Sync A Phone To A Computer With A Usb Cable

Cellular phones have been promoted from accessories to necessities in a very short time. Thanks to cool features that allow us to take photos, play tunes and even organize contacts, the cell phone has become staple of modern life. If you sync your phone with your computer with a USB cable, you can get even more out of your cell phone.

Instructions

1. Choose the kind of cellular phone synching software that you will use. Many cell phones come with pre-packaged software (usually a CD-ROM) that you can install on your computer. Install on your PC.

2. Get a decent USB cable. Some cell phones come with USB cables so you can sync your phone with your computer right out of the box.

3. Find the USB connection port. Insert the USB plug into your phone.

4. Connect your cellular phone to your PC with the USB cable. Open the Handset Manager and work through its simple interface by selecting the Contacts feature which is located in the right-hand column. This will allow you to save all your contacts to your cell phone.

5. Edit or save your contacts using the program. If you want to make corrections or additions to your list, the software can update it easily.

Tags: cell phone, your computer, your phone, cell phones, cell phones come, cellular phone, come with

Use A Digital Microscope

Digital microscopes are a real 21st century advancement on microscope technology. They come with software for your computer that allows you to see real-time images on your monitor of what you're observing with the microscope. Take a step into the modern age by learning use a digital microscope.

Instructions

1. Install the digital microscope's software into your computer according to the directions on the package.

2. Plug one end of a USB cable into the appropriate port on the back of the digital microscope. Attach the other end of the cable into any available USB port on your computer.

3. Prepare a slide with a specimen for observation, and then place the slide on your microscope.

4. Adjust your microscope's focus knobs while looking through the microscope's eyepiece until you get a clear view of your specimen.

5. Open up the digital microscope program on your computer.

6. Use the digital microscope's computer program to bring up the image on your microscope onto your computer screen. If you have live organisms in your specimen, you will see them moving about in real time on your monitor.

Tags: your computer, digital microscope, your microscope, cable into, your monitor, your specimen

Use The Lcd Display On A Nikon D40 As A Viewfinder

The first digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera in Nikon's family of cameras, the D40 features a small body, making it easy to handle. Despite its size, the D40 captures high-quality images through a variety of scene modes. It can be operated using automatic or manual settings, allowing for creative photography. The Nikon D40 features quick responsiveness and a variety of controls. Unfortunately, the Nikon D40 does not offer Liveview on its LCD display; therefore, images are set up and taken via the viewfinder only.

Instructions

1. Turn on the Nikon D40 camera. On the side of the camera, a button which can be set at "A" or "M" indicates Automatic or Manual mode. Choose whichever mode you desire, but it helps to start off with "Automatic" until you get the hang of the camera and learn to adjust settings manually. "Automatic" chooses the correct settings for you, so you can learn which ones work ideally for a chosen situation.

2. Move the camera towards your face until you are able to look through the viewfinder and see the image through it that you want to capture.

3. Notice the markings when you look through the viewfinder. The three brackets in the middle of the image are the focus brackets, which are used to accurately focus an image. To focus an image in the center, move the camera so that the image is right in the center of the middle focus brackets.

4. Press the shutter to take a picture. Move the camera slightly by about 1/2 inch to the either side, or even up or down. Re-focus the focus brackets and take a few more pictures so you have something to choose from.

5. Review the images using the playback mode, which is a rectangular button with a "play" arrow in the middle. Determine whether the images are what you expected. If yes, move on. If not, adjust settings and take a few more pictures until you are satisfied. Try changing the scene modes by turning the knob on top of the camera.

6. Keep the D40 camera in the playback mode even when you take pictures. That way, as soon as you take a picture, you can look down and see it displayed on the LCD display. This is the only way to use the LCD display to view images. It cannot be used to view images prior to taking them.

Tags: focus brackets, adjust settings, focus image, image focus, look through, look through viewfinder

Replace The Shoe On A Vivitar Flash

On this model, the shoe of the flash attaches to the top.

Vivitar makes a series of flashes for the professional and recreational photographer. If you are using any of Vivitar's Pro, SF, HV or DF series flashes, the flash will be affixed to the camera via a shoe. The shoe is the piece of metal on the bottom of the flash that attaches the flash to the camera body. Over time and with continual flash changes, the shoe may become worn. A worn shoe will not hold your flash in place, and it will need to be replaced to get your flash functioning again.

Instructions

1. Note the model number of your Vivitar flash. The model number is located under the Vivitar logo on the front of the flash. It should have a dash and a set of numbers, such as Pro-548 or SF-3000.

2. Buy a replacement shoe that matches the model number of your Vivitar flash. Replacement shoes can be found at your local camera store.

3. Discharge your flash and remove the batteries. You will be in contact with some wires after you remove the broken shoe, so you want to make sure you don't get an electrical shock.

4. Remove the broken shoe from your flash. You'll find two small screws holding the broken shoe in place. Use your jeweller's screwdriver to remove these two screws, then carefully pull away the old shoe. There will be two to three wires attached to the broken shoe, depending on the model of your flash. Remove the wires by gently cutting them as close to the end as possible with the wire cutters.

5. Connect the wires to your new shoe with electrical tape. You don't want the wires to short out, so be sure the wires do not touch as you tape them to the new shoe.

6. Attach the new shoe to the flash using the screws provided with the shoe. Firmly screw the new shoe in place with your screwdriver. Your flash and its shoe should fit nicely on your camera and work again.

Tags: broken shoe, model number, your flash, your Vivitar flash, model number your, number your, number your Vivitar

Tell Difference Between Iphone 3g Vs 3gs

Apple iPhones are the latest and greatest in cell phone technology, but there's been some confusion since there are two versions that are very similar to one another. How can you tell the difference between the iphone 3G vs. the 3GS? Read the following steps and it should become crystal clear.

Instructions

1. To use the iPhone 3G or 3GS, get on the AT&T network. If you aren't a subscriber already, that must be your first step - go to the AT&T store and sign up. If you are beginning a new contract with AT&T, you will receive a huge discount on whatever iPhone you choose. The same holds true if it's time to renew your 2 year contract.

2. Decide how much memory you will need for your iPhone. The iPhone 3G contains 8 GB of memory, so it can hold approximately 800 - 1000 songs, and also a good number of applications. If you are more interested in downloading movies, only a few will fit on this one. The iPhone 3GS has 16 GB of memory or 32 GB, depending on which model you choose. The more memory you have, the more songs, pictures, and movies you can download. The 16 GB will probably hold a couple thousand songs or pictures, or about 8 movies.

3. Figure out if a faster processor is necessary for your needs. The iPhone 3G's processor is 412 MHz. The iPhone 3GS's processor operates at 600 MHz. The trivial increase in speed is truly minor when it comes to opening/running applications - you merely save seconds.

4. Think about the camera and video capabilities. Do higher quality pictures matter to you? The iPhone 3G's camera is 2 megapixels, but the iPhone 3GS camera is 3 megapixels. Only the 3GS has video function and as a fun addition, a built-in compass application that performs like a genuine magnetic compass.

5. Finally, determine what you are willing to pay for any iPhone. As a new customer to AT&T, the iPhone 3G will cost $99 (the same if your contract is ready to be renewed.) The 3GS will run about $199 for 16 GB, or $299 for 32 GB, but once more, that's for new subscribers or those ready to upgrade. If you are with AT&T currently, and your contract is somewhere in the middle of the two year requirement, you will pay more - not full price, but the cost will depend on how much longer remains in your contract. Go to apple.com and put in your phone number to find out what you'd need to pay to get an iPhone.

Tags: your contract, camera megapixels, iPhone camera, iPhone camera megapixels, iPhone processor, songs pictures

Troubleshoot An Fm Modulator

FM Modulators stream the audio from your personal MP3 player to your car's FM stereo. While modulators are convenient and quick to install, they won't always deliver the best quality audio. If you're having trouble with your modulator, there are a couple of steps you can use to get the most out of your device.

Instructions

1. Turn on your car, and turn on the radio. Make sure the radio is set to receive FM channels.

2. Tune the stereo to a station that is has no signal. If all the stations receive some form of signal reception, choose a station that has the lowest quality reception.

3. Plug the modulator into your MP3 player, and turn the modulator on. If it draws power from your vehicle, plug it into the power outlet on the dashboard.

4. Tune the FM modulator to the station set on your car's stereo. Press "Play" on the MP3 player or other device, and set the volume on the player to about half the maximum. Set the volume on your car to the desired listening level.

