mainstay of school classrooms and audio-video departments. The design for overhead projectors has been updated to use LCDs, which provides for a bright image without any heat. An LCD overhead projector is easy to make and will provide many years of dependable use.

Instructions

1. Measure the glass space of the used overhead projector. Get an LCD monitor which has the same dimensions as the space.

Unplug the LCD monitor and wait an hour. Remove the screws from the base of the LCD monitor. Remove the monitor's front from the back by inserting the plastic tool between the front and back casings. Put the back of the monitor aside after it has been separated from the front.

2. Remove the back plate from the front of the monitor so that it is no longer attached to the LCD screen. Remove the circuit boards and connectors attached to the LCD screen. Leave the circuit boards directly attached to the thick glass screen alone.

3. Increase the length of the LVDS cables connecting the circuit boards--which were removed from the front of the monitor to the monitor--by soldering FCC cables onto them to increase their length. Attach the connectors that were taken off from the front of the monitor back to the monitor.

4. Build a frame for the LCD screen from wood, and duct tape the infrared filter and the UV filter to one side of the frame. Duct tape the LCD screen over the filters to the frame. Put a thin layer of insulation foam strips around the edges of the LCD screen.

5. Place the LCD screen down onto the projector's glass and duct tape it into position. Attach the LCD circuits that were taken off of the projector to the side or the overhead projector using duct tape to hold them in place. Attach the extended LVDS cables to the main LVDS cable connector on the LCD panel. Turn on the LCD panel and use the overhead projector.

Tags: from front, overhead projector, from front monitor, front monitor, attached screen, back monitor

Demonstrate The Use Of The Document Camera

Demonstrate the Use of the Document Camera

A document camera can be an invaluable asset in a classroom or business. The camera works much like the traditional overhead projector, but the items shown do not have to be on transparencies. Essentially, it's a video camera mounted to a stand. The document camera, which must be connected to a computer and LCD (liquid crystal display) projector, projects the image onto a white screen. Demonstrating the use of a document camera can show others how useful the equipment can be.

Instructions

1. Connect the document camera to the computer following the directions that came with the device. If you are missing the directions, many companies post user guides in PDF format online.

2. Arrange the document camera on a desk that is at a comfortable height for you to be sitting or standing while using it. Document cameras work best for situations when you need to show others what you are doing, but you need to be comfortable while doing it.

3. Design your demonstration of the use of a document camera by targeting your audience. For example, if you are an English teacher, you can place a student's essay under the camera and then make corrections while explaining everything to the class. The class will be able to see exactly what you are doing because the essay is projected onto the screen. If you are a science teacher, you can conduct a small experiment under the document camera and the students will be able to follow along as you give them close-up directions and a visual example. If you run a business, you can place copies of your latest sales figures under the document camera and then mark changes that need to be made.

4. Plan the meeting where you will demonstrate the use of a document camera. Invite anyone who you feel will benefit from knowing use one. Encourage everyone to have an open mind about the new technology. Many people who are unfamiliar with document cameras do not realize how useful they can be. Your job is to show them how a document camera can make their life easier by using it.

5. Give your audience an opportunity to work with the document camera. Make sure they understand what the various buttons control, which will vary by brand and model, and build their confidence with using the new technology. The more comfortable they are with the document camera, the more they will be anxious to use it.

Tags: document camera, document camera, with document, camera then, Demonstrate Document Camera

Compare Dlp And Lcd Technology

DLP stands for digital light processing, and LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Both are types of digital image viewing technology that are becoming more popular. Both provide the high resolution and clear picture that is required to view high-definition television properly.

Instructions

Compare DLP vs. LCD Technology

1. Pick DLP over LCD if overall picture resolution is your primary concern. DLP technology is superior to LCD where pixelation, or "fill factor," is concerned. Pixels are tiny squares of color that when thousands or millions are interlaced on a screen produce the image you see. The tiny space between pixels is the fill. DLP projections have less space between pixels than LCD technology so the pixels are not noticeable.

2. Look for the contrast ration reported by the manufacturer. Contrast is a measurement between light and dark. More specifically, it is the difference between the lightest white and darkest dark. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture. Anything about 1000:1 or higher is ideal. This is another area where DLP is slightly superior.

3. Consider color as a point of reference to compare DLP and LCD technology. Color is an arena where LCD has the advantage. DLP projects use micro-mirrors and a color wheel to produce colors. The color wheel constantly adjusts colors and adjustments are made so quickly your brain combines them all so that it appears as a single image, an "average" of the thousands of tiny split second adjustments.

4. Shop for a three chip DLP projector. One chip projectors are the standard right now and these are the ones where the tiny variations in color can sometimes be picked up by a perceptive eye and brain. Three chip projectors use a different chip for blue, green and red which are combined to form all the other colors. Three chip projectors use a constant image so you won't notice the constant color flux produced by a one chip model.

5. Don't overlook the element of style. Don't forget that while a DLP projector can be used for a large picture, you'll need a table or projector cart to set it up without other items blocking the projection. It can be hard to integrate a DLP projector into your room's decor.

6. Compare price between DLP and LCD technology. Both are relatively affordable and the real price differences will come into play when deciding what size image you desire. The bigger the image, the more expensive the technology.

Tags: chip projectors, between pixels, color wheel, space between, space between pixels, Three chip projectors

Fit My Canon Et 60 Lens Hood

Prevent light from striking your lens with a protective lens hood.

The Canon ET-60 lens hood is a circular, plastic device that fits over the lens of your Canon camera. For use with singles lens reflex (SLR) cameras, the hood blocks stray light from striking the side of the lens and causing flares, which can negatively affect the photographic image. In order to properly place the Canon ET-60 lens hood to your camera, you need to properly measure and fit it to the camera.

Instructions

1. Look along the side of your Canon camera lens, if you are unsure of the size of your lens. It states the length of the lens in millimeters (mm). This information should also be in your Canon camera's user manual. The Canon ET-60 lens hood is for Canon lenses with a focal length of 75 to 300 mm.

2. Place the smaller end of the Canon ET-60 lens hood onto the end of the Canon lens.

3. Twist the lens hood to the right. This threads the lens hood onto the camera lens, tightening its hold on the lens. Once the hood no longer turns, let go of it. The Canon ET-60 lens hood is now completely attached to your camera and ready to prevent flares.

