Sony NEX-5TL Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have been shooting with the NEX system for a couple years now, starting with a NEX 5n. I am thankful I found this system because NEX is the reason I am so into photography today. Since the release of the original NEX 3 and NEX 5, Sony has done an excellent job at building a strong ecosystem with high and low end models for every type of shooter and every budget. The NEX 5 series is famous for being the best compromise in price and performance of all the other NEX cameras.



Standard for the NEX 5 series the 5t has the following advantages vs. other cameras in its class:

-Small size, yet powerful "big camera" performance.

-Some of the best low light capabilities thanks to the Exmor sensor and 16 megapixels

-High speed 10 FPS shooting for action/kids

-Wifi and apps

-Very fast auto-focus

-Excellent video performance

-A great lens lineup that keeps getting better each year



This model, the NEX 5t, is another incremental upgrade for the NEX 5 series. It brings some cool and innovative features to the table. This year's model take all the great features from last year's 5r and adds NFC and changes the kit lens to the 16-50 power zoom, making this system even more compact. The NFC is really cool because for those with android phones equipped with NFC, it means quicker pairing between the two devices. The only real drawback is for those NFC equipped laptops, windows doesn't support large file transfer. The new kit lens is a welcome edition.

Now the NEX isn't a perfect system, but Sony has worked hard to introduce new features with every new release. The only problem with this is Sony decided it would be a good idea to release these features in incremental upgrades every year, rather than release big upgrades over a longer period of time. Those looking to upgrade from a NEX 5r will find themselves with mostly the same camera. Going from a NEX 5n, this may be a worth upgrade however. I really think the 5r and the 5t could have been the same camera.



Sony's aggressive release cycles don't affect the performance of this camera, which is nothing short of amazing. Sony put a DSLR sized sensor in this tiny body, making for a potent but tiny camera. It has 10 FPS, faster than most canons/Nikons. It has quick autofocus. It has extremely good dynamic range (most people call this better picture quality). Sony's sensor has some of the best low light noise performance of any camera in its class, largely due to its 16 mega pixel count. One mostly unknown fact is that lower megapixels tend to have better low light performance, and high 24+ mega pixel sensors are historically nosier due to pixel density. I applaud Sony for keeping it at 16, and do not wish for the NEX line to move to 24 any time soon (excluding NEX 7).

The NEX also has a very small distance between the lens mount and the sensor. This is a huge advantage because it allows for a wide range of adaptors to be made for the system. The Sony A mount adaptor offers all functionality of the alpha lenses on the small NEX. After market dealers have even created canon/Nikon mounts for the NEX, allowing the use of those lenses, minus the electronic functions (like autofocus). This is important because older lenses can be found for cheap on the used market, and gives the NEX one of the largest list of lenses to date.



But no, even the NEX 5t isn't perfect. There are some small, but noticeable flaws with this system.



-Small buffer, it can take 10 photos each second, but it can only do this for about 2 seconds before it slows down to fill the memory card. This is historically a problem with all Sony cameras, or any camera of this class.

-Occasionally inaccurate auto focus. The AF system isn't quite up there with DSLR's, but its getting closer and closer each year.

-Average battery life. I recommend a spare battery for long days.



These shortcomings are all pretty minor and expected in a camera of this class, so I do not hold them against it. All 3 of these problems are due to its small size, which alone makes up for it.

If you're coming from a smart phone, or a standard point and shoot, this camera will be a HUGE upgrade. Size alone makes this a worthy choice over larger DSLR's. The 5 in particular is the best price/performance compromise in the NEX line. For those a little strapped for cash, but still want similar performance look at the NEX 3n, mostly the same camera just much slow, plastic build, and weaker video performance compared to the 5t. If you want a little bit of an upgrade, look at the NEX 6, offering a viewfinder and a hot shoe.



Feel free to ask me anything regarding this camera or any other NEX camera in the comment section, and I will try to respond quickly. I hope my review helped with your buying decision.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1rX3eWh

GoPro HERO4 BLACK

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I'm a working professional videographer, but no i don't put the same expectations on a camera like the hero4 that i do on my other bigger cameras. Up until now I've been using a hero 3 black for both professional and personal uses. Considering my satisfaction with the hero3, picking up a hero4 was inevitable



**UPDATE: Took off a star for questionable issue: While i haven't come across any major glitches, it does seem to hiccup here and there (my hero3 did the same), the heat that comes off it can be more than warm, but it seems others are experiencing rather hot temperatures. While not entirely reassuring, i've heard some folks have positive experiences dealing with gopro on their overheating matters. We'll have to wait and see, so be sure to buy from a reputable dealer!