Tags: from your, station that, your stereo

Use A Telescope Attachment Kit For A Camera

Maximize the power of your optics by adding a telescope to your 35mm optical or digital camera, spotting scope or microscope. Wildlife photographers, astrophotographers, laboratory researchers and those who are just curious to see what lies beyond the horizon can benefit from the use of a telescope attachment kit for their imaging devices. A telescope attachment kit may contain T-mount adaptors, camera-specific adaptors, eyepieces or other accessory parts.

Instructions

Find and Use the Right Telescope Attachments

1. Review the model number and product details for your telescope and determine whether a T-adapter needs to screw into its cell threads on the back or into the port on its eyepiece.

2. Check the product specifications on your camera to determine which T-ring and T-thread you will need to buy.

3. Purchase pieces separately or locate a kit that includes all the pieces you will need to attach your telescope to your camera.

4. Screw the T-adapter onto the rear cell threads of your telescope.

5. Attach the T-ring for your camera model according to manufacturer's directions. This may entail removing the eyepiece and screwing the T-ring onto the 42mm threads.

6. Thread the T-adapter to the T-ring, joining the telescope to the camera, and you are ready to use your enhanced optics for imaging.

Tags: your camera, your telescope, cell threads, telescope attachment, telescope your

Play Sony Video Clips On An Lcd Tv

You can easily watch captured video on an LCD television set.

Most Sony video cameras now record audio/video as a small clip and store the information on a built-in hard drive in the camera. This allows you to play the video content without actually rewinding a tape and searching for a specific scene. All the cables required to view the Sony video clips are provided with the camera, so you don't need any additional hardware to hook up the camera to an LCD television system.

Instructions

1. Connect the 3.5mm end of the cable into the "Video Out" port on the Sony video camera. This port is the same size as a standard headphone jack in your portable music device.

2. Plug the RCA ends of the cables into one of the "Video In" ports on the LCD television set.

3. Power on the Sony video camera and the LCD TV. Push the "Input" option on the television and select "Video" to display the camera content.

4. Set the video camera to "View," then choose the video clip you want to display on the LCD TV. Press "Play" to view the video content.

Tags: Sony video, video camera, camera This, into Video, Sony video camera

Memory Stick Vs Memory Stick Pro Duo

The Memory Stick is a line of flash memory cards, used primarily in Sony electronics. Sony launched the original Memory Stick in 1998 as an efficient way of storing a high amount of files -- typically photos from digital cameras -- in a compact space. Since the Memory Stick's original launch, Sony has teamed up with SanDisk to manufacture more advanced models, such as the Memory Stick Pro Duo.

History of the Memory Stick

Launched in October 1998, Sony was the manufacturer of the original Memory Stick. Since then, the name -- Memory Stick -- had been used to describe the entire line of flash memory cards made by Sony and its partner, SanDisk. The first version of Sony's Memory Stick to hit the market was designed solely for Sony electronics, including digital cameras. The Memory Stick Pro Duo is a joint project between Sony and SanDisk, although it is still designed to work only in Sony electronics.

Size Comparison

The original Memory Stick was roughly the size and shape of a stick of chewing gum. The Memory Stick Pro Duo is approximately the same width as the original, but slightly shorter. Because of this size difference, some older Sony electronics designed to use the original Memory Stick may need an adaptor to use the Pro Duo. The Pro Duo can be inserted into a small slot in the adaptor, which makes it closer to the size and shape of the original Memory Stick.

Storage Capacity

The first generation Memory Stick could store anywhere from 4 to 128 MB of information. Subsequent generations of Memory Stick products gradually increased the maximum storage capacity of these media cards, but it wasn't until Sony and SanDisk jointly unveiled the Pro Duo that the storage capacity topped the 1 GB mark. Today, both Sony and SanDisk sell Memory Stick Pro Duos with a maximum storage capacity ranging from 2 to 32 GB.

New Features

The original Memory Stick served as a thumb-sized floppy disk. It stored files and information and did little else. The Memory Stick Pro Duo includes many features not found in the original. The Pro Duo -- because of its larger storage capacity -- offers the ability to record, save and playback higher resolution pictures and videos. Additionally, it can more quickly transfer saved information from your camera or other Sony device to your computer. It also features MagicGate security protection, which protects the files stored on the stick from being damaged or corrupted.

2 Different Brands For 1 Product

Sony and SanDisk are partners in the development and manufacturing of the Memory Stick line of products; however, they are separate companies. When you're shopping for a Memory Stick product, you may find Memory Stick Pro Duos bearing the name of one company or the other. This is the same product. There are two main differences. The first is the brand name you'll see on the stick: either Sony or SanDisk. The other difference is the product's warranty. The Memory Stick Pro Duo bearing the SanDisk name has a five-year warranty, while the same product bearing the Sony name has a one-year warranty.

Tags: Memory Stick, original Memory, original Memory Stick, Sony SanDisk, Sony electronics, storage capacity, digital cameras

Clean Camera Mirrors

The mirror located in the camera`s shutter box can collect dust and debris over time.

Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, both digital and film, allow the photographer, when looking through their viewfinders, to see the subject through the lens that is attached to the camera body at the time. This is possible by reflecting the image through the lens off of a mirror that redirects the image through a pentaprism and to the photographer`s eye. When the picture is taken, the mirror flips up, so the shutter can work correctly. Over time dust and debris can collect on the mirror and will require cleaning.

Instructions

Cleaning Camera Mirrors

1. Carefully remove the lens from the camera. On the front of most single-lens reflex cameras is a release button that will allow you to gently remove the lens, exposing the shutter box and the mirror to be cleaned.

2. Use a blower brush to clean the majority of the dirt and debris from the mirror. If cleaning a digital SLR, do your best not to blow the dust farther into the camera. Cleaning a mirror is relatively easy; cleaning a digital sensor is a little harder. When using the brush on a digital camera, only use the blower component as the brush moves to the opening of the camera, thus blowing the debris out, instead of in.

3. Take a cotton swab with a small amount of alcohol to remove any dirt or debris that did not come off with the blower brush. Once it is cleaned, use a microfiber lens cloth to remove and absorb any residual moisture from the mirror. Apply the alcohol to the swab and not to the mirror itself. Most SLRs and certainly digital SLRs are laden with circuitry that you will want to ensure does not come into contact with liquid or moisture.

4. Use the blower one last time to remove any lint from the microfiber cloth.

5. Carefully replace the lens back onto the camera, and it is ready to be used again.

Tags: blower brush, Camera Mirrors, cleaning digital, dirt debris, dust debris

Use The Canon G9 Camera

The Canon PowerShot G9 is a digital camera designed for the beginner-to-intermediate user. The Canon G9 comes equipped with 12.4 megapixel resolution, 6x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom, 3-inch LCD display, video-recording capabilities and an anti-glare/anti-scratch protective coating. Although the PowerShot G9 features an array of customizable settings, beginning users can leave many of these on "Auto" and allow the camera to do much of the work; as you gain familiarity with the device, you can experiment with these settings as desired.

Instructions

1. Turn the camera over and open the battery/memory card cover. Insert a fully charged battery into the battery bay. Insert a memory card into the memory card slot. Close the battery/memory card cover.

2. Press the power button. If necessary, set the date and time by pressing the "Menu" button and making the appropriate selection from the displayed list of options. Press the "Func/Set" button to confirm your selection, then use the arrow buttons to change the time and date settings as desired. Press the "Func/Set" button, followed by the "Menu" button to save your settings.

3. Turn the mode dial to the "Auto" setting. Aim the camera at your subject and frame the image as desired. Apply light pressure to the shutter button; when it beeps twice and the indicator light turns green, this means the camera is properly focused.

4. Push the shutter button all the way down. The camera will now take a picture and display the image on its LCD screen. Review your image; if satisfied, proceed to the next step; otherwise, make any desired adjustments and take another picture.

5. Connect the camera to a printer or computer using the packaged USB interface cable. Turn on your connected device, then turn the camera's mode dial to "Playback." To send images to a printer, use the arrow buttons to select the desired picture, then press the button labeled with a printer icon. To download images to your computer, use the arrow buttons to select which photos you want to transfer, then press the button labeled with a printer icon. Disconnect and turn off the camera after the printing process or file transfer is complete.

Tags: memory card, arrow buttons, arrow buttons select, battery memory, battery memory card, button labeled

Use The Canon 70200mm F4l

The Canon 70-200MM F4L is a high-performace telephoto lens.

