Ricoh GX200 Digital Camera Review
Monday, November 24, 2008
I gave up my digital SLR (Canon 400D) for this Ricoh GX200, it was a difficult decision, but it was done for many reasons. The first was size. I found myself out and about a lot, forever wishing I had my 400D with me, but it was too cumbersome to carry everywhere. The second was concerts, try getting into a concert with a big SLR, not a chance.So, with both those problems solved, the GX200 was always in my pocket and even in the month I have had it, the opportune photos have made me smile. The camera is very compact, think of a small Sony or Canon Powershot, but with a VERY professional feel to it. The only things that makes this a little bigger is the lens protrudes a little from the front. This didn't bother me though, because I had gained a really useful, compact, 12 megapixel shooter.
Around the back is a nice sized screen, very crisp and clear. When you rotate the camera, the image rotates too. It has an electronic level in it too, so you can sure of take square-on and level horizon shots. The menu system is really easy to navigate and the controls (although there are quite a few buttons) are superbly laid out. The top dial allows you to take photos in Auto, Manual, Program and Scene modes. You also get three sections on this top dial where you can store your favourite settings, which is really useful. The flash is on a separate slider switch, so can easily be activated or turned off.
What I really like;
The 1:1 square mode is superb. I use this to take photos for my website and they come out square. So I do not need to crop them after putting them on my Mac. I also love the three presets for storing my settings. They are so easily accessible on that top dial by selecting MY1, MY2, or MY3. Plus, the manual controls make this feel very creative. It sets itself apart from the cheaper run-of-the-mill models though, with rich, detailed images, that seem to pop, rather than be very flat in their appearance. I must admit, that I am not missing my digital SLR at all.
I used this little wonder at two of my recent exhibition outings. Taking photos all day at MacLiveExpo and the Stuff Live events, without any problems at all. I think you will agree that the photos I took look pretty darn good.
Also, in with this kit I got the VF-1 electronic viewfinder. This add-on attaches just behind where the flash pops up. It gives you a tiny little screen, that replicates the image and all of the information that you get on the main display. A tiny button just above the main screen, allows you to switch between the EVF and the 2.7-inch screen. Now, I love the large screen, it is so clear and bright, making it a joy to use. However, since using the GX200 at the exhibitions, I have found a couple of outdoor situations, where the sun was so bright. So, I popped the VF-1 on and the problem was solved. So, if I am ever planning photos outside, I pop the tiny EVF in my pocket (in the supplied case).What I don't like;
The lens cap is really bad. It is not integrated, so you have to put it in your pocket when you are using the camera, or leave it dangling on the string. I spent an extra £12 on a pop open lens cover, that remains on the GX200 all the time.
This is a professional piece of kit. Produces superb photos and the battery lasts ages (about 400 photos). It was well worth spending the extra on this brand for the build quality alone. Add into the equation that you get fantastic quality images too, on par with up to £500 digital SLR's and you have a real winner.
Product: Ricoh GX200 VF-1 Kit
Price: £359.00
Supplied by: Clifton Cameras
Contact: +44 (0)1435 548128
This review is sponsored by Clifton Cameras.
Labels: Digital Photography, Reviews
Brenthaven Edge II for Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch
Friday, November 21, 2008
Wow, I cannot rate this product enough. This is a slimline carry case for the Apple MacBook Pro. It is not a full on, carry-it-all bag, nor is it one of those tight fitting sleeves. Instead it offers just the right amount of capacity to carry your laptop with a few extra bits to that important meeting, to work, or when popping to a friends house.The case does not actually measure much more than the 15-inch MacBook Pro itself. Rough size is about 40cm(W) by 31cm)H) by 6cm(D). On the front of the case is a smaller zipped pocket which is roughly 22cm wide by 16cm high. On the back you get a pocket that has a single velcro fastening, this one is big enough for an A4 pad of about 40 sheets. The top has a nice padded handle, which goes flat into the top of the case when not in use. There is also two metal buckles to the top sides of the case for use with the supplied shoulder strap. The strap is padded nicely and has quick release metal attachments.
The main inner of the case zips completely open around three sides. You then place your laptop into it face down. This means that your laptop lid is against the part of the case with the most padding. The flap has some rigid board in it and four rubber pads (one in each corner) that help to protect your lappie from bumps. Around the four edges are nice padded strips, and just outside these strips is yet more rigid inserts. It is a very lightweight case, but really does offer some decent protection. The styling is nice too, in black and silver, with some silver stitch detailing too.
I was using this with a new (late 2008 unibody) 15-inch MacBook Pro, which was a nice snug fit. I was very happy with just what a perfect size the padding was. The older MacBook Pro was also tested and fitted just the same.
It is readily available from various places for under £30 which I think represents great value for money. It means you can travel very easily with all that you need (apart from your power adapter), but with 4/5 hours of battery life, that shouldn't pose a problem.
