Driving in Guatemala with my GPS in action.

Getting around in Guatemala can be tough. Finding a good road map of the capital or this nation that is roughly the size of Tennessee is difficult as well. That’s where Global Positioning Systems (GPS) come in handy.
We have a Garmin Nuvi 1350 that has great maps of the U.S. but a very rough and, frankly, inaccurate base map that shows some highways in Guatemala but when I drive the highways the basemap proves to be , the highway . So, I went in search of GPS maps that I can download and I found a few options:

Guatemala Screen shot from GPSWORLDNET

I found a number of negative comments on GPS Travel Maps so I had to go with another option…GPS World Net and I’m very glad I did. They have maps for all of Central America, (though I have only tested the Guatemalan one). I have found GPS World Net’s GPS maps to be accurate and very useful in the field. Not only that, I once had a Garmin Nuvi that I had loaded the GPS World Net maps on but it disappeared.  I had downloaded my points to  Garmin’s Road Trip so I was able to save those!

I had already paid the $80 for the map specifically for my first Nuvi. I thought I’d have to re-purchase the map, but when I contacted GPS World Net they graciously provided me with the download of the map for my new Nuvi and it’s working great! Two thumbs up to GPSWorldNet.

Here are key reasons I like my Guatemalan GPS map:

• Accurate maps of Guatemala City, Villages, and local roads.
• Lots of local points already loaded (though more pool halls than I could ever want!)
• Easy functionality with Garmin devices. (Just follow the simple instructions to load the map on the device!)
• Maps function for Windows Symbian and Android as well as Garmin devices.

If you’re looking for a good map I recommend GPSWorldNet for all of Central America.

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With some tweaking, I got my iPhone 3GS to print images straight from the Camera Roll to my Pogo. Here’s a link on how to get your iPhone to print on the POGO using a free Dropbox account. Personally I use iBlueNova to get a straight Bluetooth connection from my iPhone to my Pogo printer. I can’t print from every photo program, but when I save it to the Camera Roll it seems to work quite well.

At 18 to 23 cents apiece, the 2″x3″ prints (they double as stickers too) aren’t cheap, but the mobility of these ink-free prints are pretty great. The ZINK paper says that it expires, but I’ve read enough reviews that it doesn’t seem to make much difference whether it’s new or old.

I’m looking forward to using my Pogo Printer to get some nice prints to hand out in Guatemala. First, I need to find some good deals on Polaroid Zink Paper so I can keep this cool tool in my camera bag!

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Camera+ logo

Camera+ is my new favorite App for the iPhone. ($1.99)

I’ve been using the standard camera option on my iPhone 3GS. It was handy but nothing fancy and with pretty much no options or editing capabilities. Camera+ has so many options, filters and editing tools built right in that it turns your iPhone camera into a photo machine that gives you customized images that look awesome!

Summary

Fresh bean dip

Easy to use and great additional features for your iPhone camera including zoom, filters, self-timer, and more! Many options are available without paying more than the basic 99 cents. (There are additional features available for additional costs but they’re just more filters.)

Things I love about it:

• Quick button response — The Camera+ App provides quick response times. When you push the shutter button…the photo is taken. What a concept!
• Timer — Want a photo of yourself? Camera+ includes a self timer with audible warning. There are 5 second, 15 second and 30 second timers available.
• Cropping — Get just the good stuff when you crop down the image as you desire. Options allow you to keep a variety of ratios or crop freestyle.
• Borders/Frames — This option really makes your presentation look good before you post your images out to your friends. Includes a variety of options to choose from
• Filters — One of my favorite things… I really like the options that are provided. From antique looks to HDR and limited depth of field , cross processing and more, this App provides a wide selection of filter effects that can be expanded (paid service).
• Sharing –  With Camera+ it’s easy to share your favorite images via Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, or by emailing the image size of your choice to your friends.

Other key features:

Split focus/exposure — A handy way of getting the exposure and focus right where you want them. May take some tweaking, but a nice feature. Touch and hold one point for focus and add a second touchpoint for your exposure spot. You can move these locations around once the icons are on the screen.

Shooting modes — Pick a mode that fits your scene. A wide variety of settings helps you pick the right scene. You can even make pretty amazing mode changes after the photo is shot!

