http://www.ecoustics.com/latest/articles Latest articles, updated every five minutes http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/594743.html Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:23:00 -0400 http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/588407.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 -0400 http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/588303.html Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:20:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/feature/133 You finally got past the digital transition, upgraded yourself to a new HDTV, maybe even sprang for a Blu-ray player. You can now sit back and enjoy your 21st century HDTV for years to come, right?Well, not so fast.Panasonic has officially announced it will unveil the first workable, full 1080p, 3D HDTV system for the home sometime next year.Yes, you will need a new Blu-ray player. Yes, you will need a new HDTV that can display both 2D and 3D. And, yes, you will need to wear glasses. Panasonic will likely launch its 3D Blu-ray camcorders in 2011. And, yes, new 3D HDTVs and 3D Blu-ray players will carry a “substantial premium” in price, according the Panasonic's North America executive...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/feature/119 When Pure Digital released the very first Flip handheld camcorder back in 2006 and promptly captured 13 percent of the entire camcorder market with a single year, the video landscape changed. Despite the ranting of pro photographers that little handheld cameras could never equal the quality of the real thing (they can’t), people overlooked the sacrifice in video quality for the Flip’s small size, ease of use, and low price.Three years later, all those factors are still in play, and video quality has gotten even better. The latest crop of cameras actually boasts 720p HD quality. And though no one disputes that a $1,200 HD camcorde...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/163999 Some pocket camcorders now promise high-def video. But such portable HD comes with several limitations and compromises. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/227 Most computer users recognize the importance of backing up key files on a regular basis -- be it documents, music, irreplaceable photos and camcorder footage -- but not everyone is aware of how to go about doing it, and which products are needed to pull it off. Here we look at a handful of top-rated backup solutions to help you make a suitable choice based on your needs and budget.External Hard DriveIdeal for laptops or desktops, an...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/225 It’s a digital world, but most of us are still holding on to a lot of analog media. There are the vinyl records we couldn’t bear to part with; the home movies shot with an analog camcorder; the lovingly-created mixtapes on cassette; and, of course, the photographic prints and 35mm slides from holidays, vacations and family gatherings of yesteryear. Service bureaus are getting rich charging exorbitant fees to bring these analog memories into the digital realm, but there are plenty of good tools available for anyone who’s interested in taking the do-it-yourself approach. Here are some the best.Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/223 Think of the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) convention as a chance to visit the biggest camera store you’ll ever see in your life.Taking up two floors of the Las Vegas Convention Center, you’ll find all the big boys from Canon to Sony there along with tiny mom-and-pop outfits selling photo charm bracelets. The yearly meeting was originally targeted to small camera store owners, but these days, independents are rarer than an up day on Wall Street. Right before this year’s edition, in fact, the huge Ritz Camera chain went bust – no surprise as the vast majority of camera buyers in 2009 simply go to Best Buy,...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/203 Best of 2008: Digital PhotographyKodak Zi6, $180This inexpensive little camcorder took us off guard with its stunning video quality and ease of use. Yes, it’s a little on the chunky side when you pocket it, but the tradeoff in quality, LCD size, and even the benefit of using standard AA batteries is well worth it. We can only hope they gain in popularity so that YouTube trampoline accident footage looks even sharper down the road....Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:00:00 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/feature/102 Best of 2008: Digital PhotographyKodak Zi6, $180This inexpensive little camcorder took us off guard with its stunning video quality and ease of use. Yes, it’s a little on the chunky side when you pocket it, but the tradeoff in quality, LCD size, and even the benefit of using standard AA batteries is well worth it. We can only hope they gain in popularity so that YouTube footage of trampoline accident footage looks even sharper down the road....Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/154 Whether you’re interested in recording seasonal holidays, birthdays or vacations, it’s a perfect time to invest in a camcorder to capture those once-in-a-lifetime get-togethers with family and friends.Sure, a digital camera can do the trick to immortalize precious moments, but why settle for a still and lifeless image when you can shoot video and record audio for future ge...