Product: Brenthaven Edge II
Price: £34.99 : £29 (average)
Supplied by: Brenthaven UK
Contact: +44 (0)20 8400 1275
Labels: Mac Accessories, Reviews
TNA Impact on Sony PS3 Review
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Something a little different from me this week, taking a look at Midway Game's TNA Impact. Superb wrestling action on the Sony PS3 is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Product: TNA Impact (PS3)
Price: £44.99 (RRP) : £26.00 (average)
Supplied by: Midway Games
Contact: +44 (0) 191 482 8720
Apple MacBook (unibody 2008) Mini Review
Friday, November 07, 2008
I had the pleasure, or should I say experience, of using a new MacBook 2.4GHz for a couple of days. This was the new late-2008 version with the unibody, one piece aluminium chassis. With it's sleek new lines, it certainly felt like a grown up MacBook Pro, but in a slightly smaller form with dressed-down graphics performance and screen resolution.The first thing of note is just how tight and solidly made this new version feels. All of the top seams have gone, with the casing made from one piece of metal. This has the effect of making the MacBook feel really rigid. There are no case-fit problems to deal with. What you must take into account though, is that there has to be some openings and seams somewhere, so that Apple can get all the technological wonders into the case. So, the bottom is where you will find the joins. Just over half the bottom casing is held on with screws, under which you gain access to the main computer gubbins and the memory. The other part of the bottom is held on with a clever catch mechanism, under which you find the battery and hard drive. This makes for easy upgrading and servicing. Don't be fooled though, all the hype about this 'unibody' construction, just means Apple have turned things upside down, so all the seams (or joins) are underneath. What this does acheive though, is the most solid and pro-feeling MacBook to date.
The top section houses a lovely black keyboard and on this particular model it is backlit. The key travel and spacing is superb and it is lovely to type on. The trackpad is very big, with no physical button this time. Instead, the whole trackpad is hinged and clicks from about half way down the device. You can assign the bottom right hand corner of it to a right click (in system preferences) if you wish. It also support multi-touch gestures, for using two, three of four fings in different ways. In my opinion, this was a nice idea, but over-engineered. It would have been nicer to keep things simple, at least they work properly. This trackpad does work, but I found that I was getting the wrong clicks a lot of the time.
The screen is nice and bright. LED backlit with a 1280 x 800 resolution. Yes, it is glossy and you do get reflections. Angling the laptop gets around most of these problems and/or adjusting the brightness... so it ends up to be a little annoying, but easy to rectify. The built-in iSight camera (as on previous models) is superb and adds to the usefulness of this wonderful machine.
In use the 2.4GHz model really flies. It feels a lot snappier than my similarly specced MacBook Pro. The NVidia 9400M graphics certainly make it very useful for all the applications I tested. These included iMove, Final Cut Express, PhotoShop and Quark Xpress, all of which showed no real struggle. The most lasting impression that I was left with, was a cool a lap. Yes, this MacBook ran for two or three hours and was only just very very slightly warm on the underside. The top area around the keyboard was still cool. This is a great acheivement and finally these little babies can be called 'laptops' again.
Product: Apple MacBook (late 2008) 2.4GHz
Price: £1,149.00
Supplied by: Apple Inc.
Contact: 0800 039 1010
Labels: Apple Hardware, Reviews
Richard Solo Smart Backup Battery Pack Review
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
If you use your iPhone a lot (or your iPod) and need to squeeze some extra hours use out of it, without heading back home, then this could be a very useful gadget. Check out the review of the Richard Solo Smart Backup Battery Pack below.
Product: Richard Solo Smart Backup Battery Pack
Price: $49.95
Supplied by: Richard Solo
Contact: 1-415-461-4374
Labels: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, Reviews
Stuff Live 2008 Exhibition Gallery
The Stuff Live 2008 exhibition took place a couple of days ago at London's ExCel. It was packed solid of really exciting stands, showing some of the gadgets and gizmos that will be under Christmas trees this December. There are too many great products to mention here, so check out the further articles that will appear on Geekanoids over the next day or so. Highlights of the show included some superb new netbooks from Asus, the Evoke and Avanti Flow internet/DAB/FM/wireless radios from Pure and the superb wireless multi-room music system from Sonos who were showing their added iPhone and iPod touch application for controlling your tunes. I also really liked the iOplay system, which brings together complete control of your iPod, iPhone (or other mobile phone) and TomTom for really smart in-car use. All of the photos were taken with the Ricoh GX200 digital camera and the gallery is sponsored by Clifton Cameras. More photos can be viewed by clicking the link just after the seventh photograph.
Labels: General News
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Dave
Dave has been in the graphic design industry for 14 years. Long time reviewer of technology related products, he is Owner/Editor of Geekanoids.
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