GeekSugar

Kodak Zi6 Pocket Camera to Challenge My Trusty Flip?

GeekSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:03:07 PDT

I'm obviously a big fan of the Flip Video camera because of its portability and simple video uploading functions. My YouTube page has never been easier to populate! And of course, since the Flip was first on the scene, there are bound to be challengers pop up with improved capabilities. Enter the Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera.

Coming just in time for the holiday season on Oct. 1, the Zi6 boasts some pretty impressive specs: HD recording at 16:9 aspect ratio, flip-out USB connector, 2.4-inch screen, on board slow motion playback, tripod mountable body, and an expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB, which equals hours of video fun. The Zi6 is priced at an affordable $180 in your choice of black or pink, and will come stocked with video editing software to let you personalize your flicks with text, music, and still-photo extraction for sharing. It's the newest evolution in on-the-go video cameras! I'm definitely adding this bad boy to my Christmas list this year!

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Getting Some Hands-On Time With the Sony Cyber-Shot TX20 in Sedona, AZ

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:20:40 PDT

There's nothing like an outdoor adventure to get you in the Springtime mood. Add in some sweet camera gear, and I'm all over it. I got to experience both during Sony's recent Sedona Outdoor Excursion, when the company sent me off to explore the red rocks of Northern Arizona, all in an effort to get to know its lineup of new Cyber-Shot, Bloggie, camcorders, and NEX cameras.

While you couldn't capture a bad photo of Sedona (it's so beautiful!), this rugged 16.2MP pocket-friendly shock-, water-, freeze-, and dust-proof Sony Cyber-Shot TX20 ($329) was one of my favorites to use on the trip, and stayed in my bag the whole time. Coming in five different hues (PopSugar pink was my obvious choice), this camera packs quite a punch in such a small package. Great in both bright-light and low-light situations, the TX20 comes with seven different picture effects - HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Pop Color, Partial Color, and Soft High-Key - to heighten the mood and add some extra personality to your shots. It's kind of like adding an Instagram or Hipstamatic filter to your pics as you take them. Not only is the picture quality fabulous, but the video isn't too shabby either. The microphone isn't as sensitive as ones you'd find in say, the NEX models, since the TX20 can be used underwater; an expensive mic in a waterproof camera wouldn't hold up well anyway.

The TX20 will hit in May for $329, and is the perfect camera for light packers traveling to far-off locales, and budding photogs that want a portable and reliable camera to tote around for day-to-day image capture. Check out some of my unedited sample images in the gallery, some of which were captured using the cool TX20 picture effects.

iPhoneography Tips From the Pros: Stephanie Roberts

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:03:26 PST

We headed out to Macworld earlier today to sit in on an interesting and informative tech talk that featured Stephanie Roberts, founder of Lens on Life Foundation and author of The Art of iPhoneography: A Guide to Mobile Creativity, who shared some helpful tips on mobile digital photography and some of her favorite apps for the craft.

The iPhone is now the most popular camera in the world, partly thanks to its small, portable, and discreet form. While you don't have much fine-tune control while you're shooting, you have lots of options when it comes to postprocessing apps to tweak and share your photos on the go. Below, a few ways you can use iPhoneography to your artful advantage, and some apps to download now.

Let your creative instincts guide you - Think of iPhoneography as a daily practice. Keep shooting and keep perfecting your craft. Since you'll want to be shooting throughout the day, collect moments that move you - whether it's colors, images, shapes, or scenes. Then, study your work over a period of time to find your true vision. It's also a great way to document your daily life and keep you connected to the practice of photography.

Craft your toolkit - Don't be shy about loading up your iPhone with photography apps. Learn about some of Stephanie's favorite apps after the break.

iPhone Event Live Updates

GeekSugar — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:38 PDT

Since news of today's iPhone event was made official, we've been anxiously waiting for Apple's unveiling of an updated iPhone.

Here's the latest from the event:

Review: Motorola Atrix 4G and Accessories

Kristen Hawley — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:30:13 PST

A lot of gadgets cross our desks at Sugar HQ, but rarely does one pique the interest of everyone - even the IT guy. The Motorola Atrix 4G and its optional accessories are like nothing I've seen before, most notably because it essentially turns into a fully functioning PC and home entertainment center. The phone runs on AT&T's new 4G network and connects via a dock to either a laptop or to your TV, complete with keyboard, mouse, and remote control, enabling you to view HD video.

What's in the box:
The phone, laptop dock, and TV dock are sold separately. The Atrix starts at $199 for the phone alone with a two-year contract. The laptop dock costs $499, but apply an instant $100 rebate and additional $100 mail-in rebate to bring the price to $299. The HD dock will run you an additional $130; $190 for the dock bundled with keyboard and mouse.

Find out more, including my take on the Atrix after the break.

Are You Buying Into the 3D Trend?

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:16:19 PDT

Sprint announced the availability of its new HTC EVO 3D ($200) smartphone today, which comes with 3D technology. Not only can you create 3D videos with the dual 5MP cameras on the back of the phone, but you can also stream and watch 3D movies glasses-free. The phone itself comes with impressive specs even if you take out the 3D aspect (a 4.3-inch 3D HD display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, Android 2.3, and 4G speeds), but I'm wondering how often users would actually take advantage of the 3D screen. Thankfully, the phone is still reasonably priced, so getting your hands on one shouldn't be a problem.

Now that there are 3D features being built into everything from TVs to phones, tablets, portable gaming consoles, and pocket camcorders, are you buying into the trend?