The Great Kindle Giveaway!

Hey folks, just a quick post to let you know that Bibliofreakblog is giving away Amazon Kindles (for those who have been living underground for the past two years or so, Kindles are a product upon which you can keep hundreds of books electronically. Anyway, if you wish to enter, click on the link below and subscribe to Bibliofreakblog's newsletter (and remain subscribed through December 18, if not longer).

Good luck and enjoy!

Here's the link:
http://bibliofreakblog.com/great-kindle-giveaway?ref=2367c1cdd1

'Tis the season Part II

We have another entry for the Nice list with Canvas on Demand
( https://www.canvasondemand.com/professional/pro-login.asp ), a company, which, like Nations Photo Lab, I found during my visit to the Photo Plus Expo in NYC in October. Canvas on Demand provided a coupon for a free 16 x 20 canvas wrap, to introduce us to their products (an $84.00 value, according to their published information).

Last week I finally got around to choosing the photo I wanted enlarged and I sent in my order Wednesday, November 25, after 5 pm (yes, the day before Thanksgiving). I did have to pay for shipping, which was a bit pricey at $14.95 (a bit more about shipping later). I received an email from Canvas on Demand on Friday, November 27, informing me that the photo I chose would not fit the 16 x 20 canvas, so they were upgrading me at no charge to a custom 16 x 24 because they wanted me to be happy with my product.

I next received an email on Monday, November 30, telling me my canvas had shipped, and enclosing a FedEx tracking number. Tracking the package indicated that it was expected to be delivered December 3; however, I received it on December 2! So, within one week of ordering, I had my canvas (and, mind you, this week included the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!). Talk about speedy! The canvas was exceptionally well wrapped and packaged, making the shipping costs worth it. And, what a lovely product.

For those who don't know what a canvas wrap is, I've attached a few pictures of my finished product (pardon the photos - I have not yet chosen a place to hang the canvas). As you can see, these would be especially lovely to offer for wedding photos.

Canvas on Demand gets a rating of Very Nice with me. And, as for full disclosure, I received the code along with everyone else who attended the expo; Canvas on Demand neither asked me to, nor does it know, that I wrote this. I did it solely to let you know of interesting products "out there" in the realm of the internet, and because I had such a good experience with Canvas on Demand.

Coming soon - a naughty company will be revealed (lest you think I am some exceptionally fortunate shopper).

'Tis the season

For lots of shopping. With that in mind, I thought I'd compile a list of who has been nice and who has been naughty to me. This won't be totally photography related, but I'll let you know which merchants have done the best for me this shopping season and who are aces in my opinion. As for the naughty ones, well, I'll tell you about them too!

First up on the Nice list, with a Very Nice rating is Nations Photo Lab. I wrote about them last month and I'll just reprint that entry here for your convenience. Again, NPL did not ask me to do this, nor did I tell them I was doing this. NPL has not given me anything (other than the code provided to all PhotoPlus Expo attendees discussed below) to induce me to write this.

From the November post: "Nations Photo Lab ( http://www.nationsphotolab.com/ ) was at the show and provided to all attendees of the show cards with a $25.00 free code to try them out. All I can say is "WOW"! And, truth be told, I was skeptical at first. After all, photo developing/printing is all the same, isn't it?

No, absolutely not! This place was amazing. First of all, the speed. I ordered last Sunday night (November 8, 2009), and my order (11 8x10 prints on metallic paper, and two magnets on metallic paper) was in my hands Tuesday morning (November 10)! Shipping was only $7.00 FedEx (and, if I remember correctly, shipping is free when you order over $50.00). And the photos and magnets were well packed so that no photos would bend in shipping.

More importantly, my photos were AMAZING! I have never seen photos "pop" quite like they did. The metallic paper is so interesting. According to their website, the metallic paper has

• "High gloss finish with tear resistant laminate layers
  
• 3-Dimensional/metallic appearance
  
• Ideal for outdoor images, black/white, and portraits
  
• Has been described as "chrome on paper"
  
• State-of-the-art image stability"

You really have to see it to believe it. And the pricing is more than competitive for the quality of the product. Each 8x10 was $2.00 for the metallic paper (Kodak Endura paper). Compare that to $2.99 at a major (unnamed) online photo service. I can NEVER go back to drug store or other photo finishers again.

