A compilation of information and links regarding assorted subjects: politics, religion, science, computers, health, movies, music... essentially whatever I'm reading about, working on or experiencing in life.
The best work I’ve made lately is the work that no one’s seen
Since stepping away from the world of professional sports photography, I’ve found myself picking up the camera for a very different reason: because I want to, not because I have to.
There’s no deadline. No editor waiting for a caption. No need to catch the winning moment in perfect focus. These days, I wander my local area with a camera slung over my shoulder, taking pictures not for clients, not for clout, and certainly not for the algorithm, but for me.
And that, I’ve realised, is something we don’t talk about enough: that it’s perfectly okay to shoot for yourself. [...]
I enjoyed this article, because to me, he is describing the real essense of photography/videography that attracted me to the film arts in the firstplace; it's worth staying in touch with, always, because there is more joy in that than just only trying to please other people, potentially turning what you love to do into a competition instead.
I think it applies to videography/filmmaking as well. Because what are videos and movies? They are pictures that move. I often pull still frames from the videos I take, to capture particular moments. But sometimes it's fun to see the moments move and unfold as a sequence as well...
Forget costly wellness retreats; your camera is the only mindfulness teacher you need.
I'll be honest with you. Five years ago, whenever I took a picture, I was fundamentally chasing likes. That dopamine hit of validation that comes with a popular social media feed. Of course, as you might expect, none of this was making me particularly happy, deep down. A moment came eventually, though, when I started seeing photography in a different way.
I was standing in a grimy street after a sleepless night followed by a soul-crushing day at work. I rain-soaked, miserable and late for dinner with friends I was no longer in the mood to see.
Then I saw it. A simple puddle reflecting a neon shop sign, a pigeon pecking at its edge. Something made me stop. Made me crouch down. Really look. [...]
He goes on to describe what he saw, how he interacted with it, and for how long. And described how it... transformed him. I've experienced thas so many, many times, that I could really relate to it. Photographic/flimic awareness, can be a very powerful mindfullness tool, effortlessly grounding you in the present momemnt, and giving you a wonderful mood change and energy boost as well!
I think I bought one of these on Amazon, rebranded under another name. It looked great, but the quality was awful, it had no built-in stabilization, which pretty much every modern smartphone has. It couldn't focus close to anything, the footage was distorted and painful to watch. I returned it to Amazon. This video expains a lot, and gives a few alternative suggestions from brand names, that also cost less.
On August 5, Congressman Brian Baird (D-Wash.) likened recent town hall meeting protesters to Nazis:
"What we're seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics. I mean that very seriously."
On Tuesday, at such a political gathering in Vancouver, a Marine Corps veteran named David William Hedrick blasted the Congressman for this disgraceful depiction. [...]
David Hendrick points out what should be obvious. Nazi's were National Socialists. Look at what they did, and where it lead. Look at what our government is doing now. Where is it leading us?
I left the Democrat party many years ago, because of what I considered to be "brownshirt" tactics. Now the Democrat leadership is using that word to tar ordinary Americans. Too ironic. And unbelievably ugly.
I'm sorry to say it, but I must: the Flip Ultra sucks. I posted last month about the new Flip Ultra mini digital camcorder. It was a clever concept, and at a rather low price. But now I think I know why the price was so low. There may be quality control issues. Read on, then decide for yourself.
I tried to use it the other day, to film our canary singing. When I turned the camera on, the logo appeared in the window... and that was it. It locked up, the controls were totally non-responsive. Even the power switch would not work to turn it off, I had to open it up and take the batteries out.
I hadn't used it a lot, but by now it was past 30 days since I bought it, which is the usual time frame for returning something to Amazon.com. I called Amazon's customer service, and said the camera was defective, and that I wanted a replacement or a refund. I was asked, which would I prefer? I said the refund. I was tempted to try another unit, but since it broke within such a short time, with such little use, I was not confident that the quality of the product was reliable.
Even when it was working, the control button on the back seemed a little bit insensitive, not as responsive as it should be, and I didn't want to take a chance with a second unit. At $100 plus dollars, it may be inexpensive for a video camera, but that's not chump change either. And if a camera doesn't work, what good is it?
