( 5 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Martin Regtien | 19 July 2010
Posted in Reviews - Software

lightroom 3

When Adobe released Lightroom 3 just recently, we knew pretty well what was going to be in this major release. No, we don’t have any prophetic gifts but having worked with the beta versions you get a good idea how it’s shaping up.
So, no real surprises but it’s good to take an inventory of all the new features since we last wrote about Lightroom 2 here.
The concept of Lightroom is brilliant: it sort of imitates and duplicates the workflow of the old time professionals who used real darkrooms to develop their photos. Yes, it’s a pity that we still have brilliant mechanical and optical devices in perfect working order in our cupboards but no one would want to go back to the pre-digital age. Certainly not when they have tried the magic of Lightroom 3, the digital darkroom.
To keep it brief: what are the main features that I particularly like?

 

Read more...

( 18 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Joe Baker | 13 July 2010
Posted in Reviews - Miscellaneous

HSP 4 wheel drive buggy

Have you ever seen something mild mannered and easy to control, and still have the potential to change into a blood stirring 4 wheel drive bullet?  For some weeks now I have been test driving, or shall we say, remote controlling, a HSP 4 wheel drive buggy that has it all.  It’s a 2010 model brushless Pro version with a huge 7.2v 3300 kv motor with an ESC rated for 12 volts, with grippy tyres and a 27 mhz transmitter, 7.2 NH MH 2000 mAh battery.
 

Read more...

( 8 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Martin Regtien | 12 July 2010
Posted in Reviews - Digital Cameras

 

Casio Exilim EX-FH100

We’re losing count here at how many Casio Point & Shoot cameras we have reviewed over the years: at least half a dozen and, not surprisingly, every new camera that lands on our desk is a great improvement over the previous one with new features and better quality. So it is with the EX-FH100.
Its High-Speed features are the prime attraction here: up to a 1000 fps is possible (with a pretty severe resolution penalty). And if you can accuse Casio of one thing it is that they cater for folks who want to have real fun with their cameras! Not a bad thing either...
So what were my findings in the short time I played with this super Slo-Mo unit?

 

Read more...

( 6 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Martin Regtien | 01 July 2010
Posted in Reviews - Miscellaneous

Brando Photo Studio in Action

Here’s a great solution if you have to take macro shots or images of small to medium sized products: the Brando Professional Foldable Photo Studio. Real photographers know that there’s a huge difference between just putting a product on a table in the sun and taking a picture or if you do this under controlled lighting without any background shadows.
That’s where the Brando Professional Foldable Photo Studio comes in. It provides that controlled environment with lights that have the right colour temperature in a portable setup that is not too cumbersome to take on the road or fold away in a cupboard.

 

Read more...

( 5 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Joe Baker | 01 July 2010
Posted in Reviews - Miscellaneous

Parkzone Trojan T28

I must admit I have been looking forward to the arrival of this plane. This is the fifth of seven remote controlled electric planes that we intend to review in separate detailed writings on this site.  Already completed reviews include: the Apprentice 15e, Mini Super Cub, Hobbyzone Champ and Cessna 182.  Reviews yet to come are the Super Cub LP and the new Cessna Classic 500.  The final article will have a compiled comparison grid on all ‘planes which will result in us bestowing the coveted Digital Reviews’ “best ‘plane” award to one of the remote controlled (RC) electric aeroplanes using a point system.  Included within this review will be short evaluations of the Phoenix Simulator and Spektrum Dx6i transmitter.

So let’s get started!

 

Read more...

( 5 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Martin Regtien | 30 June 2010
Posted in Reviews - Mobile Devices

Just5

Here is a question for you: I have what is arguably the best Smartphone available, the HTC HD2, and yet, I was quite keen to acquire a phone from the opposite end of the spectrum: the Just5. This is one of the phones that are particularly aimed at the so-called senior market -- yes, the people that need big buttons, big display letters, big sound.

 

I don't quite qualify yet to be a senior but I do appreciate where this phone is coming from. As much as I love technology and an all singin’, dancin’ Smartphone, don't underestimate the need for simplicity in the market. And it is not just seniors who have a need for a simple but capable phone but also pre-teens, the disabled and there’s also a huge market for people who need a great emergency or second phone!
Welcome to the phone with the big heart as their advertising slogan says!
Let's run through the main features that set this phone apart.

 

Read more...

( 3 Users have Voted for this Article )

Written by Marcel Regtien | 29 June 2010
Posted in Reviews - Miscellaneous

Efo USB LED Light

This is the one I find rather useful as I’m often typing away on my notebook in dimly lit places (no, not bars or nightclubs – just wait till you see what we have next for you if you frequent those places!)

It works very well and has enough light that spreads fairly evenly over the keyboard.
You just want to make sure that you don’t look into the lights or into the reflection of the screen. They are pretty bright!
The gooseneck is rather thin but does the job without being too floppy. You can easily bend it to read documents or you might find it perfect for night-time plane flights. Sure it takes a bit of juice away from your laptop battery but these things are very economical.
Simple and effective. Only $8.50.

Read more...