Tags: lens hood, Canon ET-60, Canon ET-60 lens, ET-60 lens, ET-60 lens hood, Canon camera

Delete Recordings On A Dvr

The DVR has revolutionized the way people watch television. No longer a slave to network broadcast times, people don't need to decide between activities or their favorite programs and sporting events. Yet, disk space is limited and can fill up quickly. Here is a quick guide to deleting old programs from your DVR.

Instructions

1. Set some recordings for automatic delete. Most DVRs will automatically delete programs if you tell it to. Mark the programs you want to be deleted when space is needed. The oldest recordings will be deleted first. DVRs usually come with this as the default setting.

2. Make sure a recording is not automatically erased when more space is needed. There are some recordings that you don't want to accidentally lose with automatic delete. Set the recording to save until manually erased.

3. Delete recordings manually to free up space on the DVR hard drive. Use this option for recordings that you want to keep safe from automatic deletion by the DVR. From the DVR Events, or My Recordings screen, choose "Edit," then "Delete."

4. Check the DVR regularly to see if you need to free up space. When recordings are made with manual deletion selected, programs are saved until they are manually deleted. If the disk fills up with programs marked this way, the DVR will stop recording until you free space by manually deleting programs.

Tags: free space, automatic delete, deleting programs, recordings that, recordings that want, some recordings, space needed

Transfer 8mm To A Pc

Capture 8mm footage using a camera, then transfer video to your PC.

Long before digital video cameras came out, 8mm film projectors were the means of recording live-action footage. The celluloid used for this type of film production follows the same concept of processing and printing the image like in film photography, except that the 8mm film shoots moving picture and not still photos.

Transfer old 8mm films to your PC through digitizing or importing. Do the transfer on your own and save money.

Instructions

1. Buy a projector at a Goodwill store, or on eBay or Amazon. Set up the 8mm film projector inside a room ideal for recording a projected movie. If you are using an old projector, clean it first to avoid accumulation of dirt on the 8mm film once it's played on it.

2. Set up the white cloth, white board or use the white wall in your chosen room to serve as your movie screen. Remove unwanted light sources coming from the sides and corners of closed windows and doors by covering them with thick cloths or boards. This makes the room conducive for film projection similar to a regular movie theater.

3. Set up the video camera for the digital video recording of the 8mm film footage. Place it near the projector to get a similar angle as the original footage. Secure it on a tripod, then plug it to a nearby outlet. Using the battery may risk the recording due to used up power, especially when shooting long hours of continuous video.

4. Do a test playback and a test recording. Turn off the room light, then press the "Record" button on the camera. Soon after, follow this with the pressing of the film projector's "Play" button. Adjust both the projector's and the camera's height and distance to the screen. Check the focus and brightness and adjust accordingly.

5. Press the "Stop" button for both devices after about 20 seconds, then view the footage on the camera. Make further adjustments if necessary.

6. Begin the actual recording by pressing "Record" button on the camera, then the "Play" button on the projector.

7. Press the "Stop" button on both the projector and camera after the official recording.

8. Connect the camera to the PC using a USB cable for digitizing of the video.

9. Open a video-editing program and choose the "Capture" or "Import" button, which is usually found under the "File" menu. Confirm the capture or import process to acquire the footage. If you used a camera that already records the footage in file format, simply drag and drop or copy the files from the storage device of your camera to the PC.

Tags: both projector, both projector camera, button both, button camera, camera then

Unscrew A Coaxial Cable From Audiovisual Equipment

Have you ever needed to move your television or cable box, but run into a problem while unscrewing the coaxial cable from the often unreachable slot in the back? In this article, you'll learn disconnect your standard coaxial cable from your television or cable box without damaging your audio-visual equipment.

Instructions

1. You'll need to address your audio-visual equipment directly. Attempting to slip your hands behind the television or cable box may result in the bending of the coaxial cable, making it even more difficult to remove. Also, compromising the cable's tip may cause significant picture degradation when reapplied.

2. Unscrew the coaxial cable in a counter-clockwise motion. Remember, "right is tight and left is loose."

3. Begin to loosen the coaxial cable. If significant resistance occurs, make sure that you are unscrewing the cable without pulling to the left or right of the equipment. Any deviation will cause the cable to bend, as well as it make it more difficult to remove from the connecting port.

4. If your hands simple aren't doing the trick, grab those channel-lock pliers. Place the pliers around the hexagonal screw of the coaxial cable and give a firm twist.

5. Now that you've completed the removal of the coaxial cable, be sure to inspect the center core, making sure that you haven't compromised the connection.

Tags: coaxial cable, coaxial cable, television cable, your television cable, audio-visual equipment, cable from

Install Slingbox Software

Just because you're traveling away from home doesn't mean you have to miss your favorite shows. All you need is a Slingbox to enable you to watch television on a laptop.

Instructions

1. Go to the Slingbox website to download the Slingbox software if you don't have the Slingplayer CD-ROM. Typically, the Slingplayer CD-ROM comes with the purchase of a Slingbox and is compatible with most PCs. However, you must download the software if you use a MacBook laptop.

2. Insert the Slingplayer CD-ROM into the disk drive on your laptop. The installer program starts automatically and the Slingplayer software begins loading onto your laptop.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software. The software asks you for the finder ID of your Slingbox to complete installation. To locate the ID, open your Slingbox directory, click on the Slingbox and select Edit Properties." Your ID is in the connection tab.

4. Enter your ID when prompted by the Slingbox software.

5. Remove the CD-ROM once the installation is complete. Keep the disk in a safe place in case you must reinstall the software.

Tags: Slingplayer CD-ROM, your laptop, your Slingbox

Diy Camera Controller Boards

Controlling your camera in your absence is impossible, save for camera controller boards. You can use camera controller boards in trail cameras to take photos of wildlife. The controller board detects any physical motion using pyroelectric infrared sensor and switches on the camera, triggering it to take a photo. Camera controllers also enhance time-lapse photography.

Instructions

1. Assemble all your equipment, ensuring that all of it is in good condition. Place the PIR sensor on a soft surface, preferably on soft tissue or cloth, to prevent it from damage. Test the LED lights on the user switchboard to confirm that all of them are working properly.

2. Connect the PIR sensor to the slave flash on the digital camera. Handle the PIR sensor carefully because electrical faults that may arise from wrong connections are expensive to repair. Cover the PIR sensor with a plastic casing. Strap the PIR sensor to the side of the camera using masking tape. Affirm that it is firmly attached to the side to prevent it from falling off.