The Canon 70-200mm F4L is a professional zoom lens. It can be focused manually or automatically depending upon the user's preferences. The lens has high-quality focal length range, image quality, autofocus performance, aperture speed and image stabilization. The Canon 70-200 F4L comes with a II (W) tripod mount ring, lens hood and lens case. To use the lens, it must be connected to a compatible camera body.

Instructions

1. Attach the lens to the body of a Canon or other compatible camera. Align the red attachment marks on the lens to the red alignment marks on the camera body.

2. Turn the lens clockwise until you hear a clicking sound.

3. Attach the camera and lens to a tripod. Open the tripod collar and place it around the lens. Turn the locking knob on the collar clockwise until it is tight and secure.

4. Attach and align the hood to the lens. The hood keeps unwanted light out of the photograph and also protects the lens. Grasp the base of the hood and place it onto the end of the lens and turn it clockwise until it is secure.

5. Set the lens to manual focus or auto focus depending on your shooting preference. The focus mode switch is located on the left-hand side of the lens.

6. Set the focusing distance range, depending upon the distance between the subject you are photographing and the lens itself. The focusing distance range is located to the left of the focus mode switch.

7. Turn the zoom ring to zoom into the subject. The zoom ring is located at the mid-way point on the lens.

8. Clean the lens with a soft cloth if any water, dirt or debris appear on it. If the lens is not properly maintained and cleaned, it can be severely damaged.

9. Adjust the camera settings, press the shutter button and take the photograph.

Tags: clockwise until, camera body, compatible camera, depending upon, distance range, focus mode

What Do The Numbers On A Spotting Scope Mean

What Do the Numbers on a Spotting Scope Mean?

Spotting scopes can be valuable tools for watching land based objects at a distance. Spotting scopes are basically scaled down telescopes that can be carried. Understanding what the scope's numbers mean can be vital when choosing the right scope for you.

Magnification Defined

Magnification is the optical illusion (produced by lenses) that an object is closer to you than it really is. Magnification power refers to how large the object appears as compared to unaided eyesight. For instance, if a scope is listed as 2x, then objects will appear twice as large when viewed through the scope.

The Scopes Magnifying Power

The first two numbers of a spotting scope description state the scope's magnification power (the "X" following the numbers signifies magnification power). If a scope is listed as a 15-50x 80mm scope, that indicates that the scope's lowest magnification setting is 15 times that of normal vision, and the highest magnification setting is 50 times greater.

The Objective Lens

The last number on a scope description is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The function of the objective lens is to channel light into the body of the scope. The clarity of the scope's picture is directly proportional to the amount of light brought in. A large objective lens is particularly desirable for viewing objects at a great distance.

The Field of View

Although not listed in the spotting scope description, the field of view is still an important number. The field of view (FOV) is a horizontal measurement of the viewable area as seen through the scope. For example, a scope may have an FOV of 91 feet across when set at 20x and 45 feet across at 60x. As a rule, the FOV decreases as the magnification increases.

The Clear Focus Distance

The clear focus distance is the minimum distance that an object must be from the scope to be seen in focus. For example, if a spotting scope has a clear focus distance of 23 feet, then an object must be at least 23 feet away to remain in focus. A low clear focus distance is particularly helpful for nature watching.

Tags: scope description, spotting scope, clear focus, clear focus distance, feet across, field view

Leviton Motion Sensor Switch Instructions

A Leviton motion sensor switch uses passive infrared sensing technology to automatically turn on the lights in a room when a person enters and to turn them off when a person leaves. A Leviton motion sensor switch is ideal for bathrooms, basements, kitchens and other parts of the house that require adequate lighting. Most Leviton motion sensor switches are compatible only with low voltage incandescent and fluorescent lights that utilize a rapid start magnetic ballast.

Location

Position the Leviton motion sensor switch near where you most often enter and exit a room. The passive infrared sensor detects body heat when a person passes in front of it and this change in heat in the sensor's field of view triggers the light switch. Even when the passive infrared sensor no longer detects the motion of heat in its field of view, the lights will remain on for a selected period of time. You can manually program the Leviton motion sensor switches to remain on from between 15 seconds to 30 minutes before they shut off. Leviton motion sensor switches have a field of view ranging between 150 degrees and 180 degrees with an area of coverage ranging between 350 and 400 square feet, depending on the model.

Heat Sources

Levition motion sensor switches should be placed at least six feet away from climate control sources such as HVAC registers in order to prevent their activation when they detect heat from these items. Position the Leviton motion sensor switch at least six feet away from incandescent light sources that are brighter than 100 watts since this heat can trigger the passive infrared sensor or prevent the detection of smaller changes in heat when people pass by the sensor.

Adjustable Controls

The Leviton motion sensor switch features controls to adjust their sensitivity. Remove the wallplate and turn the adjustment wheels to your preferred levels. Leviton motion sensor switches feature an ambient light override feature that prevents them from turning on if there is an excess of natural sunlight near the passive infrared sensor. Most Leviton motion sensor switches feature sliding blinders for you to manually adjust the passive infrared sensor's field of view. Leviton motion sensor switches also feature a manual override switch that functions like an ordinary light switch.

Convenience

Most Leviton motion sensor switches are only suitable for indoor use because of the sensitivity of the sensor. A Leviton motion sensor switch is convenient on occasions when you have difficulty finding the light switch in the dark or when you have your hands full bringing groceries into the house. A Leviton motion sensor switch helps to conserve energy by automatically turning off the lights when you leave the room for longer than you expected and are unable to return to shut off the light switch by hand.

Tags: motion sensor, Leviton motion, Leviton motion sensor, motion sensor switches, sensor switches, passive infrared, infrared sensor

Rip Bluray Movies

Blu-Ray is a proprietary movie format that is owned by Sony. Blu-Ray movies are displayed in high definition, and play up to 1080p quality movies. One issue with Blu-Ray movies, however, is you must own a Sony Blu-Ray DVD player to watch them. These players are quite expensive, and many people do not want to spend that much on a DVD player. Here's a way to rip Blu-Ray movies to your computer so you can view them on the monitor.

Instructions

Ready to Rip

1. Download and install AnyDVD and Ripbot 264, .net framework, avisynth and ffdshow codec pack, as well as the Haali media splitter to the PC. Open AnyDVD once you have installed it.

2. Select "Rip DVD to harddisk" from the menu in AnyDVD. This should take approximately 1 hour. This conversion should produce a .m2ts file.

3. Open Ripbot 264, and click "Add" to transcode the .m2ts file. Ripbot will process the file, which should take only a few minutes.

4. Choose the final file format you would like to transcode the .m2ts file into. This will present several choices, including Apple TV, iPod, iPhone, PSP or high-resolution file.

5. Choose the video size output by clicking "Properties." You can preview how the movie will look during this step.

6. Click "OK," and then "Start" to begin transcoding the Blu-Ray file. This process will take at least as long as the movie playback. For example, a 3 hour movie will take at least 3 hours, probably even a bit longer.

Tags: Blu-Ray movies, m2ts file, movie will, should take, Sony Blu-Ray, take least, transcode m2ts

Set Aperture Speeds In Manual Mode Of Canon 5d

The aperture setting allows more or less light through a camera's lens.

Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, a digital single-lens reflex camera, offers photographers complete control over their images with a fully manual shooting mode. In this mode, photographers must set both the shutter speed and the aperture. While the shutter speed dictates the amount of time an image is exposed, the aperture controls the amount of light coming through the lens. The wider the lens opening, the smaller the aperture number, also called an f/stop. The aperture is set on the 5D using the "Quick Control Dial."

Instructions

1. Set the camera to "M" using the Mode dial on the top-left side of the camera.

2. Turn the "Power" switch to the icon shaped like a "7" laying on its side. This will allow you to use the "Quick Control Dial" to change the aperture setting.

3. Twist the Quick Control Dial, which is the large dial to the right of the LCD screen, to change the aperture setting. You will see the aperture number displayed in the upper-right corner of the small display panel on the top-right side of the camera.

4. Set the corresponding shutter speed using the Main Dial, found above the shutter button.

Tags: aperture setting, Control Dial, Quick Control, Quick Control Dial, shutter speed, aperture number

Navitar Telecentric Lens Specifications

Navitar offers a variety of telecentric lenses that produce images in which the magnification remains constant even as image distance varies. Three-dimensional images viewed through a telecentric lens are not prone to the perspective distortion and optical errors of normal lenses.