Amazon emailed me a shipping label to use to send it back. There was the usual blah blah blah with it, about how they may not refund me the full amount, etc. I will send it back and see what happens, and then report the final result here.
I normally don't buy new items like this until they have been out for a while and have a proven track record. But I saw it on sale, and the web site on Amazon had over 1,000 customer reviews, most saying it was very good. Yet now with hindsight, I think the people posting had just got the camera, and were impressed, just like I was. Who knows what will happen with their camera's with TIME and USAGE? I was too impatient, and should have waited longer, to see what happened to other people first.
What a disappointment. I WOULD be willing to pay a bit more, for something reliable, of better quality. Cheaply built electronics are SO not worth it. If what happened to me was a fluke, well, only time will tell. But I won't buy another such device until it has a more established track record of reliability.
UPDATE, 12-22-08:
I received an email yesterday saying they refunded my credit card by $95.61. I had paid about $119.00. They are keeping the difference for "restocking charges", not only for the camera, but for restocking the "free" peripherals they included with it.
I'm not entirely pleased. Why do I have to pay restocking charges for something defective? It's not like I was returning it because I didn't like it. It's not like they can sell it again. But at this point, I'm glad to get most of my money back. I don't want to waste any more of my time trying to get the rest back, so I'll be thankful for what I got. And I won't be buying anymore no-name cameras from Amazon.com. Or from anyone else, either.
I don't know if this very compact, portable and easy to use digital video camera looks better in pink or not, but at this price, who cares? I just ordered one from Amazon.com for $119.00. The list price is $149. But it gets even better. If you order one before October 8th, they throw in TWO accessories of your choice, FREE. Each accessory is listed at $14.99, so you end up saving $60.00 from the list price. The offer is here:
Shop today at Amazon.com and get two Flip Video accessories with your purchase of a pink Flip Ultra camcorder. Simply add the camcorder and two qualifying accessories to your Shopping Cart and the price of the accessories will be automatically deducted at checkout. This offer is valid until October 8, 2008. [...]
I guess the pink ones have not been selling well. Ideally I probably would have bought a black or gray one, but at this price, pink looks just fine. I've wanted one of these since I first blogged about them back in January. But it was new then, and I don't like being a guinea pig for new products, so I decided to wait and see how other people fared with it.
Since then, it has gotten more than 1,000 customer reviews, most of which are very favorable. At this price, I couldn't resist it. For the free accessories, I chose the soft carry pouch and the mini tripod.
Now I already have a video camera, a Canon ZR-800 mini DV camcorder, that I'm happy with. It's just that it takes video tape, and I have to download the tape on my computer, then convert the format to whatever purpose I want it for. That's ok, but the process can take a while. For example, I have our local summer garden tour on tape. I haven't transferred the footage, edited it and converted it yet. I will get to it, eventually.
But with something like the Flip Ultra, I should be able to plug it in to the computer and just transfer it. Very convenient for short videos. Very easy to travel with, and very easy to use, they say. The main page for this camera is here:
* Simple to use, pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom
* Holds 60 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 2GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
* Convenient USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy viewing and sharing
* Built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, upload to YouTube and AOL, and capture still photos from video
* Watch videos instantly on TV with included cable [...]
With it's built-in memory, it sounds ideal for quick camera-to-computer transfer. The samples of video I've seen look excellent. I'll let you know more when I've tried it out first-hand.
UPDATE 10-12-08 See my mini-review of the Flip Ultra here:
I want to buy a digital video camcorder, and I've narrowed it down to two. But I can't decide whether to go cheap or expensive. The cheap model is $154.95:
Manufacturer Description Canon MiniDV digital camcorders offer the perfect blend of performance and features. With the flexibility and versatility of MiniDV, you will enjoy a wide variety of advanced, yet easy-to-use features in compact and lightweight style. Canon camcorders are perfect for capturing all of your life's most precious moments, for beginners and advanced users alike, and make it easy to share your video with family and friends.
ZR800 Highlights
Genuine Canon optics with 35x optical zoom/1000x digital zoom Genuine Canon optics ensures that video and photos are clear and rich with color and detail. Canon’s expertise in designing lenses for photography and broadcast television goes into every camcorder we make.
