Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had my Gorillapod SLR for only a couple of days and have used it just once. I bought it for use with a Canon 300D with my 17-40mm lens. (Total weight on this setup is unofficially 2.6 lbs.--unfortunately appearing to be .1 lbs. over the maximum weight specified by Joby. But, for my purposes, I'm considering that close enough.) Given this weight, my heavier telephoto lens is out of the question. Of course, I knew that prior to my purchase.
Here are my initial thoughts/tips:
- Make sure you do not associate any of the regular Gorillapod's "demo" photos on Joby's website with the SLR version's--or at least pay close attention to the SLR "demo" photos. Specifically, around poles and trees, you will want the legs to wrap fully around the object. Anything less will lack the necessary strength/grip. This point is self-explanatory in the photos but I personally didn't examine them close enough and I did sort of mix "demo" photos in my mind when building my expectations. (Call me an idiot but I was slightly curious if the "Gorillapod-helmet" would work. It--perhaps obviously--will not. I don't think I'd even trust it with my Canon A610 digicam. :) But, I broke out a ski pole and the Gorillapod will definitely be secure on the thin pole. An aspen trunk? Maybe if it's a young tree. A swing set pole? Again, a thin one is likely to work.)
- The Gorillapod seems to have a "sweet spot"--in a traditional tripod stance--where it is just fine and seems perfect. Yet, a slight movement lower causes gravity to win the battle and pull the whole thing down in the middle. A movement in the opposite direction seems to make the Gorillapod unstable--too upright perhaps and ready to topple. If, in the future, Joby could implement some form of "parital leg lock," this issue could be solved.
- My next use of the Gorillapod will be for mountain summit photos and an accompanying hike this weekend. The Gorillapod's "feet" are pretty "sticky"--that is, they're basically like a no-slip Vibram sole. So, I think the Gorillapod will do just fine on 14ers/13ers and on lake rocks, boulder fields, etc.--especially in the traditional 3-leg tripod setup. Gorillapod competitors seem likely to struggle on uneven rocks so I'm feeling good about the Gorillapod in this use.
- I bought the Gorillapod because I thought it was the best option I have seen on the market for throwing in a Camelbak--be it for skiing, hiking, or biking. (My other tripod is a 7.2 lb. Gitzo. I've lugged it around on a hut trip and backpacking trip--sans a few leg sections to shave weight. The Gorillapod will suffice from now on, I believe.) When I took the Gorillapod out today for some shooting, I just put it on the camera and carried the camera with it on--the camera being on my shoulder. I walked to a park and didn't really even notice it. The Gorillapod really does weigh almost nothing.
- The Gorillapod makes a nice "monopod" when used with three legs straight down.
- My 22 month old son loves it. So, at worse, it's a great infant toy for improving motor skills.
- Don't worry about the Gorillapod's camera attachment. It's solid.
- I have a buddy with an Ultrapod. I bought the Gorillapod thinking I had way superior technology despite an over doubling of price. Turns out I probably have merely equivalent but cuter functionality. Also, that buddy has a Canon 10D. The Gorillapod only makes sense for Rebel users in Canon's digital SLR lineup--preferably users with the 18-55 kit lens.
In summary, I would call myself satisfied but not overjoyed. I think it is at least equivalent to the alternatives if not slightly better. But, it is not quite revolutionary. And, keep in mind, these are my first impressions following a single use of it. It didn't knock my socks off but I think I can make it work.
I give it a 4-star rating because I will also use it with my A610 digicam. It should be excellent with that camera when compared to the digicam Gorillapod. 3-stars is likely fitting for use with my SLR (given the sweet spot issue, 2.5 lb. limitation, and slightly elevated cost). But, 3-stars seems low. So, consider my rating a 3.5 and I'm rounding up.

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The Joby GP2-01P Gorillapod makes taking digital photos more fun than ever. Designed with self-timer photography in mind, the Gorillapod lets you mount your camera just about anywhere you want so that you can include everyone in your automatic shots. All you need to do is use the universal 1/4-20 screw to attach your camera to the standard tripod mount, then wrap the three flexible segmented legs securely to a nearby tree branch, fence, park bench, or anything else that's convenient. Say goodbye to holding your camera at arm's length to take a photo of yourself and your friends--now you can be free to pose however you like!Durable and innovative, the Gorillapod weighs just 5.8 ounces, or 165 grams, and can support cameras--such as DSLRs--weighing up to 1.75 pounds, or 800 grams. Measuring just 9.8 inches in length, the Gorillapod fits easily into a purse, backpack, or even a roomy jacket pocket.