What i like about the hero 4 black:



-4K at usable framerates (hero3 could only do 15fps)

-Sweet 120fps slow motion at 1080

-More wireless connectivity(some hiccups, but can work)

-More slowmotion

-Sharpness is satisfactory

-Lowlight is decent enough

-More manual control



What's not to like?



-Battery still not great

-No rear touchscreen

-Doesn't make bacon pancakes

-Doesn't banish ISIS members to the phantom zone(that place jor-el banished general zod to)



New manual controls:



Finally, you can make exposure adjustments! For instance: for night timelapses, you usually want longer exposure times/shutter speed, and you can now do it with this little cam. I need to play with this more to see how well it really performs



No screen:



Many people are very confused as to why the silver edition has it but the black does not. Yea, it's odd and i would have much preferred the flagship get the screen, that being said, i've gotten along very well with my screen-less hero 3, because i have a cautious understanding of the angles it can capture at narrow/medium/wide settings. I'll usually use it as a backup/bonus angle that i don't plan to rely on.That, and it has the phone app in case i need to verify i'm getting the angle i need. The new hero4 has even more connectivity and despite the lack of a screen, as long as you have some digital device with you, it can likely connect and give you a live view.



My bottom line about the screen? You can always add a screen to the black, you cannot add the black features to the silver. The wifi connectivity suits me fine for framing.



Size/weight:



Not much change! That's a good thing, still works with most of all the accessories/etc...



Battery life:



Seems nothing improved over the hero3, still under an hour per charge. Wasabi has a decent extended battery for the hero3, grab that up once they make it for the hero4.



Heat



Possible concern: Can get very warm depending on the settings, and i've seen some users experience very hot temperatures. we'll have to see if this becomes a widespread thing, considering the hero's size, you can't imagine much heat dissipation designed into there. My main concern is the longevity of the device given the heat. heat wears electronics down, reducing their life, if this thing's average temperature is 130degrees, how long will it live? Might be a valid concern, but can't tell without real long testing.



Resolution and Framerates:



Of course the big headline feature is 4k, and that's probably what you're going to buy this thing mainly for. 4k allows for lots of reframing in editing if you're still planning on outputting to 1080. The 4k from the hero4 looks pretty satisfying, maybe not as sharp as bigger/professional cameras, but this is a tiny actioncamera, and i don't see it reasonable to hold it to quite the same standards. for a $500 pocket camera, it's plenty good.



Slow motion keeps getting better on the gopros, there's not much else to say except that you're now getting 1080 at 120fps. Something rare in a camera in this price range, my rx10 which is around a grand can only do 120fps at 720.



Bitrate:



4k gives you up to 60mpbs, which may sound low, but other more expensive cameras use a similar setup and get nice results, and the gopro does pretty well here as well. THe main area where you can see breakup in the codec is fast motion throughout the entire frame, but since all the angles are wide, and many of the details small, the breakup is pretty well controlled. Not perfect, but IMO plenty acceptable for this tiny camera.



Summary, competitors:



If you want 4k in a tiny, rugged camera, the hero4 is on a list of its own. While there are other cameras out there, the overall package gopro has with the hero4 black is impressive, and whether you're a professional or just an enthusiast, it'll get you some nice shots.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1xWwcE6

Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice Maker

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Just received my icemaker this afternoon. Ran the first batch of ice, after cleaning the inside per the instructions. Surprised at how fast the first cubes were released - 6-7 minutes. Finished that first batch of small cubes - threw them out to insure clean cubes - then started second batch of cubes, large ones this time. Very impressed so far.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/15Q36Ok

GoPro HERO

High Definition Camera, 1080-30 Video, 5MP Photo, Ultra Wide Angle Lens, Integrated Waterproof Housing, Mono Mic.