3. Slide the battery into the digital camera and switch on the camera. Switch on the PIR sensor to affirm it is working correctly. Set up a switchboard and connect it to the PIR sensor independent from the camera. Connect the switchboard to the PIR sensor to enable you switch it on and off easily. Attach the digital camera to the switchboard to enable you to monitor the time that lapses before the camera takes a photo. Ensure that the LED lights on the switchboard are off to avoid any electrical damages to the digital camera or the PIR sensor.

4. Place your complete camera controller board in its predestined location. Set it up carefully in the wooden box to test its functionality. Check the functioning of the camera by passing in front of the camera to see if the camera controller board functions properly. Confirm the time that lapsed before the photo was taken by checking the user switchboard connected to the camera and PIR sensor.

Tags: digital camera, camera controller, controller board, camera controller board, camera controller boards, camera sensor

Buy An Entertainment Center For A Plasma Tv

While many of the newer plasma televisions can be hung on the wall, you will need a good electrician and wall repairman to hang it properly. A TV stand for a plasma TV can be almost any narrow table that will hide the cords. As the TV industry moves toward high definition, furniture manufacturers are offering more and more nice entertainment units for those new thinner televisions.

Instructions

1. Measure your TV as well as the wall where you will place it. The new plasma entertainment units come with sidepieces used for books and other decorations. The entertainment unit you purchase can offer an opportunity to redecorate your entire media room.

2. Purchase your entertainment center with your other media room or living room furniture from the same collection. Matching woods later, from different companies, is virtually impossible. The only way you can ensure a match is to buy it all at the same time from the same line.

3. Contrast the color of your TV stand with the furniture you have in the room if you don't want to replace your other tables. If you have dark wood in the room, go for a light maple or black TV stand or entertainment unit. If you currently have lighter woods in the room, try painted units to spice up the decor and bring in some new color to the room.

4. Consider how many electronic units you will be attaching to your TV. You will want to get an entertainment center that can accommodate all your toys. Get one with room for the front speakers if you use a surround-sound system. Make sure the storage space under the TV stand is either open or has glass doors so you can use your remotes without opening doors. Make sure the shelves are deep enough and high enough to support your equipment.

Tags: entertainment center, entertainment unit, entertainment units, from same, Make sure

Which Is Better Polarizing Filter Vs Uv Filter

Polarizing filters reduce glare and increase saturation levels, while UV (ultraviolet) filters protect your lens and reduce haze in film cameras. The best type of filter depends on your camera and what type of pictures you take.

Polarizing Filters

Polarizing filters reduce reflected light, which makes skies a richer blue, reduces glare on water and increases the saturation of the image. However, polarizing filters make some landscapes look unrealistic and also increase the likelihood of a blurred shot.

UV Filters

UV filters prevent UV light from reaching the film or the digital camera sensor. UV filters improve the clarity of film photography, but they do not improve and may even detract from digital quality. UV filters also protect the front of a camera lens from damage.

Choosing Filters

If you use a film camera or if you want to protect your digital camera, use a UV filter. If you use a digital camera and often shoot landscapes or other outdoor shots, a polarizing filter is your best choice.

Tags: digital camera, filters reduce, Polarizing filters, Polarizing filters reduce, protect your

Manually Set Equalizers To Get Optimal Sound From Surround Speakers

Graphic equalizers are designed to customize the quality of sound that can soothe your ears and brain. Different brains however have different tastes for different notes. Graphic equalizers basically are meant to increase or decrease the volume of particular note. One end of the spectrum controls the volume of the lower frequency or bass notes and the other end controls the high frequency or treble notes. Many brains prefer to hear both extremes loud. Which means that each set of your graphic equalizers should form a letter "U" or "V." But it all depends on your brain and also the type of music that you are listening to, such as rock, pop, country or other genres. You can read on to learn equally set equalizers to get optimal sound from surround speakers.

Instructions

1. Sit in front of your music system so that all of the speakers of your music system are equidistant from you and symmetrically situated. Keep the graphic equalizer control in front of you.

2. Level all controls to "0" means in the middle so as to form a straight line. If you have more than one set of equalizers Level all to "0" and make symmetric changes in all sets.

3. Play a light rock or pop music CD.

4. Increase the bass frequency to maximum. Do this for all the sets of graphic equalizers.

5. Increase the treble frequency to maximum. Again, do it in all the sets.

6. Make adjustments in these two extreme notes to see how much of the bass and treble notes your brain would prefer.

7. Once you know your choice of the extreme notes adjusting the rest would be easy. Bring the middle control first to maximum and then slowly lower it until you get the desired level. You have just setup a customized template of your graphic equalizer. Play with the rest of the controls to get the optimum sound quality.

Tags: your music system, extreme notes, frequency maximum, graphic equalizer, music system, treble notes, your brain

Delete A Movie On A Sony Handycam Dcrtrv460

Delete unwanted movies quickly using the Handycam's onscreen navigation.

The Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TRV460 camcorder allows users to record to a memory-stick duo as well as play analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes. The DCR-TRV460 also doubles as a USB webcam and gives users the ability to transfer their old 8mm analog tapes into a digital format. The LCD navigation screen makes deleting a movie from the Handycam DCR-TRV460 a simple process.

Instructions

1. Press "Open" and open the LCD screen.

2. Slide the "Power" switch down twice until you see the light indicating that "Playback Mode" has been selected.

3. Select the movie that you want to delete by pressing the "Fast Forward" or "Rewind" buttons. Touch the "Return Arrow" button on the LCD screen to play back the selected movie.

4. Press the "Trash Can" button on the LCD screen after playback has ceased. Press the "Yes" button to confirm that you want to delete the movie.

Tags: analog tapes, button screen, Handycam DCR-TRV460, that want, that want delete, want delete

Build A Security Box For A Trail Camera

Trail cameras are designed to photograph wildlife without spooking them.

Trail cameras are self-contained camera units that are designed to be attached to a tree or a pole. The camera is triggered by a motion detector and will photograph any animal that happens to walk in front of it. Trail cameras can produce some interesting images from the pure natural of seeing wildlife to the fun of seeing a curious squirrel or bird looking at the camera, and are also used by hunters to identify good hunting areas. Since trail cameras are used outdoors, they may be targets of thieves who are looking for one of their own. Building a security box will help protect your investment.

Instructions

1. Determine the material you are going to build your security box out of. Wood may be the easiest to work with. However it may also be easy to compromise. Steel, while requiring a different set of tools, may be more secure.