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Canon PowerShot SD100 3.2MP Digital ELPH Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)the sd100 delivers a stylish, ultracompact camera but with only 2x optical zoom and very limited manual controls.
pros:
- very good resolution, especially for a 3MP ultra-compact.
- good color response.
- good reliable metering.
- no color cast when using flash.
- low noise at ISO 50 (keep in mind that ISO 50 for this camera is actually ISO 100 for everyone else; likewise, ISO 100 is in reality closer to ISO 200, etc)
- 9-point AiAF.
- the LCD monitor (1.5") is bright and has an anti-reflective coating - gives good live preview and review even in well lit situations.
- shooting priority play mode (a half-press of the shutter release always returns to shooting).
- fast shot-to-shot times.
- fairly good startup time, especially for an extending lens camera.
- as with most canon digicams, the sd100 feels solid.
- USB connectivity.
- good battery life, although i would recommend carrying a spare since canon's batteries are proprietary.
- ultracompact: 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.9 in, weighing only 6.5 oz.
- has continuous shooting function, which you don't normally find in ultra-compacts.
- 15 second night exposure ability.
- long movie clips possible at VGA mode (up to 3 minutes including audio).
cons:
- limited 2x optical zoom.
- very few manual controls - no aperture priority, no shutter priority, no manual focus (this is okay if all you want is a point and shoot).
- average macro performance.
- you'll need to remove from tripod to open the battery compartment or replace the SD card.
- very small mode dial.
- the supplied 16MB SD card is inadequate - be prepared to shell out a few more bucks for at least a 256MB card.
- proprietary battery - again, a few more bucks for a spare.
- case tends to show fingerprints.
the sd100's mission in life is to take nice pics with as small and light a footprint as possible. on the nice picture category, it delivers. however, there are at least two other cameras that are smaller, have better optical zoom (3x vs the canon's 2x) and have a wider feature set: the pentax optio s and casio ex-z3. as much as i like canon digicams, i would recommend these two over the sd100.
i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.

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With the Canon PowerShot SD100, you've got the best of both worlds--the compact size and high style of the Digital ELPH series plus the higher resolution of a 3.2-megapixel camera. The PowerShot SD100 also features a 2x digital zoom, 9-point artificial intelligence autofocus (AiAF) for accurate, automatic focus, and movie mode with sound.
Optics and Resolution The PowerShot SD100 offers a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor that produces images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels for photo-quality 8 x 10 inch prints or medium-quality 11 x 14 enlargements. Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. The 2x zoom lens has a focal length of 5.4-10.8mm (equivalent to 35-70mm in 35mm photography). It also incorporates a 3.2x digital zoom for a total 6.4x zoom. The PowerShot SD100 also features Canon's nine-point AiAF system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/1,500 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).
Movie Mode In addition to taking still photos, the SD100 can also record up to 3 minutes of video with sound. It has three resolution settings: 640 x 480 (VGA), 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. You can record for up to 30 seconds per clip at 640 x 480, or 3 minutes at the lower resolutions. Note that you cannot use the optical zoom when in movie mode. The included 16 MB memory card can hold 13 seconds of video at the highest setting.
More Features The SD100 starts up quickly, taking under 2.5 seconds to extend the lens and prepare for shooting. The built-in flash has auto, red-eye reduction, on/of, and slow sync modes and has an approximate 10-second recycle time.
Canon's DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.
1.5-inch LCD with real image zoom viewfinder
Shooting Modes: Auto, Program, Manual, Stitch Assist, Movie
Photo Effects: Vivid Color, Neutral Color, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White
Continuous shooting mode: 2.2 shots per second with LCD and Large/Fine mode off
Self timer with 2 and 10 second options
Printing Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon's bubble jet direct printers i900D and i960, and card photo printer CP-200 and CP-300. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; a 16 MB SD card is included. When shooting in Large/Normal mode, you can store 30 images on the included memory card. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-3L, included). It measures 3.35 by 2.20 by 0.94 inches and weighs 5.82 ounces (excluding battery).
What's In The Box This package includes the PowerShot SD100 digital camera, 16 MB Secure Digital memory card, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (NB-3L), battery charger (CB-2LU), USB and AV cables, and wrist strap. It also comes with ArcSoft Camera Suite and Digital Camera Solutions CD-ROMs with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