• Stunning Video Quality: Record gorgeous 1080p30 and 720p60 video., Diverse Photo Capture: Capture 5PM single, Time Lapse and Burst photos up to 5 fps. Built-in Microphone: Record audio with the built-in microphone


• Durable + Waterproof to 131-Feet (40m): Designed to withstand extreme environments and conditions


• Compatible with all GoPro Mounts: 60+ mounts and accessories. GoPro Software: View and share your content.


• External Memory: Supports microSD cards up to 32GB (class 10 or UHS-1 required) Sold Separately

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1w0QP0D

Maytag UKF-8001, UKF8001AXX, UKF8001AXXT, UKF8001AXX-750, UFK8001AXX-750, Water Filter Made by Swift Green

CUSTOMER REVIEW



While the filter seems to work just fine, I believe they intentionally left out the capacity in its description. If you were comparing this filter with the Maytag UKF8001 Pur Refrigerator Cyst Water Filter 1-Pack it should be noted that the UKF8001 has a capacity of 750 gallons and the Swift Green filter only has a capacity of 300 gallons, so you would go through 2.5 Swift Green filters to equal one PUR filter which makes it 1 2/3 times more expensive to use.



As for me I'm going back to the PUR filters, and if you use the "Subscribe and Save" option through Amazon it comes out to be 1/2 the true cost of the Swift Green filter.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1ulIgAv

midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator and Freezer, 1.6 Cubic Feet, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Works great, fits a lot of stuff, and is silent. We don't hear it cutting on and off and it is currently being used in a small bedroom.



Great product.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1wuHS3L

midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator and Freezer, 1.6 Cubic Feet, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Works great, fits a lot of stuff, and is silent. We don't hear it cutting on and off and it is currently being used in a small bedroom.



Great product.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1tLUCfq

Canon PowerShot S110 12MP Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



amznJQ.onReady('Airy', function() { Airy.embed({"installFlashButtonText":"Install Flash Player","contentTitle":null,"autoplayCutOffTimeSeconds":null,"ageGate":{"monthNames":["January","February","March","April","May","June","July","August","September","October","November","December"],"deniedPrompt":"We're sorry. You are not old enough to watch this video.","submitText":"Submit","prompt":"This video is not intended for all audiences. What date were you born?"},"videoAds":null,"videoUnsupportedPrompt":"Sorry, this video is unsupported on this browser.","desiredMode":"hybrid","swfUrl":"http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/vap/video/airy2/prod/2.0.902.0/flash/AiryBasicRenderer._V320612526_.swf","isAutoplayEnabled":null,"installFlashPrompt":"Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video.","isLiveStream":null,"regionCode":"NA","contentId":null,"playbackErrorPrompt":"Sorry, an error has occurred while attempting video playback. Please try again later.","contentMinAge":null,"isForesterTrackingDisabled":null,"streamingUrls":["http://ift.tt/1wcdOK4"],"parentId":"airy-player-container-mo393BSDM6VP7OK","slateImages":{"http://ift.tt/1yuSYnr":null},"foresterMetadataParams":{"client":"CustomerReviews","requestId":"0TG4JDY26ADZ4BH8G4DQ","marketplaceId":"ATVPDKIKX0DER","session":"000-0000000-0000000"}}); }); Length:: 1:15 Mins



While the S110 has great features, it suffers from the fatal lens error that has become synonymous with Canon's Powershot S line of cameras. This Powershot S110 failed with a lens error during a family vacation - leaving me with just my lousy smartphone camera. I had it for only 20 days when it failed.



I've owned the S10, S80, S95, and now this S110. With the exception of the S95, ever single model has had a lens error. Until now I've just dealt with it (returned / repaired) because of the excellent image quality and features. I can no longer ignore these lens issues and I will no longer be buying Canon cameras. Frankly, I feel like kind of a fool for giving Canon so many chances.



Do yourself a favor and search for Powershot lens errors. Most importantly, don't ignore what you find! This is a great camera when it works - which is why there are so many 5 star reviews. Read the 1 star reviews to get an idea how common the lens error is - then decide if you want to take a chance on this camera.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1vCPr6E

Marvel's Spider-Man Snap n' Share Digital Camera with 1-Inch LCD Screen

Capture your favorite moments with this awesome Spiderman digital camera. Featuring the totally cool Spiderman.