Image stabilizer Shoot rock-steady video -- even when you’re at maximum telephoto without a tripod. It is even effective while panning or zooming.
DIGIC DV image processor Video and photos require different image processing. Unlike other manufacturers’ camcorders which process video and photos the same way, DIGIC DV treats them differently. This results in video and photos with exceptional color and clarity.
2.7-inch widescreen LCD A widescreen LCD and the new .35-inch widescreen color viewfinder allows you to see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your TV will display later.
Widescreen HR recording The ZR800 records true widescreen for picture-perfect video. Canon’s image processing system uses the entire width of the image sensor, capturing a big picture in true 16:9 widescreen so no one and nothing is left unseen. And Canon camcorders take advantage of more pixels to give you amazing quality.
Joystick The joystick makes using the camcorder easier than ever. Extra buttons have been eliminated, allowing you to control playback, focusing, exposure, and menu options from one convenient place.
Smooth zoom control Want to shoot like the pros? Three fixed speeds allow you to produce smooth video that will be enjoyable for everyone to watch.
Built-in manual lens cover A built-in manual lens cover gives you the ability to protect your Canon video lens without ever having the inconvenience of a dangling lens cap that’s easily lost.
Level shot control Even if you are a first-time camcorder user, you’ll never have to worry about shooting crooked video. A horizontal marker and center indicator always keeps you on track.
Grid display Achieve picture perfect composition every time when using the convenient Grid Marker feature. You can choose between two colors, white or gray, to best match the background.
It's very nice. Good quality. Similar to the kind of footage my old analog VHS video camera used to do. Probably even a bit better. And it has a wide screen mode too, which the old camcorder never had.
Who could ask for anything more? Well, if I were to ask, I might want this more expensive model for $738.00:
Manufacturer Description To tech-savvy, sophisticated, and discerning videographers who demand a premium quality camcorder, the Canon's HV20 enables the ultimate in HD video and still photo quality. The HV20 offers an unparalled combination of a 10x optical zoom, a 2.96-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a stylish design. With HD and SD recording modes, you can make the move to HD while retaining compatibility standard-definition equipment. Capturing meticulous detail and superior color reproduction, the HV20 raises the bar for HD resolution quality.
HV20 Highlights
HDV format The HV20 records true 1080 high-definition resolution video, and is capable of recording and playing back HD images using MiniDV cassette tapes.
Canon True HD CMOS sensor The HV20 features a Canon-manufactured CMOS sensor. Similar to its use in Canon's EOS-series digital SLR cameras, CMOS reproduces high-resolution images with true HD information in movies. Canon's CMOS sensor acquires image information at 1920 x 1080. Canon's HD CMOS Sensor also features on-chip noise-reduction technology. The low noise technology feature means that even in dimly-lit scenes, the signals from each pixel are as pure as possible, with minimal "noise" or other aberrations.
RGB Primary Color Filter Whether you're shooting video or photos, you will appreciate the HV20's stunning, high-definition image production. For rich, accurate color, the HV20 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter. It separates light into red, green, and blue color components, resulting in vibrant images with natural-looking tones similar to what you'd obtain from 3CCD camcorders.
Genuine Canon 10x high-definition video lens The HV20 comes equipped with a Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens. An aspherical lens is used to help achieve low aberration and high resolution. The HV20 lens also features super-spectra coating technology, which lowers flare and ghosting. A new gradation ND system is used for better exposure in bright shooting situations. The lens design creates true HD image quality.
DIGIC DV II image processor DIGIC DV II is Canon's exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology designed specifically for HD. Even though video and still images have different color requirements, DIGIC DV II HD digital signal processing ensures optimal image quality for both HD video and still images. Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HV20 produces video with improved color reproduction -- especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system that employs two types of noise reduction, for images that are crystal clear.
Super-Range Optical Image Stabilizer The HV20 features Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Utilizing a hybrid detection method (combining vector and gyro detection method), it corrects camera shake instantly for steady shots -- even when they're handheld at long focal lengths, or taken with the camera in motion. And unlike electronic stablization, which can cause a loss in image quality, the optical system corrects the shake while preserving the quality. It is even effective while taking photos.