2. Measure your trail camera and the location and size of the lens, flash and motion detector.

3. Map out the openings you will need for each of these items on the face of your security box.

4. Drill and cut out the required openings for the lens, flash and detector.

5. Assemble and solder the security box but leave the top off.

6. Connect the top of the security box using three metal hinges. If you have elected to use metal, drill out the holes required for the hinges and secure the hinges using nuts and bolts.

7. Attach lockable latch to the top and front of the security box.

8. Turn the trail camera on and place it inside the security box. Close the lid, and attach an outdoor lock to the latch.

9. Secure the trail camera to the tree or pole using the same connecting hardware that was used with the trail camera.

10. Test the camera by walking in front of it.

Tags: trail camera, lens flash, motion detector, Trail cameras, tree pole, your security

Instructions For The Canon Ae1 Camera

The Canon AE-1 is one of Canon's earliest cameras, designed primarily for mid-level photographers who wanted more automatic features. The Canon AE-1 and the AE-1 Program are considered vintage cameras, and they were the first SLR cameras controlled by a CPU. The Canon AE-1 was built for durability, and an abundance of Canon AE-1s are still in use today. The Canon AE-1 is easy to master, has fast response from the light meter, and utilizes lenses that are known for their sharp images and contrast.

Attaching the Canon AE-1 Lens

Remove the rear lens cap from the supplemental lens by turning it counter-clockwise. Remove the lens cap from the body of the camera. Align the red dot on the lens with the red positioning dot located on the camera. Turn the lens clockwise until it stops and the lens release button pops up. Remove the lens cap by pressing in the two tabs located around the edges of the lens cover.

Set the lens to AE (automatic exposure) by pressing the AE lock pin (located on the top of the lens) and turning the aperture ring clockwise until the "A" stops in alignment with the red dot on the camera.

Installing the Battery

The Canon AE-1 requires one 6V battery, made of either silver oxide or alkaline manganese. To install the battery, remove the viewfinder cover from the accessory shoe located on the top of the camera. Open the batter compartment cover (located on the front of the camera to the right of the lens) with the viewfinder cover by sliding the viewfinder cover tab beneath the battery compartment cover and lifting the battery compartment cover free. Insert the new 6V battery into the battery compartment as indicated on the legend inside the battery compartment. Return the battery compartment cover and press down until it clicks into place.

To test the battery, press the battery check button located on the top of the camera. Look into the viewfinder while holding down the battery check button and you will see the meter needle at or below the battery check index of five. The standard battery life for a Canon AE-1 is about one year.

Loading the Film

To load film into the Canon AE-1, pull the rewind knob (located on the top left of the camera) until the back cover pops open. The Canon AE-1 uses standard 35-millimeter cartridges. Insert the film cartridge into the film slot on the left side and press down on the rewind knob, rotating it until the rewind knob drops into its natural position. Pull the film lead across the back of the camera and line up the teeth of the receiving spool with the perforations on the edges of the film so that the receiving spool can grab the film.

Advance the film one time by pulling the film advance lever (located above the receiving spool on the top of the camera) and make sure the film is pulled taught. Close the back cover and snap a few blank images by pressing down on the shutter button.

You are now ready to shoot with the Canon AE-1.

Tags: Canon AE-1, battery compartment, compartment cover, battery check, battery compartment cover

Different Ways To Mount Tv Antennas

Mounting a TV antenna affords you many choices. Placing your antenna on the ground, chimney, or roof each has pros and cons. Mounting an antenna is not a difficult task and with a few tips, you can enjoy a strong, clear television signal.

Roof

Roof-mounted antennas are secured using a metal base plate that is screwed directly into the roof. Using a stud finder, locate a rafter and screw the plate into the 2x4. Having a helper in this type of installation is recommended as you are working at a great height with a heavy and awkward antenna. One you have secured the plate to the roof, attach the antenna. Make sure you seal the area around your base plate screws with tar or some other sealant to prevent leaks and water damage to your roof and home.

Chimney

Chimney-mounted antennas are most frequently used in new installations. They are easy to install and provide a sturdy area in which to mount. However, smoke and gas from the chimney can interfere with the signal and significantly lessen the antenna's life span. Make sure you secure the antenna with brackets drilled in the the brick and not the mortar in order to provide less stress on the chimney. Your antenna must extend at least 10 feet above the chimney's top in order to properly receive signals. If your chimney is not long enough to support this or if it is is deteriorating and older, this type of mount may not be your best choice.

Ground

If you decide not to mount your antenna on your roof or chimney, you can always mount your TV antenna on the ground. The most important factor in a ground mount is to have a secure service to attach your antenna to. You can use existing structures such as porches or decks or you can use a metal pole placed in a concrete-filled hole as mounting surfaces. If you use the concrete-filled hole, you will have to wait at least 48 hours for the concrete to set up. Once you have attached your antenna to your chosen structure, you may find your antenna does not have the range a chimney or roof mount can give you.

Tags: your antenna, mount your, antenna ground, antenna your, base plate, chimney roof

Use Zoom H4 To Record Classroom Lectures As A Student

You can record lectures with a laptop computer or more conveniently, with a portable recorder like the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder. The H4 is a small recording device that has a built-in stereo condenser microphone. Recordings can be transferred from the H4's SD card, or directly to a computer via USB cable.

Instructions

1. Ask permission to record the lectures. Some schools restrict audio recording of lectures without the consent of the instructor, and some instructors have policies for their classes that prohibit recording, unless the student has a disability or some other special need that makes him unable to take written notes. It is difficult to get a clear, usable recording with the Zoom H4 if you are recording surreptitiously and must hide the recorder, and if you're discovered to be recording without authorization, you may face removal from the class. Ask permission to avoid these issues.

2. Choose a seat close to the lecturer. The audio gain of the built-in stereo condenser microphone on the H4 can be adjusted for optimal recording volume, but the microphone is uni-directional. Limit the extraneous noise from other students by sitting close, with a clear line-of-sight from the H4 to the lecturer.

3. Set the power switch on the Zoom H4 to "On." The "Mode" indicator will show if you are in stereo mode or 4-track mode. If the H4 is in 4-track mode, switch to stereo mode. Press the "Menu" button. Scroll to "Mode" using the jog dial. Press the jog dial down to select the "Mode Select" screen. Scroll to "Stereo Recorder" and press the jog dial. The "Mode" indicator will light.

4. Press the "Track" keys to choose the recording format. For voice recording, "Track Key 4," which records in 44.1 kHz MP3 format, is the best choice for quality and size. Press the "Menu" key. Press the "Rec" key. The H4 will go into record-standby mode and you can monitor the recording level on the on-screen level meters. If you have headphones or earbuds, you can monitor the sound directly to check the level. If the level is low, adjust the "Mic Gain" switch on the side of the unit. The switch can be set from low to high to amplify the incoming sounds from 6 to 30 decibels.