• 1.5 preview screen


• Takes over 100 photos


• Add special effects with Snapshots Software


• Create your own movie


• Easy to use

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1we4Zzj

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Snap n' Share Digital Camera with 1-Inch LCD Screen

Capture your favorite moments with this cool Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles digital camera that features you favorite four turtles.

• 1.5 preview screen


• Takes over 100 photos


• Add special effects with Snapshots Software


• Create your own movie


• Easy to use

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1we51Hw

Hello Kitty Snap n' Share Digital Camera with 1-Inch LCD Screen

Capture your favorite moments with this cute Hello Kitty digital camera that features you favorite Kitty.

• 1.5 preview screen


• Takes over 100 photos


• Add special effects with Snapshots Software


• Create your own movie


• Easy to use

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1pI6yTK

IGLOO 26 lb. Freestanding Ice Maker in Silver

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Now I have only had this up and running for a few days but I am so pleased with this ice maker already. I am an ice eater, who, I must point out to those who are not familiar with us, are picky as hell about the quality of ice we eat. It needs to be small nuggets and it also needs to be "soft ice". I know others who would review this product based on its productivity or energy usage, which seem to all be just fine but this is for other ice eaters out there:



The size is that of a thimble, and varies as much as thimbles would. The texture of the ice when eaten is like a tightly packed little snow nugget. I think that is due to the fact that the machine is trying to crank out the ice so its not freezing it as sold as an ice cube tray would, its actually a pretty soft ice.



I have been filling my cooler (half gallon) and two 24 oz cups about 2-3 times a day to keep up with my consumption and its holding its own just fine. I can't eat faster than it can produce because I would just get too cold anyway but the rate that it produces the ice (9 nuggets every 8 or so minutes) seems to be almost perfect.



The machine doesn't keep it cold so you will need to remove the ice as the tray fills up so it will continue producing more ice. If you leave the ice in the tray it will just melt eventually back into the water reservoir and be recycled into new ice if you aren't able to use or remove it in time. Avid ice eaters will spend up to $4000 or more on a machine to get the "right" ice, so for those of you who are strapped with this crazy habit and not strapped with a crazy income, this will do the trick for you, no doubt.



It has two sizes of cubes to choose from and I just keep it on the smaller size, I still would like it a little smaller but this is definitely do-able. Its not sonic ice, or Orange Julius ice, but for a ice machine with the convenience of at home and always available you won't find better textured ice for the price.



I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is concerned about the texture of the ice. I read so many reviews before buying this machine and there is NO information out there on the texture of the actual ice produced. So until you win the lottery or your ship comes in, this is a great low cost counter top machine that produces the right textured ice. Two thumbs up from me!



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1ya0lBT

Disney's Frozen Snap n' Share Digital Camera with 1-Inch LCD Screen

Capture your favorite moments with this cute Frozen digital camera that features you favorite Frozen girls.

• 1.5 preview screen


• Takes over 100 photos


• Add special effects with Snapshots Software


• Create your own movie


• Easy to use

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1vK5bUp

Nikon COOLPIX L830 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 34x Zoom NIKKOR Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Red)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I haven't used it much yet, but I can say that for $200, it is hard to not recommend it. Having worked as a professional photographer for several years, and having owned both pocket-sized and SLR-like digitals, I would say that the following are the important points to consider when making a camera purchase:



1. Price (duh). If you don't want to spend $800 or more for a real camera (or at least something close to one), the next option is an SLR-like model (again - this one was only $200 - a big plus).



2. SLR-Like vs. Pocket-Sized. To be honest, considering the capabilities of most phones nowadays, I don't undestand why they even still make pocket-sized cameras. (Although there are some that are sort of a cross between a pocket-sized & SLR-like that have a lot of zoom and give you a bit of something to hold onto). (And personally, I consider having something to hold onto to be a big plus).



3. Zoom. With 34x optical zoom, its a no-brainer. That's more zoom than you could get out of a 400mm lens with a doubler! (Try lugging one of those around). It also has image stabilization (a necessity for a long zoom shot).



4. Pixels/Picture Quality. As some of you know, more pixels does not necessarily equate to a better picture. I have an old 5 meg Olympus which has a 7 meg interpolated mode which still takes as good or better pics than anything I have seen since. (But it is as slow as Christmas). As far as I know, the quality & clarity is the pics from this camera are comparable to other 16 meg cameras on the market, but I would still keep it in the highest quality (least compressed/interpolated) mode.