24p Cinema Mode 24p Cinema Mode is a feature demanded by professional filmmakers and previously only available on pro-level camcorders. 24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers a professional "film look." This mode is actually two different features, which can be used independantly or together, depending on the user's preferences:
* The frame rate changed to 24p -- the same frame rate as movie film * The HV20 changes the color and tonal characteristics to make you feel like you are watching a movie in the theatre.
Instant AF (Auto Focus) Instant AF is Canon's new and advanced autofocus system. Using a Hybrid Control system that combines an external sensor and a TVAF, Instant AF makes it easier to focus on previously difficult subjects. It dramatically decreases the time it takes to achieve proper focus and increases accuracy, especially in low-light and high-brightness situations.
HDMI terminal The HDMI terminal transports high-definition video signals (with audio in one cable) to your HD television.
Built-in electronic lens cover A built-in electronic lens cover automatically opens when the camcorder is turned on and closes when turned off. There is no dangling lens cover to lose.
Advanced accessory shoe terminal The advanced accessory shoe allows the use of additional accessories such as a video light and directional microphone.
Simultaneous photo shooting While shooting an HDV movie, you can simultaneously capture a 2-megapixel photo to a memory card by simply pressing the photo button. It's perfect for any time you don't want to miss a moment.
Histogram display Commonly used in Canon's line of digital SLR cameras, the HV20 features a histogram display. With just one push of a button, the brightness information of a still image is revealed. This allows you to monitor image quality so you can make adjustments for the next shot.
Program AE mode The HV20 gives you settings that automatically result in the best exposure settings for different conditions. Secen modes include: Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight, and Fireworks. Each adjusts your camcorder's settings to compensate for different lighting conditions and different subjects.
9-Point Ai-AF mode Auto Intelligent Auto Focus ensures sharp images and creative flexibility. Even when your subject isn't in the center of the frame, the HV20's Ai-AF function will automatically select from 9 metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.
Built-in flash Capture superb images in low light and indoor photography settings.
Built-in Ultra Video light Increase your low-light capabilities even further by shooting with the HV20. Featuring an Ultra Video light, the HV20 enables you to shoot subjects in color in low-light at distances up to 4.9 feet away.
Mic/headphone terminal The HV20 features a microphone terminal for attaching an external microphone. The audio/video terminal doubles as a headphone terminal for monitoring sound while recording. The HV20 also offers manual audio level adjustment, giving the user precise control.
Focus Assist function When shooting high definition, a properly focused subject is more critical than ever. With one push of the Focus Assist button (during manual focus setting), video zoom and peaking (for emphasizing image contours) are displayed. Not to worry, this is automatically cancelled when recording starts.
Level and grid markers It's easy to keep your D120 level for more professional-looking video. Simply press the Level Shot Control button, and a horizontal marker appears in your viewfinder. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot to the marker and you know your camcorder is level. Also, the grid marker is very convenient for setting up the special balance in your shots. Since background colors vary, you can select from two line colors to make the lines easily visible.
Variable zoom speed control with 5 presets With this innovative feature, you can always be sure of smooth, steady, professional-looking zoom shots. Simply select one of five pre-set zoom speeds.
3.1-megapixel photos Capture stunning 3.1-megapixel photos in 4:3 aspect ratio to a miniSD card, or 2-megapixel photos in 16:9 aspect ratio.
Capture 2-megapixel still images from tape While playing the recorded movie, you can capture 2-megapixel still images onto a miniSD card, simply by pressing the Photo button. If you prefer, you can even capture 2-megapixel photos while recording HD video to tape.
2.7-inch widescreen LCD and widescreen color viewfinder A widescreen LCD and widescreen viewfinder lets you see exactly what your camcorder is recording, and what your TV will display later.
Print/Share button For fast, easy, one-touch printing of your photos at home, simply press the camcorder's Print & Share button. The button can also be used for one-touch downloading of your images to a computer.
Product Description You've heard of HDTV and expect to get one if you haven't already. Here's a camcorder that lets you record your own HDTV-compatible images. The stylish Canon HV20 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality with advanced features. Its 10x optical zoom lens, 2.96 Megapixel CMOS image sensor and Canon's advanced DIGIC DVII image processor ensures meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. 24p Cinema Mode brings Film-Look options to the HV20 owner. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete. The HV20 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you've come to expect from Canon.
