Computer Reviews

Well, maybe not ALL of you. If you are a professional who earns his living by talking photos, read no futher, because (a) you will want to get more a robustly built N80 or even N100, and (b) you know about cameras so much already you do not need my guidance anyway.

Rest of you, please read on.

Do not be fooled or made feel like a cheapskate by those chilling words: "amateur", "entry level", "budget priced". With Nikon N65 (marketed as F65 outside the U.S.), you are not spending a lot of money, but you are not getting an inferior, cheap, bargain-basement product, either! Make no mistake - this is one solid product, an example of very advanced precision engineering DELIVERING stunning results.

Why is N65 is REALLY all you need. Because if you were to go for pricier models, then for a lot of extra money you will be getting a heavier, more heave-duty camera and some extra features which you are unlikely to use anyway. For some of us, it's worth the extra money, but the rest of you will buy little more than more prestigious badge.

I will not go into detail as to what this camera can do: there is a good description by Amazon, and anyway, it is so loaded with features that for me personally there was nothing left to be desired.

I have tested this Nikon in Africa for three months (including tropical rainforest in Ghana!), with plenty of dust and humidity around. It performed like a dream. It also worked beautifully in January, on a particularly cold winter day (-28 Centigrade) in Lithuania, which, being in northern Europe, can be biting in winter, thank you very much.

My friends who spent similar amounts of money on cameras in the same class (Canon, Pentax and Minolta) admitted that mine delivers appreciably higher quality, especially on close-range shots and in high-contrast situations.

The main competitor in this class is Canon EOS Rebel 2000 (again, marketed differently outside the U.S., where it would be EOS 300). They are very similar in functions but Canon is slightly cheaper (and hence more popular, one would think); the only trouble with Canon is its appearance - jazzy shapes and rather sad looking black plastic makes it look a bit like a large compact camera with a large lense... My opinion, anyway. And for bigger hands, Nikon N65 just feels chunkier, more secure and more satisfying (in fact, Nikon specially made N75, which is really a later version of N65, which is slimmer and more suited to feminine hands). Again, "feeling" is a matter of opinion. And while we on about N75, it's been "sexed up", seemingly to catch up with Canon's soapy shape. Big mistake, the way I see it.

Many people ask me - don't you want to go digital? I have to explain to them that digital is not for everyone: if you are happy that most of your photographs would be shared by e-mail, then of course, digital is fine. You will save film money, developing costs, and with digital, you do not have to wait for films to be processed.

HOWEVER, if you are after high-quality printed pictures, which can be enlarged to be put in album or hung on the wall, you would have to spend SERIOUS money on digital to achieve results even approaching what a relatively inexpensive film camera can do. We're talking thousands and thousands of dollars - to match the quality provided by this Nikon for 300 bucks.

With traditional photography, you do not have to forgo the convenience of electronic storage and sharing online: scanning from film is cheap, for a few bucks you can have the whole roll on a CD, with much, much higher file quality than ANYTHING that you can produce with an average digital camera.

Back to Nikon N65 - if there is a five-star product, this is it. Do not think about it as an interim entry-level solution: you are likely to be with this camera for years, and it will give you enormous amounts of satisfaction and pleasure. Go for it.

Nikon N65 QD has all the features that any professional photographer needs. People serious in photography should own one.

This camera is NOT a true SLR camera, as Olympus implies in the camera's description. In fact, many web sites list it under their Point-and-Shoot models. Nevertheless, this camera is an excellent compromise between big, expensive SLR cameras and smaller, easy to use Point-and-Shoot cameras.

The camera does have true SLR features not found on lesser Point-and-Shoot models. The view-finder is TTL (through-the-lens), so you can get an accurate preview of your photograph. The pop-up, bi-directional, color-correcting flash unit does a great job lighting your photos without the harsh shadows inherent in most small flash units. The flash also does a fairly good job reducing red-eye, but does NOT eliminate the problem. Using the "Red-Eye Reduction" flash mode helps significantly, but causes the flash to pre-fire for a couple of seconds before the shutter releases, so while it's highly effective with posed portrait photography, it's totally impractical for spontaneous photographs.