Zoom Lenses

Navitar's 12x telecentric zoom lens has adjustable focal lengths ranging from 0.16x to 1.94x magnification range. The telecentric error ranges from -0.03 to 0.05 degrees at 0.16 x magnification to -0.24 to -0.29 at 1.94x magnification.

Single-Sided Lenses

Navitar's single-sided gauging lenses include the Invarigon-R, the Macro Invaritar, ELWD Macro Invaritar and Invaritar Large Field. Invarigon-R lenses have magnifications from 0.13x to 0.50x, while the Macro Invaritar lens magnifications range from 0.5x to 5x magnification. The ELWD Macro Invaritar lenses magnify objects by 2x to 5x, and the Invaritar Large Field lenses magnify them by 0.06x to 0.63x. Distortion ranges from less than 2 percent for Invaritar Large Field lenses to less than 0.1 percent over the entire object field for the Macro Invaritar lenses.

Double-Sided Lenses

Navitar's double-sided telecentric lenses magnify objects viewed through them by 0.03 to 2.0 times, while large-format lenses offer magnifications of 0.239 to 0.478 times. The distortion on Navitar's double-sided telecentric lenses is less than 0.1 percent within the depth of field.

Video Lenses

Navitar produces two video telecentric lenses: the TC-5028 and the TEC-M55. The TC-5028 is a 55 mm F/2.8 telecentric lens that magnifies objects by 0.5x to 1.0x, with distortion ranging from less than -0.1 percent at 1.0x magnification to to less than -0.3 percent at 0.5x magnification. The TEC-M55 is a 55 mm F/2.8 lens that maintains constant perspective and magnification.

Tags: less than, less than percent, Macro Invaritar, than percent, Lenses Navitar, telecentric lenses, Invaritar Large

Outdoor Photographer Jobs

There are many types of outdoor photographers, including those hired to capture animals and nature.

In the United States, more than 50 percent of all photographers are self-employed freelance workers. Photography, like all art and media industries, is very difficult to enter and obtain a contracted position in. Most opportunities for outdoor photography are through freelance work with magazines and newspapers, with select openings for contracted staff photographers.

Photojournalism

The majority of outdoor photography jobs are based in photojournalism and are freelance. Moreover, the majority of photography jobs are freelance--that is, sporadic assignments through various publications. Contracted work as a photojournalist for a newspaper or magazine can often be outdoors-based, such as sports, nature, architecture and news photography. However, note that hired positions generally are not specific to the "outdoors photographer," but rather, many assignments have the possibility of being outdoors.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a freelance "job" in which the photographer must either sell his own prints or obtain an assignment from a publication (such as a magazine or a newspaper). Landscape photography usually focuses on locations free of people and can include architecture, nature and aerial photography.

Nature Photography

Another ambiguous job description, nature photographers can either be contract-hired by a publication (such as "National Geographic") or hired freelance. Nature photography focuses on live subjects--generally animals, insects, sea life and people of international cultures. Most nature photography requires extensive travel, patience, willingness to enter possibly dangerous situations, and a love for nature, animals and travel.

Travel Photography

Travel photography, like nature photography, can be either a contract position (for the Travel Channel, "National Geographic," or travel book guides and others) or freelance work. Travel photography focuses on the culture and environment of a given location, including the people, food, customs, architecture, art and overall life of a foreign culture. Travel photographers who are fluent in multiple languages, are extroverted and enjoy a nomadic life have an advantage in the profession. Freelance travel photography is usually hired for newspaper travel sections, travel guide books or magazine-article features. Or, as with all forms of photography, travel photographers can sell their own work through prints or books.

Commercial Photography

Though commercial photography is not specifically an outdoor genre, it can include outdoor work. In general, aside from modeling photography, outdoor natural lighting is preferred for most forms of photography. Outdoor commercial photography can include architectural photography, real estate photography, product photography (such as for advertisements for bicycles, food items, wine at a vineyard, cheese from a farm and so on) and some forms of modeling photography. Again, commercial photography is usually freelance with select opportunities for a contracted position.

Tags: photography usually, commercial photography, contracted position, forms photography, freelance work

Calibrate A Light Meter For Film

A light meter is used by the director of photography, who lights a film set.

When shooting on film, it is essential that you use a light meter before every shot you take. A light meter will let you know how much to open the gate on your camera, which determines how much light is let in through the lens. If too little light is let in, you will underexpose and the image will seem dark. If too much light is let in you will overexpose and your image will be blown out. Using a light meter properly will ensure that this does not happen.

Instructions

1. Load your film into the camera. As you do, take note of what ISO the film is. This will be clearly marked on the can the film came in.

2. Light your scene using your best guess as to how it should look. Add shadows or bright spots if you want, but do not make too much of a contrast. Even lighting is always a good idea to start out with.

3. Set the ISO that you noted from your film on the light meter. There will be a button or a wheel that you can move to adjust it to the proper ISO. Also set the shutter speed, which will be on the camera lens.

4. Place the light meter in front of the subject you have just lit. Place the white ball on top so that it is facing the camera. Make sure that no one is blocking the meter. Press the button on the side of the meter to take a reading. This will give you an f-stop.

5. Set the f-stop on your lens to the reading that your light meter outputted. If you want the image to be a little darker, then increase the f-stop a little bit. If you want the image to be lighter, decrease the f-stop. You are all ready to begin shooting.

Tags: light meter, image will, light meter, light will, much light

Hide A Wireless Camera

A wireless camera is a tool for security. You may own a business that you wish to watch more closely or you may be using one in your home. When you are robbed, if you have a nanny or friend watching your family, the wireless camera can be a great asset. The cameras will not be productive unless you find the perfect hiding place. There are several locations in your home, office or business where you can hide a wireless camera.

Instructions

1. Use a potted plant or vine. With your small wireless camera, you can purchase a small stand or tripod. Hide the camera inside the flowers with the tripod supported inside the dirt. If you have plastic plants, clip the camera to a leaf or flower. This should be in the middle of the plants where it cannot be seen.

2. Open your smoke detector. You may be able to remove the light from the dector. Place your camera inside and fasen it securely. If your smoke detecor light cannot be removed, you can purchase one with a small hole to hide your wireless camera.

3. Place your camera in an animal cage or fish tank. A waterproof wireless camera is important to purchase if you want to use a fish tank. You can place the camera inside a fish castle or plants. A hamster, rat or rabbit cage can be used as well. Put the wireless camera in the animal's house or toys.

4. Use a closet with shutters. You may have this type of closet in the room where you want the video camera. Make sure you place it so it can look directly through the shutters. You may place the wireless camera higher in the closet to capture the whole room. You could also place it in the middle or lower for a more direct view of a certain place.

5. Open your surround sound speakers. Usually these are situated around your living room or bedroom. You can purchase a wireless camera for each one to get a complete look throughout the room. Popping open the case and placing the camera inside through an open hole will allow you to keep an eye on your home or business.

Tags: wireless camera, camera inside, wireless camera, your home, camera animal

Use Something Besides An Ipod With A Bose Sound Dock

At first glance, it may appear that the Bose Sound Dock is made to work only with Apple's line of iPods. However, despite the presence of the iPod dock on the front of the unit, the Sound Dock can actually be used with any audio or video device with an auxiliary audio or headphone jack. By using an auxiliary audio cable, many other devices, including MP3 players, laptops and cell phones, can be used with the Bose Sound Dock.

Instructions

1. Plug one end of the 3.5-mm auxiliary audio cable into the "Aux In" input on the back of your Bose Sound Dock.

2. Plug the other end of the 3.5-mm auxiliary audio cable into the headphone, audio out or auxiliary out port on the device you want use with your Bose Sound Dock.

3. Press the "Aux" button on the remote control for your Bose Sound Dock -- it is located below the "Play/Pause" on the right-hand side of the remote. Doing this will illuminate the "Aux" indicator light on the front of your Bose Sound Dock.

4. Turn on the power or wake up your device and play music or audio files like you would with headphones or other speakers.

Tags: Sound Dock, Bose Sound, Bose Sound Dock, auxiliary audio, your Bose, your Bose Sound, audio cable

Convert A Telephoto Lens Into A Spotting Scope

Many hunters combine their love of chasing game with a love of photography. Whether it's scouting a trail or looking for that elusive buck during the off season, the thrill of capturing wildlife on a film is almost as exciting to some hunters as bringing home a trophy for the wall. If you are one of those hunters, then chances are good that you may have leftover photography equipment collecting dust in your closet. Whether it's a film lens that didn't make the transition to digital, or the wrong brand that a well-meaning family member picked up at a garage sale, you probably have no idea what to do with that leftover equipment. Why not recycle your leftover lenses into useful tools like a spotting scope?