Focal Length - f=6.1-61mm Zoom Speed - Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds Max. F/Stop - f/1.8-3.0mm Filter Size - 43mm 2.7-inch Widescreen LCD Screen (Approx. 211,000 pixels) and color viewfinder High Definition miniDV (recommended) (63 minutes) or miniDV Cassette Recording Media Microphone Terminal - 3.5 mm Stereo Mini Jack HDMI USB 2.0 Full Speed Terminal for fast transfer of photos Analog-Digital Converter lets you share the precious video memories you have stored on analog videotapes
Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal - Attach extras such as a video light or directional microphone without additional wires or batteries to raise the production value of the video you shoot
Dimensions - Width 3.5 x Height 3.2 x Depth 5.4 inch Weight - 1.2 pounds without lens and battery pack
Canon 1 Year Parts And Labor Limited Warranty
It's a camcorder that offers much more than your average consumer video camera. People who've bought it mostly give it high marks, and rave about the high quality video output when seen on an HDTV.
I think it's quite easy to say that the more expensive HV80 is the better camcorder. It was even selected as "Camcorder of the Year" for 2007 at the camcorder.com website. So the choice has to be made based on how much fancy camera features I want or need right now, and how much do I want to spend.
I actually NEED a Digital Video tape camera soon, because I want to convert a bunch of old 8mm and Super 8mm films to Digital Video (MiniDV), so I can use those masters to copy the footage to my computer's HD, edit it and burn copies to DVDs.
The company I want to use to do the conversion copies the films onto MiniDV master tapes, which I can make high quality copies from. For THAT purpose, I think the cheaper camera would do just fine.
The more expensive camera offers a lot of attractive features and extra options; it has long term advantages. Wide-screen High Definition video is the future, and it does it, AND it does standard Digital Video too, in standard size screen or wide screen.
I don't have a wide screen High Definition TV... yet. I expect I will one day, they keep getting cheaper all the time. So the more expensive camera could be more useful in the long run. Yet all this technology is changing so fast. If I get the cheap camera now, and buy a fancier one later, $800 dollars in the future will probably buy me an even better camera.
And I have to say, $800 cameras make me kind of nervous. When I was a teenager, I worked hard and saved up my money, and bought a really nice Chinon Super 8mm mover camera for $800. I loved that camera. I took to to college with me... and it was STOLEN.
If a cheap camera gets stolen, or gets sand in it at the beach or you drop it or have an accident with it, you say oh darn and you replace it. If you loose or break a really costly camera, well... OUCH! that REALLY hurts! You typically don't just rush out and buy a new one; replacing it is a purchase you will have to plan for. So at this point, I'm probably leaning towards the cheaper camcorder. The other may have to stay on my wish list for a while yet.
Anyone facing a similar decision might want to read this article by Eugenia Loli-Queru:
[...] Having researched the market, I think I can offer some useful advice regarding where the camcorder market is going and hopefully save you a few bucks.
The idea is this: if you already have an old camcorder, hold on to it. If you just want “a” camcorder, get the lowest-end DV Canon one, which is usually selling at around $230. If you want to buy an HD camcorder wait 2-3 more years. The reason I am suggesting this is because the HD camcorder landscape is going to rapidly change in the next few years and so it’s wise to wait for this change to happen and then buy. We are currently living in a transitional stage.
The “tape”-based DV/HDV camcorders are going the way of the dodo. That much is a fact, no matter what the fanboys will tell you. The new standard is AVCHD and all major companies are going for it (including Canon which is keeping mum so far about it). It is a more convenient format for the user, as only SD or CF cards are needed instead of big, boring, last-century tapes. Additionally, because AVCHD uses USB 2.0, it will be the final strike against Firewire (main reason why Macs always come with firewire is video support). [...]
There's lots to consider. If I buy the cheaper ZR800, I can use the savings to have all my films tranfered to MiniDV. With camcorder technology in such a state of flux right now, I figure the longer I wait to buy the Camcorder of my Dreams, the Dreamier it might be by the time I get around to buying it.
