I admit that I don’t take as many pictures as I should. My brother is exactly the opposite though. He is a certified picture hound. He often takes hilarious looking pictures with his son. Part of the reason they end up looking so funny is because he is taking the pictures of them on his own. You know how those pictures look when your camera is only as far as your arm will extend so your face ends up looking huge and partially out of the picture. Yep, those are a lot of the pictures that he takes. They are certainly cute, but far from professional pictures or even pictures taken by other people.

Up until receiving the Xshot I had not heard a thing about camera extenders. They are certainly a good idea, but for some reason I never thought to even try and find out if one was available. Still, when they sent us the Xshot I knew that my brother definitely needed to try this out. As his first camera extender, I have to say, it’s just what he needed. After using it for a brief time, there was at least one thing that I think needs to be added to the Xshot, but it’s certainly better than taking self-portraits the old fashioned way.

Before we get into the thing that I feel it needs more than anything let’s talk about the positives. First off, the Xshot is fairly lightweight. It’s not going to make your arm too tired if you’re spending a lot of time taking pictures or holding to get a shot. You just set the timer, extend the Xshot to the spot you desire to get the shot you want and wait for the timer to go off. It really could not be simpler.

If your camera is newer or at the very least has a tripod mount, you should be able to attach it to the Xshot with no problem. I’m told that you can even use this in conjunction with the Flip Mino or other, similar, video cameras, though I have yet to try this out. I am looking forward to doing it though as we do have a Flip Mino, so I would be more than willing to let him borrow it to see how videos turn out with the Xshot.

My brother isn’t always the most technically savvy person on the block, but he didn’t have a problem getting the camera mounted up and positioned for picture taking. The pictures are far better than the standard method, though they aren’t perfect just yet. The thing I think that needs to be added is a mirror so that you can see the picture before you take it. This would drastically improve all types of pictures being taken. If you have a camera with a shot window that can flip towards you, this is a good option, but it would be nice to see on later models.

The Xshot is currently available at stores like Amazon and other camera dealers. You can pick it up for around $30. It’s also available through the Xshot website. If you take a lot of pictures on your own you will definitely want to consider purchasing one of these handy accessories. They also make a great conversation starter because when you’re out using them people will definitely want to know what you’re using and where you got it! It can be such a painstaking process knowing who to ask to take your picture if you’re in an unfamiliar place, but with the Xshot you never have to worry about that again.

Technorati Tags: Camera, Self-Portrait, Xshot, Pictures, Camera Extender, Product Reviews, Electronic Reviews

One of the greatest things about being a reviewer is the chance to get some really neat items to review. When I found out we had the chance to review products made by Casio I was ecstatic. Casio offers some of the best in electronics including cameras, keyboards and watches. Casio has a wide selection of products that appear to be of high quality. A leading electronics manufacturer in the United States, I was just waiting for the opportunity to review one of the many new products now available by the company.

My first review comes in the form of a review on a Casio camera. This summer, Casio has decided to release a line of slimline cameras including the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera. Available in a selection of colors, this digital camera allows for easy transfer of photos and movies from the camera to a PC. Boasting superior picture quality, the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera features many revolutionary functions and features.

Look/Appearance:
I received the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100PK camera, which is a pink/rose colored camera. I was slightly concerned about the appearance when I learned I would receive a pink camera, but this color is actually quite stylish. It’s more of a metallic rose than an actual pink. The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 is also available in Blue, Brown, and Silver. This camera is relatively lightweight at close to 4 oz. The slim screen features a large (for the camera’s size) 2.7 inch LCD screen. There are some new features to this camera that other Casio products don’t offer. With a uniquely attractive appearance, this is one camera you won’t mind being seen using!

Look/Appearance: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Lil B with his Batman Blaster!

Affordability:
The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera retails for $279.99. For the quality of the pictures you’ll take while using this camera this price is on par with the prices charged by similar retailers of digital cameras. I purchased a Kodak camera at Christmas with far fewer features for around $150.00, so for what you get you won’t be paying a considerable amount extra. While the overall price might seem a little steep, after using various types of digital cameras this is one of the best I’ve used and I’m highly satisfied with the pictures I’ve taken with it.

When comparing the two latest cameras I’ve used, the quality between the Kodak and the Casio is significantly different. The Casio shows a higher picture resolution and brighter, less skewed images when pictures are taken. With the Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera you can easily see a person’s shadow in the sun. The images have a brilliantly sharp quality to them. The end result of using this camera is stunning. It looks like you’re in the moment even though it happened in the past!

Price: 4 out of 5 stars

Jack Sparrow is my hero!

