New digital camera features

For the past week I have been obsessed with two things: giving my daughter a fun Halloween and buying a new camera with which to capture the fun. And now that Halloween is over, I am able to pass on what I’ve learned about a couple of cool features now available on digital cameras: face detection and optical image stabilization.

Cameras with face detection distinguish human faces (sorry, it doesn’t work for pets) and adjusts the focus and exposure to bring them into focus. Image stabilization reduces the blurriness that results from hand-holding the camera by counteracting the motion of a moving image during exposure (Note: This is not the same as manipulating the shutter speed, which is sometimes misleadingly referred to an “anti-shake” or “anti-blur” function by some manufacturers).

Now, when it comes to digital cameras I have a few requirements. I carry my camera with me everywhere to take snapshots of my daughter. So I need a small point-and-shot camera, with good image quality (I wanted about 8 megapixels) and minimal lag-time between shots. Also I wanted to spend under $300, but still get face detection, image stabilization, and red-eye correction (a pretty common, but useful feature). So after a bit of research I narrowed it down to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS and the Sony Cybershot DSCW90. I looked at a number of reviews, but here are two for the Canon – here and here. And there are two for the Sony – there (review of the W80, which aside from the megapixels, is identical to the W90) and there.

When it was all said and done, I ended up buying the Sony. I was intrigued by the Canon, but I had to face the fact that I am already invested in Sony technology. My last 2 cameras were Cybershots, so I’m already familiar with the series and own a large-capacity Memory Stick. Plus it cost $50 less than the Canon when I went to check them out at Best Buy. So it was kind of a no-brainer for me.

BTW, at least in California, Best Buy offers more service plan options in the store than they do online. The 4-year service plan offered for the Cybershot at BestBuy.com is $50 and covers typical wear and tear. But I was able to purchase a 4-year service and accidental damage plan for $80 (2-year plans are also offered in-store). So, if I drop or otherwise damage this camera within the next 4 years, BestBuy will replace it. Which is a source of peace-of-mind for me because my last two Cybershots were dropped to death.

Happy camera hunting!

Tara

Podcasts to keep you informed and entertained

During the past few months I’ve gotten hooked on several podcasts. They are all FREE and I’ve subscribed to about a dozen of them through iTunes (although you don’t need iTunes or an iPod – any MP3 player will work). Now I can get informed, improve my memory, or just be entertained while I get ready in the morning, prepare dinner, or clean up around the house. I think a few of them are really cool and thought I’d share them with everyone:

CNN News Update (about 4 minutes) – The latest news happening in the U.S. and around the world.

PediaCast with Dr. Mike (about an hour) – I’d rather listen to this than read the medical information in my regular parenting magazines. Even if you disagree with his opinions at Arial (like his take on the HPV vaccine), it’s great information. I wish I’d known about this when my daughter was an infant.

Dr Mike is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He earned his medical degree at The Ohio State University and has over 10 years of parenting and clinical practice experience. Dr Mike can’t diagnose the ear infection or prescribe the antibiotic (unless you visit his office practice), but he can take the time to share his knowledge. And you won’t have to pony up a co-pay or spend precious time searching the index of another WHAT TO EXPECT EVERY DAY OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE type of book.

BrainReady.com BrainCast (about 20 minutes) – My mind actually feels more “awake” after listening to these. Perhaps “Mom-brain” will soon be a thing of the past?

BrainReady is the revolutionary new way to turn back the clock on the damage that aging has already done to your brain & body. Whatever your age.

• “Start whipping your brain & body back into shape — by simply listening to our free, innovative audio brain exercise modules! Now available in downloadable MP3 format too, as well as Apple iTunes!
• As recently featured in Reader’s Digest magazine and numerous other publications: BrainReady’s audio BrainCasts let you exercise your brain while you’re busy doing what you’re already doing: eating breakfast, driving in your car, at the health club, going for a walk, whatever!
• Listen anytime, anywhere — On your iPod, MP3 player, right here on this page (see below), or put on a blank CD for your car!

4) A Prarie Home Companion: The News from Lake Wobegon (about 17 minutes) – I just love listening to these segments. Witty and full of imagery. I saw it live at the Hollywood Bowl a while back and am glad to be able to hear the show now whenever I’d like.

Listen to The News from Lake Wobegon wherever and whenever you want. GK’s signature monologue is now available as a free podcast, updated every Monday. Each week, Keillor shares with listeners the latest news and views from the little town where “all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.”

5) fitPod (varies) – — This is great music to listen to while running around doing mindless housework. Helps you get it done in next to no time!

fitPod.com is the free online community for everything fitness and iPod. It’s the place to meet others with similar interests, pick up fitness tips, discuss fitness and music, and share your favorite fitness playlists — what we call “fitLists.”

OK, that’s it for now. I’m subscribed to a few others, too. But they are all spiritual/religious/self-help in nature.

Ciao!

Tara