Digital Zoom — 0 to 6x digital zoom so you can get the shot you want! It’s digital so it degrades some, but still a nice addition.

There is a lot more to this app, so get it on your iPhone and start discovering! Comment and let me know what you think of it!

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Negatives:

Not much to say here…I just wish they include video as an option with the same filter effects. I’m guessing that may take more processing power than they want to pull.

Here’s a slideshow from Flickr’s Camera+ App Pool so you can see what other Camera+ officiants are doing:

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It also makes you feel a little bit like the US/Russian spies of the 50s & 60s with their special encoder machines! To bad they didn’t have internet and a handy Morse Code Translator back then!

Just let the recipient know what you’re doing or it will be pretty useless to them also!

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My screen was blank and I found myself with all my information on my computer or on my Time Machine backup hard drive with no way to access it. Oh, and I”m living in Guatemala where the nearest Apple repair center is about five hours away. Sadly, my only working computer is my wife’s PC.

Not only can I not access all my wonderful media and information, I also can’t read the Time Machine backup because PCs don’t play well with Apple’s Time Machine format. I plugged in my hard drive and had access to nothing!

After several days of trying to get my going again and praying for it to work (literally!) I found out about MacDrive.

From MediaFour's MacDrive

MacDrive didn’t give me my computer back, but it gave me access to the backup drive so I can see the files, copy them to my wife’s PC and get what I need until my Mac can be fixed. I tried out MacDrive’s trial copy and probably will buy this handy software unless I end up getting my Mac fixed in the next week or so.

Here’s my review of MacDrive:

I like it because it’s simple. Just load the software. Restart. Plug in your Mac formatted drive or Time Machine Backup drive and, voila! you’re ready to access your files!

I don’t like how you have to copy the files to your PC instead of accessing them straight from the drive, but this probably is a good safety check to keep from messing up my backups for when my Mac is up and running again.

If you’re having trouble with your Mac. You have a backup drive and your only computer is a PC…go for it. Try out MacDrive and get easy access to your files…at least until you can get your Mac back from Apple repair!

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Product image from Amazon.com

We’re moving out of the country and tax season is fast approaching. After a conversation with my CPA, I realized that I’m going to need a way to easily scan in documents for e-mailing and such.

After searching the internet, visiting the local Best Buy, Staples and box stores, I finally found what I was looking for in a scanner. My criteria…:

1. Must be small in size so I can pack it in wherever I go.
2. Must be easy to use
3. Must be able to generate quality scans
4. Must play well with Macs
5. Must be a space-saving device for travel

When I came across the amazing Doxie scanner for documents I decided that I’d give it a try despite it’s cutsie pink hearts. Besides, I had two days  before my flight and didn’t have any better options. Thankfully, I’ve not been disappointed.

I ordered the Doxie on Amazon.com and had it shipped overnight to my hotel so it was waiting for me when I arrived. The creative packaging and easy setup were impressive. Here’s my review:

Simple Startup

Easy instructions make Doxie an easy scanner to setup. Just download the application and install. There is a quick calibration with provided calibration sheet then you’re ready to scan your own color or black and white documents at up to 600 dpi resolution.

Doxie's screen shot

Settings

The scan window easily lets you select what resolution you want and gives you the ability to scan your document or photo to the cloud, to a specified program on your computer or to save it directly. With documents I usually scan and send it directly to Adobe Acrobat Pro then run OCR and save it for easy recall in the future. It would be nice if Doxie came with OCR but I already had Adobe and the increase in cost would have probably kept me away from this little gem of a scanner if it included OCR software.

Scanning

It’s simple! Open the Doxie application, insert the document facedown, choose the resolution and mode (color, grayscale, or b/w) and scan away! There are quick modes you can select to chose documents or photos.

It takes about 30 seconds for the Doxie to scan a b/w document at 400 dpi and for it to complete processing it. It’s not speedy, but if you’re going to scan reams of paper  you’re going to want a different option that has a page feeder anyway. Remember…this is a travel mini scanner not a bulk speed scanner.

When the image comes up you can select to send the document or photo to a program on your computer or save it as a PNG, JPG, or PDF file or post it to the cloud through Doxie’s own free web sharing service or post it to web applications like Google Docs, Picnik, Flickr, Scribd, Twitter, Evernote, or your other favorite web apps. (You must configure these on Doxie first.)