Specs/Features:
The Casio 10.1 megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera is loaded with features. For such a small camera it packs quite the punch. The newest features that make this camera different from other Casio models (and other cameras out there) include the 4x optical zoom lens and advanced capabilities such as automatic scene differentiation and automatic shutter release. These are just the newest features, which provide increased technological advantages to other cameras on the market.

The 4x optical zoom lens is one of my favorite features. The camera is already stellar because it features a 10.1 megapixel resolution. With 4x optical and 4x digital zoom, those pictures that might have been impossible to take due to distance are now a high quality reality. Zoom in for greater picture quality even in those nearby photo op moments and experience a whole new level of picture taking. This isn’t the only cool feature for this camera. With the ability to record still images, videos and even audio, Casio has blown the door wide open on media recording capabilities.

The YouTube™ Capture feature allows you to copy recorded videos over to the PC in a YouTube compatible format. You can go right from importing videos to uploading them on the popular video sharing site. You can upload to YouTube without even having to browse and login to the website on your favorite web browser. This easy to use transitional service is just one of the many convenience features that make the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera worth the purchase.

The widescreen LCD digital display allows you to browse through your inventory of movies and images. You’ll be able to see the image in all its brilliance before, during and after capturing it on your EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera. The LCD screen is 2.7” and it offers a high-resolution view of all the action so you can be sure your picture is going to look perfect even before you snap it! The LCD screen isn’t blurry like many other LCD screens that are found on other digital cameras on the market.

Look I'm Eatin' My Cake!

Other features of the Casio 10.1 megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera are:

-10.1 million effective megapixels
-10.34 million total pixels
-16x Combination 4x digital and 4x Optical Zoom
- CCD electronic shutter and mechanical shutter options
-12.1 MB flash memory (built in)
-Face Detection Recognition – allows for adjustments to Light, Shadows, Contrast (sharpness) and more
-eBay Mode – Use this to shoot high quality photos of items you plan to list on eBay – This takes a picture at a 1600×1200, 2 megapixel, highly detailed size
-Contrast detection auto focus – multiple focus modes including Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Pan Focus, Infinity Mode and Manual Focus
-Spot, Multi and Tracking Auto Focus
-Auto Focus Assist Lamp
-White Balance features: Auto Balance, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten and Manual Balance
-Auto Best Shot Capabilities
- USB/AV port & USB: Hi-Speed USB
-Self Timer options – 10sec, 2sec, Triple
-Various Flash Modes: Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Soft Flash, and Red Eye Reduction
- 1/2.3” square pixel CCD Image Sensor
-Option for on image Timestamp
-Calendar available through 2049
-Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-40) x 1
-World Time available in 162 cities and 32 different time zones
-Flash Continuous Shutter with a maximum of three frames per second
-Seven different lens including an aspherical lens

According to the Casio website, still images are taken in JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant) format with sizes of up to 3648 x 2736, movies are recorded as MOV format, H.264/AVC, IMA-ADPCM (monaural) with a capture size of up to 848 × 480 (UHQ Wide/HQ Wide), and audio is captured as WAV format (monaural). Recording media is SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard and MultiMediaCard plus compatible.

You should receive a Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, AC power cord, USB cable, AV cable, strap, and software setup (image import) CD-ROM with your EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera.

Features/Specs: 5 out of 5 stars

Functionality:
The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera is an intelligent system that is designed to provide the user of the camera with high quality images and movies. With a multitude of options to increase picture quality through lighting, contrast and visibility, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera is a high tech, precise instrument. The functionality of this camera is high. In many instances, the camera will do all the adjustments for you. When you want to take a picture or capture the video, this is all you’ll need to start producing high quality movies and spot on images.

Functionality: 5 out of 5 stars

Me and My Dad

Ease of Use:
Your camera should come with a Casio instruction manual. While the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera isn’t difficult to use, there are so many different features and functions you will want to keep your instruction booklet handy until you get down all of the ways these functions and features work. In many instances, it’s just a matter of pressing a combination of buttons in a specific order.

It isn’t difficult to use the camera at all once you know what buttons to press. Luckily, your Casio instruction booklet uses both written instructions and visual models (pictures) to show you how to use the camera. With instructions available in multiple languages nearly anyone who is able to read and follow instructions will be able to use this camera in a matter of minutes.

Ease of Use: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Quality:
The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera is the best camera I’ve owned. This camera is recommended for those who enjoy making YouTube videos and those who like their pictures to be clear, vibrant and well contrasted. I can see everyone from amateur filmmakers and photographers to the average individual using this camera. With a level of professionalism in the quality of the images and movies that are able to be captured on the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z100 camera, Casio has found a system that is a nice fit for nearly anyone looking to take professional pictures without having to pay excessive amounts for a professional camera.

Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: EXILIM, Zoom EX-Z100, camera, Casio, digital, PC, take pictures, YouTube, capture, LCD screen, record movies