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/dt/guide/145 Memories are great things. Still, it’s a lot better having hard copies of events (specifically, pictures and videos) to help you relive each special moment rather than some hazy thoughts that get cloudier with each passing year. Enter 10 digital cameras and camcorders new for this holiday season that prove just the trick when it comes to documenting any occasion. Fancy yourself ready to start preserving all those heartwarming fireside chats and festive dinners for future generations to come? Snap those shutter buttons or hit record and let these great gadgets do the rest. ...Read | Permalink | Linking Blogs Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/24217/ In times of economic turmoil, it's often necessary to take a look at the family budget and get yourself back on track. What you may not realize is how much the technologies you use everyday are affecting your bank account. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:47:41 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/147429 From shooting great video with your HD camcorder to playing the footage back on your HDTV, here's how to turn your own home videos into high-def Blu-ray masterpieces. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/145439 Camcorder technologies are changing fast. Here's how to pick the right camera for you--and ensure that your video memories will stand the test of time. Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/143321 Put the 'you' in YouTube with this hands-on guide to shooting, editing, and uploading your own movies and mashups. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/19536/ No doubt you've seen those big, sophisticated-looking cameras that professional photographers and hard-core enthusiasts use. Perhaps you've heard the term "SLR" and know that it refers to those big cameras. But what exactly is an SLR camera, and how is it any different (besides being so bulky) from the little digital cameras many people carry around in their pockets? This article will introduce you to SLR cameras, specifically digital SLRs. We'll help you understand what these technical marvels can do and why you may—or may not—want to invest in one. What is an SLR Camera? SLR stands for "Single Lens Reflex," and it refers to a class of cameras. Other examples of camera classes would be "Point and Shoot" (P/S) cameras, "Prosumer" cameras, integrated cameras (like in cell phones), pinhole cameras, etc. While there are many variations among SLR cameras, they all have a couple of important things that make them part of the SLR class. First, unlike P/S cameras, SLR cameras have two distinct, detachable parts: a body, and a lens. The body, also called a "back" by photographers, contains the brains and the controls of the camera. If it’s a traditional SLR camera, film’s contained in the body ... Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:26:14 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/18973/ Are you getting the most out of your gadgets? With so many products and information out there, it's hard to keep up with the useful items that any average person would buy. Sure, there are plenty of products for owners of specific devices (i.e., seemingly millions of iPod accessories), but what about those that are applicable to most any device that you happen to own? That's the criteria for this list: it has to be something that's not only useful to most people, but is also relevant regardless of the brand name or type of gadget. It was a hard list to come up with, but here are my top 5 picks: 1. Hold on to your Gadgets. I used to constantly drop my cell phone, iPod, and other gadgetry. As a result, they're badly scratched up and difficult to use. Then, I discovered eGrips . Attaching eGrips to your devices is a great way to keep your gadget from escaping your slippery hand while holding it, and keeps your device in its place when you set it down. I've used eGrips since they were first introduced a couple of years ago. They're inexpensive (~$10) and they have generic ones ... Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:21:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/128609 You have questions, we have answers: Our expert tackles your queries on camcorders and digital video. Fri, 26 Jan 2007 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/128327 Have you just received your first camcorder? Here are the five things you need to know, plus predictions for the next year in video. Fri, 29 Dec 2006 04:00:00 -0500 http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/301238.html Mon, 11 Dec 2006 03:42:00 -0500 http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4660-10165_7-6650922.html?part=ecoustics-cnet&part=ecoustics-cnet&subj=video Simple tips for shooting great-looking video. Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4660-10165_7-6649776.html?part=ecoustics-cnet&part=ecoustics-cnet&subj=video In order to edit your home movie, you first have to get video off your camcorder and onto your computer. Molly Wood makes it look easy. Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/pcw/howto/126518 Sony and Panasonic are among the companies supporting the new AVCHD format. So what does it mean for you? Thu, 27 Jul 2006 04:00:00 -0400