| Komputer Klinic: Find the right Christmas gifts for photo buffs
Thanks to digital cameras, more people than ever are interested in photography. You probably have a photo enthusiast or budding photographer on your Christmas list. Knowing what to buy photo buffs is tricky. You may be tempted to purchase lenses, flashes or other expensive gear. Photographers are very particular. Unless youre an expert, skip these things. Accessories such as batteries, memory cards and camera cases will be welcome. But use some imagination. Here are some ideas to get you going: Make the camera work wirelessly. Some newer cameras feature Wi-Fi. This lets owners transfer photos to a computer wirelessly. Photos can also be uploaded to Web sites. Likewise, youll find wireless transmitters for high-end cameras from Canon and Nikon.
What the heck is the difference among all those Canon ELPHs anyway?
As I mentioned in my last post, I'm a big fan of Canon's Digital ELPH series, but I can't tell you how many times friends have called me from Best Buy in a state of confusion about which one to buy. It's no wonder. Stop into any electronics store today and you'll find a slew of ELPH models and they all look pretty similar to the untrained eye. So here's a quick primer on what's what, broken down by resolution (since for better or for worse, that's how most people seem to shop for cameras). For comparison's sake, I included current pricing from Amazon.com. 12.1 Megapixels Canon PowerShot SD950 IS ($340) - released August 2007: This is Canon's current top-of-the-line model (successor to last year's SD900 which you'll still find in some stores). It sports a sleek, rugged titanium body, 3.7x optical zoom lens (36- to 133mm), an Optical Image Stabilizer, Canon's latest face-detection autofocus technology, in-camera red-eye correction, and like all the current ELPHs, uses Canon's top-end DIGIC III image processor.
Top picks from Sony's CES '08 product lineup
That aside, Sony Corp has certainly been busy with a veritable slew of new products showcased at CES 2008. While it's not impossible to list every single device here, we've decided instead to highlight the more worthy ones for your attention.
Wireless interface | Music & mobility | Digital SLR |
Televisions | Camcorders | Blu-ray devices
Wireless interface
First demo'd at the pre-show briefing, the TransferJet "Near Field" wireless technology made an unforgettable entrance. It failed to perform. Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division senior VP Steve Habere was quick to add that "when it works, it's great".
Barely launched during the Consumer Electronics Show, this short-range proprietary wireless technology enables users to send digital images, video or other data at more than 500 megabits per second.
Notes: Buehrle aligned for Opening Day
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The pitching alignment for the White Sox first week of Cactus League action was released Friday afternoon. And without manager Ozzie Guillen making the news 100 percent official, the spring setup seems to line up Mark Buehrle for his sixth Opening Day start in the past seven years. Buehrle gets the call for two innings to open Monday's intrasquad game, followed by Javier Vazquez being scheduled for two in Tuesday's intrasquad action. John Danks opens the regular portion of the Arizona schedule on Wednesday afternoon at Tucson Electric Park, followed by Jose Contreras on Thursday at Hi Corbett Field. According to Guillen's comments earlier in the week, the rotation's third spot would have a direct bearing on the rotation's top spot as he didn't want Buehrle and Danks pitching back-to-back.
Holiday gift guide
For the diehard jazz lover on your list, consider signing them up for the 35th annual International Association of Jazz Educators conference being staged Jan. 9 to 12 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Aimed at education, teacher training and professional development, the event features an intriguing array of live interviews, panels, workshops and more than 100 concerts. The 2008 lineup includes a U.K. showcase helmed by British saxist Courtney Pine, performances by singer Kurt Elling (below), guitarist Lionel Loueke, The Tierney Sutton Band and trumpeter Christian Scott. Advance registration and membership costs about $540; lower for students. Visit iaje.org. - Ashante Infantry FOR THE FILM BUFFCool gifts for movie fans this season come in both small and big packages. Let's work our way up: iPod Touch: The latest extension of the category-killing Apple gizmo looks like the skinny brother to the iPhone, the super cell that still hasn't come to Canada.
Police bust meth lab in Southeast Portland, arrest resident
An ex-con, he also faces weapons charges. He was booked in the Multnomah County Detention Center. It was the third bust of a meth lab this year, compared with the 40 to 60 labs broken up each year before the current pseudoephedrine legislation was enacted. -- Kimberly A.C. Wilson; kimberlywilson@news.oregonian.com Continue reading "Police bust meth lab in Southeast Portland, arrest resident" » .
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