Document Preview on Doxie screenshot

Conclusion

Well, now I’m living in Guatemala and I’m pleased to say that Doxie is serving me well. I definitely recommend you overlook the cutsie hearts and give this handy scanner a try. We use it for documents, receipts, and more!

This scanner is only $149 and offers an inexpensive and small option for someone who travels a lot. It is also powered by it’s USB connection so you don’t have to keep track of power cords.  The ability to scan with so many options and the ease of use make this a great package for the traveler with scanning needs. If you want a slightly cheaper option that looks very similar, check out the Brother DSMobile Scanner (DS-600). I don’t know how easy the Brother software is, but it is a few bucks cheaper on the price tag.

Oh, if you don’t like the hearts, Doxie will send you  a free pack of Doxie skins in zebra, flannel, and plain black if you e-mail them your order number at hello@getdoxie.com. While supplies last.

Technical Specs

• Color/grayscale paper scanner, up to 600 dpi resolution
• Document/photo slot with automatic page detection
• Free scanning/cloud sharing software at getdoxie.com
• For Mac OS X 10.5 or later, or Windows XP/Vista/7
• USB 2.0 connected and powered
• From business card up to 8.5×14” (includes A4 / U.S. letter and legal sizes)
• Scans at 12 seconds per page (200 dpi grayscale)
• Saves as PDF, JPEG, and PNG
• Automatic image adjustment
• Send directly to web apps like Google Docs and Evernote
• Scan photos directly to iPhoto, Picasa, & Flickr
• Works with local apps like Acrobat, Quicken, and more
• OCR and photo editing via apps like Google Docs and Picnik
• Free Doxie Cloud PDF sharing service
• Multi-action heart button
• 11.5” wide by 1.6” tall by 2” deep
• 10.9 oz (306 g)
• Leatherette case and USB cable included

See more about Doxie on the Doxie webpage.

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The Nikon D7000 (Photo: Nikon USA)

Nikon is raising the bar for DSLR video

Nikon has announced another new gem in the video-capable DSLR with the new D7000.

When I reviewed the D3100 I predicted more was on the way and Nikon has delivered! Due to ship in October, the D7000 adds the controls and pro lens capabilities the D3100 was lacking. At $1199 this looks like just the tool to put in modern photojournalists bags.

This mid-level model is the second Nikon to have full high definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording capabilities and active auto focus during video recording — something Canon doesn’ yet offer.

Here’s a rundown of Nikon’s latest:

Basics:

• 16.2 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor for sharp images and great prints
• 3-inch monitor screen
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording with active auto focus
• Up to 6 frames per second in sweeping 100 image blasts
• 39 point auto focus
• ISO sensitivity from 100 – 6400 expands up to ISO 25,600 equivalent (Hi2)
• Dual SD card slots for longer shooting or splitting RAW, jpeg, and movie files
• 100% viewfinder view
• Lots of regular Nikon features included like:  Image processing, In-camera editing, pop-up flash, etc.

There are lots of  previews out there reviewing the D7000, so I’m going to cover the features that attract me to this camera and let Nikon give you all the tech specs

Features:

Full HD Video

1,920 × 1,080 (24p); 24 fps

1,280 × 720 (24p); 24 fps

1,280 × 720 (30p); 30 fps

640 × 424 (30p); 30 fps

Video Recording Pixel Size and Frame rates for Nikon D7000

This camera has me looking at photo hardware I have and trying to see if I could sell enough to get this one! Having ability to shoot Full HD on a mid-range Nikon DSLR gives photographers, especially photojournalists,  a new tool for those  spot news events that you need in both video and stills.  I also am very pleased with the H.264 recording in the .mov file that allows for editing in camera or in your video editing tools . I’m curious about how long the batteries will hold out with live view, video recording and active auto focus all going at once when someone’s videoing!  A built-in mic provides easy recording but for improved sound an additional mic may be needed.

Lens compatibility

With the D7000 Nikon re-embraced their lens compatibility that they sadly lost on the D3100. I’m happy to see that my D AF Nikkor lenses will fit on and be fully compatible with the D7000.

Control placement

This fixed my complaints about  their low-range cameras, by adding back the index dial and keeping a lot of control at the finger tips instead of buried in a menu. They even added two user designated settings on the Mode Selector Dial ready to switch settings over to your favorite.

