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.



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Canon PowerShot SX280 12MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I've had a number of PowerShot cameras. Really impressed with the picture quality of the camera and the overall speed. Colors and picture quality are quite good and the low-light performance is superior. The previous review focuses nicely on the picture quality, so I wil stick with the human factors.



Manual control and adjustment are simple to master, so you won't need to rely on the automatic settings. My only concern with the camera is hat the wifi settings are difficult to set up. I'm pretty good with wireless technologies and it took me quite awhile to figure it out. Make sure you run the set up disk. Unlike many other consumer wireless gadgets, this one requires that you run the setup software. Couldn't just turn on the camera and connect it to the router. As much as it pains me to say this, I should've read the directions prior to jumping in to try to set it up! :-)



Once it's setup, it works great. I've been transferring files to iphone, ipad, and laptop; and transferring to the Canon Image site. All directly from the camera. Even emailed my wife a link to a photo directly from the camera. Camera IS a bit of a battery hog, but I was expecting it.



Update: Since I concentrated on human factors in my review, I thought I would weigh in on flash location interfering with handhold

position. Personally, I didn't notice it until I read the other reviews. I've had other cameras with pop up flashes, so I think I just automatically adjusted to it. That said, I can see how it would annoy some people. The flash is located in the front left-hand corner of the camera, but there IS sufficient space behind the flash to place your finger. Could be a problem if you have large hands, I suppose.. Motor is also strong enough to remind me to move it when it pops up.



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Update 20 May:: There is a glitch that's been widely reported that shows that the battery is drained when in video mode. This is a glitch in the indicator, not the actual battery life. Cannon has acknowledged the problem and is working on a fix. Expect the next firmware update to address the issue.

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Update 5 June: New Firmware Released Today!! Details Firmware Version 1.0.2.0 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:



1. Increases the duration of movie shooting by 20% in cases where the optical zoom is used compared to cameras running Firmware Version 1.0.0.0 or Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 through a reduction in the power consumption of the optical zoom.



*Time under default camera settings, when normal operations are performed, such as shooting, pausing, turning the camera on and off, and zooming. (based on conditions established by Canon).

-Under some shooting conditions, the recording time may be shorter than mentioned above.

-Recording time with a fully charged battery.



2. Fixes a phenomenon with cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.0, in which the low battery level warning is prematurely displayed while shooting in movie mode.



Firmware Version 1.0.2.0 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.1.0 or Version 1.0.0.0. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Please note that, once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous



I installed it with no problems.



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Otterbox Defender Realtree Series for iPhone 4/4S - 1 Pack - Case - Retail Packaging - Pink/APC Camo Pattern (Wireless Phone Accessory) newly tagged "iphone"

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 130 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Gray)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I'll note right off the bat -- I've been interested in photography for many years and have been honing my skills, but I am not a professional photographer. As a result, I can only speak to the qualities of this camera that might appeal to beginner/intermediate photographers. I owned a previous version of the Canon PowerShot and enjoyed it so much that I decided to purchase this newer model.



First, the basic specs. This camera has a 28mm wide-angle lens, a 16 megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, image stabilization, settings for shooting in specific conditions (snow, fireworks, etc.) and numerous special effects (black and white, sepia, miniature, pinhole camera, etc.). It has sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is perfect for those who often shoot in low lighting situations. With this type of camera, however, you're just not going to get the excellent low-light resolution that you will with cameras at a higher price point. This is only noticeable if you're zoomed in on an image taken at a higher ISO; the resolution in brighter conditions is excellent.



One of my favorite features about the camera is its 8x optical zoom; this is a great improvement upon the previous model I've owned. The image quality and stabilization at a higher zoom is excellent, resulting in perfect images every time.



The LCD screen is bright and a great size. It's easy to review previous pictures and compose a shot using the screen.



Although I haven't done much beyond simple experimentation with the movie settings, the camera can shoot 720p HD video (25 frames per second). The few videos I have recorded have been clear, crisp, and high-quality. It's not a feature I will use often, but it is an attractive feature for those wanting to capture shorter clips of sporting events, concerts, etc.



Thus far, the battery life has been great. There is an "eco" mode that conserves battery power without reducing image quality or camera performance.