Nations Photo Lab rates A++++++ in my book. I will definitely be using them again (and again, and again)

In the matter of full disclosure, I, like everyone else attending the photo expo on NYC, received a $25.00 credit to try out Nations Photo Lab (NPL). NPL neither asked me to, nor is aware, that I am writing a review on my blog. I chose to do this because NPL just impressed me so much."

Anyone interested in giving NPL a try

I received an email from NPL (see my November post re Nations Photo Lab) indicating that, through 12/3/09, they are taking 30% off enlargements (following sizes: 16x20, 16x24, 20x30 and 24x36). I believe I provided a link to the website in my prior post, otherwise, just google Nations photo lab and you'll get there. Here you go: http://www.nationsphotolab.com/ No code appears to be necessary.

I am not taking advantage of the offer (I don't presently have anything that I wish to enlarge so much), so I can't tell you what I think. If you try it, be sure to come back here and post.

Some finds!

I know, I know, I have been remiss. It's been really busy around here. And, it was a gorgeous fall. I hope everyone had time to take some foliage pictures.

On October 23 I attended the big PDN Photo Plus Expo in NYC. I didn't attend any classes, but I attended the show at which a boatload of manufacturers, service providers, etc. were exhibiting. I learned about lots of awesome products and services. One of which I am going to tell you about today.

Nations Photo Lab ( http://www.nationsphotolab.com/ ) was at the show and provided cards with a $25.00 free code to try them out. All I can say is "WOW"! And, truth be told, I was skeptical at first. After all, photo developing/printing is all the same, isn't it?

No, absolutely not! This place was amazing. First of all, the speed. I ordered last Sunday night (November 8, 2009), and my order (11 8x10 prints on metallic paper, and two magnets on metallic paper) was in my hands Tuesday morning! Shipping was only $7.00 FedEx (and, if I remember correctly, shipping is free when you order over $50.00). And the photos and magnets were well packed so that no photos would bend in shipping.

More importantly, my photos were AMAZING! I have never seen photos "pop" quite like they did. The metallic paper is so interesting. According to their website, the metallic paper has

• "High gloss finish with tear resistant laminate layers
  
• 3-Dimensional/metallic appearance
  
• Ideal for outdoor images, black/white, and portraits
  
• Has been described as "chrome on paper"
  
• State-of-the-art image stability"

You really have to see it to believe it. And the pricing is more than competitive for the quality of the product. Each 8x10 was $2.00 for the metallic paper (Kodak Endura paper). Compare that to $2.99 at a major (unnamed) online photo service. I can NEVER go back to drug store or online photo finishers again.

Nations Photo Lab rates A++++++ in my book. I will definitely be using them again (and again, and again)

In the matter of full disclosure, I, like everyone else attending the photo expo on NYC, received a $25.00 credit to try out Nations Photo Lab (NPL). NPL neither asked me to, nor is aware, that I am writing a review on my blog. I chose to do this because NPL just impressed me so much.

Responsibility and sensitivity please.

Cameras give us the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments. We need to use that power with responsibility ans sensitivity.

I was really troubled when I reviewed next week's TV Guide which showed a picture of actor Ryan O'Neill at the back of Farrah Fawcett's hearse bidding a final farewell to her. This was an extremely private moment, yet, in the same photo, apparently right next to Mr. O'Neill was *another* photographer, pressed up against Mr. O'Neill and the hearse, trying to get one last photo of Ms. Fawcett's casket.

To that photographer, and those like him, I have to ask, "was it really worth it?" There are such things as telephoto lenses that would have given you your picture (not that I believe it was necessary - the family had been very accommodating to the press and the public), and you wouldn't have intruded upon Mr. O'Neill's final good-bye. To photographers who behave in such a fashion, I can only say shame of you.

Remember to be responsible and to show sensitivity when taking photos. It really shouldn't be that hard to remember we are human beings and to act accordingly.