Instructions

1. Drill a hole into the back of your back lens cap. The hole should be barely larger than the PVC adapter.

2. Insert the PVC adapter into the hole and glue it in place using silicone glue. Wait for glue to dry before continuing.

3. Glue the telescope eyepiece into place at the other end of the PVC adapter. Again, wait for the glue to dry before continuing.

4. Snap the back cap onto the back of the lens.

5. Focus the lens using the focus ring on the end of the lens as you look through the eyepiece.

Tags: back lens, before continuing, glue before, glue before continuing

Flashlights Compatible With The Nikon D80

Flash speedlights come with a wide range of features.

The Nikon D80, released in 2006, is a 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera. The D80 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System, making it compatible with many Nikon-produced Speedlights, sometimes called flashlights. The Nikon Creative Lighting System gives photographers full control over the flash. Having more control lessens the amount of time required between pictures, and the intuitive flash controls improve the quality of the images.

SB-900 AF Speedlight

The SB-900 AF Speedlight has a dedicated flash control and rotary select dial to set functions. It has expanded power zoom coverage. The lens coverage ranges from 17mm to 200mm in FX-format and 12mm to 200mm in DX-format. The electrical construction of the Speedlight consists of a series circuitry and an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor that is automatic. The unit also comes with the commander and remote functions. Powering the Speedlight requires four 1.5 V alkaline, 1.5 V lithium or 1.2 V NiMH AA-size batteries. The SB-900 weighs approximately 14.6 ounces.

SB-700 AF Speedlight

With the SB-700, users have streamlined menus and control panels. The flashlight works as an on-camera flash, a commander, a wireless master or a remote light source. This versatile flashlight has Nikon's i-TTL flash control. The flash-control system improves flash exposure. It also has an overheating protection feature that increases the flash recycle time when the unit becomes hot. The Speedlight uses four 1.5 V alkaline, 1.5 V lithium or 1.2 V NiMH AA-size batteries. A ready light is visible on the front and back of the flash.

R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System

The R1C1 Speedlight system has intuitive controls that allow users to capture close-up pictures with superb lighting enhancements. The system comes with the SU-800 wireless Speedlight commander and two SB-R200 wireless remote Speedlights. The unit is able to tilt up to 60 degrees to make maneuvering the system easier.

SB-R200 Wireless Speedlight

The SB-R200 is a lightweight flashlight that works in normal settings and close-ups. The analog controls are easy to set and it has a built-in target light. It has four channels that are independent of each other, for taking pictures in crowded settings. The Speedlight measures 3.1 inches by 3 inches by 2.2 inches, and it weighs approximately 4.2 ounces. A 3V lithium battery powers the flash.

Tags: AA-size batteries, alkaline lithium, alkaline lithium NiMH, approximately ounces, comes with

Use The Minolta Xg1 Slr Camera

The older model Minolta XG1 uses film.

In 1978, Minolta sold the XG1 single-lens reflex camera. This was a simple and affordable camera, built with fewer features than the company's XG7. The XG1 allowed the photographer manual control over the metering if he did not want to use the automatic settings. Most Minolta changeable lenses up to that time were compatible with the XG1, including the Minolta MD lenses. Since this is an older non-digital camera, you should learn to take pictures right the first time so you don't waste film.

Instructions

1. Insert two new 1.5-volt A-76 batteries. Locate the battery chamber on the bottom of the camera. Use a coin to turn the slot counterclockwise and pull out the battery holder. Place the two batteries inside the chamber and screw everything back in place.

2. Turn the switch on the top left of the camera to the "On" position.

3. Pull up on the left silver release knob until the back of the device opens. Take your film and insert the cartridge side into the left slot. Insert the film end into a take-up spool on the right side.

4. Set the shutter speed to manual by turning the top right knob to a number such as 2, 4 or 8. Crank the lever at the top right to wind the film into place.

5. Close the back until it clicks into place. Crank the top right lever again until the frame counter dial pints to "1." The frame counter dial is located to the right of the top right lever.

6. Set the film speed by pulling up on the shutter speed knob. Lower settings such as 25 or 50 are cleaner but require more light. Higher settings such as 800 or 1600 require less light, but can result in more grainy photos.

7. Turn the shutter speed knob to the "A" or automatic setting.

8. Turn the aperture ring on the barrel of the Minolta lens to set the focus length. Smaller numbers of the aperture, or f/stop, mean the lens is open wider and thus requires less time to get sufficient light for a picture. It also results in a smaller depth of field. Using a larger f/stop number shrinks the lens opening and increases the depth of field, but also requires a longer shutter speed to get enough light.

9. Turn the lens to adjust your focus. You want the subject to be clear and not fuzzy. Once the subject is focused, press and release the shutter button on the top right to take the picture.

Tags: shutter speed, counter dial, depth field, film into, frame counter

Use A Lexar Usb Card

Lexar is a major producer of USB storage devices---also commonly called USB cards, USB drives, flash drives, stick drives, and thumb drives. These cards allow for data transfer and storage in a portable, widely compatible format, ideal for holding commonly used documents and backing up important files. USB drives are relatively inexpensive, mass-produced pieces of hardware; they often come in small packages for easy shipping, shelving and browsing. However, this level of easy-store accessibility comes with a downside: Comprehensive instruction manuals are not always included with USB cards. Luckily, using Lexar brand USB cards requires only minimal prior computer knowledge; even novice PC users can use Lexar's line of USB storage devices with a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Plug your USB card into an open USB port. If this is your first time using the device on a particular computer, you may need to wait for the USB device to automatically install drivers onto the PC before you can use it. Driver installation requires no direct user action, and typically takes just a minute or two.

2. Cancel any menu that pops up. While smaller-storage-capacity USB devices do not have auto-run menus, some larger-storage devices do. Auto-run menus make for easy usage, but they do not work on every computer and will not be installed on every USB device you use, so it's useful to know the universal steps for accessing USB files.

3. Click on the "Start" Menu.

4. Click on "Computer." In older versions of Windows, this is called "My Computer." A window will pop up listing your hard drives, CD or DVD-ROM drives, and your USB device.

5. Double-click on the USB drive labeled "Lexar." On most computers, this will also be labeled as the "G" drive. Double-clicking on the "Lexar" drive will take you to your USB device. If you have files stored on the device, they will appear on screen: You can open files by double-clicking on them, move them by clicking and dragging, and delete them by selecting the file and pressing the "Delete" key. Using the "Computer" window allows you to manage all the existing files on your device. To save new files to the Lexar USB drive, follow the next steps.

6. Complete any computer work you want to save onto the USB card. As long as your USB drive has enough memory, you can save virtually anything onto it: MS Word documents, Power Point slides, pictures, MP3s, and downloaded video clips are all fair game. When you're finished working with any file you want to put on the USB device, go to the menu you'd normally use to save. However, instead of clicking "Save," find the option labeled "Save As" and click on it.

7. Go to the "Computer" or "My Computer" directory.

8. Double-click on the "Lexar" drive. Then hit "Save" to save a copy of your file on the Lexar USB card.

9. When you're done using your USB card, do not just pull the drive out of the USB port. Premature removal of the USB card can cause data loss. For proper removal, go back into the "Computer" Window from Steps 3 and 4. Right-click on the "Lexar" drive and select "Safely Remove." Wait until an on-screen prompt tells you it is safe to remove the hardware; you may then pull the USB drive out of the USB port.

Tags: Lexar drive, your device, Computer window, drive port, pull drive, pull drive port

Donate 35mm Cameras

Put your old 35mm camera in the hands of a deserving photographer.

As the photography world moves closer to digital domination, many professional and amateur photographers are retiring their old 35mm film cameras. Many of these reliable, functional classics will collect dust in a storage box or serve as eye candy in a display case. Instead of letting your collection go unused, donate the equipment to a college photography department, local charity or secondhand store. You'll walk away knowing that you've given someone a special gift -- the ability to capture a memory.

Instructions

1. Clean up your equipment. Blow away surface dust with a few bursts of canned air duster. Wipe the lens barrel and camera body clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

2. Test your equipment to ensure that it is in working condition. While some establishments will accept cameras for parting out or eventual repair, most prefer fully functional equipment.

