Sure it is a compromise, but you will be amazed, how far it can take you, when it is done right.

To start with, the picture quality of most still cameras is similar to a camcorder of the same specification. There could be some limitations what the lens concerns, but on the other hand you have a camera, which fits in your shirt pocket. That is convenience. At the same time you have a camera handy, which takes excellent still shots. If you are like me, who takes a lot of pictures and the occasional video clip, a little point and shot camera is the ideal solution for holidays or any other event.

There is a setback though. Since these cameras don’t have a good image stabiliser, it is important to hold it steady with some sort of mechanical support or use a little table tripod.

Filming yourself couldn’t be much easier. Position the camera with tripod, choose the right framing with the zoom and switch on the self-timer. Any excess footage at the end of the video clip can be cut in post production.

Post production

The recording format of digital still cameras is handled by most editing software. Since you recorded with a still camera, I can imagine that you have a good mix of still photos and video clips on your memory card, which you want to use in your video production.

Design: Featuring a new slick design the Kodak Zi8 offers a glossy surface finish coming in black, blue and red which fits easily into the pocket. While not the smallest pocket camcorder in the market at 2.4 inches x 4.5 inches x 0.9 inch it is fairly lightweight at 4.8 ounces. The camcorder is also slimmer, thanks to a proprietary lithium-ion battery and offers a sharp 2.5-inch LCD display. However, the glossy surface finish isn’t scratch proof so you should probably get a plastic skin to go with it.

Specifications: The Kodak Zi8 is one of the first pocket camcorders on the market to offer 1080p HD video capture at 30 fps. While the camcorder runs on 720p by default it does offer higher resolutions and frame-rates as well, going from 30fps to 60fps for 720p resolutions. The camcorder achieves this thanks to its built in 1/2.5 inch 5MP CMOS sensor which also allows for 5MP still images. The camcorder can support up to 32GB SDHC memory cards and powers up via USB or with its AC adapter. With a built-in microphone and speaker, the camcorder offers respectable sound and playback but for better audio you can hook up an external microphone as well.

Features & Performance: Thankfully, the Kodak Zi8 is very easy to use and comes with a new four-way rocker for faster interaction. With very precise four speed fast forwarding and rewinding the camcorder lets you review or go back fast, slow or just as you want it. Video quality is very good, almost on par with dedicated video camcorders with better lens and sensors. Higher image resolutions also means larger file sizes with about 14 to 15 minutes of 1080p video at 30fps taking about 2GB worth of data so you should seriously consider getting a 16GB or 32GB SDHC memory card. Other features of note include an enhanced macro mode, allowing the camcorder to auto-focus clearly up close. Overall, the Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera is by far the best pocket camcorder on the market especially if you’re looking for 1080p video capture.

If you are in the market for a digital camera on a budget, there are several cameras available which are both high quality and affordable. The top three, while similar, each have special features that separate them from others in their class.

One such camera is the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS. This pocket sized, 12.1 MP camera, features a 4x optical zoom with image stabilization, and 2.7 inch LCD viewing panel. Available in multiple designer colors, the camera also comes with a completely rechargeable lithium-ion battery, making it not only more cost effective than many of its competitors, but also more lightweight. It has 18 custom picture settings, and is SD card compatible for expandable memory.

Sony offers a similar product in its Cybershot DSC-W220. A slightly less compact camera than cannons power shot, this is also a 12.1 MP camera, featuring a 4x optical zoom with image stabilization. Its use of Bionz image processor technology guarantees minimal shutter time, increasing your likely hood of capturing the most precious, and most fleeting moments, and insuring the highest quality action shots. The camera also features face detection software, and has a 15MB onboard memory. Should you wish to expand this memory, it is Memory Stick Duo compatible.

Red light camera tickets are becoming more and more common in San Diego. The revenue generated from red light cameras is like crack to the local municipalities that have become addicted to the revenue stream they provide – particularly when the state and local governments are on the fiscal equivalent of life support. In addition, the companies that manufacture the cameras and the component parts have become very good at pushing the state legislature and local municipalities to expand the use of their equipment, i.e. buy their product. Indeed, if the revenue generated from these cameras is crack, the companies manufacturing them are the drug dealers.

There is no better example of how out of control this has all become than the camera at Harbor Dr. and Grape in San Diego. It is estimated that red light camera generated over one-million dollars of revenue for the City of San Diego in fiscal year 2010. You read that right! Over one-million dollars! At approximately $500.00 a crack that shakes out to something like 2000 tickets a year, and around 6 – 7 tickets a day.

But what’s really unknown about the Harbor Dr. red light camera is how that intersection is engineered. When you are heading east on Harbor Dr. you will notice that there are one or two turn pockets lanes which cars travel in to take a left on Grape. The speed limit in a turn pocket lane is normally 25 m.p.h. because most turn pocket lanes are short in length. However, the length of the turn pocket lanes on Harbor Dr. are unusually long.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6257218

Every once in a while a new product comes out that just makes perfect sense. In the camera world, Kodak has just released such a product. It’s called the Kodak PlaySportZx3 Waterproof Pocket Camcorder. If you are thinking you will have to spend a lot of your hard-earned money to own such a camera, think again. This little does-it-all camera is reasonably priced at about 149.00.

What does it do that’s so special?

For starters the Kodak PlaySportZx3 records quality video in 1920 x 1080p and 5 megapixel still photos underwater up to 10 feet deep. This feature is the main reason for buying a waterproof camera! Protected by locking bay doors, the battery, memory card and USB ports are still easy to access while remaining dry.

Similar to other cameras in this class, the PlaySport does produce some digital noise or pixilation in lower light settings, but not enough to be a problem. I found the quality of the 720p/60fps setting really good as long as you don’t move the camera to fast. There is also a standard 720p and a VGA setting. If you are not comfortable using different settings just point and shoot, you will still get all your Kodak moments.

Is it Durable?

I was surprised by how easily the camera handles when wet, the ergonomic design and the soft touch materials used all around the camera make it practically slip proof in and out of the water. The rugged design of the camera makes it perfect for sporting events and outdoor use. I don’t recommend tossing it around or anything, but if it does happen to drop you won’t have to worry. Weighing in at just 4.4 ounces, only slightly heavier than other cameras in its class the PlaySport is truly a pocket camcorder, slipping in almost anywhere.