Fireworks!

Last night I thought I would run the Sony DSC-H20 through its paces for fireworks! I am uploading my pictures as I type. It was interesting to be able to take photos or movies of the fireworks (I did both).

The DSC-H20 has a fireworks setting (select scene on the dial, and then on the view screen, and then numerous choises show up on the screen - select fireworks).

I will say, that while taking the movies of the fireworks, I thought from the view screen, that the fireworks were not as crisp as I would have liked, but we will have to view the moview to see for sure. Also, the shutter speed/exposure time for the fireworks setting was very long. It was a bit disappointing in that the screen showed "capturing" and then "processing, probably for close to 20 seconds each time I took a photo. That's quite a lag when one would like to take fireworks in rapid succession. Although I was set up as a "human tripod" (sitting on a cement stoop, elbows tight to body and on my knees, given the exposure time, and, despite the super steady shot, it became apparent, that, in order to take excellent fireworks photos with this camera, it would be necessary to use a tripod.

I'm back!

Actually, I never went away - it's just been an incredibly busy and exhausting few weeks.

I continue to play with my Sony DSC-H20 and I am still pleased as punch with it. In fact, I will be bringing it with me as my only camera (*gasp*!) to my niece's graduation in a few weeks.

I did still need another accessory, though. Although I found a camera bag that would accommodate the camera, the charger, extra lenses, should I choose to buy them, etc., I was looking for a smaller bag that I could use to just grab the H20 and throw in my purse.

I went to the Sony website to see what they recommended and it was LCS-CSD Soft Cyber-shot® Carrying Case for $19.99. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10555&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11040579&tab=Compatibility
At 3 6/11" x 5 5/7" x 3 11/15", I suspected it would be too big for my purposes. I went to Best Buy and checked it out (BTW, at Best Buy the price was $21.99!), and I confirmed my suspicions. Not only was it big and bulky (it seemed to bulge out in the front, like it was expecting a baby camera case), in my eyes it was ugly.

Since I didn't like the other cases offered at Best Buy (or their prices), I headed off to Target. At Target, I got a denali small digital camera case DPCI 056-04-0729 which fits the camera perfectly and will hold an extra memory card, and fits into my purse nicely without providing the extra bulk the Sony case did. Best part: the price. It was only $9.99! It has both a Velcro close and (sorry, I don't know the term for the plastic clip) a clip close that you see on back packs and waist packs. Your camera won't fall out with those two closures! It also has an adjustable shoulder strap (removable) and a belt loop. One thing does puzzle me, however; the packaging says it has a "Battery slot" but I am just not seeing it (I don't need it anyway, so I won't miss it).

All in all, it serves my needs perfectly and it was an acceptable price as well!

Having fun!

I've been spending this morning preparing (reading the manual - very important; attaching the lens cap - it comes with a "leash" so it won't get lost; putting protective film on the 3 inch LCD screen; putting in the battery and the MS Pro Duo memory card - this camera has been tested to accept up to a 16 GB card I read) and playing with my new Sony DSC-H20. It takes nice sharp photos, and, using the intelligent auto feature, it even will pop up the flash if it thinks you need a flash! To compare to the Sony alpha, I am posting today a picture I took of the same weeping cherry tree as in a picture I took with the Sony alpha and posted in a prior blog. The H20 is a really nice point and shoot. What do you think?

Also, note that you can actually get lens attachments for this unit (I did not know that until I read it on the box and in the enclosed materials.). The attachments make the camera even more versatile. I think the telephoto lens that comes built in is sufficient for most point and shoot needs, but the wide angle lens attachment is something I might wish to consider getting for myself.

All in all, my initial impressions are very favorable. The size and quality certainly make it a nice addition to my Sony alpha. Next up - how is the video it records?

Guess what I found yesterday?!

I found and bought my Sony DSC-H20! The battery is charging and I expect to fire it up later today or early tomorrow, and I'll let you know how it works!

What a beautiful weekend!