3. Bring the equipment to a local camera shop to estimate its value. If its value is over $500, you'll need to have the equipment professionally appraised. Record the final value of the equipment for tax purposes. This amount constitutes a charitable donation and can be listed as a deduction at filing time.

4. Contact local high schools, community colleges or universities and ask to be referred to their photo department. Most academic institutions still teach traditional photographic technique and will accept donated 35mm film cameras for student use.

5. Inquire at local charities, churches and thrift stores. Organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army accept a range of electronics for donation, including camera equipment. Churches and thrift stores will also take used functional cameras.

6. Pack your equipment carefully into a box, using bubble wrap or foam peanuts if necessary. Deliver your equipment to the campus, church or charity that will accept your donation. Some organizations may offer a pick-up service at no charge.

7. Obtain a receipt for your donation. For tax purposes, save this receipt, along with any other paperwork received from your appraiser.

Tags: your equipment, will accept, 35mm film, 35mm film cameras, film cameras

Use Photo Booth To Record Secretly

Photo Booth, a Mac application, uses the iSight camera to record videos on a Mac OS X.

If you are an evil kid brother or a mischievous friend, you may be trying to devise the perfect prank on your older sibling or friend. One idea is to secretly record video of them on Photo Booth. The yielded footage could then be used as blackmail, or as a way to embarrass your friend, brother or sister. Whatever your motives may be, all you need access to is a little imagination and a Mac computer to conduct this tricky gag.

Instructions

1. Remove Photo Booth from the dock. To do so, click on the icon and drag it away. Then, open Finder, select the "Applications" folder and double-click on "Photo Booth" to launch the application.

2. Start recording video. To do so, click on the gray film roll icon, then select the red camcorder icon. A 3-second timer will mark the recording process. The video's file will be stored on the Mac's hard drive.

3. Go to "Photo Booth" in the menu bar and select "Hide Photo Booth" to hide the running application from the dock and your desktop view.

4. Place a piece of electrical tape, or a small black sticker, over the green recording light at the top center of your Mac OS X 10.3 or later computer.

Tags: Photo Booth, from dock

Connect A Phantom Mic To A Computer Input

Connect a Phantom Mic to a Computer Input

Modern computers have finally arrived at a point in which professional audio may be recorded onto a system's hard disk drive via sound card inputs. However, nearly all consumer-grade sound cards have 1/8-inch audio input jacks, while professional-grade audio microphones use a much larger, multi-pin XLR plug. These professional-grade microphones are called "phantom microphones," because they must be powered by an external power source, which a computer sound system itself cannot supply. An intermediate hardware layer must be added between the microphone and the computer to interface the two together.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and set up your chosen mixer in a convenient location for your personal operating convenience.

2. Plug in one male end of your 1/8-inch audio cable to the 1/8-inch audio output jack on the back of your mixer, and then route the cable to the rear of your computer. Connect the other male end of your audio cable to the 1/8-inch "Audio In" or "Line" jack of your computer's sound card, whichever jack you prefer.

3. Plug the mixer's power plug into the nearest wall outlet, and then plug in the XLR plug of your phantom-powered microphone into one of the round XLR jacks on the mixer. Most multichannel mixers have two or more channels with XLR jacks, so choose the one you desire to use with your microphone, and plug the mic into that jack.

4. Turn on the power switch of your microphone and double-check that the indicator lights come on as they should; then turn on your computer.

5. Use your favorite audio recording software to test your audio quality and audio levels, and adjust the mixer channels as necessary.

Tags: your computer, 8-inch audio, audio cable, audio cable 8-inch, cable 8-inch

Satellite Frequency Information

Different kinds of satellite services use a wide variety of frequencies to transmit music, pictures, video and information. Three major types of satellites include TV, weather and radio systems.

Television

A range of different satellite TV bands exist. Most TV satellites operate at 250 to 40,000 MHz (40 gigahertz). The frequency will vary depending upon the model and service provider. The large, older dishes generally receive at around 4 gigahertz.

Radio

Subscription-based satellite radio services such as Sirius and XM also use high-frequency bands. The instruction manual for a Sirius One SIR-SV1B radio indicates that it uses 2,330.207 and 2,322.293 MHz to receive music and information from satellite transmitters.

Weather

Some of the weather information on television and the Internet comes from satellites, which prove useful for determining the position of clouds. Such satellites send their photos at between 136 and 138 megahertz on the VHF (very high frequency) band.

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Configure Bluetooth On A Dell Axim X51

The X51 is one of the latest additions to the Axim line of handheld PC's from Dell. Like its predecessors, the X51 takes advantage of Bluetooth technology. No longer do you have to be stuck at your desk all day! Configuring the Axim X51 for a wireless connection is a little different than it is for the other models in the Axim line. Follow these steps to configure Bluetooth on a Dell Axim X51.

Instructions

1. Use your stylus to tap "Start" and then "Settings." This opens a new window. Here you can tap on the "Connections" tab. The "Connections" tab lists the various options you have for linking your X51 with other devices and networks.

2. Tap "Bluetooth" to get to the "Devices" tab. Open the "Devices" tab and find the "New Partnership" option. Tap your stylus on "New Partnership" to start the Axim X51 looking for other wireless devices in range. When it's finished, the names of these devices will be displayed on a list.

3. Locate the name of the device you want to connect to, tap on the name and tap "Next."

4. Enter a passkey if desired. When not using passwords, just leave the space blank and tap your stylus on "Next." Note: without a passkey, just about anybody with a Bluetooth device can connect to your Axim and rifle through the data you have stored on board.

5. Tap "Finish" to establish the connection.

Tags: your stylus, Axim line, Bluetooth Dell, Bluetooth Dell Axim, Dell Axim

Use A Zune With A Car Stereo

Zune is a line of digital media players from Microsoft with features similar to other devices, including the Apple iPod. Models of Zune media players include Zune HD, Zune Originals and Zune MP3 players. These devices are available in various colors and storage capacities. Zune users wanting to connect their players to a car stereo can do so using one of three solutions provided by Griffin Technology. These solutions include cassette adapters, auxiliary audio cables and wireless FM transmitters.

Instructions

1. Use the DirectDeck Universal Cassette Adapter from Griffin if your car stereo has a cassette deck. To use the cassette adapter, plug the cable from the cassette adapter into the Zune headphone jack and insert the adapter into the car's cassette deck. Choose the "Tape" input on the car stereo and music played on the Zune will be heard through the car's speakers.

2. Use the Low Profile Aux Cable from Griffin if your car stereo has an auxiliary input port. The auxiliary cable allows you to connect the Zune player directly to the car stereo. To use the auxiliary cable, plug one end into the auxiliary jack of the car stereo and the other end into the Zune headphone jack. Choose the "Aux" input on the car stereo and music played on the Zune will be heard through the car's speakers.

3. Consider using the iTrip Universal if your car stereo does not have a cassette deck or auxiliary input port. The iTrip Universal allows music from the Zune to be played through the car stereo wirelessly. The iTrip has an internal FM transmitter that broadcasts a signal to the radio of the car stereo. To use the FM transmitter, plug the cable into the Zune headphone jack and set the iTrip to an open radio frequency. Tune the radio of the car stereo to the same frequency and music played on the Zune will be heard through the car's speakers.

Tags: cassette deck, headphone jack, heard through, heard through speakers, into Zune

Buy The Best Inexpensive Digital Camera

Buying an inexpensive digital camera doesn't need to be a daunting project. But, if you don't think about what you want before you buy one, you will be disappointed when you wish it had all those extra features.

When you do your research on the internet, keep these things in mind to be sure you get the one that best suits your needs.

Instructions

1. There are four major things you need to consider when buying an inexpensive digital camera. They are:

a) Resolution

b) Zoom

c) Size

d) Price

2. Resolution - Resolution is the quality of the picture the camera takes. You'll see it referred to as megapixels or MP. It means millions of pixels. The higher the number, the better.

You should look for a camera with at least 5 megapixels. This will give you great-looking shots, and this is what you want since you are usually using your camera to take pictures of family, friends, and scenery - making memories.

3. Zoom - Zoom allows you to get closer to your subject without getting closer physically. Most of the smallish digital cameras these days are woefully deficient when it comes to zoom.

For instance, if you are stuck in your seat at the football game and you want a close-up of the quarterback, a 2 times or 3 times optical zoom won't get you very close.