5. Press the "Rec" key. The recording will begin. The Zoom H4 can record for four hours on fully-charged batteries. When the lecture is over, press the "Rec" button again to end the recording, or depress the top of the "Menu" key.

Tags: 4-track mode, built-in stereo, built-in stereo condenser, condenser microphone, indicator will, mode 4-track

Definition Of Analog Camera

An analog camera

In general usage, an analog camera is simply one that is not a digital camera. But In a stricter sense an analog camera is one that uses film rather than some type of electronic sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor chip (CMOS). A similar challenge arose a few decades ago when we needed to distinguish clocks with hands from clocks that showed the time in a series of numerals.

What Does Analog Mean?

Analog refers to devices in which measurable output quantities, such as voltage or pressure, represent input data. A microphone for voice recording is a good example of an analog device. As you speak, fluctuations in air pressure strike the diaphragm of the microphone, causing corresponding fluctuations in voltage in an electrical circuit. The voltage is an "analog," or representation, of the sound waves that make up your voice.

What Does Digital Mean?

"Digital" describes the process by which a signal, such as the light reflected from a scene being photographed, is broken into the binary format so it represents the scene as a series of ones and zeros. That data is then transferred to a storage device and reassembled into a representation of the original scene. The genius of digital is that it can correct any errors that occur during the data transfer, resulting in greater clarity.

Noise

Because of the way analog circuits work to produce continuous, fluctuating signals, they are more susceptible to "noise," or distortion. With analog, a small change in the signal can represent a significant change in the output, and information can be lost in the process. Digital signals, because they deal with only one of two values at any given point in the signal chain, are much more resistant to noise.

Lenses for Analog and Digital Cameras

Digital sensors--except those used on the more expensive professional cameras--are not the same size as the 35 mm frame in film cameras. The lens conversion factor of 1.5 to 1.6 x means that a lens designed for use on a film camera will have a longer equivalent focal length when used on a digital camera. A lens manufactured as a digital lens may not work on a film camera or a full-sensor digital camera.

Agreeing on a Name

It all comes down to agreeing on a term to distinguish cameras that are not digital from cameras that are digital. Many people prefer to continue using the term "film camera" to differentiate analog cameras from digital cameras. Others, such as the Analog Photography Users Group, describe themselves as a group of individuals who are devoted to using the traditional, or non-digital, photographic processes.

Tags: digital camera, film camera, that digital, analog camera, cameras that, cameras that digital, What Does

Transfer Photos Onto A Flash Drive Stick From Windows Xp

Windows XP lets you copy files to and from flash drive sticks.

A flash drive stick connects to your computer's USB port and lets you transfer data between computers. If you have pictures you want to back up or share with a friend, you can transfer them to the flash drive. Most flash drives work with versions of both Mac OS X and Windows, so you can even access your pictures on a computer with a different operating system than Windows XP.

Instructions

1. Plug your flash drive stick into one of your computer's USB ports.

2. Open the folder that has the pictures you want to put on the flash drive. Hold down the "Shift" key as you click each picture you want to transfer.

3. Click "Copy the Selected Items" under "File and Folder Tasks" on the left pane of the picture folder's window to open the "Copy Items" dialog box. Select your flash drive, usually labeled as "Removable Disk" followed by the drive letter, under "My Computer." Click "Copy" to transfer the photos.

4. Double-click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the Windows notification area, then highlight your flash drive stick under "Hardware Devices." Click "Stop" and unplug the flash drive when notified you can safely remove the device. Click "Close" to exit the window.

Tags: flash drive, drive stick, flash drive, flash drive stick, your flash

Unlock A Nokia 6555

People give many reasons for wanting their cell phones unlocked. You may have to travel overseas frequently or you may be permanently settling in another country. Whatever the situation may be, you have no need to purchase a new phone if you unlock your Nokia 6555. With an accurate unlock code for Nokia 6555, you can use a SIM card from any carrier you want, whether you are within your country or abroad.

Instructions

1. Find an unlock code-generating website for Nokia on the internet. (See Resources.) Certain websites provide free services, while others require a fee. The free service providers do not claim responsibility if the phone gets permanently locked by several attempts at entering inaccurate codes.

2. Find out the IMEI (Individual Mobile Equipment Identity) number of your Nokia 6555. The IMEI number is an individual code for each handset. You can find the IMEI number by two methods: removing the Nokia phone's back cover and looking beneath the battery, or typing "*#06#" on your cell phone.

3. Enter the details about your cell phone in the Nokia unlock code website. Enter the model number, which would be "6555" in your case. Also enter the IMEI number, country and service provider network. The calculator will then generate a series of unlock codes.

4. Remove the back cover of your Nokia 6555 (if it has not already been removed in Step 2). Remove the battery and slide out the SIM card. Now put the battery back into place and turn on the phone. You will now see "Insert SIM Card" on the phone screen.

5. Enter the unlock codes, one at a time, and see if any of these work. You will see a "Restriction Off" message on your phone upon entering the correct code. However, if the codes do not work, do not enter wrong codes more than five times, as doing so will lock your phone permanently.

Tags: Nokia 6555, IMEI number, your Nokia, your Nokia 6555, back cover, cell phone

Set The Clock On A Jvc Car Radio

Many cars come with a JVC car radio. Most models will allow you to listen to CDs as well as radio stations while you cruise around in your vehicle. A JVC car radio also has a digital display that will show information about the music you are listening to as well as a digital clock. This clock, however, can get off if you remove the battery, change time zones or enter daylight saving time. The process to set the clock on your car radio is an easy one that only takes a few seconds to complete.

Instructions

1. Hold down the "Sel" button on the face of your JVC car radio for several seconds until the display switches to a menu.

2. Press the "Left" or "Right" search button when the menu options appear. Keep pressing one of these buttons until you cycle through to an option that reads "Clock H."

3. Turn the control dial that you use to adjust the volume of your car radio. The current time on the clock will appear, and as you turn the dial, the hour number will change. Adjust it to the correct hour and wait a few seconds for the menu to return to the "Clock H" option.

4. Use the "Right" button to move to the next option on the menu, which will be "Clock M." This menu will allow you to adjust the minutes on the clock. Use the control dial to adjust the number until it reaches the correct minutes. Wait a few seconds and the menu will return to the "Clock M" setting.