5. Auto Focus Speed. This is a BIG PLUS with this camera and a crucial factor which none of the mfgs. include in their specs. The primary reason that we wanted a new camera is because my wife and I were fed up with trying to take pictures of our little girl with a camera that would almost always never focus quickly enough to get the shot. If you read the specs regarding "continuous shooting" you will see that it will shoot ~6.7 fps (max ~5 frames) in Continuous High mode. That doesn't actually tell you how fast it will focus, but is the only means of comparison that most mfgs. provide. Also, one camera review/testing site rates the "shutter lag" when in autofocus at 2/10 to 4/10 of a sec. I don't think there is anything else out there in the same price range that comes close.



6. Batteries. It seemed odd that Nikon would have gone with AA's rather than the usual proprietary lithium, but I have decided that it might come in handy sometime to be able to just put in some new AA's rather than having to recharge. (And you can always use rechargeable AA's if you want).



7. Focus Point. I discovered that you can go into the menu and select different focus points just like a real camera! (Despite having a face detection mode [which, if it is like other cameras, you will never use because it will increase the focus time], if you shoot a lot of portraits, it is a big plus to be able to quickly focus on the eyes/face & then take the shot without having to bring the camera down). Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any way to tell the camera to keep the point that you selected. (You have to go into the menu & reset it each time you turn the camera off).



8. AWB (Auto White Balance). I had looked at a review which compared this camera to others in the same class, which included sample pics taken in different lighting conditions. I was thus very disappointed to discover that it pretty much sucks in getting the white balance right when shooting indoors. (A BIG MINUS, but probably not much worse than the competition).



9. User Interface. The number & placement of dedicated function buttons is pretty much the same as most digital cameras nowadays. However, they are placed so close to the edge (under the "heel" of your thumb when you hold the camera) that I keep inadvertently pressing one or more of them. Maybe in the next model they will put a bit of a lip or ridge there to help prevent that?



10. Viewfinder/View Screen. The fact that the view screen can be extended & rotated allows you to stand and look down at it (thus allowing you to get a lower camera angle). That is actually a big plus for those who are aware of such things and often find themselves shooting from a kneeling position. However, the absence of a viewfinder is a BIG MINUS in my opinion. If you read some of the other reviews, you will see that people complain about trying to use the screen in bright sunlight. You must in effect resort to shooting blindly and hoping that you manage to get a couple of good shots. That is true for most digital cameras, and unless you already have a thousand pics on your card, it doesn't really matter if you take a hundred pics & keep only one. Still, if Nikon had only included a viewfinder, they could have had a camera that without question would have been a real winner.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/12jdgod

Frigidaire ULTRAWF Refrigerator Water Filter (2 Pack)

The Fridigaire PureSource Ultra Refrigerator Filter ULTRAWF replaces filters found in Frigidaire Pure Source Ultra Refrigerators with top mounted cylindrical filter housing. In addition, it will also replace Part Numbers 242017800 and A0094E28261. Removes these contaminants: Chlorine, Particulates (Class 1), Lead, Cysts, Turbidity, Atrazine, 2,4-D, Endrin, Toxaphene, Mercury, Lindane, Alachlor, Benzene, P-Dichlorobenzene, O-Dichlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Chlorobenzene, Monochlorobenzene, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene, TTHM, Carbofuran, Asbestos, 2,4,5-TP, and 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene.

• Simple replacement schedule of every 6 months

via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-ULTRAWF-Refrigerator-Water-Filter/dp/B00KUX2ZHI/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_la_appliances_4

Nikon COOLPIX L620 18.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 14x Zoom Lens and Full 1080p HD Video (Black) (Certified Refurbished)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



We purchased the Nikon Coolpix L620 on August 30, 2013 to replace our 2008 vintage Coolpix which was lost in a white water spill after 5 years of great pictures. Several days after receiving the L620 we headed off to Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a week of relaxation and pictures. Several hundred pictures later in a variety of compositions and lighting we return giving the L620 high marks. Needless to say the 18MP images render a sharp crisp picture. We didn't buy this camera to take low rez pictures so all of ours were at full resolution. In non flash situations the camera was able to recycle in less than a second between independent pictures. When a flash was used, often as a fill flash which produced amazing results, there is a noticeable time between pictures approaching 2 seconds which was not a problem at all. The 14x zoom was great when taking wildlife pictures although the automatic settings resulted in a slower than desired shutter speed resulting in a few blurred images. Perhaps the most impressive result was the vibrancy of the colors, exceeding expectations for a camera of this size and price. Performance in low light and foggy situations was notably good.