Using the digital zoom feature results in such grainy pictures that it's never, ever worth using.

Optical zoom uses a telescoping lens for zooming, whereas digital zoom uses the camera's software to artificially zoom on something. The results of digital zooming are never pretty.

Make sure your optical zoom is as high as you can afford. 10 or 15 times zoom is perfect for seeing the whiskers on the quarterback's chin when he's in mid-field, but it makes the camera slightly bulkier and more expensive.

But again, if you are looking to pick the best inexpensive digital camera, not getting a good optical zoom is a big mistake that you'll regret.

4. Size - Credit card-sized cameras are great for portability. However, they're usually not the best inexpensive digital cameras to buy because you'll often find them lacking.

The resolution on the smaller cameras IS getting better, but the optical zooms are usually very low on these easy-to-pocket cameras. Usually just 2 or 3 times optical.

5. Price - You don't have to get an expensive camera to get the best digital camera for you. However, you should look at it as a mid- to long-term purchase.

6. Do your research. Check out consumer magazines and web reviews of several cameras. Focus on the features listed above and see what reviewers (and other users) think of each of them.

7. A digital camera is something you will use for many years. It's probable that you won't be happy in the long-run with a $79.00 camera.

Look for the smallest camera that has great resolution and zoom that you can afford, and you'll be happy to take it everywhere you go.

Tags: digital camera, inexpensive digital, optical zoom, best inexpensive, best inexpensive digital

What Lens Systems Work With A Canon 20d

The Canon 20D accepts the EF, EF-S and L series lens.

The Canon 20D is a feature packed semi-professional camera body and accepts all of Canon's electronic focus (EF) lenses. Canon has over 60 lenses ranging from as wide as 14 mm to a 1,200 mm telephoto. There are also third party alternatives manufactured by Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. These lenses, when used with a Canon adapter, will also fit the 20D.

Understanding Crop Factor

Your Canon 20D uses an APS-C sensor. This sensor is smaller than a 35 mm negative, which focal lengths are based on. The smaller sensor increases the focal length by 1.6x. Using a 50 mm lens as an example, the Canon 20D effective focal length is 80 mm (50 mm x 1.6). The new focal length is referring to field of view, the area the lens covers, and is not an increase in magnification of the lens.

Wide, Normal and Telephoto Lenses

All three types of lens will work on a Canon 20D. A wide-angle lens is designed to capture sweeping landscapes, as well as large areas of a room where space is limited. This lens has a focal length ranging from 16 mm to 35 mm.

A normal lens has a focal length of 50 mm, and roughly recreates the same perspective as a human eye. Normal lenses are good for a close, but not a macro, view of most subjects.

Telephoto lenses are similar to telescopes. They make the subject appear closer. Telephotos have a number of applications, but are most commonly used for sports, wildlife or other events where it is difficult to get close to the subject.

What Type of Lens Should I Buy?

Selecting a lens for your Canon 20D will be determined by the type of photography you plan on shooting. Like cameras, lenses are available at many different prices. The difference in cost will often account for the quality of the glass used and the overall construction of the lens.

Canon's professional grade of lens is the L-Series. These lenses are viewed as some of the best in the industry. They boast enhanced optics and weather-resistant seals. Considerably more expensive than standard lenses, they may not offer enough value to justify their cost. A good mid-range lens is the 24-85 mm 3.5-4.5USM lens. This focal length covers a majority of general photography requirements.

Tags: focal length, lens Canon, lens focal, lens focal length, ranging from, These lenses

Different Kinds Of Kodak Film

Kodak makes different types of films because photographers have different working habits and needs. This article will discuss several kinds of photography and cinematography films produced by Kodak.

Professional Film

Professional photographers need more of their film than casual photographers. Professional color films need to meet extremely strict requirements for grain, color and sharpness. Many Kodak professional color films' names have the word professional, for example, Kodak Professional Ektacrhome Film E100gG.

General Picture-Taking Film

Non-professional picture-takers usually only buy one or two film rolls at a time. Having these films exposed at their nominal speeds will generally make for great results for these average photography situations.

Print Film

Kodak 35 mm Print Film is what is usually used in still cameras; however, there are numerous variations of this kind of film. Some examples include Kodak Ultra Max 400 Film, Kodak High Definition 400 Film, Kodak Ultra Max 800 Film, Kodak Professional BW400 CN Film and Kodak Gold 200 Film.

Motion Picture Film

The three major kinds of motion picture films are camera, intermediate and laboratory and print films.

Motion Picture Film Gauge

Film gauge is the width of the film. The four most common for camera films are 65 mm, 35 mm, 15 mm and Super 8.

Tags: Film Kodak, color films, Kodak Professional, Kodak Ultra, Kodak Ultra Film

Tomtom Vs Garmin Vs Navman

A search for modern GPS units can leave a shopper confused, frustrated and uncertain about the possibilities for a purchase. Instead of making decisions based on the cheapest option currently available, learning a few key differences between GPS units can help one make a wise, informed decision. As of 2009, Tomtom, Garmin and Navman are three of the top producers of GPS units.

Size and Look

Navman provides a quality product; however, the design of some models is less appealing than the competition. Garmin has a quality look, and the design seems a bit better than Navman's models. Tomtom's sleek design gives its models a sharper look, though some might consider its shape a bit awkward for carrying.

Reliability

All models seem to respond reasonably fast to the GPS signal, with slower response in city driving and cloudy conditions than in clear weather. In some tests, Tomtom was a bit slower in response times while moving.

Points of Interest

Garmin's collection is rather comprehensive, and some of its features are rather attractive to customers. Navman also has a good collection, but, as already mentioned, there is a slower market for Navman in North America. Tomtom has many POIs as well, though many of them come in downloadable files from Tomtom's website.

Price

Navman is the most affordable of the three options, but there are fewer Navman products available in North America. The prices of Tomtom and Garmin models are usually competitive with each other, though Tomtom can be cheaper when compared directly with a comparable Garmin model. In addition, Garmin offers several higher end options.

Overall Package

Overall, Navman makes a good product, but the lack of a strong presence in North America might be a drawback for many customers. Tomtom is more established in the American market; its solid product offerings make for a rewarding purchase. However, Garmin's presence in the GPS market is well established, and its products are consistently considered among the best GPS units available. If price is not the most important factor, Garmin might be the best choice for a savvy consumer.

Tags: North America, Tomtom Garmin, Garmin Navman, slower response, Tomtom Garmin Navman

Increase The Buffer On A Pentax K200d

Changing the file type for your Pentax K200D's pictures will increase the buffer's capabilities.

The Pentax K200D is a digital single lens reflex camera. The camera replaces the K100D and features a APS-C-sized CCD (charge coupled device) digital sensor, with a resolution of 10.2 megapixels. Whenever any digital camera takes a picture, the image is stored in a "Buffer" before it is saved to the memory card. Different digital cameras have different sized buffers. As the sensor resolution increases, the buffer also needs to increase to handle the larger file sizes.

Instructions

1. Install a new battery and empty memory card into the Pentax K200D. Rotate the power switch, located just under the shutter release button, to the "On" position.

2. Press the menu button and toggle through the menu selections and select "File type." The buffer on the Pentax K200D will hold up to four RAW images. You can increase the buffer size to an unlimited number of images by changing the type of file.

3. Press the "OK" button, located in the middle of the four directional buttons on the back of the camera, to select the file mode. Press the directional buttons and change the file type from "RAW" to "JPEG," then press the "OK" button to save your selection. Press the menu button again to exit the menu. Your Pentax K200D is now ready to shoot with an expanded buffer.

Tags: Pentax K200D, directional buttons, memory card, menu button, Pentax K200D

Shoot Using A Spotting Scope

A spotting scope can help you place shots on your target.

A spotting scope can be a useful tool for shooters. A spotting scope will have a magnification level ranging from 15x to 60x. This is a much higher level of magnification than you will likely have for your rifle scope. Using a spotting scope will allow you to see holes in the target that are not visible with the naked eye or through a gun's scope. Whether you are shooting competitively or for recreation, being able to shoot using a spotting scope can be helpful.

Instructions

1. Set up the spotting scope before you begin shooting. Make sure you can easily see the target through the scope without moving it. The numbers and lines of the target should be easily visible. If your spotting scope has an adjustable magnification setting, you may need to zoom in or out to get the best view.

2. Fire a single shot at the target. Be aware of exactly where on the target your sights are when you squeeze the trigger.