It's been a gorgeous weekend here, and I have been remiss in posting. I have been thinking about posts, though. My family has an overabundance of old cameras (like early 1900s), and one of my thoughts was to fish them out of storage, and photograph them and post them here to share a little bit about their history with you. So, give us some time to fish them out, and soon yo will be seeing some neat cameras.

I also hear that the Sony DSC-H20 is finally making its way to stores - hopefully I can see one in person soon and finalize a decision to give it a try! :-)

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! Take a few photos!

The Alternative Consumer website

I just came across an interesting website - The Alternative Consumer. http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2009/04/10/black-decker-cordless-lawnmower-and-sweeper-2-great-green-giveaways/ Not only does it have some interesting information, it's running a contest to give away a Black & Decker electric lawnmower and leaf blower. Check it out!

Government run amok

You would think that today being "tax day", I might be venting about the IRS or taxes. No, a different governmental group has irked me far more.

Apparently, the Federal Trade Commission has way too much time on its collective hands. According to ABC News, the FTC is investigating whether bloggers expressing their opinions on products "may be in violation of good business practices". http://abcnews.go.com/Business/AheadoftheCurve/story?id=7301845&page=1

Now, I don't know about you, but whenever I read a review, whether it be a movie review published in the newspaper, a user review published in ePinions, Amazon, etc., or a review published by Consumer Reports, I take it with a grain of salt. Why? Because I don't know these people, I don't know what they consider to be the most important thing about a product, and whether it differs from what I think is, whether they are biased and the reasons for their bias, etc. To me, online reviews are no more capable of swaying me than if someone came up on the street, or a neighbor told me about some product they loved. It's simple common sense, and you can't regulate common sense (the government especially can't regulate or legislate common sense given that many of the people running the government seem to lack it, for example, more than a few seem to be incapable of simply paying their taxes correctly and in a timely fashion - look at I believe it to be nine of the most recent cabinet appointees).

If I go to a blog, and the latest article tells me something along the lines of "Hi. I'm soandso, and wonderful company X gave me its latest widget to try out. Here's what I think of it: blah, blah, yada, yada. And, what's even better, company X gave me three of the same widgets to give away to my readers", several things are clear to me. 1) Company X GAVE the blogger the product to try in return for a review. 2) Company X GAVE the blogger some more product to give away to her readers. 3) My common sense tells me that clearly, this may not be the most unbiased review. If I want as close to an unbiased review as I can get, then I know to go to Consumer Reports (I understand that the company purchases the products it reviews and does not accept outside advertising or free product to avoid bias. http://web.consumerreports.org/test/SEM/version2.htm?EXTKEY=SM72CR0&CMP=KNC-CROBRANDM&HBX_OU=52&HBX_PK=consumer_reports ) I tend to believe that the vast majority of Americans are capable of thinking and reasoning for themselves and do not need the FTC to attempt to do it for them.

So, I have a respectful suggestion for the FTC: Why not stop trying to bully individuals who are more than likely taxpayers, and start focusing on companies that are doing, in my opinion, dubious things. For example, there is a rather large company that received large amounts of taxpayer dollars that is now advertising with different names for the company and at least one subsidiary. How about, for truth in advertising purposes, the FTC require this company and its subsidiaries to put in its advertising, in large enough print to easily read, "formerly known as #$%" so that those of us who. on principle, do not want to do business with them, won't be hoodwinked into doing so by a new name. Then the FTC could work hand in glove with the FCC to focus on and limit to more appropriate times, those ads which many people find distasteful, that deal with medicines for say, incontinence, ED, etc. How about let's not air them at dinner time. Personally, I really dislike watching the news while I am having dinner only to hear about all sorts of nasty potential side effects.

Finally, to clarify everything for the FTC, I personally believe that the government should be working for the good of the people, and the nation, and not working for the political party of the moment or restricting Constitutional rights (please see the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America which states in pertinent part: "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. . . ."). If the FTC starts regulating what we say in blogs, what's next? Our telephone conversations? Our email? Our face-to-face conversations?