Price

Nikon says the price point will be $1200, but current price for the D7000 is $1499 at Amazon.

Conclusion:

My hope for Nikon is restored! I really like what I see here with the D7000 and hope to get to try one out soon! Hmmm…what else do I have around here that I can sell?

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Wibiya provides a web toolbar that enables blogs and websites to integrate the most exciting services and web applications into their blog or website.

via About Wibiya.

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Nikon is stepping into Full HD

Nikon has announced their latest foray into the video-capable DSLR with the new D3100 which adds a 9th camera to their DSLR line up. It is supposed to be available in mid September!

This entry level model is the first Nikon to have full high definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording capabilities and likely heralds the coming of full HD to their high end line as well. One great feature on the D3100 is the auto focus during video recording!

Like it’s predecessor, the D3000 the D3100 is an entry level camera but has some great capabilities that can get even an pro interested in this camera as a backup. Here’s a rundown of Nikon’s latest:

Basics:

• 14.2 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor for great prints even beyond 20″x30″
• 3-inch monitor screen
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording
• Up to 3 frames per second bursts
• 11 point auto focus
• ISO sensitivity from 100 – 3200 expands up to ISO 12800 equivalent
• Auto Sensor Cleaner
• Lots of user friendly features included like: Guide Mode, Scene Auto Selector, Image processing, In-camera editing, pop-up flash, etc.

There are lots of great previews out there reviewing the D3100, so I’m going to cover the features that attract me to this camera and a few that make me wish for more.

Features:

Full HD Video

Video Recording Pixel Size and Frame rates for Nikon D310

This makes me really want this camera. Having ability to shoot Full HD on a Nikon DSLR gives photographers a new tool for those family events, sports play, or that spot news event that you have to get now!  The 10 minute maximum is a little disappointing, but reasonable. I also am very pleased with the H.264 recording in the .mov file that allows for editing in camera or in your video editing tools (Haven’t had a chance to test Final Cut or iMovie yet.) An built-in mic provides easy recording but for improved sound an additional mic may be needed.

Easy Starter

I often have friends and family who ask me about cameras and what I recommend. I think I’ve found it! For new comers to DSLRs this is a great way to get in to the game. The easy to select modes, and guide mode provide a smooth experience for getting started.

Wish list:

Lens compatibility

Sadly Nikon did not embrace their back compatibility very well for this camera. Oh, you can mount your Nikon lenses, but if it’s not the AF-S or AF-I model lenses then you loose capabilities starting with Auto Focus. To me, that’s a big deal.

Control placement

All the manual controls that a camera control freak could want are in there, they’re just not as easy to access as the placement on Nikon’s older brother, the D90 and on up the product line. In fact, the index dial is completely gone requiring button pressing and other steps to change settings. This is a disappointment but probably not a deal breaker for most basic to early amateur users.

Sync terminal

It’s not a pro line camera so I’m probably pushing it here, but having a flash sync terminal would be a plus in my mind.

Price

I’d have to say that I’m surprised a little at the initial price on this one. When compared with Canon’s EOS Rebel T1i with it’s larger 15.1 megapixels and similar Full HD capabilities, and even better lens compatibility on the amazing Canon line of lenses, the D3100 looses some of it’s glimmer. Current price for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i? Only $678 at Amazon.

Conclusion:

Basically, I think the D3100 would be a great camera for a starter, as a tag along or backup for an advanced amateur. However, there are some downfalls that make me want to wait for Nikon’s next level to see if they embrace the pro photographers out there with some of the highlights of Full HD that they included in this beauty. I’m a Nikon fan myself, but with the lens restrictions, comparing Canon’s T1i and the D3100 leaves Nikon struggling to keep up.

(Editor’s note: Nikon was struggling, until now…check out the new D7000 that just redeemed Nikon and put them at the front of the pack with pro lens capabilities and all the adjustments right where they should be!)

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Some of Nikons DSLR’s like the D300 and newer  come with the option of adjusting the focus yourself if you know which way to adjust. Sadly, the D200 didn’t include that option. You might have to send the camera in for repair if it is a D200. Try reading over this and downloading the chart (It’s on the last page) to test your camera and see how it handles focus.

If you do need to adjust your focus, check out what Leon Goodman has to say. He also provides some great targets for download.

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