5. Press the "Sel" button to finish the setting the clock. The menu will disappear and the display will return to where it was previously.

Tags: menu will, your radio, control dial, return Clock, seconds menu

What Types Of Cameras Are Used For Action Shots

Features like auto-focus are a great help to the action photographer.

If you're looking to do sports or any other type of action photography, choosing the right type of camera can be a confusing process. There are many different types of cameras available, and each has its own positive and negative points with regard to action photography. When searching for a good camera for taking action shots, selecting the correct type can ensure that you have all the features you need to take action shots.

Super-Zooms

Super-zooms are cameras with a large zoom range, generally over 15x zoom. Many different cameras can be classified as a super-zoom, and they are useful for taking shots at sports events. The zoom aspect makes these cameras the best option if you are taking action pictures when your subject is far away. Super-zoom cameras are larger than compact cameras, but they offer more choice in functionality than their smaller counterparts. Look for features such as auto-focus to help you in getting a good quality image of a moving target.

Advanced Digital Cameras

Action photographers ideally need a lot of options when it comes to the settings on a camera. Advanced, or "Prosumer" (pro-consumer) cameras offer a mixture of professional options for important factors such as shutter speed and generally simple operation suited to laymen as well as professionals. Again, the features that are offered by the particular model are important. "Burst" shooting, or taking multiple pictures with one extended button press, is useful for action photography because it means you can take multiple shots quickly. Look at the camera's frames-per-second rating to see if it is suitable for action photography. The best action cameras can take five or more frames per second. This gives you leeway in timing your button presses, and increases your chances of getting a perfectly timed shot.

DSLR Cameras

Digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are the best type of camera for action photography, according to Practical Photography Tips. These are the most expensive type of camera, but also give you the greatest control over the relevant functions and features. They perform well under low lighting and often have a variable shutter speed, auto-focus and a suitable frames-per-second rate. As well as this, DSLR cameras are able to store bursts of photographs in a memory buffer before having to take a moment to move the images to storage. This digital buffer memory increases the amount of burst photos you can take before having to stop. Cameras such as the Nikon D300, Sony DSLR-A700 and the Olympus E-3 have a great memory buffer. The former allows up to 100 images to be taken in a burst, and the latter two are only limited by the size of your main storage device. There are many suitable DSLR cameras, but the key factors that should influence your decision are maximum shutter speed (faster is better), ability to perform in low light (ISO performance), buffer size and auto-focus.

Tags: action photography, DSLR cameras, shutter speed, type camera, before having, cameras best

How Do Pro Laser Cameras Work

How Do Pro Laser Cameras Work?

Overview

Just as spy cameras are built to record activity in a surrounding area, a camera "catcher" uses laser beams to detect spy cameras in a home or office building or other public area to help stop or prevent unwanted recording of activity (called counter-surveillance devices). A camera detector finds the lens (twinkling light) of any camera (wireless, hard-wired, hidden or non-covert), and many can also find non-functioning cameras as well. The laser technology is built to refract around the camera lens, thus making it easier to detect hidden cameras up to 50-feet away. The pocket-sized devices operate on batteries.

Other Uses

Laser cameras are also used in medical technologies, including for the use of picture-taking of internal organs and tissues. They are also used in the use of pinpointing and applying certain specific treatments for various diseases and operating procedures to help eliminate surgically invasive techniques that cut down markedly on healing and recovery time.

Blooming and Flaring Mechanisms

Most cameras are imperfect machines and reflect and refract light by a blooming or flaring mechanisms. Blooming is when a camera's sensors are overwhelmed by larger sources of light, such as sunlight or candle light in the dark. Flaring happens because light bounces around the glass and metal inside of a camera. Because of these various blooming and flaring actions, it is possible to detect and disable cameras by the use of laser, a near-perfect monochromatic light source which emits a single wavelength (repetitious units in a given frequency range) and one (or sometimes several) pure colors.

Reflections of Light

Collimated light (light with nearly parallel rays) does not lose its brightness while traveling through empty space, so in a clear space, small bright spots from well-collimated lasers will travel for hundreds of feet or meters. Solid-state technology which was responsible for the replacement of vacuum tubes in computers with chips is the same kind of technology that allows lasers to work. Wavelength and color blends together to form radiation, which the human eye cannot see outside what is called the visible spectrum. Within the visible spectrum, where the naked eye can see visible light, the wavelength ranges between 400 and 700 nanometers with a color range of violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Ultraviolet rays have shorter wavelengths that result in a visible light that appears violet. Infrared wavelengths are longer and make red light visible. White light is a mixture of colors and black light is the total absence of light. Wavelengths that are too short or too long cannot be seen at all.

Heart of the Laser Beam

The heart of any laser is the actual lasing medium. In solid-state lasers, most of these mediums consist of crystalline hosts that hold mineral ions, such as synthetic ruby (red hued), synthetic garnet (purple hued) and vanadate (see Resources below) and also plain glass.

Tags: also used, blooming flaring, Cameras Work, Laser Cameras Work, visible light, visible spectrum

Pentax 67 Ii Specifications

The 67 II uses traditional film to record images.

The Pentax 67 II is a traditional single-reflex camera. Since most photographers today are accustomed to digital cameras, they may find using a film camera has a steep learning curve. Fortunately, all cameras share the same fundamental characteristics and can be compared. The 67 II is not designed for amateurs and requires at least an intermediate level of photography to operate effectively.

Core Features

The camera uses 120 or 220 roll film and produces 55mm by 70mm images. It has three exposure modes: aperture-priority, manual and bulb. Its shutter speed ranges between 30 seconds and 1/1000 of a second and it has a dual bayonet lens mount. It is capable of using film with ISO ratings ranging between 6 and 6400. It is powered by 2 3V lithium batteries.

Additional Features

It is capable of multiple exposures on a single image and has a X-sync terminal, along with 4- and 5- pin terminals, for flash syncing. Its LCD display features the battery level, ISO speed, film number, exposure frame and flash status. It is capable of exposure compensation of +/-3 stops in 1/3 stop increments.

Pricing and Availability

As of 2010, the 67 II sells used for $425. Due the age and non-digital format of the camera, you will most likely find it in older or online stores specializing in traditional film cameras. Large electronics retailers will most likely be carrying newer models instead.

Tags: most likely, traditional film, using film, will most, will most likely

Care For Nimh Batteries

NiMH batteries require some maintenance to help extend their lifetime.

Rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries are a necessity for power-hungry devices such as digital cameras, which can quickly drain conventional alkaline batteries. However, whereas alkaline batteries require little maintenance, NiMH batteries do need special care to not only extend their lifetime, but also to avoid potential dangers.

Instructions

1. Remove NiMH batteries from the charger if you don't plan on using them for more than a month.

2. Do not drop the batteries onto hard surfaces, as this behavior could expose the corrosive materials inside the battery case.

3. Do not attempt to incinerate NiMH batteries or expose them to excessive heat. Batteries can explode if you toss them in a fire or place them near other extreme heat sources.

4. Fully charge your NiMH batteries and do not charge them again until you fully drain them. An occurrence known as the "memory effect" can prevent rechargeable batteries from fully charging if you don't regularly drain the batteries before charging them. Buy more than one set of NiMH batteries so that you have a charged set ready to go when your in-use set drains.

5. Clean the contacts on each end of your NiMH batteries with cotton (or a cotton swab) and isopropyl alcohol. Keeping the contacts clean ensures the batteries charge as quickly as possible.

6. Break in batteries by charging and draining them up to three times before use. This helps batteries run at peak performance and capacity and is useful not only for new batteries, but for batteries you place in storage.

Tags: NiMH batteries, your NiMH batteries, alkaline batteries, batteries charge, batteries from, batteries require, extend their

Is Zinc Oxide Dangerous To Human Skin

The use of zinc oxide is not dangerous to human skin. It has been used as an effective skin protectant in many cases and can also aid in the healing of wounded or damaged skin.

Common Uses

Zinc oxide is most commonly found in sun-screens, as it excels at blocking and absorbing the dangerous UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It is a naturally-occurring mineral and is a safer and more effective alternative to chemical sunscreens.

Other Uses

According to Medicinenet.com, zinc oxides can be used to treat or prevent an array of minor skin irritations from burns and rashes to poison ivy. No side effects have been associated with the proper use of zinc oxide.

Other Skin Care Benefits

Zinc has many benefits in maintaining proper skin health. It has been used effectively in the treatment of acne, dandruff and dermatitis herpetiformis. It is also a mild astringent and a natural insect repellent.

Precautions

Medicinenet.com states that it is not known if zinc oxide passes into breast milk. Check with your doctor before using zinc oxide if you are pregnant, are likely to become pregnant or are nursing.

Expert Insight

A 2009 report by the Australian Government concluded that zinc oxide is safe for skin applications as it does not get absorbed beyond the outer-most layer of skin and can effectively prevent the development of skin cancer.

Tags: zinc oxide, been used, zinc oxide

Take Underwater Pictures Using A Canon

Use a waterproof housing when taking pictures underwater.

In order to bring back images from an underwater world, you will need a camera and a protective shield to protect your device against water damage and pressure. Canon manufacturers an array of cameras from point-and-shoot to film to DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. If you are looking to take underwater pictures on your next diving exploration, Canon's underwater housing systems can be just the accessory you need to capture that memorable underwater image.

Instructions

1. Purchase an underwater housing for you Canon camera from an online camera retailer or local electronics store. Canon produces underwater housing for some point-and-shoot cameras as well as its DSLR cameras. To find a compatible underwater housing, visit the Canon Underwater Housing Compatibility Chart.

2. Prepare the camera for taking underwater pictures by making sure the battery is fully charged, that there are no cracks in the housing and that the memory card has enough storage space. If you are using film, make sure the film is loaded properly and the roll is fresh, not expired.

3. Perform a few test shots on dry land to make sure the buttons and flash mechanism are in working condition and are accessible through the housing.

4. Take underwater pictures much as you would take pictures on dry land. If you are using a DSLR, look through the viewfinder and take the picture. If you are using a point-and-shoot, see the image on the preview screen. If your underwater housing is made specifically for your camera model, you should have no problem looking through the viewfinder or screen. If your housing is universal, you may have to adjust the camera in order to get a good view before taking a picture.

5. Select the type of shot you want to capture, such as macro or wide angle shots. Wide angle shots are mainly for capturing a large amount of area with less emphasis on the details but more on the big picture. According to Canon, you always want to keep the water color blue by setting the "White Balance" and choosing the options "Daylight" or "Cloudy" depending on the water depth and sunlight conditions. Macro shots are for small underwater close-ups with a minimal distance in between the camera and the subject. To focus on close objects, hold the shutter button halfway to perform an automatic focus before taking the picture.

Tags: underwater housing, underwater pictures, angle shots, before taking, before taking picture, make sure, screen your

Create Panoramic Posters

Use photo stitch programs to create a panoramic poster.

If you are a photographer who takes landscape pictures, you have probably experienced the realization that an 8x10 print doesn't do your photos justice. When you take a landscape photo you are usually capturing a very wide scene. Trying to capture the same impact on a traditional print is very difficult. Free programs are available that allow you to "stitch" a number of photos together to create a panoramic poster that will help recreate the impact of your landscape photography.

Instructions

1. Attach your camera to a tripod. View the scene you are photographing. Pick three separate portions you will photograph individually.

2. Position your camera on what will be the left side of your completed panoramic poster. Take the first picture, noticing specific information about what is along the right-hand edge of the scene.

3. Reposition your camera to the middle portion of your scene. Use a fixed point or part of your picture as a guide to divide your scene. Compose the middle picture by placing the left side of your viewfinder at what was the right side of your first image, overlapping slightly with the previous shot. Take the picture.

4. Reposition your camera to photograph the final third of your scene. Line up your camera using the same method as the middle photo. Shoot the third picture.

5. Connect your camera with or insert your memory card into your computer. Download your pictures to a folder.

6. Download the free photo stitch program you want to use. Open the program.

7. Open the three pictures you will use to compose your panoramic poster, following the program's directions. Allow the program to recompose the picture for you, "stitching" the three together as one.

8. Touch up the final poster as needed. Save the poster -- as a new image -- to your computer's hard drive. Print the poster yourself or take or e-mail the image to a business to have it printed.

Tags: your camera, panoramic poster, side your, your scene, create panoramic, create panoramic poster, left side

Delete Photo On Innovage Mini Digital Camera

Innovage Mini Digital Cameras do not include the same features found on a camera like this.

Innovage Mini Digital Cameras are small, inexpensive, digital cameras that allow you to have a camera with you at all times. While their size and price are convenient for consumers, they do not come with many features that are standard on most other digital cameras, like the ability to zoom in your photo. Also, the process to delete specific photos is slightly more complex than most other cameras.