Other features that may be of interest include:

* Wi-Fi capability to directly upload pictures

* "Smart shutter," which automatically takes a picture when a person smiles or gets into frame

* Face ID detection

* Color accent effect, which retains just one color and makes the rest of the photo black and white



Overall, I highly recommend this point-and-shoot camera for amateur photographers or for those who simply want a small, portable camera in addition to a DSLR. The image quality is great, and the price is very competitive. Enjoy!



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Apple iPhone 5 5s CASE123 MPS XLR Elite Executive Oversized Genuine Leather Holster with Swivel Belt Clip for use with Rugged Cases (Wireless Phone Accessory) newly tagged "iphone"

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Whirlpool Stove 8-inch Surface Burner Element 9761345 / 8053268

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Our older range burnt out the 8 inch surface burner element and connector. I already had a spare connector from an earlier repair but needed a new element. I researched and picked out this 2600 watt element instead of a lower 2100 watt element. The element came in a ziplock type bag. Not exactly sealed but it was new. I washed the new element to minimize the burning of fumes from a brand new element. Turned on the vent fant, hooked it up and turned on the heat. The element smoked a little bit but that quickly stopped.



One thing I noticed was the most inner ring did not appear to sit flush/flat along with the rest of the rings. It was raised higher than the rest of the rings. I had thought about exchanging it because I was worried about our pots and pans not being flat on the element during cooking. I compared our other existing elements and they have flat surfaces on the rings. So it looks like with use, the rings flatten with heat. I decided to use it the way it is, after a day or two, the rings of the element now are all flat.



There is a stamping under that show it is 2600 watt for 240 v, but I don't see any country of origin. Our existing element are made in US. My guess is this new one is from China, but I can't confirm it.



UPDATE 01/03/2014: IMPORTANT READ! Initial rating for this element was 5 stars, now it is one star because it exploded. A section glowed bright white, started sparking and exploded. Fire alarm went off. We were very fortunate that no one sustained injuries. The parts of the element that sparked, flew a short distance causing very minor stain to the range top, a couple pots sitting on the other unused elements. The pot that was on this element was a Corning ware glass pot (I think it's no longer made). That pot sustained the most damage, melted parts of the glass on the outside. We won't be using the pot due to the damage. The other pots nearby just had what appears to be the metal that flew and "stained" the pots on the outside. Best way to describe might be like how hard water leaves a stain on a surface - except this does not come off. The connector/socket that the element connected to was fine, the clip that holds the connector/socket and screws into the range top was damaged beyond re-use. The switch for that element works but now the light shows "HOT" even in off position.



So in all, I'm out a non-replaceable favorite pot for my wife, some surface stain/damage to a couple others, I purchased a switch ($25) so the light is not lit when the element is turned off. Spent 1/2 a day interchanging parts between new switch and old switch because it's near impossible to find the exact replacement. Lucky I had extra connector/sockets and clips around (from older repairs) so I didn't have to spend for that repair. I still need to find a replacement element for this exploded one. I have contacted Amazon to see what can be done even though I'm out of the return period.



Here is a pic of the element.



[...]



Searching the net results in others also encountering a similar fate, so I know it does happen, even though it's our first time experiencing it and we've used the range over 15 years.



My advice to others that read this....if this happens to you, first thing, head to the fuse box and turn off the range, it most likely will die out on it's own but be ready to put out anything that catches fire. My first instinct was to reach over and turn off the knob for the element, glad I didn't and now I know better.



UPDATE 02/04/2014: I have been using this replacement (see link below) for about a month and I highly recommend it. It is a Frigidaire branded element, comes in a sealed Frigidaire packaging and is made in Mexico. For my case, I made sure I purchased it from Amazon as the seller and no other. I recommend this for others as well, even if it costs a little more than the 3rd parties.



A couple important notes, this new Frigidaire element had barely any smoking right from the beginning and I don't recall smells like the other 'bad' one. The surface material/texture is slightly different as well, more greyish. No dusting left on the bottom after use.



[...]



I'm going to add a review for it shortly.



[...] if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer if I can be of help.



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W10295370 Refrigerator Water Filter W10295370 3 Pack

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I received the refill and have plugged it in.

The taste and quality of the water of the original was at a high standard.

So far, the taste and quality of the water from the first filter is the same - great.

Makes great coffee and tea ( the secret is in the water quality)



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