Photoshop CS5 Overview

The Zi8 Pocket Video Camera In Action

Here are four videos shot by Sher Stultz using The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera I wrote about in my last blog. Like most digital cameras, the Zi8 doesn't do well in bright sunlight, especially with anything white. But turn it loose indoors, where the light is more even and subdued, and you can see how well this $150.00 camera can shoot. Considering the cost, and how small and easy to carry the camera is, we should all have one. You're obviously not going to get the same quality that you will from higher priced cameras, but how many of those can you stuff in your pocket and carry everywhere with a minimum of hassle?

For those of you who want to follow Sher's travel blog (which is really good, by the way), it's located here: Great Blue Wanderers.

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Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

I'm always on the lookout for something I can EASILY carry with me EVERYWHERE that allows me to shoot quick videos and snap quick photos with a minimum of fuss and muss -- and produce great results. Recently, Sher Stultz needed a small, inexpensive, high-quality video camera that she could take on the road to document her trip. After researching the current models that are available, and carefully comparing their features (and user reviews), I/we settled on this little beauty: The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera. Along with shooting 1080p on SD and SDHC cards, this pocket-sized camera also allows you to connect a external microphone (which is critical for people who want decent sound in situations where the built-in mic falls short). Sher ordered the camera and we took it for a spin. I love it and have since recommended it to another friend, who had similar needs -- and a tight budget. I also plan to put my money where my mouth is and get one myself. It will replace a bulkier Panasonic HD video camera I've been carrying around with me, and give me longer battery life, better low-light capabilities, a 5 megapixel still camera, and, very important, a less intimidating, more informal presence when I pull it out to shoot someone or something.

For a very nice overview of this camera, including a list of recommended accessories, I encourage you to watch this video from Traffic Geyser. I've included a quick list of the accessories that are recommended in this video below, along with a few others that I think are worthwhile.

Zi8 & Recommended Accessories:

• Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
• Transcend 16 GB Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Card
• Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
• AZDEN ECZ-990 Super Cardioid Zoom Camcorder Microphone
• AV-JEFE CM520 Professional Lavalier Mic With 3.5mm Stereo Plug
• Sony ECM-DS70P Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone
• Manfrotto 785 Modo Maxi Photo Video Grip Head Tripod
• High Density (Black) Neoprene Glove Case and Mini Tripod Combo for Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera
• Kodak Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery/KLIC 7004
• Kodak Remote Control for Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

Zi8 Features Include:

• A flexible swing-out USB arm
• Removable lithium-ion batteries that can be charged in or out of the camera
• SD card slot - so you can bring extra cards and keep on shooting
• 2.5-inch color LCD
• External microphone jack
• Full HD 1080p video capture
• Built-in electronic image stabilization
• 5MP still capture
• Improved low light performance
• Smart face-tracking technology

New Wedding Photos

Just finished adding some more new photos to my photo website. Most of these photos are from Anna and Javier’s wedding, which was officiated by Uqualla, a Native American officiate. The newest images can be found here. A special section featuring images of Uqualla are located here.

Lightroom 3 Learning Center

Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskwoski provide a nice introduction to some of the cool features found in Lightroom 3. Here's where to go to watch a series of videos that illustrate their favorite Lightroom 3 features.

Adobe Lightroom 3 Now Available

Adobe Lightroom 3 is finally available. Go here for more information.