Sony DSC-H20

Well, hubby and I have been out shopping this week for various electronics, and the Sony DSC-H20 is still not in stores (at least the ones we have visited!). A few of the features that it has with which I am familiar include the steady shot feature which is on my Sony Alpha DSLR. Let me tell you, that feature can be a life-saver, especially when you are taking pictures on the fly. It helps take the shake out of your photo-taking. Now, if you are freezing cold and shaking like a leaf, you may still have blur, but under normal conditions, the steady shot feature will have you taking some nice and sharp photos. It also has face detection, which is a feature that works really well as the camera will focus on faces (assuming it behaves like the alpha!).

Another feature which I am really looking forward to is the ability to take video! The Sony DSC-H20 reportedly can take video in wide and full-screen modes, recording at 30 frames per second in fine, standard and VGA recording modes. This really would have come in handy last year at a relative's wedding. While I was all set with my Sony alpha (and took some great pictures, if I say so myself), it turns out that a group of the groom's friends had a surprise "performance" during the wedding, which no one captured because no one brought a video camera. With the Sony DSC-H20, I will be prepared for such events, as I read you can record up to 1 hour of video on a 4 mb memory stick pro duo.

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

Just a very brief post to show off a few photos I played with using Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. And for the FTC, I bought the software with my very own hard-earned, post-tax money!

Green Tea

Good morning! Every once in a while I plan to go "off topic" and today is one of those days! Let's talk about green tea. I should drink more, but for years, I have been searching for a green tea I can tolerate. I seem to be more of a black tea fan, but, as I keep reading green tea is better for you, I have continued my quest. I actually found one recently that I purchased myself (added for the FTC!) and absolutely love: Lipton's Green Tea with Mandarin Orange Flavor. This tea is in those funky triangle bags, and even I have to admit I like the taste. I'd love to hear what green teas everyone else prefers too.

Useful Attachment

One of the most useful and cost effective items I have come across using my new camera is an attachment, a lens really, that attaches to the camera and sits then to your regular lens. I found an auto focus teleconverter for my Sony alpha that increases the range of my lenses to twice there normal range. So, if I use it between the camera body and my 28-70 lens, my range is increased to be 56 to 140. Sony makes one of these lenses, and when I priced it, it was a bit out of my price range. Shopping on Amazon, however, I found a Bower 2x auto focus teleconverter for Minolta which works on both my Minolta film cameras and my Sony DSLR. I must admit, though, the fit is a bit tight. But, for the days when I do not want to carry around all my lenses, taking the teleconverter (which is small and very portable - see above) and a single lens, gives me the flexibility I need.

Update - I was a little troubled the other night when I tried to use this adapter with the 18-70 Sony lens that came with my Sony alpha. I was unabel to clearly focus using the auto-focus, and have yet to determine why. Hmmmmm. . . .

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be sharing some of my thoughts regarding photography, and other subjects as time and space allow. As this is my first post, please be kind and feel free to share your thoughts as well! :-)

Today's topic is: How much I am looking forward to trying out the new Sony DSC-H20. I have used Minolta film cameras for years (my Dad started me using them). So, once I decided I wanted to make the switch to Digital SLR, it was a no-brainer to look at the Sony alpha (Sony bought the photography division of Konica-Minolta as I understand it) as I could use all my Minolta lenses and attachments. My wonderful husband gave me my Sony alpha a little over a year ago, and I have taken lots and lots of photos including at a wedding and while on vacation. I absolutely love my Sony alpha! It does take up a bit of room, especially with all my lenses, which is why I started looking at smaller digital cameras to be able to have in my purse for those moments when you just wish you had a camera on you. I am really excited, because, after lots of research, I can't wait until Sony releases the new DSC-H20. It's got 10 megapixels and a lot of the functions of my DSLR Sony Alpha, but it will easily fit in my purse. Check out the story at one of my favorite websites, Cameratown, for more information. http://www.cameratown.com/news/news.cfm/hurl/id%7C7187 I can't wait to get my hands on the new Sony DSC-H20, and when I do, you'll hear all about it!

And, be sure to enter Cameratown's 5th year celebration contest. It's ongoing and I won a fabulous KATA 3n1 20 Sling/Backpack to tote around my Sony alpha and assorted lenses in.