One of the most unique features of this camera is the 52mm threaded lens, which allows you to use all of the various filters available for SLR lenses. In fact, I HIGHLY recommend immediately purchasing a 52mm UV filter, which can be attached to front of the lens permanently to protect the lens itself. The UV filter also significantly improves photos taken outdoors. (Note: I also recommend shelling out a few extra dollars to buy a multi-coated UV filter instead of the cheap uncoated filters. The anti-reflective coating on a Hoya or Heliopan filter allows over 40% more light through to the lens compared to uncoated filters).

If you already own an SLR and have invested in larger filters, you can purchase a 52mm-58mm step-up ring for less than $15. The step-up ring is very thin, and is barely noticeable (although you can't use Olympus's fancy flip-up lens cover with the step-up ring). This option alone makes the Olympus IS-5 a great back-up camera for SLR owners.

The primary reason I contend that this camera is not a true SLR is simply because it doesn't offer the same flexibility as a Canon or Nikon SLR camera body. For example, you can't use interchangeable lenses with the Olympus IS-5, so you're stuck with the 28-140mm focal length. Furthermore, and perhaps more significantly, the camera doesn't have a "hotshoe", so you can't add a separate flash unit (like a Canon SpeedLite) or a multi-flash set-up to extend the range of your flash capability or increase your options when it comes to lighting.

In summary, the Olympus IS-5 is an excellent camera with a very high-quality lens, and would be a great choice for the vast majority of people who simply want an easy-to-use camera for everyday photos but don't want to settle for the lesser optics and flash units found on more compact Point-and-Shoot cameras. It is also a great back-up camera for more serious photographers who may already own an SLR and lens filters.

Although I've only had this camera for 6 weeks, I LOVE it! It's easy to use and the picture quality is quite good.
I purchased this camera after two months of research into all makes and models. I chose this one mainly for the extra zoom and date imprinting feature. I'm still learning to utilize all the features, but I'm VERY happy with it so far.

This amp is amazing, from the remote which is large I'll admit but unlike most universal remotes, IT WORKS and is so easy to program. It has so many inputs and outputs that you will never fill them all. The sound is awesome and it has enough power drive any speakers hard.

Pure audio function is for all of you who want home theatre but still want good stereo hi fi sound. This mode shuts down everything in the amp which is not required to produce stereo sound. ie, video processors, 6 channels of the sound, the power supplies that are not used and even the LED supply.

The hifi sound is incredible it truly allows "audiophiles" to have their cake and eat it to.

It has massive weight to it at 20kg so make sure you have somewhere stable for it and don't stick it on top of your VCR.

It has a huge array of digital in's and out's even on the front for your hand held digital camera.

Its speaker and sound setup takes about half hour from start to finish if you are in any way competent.

It has a great feature where buy you can actually select the recording input or sound input for any device. Meaning you can watch a video on one VCR while recording a DVD to your second VCR without effecting you picture or sound output from the 898.

My only gripe about it is the way that all amps that are going to be sold in Europe no longer take banana plug inputs. Which means that you need to use the pin type plugs but on most AV units there are so many speaker outputs that they cluster them together and allow no space to use any connectors, so you end up having to buy "gold tails" or go back to the archaic method of simple bare wire.

It seriously rocks but make sure that you have some serious speakers or the money will be truly wasted. [....]

the most amazing thing i ever heard

I got this as my first jump to surround sound/HDTV and i didn't want to get something that I would need to replace later when I updated my other components. That was the deal sealer for me, this bad boy has 3 component jacks and you need/want component jacks for HDTV, DVD, PS2, HDTV converter box, etc. So you need a few and this had the most for the money. A HDTV will also have 1-2 components so keep in mind you'll want a receiver with at least 2. I was very impressed that this unit it the 'brains' so to speak. Everything goes thru this unit, it's like a head unit rather then a piece of a system. Even the TV goes thru this. Very nice, the remote can control everything. Nice sound options, fairly easy to configure. Optical outs, one on the front, give great sound quality.

Just so many features I could go on and on. Onkyo is a quality brand from what I was told and I couldn't be more happy with the unit.