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Fujifilm FinePix S7000 6.3 MP Digital Camera w/ 6x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)This camera evokes love/hate relationship based on the numerous reviews and comments from users. So the bottom line really is the picture quality.
Prior to owning this I had been an Nikon and Canon SLR user but like many, I also have to adapt to the current trend in using digicams. So before purchasing, I spent a whole month researching through the web, visited shops and get a feel of the current digicams on offer. In my quest for the best digicam for my needs, I have seen their output, held the camera itself and thoroughly inspected everything about them. Besides, Im spending U$600-700 so I really need the best for my needs. In those times, I have seen them all, and finally purchased the S7000.
What about S7000? I must say that the picture quality of this camera is best at 6mp native resolution. Although it is capable of taking 12MP interpolated photos, I would personally skip that because at that resolution it does become noticeable noisy. However, pictures taken at 6MP and below are by far the best amonth the current offerings. I have tested the Minolta Dimage A1, Nikon coolpix 5700, Sony F707 and the Canon and by far the Fuji have the best color saturation, more natural, vibrant and crisp photos among these cameras.
At U$650, you just cannot go wrong with the S7000. The other cameras mentioned here are even pricier and doesnt give all the extras that the Fuji can give.
Right now, I am having a blast taking photos with this baby witout worrying about film development cost. It is a great way to learn the ropes about photography espcially in manual mode because as long as you have the memory, you can practice your skills endlessly.
When I am done with it, I would like to upgrade to the Nikon D100 because despite the excellent features of s7000 it still is not perfect, but the s7000 is way ahead of the current Nikon, Canon, Minolta offerings at this price range.

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With its compact SLR-style body, manual controls, and powerful optics, the FujiFilm FinePix S7000 is a great choice for professional photographers or advanced amateurs. The S7000 combines a 6x optical zoom with a 6.3-megapixel Fujifilm Super CCD, which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored. The S7000 also features movie mode with audio, dual memory slots (XD and CompactFlash), and USB 2.0 connectivity.
Optics and Resolution The FinePix S7000's Super CCD HR features a powerful f2.8 Fujinon 6x aspherical zoom lens that's equivalent to 35-210mm in 35mm photography and a smooth 3.2x digital zoom. The S7000 offers 6.3 effective megapixels (2848 x 2136 pixels), which can translate to 12 million recorded pixels (4048 x 3040 pixels). It also offers 2848 x 2136, 2016 x 1512, 1600 x 1200, and 1280 x 960 resolution modes.
Effective pixels are the number of light sensitive pixels that are actually used by the camera's image sensor (the CCD) to record light. The term recorded pixels refers to the number of output pixels that are recorded to the memory card.
FujiFilm's Super CCD The Super CCD is a proprietary version of the CCD (charged coupling device) system of light-gathering diodes that captures images into pixels. The Super CCD utilizes larger, octagonal-shaped, light-gathering diodes called Picture Elements (pixels) that are laid out in a saw-tooth pattern. Super CCDs can capture more light information than ordinary CCDs.
The FinePix S7000 features the fourth generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution), which is capable of nearly doubling the number of effective pixels that are processed and stored as additional detail in the recorded pixel file.
Movie Mode and Voice Memo Feature The S7000 captures VGA-quality MPEG video with audio at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second for up to 13 seconds. You can also capture 26 seconds of 320 x 240 pixel video with audio.
The voice memo feature enables you to attach short audio recordings (up to 30 seconds) along with your captured photos to help you remember details. The voice memos are saved as WAV files and can be e-mailed along with image files.
More Features The S7000 has advanced exposure controls, including auto, programmed AE, aperture-priority AE, manual EV, and pre-programmed scene position modes. It also features a range of ISO-equivalent sensitivities, from 160-800 on auto to 200-1600 in manual mode. The S7000 also features an accurate, state-of-the-art, high-speed autofocus (AF) system that makes focusing quicker and more precise. The continuous autofocus feature automatically adjusts focus as the camera moves. The continuous shooting mode enables you to capture 5 frames per second at 12 MP (megapixel) mode, or up to 40 frames in either 1, 2, or 3 MP mode.
Other features include:
1.8-inch LCD monitor and a high-resolution .44-inch electronic viewfinder
Built-in, pop-up flash with auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow synchro modes
Shutter speed: 15 seconds to 1/10,000 second
Still image formats: JPEG and CCD RAW
White balance modes: automatic, manual (fine, shade), fluorescent (daylight, warm white, and cool white), incandescent, and custom
Exposure modes: automatic, manual, aperture priority, exposure compensation, program AE, and shutter priority auto mode.
Storage and Transfer Images are stored on either CompactFlash (Type II) or XD memory cards, and a 16 MB XD card is included. The S7000 is also compatible with MicroDrives. When shooting images at 12 MP, the 16 MB card will store approximately 6 images at normal setting; at 6MP, you can store approximately 10 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via ultrafast USB 2.0, which means it can be connected to any USB-compatible Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. When used with USB 1.1 connection, transfer will slow to USB 1.1 rate.
Power and Size The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; alkaline batteries are included, but rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 4.8 by 3.2 by 3.8 inches and weighs 17.6 ounces (excluding batteries and media).
What's In The Box This package includes the FinePix S7000 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, 4 AA alkaline batteries, USB and A/V cables, lens cap, lens cap holder, and shoulder strap. The included CD-ROM features FinePix View 4.1 imaging software, Pixela VCD 2 Image Mixer for FinePix, QuickTime 5, and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

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