Now for the rational for the 4 rather than 5 stars. We purchased the L620 in part because it uses 2 AA batteries rather than rectangular customs. With our last camera on several occasions we found ourselves without a spare battery so the ready availability of AA's made dealing with the lesser battery life a reasonable compromise: carrying an extra set in our pocket is easy. In a variety of lighting situations ours averaged 73 pictures (again at max resolution and mixed flash) over the trip (Duracell NiMH 2450mAh). Not bad performance. What was surprising is the lack of warning that you were about to run dry. In our previous 2 Coolpix a warning appeared in the view finder several pictures prior to the battery running dry. With the 620L there was little warning and in two cases the batteries died with none at all (yes there is a little battery in the view finder but it is not at all precise). For a company of Nikon's reputation this is a miss that needs correction.



One suggestion, get a high capacity/quality memory card (we used a 32GB SanDisk Extreme) as it is worth cost for the capacity.



All in all I would give the L620 a strong recommendation and look forward to years of use.



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Digital-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B00OU1ZI8E/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_p_photo_5

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera (Yellow)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I looked for a reliable, classy-looking Polaroid camera as a wedding reception guest book. After thorough research, I determined Instax was cheaper and just as reliable, if not more, than the new Polaroid instant cameras. Both cameras function similarly and use the same film; yet Instax has better reviews and is cheaper. The 8S has a few extra bells and whistles: a clip-on lens for close-up pictures, light/dark and indoor/outdoor settings, the mirror on the front of the camera, and two shutter buttons for either landscape or portrait photographs. Also, the lithium batteries are not hard to find for sale online; I haven't had to replace ours yet, but we know that availability and price would afford on inconvenience.

I have loved it; it was perfect for the party and I still use it frequently. The film is fairly inexpensive, so we continue to use it. The pictures are the size of a credit card with white borders, and the camera comfortably fits in a small purse. On our honeymoon, the good quality allowed us to take pictures of us in front of landmarks and beautiful areas. Also, a little mirror resides on the front of the camera to facilitate quick self-portraits, which can be taped later into journals as keepsakes. Learning which lighting settings work best in certain conditions took some trial and error, but every picture turned out vintage-y and fun, so no film was wasted.

One last word on durability: I didn't have the wrist strap around my arm and accidentally dropped the camera on a ceramic-tiled floor. The film flew out of the back of the camera, but nothing broke off or dented. The camera still looks great and functions optimally, and I only lost the top film, the rest of the cartridge still printed great pictures. That was a while ago, and I haven't had any problems at all!



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Instax-Mini-Instant-Yellow/dp/B00AWKJPOK/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_p_photo_5

Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Non-VR DX Zoom Lenses Bundle

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Like many folks, I pre-ordered the D800 the same day it was available. Alas, Nikon totally blew the market analysis vs production vs. supply chain formula. After waiting 2 months, I had to leave the country before Nikon got it's D800 act together. I needed a beat-up D90 replacement camera, and the D3200 seemed like a decent place-holder. I quickly ordered one before they were back-ordered too! Sure, the D3200 is DX, not FX. Sure, it is not nearly as flexible. Sure, it can only AF with newer lenses. BUT, you can buy about 4-D3200's for the price of a D800, AND it comes with a decent kit lens for $699!



The tutoring graphical-based menu system is geared more to beginners, which I am not, so I find it maddening. Most will love it, since it is somewhat educational, and offers a great variety of pre-sets to take creative shots easily.



It is amazingly light weight - lighter than most lenses! It is very quiet. The AF could be faster, but it's plenty fast enough. When you dig deeper, you shockingly find that the D3200 has many advanced internal features from the highest-end cameras (D800 & F4). The high-res LCD rear screen, the EXPEED 3 image processing engine, and a new 24MP sensor. The EXPEED 3 image processing engine allows the D3200 to perform at an altitude unheard of for a so-called entry level camera. Nikon's Active-D dynamic range enhancement at 24MP at 4 frames per second requires substantial in-camera processing power.



