GoPro HERO3: White Edition

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have seen these cameras for a long time, but not purchased one. However, after seeing some of the videos possible with this camera I purchased the Hero 3: White edition with the new housing.



After using this for some weeks, I can say I love this camera and the possibilities.



1.: What's in the box?: You receive the camera with the waterproof housing, plus an instruction booklet and a quick start guide. In addition, you receive a micro-USB cable, plus some mounts and assorted 'thingies.'



2. Aesthetic?: Well, who really cares how this looks since the point is to capture your desired personal aesthetics! But, compared to some of the other cameras I have seen, this is a small package, and is cleverly designed.



3. Use?: The point of the camera is to get it working. The waterproof casing has been redesigned from the previous model. It does seem very well-done and is supposedly able to survive to 130 feet. I have not tested it to any depth with the camera inside. However, I have taken the housing and placed it under water without a problem. (I will update this when I get the chance for some waterproof filming).



The camera itself has basically three buttons. One for the power/mode, one for the camera to start taking video or pictures (at the top) and a side button which powers wireless. The wireless function works in conjunction with the App, which I used with an Iphone. The app is fantastic! You can control the camera remotely and change the desired function (video, burst, lapse and single pictures, plus whatever function suite the users purposes). The best thing is the ability to see a preview (except in certain modes like a time-lapse) and the ability to see the pictures and video on the app. Fantastic.



The pictures with the edition I purchased are good, not great, given the 5 MP capability and the close-in build for pictures (I didn't but this to take long-range pictures). However, the video in HD (and this should be changes to 1080 as the default is a bit less) is absolutely gorgeous. Stunning is the word. The sound is also great, even with the waterproof housing on. I could still hear myself, others and the sounds of the activity clearly.



The wireless function relies on setting up an internal network between your mobile device and the camera, though I did not find this difficult at all. The only time I had difficulty getting the camera connection was during some very cold weather, and once the camera was warm this went away. The battery lasts about 2 hours with consistent use, which is pretty good, although I could nurse the camera by turning things on and off when the opportunity present itself.



At first, I did not like having to use a micro-SD card, but this is actually okay with an adapter for actual use and allows makes the camera smaller than the previous model.



Overall, so far, I am very pleased with the camera and what it allows me to accomplish without too much difficulty. I suggest that a buyer purchase the grabbag of extra mounts and the lens caps as well. Great item. Hopefully I do not encounter some of the difficulty that others have had with the camera. Except for the above, this has not happened!



1. GoPro Grab Bag of Mounts



2. GoPro Protective Lens



3. GoPro Headstrap Mount + Quick Clip



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1G5x1wV

Polaroid PIC-300P Instant Film Analog Camera (Purple)

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/1G2xDU8"],"parentId":"airy-player-container-moLZ5G2XKHDUQW","slateImages":{"http://ift.tt/1wg01CW":null},"foresterMetadataParams":{"client":"CustomerReviews","requestId":"02DQ56GG7TA675FA04MP","marketplaceId":"ATVPDKIKX0DER","session":"000-0000000-0000000"}}); }); Length:: 2:30 Mins



I have to admit, electronics and hardware don't excite me but I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't just a little giddy when United Parcel delivered a package containing the new Polaroid 300 camera.



Earlier this month Polaroid Corporation, with the approval of their spokesperson Lady Ga-Ga, released the pic-300 camera. It takes 10 pictures per roll on business card-sized paper (the film is similar to the old 600 and SX-70 type film.)



Speaking of old-style Polaroid film, in January of this year, Polaroid announced that they will be updating their old-fashioned Polaroid One Step camera (The pic-1000 to be released later this year). The Impossible Project also announced the introduction of a new color film that will fit all Polaroid 600 cameras. No word yet if Polaroid film partner Fuji Film will also release 600 type film.



With limited features and a fixed focus, the Polaroid 300 may not be for everyone but I can tell you that it adds lots of FUN to any party where people can walk away with a smile and a color print in their hand.



All-in-all it is quite a year for instant film photography. Just think...this would be possible without YOU! So, pick up some film and start shooting!



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://ift.tt/1wg01CY

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