3. Look at the target through the spotting scope. If the shot did not hit the target where you were aiming, adjust your rifle scope or sights appropriately.

4. Fire a second shot at the target. If you adjusted your sights correctly, the new hole should be closer to your point of aim than the first hole. Continue to adjust the sights after each shot until the gun and its sights are aligned correctly.

5. Check the spotting scope after each shot. Even after you have adjusted your sights correctly, continue to check the placement of each shot with the spotting scope. This will allow you to account for any changes in the environment or the alignment of the sights that might cause you to shoot inaccurately.

Tags: spotting scope, spotting scope, each shot, shot target, your sights, adjusted your, adjusted your sights

Ideas For Posing Kids

A professional photograph can become a lifelong family keepsake.

Posing a kid for a picture can be a true test of will. You can make this process easier on you, and less painful for the child, by employing a few careful techniques to draw out your subject's natural charm. A perfect picture should be a relaxed, natural image that shows the child's personality.

Hand Over Some Control

Children can be very obstinate when they want to avoid having a picture taken, but you can turn the experience into a cooperative effort. Make a deal with the child, explaining that you will let her design one pose if she lets you design the next. Children are often more responsive when they feel like they have some control in the experience. Additionally, she may surprise you by slipping into a pose that is ideal for her personality, creating that perfect picture for which you are looking.

Natural Poses

A child does not always need to sit in the perfect pose to give you the perfect shot. Look for opportunities to catch a child in a relaxed, natural pose. Keep your camera ready while you talk to the child's parents, and watch the child carefully as he inspects the set you prepared for him. You can also give the child a prop, something to play with or look at while he waits for you to prepare, such as a plastic flower, a toy or a piece from your set. Watch the child play with the prop, because a child is often more relaxed and natural when he is playing.

Surprise is Priceless

Surprising a child creates natural photographic moments. For a young child, use sounds, like a loud toy or a horn to grab the child's attention and turn her towards the camera. Snap the shot as she turns her face toward you, making sure to capture the look on her face before she realizes what happened. For older children, use a little light humor at the last moment to relax them and bring a natural look to their faces.

Ready to Move

A camera is often much easier to move than an unwilling kid. Move throughout the room, finding just the right position to snap your shot. If a child is distracted by something in the room, this allows you to capture his distracted manner as a relaxed, natural photograph. If you are working with a back screen, you mobility is limited by your display, but you can still move higher, lower or a few feet in either direction to capture a child who seems unwilling to work with you.

Tags: relaxed natural, often more, perfect picture, play with, when they

Change The Battery In A Polar F6

Polar F6 heart monitoring systems allow you keep track of your heart rate while exercising. The factory-installed batteries in Polar F6 wrist watch units are designed to last for approximately two years, but if you use the backlight feature often you may find yourself needing a battery replacement much sooner. If you don't have the time, money or patience to send your F6 to Polar for service, you can change the battery yourself at home in just minutes.

Instructions

1. Lay the Polar F6 wrist watch unit face down on a flat surface that has been covered with a soft cloth. Use an optical-sized Phillips screwdriver to take out the four screws that hold the watch's back cover; set the screws and cover aside.

2. Remove the internal watch unit from the watch casing; the internal unit should easily slide free of the casing.

3. Examine the internal watch unit to locate the metal strap that holds the battery in place. Use an optical-sized flat-blade screwdriver to raise the strap and pry the spent battery from the battery compartment. Dispose of the battery or recycle it if suitable facilities are available.

4. Insert a new CR2032 battery into the battery compartment of your Polar F6. Make sure that the new battery is positioned just as the old one was. Lower the metal strap over the new battery and apply gentle pressure to the strap until it clicks into place.

5. Slide the internal unit back into the watch casing and replace the back cover. Reinsert the four screws and tighten them with the optical-sized Phillips screwdriver.

Tags: watch unit, back cover, battery compartment, four screws, internal unit, internal watch, internal watch unit

Proper Way To Rotate Auto Tires

Proper tire rotation will extend the life of your tires.

Tire rotation is an important part of vehicle maintenance for several reasons. Rotating tires extends the life of the tires and helps preserve the handling characteristics of the car. It's common for tires to wear differently, depending on their location on the car, and rotation keeps these minor differences from accumulating and causing the premature failure of a single tire. This helps ensure a safe vehicle and reduces the cost of maintaining it. Different vehicles have different rotation patterns, so consult the owner's manual for your particular vehicle.

Instructions

Removing the Tires

1. Park the vehicle in a location allowing easy access to all four tires. Make sure the vehicle is in park, the ignition is turned off and the parking brake is engaged.

2. Plan the rotation pattern. Consult the owner's manual to determine the manufacturer's suggested rotation pattern for your vehicle. The pattern for most newer front-wheel-drive cars is to move the front tires to the rear on the same side and to move the rear tires to the front on the opposite side from which each was removed.

3. Loosen the lug nuts 1/2 turn on all four tires using a tire wrench. This allows you to use the friction of the tire on the ground to loosen the nuts. Attempting to break the lug nuts loose with the wheel off the ground can cause the car to rock, tipping it off the jack and possibly causing injury.

4. Jack up the entire vehicle one wheel at a time, lowering each corner of the car onto a jack stand. Consult the vehicle's owner's manual for proper jacking instructions for your particular vehicle. If using adjustable jack stands, set all stands to the same height, allowing approximately 1 inch between the tire and the ground with the car on the jack stands. Generally, the procedure is to jack up and block the driver's side tires first and then the passenger side tires.

5. Remove the lug nuts holding each tire to the car from the lug studs using the tire wrench. Remove each tire from the lug studs and lay it on the ground next to the corner of the vehicle it was removed from, so that all four tires are unbolted from the vehicle.

Rotating and Reinstalling the Tires

6. Move each tire from its original location to its new location according to the manufacturer's recommended rotation pattern.

7. Mount each tire on the lug studs and screw on the lug nuts. Finger tighten the lug nuts on each tire.

8. Jack up the vehicle one corner at a time and remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

9. Tighten the lug nuts on each wheel according to the instructions in the vehicle's owner's manual.

Tags: each tire, owner manual, each tire from, four tires, rotation pattern

How Far Can Marine Radios Transmit Land To Land

Marine communications

Communicating by radio on land was a craze in the 1970's. Both private passenger cars and professional truckers used the inexpensive, limited-range Citizens Band transmissions to avoid speeding tickets and to pass the time while logging highway miles. Today no license is required to operate a CB radio, but the device has practically disappeared from passenger vehicles. VHF marine radios are more powerful, but their use ashore could land users in hot water with the FCC.

CB Radios

A license to operate a CB is no longer needed. But CB radios have only 4 watts of carrier power at most, allowing clear reception over distances of not much more than five miles. And the range is limited by "line of sight," the unobstructed path between sending and receiving antennas. Mountainous terrain can reduce CB range to just a few hundred yards.

VHF Marine Radios

VHF marine radios are considerably more powerful than CB radios. They are vital for sailors to communicate with other vessels, harbor masters, bridge operators, marinas and rescue services. The United States Coast Guard monitors Marine channel 16 (156.8 MHz,) the international calling and distress channel. The maximum output for a VHF marine radio, also regulated by the FCC, is 25 watts, giving an open water range of up to 60 nautical miles.

Use on Land

Marine radios function no differently than CB radios, as their reception is governed by line of sight. On the high seas, of course, there are no hills or trees to interfere with transmission, although heavy fog can have the same limiting affect. Recreational boaters who navigate large lakes, where terrain definitely plays a role, may find their radios not much better than a CB.

FCC Regulations

A license is needed to operate a marine radio, and the class of license for a land-based radio is especially restrictive. Since marine radios are at electronic lifeline offshore, the FCC strictly regulates their use. Under optimum conditions, a marine radio boosting 25 watts of power would obviously transmit and receive much further than a CB. Given that a Marine radio can receive for up to 60 nautical miles, it's conceivable on flat land that the distance would be nearly the same.

Warning

In 2005, the FCC filed a criminal complaint against a hunter in Florida after tracking his VHF marine transmission to a radio installed in his pickup truck. The hunter admitted to using the marine frequency for hunting purposes, claiming the more powerful radio increased his ability to receive transmissions from other hunters. His $10,000 fine was reduced to $650 due to his inability to pay based on his tax return.

Tags: marine radio, more powerful, line sight, nautical miles, than radios