I bought this camera primarily for still photography. With the proper lenses & technique, the results are stunning. Low-light/high ISO performance is far beyond what you should expect at this level camera. Candle-lit face images are noise-free, and look great. Still life's on a tripod at ISO 100, have more resolution that ANY DSLR I have ever used, with very little shadow noise. In short, I might not accept my D800 when it becomes available. I might use the D3200 longer than I thought, (waiting for the 24MP FX D600 for $1999 later this year -- my guesses on price & stats & date)...or, just keep using the D3200. If it breaks (I'm hard on cameras), I'll just buy a new one.



Bottom line -- the D3200: super light-weight, very quiet, super high resolution (& low noise, high dynamic range, superb colors), incredible HD video with slow motion. It is no doubt THE most amazing DSLR value on the planet!



5/14/12 UPDATE: I've now shot 100s of images, using lenses from 11 mm to 600 mm. I've learned a lot. Super-high resolution cameras are a new arena for most of us. On the surface, one automatically thinks you will get images with twice the resolution (12MP vs 24MP). Not so. MP resolution is measured linearly, so the increase while significant, is less than doubled. More importantly, when you enter the hi-res camera stratosphere, photographic technique & lens choice are critical. While these high MP cameras are capable of amazing results, you have to work to get absolutely ALL the MP's this camera has to offer. Do not blame the camera if your initial results are less dramatically sharper than your old 6-8-12MP Nikon. It's probably you...

BTW, the Nikon 18-55mm is a decent lens, but it doesn't do this imager justice. You can get better results, with better glass. The excellent f1.8 35mm DX Nikon on this camera makes a super-light weight compact package you can carry all day long, producing super images. A 60 year-old Nikkor Q 200mm f4, $70 or so on eBay, produces stunning results if carefully used on Manual, on a tripod.



Set-up a table with clean background and a few artifacts on it. Use the sharpest lens you have, at f 8, on a sturdy tripod, perpendicular to the table, Shoot the scene with the in-camera flash on both old & new camera bodies. You will see the difference easily when images from both cameras are compared side by side, enlarged to 100%.



How does this translate to everyday casual shooting? Not easily. Sub-par technique still results in sub-par images no matter what camera is used. If you are a beginner looking for the best entry-level DSLR ever made, all of this won't matter -- grab a D3200 and shoot away! Just note that the D3200 is capable of world-class imagery. If it takes more effort to take photographs of this caliber, it's a good thing -- the D3200 forces you to up your game to get there!



5/5/13 UPDATE. It's been a year. I have a D800 and a D3200. Yes, there are many differences between the two. One is at the high end of the spectrum, the other, entry level. When I'm shooting commercially, or seriously in any way, it's the D800. It is a superb camera, if you own glass that can fully exploit the 36MP sensor, and your technique is solid. For everything else, I use the D3200. Why? It's light and compact. You can easily carry it around all day, with the f1.8 35mm, and hardly know it's there. If that lens isn't wide enough, shoot a 3-frame series and stitch them together in Photoshop. Again, with good glass and technique, the results are very, very good. D800 territory? No, but few would notice. The D3200 is a pleasure to use, and handles fast enough for most kinds of photography. You can use old manual Nikkor lenses easily, albeit with a bit more effort. With the focus confirmation dot in the viewfinder, manual focusing is easy. Exposure can be guessed and adjusted using the great hi-res LCD. I recently had to shoot an emergency-rush job covering a politician's speech. All I had in the car was the D3200, the 35mm f1.8, and an old, sharp 100mm f2.8 E Nikkor -- my normal in-car-at all-times stash. The setting was indoors, in a bright garden area -- no flash allowed. I was surrounded by folks with Nikon D4's and $1500 lenses. I got a few looks....LOL. I boosted the ISO to 1600, used the $50 100mm @ f4 @1/125th, and the results were great, published in several places. The D3200 is a great camera for the money, I like it more now than when I first bought it!



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-55-200mm/dp/B00I6TC6XG/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_p_photo_5