Instructions

1. Take photos on the camera.

2. Insert the Innovage driver installation CD into your computer. The computer should open an installation wizard window automatically. When prompted, select the option to install the driver onto your computer. When the installation is complete, restart your computer. The driver allows your computer to communicate with your Innovage camera.

3. Connect the camera to the computer using the USB camera cable. Click "Start," then click on "Computer" or "My Computer" (depending on which version of Windows you are running). Double-click on the removable device icon, which opens up the camera's content. Right-click on a photo you wish to delete and select the "Delete" option. Repeat until all the images that you wish to delete have been deleted.

4. Close the camera window. Click "Start," then click "Computer/My Computer," right-click on the removable device icon, and eject the device. The icon will disappear when the device has been ejected. Once it is ejected, it is safe to disconnect the camera from the computer.

Tags: your computer, device icon, Innovage Mini, Innovage Mini Digital, Mini Digital, click Computer

Use A Photo Booth At Wedding Reception

Photo booths are a great way to entertain guests and capture priceless memories at your wedding reception. You'll get great pictures that will give you a cool behind-the-scenes look at your own wedding, or you can use the photos as favors that your guests can take home. You can either rent a photo booth from a rental company, hire a photographer to man one for you, or set up an easy DIY photo booth that your guests can operate themselves.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you'd like to just rent a photo booth from a local rental company, or set one up yourself. Photo booths available for rent are the easiest solution, and allow the guests to print out their pictures instantly and take them home. They can be expensive, so you may want to consider setting up your own photo booth as described in Steps 4 through 8 below.

2. Find out about any limitations to the photo booth rental. Many companies have a limit for the amount of pictures that can be taken or the number of hours you can have the booth on site. Ask about the delivery and pick-up details.

3. Place the photo booth in an area of the reception where it will not interfere with other events. For example, you may not want it in the background while you and your new spouse are being photographed cutting the cake or dancing. It should be easily accessible, but out of the way of the way of most of the action and the service staff.

4. Set up your own photo booth by stringing a clothesline between nearby trees or poles. Attach curtain clips to the top of a large piece of fabric in a color that complements your wedding color scheme, and string the clip loops onto the clothesline. If there's a free wall available, you could just nail the cloth onto the wall.

5. Set up a tripod 8 to 10 feet in front of the fabric background and attach the camera to it. Test the angle to make sure the subjects and fabric background are the only things that appear in the viewfinder. You may need to move the tripod closer or further away from the subjects.

6. Choose a high quality camera with a flash. If it's in your budget, you may want to hire a photographer to set up the equipment and man the camera. Even if you choose to do this, however, you should make the photo booth as self-serve as possible so your guests will feel uninhibited to pose as they wish. A photographer can also hook a printer up to the camera so the guests can take their pictures home.

7. Attach a remote cord or shutter release to the camera so guests can take the photos themselves without actually touching the camera.

Tags: photo booth, guests take, your guests, your wedding, booth from

Troubleshoot Nec Ds1000/2000 Conference Calls

The DS1000 and DS2000 are lines of conference phone systems developed and marketed by NEC. They have been discontinued, replaced by the NEC DSX40, DSX80 and DSX160 series. NEC provides a set of troubleshooting techniques to resolve any issues with conference calls. Some of the issues are caused by improper setup or equipment malfunctioning.

Instructions

1. Check that the telephone line is properly connected to the telephone jack located underneath the base unit. A loose connection may result in no dial tone, interruptions during conference calls or a static noise in the background.

2. Reprogram the "Automatic Gain Control (AGC)" and "Automatic Level Control (ALC)" settings. Press and hold the "Redial/Prog" button until you see the program icon. Press the "8" button to enter the menu. Press the "Redial/Prog" button again. You will see the current setting flashing on the screen. Press "1" to turn on Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for the speaker and Automatic Level Control (ALC) for the microphone.

3. Restore your phone system to factory defaults if none of the above steps resolves the issue. Press and hold the "Redial/Prog" button until you see the program icon. Press and hold the "9" button. You will see the No. 8 on the screen. Press the "Redial/Prog" to confirm the restore. Press "Clear" to end the task.

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Magnolia Tree Varieties In Northern Indiana

Magnolia flowers are not always white, as evidence of the flowers on this magnolia tree.

Magnolias are commonly associated with the South, but that doesn't mean people in Northern Indiana can't enjoy them too. The average winter minimum temperature in northern Indiana ranges between minus 10 and minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which places it in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 5. Several species of magnolia are winter hardy enough to endure these cold temperatures and tolerant of both the clay and sandy soils found in Indiana. No matter where you're planting them, make sure you pick a sunny location that is well-draining.

Cucumber Tree Magnolia

The cucumber tree magnolia (Magnolia acumiate) gets its name from its pinkish-red fruit that looks like a cucumber. Its small, yellow-green flowers are not as showy as those of other magnolia trees, but this variety does make a fast-growing shade tree. This tree will tolerate periods of flooding and is moderately drought tolerant. It grows about 70 feet tall with a 40 foot width.

Umbrella Magnolia

White, 8-inch flowers that start blooming in May make the umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) an attractive choice, provided you're standing downwind, since these flowers don't smell very pleasant. The name comes from the large leaves that range between 10 and 24 inches long. It is a smaller tree that grows about 15 to 40 feet tall. It needs a moist, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade.

Japanese Magnolias

The Korbus (Magnolia kobus) and star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) are both native to Japan. They are smaller trees that grow about 20 to 25 feet tall. The star magnolia is much narrower than the Korbus, with a width averaging between 10 to 15 feet compared to Korbus's spread of 25 to 35 feet. Both produce fragrant white flowers in the spring that are about 3 to 4 inches wide. The Korbus is known for being one of the earliest magnolias to bloom, although it does not flower well until it is mature. The star magnolia has a moderate flooding and drought tolerance, and should be planted in slightly acidic soil.

Sweet Bay Magnolia

Hoosiers might be surprised by the lemony scent emanating from the 3-inch-wide, white flowers of the sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). Flowers eventually turn into a bright-red fruit that is attractive to wildlife. Although the flowers are not particularly showy, the dark-green leaves have a silver underside that often attracts attention. This magnolia likes a more acidic soil than its brethren and will grow about 40 feet high with a 20 foot spread. It is also known as the swamp magnolia.

Saucer Magnolia

If you like a little color, the saucer magnolia offers flowers that range in shade of pink, purple and white. They can begin blooming in February and may reoccur over the summer. It will grow about 1 foot a year until it reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet, with a similar spread. It needs a deep acidic soil to do well.

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