I was looking for a dolby digital receiver to replace my old harman kardon pro logic receiver. I tried the new panasonic receiver and was not happy with it. I returned it and was looking at the receivers offered by both onkyo and harman kardon. I chose the onkyo TX-SR600. I have no regrets. The first thing I did was play music. The sound was so sweet and powerful that I thought I died and went to heaven. After a long set up process, I watched MINORITY REPORT as my first movie using dolby digital. "WOW", I have never enjoyed watching a dvd more than I did using this receiver. The only drawbacks are that I now need to buy a phono pre-amp in order to listen to lp's, and also the volume control needs to be turned up high to get a good sound level. I have heard of how good onkyo receivers are, I'm a believer. Try it you will be too.

i have a tx8511 onkyo receiver i cant hook up a sub but i do have 15" inch speaker technics it good for bass but not for movies because i cant really hear the voice wonder if any1 out there can recomand good receiver of onkyo and good price for sub roofer hook up with 15" speaker.

From my experience in testing receivers and listening to sound, this receiver kicks butt.
I have bought and tested the following in my home:
HK AVR520
Marantz SR7200
Onkyo TX-SR700
Yamaha RX-V1300

They are all great receivers and depending on your sound preference and speakers you might choose a different receiver. But for my setup (bose speakers), I just love the Onkyo.
Please let me know your thoughts if you own this receiver or have heard it.

I am a television video producer, I deal with professional video equipment every day and knowing what good video looks like is part of my job. I have been using the AG-DVC80 as my personal video camera for about half a year now. I am 100% satisfied with it. I use my video camera almost every day to take video of the same events in my life that everyone else with a home video camera takes. I use it for birthdays, weddings, parties and so on. I will occasionally use my AG-DVC80 for video production, when a full sized ENG camera is not needed or available. To the majority of the population, the quality of the video and audio that this camera produces can not be distinguished from the video and audio of the DVC-PRO cameras we use for production. I occasionally see this model and the DVC100 being used in TV shows. Trading Spaces, Wild Boys and MTV Cribs are a few of the shows that I have noticed these cameras being used.
My best friend uses the Cannon XL1 (not the XL1 S) and we personally do not see much of a difference in video quality between the camera images. The AG-DVC80 cost less than half the price of his XL and it is smaller and lighter. His XL1 does not have an LCD monitor, great for above head shots.

The Good:
3 CCD, a must for professional video
2 XLR plugs with easy to use volume controls
LCD monitor (not found on the Cannon XL1)
Half the price of a Cannon XL1
Solid constructions
Optical stabilizer
Good looking and intuitive design
Small and light weight

The Bad:
Built in microphone is fragile
Plastic guards for plugs are cheap
Strange joystick for VCR control

The Panasonic AG-DVC80 is kind of a little brother to the fantastic, 24p-shooting DVX100. Most of us who aren't planning to convert video to film probably don't need 24p, and the DVC80 offers just about all the same features as the DVX100 for a thousand dollars less. The only thing I miss (so far) from the DVX100 is the ability to shoot time-lapse images. The DVC80 delivers great video, has a fine Leica lens that goes wider than most without an adaptor, and has a vast array of image control features. The manual is a little thin on the use of the various image controls -- this is not a beginner's camera. Yet it is a great camera for documentary filmmakers, commercial users, and the like. I'm shooting several independent film projects (docs, shorts), and so far this camera offers everything I need.

This battery got me though many shoots for my many DV Films. It does last about as long as it specifies. Too bad I had to sell it as I am about to buy a new Canon as my Pana died. It's a great battery though, and a great price from J and R.

If the CGRD16A/1b doesn't have enough battery life for you (3 hours, approx. 1.5 if you use LCD screen), then this is probably the battery for you.

You will get about 5 hours of battery life out of this battery, or 2.5 if you use the LCD screen a lot. I like this battery much more than the CGRD53, which I think is much too large for the average user (it has 9 hours of usage, but it is very large compared to the small size of the digital camcorders).

This battery holds its charge well, and is a good size.

I compared 20" sets. This one, the Sony S100, Philips 643R and a similiar Samsung (don't remember model number) - side by side. The Panasonic beat them all. Full-bodied sound (the Philips was scratchy - and my similar 14" Philips sounds great) and many features (the Sony didn't have bass and treble controls). BEST picture. Crisp, sharp. And I'm using an outdoor ANTENNA! (Of course antenna reception depends on where you live.) Circuit City clearance price, as of April 1, '04, is a STEAL!

