Panasonic VDR-D310 3.1MP 3CCD DVD Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been searching for what, for me, would be a versatile, quality digital camcorder for over a year, both online and in various local stores. I have not owned a camcorder before (although I've used a friend's), devoting myself primarily to still photography with my Nikon D70. I wanted high quality visual images, especially under conditions of available light indoors, as well as fine stereo sound. I wanted a camcorder that would produce good results when on "automatic" but would also be readily customizable when conditions, or my desire to be creative, called for it.
In the week and a half I have had the camcorder after ordering it from Amazon, I have found the Panasonic VDR-D310 to deliver all of the above, and then some. I have been especially impressed with its performance under lower lighting conditions (within reasonable ranges, of course). An indoor video I took just last night of my wife showing our 2-year-old granddaughter how to color with crayons, taken under available incandescent light, was warm and well exposed. The results were outstanding. Videos taken outdoors are superb.
I have shown this camcorder's videos on our new HDTV, and they sparkle there. Stereo sound is true and clear as well.
I do suggest that Panasonic improve the versatility of the computer-editing software it packs with this camcorder. (One can edit the videos on the camcorder itself, however.)
I highly recommend this camcorder.


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Easy shooting and viewing. When it comes to shooting videos, simpler is better. Flip a single switch to start recording. When you're done shooting, you can view your pictures right away on a DVD player. Whether you're recording a special event or just taking a few casual shots, the DVD Palmcorder camcorder is perfect for people who like to take it easy when they're taking videos.

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Gary Fong LS2P1 Lightsphere II Size 1 (Clear) Review

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(More customer reviews)I consider myself a pretty tough grader and it isn't often that I give a product 5 stars. However, the Lightsphere deserves every one of them.
Used within certain limits, the Lightsphere does indeed provide soft, even lighting from a basic on-camera flash. I use mine with a Nikon SB600 and couldn't be happier with it.
There are models available for many different flashes so be sure to get the right one. There is also a universal model available that works very well if you have a variety of flashes. Check the Gary Fong website for more details and some demos.
For many years I simply mounted my flash and bounced the light off the ceiling or nearby wall. For the most part the results that I got were pleasing. However, the Lightsphere takes the bounce approach a step further and ensures a softer, more diffuse light that makes portraits appear to have been shot with a much more sophisticated and larger lighting system.
Oh, yeah. I did mention that the product must be used within certain limits, so let me explain.
The most obvious limit is the flash unit itself. A more powerful flash will allow the shooter to use a smaller aperture to increase depth of field if desired. It will also allow for greater bounce distance (a high ceiling comes to mind) and the use of a lower ISO setting permits your camera to produce the highest (technical) quality images of which it is capable.
One importatnt thing to bear in mind is that there is simply no way that a device the size of the Lightsphere can provide the same quality light as a softbox or umbrella. The laws of physics just don't work that way. The larger the light source (and the closer to the subject) the softer the light. Be that as it may, the Lightsphere does indeed soften and diffuse the light to give a decent imitation of a much larger light source.
If you're finding that your flash shots, even bounced, are still a bit harsh, give this product a try. Chances are you'll never again shoot flash without it.

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Light Sphere II Cloud. All other diffusers "point" the light somewhere like a flashlight. Light Sphere is the only diffuser that lights up the entire room, softening your images tremendously.Light up the entire room and eliminate unwanted shadows. Light Spheres were reffered to as the \'Best Diffusion" we\'ve ever tested by \'Professional Photographer Magazine." And \'By far the best diffusion" as tested by \'Nikonians" Use the cloud colored Light Sphere II to create the warmest softest light possible from your on-camera flash. Studio quality light, that you can carry in your gear bag, makes the Cloud Light Sphere the perfect diffuser for portrait photographers and wedding photojournalists. This soft flattering light is the same light you are accustomed to finding in your studio when using a soft box, panel or large umbrella. If you shoot outside of your studio - you will love the Cloud Light Sphere.FIT: Light Sphere II models come in four different sizes. See the provided sizing chart for your flash model. Since Light Sphere II models require no attachment accessories or pieces, you can easily and quickly pop the Light Sphere II on and off your flash. Light Sphere II has numerous accessories and there are numerous kits available.

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Nikon D3000-D5000 DSLR Starter Kit with Nikon School DVD Fast, Fun & Easy III / IV and D-SLR System Case Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't write many reviews, but feel compelled to do so in this case because I found a number of the other reviews either ambiguous or contradictory. I just couldn't find a clear and simple description of EXACTLY what this case can comfortably hold, and ended up waiting far longer than I needed to before I felt comfortable enough to order this case. I really wish that I hadn't waited, because it turns out that this is a nice case that holds a great deal. Hopefully this review will help others who want a clear understanding of the capacity of the case.
In simple terms, the main compartment of this case easily and comfortably holds: A Nikon D3000 or D5000 with the 18-55mm lens attached, a 55-200mm lens, and the battery charger and AC cord. All you need to do is remove and reconfigure the partitions so that you use two of the partitions to create three sections within the main compartment. Simple as that. If you don't want to store your camera with the lens attached, no problem, that works as well, and will even create a touch more free space within the main compartment.
The front zippered pocket can store the camera's shoulder strap, the video cable, the USB cable, and several SD cards. It might hold a little more, but that's all that I have in there. There are also two small side pockets that can hold extra SD cards or other small, fairly flat items of your choosing. For those that really want to carry the manual around, there is room for it to rest on top of the main compartment. The top of the case will easily fold over it and buckle closed with no problem.
Hopefully that helps. No guesswork, no speculation. Just a factual report of what this case comfortably holds. In short, I think that this is a great case for the Nikon D3000 or D5000. It's well constructed and comfortable to carry, and although I haven't viewed it yet, the DVD seems to be a valuable bonus.

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The Nikon DSLR starter kit is an easy way to ensure you're ready to start shooting right away. Includes a nylon case with dividers and a padded shoulder strap, and an instructional DVD describing camera settings.

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