This TV was definitely a great buy. I thought it would be too small but it is perfect for a bedroom or a small studio. Picture is clear and the color is wonderful. This little set packs great sound. I never have to turn the sound above "10" to be able to hear the set from across my apartment and I think it goes up to 50. It has plenty of a/v plug-ins on the back to keep unsightly cords out of the way which was important to me since I don't play video games. I checked out a lot of the other TVs in this size. The second runner up was a silver Phillips flat screen which retails for $199. With a little more money, I got better picture clarity thanks to the 3 line digital filter (instead of the 1-line in all comparable models within the price range) and suberb sound. I am also enjoying the "last/recall channel" button which makes going back and forth between channels a breeze (something not all can boast). Did I mention that the set is beautiful to look at? The curve at the bottom really adds a bit of elegance to a everyday blocky piece of technology. The matching programmable remote is a nice addition, too, thought I haven't tried to program it yet. The most wonderful thing was that I got the TV within 5 days after ordering even on Free Super Saver Shipping! YAY!!!

I still spend weekends window-shopping. PANASONIC and SONY still manufacture the best tube televisions as far as I can discern. When entering into the tube TV market (20 inches and above) your best bet for uniform picture quality and consistent performance is PANASONIC and SONY. Both of these manufactures still stake their reputations on this market. Both manufacturers also still have a loyal following of satisfied customers who return time and again to their Televisions. I used to sell audio and video products. A returning PANASONIC customer settles for nothing but another PANASONIC television. A returning SONY customer settles for nothing but another SONY television. That's the way it was. From my point of view PANASONIC and SONY still make the best television sets utilizing a conventional picture tube. Price range aside, my criteria for choosing a set is simply how well the picture looks to me. I look for picture definition, sharpness and color consistency. Personally I found SONY to have a slight edge over PANASONIC in picture definition and sharpness. PANASONIC televisions offer great definition with a slightly softer looking image than SONY. However, I do find that PANASONIC still has better control over color consistency. A color picture is made up of Red, Green and Blue signals. Reds are the hardest to reproduce and control because they have a tendency to over-saturate and "bleed." From the many sets that I have observed PANASONIC controls this "bleeding." PANASONIC keeps the Red signal at the same level and consistency of the Greens and Blues, which is more pleasing to the eye. In order to compare sets I always use the same video source, which is usually, a DVD player (I use the same player as well as the same software). My point is that I saw a discernable difference in the PANASONIC 32-inch sets compared to Sony's 32-inch sets. The Panasonic CT32SX31 32" Diagonal Stereo Monitor-Receiver Pure Flat TAU is an incredible set.

One of the best flat screen TVs out there. When I was shopping for a good 32 inch flat screen TV, I started with Sony Wega, this one and few other brands (like JVC, Samsung). When I compared this one with wega (kept right next to each other), I liked picture on this one better. Images where crisper and brighter. Featurewise both sets were almost at par. (Including BBE sound, PIP, number of component outs and so on). This one is slightly cheaper than Sony but not by much ! I was watching travel channel programming the other day (South Florida beaches...) It was so much fun to watch on this TV! Sound is great as well !! If I have to complain about one thing, that would be design of remote control. Its too compact and some of the buttons feel too small. (May be I was used to my old Sony TV remote!) But this should be almost a non issue, given the fact you get universal remote with almost every VCR/DVD/Cable box these days. Plus, not to mention those hi tech universal remotes sold by sony under 100$. Overall 2 thumbs-up!

My father-in-law received this phone as a gift at Christmas. He has to wear hearing aids and this is the first one that doesn't interfere with them. The clarity on the speaker phone is also excellent. We were so impressed with how it worked, got one for ourselves.<br />

Excellent sound quality throughout the house, easy to set up, logical features -- all in all a solid performer. The digital answering machine can be set to an "enhanced" mode for a better quality recording if one is willing to accept a shorter total record time (approx. 8 minutes total). Using that option, we have found messages to be very clear and more easily understood than on our last two digital answering machines. We don't use caller ID, so we can't evaluate the "talking caller ID." On balance, we're very pleased with this Panasonic phone.